The beautiful handcrafted Uros of Lake Titicaca.

Today the lake is visited not only for its legend but also for its beautiful and unique scenery. The vast deep turquoise waters with a mountain backdrop are stunning, but the lake’s out of the ordinary decoration, Uros, are the true sight. Uros are floating islands made of woven totora reeds which are home to the Pre-Incan people, and are scattered across the waters of Lake Titicaca. The perfect way to explore the waters and reed islands is with a Lake Titicaca tour.

Both Puno and Copacabana are great spots to depart for your Lake Titicaca adventure, but also both provide a chance to indulge in the culture and history of their region. A trip to Lake Titicaca can include both Bolivia and Peru, allowing you to discover multiple destinations during your South America vacation. From La Paz to the Copacabana through Lake Titicaca on to Puno and Cusco, you can explore the beautiful landscapes of both Peru and Bolivia while visiting the magnificent lake.

Copacabana:

The shores of Copacabana, Bolivia

The quaint town of Copacabana is easily accessed by bus from La Paz. Take the short four hour ride from Bolivia’s busy capital to the relaxing shores of the Copacabana on your Bolivia vacation. The city is situated on the shores of Lake Titicaca and is typically used as a jump off point to explore the lake. The charm of Copacabana has been retained over its years of rapid growth, due to the lake’s growing popularity, making it a relaxing place to stay during your Lake Titicaca tour. Copacabana is more than just a connecting point for the lake; you can also explore the culture and history of the city. Make a visit to the city’s cathedral home to the Virgen de Candelaria or the Dark Virgin of the Lake. The city also is home to some of the best festivals, especially the Fiesta de la Candelaria in early February which is the third largest festival in all of South America.

Puno:

A beautiful sunset over Lake Titicaca

Located in Peru’s altiplano off the shores of Lake Titicaca, the city of Puno is the ideal place to start your visit to the magical Lake Titicaca. With close proximity to the Cusco region it is also a great complement to your Cusco and Machu Picchu travel. Though the main draw for Puno is to visit the lake, the city itself is also a great place to indulge in Peruvian folklore. Over 300 ethnic dances can be seen in Puno and a variety of handmade goods and crafts make exploring the streets, markets, and shops of Puno a perfect way to get a feel for the city and its people.

During your travel to Lake Titicaca explore the beauty of both Peru and Bolivia, sure to be an unforgettable South America vacation. Start planning your adventure today by contacting one of our expert travel advisors who will help you to see the wonders of Lake Titicaca and many other great South America destinations.

Rio de Janeiro is a lively city, day or night.

Jennie has traveled extensively throughout Latin America from Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Belize, to Guatemala and Argentina. Brazil was an obvious choice for her next Latin America travel adventure. Jennie is a fun and free spirited traveler and Brazil provided her with a great travel tale to share.

Traveling from Rio de Janeiro to Iguazu falls and on to Sao Paulo her trip was full of city tours, beach days, and exploring some of the world’s greatest waterfalls. However the highlights of Jennie’s trip to Brazil were in the city of Rio de Janeiro, here are some trip ideas and advice about what to do and see in this lively city.

Rio de Janeiro held some of the best moments of Jennie’s adventure, from walking along the Copacabana beach to seeing the Christ the Redeemer statue. Rio de Janeiro was the perfect place for her and probably any traveler for that matter.

The Corcovado sits in the center of the city and at its summit is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, which stands at 130 feet tall; it is no wonder this was one of the highlights of Jennie’s trip. Jennie enjoyed getting to see views of the city from above, as well as taking pictures with the impressive statue. She advises that it is typically crowded, as many tours arrive at the summit at the same time. Travelers shouldn’t expect to get pictures without other tourists in the frame, there just isn’t the space. However even with the crowds Jennie says it is well worth the journey. Check out Jennie under the massive Christ the Redeemer statue!

Jennie with the famous Christ the Redeemer statue.

If you want more great views of the city, but with less crowds Jennie suggests taking a tour to Sugar Loaf Mountain.  She explained the in’s and out’s of the tour, “we passed the Sambodrome, went into the Metropolitan Cathedral, and passed through the various districts of Rio de Janeiro. However the highlight was the view from Sugarloaf Mountain, which is incredible. I would highly recommend everyone take this tour.” The Sugar Loaf tour allowed Jennie to get some great panoramic pictures of the city. If you want to get a better view of the Copacabana beach and in general have more time to take pictures she suggests taking the Sugar Loaf tour because it is less crowded and you can spend more time without feeling rushed.

Jennie took this great picture from the cable car on the way up Sugarloaf Mountain.

Rio de Janeiro is also home to the Copacabana beach, perfect for locals and tourists alike who want to enjoy the fabulous tropical Brazil weather.  Jennie’s favorite day in the city included a stop here, “In the morning we hit Copacabana beach to catch up on our tans and to watch the locals play foot volley; foot volley is basically volleyball but you cannot use your hands.” Take a day to relax at the Copacabana as it is one of Brazil’s best beach scenes and a great way to interact with the locals and indulge in the beach culture. Jennie also advises travelers to beware, swimsuits are different on the beaches of Brazil so don’t be surprised to see women and men in less clothing than your typical beach.

Jennie captured some locals playing foot volley on the Copacabana Beach.

Jennie also has a few more pointers for those planning a trip to Brazil. The first is to learn some Portuguese before going. Learning the local language will enhance your experience by being able to interact with the locals better. Check out some Portuguese phrases for your trip.

Most importantly indulge in the culture and delicious cuisine to really experience Rio de Janeiro. The city boasts some of the best Brazilian cuisine, which Jennie enjoyed; “we went to a local churrasqueria to eat some Brazilian food, the Brazilian way: as much meat as you can eat served to you at your table.”  Here are some more great ideas on where to eat in Rio de Janeiro.

If you are going to spend some time in Rio de Janeiro take some of Jennie’s advice and make the most out of your Brazil vacation.

A recent agreement between US airline JetBlue and LAN Airlines South America (including affiliates LAN Peru, LAN Argentina, and LAN Ecuador) allows customers to book a single, joint itinerary ticket from the United States to South America, making the journey to your dream destination just a bit easier.

The partnerships allows US-based travelers with a desire to see main Latin American destinations like Chile, Peru, or Ecuador — but who do not live in a city with an international airport hub — to book a single ticket from destinations served by JetBlue all the way to the Southern hemisphere. The trips will all require a plane transfer at New York’s JFK airport. This means that rather than checking in twice for two different airlines (once for the national flight, and once for the international flight), travelers will only have to check-in themselves and their baggage once at their departure point.

This new option will be available for booking in the coming weeks.

For the Brits

Starting next week, British Airways will begin direct flights from London’s Heathrow Airport to Buenos Aires, Argentina. Though the journey is still lengthy (13+ hours), it eliminates the previously obligatory stop in Sao Paulo. Of course, the layover option is still available for travelers who prefer lower prices over optimized convenience. This service begins on March 28, 2011.

To learn more about these new deals and book your next Latin America travel adventure, contact one of our expert travel advisors.

Costa Rica is often considered one of the most environmentally friendly countries, with more than 27% of its land protected by wildlife refuges, biological reserves, and national parks. Costa Rica is smaller than West Virginia, but offers a surprisingly diverse range of ecosystems and activities. Coral-lined beaches, active volcanoes, and cloud forests characterize this beautiful country which surfers, nature enthusiasts, and adventure addicts alike can enjoy on a Costa Rica vacation.

Green vegetation surrounds this picturesque stream in Monteverde

While this tiny nation draws over 1.5 million visitors every year, no efforts are spared to protect nature and its wonders. The number one destination offering eco-friendly travel opportunities, Monteverde, is located in the northern region of the Puntarenas province in the Cordillera de Tilarán. Monteverde, or “Green Mountain”, is home to the famous Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.

Monteverde’s settlement dates back to the 1930s when a few “Tico” – Costa Ricans’ nickname – families left the gold-mining settlement of Juntas, and headed up the mountain to try their hand at logging and farming. In 1949, four Quakers were jailed in Alabama for their refusal to be drafted into the Korean War. They were eventually released from prison, but in response 44 Quakers from 11 families left the United States for greener grass – namely Monteverde. The Quakers adopted a simple life of dairy farming and cheese production in the cool mountain climate. Monteverde remains a Quaker dairy farming community which produces some of the finest cheeses in Costa Rica. Don’t leave without sampling some of their tasty treats!  In appreciation of watershed above the 1500-hectacre plot in Monteverde, the Quaker community agreed to preserve the mountaintop rainforests.

When ecologists investigated the preserve, they discovered that the cloud forests were actually two different ecosystems that straddled both sides of the Continental Divide. As a result of the temperature differential between the Santa Elena and Monteverde Reserves, each of the ecosystems boasts several distinct species.  In 1983, National Geographic featured an article stating the area as the best place to view Central America’s famous quetzal bird. Quakers were shocked when hordes of tourists arrived, and in response, lobbied to stop developers from paving the roads. As of today only dirt roads lead to Monteverde, while the local community continues to fight against the threat of overdevelopment.

Monteverde is a 4-hour journey from Costa Rica’s capital, San Jose. The best time to go depends on your personal interests. Consider visiting this lush area during Monteverde Music Festival, between January and February. The best time for bird watching is February through May when flocks of birds migrate and nest in the area. Prices may be lower during May to November, as it is rainy season and hiking opportunities are lessened.

Cleverly placed bird feeders on our Hummingbird Tour give you a chance to observe them in action

Many travelers come to the reserve to see big mammals living in the wild, such as jaguars, ocelots, and tapirs. These sights are fairly rare; however you are bound to see other captivating plants and animals. Monkeys, sloths, and birds will whisk by overhead, while you may have to look more carefully for miniature orchids which are no more than a millimeter or two across and can be found along hiking trails in the reserve. Another way to experience the local flora and fauna is on a skywalk or rappelling canopy tour.

From organic farming to alternative energy sources, Monteverde works hard to balance environmentally conscious thinking with tourism. You don’t have to be a Quaker or an environmental biologist to appreciate one of the few places left on the planet where the human footprint is kept to a minimum.

To plan an eco-friendly vacation in beautiful Costa Rica contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.

Now, many of the estancias near El Calafate offer room, board, and activities like horseback riding and sheep shearing demonstrations, giving visitors a taste of the rugged and beautiful way of life in southern Patagonia.

From El Calafate, the trekker’s town accessible by airport or by bus, there are several estancias within a half or full day trip, and all are worthy of inclusion in your next Argentina El Calafate tour. Keep in mind that the best time to travel to Southern Argentina is October through April.

The views of glaciers, lakes, and mountains around El Calafate are breathtaking.

Estancia Cristina, only accessible by boat or a several day trek, is one of the most isolated estancias in the region, but it is also one of the best. From El Calafate, you catch a boat cruise at Puerto Banderas on Lago Argentino, and head north towards the Upsala Glacier, passing icebergs that glow several shades of blue.

Once you arrive at the 85,000 acre ranch, its beauty astounds. Set on a meadow that glows green in the spring and summer, against the backdrop of the looming Upsala Glacier, the green-and-white trimmed lodge will lure you to book another night on the spot.

The ranch, in operation since 1914, once belonged to an Englishman. Now it offers room, board, a full Patagonian lunch to day trippers, plus guided walks or horseback riding to the Upsala Glacier lookout point. After a day of exploring the ranch, you can return in the boat cruise to Puerto Banderas, or tuck into bed in your rustic cabin.

The Galpón del Glaciar estancia is the closest to El Calafate. Only 12 miles from town, it is a working ranch where traditional sheep shearing methods are practiced. If you arrive by lunchtime, you will be treated to delicious homemade scones, puddings, and baked goods.

You can choose to take a walking tour to the Native American camping grounds, go mountain biking or bird watching along Los Pájaros Lagoon, or watch Kelpis shepherding dogs hard at work at the arreo, the sheep round up before the sheep shearing demonstration.

In the evening, you can end your excursion with a delicious Patagonian lamb barbecue and watch a traditional folk dance. If you choose to spend the night here, you can book a room with a terrific view of the Cordillera de los Andes or the Lago Argentino.

Read about our other recommended El Calafate estancias in our El Calafate Tours.

Just inland from Rio de Janeiro, and nestled high in the Serra dos Orgãos mountians, Petropolis hosts Bauernfest, a week-long festival to celebrate their German heritage. The borough was colonized in the 1840s by farmers from the German Rhineland.

Prost! Down a stein of beer at the Bauernfest in Petropolis, Brazil

To get to the Heart of the Carioca, to experience the rich diversity of Rio de Janeiro life, wanderlusts must travel to Petropolis, the summer place of the emperor of Brazil, Dom Pedro II. Now the palace is a museum, whose crowning artifact is the imperial crown – studded with over 600 diamonds and pearls.

Droves of folk dancers in lederhosen will parade down the streets lined with Bavarian clapboard houses and shops, and past the neo-gothic steeple of Cathedral of Saint Peter of Alcântara. Kinder choirs, train rides, and a German film festival will all be on tap for those wanting to capture the zeitgeist of this charming summer resort town.

The opening ceremony is on June 25 with the mayor, his entourage, and the infantry marching out of the Crystal Palace. But the fun begins even before then, on the 19^th, with the election of the festival Queen and Princess.

Throughout the week, celebrants can enjoy sauerkraut, streudal, bratwurst, frankfurter, and other German delicacies, along with plenty of the finest Alpine beer. Plus, the World Cup games will be televised in many a beer garden.

A few days or week-long skiing vacation after catching a tour on a Chile Travel Deal is a great way to see all Chile has to offer.

Three of the most popular ski resorts, Valle Nevado, La Parva, and Colorado, are known collectively as the Tres Valles.

The Valle Nevado slopes, along with Valle Colorado and La Purva, make for some of the widest-ranging skiable snow in all of South America.

These mountains huddle together in the Andes just 1.5 hours outside of Chile’s capital – Santiago.

Strung together like Christmas lights by an interconnected lift system, the Tres Valles combine to offer enough runs to keep an advanced skier busy for a week. The peaks range 2800-3700 meters (9186-12139 ft), and during the high season (July-Aug), get a generous dusting of crisp dry powder.

Valle Nevado is the most elegant of the three, with a resort that offers a luxurious touch to its rugged slopes. With 22.9 miles of ski runs open year-round to skiers and snowboarders of all abilities, plus heliskiers, this park offers an all-inclusive stay for snow-sport lovers.

El Colorado, the next peak over, is the largest of the three parks, with 16 lifts, 25 trails, and a view over Santiago. This is an excellent park to take the kids, with several beginners’ slopes and a lift designed specifically for little ones.

Colorado slides into La Parva, and boasts untrekked trails that stretch over 66 miles. It’s known for its advanced skiers’ slopes, and great backcountry bowls of completely untouched snow. Together with the borders of Valles Colorado and Nevado, La Parva makes for some of the widest-ranging skiable snow in all of South America.

When to go:

Ski season begins mid-June and high season begins in July. If you plan for late June, you’ll beat the crowds and hit the virgin snow. But if you have to wait, wait until late August to September, when the high season is winding down. Season ends October.

Where to stay:

The Valle Nevado Resort is every skiers dream come true – guests wake up to the best views of the mountains, the La Fourchette D’or restaurant is known for its terrific French cuisine, rooms are fully renovated, and the sauna, massages, and yoga classes will be sure to get out all the knots after a long day of hitting the slopes.

Tres Puntas Hotel, also in the Valle Nevado ski center, is an affordable alternative; great for groups that still provides comfort for the weather-weary skier. It’s within walking distance of the Ski Center, and offers many amenities such as a pub with karaoke and live music, a fitness center, swimming pool, games rooms, and child care center. The Sur restaurant serves from a traditional Chilean menu.

Hotel Posada de Farellones, the charming Swiss ski lodge in Farenolles, 10 minutes from the peaks, was one of the first lodges in the area. Outfitted with modern amenties, it offers a cozy fireplace in the living room, satellite TV, games, Jacuzzi, and shuttles to and from the ski resorts.

Where to eat:

Most hotels include breakfast and dinner in their accommodation prices, and lunches can be purchased in the ski centers. Still, the Tres Valles resorts are known not only for their slopes, they’re also famous for good food and wine.

Valle Nevado Ski Resort has the most eateries. Besides the aforementioned restaurants, there’s the Swiss Le Montagnard and the Italian La Trattoria in the Puerto del Sol Hotel, plus barbeque, sushi, and other options.
Farellones has a decent nightlife, with bars El Montanes and the Blue Tambo Lodge.

In May 1810, Argentina’s independence movement began, culminating on the 25^th of May with the government of Rio de Plate (what is now Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay and Bolivia) creating its own government, separate to the one of the Spanish king, yet still loyal to the crown.

The center of celebrations for May Revolution Week will be on Avienda 9 de Julio

As news of this spread, similar home rule governments sprouted up. The Spanish king, weakened by the Napoleonic invasion, was unable to quell colonial ambitions. In the spirit of Enlightenment thought, many Spanish colonies successfully asserted their independence.

Cities around the country are preparing to host free live music concerts, parades, and shows. Tonight in Buenos Aires, a parade will kick-off the celebrations at 8pm. The parade will weave through the center of the city, passing the central obelisk and a concert stage on Avienda 9 de Julio. Other events will start at 8pm throughout the city.

On Saturday at 12pm, the military will celebrate the occasion with the “desfilódromo” parade, marching between the obelisk and Avienda Belgrano. Over

3000 soldiers in their historical Argentine military uniforms will accompany the Argentina Air Force and the cavalry.

Along the grand Avienda 9 de Julio will be stalls and markets for people to taste Argentinian cuisine typical of Buenos Aires as well as other regions.

Each day of festivities will have a musical theme. Rock music starts things off today, Saturday will be Latin music, Sunday will be folk and tango, and Monday will have performances from the National Symphony Orchestra. The festivities culminate on Tuesday, the 25^th, with a performance by the famous Argentinean musician Fito Paez.

The key events fall on the final day, with a range of political and religious events to take place in the Casa Rosada in Plaza Mayor, in the heart of the city. While you’re in the city, check out the great Buenos Aires museums, and make sure to tango. If you’re wondering where to stay in town, we’ve got you covered with a list of Buenos Aires hotels.

Whatever you decide to do, do it in typical Argentine style: stay out late and dance!