It appears Kristina has a true natural eye for taking amazing photographs, as she says she has never taken any photography classes, and was only using a small digital camera when she took this magical picture of Mount Fitz Roy, in Argentina’s Patagonia.

Ever since she started traveling around the world, Kristina has always carried a camera with her to ensure that she brought back many photos from her trips. Although she enjoys taking pictures, and wishes to learn more about photography, Kristina reminds us, rightly, that it’s all about enjoying yourself: “I was camping there, and I had such a great time. This picture is more about the memories of these moments.”

Still, we asked her for tips on how to take a good photo. According to Kristina, the light is generally what makes all the difference, and you should always have your camera ready for the special moments when the sun’s rays hit just right. Landscapes are also generally easier to photograph than other things, Kristina says, and they can make the best pictures simply because they are so beautiful to begin with.

Since her trip to Argentina, Kristina has invested in a more professional camera, a reflex camera, and is thinking of taking classes to learn some techniques to take truly great pictures—although all of us at Latin America For Less think she’s already doing a fantastic job.

When asked how she manages to take such spectacular pictures, Kristina, very modestly, tells us: “I guess I was just lucky. It’s just such a beautiful place that it would be hard to take a bad picture.”

Patagonia, with its infinite glacial landscapes and majestic mountains covered with snow, is probably one of the most beautiful destinations in Latin America. It’s certainly Kristina’s favorite, as she has spent months traveling all over this region in Argentina. Trekking on gigantic glaciers, sailing across icy lakes, and hiking up dizzying mountains is an experience you are unlikely to ever forget, she says.

We couldn’t resist showing you one more of Kristina’s photos of this truly superb region. This photo, with the mountains silhouetted against a striking sky, is her favorite, and we hope it leaves you speechless with its beauty, just like it did for us.

To discover the magical landscapes of Argentina’s Patagonian region and practice your photography skills, contact Kristina or any of our other expert travel advisors and ask about a Patagonia tour.

Amazon, Brazil: The United Nations have declared 2011 the International Year of the Forest. Sounds like the perfect time to hug a tree. As global warming and deforestation continues, the chances to spot fascinating wildlife in the rainforest become smaller so hurry to the beautiful region before it is too late.

Iguazu Falls, Argentina: This force of nature is made up of 275 separate cascades which thunder over basalt rock down 250 feet. Be splashed by the powerful cascade’s mist at this unforgettable sight. Iguazu Falls are set on the border of Argentina, Brazil, and Paraguay so you can easily make it to at least three countries before the apocalypse.

Iguazu Falls

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: As Charles Darwin did some 200 years ago, marvel at the creatures found nowhere else on earth. These rough and rocky isles are home to a wonderfully strange, abundant, and extraordinarily fearless wildlife.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Follow the path of the Incas into the Sacred Valley to the sun gate outside of Machu Picchu, or take the train through the cloud forests. In an almost impossible location high in the Andes, you can admire the mysterious and well preserved site. Machu Picchu survived the Spanish conquest, and it may not be a bad place to hide out in December 2012.

Machu Picchu

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia: The highest and largest salt lake in the world is at a dizzying altitude of 3,650 meters. Driving across it may be one of the most peculiar experiences around. If the bright blue skies contrasting with the white salt crust aren’t enough for you, visit the striking soda lakes. The red Laguna Colorada and the jade green Laguna Verde are located in a surreal desert landscape.

Easter Island, Chile: Nearly 2,500 miles west of Chile’s coast is one of the world’s most legendary sites. Easter Island is a nature and culture lover’s dream destination in the Pacific Ocean. Be amazed by the 20,000 archeological sites, rich culture of the Rapa Nui, volcanoes, marine wildlife, and white sand beaches.

Patagonia, Chile: In South America’s southern frontier, nature grows wild, barren, and beautiful. On this crowded planet it is strangely satisfying to encounter silence, large spaces, jagged peaks, and pristine waters. Get away from it all and enjoy the serenity of the spectacular infinite landscapes of Patagonia.

Torres del Paine in Patagonia

La Paz, Bolivia: Have your breath taken away by the highest capital city in the world. This city’s eccentric beauty sets it apart from other South American cities. Fly into the world’s highest commercial airport, golf at the highest golf course, and ski on the highest slope, just to say that you did.

Lake Titicaca, Peru: While you’re making your round of the “highest” destinations, be sure to hit up the highest navigable lake in the world. Shared by Peru and Bolivia, this shimmering blue lake is home to fascinating native communities living on floating reed islands in complete isolation from the rest of the world.

Buenos Aires, Argentina: The most attractive capital in South America, Buenos Aires is a bustling and cosmopolitan city with countless attractions and a unique atmosphere. Be transported in a whirl of thrills as you explore the buzzing capital of tango.

To start planning your Latin America travel adventure contact one of our expert travel advisors who can help customize your travel plans.

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.

LAFL: We are getting more and more requests from clients looking for niche travel experiences. As a guidebook writer, how do you manage to blend information for travelers with special interests into the books?

Ben Box: The South American Handbook and its sister publications on the individual countries of the continent have always tried to give as broad a choice as possible to readers. The publishers have always respected the fact that people travel with a variety of motives and interests so in some ways it has not been too difficult to include special interests with general traveling information.

Originally the areas covered were limited to culture, trekking, cycling and motorbiking, things like that. But in recent years the variety of special interests has grown enormously, especially in areas like birdwatching and other aspects of nature tourism. Cycling has turned into mountain-biking, and so on. And even though the number of activities that people want to do has grown, the size of the books has not, unfortunately. Consequently, it is less easy to go into every detail than to fit in all that’s on offer. So it is more a question of pointing people in the right direction.

Waterfalls in Huancaya in the Huancayo region. Photo courtesy of Matthew Barker.

LAFL: What do you think is the most overlooked destination in Peru that should be on travelers’ itineraries?

Ben Box: Is anywhere overlooked in Peru now? So many people are going there that it’s hard to say that anywhere is neglected. Having said that, some places receive many, many more visitors than others. Lima, obviously, has its fair share of visitors because all flights arrive and leave from there. Most people head for Miraflores, San Isidro and Barranco, but the colonial center, ignored for a long time, is now getting a facelift and is worth a visit.

Almost everyone goes to Cusco and the Sacred Valley, branching out from there to the jungle at Manu and Tambopata, Arequipa, Lake Titicaca and Nazca on the southern circuit. Northern Peru is growing in popularity, especially now that the tourist authorities are promoting the archaeological sites of Trujillo, Chiclayo and Chachapoyas, together with the great birdwatching to be had on routes down from the Andes to Moyobamba and Tarapoto.

A few years ago I would have encouraged visitors to go north, and I still would, but it’s not overlooked now. Two places I would suggest from my own experience are Ayacucho and the Yauyos. Neither is technically “overlooked” but destinations with a future in tourism yet to be realized.

Ayacucho got a very bad name when Sendero Luminoso was most active in the 1990s, but all that is past and it is a pleasant colonial city with plenty of good excursions. Its Holy Week processions are famous. Road access is improving and there are now flights to Cusco.

Pastoral landscape in Huancayo. Photo courtesy of Matthew Barker.

The Yauyos are the valleys that rise from Cañete, just south of Lima, to Huancayo in the Central Highlands. There is stunning scenery in the Nor Yauyos-Cochas Reserve, miles of pre-Columbian agricultural terracing, culturally fascinating villages where ancient languages are spoken and a way of life quite remote from the main tourist routes.

LAFL: If your best friend was visiting Peru for the first time, what are the three things you would tell him he absolutely must do, see, or taste?

Ben Box:

1 Even though it is the most popular destination, I still think Cusco and the Sacred Valley takes some beating as a place to go for history, archaeology, scenery, fiestas, good hotels and restaurants in all categories. And if it is my friend’s first visit to Peru, then it is a must. Just don’t come away thinking “Now I have seen Peru” because you won’t have.

2 Take at least one road from the coast to the Andes, or the jungle to the Andes (or from the Andes down to the lowlands, east or west) in order to appreciate all the different geographical zones, the wildlife, the changing scenery and the different customs of the regions.

3 Eat a good ceviche – the most typical dish of Peru. Make sure it is absolutely fresh, too.

LAFL: You are clearly an expert on traveling through South America. Have you ever been completely lost and had an incredible experience as a result?

Ben Box: The short answer is No! That is: No, I have never been completely lost – but I have had some incredible experiences.  I suppose that’s because I have always had a good guidebook to hand!

On the other hand once or twice I have wandered into places that caution would have advised me not to go, such as a district of Georgetown, Guyana, which is patently unsafe. All that happened was that I had an uneasy conversation with a resident from which I managed to drag myself before anything sinister happened. That was noted down as experience with a capital E, but by no means incredible.

I have also been fortunate in that I have made a great many friends in many places who have told me where to go and what to do in safety. The other thing is that when I travel I am very much on a mission, to update the book, rather than to venture into the unknown. Of course, there is always an element of trying to find things that will be new for the book, but above all the prime reason for traveling is to make sure that the information provided is as accurate as possible. That means treading the beaten path, book in hand, checking that what I said before is still true.

For more Peru travel advice, please contact one of our travel advisors who can help you customize a Peru vacation based on your interests.

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.

The Bourbon Festival Paraty, to be held May 28 to 30, is only two years running, but it’s picking up speed. The rollicking, rioting line-up of jazz, blues, soul, and R&B musicians is sure to get your feet stomping.

Hosted by the Bourbon Street Music Club in Sáo Paulo, open-air, all-night long free concerts will be held at the Praça da Matriz in Paraty’s Historic Center.

The main event will be jazz guitar virtuoso John Pizzarelli. This famous guitarist, singer, and composer has recorded albums dedicated to Brazilian and bossa nova music.

Paraty, on the southern coast of Brazil has been a favorite haunt for jazz and blues legends, including Ray Charles, B.B. King, and Nina Simone. The cobblestone street colonial beach town is also worth a full Paraty tour, as there are terrific beaches and islands surrounding this Brazilian gem.

The full line-up:

Friday, May 28

Leo Gandelman – jazz

Glen David Andrews – New Orleans brass

Big Time Orchestra – rock’n’roll, soul, 50s and 60s swing, Brazilian neo-swing

DJ Bebeto – jazz, bossa, sambalanço, and other hot beats

Sat, May 29

Caviars Blues Band – classic blues

Stanley Jordan and Armandinho – jazz

Victor Brooks & Julie Mcknight and Wayne Vaughn – American soul

DJ Bebeto – jazz, bossa, sambalanço, and other hot beats

Sun, May 30

Rhandal & Trio – brasilian jazz, bossa nova, chorinho, sambalanço, baiáo and xote

Bocato – Brasilian trombones

John Pizzarelli – jazz