South America Archives - Page 3 of 4

October 18, 2012 by Arlene

Road Trip Of A Lifetime: The Inca Rally

The Inca Rally is an 8,000 kilometer road race that lasts about three weeks. Participants travel across great wonders of beautiful landscape from Peru to Guyana. The treks of the Peruvian Andes, the sands of Ecuadorian desserts, the vast plains of Colombia, cruise through the Caribbean waters of Venezuela, and a full-throttle drop inside the deep Amazonian jungles of Guyanese, are just some of the things you would be missing if you did not take part in this craziest road trip of a lifetime: the Inca Rally.

But that is not what keeps this one-of-a-kind race amazing. The truth is you may not really know what can happen next. It is more like back-packing made outrageous. You may fall off the route and end up on a hypnotizing festivity celebration or get lost in the depths of the rich jungles.

What is Inca Rally all about?

The Inca Rally is not like any other race, it is not even an organized tour. It is more a free spirited adventure for a cause, which also to provide awareness about the South American countries, its culture and diversities. The fun and adventure are given to those free spirited people who would want take charge in traveling the old-fashioned way. The cause, the purpose, all profit will be used to help to different charities like Every Child, Incawasi and others.

This is not like the “Amazing Race” or any other kind of televised route races. It is mainly for awareness and fund raising as well as providing fun, excitement and tons of adventures for participants. I bet you will have a lot of those, “this is my first time to….” and a lot of overwhelming experiences that are truly priceless.

The Route

If you love South America, this is an opportunity you cannot pass up. Along the way, you will be overwhelmed will melting pots of culture, food, festivities and fun. But then again, it is still up to you if you want to explore this beautiful heavenly piece of land or proceed directly to the finish line which is yours for the taking.

The Inca Rally starts at Lima, Peru which is its capital and its largest city. There you will be given a decent amount of pesos to get the best bargained vehicle you can find that can soar you through the race. Each city you pass can hold a welcoming party of any sort and you can also have the opportunity to visit the charities that the rally supports. It is a way for the creators of this race to spread the awareness and attract more people to take part in this support for these charities.

You can say that everything about the Inca Rally is made unorthodox, but hey, it is never too late to share what you have to those who are in real need. I can say that the people who made this possibly, really have great minds. To be able to incorporate fun, bizarre adventures, overwhelming sceneries, and helping others all in one heck of a road trip.

October 1, 2012 by Arlene

The 6 Best Countries For White Water Rafting

White water rafting is one of the prime adventure sports around the world. The thrill of navigating through rough white water is immense and adventure enthusiasts always search for new rivers to conquer. It has always been considered a very dangerous sport but the advancements in safety equipment have reduced the risk significantly.

There are various rivers around the world which are famous for their turbulent white waters. Some of those locations are presented below…

1. Río Upano, Ecuador

This river is present in South America and it has white water zones that range from Grade 2 to Grade 4. The wide variety of water currents that one faces in this river makes it suitable for all kinds of White water rafters. There are narrow canyons and huge waves that challenge the skills and courage of most rafters. The grade 4 region in the Namangosa Gorge is a must try for professional rafters and adventure travel enthusiasts.

2. Colorado River, USA

It is one of the primary rivers in USA which is used for white water rafting. The popular sites for white water rafting are situated in the higher altitudes of Rocky Mountains. National Geographic has named West water canyon region as “The West’s Best Short Whitewater Trip” as the journey is very thrilling and one will surely experience an adrenaline rush. There are various organizations and adventure travel clubs who organize rafting trips here.

3. Futaleufú River, Chile

Futaleufú is an untouched river that runs through Chile. It has natural surroundings and the raw power of the river water makes white water rafting a memorable experience. This river gets most of its water from the lakes present in Los Alerces National Park. The river water has a blue tint as the water comes from a glacier. The rapid water currents and dangerous rocks make it a paradise for adventure hunters.

4. North Johnstone River, Australia

It is the northern branch of the Johnstone River situated in Australia. This river is suitable for very good rafters as it provides Grade 5 and Grade 6 white waters which are mainly filled with large drops, big waves and fast currents. The river goes through the rain forests of Palmerston National Park .The rafting organizations use helicopter to carry people to the starting point of the course.

5. Sun Kosi River, Nepal

The Himalayas are home to various adventure sports and White Water rafting is not an exception. “The river of gold” can be visited any time of the year except the rainy season (June-August). It is grade 3- grade 5 white water and hence provides lot of excitement. Along with rafting one can also have the pleasure of admiring the beauty of the mountains.

6. Zambezi River, Zimbabwe

The Zambezi is the 4th largest river in Africa and it has fabulous white water zones like the Batoka Gorge. Other amazing rapids that are present here are Stairway to Heaven, Gulliver’s Travels and the Midnight Diner. There are 4 say and 7 day rafting packages. Multi day packages make it a complete experience as people have to spend the night on riverbanks and work as a team.

September 24, 2012 by Arlene

Travel Bucket List: Visit The 7 Natural Wonders of South America

South America is among the most sought-after tourist destinations, owing to its amazing variety in culture, festivals and events, and even more so the terrific natural wonders that attract millions of visitors each year. Backpacking in South America gives you a rare chance to explore these beautiful sites.

Here are a few that you must not miss…

1. The Amazon Rainforest

This is the largest rainforest in the world and boasts an extremely diverse ecosystem. It covers close to two-fifths of the whole of South America and is home to the worlds’ most endangered wildlife species and unique plants.

Visiting the Amazon Rainforest is so much fun as you get to take jungle walks along the mysterious paths inside the forest. You can also partake in tropical bird watching, canoeing, and rainforest tours in Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador. Other activities common here are; mountain biking, whitewater rafting, cloud forest hiking and camping with the natives in cultural exchange.

2. Angel Falls

The highest waterfall in the whole world, and thus a must-see site on your list. These falls in Venezuela feed a number of rivers below the mountain deep in the jungle. Accessing the foot of the falls is extremely adventurous as you need to take a flight to Canaima camp which is the main place where trips across rivers to the Angel falls start. The canoe rides run from June to December when the rivers are full and therefore easy for the guides to take you there in their wooden curiaras.

3. The Galapagos Islands

This Island tops in awesomeness as it will intrigue you with its amazing features and animals. This is the birth place of Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Home to albatrosses, marine iguanas and other unique animals of the planet, these animals don’t fear humans and are careless of their presence. You will definitely enjoy your tour to the marine sanctuary that is home to lots of endangered marine life.

4. The Atacama Desert

This wonderful desert will provide you with the most interesting hikes of your lifetime. You will see the most beautiful spectacles of salt mountains that can be clearly seen emerging from the soil in this region.

A word of warning though: The adverse heat conditions are very real, and it’s easy to find yourself suffering from dehydration in the Atacama. Plan appropriately.

5. Lake Titicaca

Listed as the second biggest lake in South America, Lake Titicaca is home to several endangered bird species. It has this cute island in the middle called Amantani, that does not allow any machines of any form. All farming there is done by hand.

6. The Andes

Here you will experience all forms of fun ranging from arranged expeditions, guided treks, ski touring and mountaineering. Not for the faint of heart!

7. Torres Del Paine

One of the best attractions, Torres Del Paine offers adventurous daily tours that entail walks and treks on several trails in the area. The Torres Del Paine National Park gives you a chance to camp, go hiking, and ride and mountain climb. This is an amazing site as it ensures you maximally participate in your holiday activities and get a first hand adventure experience.

September 20, 2012 by Arlene

5 Luxurious Cruises For The Avid Traveler

Luxurious cruises are in demand all over the world because of the top-notch service provided, where each traveler present on the ship is treated as a royal individual and not just as a mere tourist. The staff appointed on these ships leave no stone unturned to exceed your expectations of spending a grand holiday on the high seas.

A few of the primary attractions you’ll find on such cruises are five-star accommodation, swimming pools, gyms, spas, elegant rooms with private balconies, 24-hour housekeeping and room service, free drinks, etc. Yup, no better way to feel like royalty than to book yourself on one of these bad boys for a week or two.

Cruises all over the world are famous and special but the ones covering the Caribbean and Mediterranean region are considered truly magical.

If you are a die-hard luxurious cruise traveler then try these five cruises at least once in your lifetime…

1. Costa Magica

Enjoy a spectacular holiday with this luxurious cruise that will cover the Mediterranean, starting from Italy, making stops at Malta, Greece and Turkey, before finally taking back you to Savona, Italy, all in just twelve days.

Give yourself a treat to see such interesting places by understanding their culture, cuisine and civilization. This cruise ship boasts of a swimming pool and two jacuzzis on the stern deck so that you can enjoy your dip irrespective of any weather conditions outside. The suites and stairways are designed around the theme of ‘Magic’ by the renowned Accademia di Brera in Milan.

Enjoy your drinks at the golden Gran Bar Salento that gives grand view of the water outside through the huge windows. And last but not the least, don’t forget to enjoy the Turkish baths while you are on this cruise 😉

2. Silver Whisper

This grand Caribbean voyage cruises for ten days, starting from New York in the USA and culminating at Bridgetown in Barbados.

The other ports visited during this cruise are St. George’s, Bermuda then Gustavia, St. Barts. After that it takes you to St. John’s, Antigua then Roseau, Dominica and then later Bequia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines before taking you to your final destination.

Silver Whisper offers you Bridge Sailings where guests can enjoy complimentary daily bridge sessions. There are also gentlemen hosts on board to accompany solo travelers as dance or dining partners.

3. Crystal Serenity

Hungry to enjoy paradise on earth? Then you must definitely travel on this cruise that takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Lisbon Portugal in 23 days. You can enjoy daily dance classes on sea days and even learn the Italian language while traveling. You can also enjoy the exclusive Walk on Water program while your on this cruise.

4. Seabourn Quest

This ship takes you from Istanbul, Turkey to Piraeus (Athens), Greece in fifteen days. If you enjoy gambling, then the casinos on this ship are here to quest your thirst. The Veranda Suites available on this cruise will make your stay comfortable, royal and elegant.

5. Silver Explorer

Interested in traveling from Bridgetown, Barbados to Colon, Panama over the course of nine days? Then Silver Explorer is the right choice for you. Enjoy the Caribbean Sea adventure where you can snorkel and kayak amidst beautiful fish and coral. You will also have the lifetime experience of learning the cultural traditions of the Kuna.

Any other cruises to suggest?

Tell me about your favorite cruise experiences via the comments below.