Perfecting Relaxation in Paraty, Brazil

Posted on April 30, 2012 by The Explorer

paraty brazil

Visiting Brazil is a rush. From the endless attractions of Rio de Janeiro, to the gushing jungle falls in Iguazu, and over 8,514,877 square kilometers to explore (Brazil is the world’s fifth largest country), it’s important to schedule some downtime during a Brazil vacation. And if you need to relax, Paraty is perfect.

Paraty is a seaside colonial hideaway halfway between the Brazilian giants of Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. A tiny and charming cobblestoned historic center serves world-class fare among whitewashed colonial buildings, while just steps away crayon-colored boats float in the harbor. Beyond them an inviting scattering of tropical islands dot the ocean like emeralds on a shimmering sapphire sheet.

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Colonial Culture in Central Lima

Posted on April 11, 2012 by The Explorer

colonial peru lima

Modern-day Peru is a blend of three cultural eras: ancient Peru, colonial Peru, and contemporary Peru.  Each plays an important role in the country’s national identity, shaping how Peruvians perceive themselves as well as how they present their country to the world. Though Lima, home to more than a quarter of Peru’s population, contains aspects of all three eras, its central plaza and surrounding area is one of the best places to explore the colonial piece of Peru’s past and present.

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Experiencing an Ice Age in Patagonia

Posted on March 30, 2012 by The Explorer

argentina moreno glacier

Glaciers cover 10% of the world’s terrain. Most are isolated in Antarctica and Greenland, rarely seen by anyone other than scientists and satellites. But in Argentina’s Los Glaciares National Park travelers are treated with rare accessibility to one of these icy wonders.

Of South America’s 25,000 square miles glazed with glaciers, 97 of them are contained within the Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive blue block of ice that visitors can actually trek across.

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More Unique Wildlife Living in the Galapagos: New Shark Species Discovered

Posted on March 14, 2012 by The Explorer

Galapagos Islands

Nearly 9,000 species live in, on, and around the Galapagos Islands, an archipelago 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador famous for its unique wildlife. This week the islands welcome one more critter to the Galapagos club. Say hello to Bythaelurus giddingsi, the world’s newest known species of shark.

The foot-long shark prefers deep depths and sports a chocolate-colored skin with a scattering of light spots. The discovering scientists believe the spot distribution and pattern are unique to each individual, and have also kindly suggested “Galapagos Catshark” as the species common name.

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Hitting the Highlights in Rio de Janeiro

Posted on March 7, 2012 by The Explorer

rio de janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is a temptress of a town. Forested mountains divide art deco buildings and white apartment blocks into surprisingly serene and navigable neighborhoods, while gleaming beaches punctuated by red umbrellas line the eastern edge. Throughout the city, the famous Christ Redeemer gazes down upon his domain of streets, sand, and soccer fields, his outstretched arms embracing them all.

Complementing the utopian landscape, the lust for life Cariocas (Rio locals) exude along with gregarious and welcoming personalities is unparalleled. Altogether, the combination of spectacular scenery, vibrant culture, and a remarkably modern and efficient public transportation system makes Rio de Janeiro one of the most exciting, authentic, yet tourist-friendly cities in the world.

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Chasing Waterfalls at Iguazu Falls

Posted on February 27, 2012 by The Explorer

Iguazu Falls Argentina

I’m not sure what it is about famous waterfalls and international borders, but they seem to be attracted to each other. Last year I spent my January holidays shivering but struck by Niagara Falls, which flows and freezes along the US-Canadian border. This year I migrated south to the steamy jungles of southern Brazil and eastern Argentina, where instead of January icicles and snow piles I encountered the Garden of Eden-esque landscape that encompasses Iguazu Falls, recently named one of the “New 7 Wonders of the Nature.”

With white water rushing like liquid diamonds over emerald cliffs, ringed by rainbows shimmering in the spray, it was impossible not to be impressed.

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Penguins in Peru: Visiting Islas Ballestas

Posted on February 1, 2012 by The Explorer

In addition to the pink river dolphins in the Amazon and the massive condors in the Andes, Peru has another treat for wildlife lovers. Penguins in Paracas.

Paracas is a tiny seaside town several hours south of Lima. This sliver of sand along the Pacific Ocean attracts travelers looking for ocean-view luxury and a chance to see Peru’s main bird sanctuary. Home to 160 species of marine birds, the Islas Ballestas are a series of rocky isles located just offshore and are the highlight of a visit to Peru’s southern coast.

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Ancient Legends, Architecture & Adobo de Cerdo in Arequipa

Posted on January 17, 2012 by The Explorer

arequipa city center

According to legend, Inca ruler Mayta Capac passed through Peru’s southern canyon country in the year 1300. Enchanted by the lush valley surrounded by snow topped volcanic peaks, Mayta Capac announced “Ari, quepay.” Quechan for: “Yes, stay.” A little over 200 years later, the Spaniards re-founded the area as the city of Arequipa.

How Arequipa truly got its name is left to historic speculation, but the point behind the story is valid: Arequipa is worth the stay.

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Where is Machu Picchu and How to Get There

Posted on January 10, 2012 by The Explorer

Machu Picchu

Most historians believe Machu Picchu’s mountainside construction began in the 1400s under the watchful eye of Inca ruler Pachacutec. The prevailing theory is that Machu Picchu was a royal retreat, a place where the Inca elite could relax and enjoy their lavish surroundings.

For this reason, Machu Picchu was placed far from other Inca cities and sites. It was so well isolated that the Spaniards—who conquered the Inca Empire and its Cuzco capital in the 1530s—never knew Machu Picchu existed.

So where is Machu Picchu’s mysterious location?

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Cultural Awareness in Cuzco

Posted on January 2, 2012 by The Explorer

Cultural Cuzco

Combining the old with the new, Cuzco is the cobblestoned cultural center of Peru. Once the capital of the Incan Empire and now one of the most prized places in all of South America, this highland hub should feature prominently in any Peru vacation itinerary.

Unfortunately, many visitors breeze by Cuzco on their way to Machu Picchu, missing many of the best ruins, museums, and cultural attractions the country has to offer. A few leisurely days here are recommended not only to gradually acclimatize (because if you’re coming from Lima you’ve gone from sea level to 10,800 feet) but also to soak in the Andean atmosphere. Ladies leading llamas, intricate indigenous artwork, and highland delicacies like baked cuy, pachamanca, and trucha meet you at every corner, tempting you to stay longer.

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