Top Holiday Season Travel Tips for Your South America Vacation

Traveling during the holidays always comes with some amount of stress and complication.  First, there are the crowds and long lines.  Mix in a flight delay and a surprise site closure and you’ve got a formula for an unhappy family vacation. But luckily, we’re here on the ground to give you the best insider tips to traveling to South America this upcoming holiday season.  With this advice from our expert travel staff, you can rest assured that your South America vacation has been planned to go off without a hitch.

First, you’ll have to make sure you arrive to your destination as planned.  This means you’ll need to book flights far in advance since the holidays are a peak travel season regardless of your destination.  Plus the further in advanced you book, the more likely you are to get a better price.  If you can find a direct flight to your destination, that is your best option.  If not, make sure to take a connecting flight that departs several hours after the arrival of the first leg of your journey.  This way you’ll make sure to catch your second plane even if your first flight is delayed—delays are very common during peak travel.  Around four to five hours between flights is strongly recommended.  For international flights, you will want to arrive to the airport three hours in advance instead of the normal two since the airports will most likely be very crowded.  For domestic flights, allow two to two and a half hours.

A stunning view of Torres del Paine on a crisp summer’s day

The best part about traveling to South America during the holiday season is that the Southern Hemisphere will be enjoying its summer.  Beach destinations in Brazil will be at their prime and there’s no better time to visitPatagonia if you’re looking to capture some of the spectacular views unobstructed by the rain, clouds, and snow of the winter season.  But be aware that Patagonian weather is notoriously fickle regardless of the season.   Buenos Aires will be sweltering and without beaches to escape to, but this heat will be a much needed change for travelers from the upper reaches of North America and Europe.  The Peruvian coast will be hot and sunny and enjoys some of the best surf destinations in South America.

High up in the Andes, however, cities like Cusco and Puno will be nearing the peak of the rainy season.  But rain isn’t a reason to avoid this region.  In fact, the lush green vegetation of the rainy season is even more scenic than the brittle yellowness that characterizes the area in winter.  Usually, it will rain at some point almost every day, sometimes several times.  But it will also be sunny at some point almost every day.  Cusco is one of the few cities in the world where you’ll want to have a rain jacket, sun glasses, flip flops, and removable pant legs with you most everywhere you go—you’ll need most of these items at some point throughout the day as the weather is constantly changing.  Also make sure to bring a warm article of clothing to throw on at night or pick up an alpaca wool sweater at an artisan market.  Sweater in Peruvian Spanish is chompa.  Layers are key during the rainy season.

The clouds part during the rainy season, offering mystical views of the lush Sacred Valley

Along with expensive flights, you may also be looking at inflated hotel prices during the holiday season.  Hotels in Rio de Janeiro and many other destinations in Brazil often have a minimum stay of three or four days during New Year’s celebrations (called reveillon) and prices could double or even triple.  This same phenomenon may occur in Buenos Aires, but usually only in high-end hotels.  In Peru the price hikes are less dramatic than in Brazil, but they are noticeable during the holiday season.  But requiring a minimum stay is less common than requiring payment for an obligatory dinner or folk show at the hotel.  This extra fee is usually only charged at higher end hotels and should be covered at your booking.

In most destinations in South America, tourism is a big part of the economy and you will most likely have no problems in terms of site closures.  Generally speaking, you may only run into trouble if you’re trying to take a tour of a church or cathedral, as these sites will likely be closed or in service on Christmas Day.  Some important government buildings may also be closed to tours.  Also, if you have immigration-related business (a lost Peruvian migration card, for example) you’ll have to wait until the next business day.

Beautiful views are abounding in Rio de Janeiro

As far as crowds go, Cusco tends to reach near peak-season levels around Christmas time.  This means you’ll need to take special care of booking your trains to Machu Picchu.  While it’s rare for entrance tickets into the park should sell out, trains do.  Book these a few months in advanced to ensure that you get the train that best fits your travel itinerary.  In Buenos Aires you won’t see as many locals in town, but this is also a prime time for tourism in the Paris of South America so you’ll find other tourists exploring the city as well.  Destinations in Brazil will be swarming with foreign and domestic tourists, but don’t be dissuaded by these crowds—just take it easy and remember that you’re in Brazil where beaches and caipirinhas are in never in short order.

With these travel tips in mind, you’re ready to contact one of our travel advisors and start planning your South America vacation!

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Top New Year’s Eve Destinations for your South America Vacation

Choosing where to spend New Year’s Eve is a major decision for most people, especially if you’re looking to celebrate it overseas. South America has steadily become a popular New Year’s destination because of its warm climate and electric party scene. Check out some of our expert travel advisor’s favorite Latin America destinations to spend  New Year’s Eve.

How does dressing in all-white and being a part of the ‘The World’s Greatest Party’ on Copacabana beach sound? Well for over two million people, locals and travelers alike, the idea of spending New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeirosounds like a dream come true. The New Year’s celebrations in Rio, concentrated on the Copacabana beach, are by far the biggest and most popular in all of South America. Brazilians often say, “God made the world in six days and on the seventh he created Rio de Janeiro.” The Copacabana stretch pays tribute to this, built on a narrow strip of land between mountain and sea its holds some of the most stylish shops, restaurants and nightclubs in all of Brazil; the perfect setting to come up with New Year’s resolutions.

Check out this spectacular view of Fireworks in Rio de Janeiro.

Rio’s New Year festivities are second only to their Carnival celebrations which are held in late February and for both events you can expect the city to be buzzing until the early hours of the morning. Rio’s New Year is  however more than just partying; Brazilians are highly spiritual in their celebrations, a large majority of the crowd will be dressed in white as a way of paying tribute to the goddess of the sea.

Celebrating New Years in true ‘Carioca’ style means an incredible amount of Samba dancing all across the beach and perhaps even some jumping of  Copacabana waves later on in the evening. Once midnight strikes, be prepared for  some of the biggest and most colorful fireworks you’ll ever experience. Take it all in because there is no feeling quite like it as enviable eyes from all around the the world will be watching you welcome the New Year in style.

However, travelers looking to bring in the New Year in Rio, should make sure to plan ahead.  Most hotels start taking reservations from August and have their prices noticeably inflated, making advanced planning all the more necessary on this once in a lifetime trip to Rio de Janeiro.

A popular alternative to New Year’s in Rio de Janeiro is the spectacular fireworks show along the coast ofValparaiso in Chile. Valparaiso is one of the country’s most historic towns and officially known as the Cultural Capital of Chile. Located 120 kilometers west from the capital, Santiago, Valparaiso or ‘Valpo’ is a city with a population of around 300, 000 tucked into the hills along the Pacific Ocean. The city has always been an important seaport and was a 19th century stopover for ships coming from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

This amazing photo was captured over the sea in Valparaiso Chile during their New Year’s Eve celebration.

New Year’s in Valparaiso is a three-day festival where millions of visitors descend to witness the famous fireworks display, the biggest in Latin America. Most travelers find accommodation along the coastline and hillsides where you can find panoramic views of the show.  As a way of ensuring that everyone gets to witness the spectacle, just prior to midnight all the lights from the city blocks are turned off. The fireworks come from about 15 different launching points from within Valparaiso and along the coast of Vina del Mar. The show concludes with famous cascade of Valparaiso, a waterfall of sparks which shower down onto the water.

The views are perhaps the most memorable part of the experience and need to be seen by everyone at least once in their lifetime. Musicians and performers from all around the world arrive to perform at the Plaza Sotomayer, where the party continues until around 8 a.m. The streets of Valpo are filled with people drinking and dancing, as the locals pride themselves in being some of the happiest and the most hospitable people in all of Chile.

Similar to Rio de Janeiro, New Year’s in Valparaiso is incredibly popular with international travelers. It is again highly recommended that while planning your trip to Chile, you take this into consideration and book well in advance.

Enjoy the fireworks, friendly faces, and diverse culture of Rio de Janeiro or Valparaiso during your South America vacation. To learn more about how to make your New Year’s Eve incredibly memorable contact one of our travel experts to create a customized travel package.

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Sizzling Destinations for Holiday Travel to Brazil

The focus of our blog this month is to provide readers with tips for planning travel to South America for this upcoming holiday season. You may have noticed that we’ve already mentioned Brazil a couple of times. Indeed, if you are seeking a sun-drenched escape from chilly northern climates or just looking to put a twist on your holiday celebrations, Brazil cannot be beat.

The list of Brazil vacation destinations is nearly endless, but we’ve chosen 3 places where you can enjoy a sizzling holiday jam-packed with the best of Brazilian culture. (Also see our previous posts on a beach vacation on Ilha Grande and New Year’s Eve in Rio de Janeiro.)

Buzios 

Buzios is a coastal paradise, where refugees from wintery conditions can frolic on gorgeous beaches, delight in warm temperatures, and snap dozens of pictures of spectacular vistas – all guaranteed to make your non-vacationing friends jealous. In Buzios, you can also surf, dive, snorkel, windsurf, sail, island hop, sun-bathe, hike, eat delicious food, dance all night, and sleep in charming pousadas (inns) with views of the sea. December through February is when things really get hot, both on the sand and on the dance floor, so it’s important to make reservations for travel to Buzios in advance in order to guarantee your choice of Buzios hotels.

Crystalline waters and forest-fringed white sand beaches are all part of the package on a Brazil vacation to Buzios.

Paraty

Perhaps you prefer a slower-paced alternative? Consider Paraty (pronounced par-a-chee), one of Brazil’s oldest cities founded in 1531 and now lauded by the New York Times as “the most culturally rich destination” on Brazil’s Costa Verde, the stretch of coast between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.

On a Paraty tour, you can explore the cobblestoned streets of the well-preserved historical center, which exudes an understated charm. During a full moon, the streets close to the waterfront become flooded when the tide comes up. In town, you can buy cachaça (a liquor distilled from sugar cane and the primary ingredient for a cairpirinha) and browse boutiques specializing in art and handicrafts. The surrounding countryside boasts mountains, waterfalls, nature reserves, and the Gold Trail, the road that once connected Paraty to the inland mining towns that were the source of Brazil’s – or more precisely, the Portuguese crown’s – enormous mineral wealth in the 18th century.  And the beaches? They number over 40, each more gorgeous than the next.

Spend your Brazil holidays at Trindade, the former hangout of 18th century pirates and now one of the most popular beaches in Paraty.

Praia do Forte

Traveling with kids? Visit Praia do Forte for a family-friendly, activity-filled Brazil vacation destination. Located 1.5 hours north of Salvador de Bahia, this paradisiacal town enchants travelers with pristine beaches lined with coconut palms, surrounded by tropical rainforest on land and coral reefs in the sea.

Projeto Tamar, an NGO dedicated to the protection of sea turtles, will appeal to children and adults alike; summer is the season when baby turtles hatch and are released safely into the sea. At Sloth Adventure Park (in Portuguese, Parque de Aventura Bicho-Preguiça), adrenaline junkies can zip line through rainforest canopies and bike down mountain trails, while travelers with milder tastes can try their hand at fishing and canoeing. All in all, Praia do Forte is the perfect place to be as idle or as active as you want.

Visit with sea turtles at TAMAR Research Station as part of a Praia do Forte tour.

Start planning your holiday travel with the help of experts at Brazil For Less, specialists in organizing travel packages to Brazil and South America.  And as they say in Brazil, boa viagem!

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Peru Travel Tale: Kelly’s Colca Canyon Trek

First, some cool facts about the Colca Canyon:

-You’ve heard of the Grand Canyon? This one is more than twice as deep. From the highest rim to the river bottom, the Colca Canyon plunges to a staggering depth of 4,160 meters (13,650 feet).

-The canyon has been continually inhabited since well before Inca times. Traditional communities with ancient roots still farm on agricultural terraces and, at higher altitudes, they graze alpaca and other animals.

-Bird fauna include the Andean condor, the Giant Hummingbird, and Chilean Flamingo, as well as mammal species such as the vicuña, guanaco, and vizcacha.

Kelly’s Trek

Last May, in the middle of her Peru vacation, Kelly realized she wasn’t going to have time to do the Inca Trail, which is undoubtedly the shining star among Peru treks. Instead, she decided to do an “abbreviated version,” the 2-day Colca Canyon trek, which departs from the city of Arequipa.

It may be abbreviated, but the Colca Canyon trek is just as demanding as any of the other high-altitude treks in Peru. Kelly’s Colca Canyon tour started with an early morning pickup from her Arequipa hotel – 3 a.m. to be exact. The payoff was arrival to the viewpoint known as Cruz del Condor just in time to see the glorious sight of condors taking off from their cliff-side perches to catch the thermal drifts that flow through the canyon.

On a perfect morning in the Colca Canyon, Kelly snapped this “lucky shot” of an Andean condor – a great start to an unforgettable Colca Canyon trek.

With that awesome prelude, Kelly’s tour group, consisting of 5 other trekkers plus the guide, began the long climb down from the canyon rim. And contrary to what you might think, going down was just as hard as going up. After 3 hours of pushing their quads to the limit, the trekkers reached the very bottom and then walked a few more miles to reach the campsite. “Everyone was whipped,” she says, “and dreading the 4 a.m. ascent the next day.”

On this trek, an early morning start for the second day’s unrelenting uphill serves to guard against the worst of the daytime heat. Even so, the 3 hour ascent “was exhausting, but seeing the sunrise along the way and enjoying the scenery helped.”

On a perfect morning in the Colca Canyon, Kelly snapped this “lucky shot” of an Andean condor – a great start to an unforgettable Colca Canyon trek.

The most memorable part? Kelly answers, “Making it to the top!” The last few switchbacks were particularly grueling, but Kelly was cheered on by the hardcore trekkers who had already reached the top. “When I finally made it, I sat down and enjoyed the early morning sunshine and a priceless view of the canyon.”

Tired but triumphant, Kelly poses before the gorgeous backdrop of Andean mountains.

After the ascent, the group was transferred by private van to a “much welcomed stop,” the hot springs at La Calera, noted for their restorative properties. They also got to see a bit more of the Canyon before returning to the “White City” of Arequipa.

Does Kelly regret not having done the Inca Trail? Not really. She says, “I still got the feeling of achievement of completing a pretty tough trek, as well as the amazing scenery.” Also, Kelly considers that the Colca Canyon trek is “slightly off the beaten path, which is something that appealed to me.” This trek was “very demanding, but the scenery was so beautiful and rugged, the group was fun, and the guide was knowledge and encouraging. It was a once in a lifetime experience and I didn’t feel like I was missing out by not doing the Inca Trail.”

Kelly has these final bits of advice for travelers considering the Colca Canyon trek:

-If you have time, do the trek in 3 days. You avoid the 3 a.m. pickup, and you get to spend an extra night in the canyon and do the trek at a more relaxed pace.

-If you’re not up for the trek out of the canyon on the last day, there are mules available for hire.

-May is a great month to visit; dry but still green as the rainy season has just recently ended. There were a lot of flowers, which made it even more stunning, and the weather was perfect.

Planning a Peru trekking tour? Kelly Hurst and an entire team of adventure-loving Travel Advisors at Peru For Less are available to assist you.

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Most Great Destinations to Escape the Winter

As winter approaches in the Northern Hemisphere, the skies are beginning to clear up here in South America.  If you are thinking about temporarily abandoning the depressing cold for sunnier pastures, here are three ideal destinations you need to be considering.

Puerto Maldonado, Peru

Puerto Maldonado: The perfect place to begin your Amazon Tour.

The Amazon jungle found throughout South America is an incredibly dense and truly mysterious place. Peru holds the second largest portion of the Amazon after Brazil and Puerto Maldonado offers the main gateway into the southeastern region of the rainforest. Located deep in the heart of the lush Madre de Dios region, Puerto Maldonado is full of wild forests, sinuous rivers, and extensive lakes.

Puerto Maldonado is a growing Amazon city which holds records in biodiversity for its hundreds of species of anacondas, toucans, jaguars, and other exotic animals. The city thrives on ecotourism and has fantastic infrastructure allowing travelers to comfortably visit this pristine rainforest.

Puerto Maldonado is the ideal destination to explore the Tambopata National Reserve and Manú National Park, which are internationally renowned for their incredible biodiversity and a rainforest environment that is among the most biologically diverse in the entire world. Within the Tambopata National Reserve lies the beautiful and tranquil Sandoval Lake, where on occasion visitors have been able to spot parrots, macaws and giant otters.

Recife, Brazil

The historic city of Recife and its green-warm beaches.

The capital of the Pernambuco State, Recife is filled with year-round tropical weather, beautiful beaches, and a fascinating colonial past. Once Europe’s most lucrative Atlantic colony, Recife has undergone both Portuguese and Dutch rule, who tried to appropriate the region’s very lucrative sugar production.

Pernambuco is currently one of the fastest growing states in Brazil and this is vividly illustrated in the city known as the Veneza Brasileira or the “Venice of Brazil.” Recife offers travelers myriad canals and rivers from which to explore its vibrant culture and breathtaking white-sanded and warm-green beaches. The Boa Viagem beach is undoubtedly one of Brazil’s most famous urban beaches and the Porto de Galhinas is also notorious for its cool and clean waters.

A modern metropolis with a population of over 1.5 million, Recife has managed to retain its authenticity and charm, and continues to attract tourists onto its shores.

For a quieter escape from Recife, visit the historical city of Olinda, where you can wander winding cobblestone streets and admire the architectural gems of the town. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Olinda has now established itself as a leading destination to celebrate Carnival.

Baños, Ecuador

The waterfalls of Baños, nothing quite like it.

Nestled between the Rio Pastaza and the Tungurahua volcano, Baños is a charming touristic city in the Andean highlands of Ecuador. The city is about a 3 hour drive from Quito and has become an incredibly popular tourist destination for travelers wanting to witness the cascading waterfalls. Baños means ‘baths of sacred water’ and never has a name been more appropriate to describe a city.

With over 60 waterfalls, Baños gives nature lovers and hikers a dream platform from which to explore. The scenic route of the waterfalls, La Ruta de las Cascadas, provides scenic views for over 20 waterfalls in the region including Agoyan, Puertas del Cielo, Manto de la Nova, Pailon del Diablo and Machay.

After a day of exploring the waterfalls, many travelers decide to soak in the famous natural thermal baths, which have made Baños famous. The open air Baños de la Virgen pools features a variety of baths all varying in temperature. The highest pool has by far the best view of the city.

It’s not too late to start planning a winter vacation to Puerto Maldonado, Recife or Baños. All three of these popular destinations offer travelers a truly unique experience, soask our Latin America for Less travel experts to help customize your trip.

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An Introduction to CarnivalSouthAmerica

Most people are familiar with Carnival from world-famous festivities such as the street parades of Mardi Gras in New Orleans, masquerade balls in Venice, and the samba floats of Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro, where it has achieved fame as the world’s biggest party.

Celebrated in February, Carnival is a festival with roots in Catholic religion. It precedes the 40 days of Lent, a time when believers attempt to be pious by fasting and abstaining from pleasures. Historically, Carnival celebrations allowed communities to let off some steam with a huge party and to indulge in quantities of food and drink before the commencement of the more sober and solemn Lenten period. Costumes and masks allowed individuals to find a bit of anonymity in the general revelry.

Brazil celebrates Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, but also Salvador de Bahia, Recife, Paraty, and other cities.

Spanish and Portuguese colonists took Carnival and spread it across South America, where it has since evolved into many forms, its medieval Catholic core mixing with the spiritual beliefs and practices of enslaved Africans and colonized indigenous communities. Carnival in South America is an incredibly diverse and intensely hybrid celebration, difficult to describe in general terms. But wherever your South America vacation take you, whether you travel to Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, or Argentina, you are guaranteed a party experience like no other, with music, dancing, parades, food and drink, and non-stop festivities that can last for days.

If you are planning to travel to South America in early 2013, Carnival is probably one of the best cultural events around which to base a vacation. Upcoming posts on this blog will help you do this by highlighting different aspects of Carnival in South America, including iconic destinations such as Rio de Janeiro and off-the-beaten-track celebrations in Oruro in Bolivia. Festivities can get sticky and rowdy; based on their personal experiences, LAFL’s expert Travel Advisors will provide tips to travelers who want to participate in Carnival parties, from what to wear to how to prepare the perfect mix of paint and water.

Colorful and culture-filled, the 4-day Carnaval de Oruro begins in mid-February.

We’ll also highlight specific traditions, such as the following: when you travel to Ecuador, Peru, or Bolivia in October or November, you might see Guagas de pan or Tanta wawas, sweet bread in the shape of bundled babies. In Quechua, guagua or wawa means baby. This special type of bread is consumed on a few occasions, but especially in the weeks leading up to November 2, or All Saints’ Day in the Catholic calendar, when families visit the graves of their loved ones and make food offerings that include bread babies. Tantawawas make a second appearance on Carnival when they are exchanged between children and their godparents. So if you run into a basket of bread babies like in the picture below, don’t hesitate to “adopt” one – they’re delicious!

In Ecuador, guagas de pan are sometimes baked with fruit , cheese, or manjar fillings; while in Peru, t’anta wawas also come in non-baby shapes such as  horses, ladders, or crowns.

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Bolivia Travel Tale: Kristina’s Salar de Uyuni Trip

Kristina McKinney was living in Cordoba, Argentina when she decided to take a trip to Bolivia to explore the Uyuni salt flats. She chose to go with little information about the flats and did not even have a Bolivia travel guide book to advise her. Kristina chose to wing it showing her truly adventurous spirit and see where this journey would take her. This completely spontaneous trip to Bolivia ultimately ended up being one of Kristina’s favorite South America travel experiences.

View of Bolivia’s landscape from Kristina’s jeep.

To get to Salar de Uyuni, Kristina had to take a bus ride on the road from Argentina up to elevations as high as 13,000 feet, passing the most humbling and breathtaking mountains that the country has to offer. Before she would embark on her journey, she was immediately confronted with an obstacle when she arrived to the Bolivian border from Argentina. Kristina was unaware of the fact that she needed a visa to enter into Bolivia. Fortunately, she was able to obtain the visa at the border and after a 2-hour long application process, she continued on her journey.

Kristina’s unconventional Bolivian sight-seeing tour by horseback.

Before Kristina’s private jeep tour she decided to make a pit-stop to go horseback riding for around $10US. She was enamored with the opportunity to do this because it was a great non-traditional way to see more of Bolivia’s beautiful countryside. She headed to her next destination, Tupiza, where she would arrive to after a six hour 4×4-jeep ride. This particular part of the trip was notable for Kristina; “The jeep was the one of the highlights of the whole experience. It made me feel like I was on an adventure, driving through the beautiful scenery of rolling green hills and red rocks. My group and I spotted llamas just about everywhere. At one point during the drive we were chasing alongside llamas with our jeep.” The trip ended up arriving in Uyuni later on in the evening where Kristina stayed at a salt hotel. Everything in this salt hotel from the beds, to the tables, to the walls was completely composed of salt.

Kristina’s salt-made hotel room.

A five in the morning wakeup call allowed Kristina to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking sunrise on the Salar de Uyuni salt flats. When it finally started to rise she noted the contrast of the piercing white salt flat amidst the visually-striking colors of the sun on the horizon. Due to its flatness, the unique landscape serves as the perfect backdrop for taking creative photographs. Kristina, among many other travelers, took advantage of the scenery and has a collection of optical illusion pictures. Some of the Kristina’s favorite poses were of her in a dancer’s stance on top of one of her friends’ heads and also one of her with her group of friends that appear to be standing on top of a pair of sunglasses. After her Salar de Uyuni tour, she was led back to Tupiza before heading home to Argentina.

Kristina in an example of one of the many optical illusion photos you can take.

The only thing that Kristina regrets about her trip to Bolivia is; “Not going to visit Salar de Uyuni after the rainy season when there is water on the salt flats. My friend told me that the salt flats look like heaven when there is water on it because of the clouds reflection on the ever clear standing water.” She would go back during the wet season in a heartbeat and highly recommends this experience to any traveler interested in trips off the beaten path.

For other tips on travel to Bolivia, read our Travel to Uyuni. Also you can read our Bolivia Destinations for more detailed information to help plan your trip to Bolivia.

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Excellent Days in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival

This week we are featuring Carnival in South America and there is no better place to celebrate this world renowned festival than in the city that does it best: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The intoxicating atmosphere and outlandish costumes have made the Rio Carnival the benchmark against which every other Carnival is compared to. More than 500,000 foreign visitors descend onto Rio to be a part of the 5 day celebrations.

Rio de Janeiro is the perfect embodiment of Brazilian culture with its beautiful attractions, including the Sugar Loaf and Corcovado where the breathtaking Christ the Redeemer sits at the summit. Copacabana and Ipanema are two of the the most famous beaches in the world and make Rio de Janeiro the perfect setting to annually host ‘The Biggest Party in the World’.

The beautiful Rio de Janiero skyline .

Carnival commences with the mayor of Rio handing the keys of the city to Rei Momo, the Lord of the Misrule, signifying the start of the five-day festivities. Once the party begins, officially on a Saturday before Shrove Tuesday, the streets are taken over with revelers, floats and decorations by the numerous samba schools. There are approximately 200 samba schools in Rio de Janeiro and they are divided into various leagues, according to their local communities.

The Carnival parades are the culmination of months of intense planning by these community groups, as they prepare their choreography and costumes to compete with other samba schools. Each school creates their own floats, costumes, dances and lyrics which best reflects their unique theme for Carnival. Their creative imagination is thoroughly reflected in their work, as social barriers are broken and everyone comes together in areas throughout the city to get  a firsthand view of the designs.

The main parades take place in the Sambadrome and Samba City venues. The Sambadrome is a 600m long site with capacity for over 45, 000 spectators and Samba City is a theme park which brings a number of the larger schools together in one location. The parades in the venues usually last about 12 hours and the best boxes are reserved for tourists or VIPs. Travelers can also soak up the atmosphere in the terraces where the most fervent fans will be.

View the bright colors of Rio Carnival in the Sambadome.

The parade in the Sambadrome is far from the only option to experience the celebrations, for the street festivals or the bandas and bondos are perhaps more popular with both tourists and locals alike. As anyone is allowed to partake in these street festivals, the ambiance is much wilder. The bandas and bondos can be found in most neighbourhoods but some of the most entertaining locations include Cordao do Bola Preta, Simpatia e Quase Amor and Banda da Ipanema.

Be ready to dance to the irresistible beats of samba. Rio’s samba is however considerably different to the rest of the country’s; known as batucada, it is based mostly on percussion instruments. Don’t worry about finding a dancing partner because more than 5 million people participated in last year’s Rio Carnival and government officials are predicting even more for 2013. Travelers who attend the festivities repeatedly mention just how much Carnival means to everyone and for at least 5 days, people can put their differences aside and come together through their proud culture.

With the Olympics in 2016 and the FIFA World Cup final to be played at the Maracana Stadium in 2014, Rio de Janeiro has numerous reasons to celebrate. If Carnival is anything to go by, there is no other place in the world you would rather be.

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Ecuador Travel Tale: Rylee Goes to the Galapagos

Rylee Rose McGowan is a Travel Advisor at LAFL. Beaches and wildlife are two of her passions and these interests are important factors when deciding where to travel. And so it makes sense that the Galapagos would be at the top of her travel bucket list. In 2009, a friend and co-worker, Susana, won a free Galapagos Islands cruise and Rylee jumped at the chance to go along.

The pair of friends took a flight from Lima to Quito, the capital city of Ecuador, which serves as a common point of transit before continuing to the Galapagos to begin a cruise. Rylee was impressed with Quito for its mix of history and modernity: “I really liked the historical district of Quito (it reminded me a lot of Cusco in Peru), but the modern section (Mariscal) was more like Lima.” Quito’s top attractions, in Rylee’s opinion, are its great music scene, efficient public transportation system, and relatively inexpensive prices for dining, accommodation, and fun. These amenities make a Quito & Galapagos tour package a great option for travelers looking to see a bit of mainland Ecuador before launching on a cruise.

The spires of the Basilica Nacional del Voto, Quito’s massive neo-gothic church, pierce the overcast November sky.

From Quito, Rylee and Susana flew to Baltra Airport to begin their 4 day/3 night adventure aboard the Galapagos Legend cruise ship. The tour included all meals and 2 daily excursions, during which they had an opportunity to get off the ship to explore amazing sites both on land and in the water. Beginning and ending on Santa Cruz Island, the tour also included stops on North Seymour, Floreana, and Española islands. “The cruise was fantastic,” says Rylee. She thought that the “best beach was Cormorant Point on Floreana,” but adds that “North Seymour Island was awesome too. Almost like a sandbar, a very small island.”

Sun-kissed Rylee and Susana enjoy the stunning vistas of the Galapagos Islands.

For a wildlife-lover like Rylee, the diverse fauna was definitely a highlight of her Galapagos tour. The type and number of species varies from island to island and she says that “the animals on the islands are not timid at all; you can get quite close to the different species of birds, iguanas, turtles and seals.”

A blue-footed booby, an ubiquitous resident of certain Galapagos islands, strikes a pose for Rylee’s camera.

In terms of opportunities to observe and interact with wildlife, a Galapagos cruise cannot be beat. Rylee’s best memories include snorkeling with turtles and seeing blue-footed boobies doing a love dance just before mating. She describes these scenes as spectacular and amazing – indeed, these are the types of moments that transform a memorable travel experience into an unforgettable one.

Pink flamingos are yet another species of avi-fauna that you can spot on a Galapagos cruise.

The natural setting of the Galapagos Islands is unlike any other on the planet, and in addition to gorgeous vistas, a Galapagos tour is also tremendously educational. Some fascinating facts that Rylee learned include:

1) the incredible mix of life is due to the convergence of three major oceans currents around the archipelago,
2) the endemic Galapagos marine iguana is the only lizard to swim in the ocean, and
3) the Galapagos is home to Lonesome George, the last remaining giant Pinta Island tortoise.

Lonesome George was still alive when Rylee visited. Sadly, the 100-year old tortoise passed away in June 2012, serving to remind us just how important it is to preserve and conserve exceptional natural environments such as the Galapagos.

Iguanas, tortoises, and other species wander the Galapagos, totally unafraid of humans.

We invite you to visit the Galapagos For Less website or contact Rylee and our travel experts at LAFL to learn more about the Galapagos Islands and other destinations for Ecuador tours.

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Chile Travel in the Northern Beaches and Desert

Chile travel in the north of the country is great for varied landscapes. Travel destinations include San Pedro de Atacama, Arica, and Iquique.

Chile’s extensively long coast provides for an array of climates and landscapes. From lakes and mountains to deserts and beaches, Chile travel has something for every type of traveler. The top 3 destinations for Chile travel are Santiago in the center of the country, Torres del Paine National Park in the south, and San Pedro de Atacama in the north. For travelers interested in the last option, the Chilean north hosts a spectacular desert; however, there is more to see and do, in particular the sun-drenched beaches in Arica and Iquique.

The main attraction in the north is San Pedro de Atacama, which ranks among top Chile travel destinations for its surreal beauty and truly unique landscape features, including geysers and salt flats. The town sits in the middle of the driest deserts in the world, where rainfall is immensely scarce. Here, travelers can bike, trek, and otherwise explore this one-of-a-kind place. Among the amazing landmarks is Laguna Verde, which is 40 miles from town. From its emerald green surface, the lagoon reflects the image of the Licancabur Volcano, the peak of which rises to 19,000 feet above sea level. Another attraction, the Tatio geysers are a geyser field which spring up most spectacularly at dawn. Nearby, travelers can enjoy the natural hot springs. The Valley of the Moon, so named because of its lunar-like appearance never fails to astound visitors with wind carved rock formations. Another attraction is the salt lake, which attract unique wildlife such as flamingos and other bird species.

For an awesome contrast, complete your tour of Chile in the north with a visit to the coastal cities, which offer laidback beach relaxation and opportunities to observe wildlife. Arica is the northernmost city of Arica and once enjoyed immense prosperity as the port for the riches of Bolivia. The historic center still bears the marks of the time with building such as the San Marcos Cathedral and the Casa de la Cultura. Just to the east of Arica is the Azapa Valley, where olive are grown and Azapa olive oil is made, and an archaeological museums that displays ancient mummies. Lauca National Park can also be accessed from Arica, and here travelers will find abundant wildlife such as vicunas and viscachas as well as Lake Chungara, one of the largest in the world.

Iquique is another coastal city which saw its wealth rise and fall with that of the nitrate mines and there are still many colonial buildings remaining from this era. The surrounding desert has the famous geoglyphs and a number of ghost towns, including Humberstone, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Chile Travel: Discover the Elqui Valley

Discover the wonders of Northern Chile on your next Chile trip. Indulge in the beauty of the Elqui Valley with this article written by a Chile travel expert

Chile is a country of vast terrains from the desert, to the icescapes there are plenty of sights to see. Most people head to the country’s capital, Santiago where museums, restaurants, and shopping are abundant. Located approximately 470km north of the capital city, the hustle and bustle of the city can no longer be found, in the Elqui Valley. You are sure to experience magnificent views day and night when heading north on your trip to Chile.

Set amidst towering mountains the Elqui valley is lush and sunny and the green landscapes set a sharp contrast to its surroundings. The region is full of wine vineyards, fruit orchards, adobe houses, and handicrafts, and is famous for its high energy flow and natural magnetic powers. Arguably its most alluring quality this northern region holds, is its pristine night skies, with three international observatories, you will marvel at the endless stars found in the black skies. Also home to the charming city of La Serena which is rich in culture, history and natural beauty, the Elqui Valley provides travelers with plenty to do and see.

Explore the second oldest city in Chile, La Serena. Admire the history and architecture on a walk through the city’s lovely avenues. The city has 29 colonial churches, pristine gardens, and a lively market, none of which should be missed. The market is full of vendors selling a variety of goods, from handicrafts and weavings to fresh fruit from the valley. A must see on your trip to La Serena is the city’s official symbol, the lighthouse. Accessible by Avenida del Mar, which runs along the coast, the lighthouse and the port of Coquimbo are great places to visit. For the most beautiful beach in the area head to La Herraqdura Bay where you can enjoy the beach or one of the area’s fantastic restaurants. The city of La Serena is the perfect place for travelers to stay while exploring the beauty of the Elqui Valley.

With a warm and sunny climate, the Elqui Valley is the perfect destination for any Chile vacation, year round. Discover the areas beautiful scenery, from green cultivated fields of lucuma, olives, and apple orchards to the many vineyards, all of which surround little villages that are scattered throughout. The views during the day are not the only reason to stop in the Elqui Valley, with some of the clearest skies in the Southern hemisphere; it is the perfect place to view the infinite stars above. The climate of the valley and its absence of light pollution provide optimal conditions for star gazing, which is why many observatories are located here, making it one of the most visited places in Northern Chile.

Make sure to visit the Elqui Valley, it is the perfect destination for your Chile trip, providing culture, history, and natural wonders day and night.

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Chile’s Best Mountain Adventure Destinations

If you are in search of mountains and adventure for your next holiday, you cannot go wrong with a Chile vacation. Top destinations include Pucon, Puerto Varas, Puerto Natales, and all three destinations are highly recommended by experts in Chile tours at Chile For Less.

One of Chile’s most distinctive features is its geography. The shape of green bean – long, skinny, and somewhat bumpy – seems a fair comparison. The bumps are the Andes Mountains, which run alongside the entire eastern edge of Chile from the island of Tierra del Fuego in the far south to the tri-border with Bolivia and Argentina in the far north. Not surprisingly then, some of Chile’s best adventure destinations are in the mountain. For your next Chile vacation, consider these three.

PUERTO NATALES

Starting in the south there is Puerto Natales, a charming town that serves as a base for Torres del Paine tours. Due to its southern latitude, the town is can be chilly even during the summer, but it is constantly abuzz with the excitement of trekkers going to and returning from the national park. Indeed, Puerto Natales has all the amenities necessary for relaxation-seeking travelers to treat themselves either before or after a tour, or both! Great restaurants, fine hotels and spas, and amazing vistas make this a great place to indulge after some hard work in Chile’s mountains. Day tours available from Puerto Natales include visits to glacier, kayaking, hiking, and more.

PUERTO VARAS

Puerto Varas is another magnet for nature-loving travelers. Once again, the Andes serve as a backdrop for all kinds of adventure. Set on the shores of Lake Llanaquihue and boasting views of the conical Osorno Volcano, the town’s setting is tranquil enough, almost belying the range of activities possible if you venture beyond the quiet streets. Water sports, fly fishing in particular, are a popular activity in the summer months. The foothills invite trekkers to discover hidden groves and waterfalls. Another Puerto Varas tour option is the Lake Crossing, which takes travelers over high mountain passes and into Argentina.

PUCON

A few hours north of Puerto Varas is Pucon, also cradled by the Andes and a huge, year-round destination for adrenaline-seeking travelers. Surrounded by national parks, volcanos, and lakes, Pucon takes full advantage of its natural features to offer travelers an endless range of activities. These include zip lining, kayaking, white water rafting, water skiing in the summer, and snow skiing in the winter and nearby ski resorts. Mountain climbers can also attempt the ascent to Villarica Volcano which rises to 9,341 feet or 2,847 meters above sea level.

Any of these Chile travel destinations can be paired with travel to Santiago as part of a vacation package. Lastly, the ca

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