Author: Groshan Fabiola
Brazil is one of those countries that you absolutely have to visit. A dazzling land of superb beaches, wild jungles and agitated metropolises, Brazil welcomes everyone and has something to offer to every tourist. There are many unique places to visit in Brazil and many new and exciting things to try. A trip to Brazil can be a memorable experience, provided you make an informed choice of your destination. If manic metropolises are your thing, Sao Paolo or Rio de Janeiro should be your number one choice of travel destination in Brazil. However, if you are not into non-stop partying and lively and colorful crowds, you should try something different, such as the South American city Belo Horizonte.

Belo Horizonte is Brazil’s third largest city and its first planned metropolis. Why is the South American city Belo Horizonte a perfect travel destination? As has been said before, the city is not as noisy and crowded as most Brazilian tourist destinations, nor is it focused on attracting tourists. Therefore, a vacation in this beautiful South American city should be a peaceful, relaxing and enjoyable experience. This is the place where the Latin charm is perfectly combined with European elegance, and travelers to this city say that Belo Horizonte inhabitants are friendlier, more sincere and a lot more sophisticated than in any other Brazilian city.

The South American city Belo Horizonte offers endless means of entertainment for everyone. You can engage in all sorts of sightseeing activities, for the city is known as one of Brazil’s largest cultural centers. If nightlife is what you are interested in, Belo Horizonte has the perfect places for you. Nightlife in this city may not be as outrageous as in other cities around the world, but it will certainly offer an unforgettable experience. People of Belo Horizonte are renowned for their love of bars, and as a result, you have an extremely varied choice when it comes to going to a bar. There are about twelve thousand bars in the South American city Belo Horizonte so you can literally take your pick. Thousands of cyber cafés, private clubs and thematic bars will welcome you at any time. The carnival, the pride parade and the huge outdoor concerts are also worth participating in. The city is also home to a number of luxurious hotels and fine restaurants, where you can try some dishes of their famous traditional cuisine.

There is a lot more to be said about the South American city Belo Horizonte. One thing is certain, though. If you are planning on going there for the first time, you should definitely find a Belo Horizonte guide, so that you do not miss out on anything that might be of interest to you. A Belo Horizonte guide will also help you in preventing unpleasant situations, such as making a poor choice of hotels that will eventually ruin your vacation. A complete Belo Horizonte guide can be found online, on a number of specialized web sites. The perfect Belo Horizonte guide should be combination of useful information and testimonials from real travelers to this South American city.About the Author:

For more resources about South American city Belo Horizonte or even about Belo Horizonte guide please review this page http://www.belohorizonte.info

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Author: Andrew Stratton

Many people in the United States and even Europe do not recognize the varied and interesting holidays locations that can be found in South America. No matter what type of activity you prefer to call recreation or vacation activities, you can find it in South America. You can enjoy a beach vacation, a fiesta vacation, outdoor activities or just absorb the natural beauty of mountains, waterfalls, surf or jungle. You can learn about silver, leather, orchids or dance all in South America. You can study evolution, languages and metallurgy or take advantage of virtually uncharted territory in the rain forests of Amazonia of the mountain tops in Brazil.

On the border between Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina lies one of the wonders of the natural world–Iguasu Falls. Nearly 300 falls make up the waterfalls known as Iguasu. Different aspects of the falls can be seen from the Brazilian side and from the Argentinian side but both decry description. There are millions, perhaps even billions of gallons of water rushing over drops from a few feet to hundreds of feet. You can hike the trails, look for exotic species of birds, spend time filming the scenic beauty of the surroundings or take a powerboat ride up close to one of the drop offs.

You can’t imagine South America without some form of dance coming to mind. The tango is virtually the national dance of Argentina but there are other rhythms that come to mind the set your feet to tapping and hips to swaying. A holiday that includes learning some of the dances will be a treat to your senses and something new to talk about when you return home.

Skiing is an option if you visit some of the ski resorts such as in Argentina and Chile. Because the seasons are the opposite of those in the northern hemisphere, if you like to ski, you can do so during the months of June, July and August. If you prefer water sports, you can enjoy any of the lovely beaches along the coastline of Brazil.

The night life in the major cities of South America is equal to that anywhere in the world. Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo are just a few that are known throughout the globe for excitement and activity. These three cities are cosmopolitan yet have a Latin twist in each case that makes them interesting. Whether you enjoy dining, theater performances or dancing the night away at a disco, your only difficulty will be in choosing where you want to party. Especially at Carnival time in Rio, you will have plenty to see and do.

For those who are interested in history, you won’t find a better place to explore pre-Columbian history than in South America at Machu Pichu. You can also visit many of the sites where the early Spanish and Portuguese explorers made their impact on the native tribes of the continent. Churches, cathedrals and mission outposts can all be found spread across the countries of South America.

About the Author:

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Author: Jason Gadayan

There it is, plenty of mountains, beaches, adventures and history, all at an affordable price. What are you waiting for your next trip to South America?

As a matter of fact, if you are reading this, you have already decided to go there or, at least ,you are thinking about it. But, where to? I will show you my three favorite locations in South America, you choose by your own.

Peru: Macchu Picchu and The Inca’s Road

Are you the kind of person interested in history and archeological marvels or you would rather go looking for adventure, and a little (or more) fun within it? Whatever option you chose, Peru is the right place for you to go.

Five hundred years ago, the Spaniards ransacked and destroyed most of the legacy of the Inca Civilization. They could not, however, reach the sacred city of Macchu Picchu. These almost intact ruins where found in the twentieth century, and access to the city is believed to have been reserved for the emperor (the Inca) and the nobility (Hiran Bingham, founder of the remains, held that priestesses were raised and prepared here, but this is refused by current scientists)

Macchu Picchu is also some kind of world spiritual centre, people of all credos consider it an incredible point of contact with the spirit. But reaching the Macchu Picchu without walking the Inca’s Road, one of the most spectacular walking roads of the world, would be a sin. The Incas had built a road system only comparable to the one that the Ancient Romans built. The best kept part of the Inca’s road is the one that goes from Aguas Calientes to Macchu Picchu. After paying a USD 50 rate (USD 25 for students with international card), you will be able to start three unforgettable days in which you will walk 60 miles of mountains, with incredible vegetation and landscape.

The contact with the local people is one of the most attractive sides of traveling to South America, and this is particularly noticeable on the Inca’s Road.. You will find several “postas” all along the way (the antique places where Incas messengers got rest), and the natives hired for carrying the heavy luggage (the “portadores”) still resemble those antique messengers: they run at an incredibly rhythm; when you arrive to the “posta” they will have already set up your tent. However, not only rest is to be expected at the end of the day: depending on which “posta” you choose to stop, you can be received but one of the parties enjoyed by the innumerable youngsters that visit Macchu Picchu from all around the world.

The Inca’s Road is usually preceded by a visit to Cusco, the capital of the Inca Empire, and one of the greatest urban monuments from Colonial times in Latin America.

Yet, if I were you, I would start from the Argentine city of Salta, visit Bolivia, the Titicaca Lake, and just then go to Cusco. It is a bit longer, yes, but you will never forget it.

Brazil, always Brazil

What else can be said of Brazil that you have not heard about? Brazil is not a place to be visited once, it is a place to fall in love with. Brazil is also one of the largest countries of the globe, so my first advice is to get a travel guide book, and also one of those promotional plane tickets including 5 destinations for a reduced price.

Brazilians are worldwide known for their eternal smile and happiness; they tend to have less prejudices regarding human relations. That may be the reason why you will find a party almost wherever you find a Brazilian. Although Rio is “the” place for nightclubs, discos, and related events, the entire coast of Brazil is a permanent party.

If you are planning a trip for two, let me recommend you Trindage, an almost unnoticed place between Rio and Sao Paulo. The road ends at Parati, a beautiful beach town known for its Colonial architecture. After Parati, you will have to walk 8 kms. (around 3 miles). Renting a car is an option too, but I prefer hitchhiking. Every night there are reggae parties on the beach, and the sky is so clean that you will see several falling stars. You can a take a bath in of the rivers of the zone, but please remember not using soap in order to keep the environment unpolluted.

For those who enjoy adventures, the Amazon is a huge challenge. If you want to visit the jungle but without taking big risks, it is always nice to visit the mythic city of Manaos, with its Opera and its glorious past. Manaos is today a tax-free zone, so you may also find very cheap electronic devices.

Buenos Aires: the most pretentious city in South America

I was not surprised when I read that a London magazine has chosen Buenos Aires as the ‘sexiest city in the world’. With most of its population of European origins, and the frenzy proper of a big city, Buenos Aires has an incredible night life. Fancy nightclubs and pubs (accessible to the tourist, because of the low local currency, the Argentine Peso) are concurred by both young and mature people.

I would recommend going to one of the exclusive restaurants located in Puerto Madero, eat some Argentine meat, and then start the night at the Recoleta, the fanciest zone in Buenos Aires. You will ask yourself whether you are in Milan or Paris (do not dear to remind an Argentine they are from South America, they will get mad at you!).

Culturally, Buenos Aires is the most active city in South America. Writers, film directors, philosophers and artists of all kind are usually in the city giving performances or conferences.

If you like Theater, Corrientes Av. is some sort of local Broadway, all along which you will find uncountable spectacles. Of course, you cannot leave Buenos Aires without visiting the Colon Theatre, the most refined of its kind in South America.

During the day, you can visit San Telmo square, place of bohemians and artists, home of Tango, the Argentine typical dance. You can always go to a “tangueria” (tango bar) and get some lessons or just enjoy the sensual movements of the dancers.

For the weekend, going to a soccer match is a must. If you want to go to the biggest stadium in Argentina, go to the River Plate Stadium. However, if you prefer something slightly smaller but much more intense, go to the antagonist Boca Juniors Stadium, where 60,000 souls tight in a reduced space make literally vibrate the concrete. Soccer is not just a sport for the Argentines, it is a passion. Although Argentine beaches are not famous, you can enjoy several near Buenos Aires.

The most crowded is Mar del Plata, but the most beautiful is perhaps Necochea. If you are thinking on going a little more to the south, you can visit Las Grutas, the most southern beach where you can take a bath (below that, it is freezing cold). As a matter of fact, this would be an excellent excuse for visiting the entire Patagonia, with the lakes, the mountains and the Pampa, but this is subject for another article on traveling to South America…

Additional resources and information can be found by going to: http://www.TravelToSouthAmerica.com

About the Author:

Jason Gadayan is a contributing writer for http://www.TravelToSouthAmerica.com

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/travel-to-south-america-the-three-faces-of-south-america-10569.html

We went to Salta somewhat begrudgingly, but we accepted it out of convenience and feeling responsible to be thorough. Salta is the largest city in little visited northwestern Argentina and serves as a transport hub for travelers entering from Bolivia. Upon arrival we felt the stark contrast of culture, dress and genetic heritage between Argentina and the other South American countries we had visited. Everything seemed so much more like what we remember the states to be and the indigenous influence that we had become accustomed to was completely absent. By the second day I commented on “missing” South America because the difference was so pronounced. It made us realize more the unique culture that the Central Andean countries have with ancient traditions surviving and coexisting in the modern world. I felt a little guilty for not appreciating the value of our experiences at the time. While we reflected on that we also looked forward to the comforts that Argentina would provide.

While we were still in Huaraz, Peru we made two fateful decisions. One, we would add Argentina to our country list. Two, we would explore the potential for our own cycling “training camp”. After some poking around we’d anticipated on locating our “training camp” in Mendoza but had decided to look at Salta also though we had low expectations. Thus we found ourselves climbing off the bus at 2am and taxiing to the municipal campground.

We weren’t sure what to expect with the campground, our camping in South America thus far having been entirely in the backcountry. Turns out that it’s a pretty good deal. For around $2 USD you get a secure place to pitch your tent, a communal bathroom with hot showers, BBQ grill and at this particular location the biggest honkin swimming pool you have ever laid eyes on. We came in at night and assumed the pool was a lake. The thing is seriously 300m (176 smoots) long and is easily visible with satellite imaging software. We ended up spending almost a week in Salta and realized the obvious drawback to such a huge pool, half of Salta shows up there on the weekends. Crowded barely described the situation. On the bright side though our things were left completely unmolested while we weren’t there. The pool also provided us with a surprise triathlon one morning, prospects for training in Argentina were look in up.

We divided our time away from the campsite between two pursuits, scoping out the bike situation and coffee. Observation of siesta varies from country to country and it so happens that Argentines are devout practitioners of the mid-day respite. Thankfully the cafes around the main plaza stay open so we had somewhere to hunker down and wait for the city to wake up a second time. Don´t think that I´m complaining though; amazing espresso (thanks to Italian influence), complementary pastries, free high-speed Wi-Fi and a familiar atmosphere made passing the time a pleasure.

When we were able to get out and talk to people we were directed from one bike shop to the next all over town in the search for road bikes and beta. With leads seeming to open up just after hitting a dead-end we were in a constant state of “here we go again”. After two days of almost getting somewhere we made a breakthrough at an unlikely looking shop a the corner of Jujuy and Mendoza, a place called Saramiento Bike Shop run by Carlos Saramiento. As luck would have it Carlos, a quiet man with a penetrating gaze, is the President of the Salta Cycling Association. Jackpot! When we walked into the unassuming shop (mostly low end sales and cheap repairs) posted on the wall were results from the previous weekend’s race, a list of more than twenty cyclists. Carlos seemed skeptical of our plan to maybe return in a few months however, his daughter (also a racer) was very enthusiastic and helpful. After talking with them we felt confident that we could secure bikes, have some descent places to ride them, and training partners if we so desired.

Leaving the shop we figured it would take just as long to walk back to the campsite as to wait for a bus. Our luck continued because on the way we passed a very clean, modern, and large bike store. It didn’t take long to find out that they had several used bikes that would meet our needs plus lots of new bikes and accessories. It felt like we had won the lottery twice.

With the bike situation looking surprisingly promising in Salta we decided to head up the local mirador via the teleferico and have a look around at the country side. We bought one-way tickets up and hopped in the gondola. As soon as we rose above the buildings the surrounding mountains lept into view. We aren’t talkin snow capped Cordillera Blanca here, but then again skinny tires aren’t much good in the snow. As we ascended three obvious routes became apparent. Then as we neared the summit we realized why one-way tickets were available, a beautiful, twisting, well paved road leads to the summit as well. The road was clearly popular with local runners and would serve us as well. The view from the summit simply made us giddy. We could really see ourselves staying and training here. Mendoza was really going to have to step it up to win our favor.

Here is the original:
Salta Pt. 1

Originally posted here:
Time for a plan