Though Brazil is the largest Catholic country in the world, within its borders is a far more diverse religious melting pot often stirred by the country’s rich African roots, which are most evident in the northeastern state of Bahia. Here, Brazil’s most well-known Afro-Brazilian religion, Candomblé, maintains a powerful following. READ MORE

For pristine, above-the-treeline back-country skiing, tremendous vertical drop and the opportunity to ski in the shadow of Aconcagua, South America’s tallest peak, cat-skiing at Ski Arpa, has an offer that is unparalleled in Chile, and much of the world. Add to that the fact that Chilean winter comes during North America’s “off season” period, and the decision is simple. READ MORE

At Chapelco Ski Resort, near the town of San Martín de los Andes, the stunning scenery nearly outshines the thrills of the slopes. Mount Chapelco looms 6,496 feet above cerulean Lake Lácar, and many of its twenty groomed ski and snowboard trails run through tall forests of lenga (pictured above), a type of beech tree native to the southern Andes. READ MORE

When tourists come to Quito they often visit the central historical district, the tourism district known as the Mariscal, and some of the other attractions around the northern half of the city.  But the largest part of Quito–the rural area–often goes unnoticed and unexplored.

Most think of Quito in an urban context, but that really is only part of the story.  Quito, in its entirety, is divided into 32 urban parishes and 33 rural parishes.  Rural Quito is much larger than urban Quito.  But what is there to find in the Quito countryside? READ MORE

Imagine waking up to the sound of a howler monkey and a mixed flock of birds in the tree next to your cabin, watching scarlet macaws flying over the trees and a jaguar lying on a river beach.

Once-in-a-lifetime experience

If you are searching for a once-in-a-lifetime experience, then you should definitely visit the Manu. Working in the rainforest was one of the best times of my life, and thankfully I can go back whenever I want and enjoy its natural beauty. READ MORE

To many people, Juan Valdez is just an image of a mustachioed guy in a hat – kind of like a caffeine cowboy. But in Colombia, he – and, more importantly, his namesake coffee shop – is much more than that. The cafe, run by the National Federation of Coffee Growers of Colombia, is a way for the nation’s coffee-growers to showcase their product beyond an image and bring it into people’s daily lives. READ MORE

Just a few miles east of the Chilean border lies the northernmost ski resort in Argentina, Penitentes. The resort encompasses 740 acres of skiable terrain, with 20 groomed trails for beginner to expert skiers. Snowboarders are welcomed at the resort, as well. From the Penitentes slopes, you will be surrounded by the High Andes—you can even spot Aconcagua, the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere. READ MORE

Pucón is Chile’s adventure sports capital, with a beautiful, volcanic-formed topography including the snow-covered Villarica volcano that peeks out on sunny days. In and around Pucón there are great opportunities for biking, hiking, canopy, rafting, skiing, horseback riding, canopy, rock-climbing (some of these only in season), and to wrap it all up at the end of the day, plentiful hot springs to choose from to suit every taste from rustic to elegant, and all-inclusive resorts. READ MORE

For the greatest of aficionados it causes the heart to race even though it moves no faster than 25 miles per hour.  It is both a time machine and a modern marvel offering nostalgic voyages in a setting unlike any other on the planet.

The Ecuador railway, originally constructed at the turn of the 20^th century, has been restored in recent years and is positioned to become the star attraction in Ecuadorean tourism.  Considering that Ecuador is home to both the Galapagos Islands and Amazon jungle, that is saying a lot. READ MORE

Every year hundreds of surfers from around the world come to visit north and south coast of Peru, famous for its year-round warm water and uncrowded break points. But the surfing history in Peru began further back than you probably imagine.

The ancient cultures of Mochica and Chimu located in northern Peru, created first water crafts for surfing called Caballito de totora. They were used by fishermen in order to beat the powerful waves and get seafood. This water crafts are believed to be the earliest evidence of men using a device for entering the ocean. You can still see them in Huanchaco in Trujillo. READ MORE