Parks

At 269 feet high, 490 feet wide, and 2,300 feet long, the horseshoe-shaped Devil’s Throat waterfall provides an undeniably impressive
spectacle. But what really makes this cascade worth visiting is what’s nearby. For in Iguazu Falls National Park, in northeastern Argentina,
Devil’s Throat is just one of more than 260 waterfalls visitors can see. Every one of the waterfalls is cloaked in palm trees and thick jungle,
with resident toucans, capuchin monkeys, and a rainbow-spectrum of butterflies. READ MORE

When people think of visiting the rain forest in Ecuador, images of jungle lodges along the Amazon River tributaries come to mind.

The Amazon begins at the base of the Eastern Cordilleras of the Andes, but what sits on the other side of the mountains along the slopes of the Western Cordillera or mountain range? Many tourists have actually discovered some wonderful destinations in the tropical and cloud forests just a couple hours west of the capital city of Quito. READ MORE

Peru is considered one of the most- biodiverse countries in the world with some unbeatable records such as number one in diversity of butterflies and number two on birds species. If you are a nature lover, Peru offers not only lively culture but unique experiences in diverse ecosytems.

Top nature destinations:

1. Macaws at the Tambopata National Reserve
It might be because I used to work as a guide here or because I love forests but I am in love with these trees, river and birds. READ MORE

Carved by the rivers and estuaries, which find their outlet to the sea in this warm and humid expanse of urbanity, Guayaquil, Ecuador’s largest city, offers visitors a blend of nature, history, and tradition. Here are eight great places to check out as you stroll around the city: READ MORE

Chile celebrates its independence from Spain in September and the entire month is recognized as the “Month of the Nation.” The weather has begun to change, spring has almost arrived and the sun sets the mood for a celebration.

Fiestas Patrias, or more commonly, Dieciocho, are the names given to the holiday celebrations that take place on September 18 and 19. This year festivities will also take place on Monday the 17th. But don’t be surprised if you discover that the celebrations already got started. Because Chileans are patriotic and like to always have fun, the Fiestas Patrias provide a great excuse for a party. READ MORE

Every year 100,000 tourists visit the Galapagos Islands National Park, with 70% of them staying on cruise ships, boats, or yachts. They tour the islands by day and sleep on the vessels by night. Though they see a lot, it is often a hurried itinerary, packed with activities and constant transfers from the boat, to the dingy, to the island, and back. Then it is off to the next island to do it all over again.

Perhaps one of the greatest and most overlooked experiences on the Galapagos Islands is just staying put and not racing from one island to another. Two islands are best positioned for enjoying all of the Galapagos: Isabela and Santa Cruz. READ MORE

There is only one thing Ecuadorians have on their mind in the month of August–the beach. This is the month when the people of the sierra (highlands) head for the coast. And it is undoubtedly Ecuador’s most under-appreciated destination by international tourists. Everyone comes for the Galapagos and the jungle while skipping one third of the country’s richest tourism destinations.

Take a brief tour down the coast of Ecuador from North to South…

Northern Coast: Esmeraldas Province

We begin in the Province of Esmeraldas. First stop, Tonsupa, a beach where high rise condos dot the beaches. Next, Atacames, one of the region’s party beaches, fun for some, but not recommended if all you want is to hear the ocean surf. For a relaxing stay, try Puerto Ballesta Hotel.

Further South are the towns of Súa and Same, home to the exclusive Casa Blanca resort and community where many privately owned condos are rented for short stays.

From here, drive down the E-15 highway, a more primitive version of California’s Pacific Coast, and the road turns inland near Tonchigue. Your next stop is Mompiche, a fishing village awakening to the attention of more and more tourists. It caught the surfer’s attention in the 1990s and is now home to the Royal Decameron Mompiche Beach Resort, a 2,000 room hotel and spa on the beach and a village unto itself.

Photo courtesy of Casa Ceibo Hotel

READ MORE

Colombia’s Coffee Triangle has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Landscape. Grab a cup of coffee and keep reading to plan your trip to unique destination.

Armenia, Manizales and Pereira. The temperature in these cities that form the famous coffee triangle fluctuates from 72°F (22°C) to 32° F (18°C). From the small city of Armenia, make your way to the Parque Nacional del Café to enjoy the history and culture of coffee in Colombia. READ MORE

Chile’s capital city is known for its clean streets and diverse urban landscape. You can visit interesting museums, marvel at architectural gems and enjoy great food and entertainment while exploring Santiago de Chile’s neighborhoods.

Day 1: Start your first day in the bohemian borough of Bellavista. A walk around the streets will lead you to the entrance of San Cristobal Hill, where you can reach the top to have a panoramic view of the capital.

For lunch, you can go to a restaurant in the neighborhood and then visit La Chascona, a house built by the author Neruda for his secret love. READ MORE