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Human-Made Wonders of Africa, Australia, and the Americas


www.tmwmedia.com Explores the structures of Macchu Picchu, Easter Island, the Pyramids, Panama Canal, Statue of Liberty and more.

Cartagena de Indias – Part II


Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, has been described as one of the most beautiful cities on the American continent. UNESCO made the city a World Heritage Site in 1984. Thess are some clips from my last trip in January 2008.

Machu Picchu, Cuzco, Peru 1950


This is some of the earliest color footage of Machu Picchu in Cuzco, Peru taken in June and July of 1950. The film begins at a railroad station with people in a cattle car and men on the roof playing instruments. A woman spins at a busy marketplace. The camera pans a narrow steep gorge approaching Machu Picchu revealing terrace farming on side of steep mountain, the valley at base of Machu Picchu, sunrise over terrace farms and ruins, and water coming out of ” princess” quarters. Inca stone buildings amid terrace forms on high steep side of mountain near the peak. The camera tracks the view from the plane back to Lima looking southeast toward the mountains. All rights are reserved by the University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology (Penn Museum). Any use of the footage in productions is forbidden unless rights have been secured by contacting the Penn Museum Archives at 215-898-8304, or emailfilms@museum.upenn.edu. This film and all of the films in the Penn Museum collection are copyrighted by the Penn Museum, and are not in the public domain. Full length footage can be seen at www.archive.org

Ben Harper – Alone (acoustic)


Video to the song Alone from Ben Harper. All images are shot during the time I lived in Suriname and when I travelled to Guyana. Special thanks goes out to the wonderful people of South America. Dream. Explore. Discover.

South America Travel ? Vacation Trip to Peru

A trip to Peru is fascinating and magical. Travel Peru’s varied scenery, from desert coastline to lush mountains and fertile valleys, sampling its tasty seafood and absorbing its ancient culture among the most interesting experiences in South America. Sightseeing in Peru is an other-worldly experience. It offers a plethora of scenic landscapes as well as a cultural mix that is evident in both the architecture and customs. The first taste makes the traveler curious to know more.

Visit Machu Picchu, the most recognized settlement of the Incas, located in the southern Peruvian Andes in a unique and mystical setting. Touring this holy place is to witness an archaeological site with architectonic and engineering innovations which have survived the ages. There are no words to describe the magnificence of such a scene which has become one of the most highly sought destinations for tour operators in Peru.

Cordillera Blanca is the perfect place for trekking, climbing, cycling, rafting or to simply enjoy the highest mountain in Peru. Huascaran National Park includes the whole Cordillera Blanca above 4.000 m and due of its character of Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, visiting this part of central Peru is a dream comes true for nature and archeology lovers.

The famous Nazca lines, located in the southwest of the country, are a set of gigantic ancient zoomorphic and geometric figures, some simple and others more complex. All images are mapped onto the surface and can be seen in their entirety only from the air. There are more questions than answers about how between 200 BC and 700 inhabitants of this desert were able to draw such immense images on the ground. Close by is located Cerro Blanco, which, with a height of 2078 m is the highest dune in the world, an ideal destination for sand boarding and paragliding in Peru.

Peru is a country with a strong indigenous tradition that can be seen in the colorful markets where each item can be viewed as a small masterpiece. Pisac, a small town located in the Sacred Valley, is one of the best ways to see how the Quechua tradition is experienced today. Pisac´s Sunday Market is well-known and is ideal for having direct contact with locals who are selling their products. At the same time, Pisac is an ideal starting point for tour to Peru, visiting archaeological sites, breathtaking scenery and the local flora and fauna.

Travel to Peru is discovering new tastes and scents, unique music, hallowed stories and congenial people. Ancient history and modern life run together in a poetic and captivating way, resulting in a beautiful country hard to leave behind.

Pawan writes about Peru Vacations provides by SouthAmerica.travel a unique South America tour operator including Machu Picchu trips, tours to Cuzco, Lake Titiacaca or you can Customize your Peru Tour online.

Visit The World Wonder’s Of South America With This Suggested Itinerary

If you want to visit some of few of the ever expanding list of world wonders, you should try this suggested itinerary of South America’s best. 

You will start your trip in Brazil’s Rio de Janeiro, home to Christ the Redeemer, of the New Seven Wonders of the World according to the New 7 Wonders Foundation.  It is also home to the Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, one of the listed Seven Natural Wonders of the World as compiled by CNN.  It is recommended you stay a few days to enjoy the beaches, mountains, music, food and life of Rio.  Be sure to explore the Sugarloaf Mountain and Barra de Tijuca as well as Corcovado to visit the famous Statue of Christ the Redeemer. The spectacular views and phenomenal night life will surely suck you in if the food does not hook you!

You will then hop on a flight to the incredible Iguazu Falls where you will have the opportunity to wander the National Park’s trails that wind past hundreds of waterfalls.  As a finale, you can take the ecological train ride to have a chance to visit the famous main attraction of Devil’s Throat. This 55,500 hectare reserve will leave you inspired by nature’s beauty and Mother Nature’s awesome power.  Spend a few days here and take an organized tour as well as wander on your own. 

Next, it is recommended that you head down to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s European and sophisticated capital city.  Start by taking a city tour to get your bearings and catch the highlights that you can visit.  It is also suggested you do a dinner that is complemented by a Tango show.  As cliché as it might be, this is the capital of Tango dancing and you will be blown away by the passion and beauty of this sensual dance as well as the pride the locals take in this national activity.

After you have absorbed the very European lifestyles of Buenos Aires, jump on the airplane to visit Cusco, once the capital of the Inca Empire.  A sharp contrast from the bustling commercial European city, Cusco is a humble city and a treasure of the Andes.  The city is built on ruins and is authentically Spanish colonial with its terracotta roofs and colonial era architecture.  With ruins in and around the city you can spend a few days enjoying this historic and cultural location while acclimatizing to the altitude.  Tour the Sacred Valley and then get ready for the cherry on top, Machu Picchu. 

Either trek or take the train to the famous site of Machu Picchu.  What is said to have been a highly exclusive religious site for the Inca, this World Wonder is hidden at the top of the mountain with the town of Aguas Calientes at its feet.  Take a guided tour and wander the rest of the day.  You can also head down to the town and visit the hot springs and check into one of the awesome hotels.   From here, the rest of South America is left to visit!  If you want to add on another World Wonder listed by the American Society of Civil Engineers, add a day or two to visit Itaipu Dam on the Parana River between Brazil and Paraguay.  If you don’t have much more time, head home and start planning your next South America vacation!

This guide to South America’s World Wonders and Peru vacations was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less, specialists in high value, fully customizable tours and packages.

Culinary Traditions of South America: Argentina

Argentina is South America’s second largest country, snugly situated between the Andes mountain range, the Pacific Ocean, and the South American countries of Brazil, Paraguay, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. Being situated in such a manner, Argentina is exposed to many different cultural influences from all directions, including countries all the way across the Pacific. Spain took it upon themselves to permanently settle in the country in the late 1500s, and remained there until Buenos Aires formally emancipated themselves in 1853. One of the most remarkable differences between Argentine Cuisine and exotic cuisines from around the world is the heavy influence that the cuisine of the Italian and Spanish cultures had on it.

Startlingly enough, due to the influence of the Italian culture on the country of Argentina, Italian food staples such as lasagna, pizza, pasta, and ravioli are commonly seen on the Argentine table, at least in the country’s major cities. Unusually enough (when it comes to Italian food), white bread is also common, as are side dishes made of vegetables native to Argentina, such as potatoes, eggplants, squash, cucumbers, and zucchini.

Argentina is also one of the world’s leading producers of milk, wheat, corn, and meat (including, but not limited to beef, goat meat, pork, and lamb) so naturally, these things are very common in the Argentine dish. Argentine dishes are normally very high in protein, so grilled meats are commonly seen on a plate of Argentine food.

Empanadas, pastries stuffed with meat or cheese, are also an Argentine favorite. They are commonly served in Argentine restaurants, and are national favorites. Empanadas are normally eaten baked or fried, and are often served at parties or festivals as appetizers. The dessert version of an empanada usually consists of brown sugar or fruit such as apples or oranges.

In smaller cities, the foreign influences of Spain and Italy are less apparent. Milanese’s, thin slivers of meat dipped in eggs, bread crumbs, and then fried in oil, are common fare in the rural areas of Argentina. Their simplicity makes them great snacks, but they can also be served as part of a meal piping hot served with mashed potatoes, or between two slices of bread as a sandwich.

The master chefs are more apt to return to the more classic, provincial style of preparing and cooking food, which bears more of a resemblance to Mexican cuisine than that of Italy. Bolder, more intense spices are used. Calling forth once more the Spanish influences in Argentina, Argentine cooks are famous for their tortillas; unlike the Mexican version of the tortilla the Argentines use potato dough, in contrast to the traditional Mexican corn or flour tortilla.

Desserts are more popular in these areas, as well. Dulcet de lecher (which roughly translates into “Milk Jam”), a sweet pudding of sugar and milk, is a popular dessert in Argentina. This lightly brown-colored pudding is eaten alone, or stuffed in cakes or pies. Sometimes the treat is also crystallized into a solid wafer-like candy substance.

Places to visit ? South America

South America is located in southern continent of Americas and is bordered by Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. South America is a great travel destination and has numerous beautiful places to visit

1. Angel Falls (Venezuela) – The world’s highest waterfall
2. Amazon River – World’s largest river by volume
3. Andes – Largest mountain range
4. World’s largest rainforest – the Amazon

These are just few of the travel destinations in South America and you really need to plan your trip in advance to make the best out of the trip. Here are some of the other recommended things to do on your South American Tour –

1. Islands – There are numerous beautiful islands in South America and with their own unique attraction. You can go to the Paradise Islands which have palm trees (at the Caribbean Sea) or you can go to the Islands of Rio De Janeiro. All the islands are beautiful and fun place to be with your friends or family.

2. Galapagos Islands – Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands consists of 13 large islands and 6 small islands. These islands are home to amazing species of animals, birds and plants. Some of the beautiful creatures to see are the giant tortoises, dolphins, iguana and more.

3. Lake Titicaca – Located in Peru, this lake is the world’s highest navigable lake

4. Machu Picchu is one of the most amazing places in South America and is the best known Inca site in South America.

5. Angel Falls –Angel Falls is world’s highest water fall and is a site of cultural and spiritual significance to Venezuelan tribes. You can arrange for a tour to this beautiful destination from the nearest town, Ciudad Bolívar by boat or a plane.

Since tour is an opportunity which needs to be explored and enjoyed to the fullest, it is best advised that you avail the services of tour operators who can provide you with standard as well as customised deals. One such tour operator is Travel Projects who specialise in South American Tours and have a variety of options for your travel needs. Know more at: www.travelprojects.com.au

Having travelled all over the world and tasted the culture and cuisine of almost all major countries, Jack Lyon now resides in Melbourne. These days he likes to tell people about his travels through his articles.

Why did you come to South America?


An european friend explaining his reasons to come to south america

Historical Time Travel Lifestyles In South America


A2Z-DVD-50013 – This priceless, 2-DVD set will provide and insight to the people, places, cultural and social growth of the South American people. It describes new, hi-tech deployments in farms and emphasizes the trend towards modernization of farming methods. An ageless collection of films taking you half a century back includes a journey through the lifestyles afforded to the people of Patagonia through their focus on agriculture, the then booming economy and the colorful culture of Uruguayan peoples. A fantastic film of an American oil company executive who relocates to Venezuela and went to work for the Creole Petroleum Company. A tourist’s view of Haiti and to round it off a sensationalist “documentary” with remarkable cinematography on the Agua area of Guatemala. Take home a vintage collection of Black &White as well as Color films by world renowned producers like Julien Bryan, Mary Darling, Teleview Productions (Emerson Yorke Studios), Ideal Pictures Corp. and Sound Masters, Inc. Take a tour into the lives of people from historic South America.

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