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The Wonderful Creatures of The Galapagos Islands
A wonder of creation, the Galapagos Islands have captured the
imagination of poets and biologists alike. Separated from the
mainland in the waters of Ecuador, evolution created stunning
endemic creatures such as the giant tortoise and the sea iguana,
animals found only on the Galapagos. The most groundbreaking
work ever to be published concerning evolution, “The Origin of
Species”, was based on observations made on the Galapagos
Islands by Charles Darwin.
Lake Titicaca
Lake Titicaca evokes a spiritual tranquility and is the most
beautiful lake I’ve ever seen. It touches the clouds at an
altitude of 12.532 ft. (3.820 m.) with amazing dark blue waters
never seen before. Titicaca, the biggest freshwater lake of
South America, lies on the borders of Bolivia and Peru and hosts
some wonderful islands such as “The Floating Islands” and “The
Island of the Sun”.
Machu Picchu – The Lost City of The Incas
Machu Picchu, the Lost city of the Incas, is a mystical, sacred
place. The ruins are one of the most enigmatic and beautiful
ancient ruins in the world. Rediscovered on July 24, 1911 by
Yale archaeologist Hiram Bingham, Machu Picchu (meaning ‘Old
Peak’ in Quechua, the language spoken by the Incas) was thought
to be a sanctuary for the preparation of priestesses and brides
for the Inca nobility. The dramatic setting in a remote area of
the Peruvian Andes enhances the shroud of mystery even more. I
invite you to visit Machu Picchu – The Lost City of The Incas at
www.travel-amazing-southamerica.com/machu-picchu.html.
Patagonia
Patagonia is without doubt one of the most mesmerizing places of
the world. It encompasses the South of both Argentina and Chile.
The name Patagonia stands for ‘Land of the Big Feet’. Legends
say that discoverer Ferdinand Magellan and his crew saw a tribe
of nine foot tall giants with big feet. He named the tribe the
Patagons or big feet. It’s paradise for the adventurous traveler
with landscapes impossible to imagine. Highlights are whale
watching in Puerto Madryn, visiting Ushuaia (the southernmost
city of the world) and hiking in Torres del Paine national park.
Salar de Uyuni
The big secret of South America is without doubt the Salar de
Uyuni, the worlds largest salt flat, in Bolivia. It’s the
largest in the world, a staggering 4.025 square miles (10.500
square km.). The beautiful Fish Island (Isla Pescada) gives an
wonderful contrast with the salt lake. The “salar” continues in
the atacama desert, near the border of Chile, with geysers, the
red and green lake, hot baths and a never ceasing tranquility
Mark Van Overmeire is an experienced traveler, composer and
photographer.
Released his first full CD Impr
esiones in 2004 with compositions based on his 4 year
stay in South America.
Founder of Travel
Amazing South America, a travel website with many
wonderful photographs, stories and tips.
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.
Panama is considered as one of the key crossroads in the world, serving as a land bridge between North and South America. It is also the waterway between the Atlantic and the Pacific. Panama has everything that qualifies it as a Central American hotspot – a teeming wildlife, wonderful sandy beaches, a haven for scuba divers, world class fishing areas, reliable transportation, English-proficient population and cosmopolitan capital city – minus the crowd.
If you are visiting Panama, it is a must that you see the Panama Canal – one of the largest and most difficult engineering projects in the world. We all know the huge impact its construction has on shipping and the controversies the builders had to face to accomplish this feat – it’s a must that we pay tribute.
The Casco Viejo de Panama is one of the oldest city in the Pacific Coast of the Americas. Located at the mouth of the Panama Canal, a few minutes away from Panama City, it is reminiscent of the French Quarter in New Orleans and is a true cultural gem.
The capital city of the Republic of Panama, aptly named as Panama City, is located at the Pacific entrance of the Panama Canal. It has a blend of old Spain and modern America and is perfect for travelers who are looking for a taste of history with the conveniences of modern living. Some of the old colonial buildings such as the Court of Justice, Plaza de Francia, Paseo de las Bovedas and the Santo Domingo Church are just some of the interesting places to visit. The old city, Salon Bolivar, has been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. You will also find one of the most interesting museums in the country in Panama City – the Panamanian Man.
Colon, the biggest city in Panama is located in the in the Caribbean end of the Canal. From here, visitors can see the cathedral, and the statues known as the Paseo Centenario. If you are looking for luxury items which are duty free, you will find the shopping center at Front Street as the perfect destination.
At present, Panama is becoming a favorite among travelers particularly because prices here are cheaper than other areas located in Central America and in the Caribbean. From Panama vacation homes to food and other activities, you will find something that will fit your budget. A visit to Panama is also very convenient it has a long tradition of service to foreigners and is accessible through direct flights. Transportation around the country is also very easy because of its supreme architecture. The country also has one of the most stable democracies in Latin America so it is considered as a safe destination. It is rarely affected by natural disasters, being the only hurricane free zone in Central America and it has a low crime rate making it one of the top choices for a family vacation.
In Panama, history and nature is just a few breaths away. Experience Latin America with lesser the crowd, reserve one of the many vacation homes in South America today. Are you planning on visiting places in Panama, South America? Check out the different Vacation Homes in South America at http://www.rentalmadeeasy.com
South America has long been a continent associated with exploration and adventure. Geographically diverse and with a fascinating ancient culture, it has attracted dedicated explorers and casual travellers alike for decades. From scenes of outstanding natural beauty to ancient Inca cities, there is plenty to see on a South America trekking holiday.
The continent as a whole is huge, and it would take months to see just the one or two major sights of each country. But if you are planning on visiting South America, consider making at least one of the following places the centrepiece of your holiday…
Machu Picchu, Peru
One of the most famous architectural sites in the world, ‘The Lost City of the Incas’ has long been one of the major attractions for South America trekking holidays, and it certainly lives up to the hype. Perched on top of an isolated mountainside, this excellently preserved set of ruins lay undiscovered until the beginning of the 20th century, and is perhaps the finest set of ancient Inca site on the continent.
Whether you walk the famous Inca Trail, stay in the nearby town of Aguas Calientes, or just visit for day on the train from Cusco, there are numerous ways to see Machu Picchu. While you are there, make sure to climb up the nearby mountain of Huayna Picchu for some spectacular views of the ruins from above.
Igauzu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
When medieval sailors imagined the edge of the earth as a series of endless waterfalls, perhaps they thought of something that looked like the Iguazu Falls. This stunning series of waterfalls, located on the triple border between Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay, is one of South America’s natural wonders. Surrounded by lush jungle, there are numerous walking routes around the waterfalls, as well as the opportunity to take a short boat trip right beneath the most impressive section of the falls. It’s an ideal destination for a spot of South America trekking.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
This cluster of islands, located off the coast of Ecuador, is home to one of the world’s most unique and fascinating ecosystems. Isolated from the mainland for centuries, the island is home to many unique species of plants and animals. It is a botanists’ paradise (providing Charles Darwin with much of the research for The Origin of Species) that is also ideal for walkers to wander around. Entry to the region is tightly controlled, but most visits combine a mixture of cruising and walking around the islands. If you are fascinated by animals, the Galapagos Islands are simply a must see!
Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
There are many places to go trekking in South America, but few can match the Torres del Paine National park. Centred around the stunning Torres del Paine mountains and with surrounding countryside that includes glaciers, lakes and thick forests, the park is a delightful place to explore on foot. Single day and multi day treks are available for all skill levels, and if you want to experience some of the finest South America trekking, don’t miss out on Torres del Paine.
Tony Maniscalco is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Ramblers Worldwide Holidays. Operating since 1946, they now offer over 250 guided group walking holidays in more than 90 different countries. On South America trekking holidays with Ramblers Worldwide Holidays, you can walk the most scenic locations & landscapes at the best value prices.
Set between the Caribbean, the South Pacific, and the South Atlantic Oceans, South America is the land of attractions. This continent can also be referred as the land of superlatives. The continent is the home to Amazon, The world’s biggest rainforest, Angel Falls, the world’s tallest waterfall, and Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego, the frozen landscapes. While the Remote islands like Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha are great attractions of South America, the pristine beaches in Brazil’s Northeastern region also have their own magic.
Apart from breathtaking natural attractions, South America treasures ruins of ancient civilizations. Machu Picchu and other Inca cities are fine examples of these. One can also explore the Serra da Capivara, the oldest rock paintings or admire the modern architecture of Brasilia. While traveling to South America, do not miss out the chance to take part in colorful festivities. Some of the most remarkable names in this context include Rio’s Carnival, the Vendimia festival and Belem’s Cirio de Nazare, etc. Featuring all these fascinating attractions, South America continues to allure visitors like no other place on the earth.
South America, the southern continent of the Americas, covers about 3.5% of world’s total land area that is approx 17,840,000 square kilometers. It is surrounded by Pacific Ocean to the west and north, the Atlantic to the east, North America and the Caribbean Sea to the northwest. South America consists of 15 countries. The continent has a population of approx 371,090,000.
Machu Picchu, Peru: Machu Picchu, the fortress city of the Incas is situated 8,000 feet above sea level. This pre-Columbian ruin is the scared symbols of the Inca Empire. Constructed, during 1430 AD, this ruin was declared UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 1983. Situated on a mountain ridge, Machu Picchu was made in the traditional Inca style.
Salar de Uyuni: Salar de Uyuni, largest salt flat in the world is one of the major attractions in Bolivia. 3,656 meters above the sea level, it is located near the peak of the Andes. Salar de Uyuni is at present a dried hill with enormous cacti. In this site you can explore tourist areas like Bloques de Sal, Salt-mining area, Laguna Colorada, Laguna Celeste, Valles de Rocas, Train Graveyard and Laguna Hedionda.
Lake Titicaca: This fascinating lake is located between Bolivia and Peru. Tourists throng to this lake each and every year. 3800 meters above sea level, a tour to this lake will be an unforgettable experience for you. This lake was once the sacred place for the Inca civilization.
Angel Falls: The highest waterfall in the world is located in the Canaima National Park. Situated in Venezuela, this waterfall was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Other must see places in South America are Amazon, Nazca Lines, Peru, Cartagena, Colombia, Patagonia, Easter Island, Rio de Janeiro, Galapagos Archipelago, Santiago, Iguazu Falls of Argentina a, Tierra del Fuego, The Great Blue Hole, Los Katios National Park Colombia, Buck Island Reef National Monument, US Virgin Islands, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Costa Rica, Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, La Antigua Guatemala, Placencia Beach Belize, Huacachina and Historic Centre of Salvador.
Monoj is an enthusiastic writer about Travel, Homes and Family, Retirement, Lifestyle and Health. He is keen in providing useful information on the internet. He writes on travel destinations for www.youmustsee.com. Most interesting must see places in North America, Europe, South America, Caribbean islands, Africa, Oceania and Asia can be found here for serious travelers all across the world.
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