Tips For Visitors Hiking To Machu Picchu

By Andreas Paschar

Hiking to Machu Picchu offers an excellent method of discovering this very old Incan city. While it was discovered over a hundred years ago and is often referred to as a lone, lost or remote city, it was once the crown of the Incan province. Hikers on the trail will see ruins along the route. The hike provides one of the best methods of understanding this ancient city's significance.

To the Incas, this city, as well as the route leading to it provided both artistic and spiritual significance. Even today, walking along the trail provides a scenic method of visiting the area to visit the location and grasp a better regard for nature as well as the architectural concepts of the Incas. Along the route, it is possible to view exotic vegetation, wildlife and of course, the ruins.

Area visitors will have three different options on their trek to see the city. The most traditional is also the most difficult path and takes four days and three nights to complete. An easier trip is the two days one night trail or the one day hike that includes only the last portion of the easier hike. It is suitable for those who might be out of shape or with little experience in hikes. Porters can be hired to haul the gear if one needs help.

Visitors are no longer allowed to walk any of the trails alone. Organized groups sponsored by officially sanctioned agencies are the most common way to visit. Currently there are 140 agencies. While one can organize his or her own group of two or more visitors, the cost is greatly increased.

Traditional four day hikes include both hand hewn stone stairs as well as trails leading through the mountains, cloud forests, rivers and Incan ruins. Visitors can see rare orchids, more than 400 bird species and occasionally an indigenous bear. The route is 26 miles and includes three mountain passes rising to more than 13,800 feet in elevation.

On the two day hike, visitors will enjoy a reasonable alternative for individuals with less time or who do not have the physical fitness to complete the classic trail. The top elevation on this portion is slightly above 9,000 feet and the climb is relatively easy. However visitors will miss several important ruins and some of the mountain scenery. Campsites are equipped with flush toilets to keep the trail more inviting to visitors.

Before beginning the hike, visitors should plan on spending two or more days in Cusco in order to allow the body to become acclimatized to the higher elevation before beginning their hike. In addition, it is important to take gear that keeps one dry and warm in case of rain or cooler temperatures. Bring comfortable but sturdy waterproof boots and a good backpack.

Making the hike will require some advance planning. At the bare minimum, when hiking to Machu Picchu, one needs to make reservations 15 days in advance. In the busy season of May through October one may want to make reservations 4-6 months in advance. Tourists showing up without reservations are not likely to be able to make the hike.

About the Author:

Check out Peruforless.com for a complete summary of the reasons why you should book Cusco tours, today. You can also get more information about a reputable tour operator at peruforless.com/packages/trekking.php right now.

Why Your Best Option Is To Travel From Panama To Colombia By Boat

By Eliza Mendoza

If adventure is your middle name, your bucket list probably includes traveling from North America and Central America to South America, maybe even all the way from Alaska to Patagonia. It's an epic journey that provides a range of unforgettable experiences and it's not that difficult to accomplish. Some people even do it by cycling, biking or driving down. When planning for your trip, however, you may have to consider the option of getting from Panama to Colombia by boat.

Between Alaska and Patagonia the main road is the Pan American Highway. However, this highway also includes the Darien Gap. The name for this stretch comes from the fact that it's literally a break in the highway which ends in Panama's Yaviza town and then starts again in Colombia's Turbo, less than 100 miles away.

Travelers are advised not to attempt the crossing of the Darien Gap over land. It is extremely dangerous. The road hasn't been completed here because the terrain is so inhospitable, with thick jungle and real risk of deadly tropical diseases, not to mention attacks by local wildlife. Because the area is so remote and few people set foot here, it has become a refuge for armed guerrillas from Colombia and for criminals, especially those working in the drug trade. Robberies, kidnappings and killings are very common here and travelers are often targets.

There are alternative ways to cross the Darien Gap. The easiest and most convenient is to fly. If you're very adventurous, which you probably are if you're undertaking this journey in the first place, flying may feel like a cop-out though.

A great alternative is to take the boat instead. If you're on a very tight budget, you may even be able to find opportunities where you can work on board in exchange for your voyage. More common is to book a passage on a yacht that specializes in taking travelers across. There are several companies that offer this service and the fare is usually more or less the same as what a plane ticket would have cost you.

The great advantage of sailing across is that most of the travel packages include the San Blas Archipelago in the itinerary. This remote group of islands in Panama offer you the perfect chance for a beach getaway without the crowds. Go snorkeling or diving, swim or work on your tan on the pristine stretches of sand. If you're fascinated by indigenous cultures, you'll love San Blas too because the people who live here are mostly Kuna, a unique and fascinating culture.

You may think that the crossing sounds easy enough except for the question of what to do with your bike or your car. This doesn't have to be a complication, though. Several companies offer a service that transports your mode of transport across on a cargo ship. You'll even be able to have a bicycle or a motorcycle flown across.

Finding an operator that will take you from Panama to Colombia by boat is very easy. Many advertise in Panamanian hostels but you can also look online. The crossing is usually quite safe and while it might be rough during the windy dry season, there is almost no risk of hurricanes.

About the Author:

You can visit www.bluesailing.net for more helpful information about How To Travel From Panama To Colombia By Boat.

The Excitement Of Sailing From Panama To Colombia

By Tracie Knight

A person can be tempted to take a flight rather than sail because it is less expensive, faster and also less tedious. Several people have given their idea of the experience of sailing from panama to Colombia. A number of people do not like the idea that the captains park for some time and spend a lot of time nursing their sea sickness. Other individuals however were in support of the idea. A tourist gave her review of a trip she took and it is written below.

I decided to take a sailing trip as opposed to the flight which may be found to be cheaper. The trip was going to cost me around thrice the amount than if I flew straight to Colombia. However I decided the money was worth it considering the fun experiences I was going to have. At first the trip was estimated to take five full days with three of them spent on the San Ban highland on the Caribbean coast.

During the trip I was able to learn a lot of things about the waters that separate panama and Colombia. One of the things I learnt is the existence of the Darien Gap which is an undeveloped swampland and forest within the province of Darien in panorama. Though many people have managed to cross this area by foot, it is not an easy task when you are sailing.

The number of people taking the sailing trip has been increasing greatly over the past years. This has made the prices of touring agents to be increased. Depending on the type of boat, the tourists get themselves paying between 500 and 1000 dollars.

Private owners provide the boats in panorama but the sailors are hired from different areas of world to operate the boats. The travelers have a great and diverse range of boats to select from at the panama dork. There are also travelling agencies available to guide them to choose the best of the best. They can however not have the pleasures of selecting the captain they prefer.

In the other months of the year apart from June the water is usually too wavy and therefore this is the best month to travel. The time that the whole trip takes is usually estimated and therefore individuals on a fixed schedule cannot plan their trip well. They are therefore advised to consider taking flights instead.

During this journey, the travelers are able to go through the island of Cormaca Kuna Yala and that of San Blas and they can take a pause to experience the beauty of these areas. They can do exiting things such as swimming through the beautiful blue waters. Fishing is also a popular activity in this area.

This tour is very much recommended for any sightseers who would love to travel and know about Colombia and Panama since it is less boring compared to taking a flight. Taking this trip can be seen as being more expensive than a flight but the experiences the tourist gets are worth spending their money on.

About the Author:

Read more about The Excitement Of Sailing From Panama To Colombia.

Architectural Influences In Bogota, Colombia

Most of the influences in Bogota, as well as most of Colombia have Spanish colonial origins, dating back as far as the 17th century. Regions really differ, and there are also hints of Castilian, as well as Moorish architecture as well. While many larger cities like Bogota have modernized adaptations of the Baroque style, unfortunately, due the the climate, only a few older examples remain. The Churches of Bogota, as well as others that are located throughout the country, do still reflect the Renaissance, and Medieval houses of worship of Spain.

With the coming of the nineteenth century, another form of architecture began to appear prominently in Colombian architecture. This combined inspirations of Roman, Renaissance, as well as Greek art into a style known as Republicano. Not only was this representative in their art, but in the materials of many buildings, including many government offices. In the 1930's Bogota began to take on more of a modern architectural style, and the Liberal Party started tearing down most of the older buildings that still held onto conservative values.

Many of the ancient churches in Bogota are still open to public observation, and you should check these out. The bull fighting arena still holds true to some of the older styling of architecture, and the bull fights are presented regularly. Many hotels retain both old and new presences, and staying in one of these is a good way to see some of these representations up close and personal.

There are many 19th century buildings to visit, like the Bogota Cathedral, Bolivar Plaza, and the Senate of the Republic, just to name a few. Many older style homes, while privately owned, can still be seen from the outside. Take your time, and take in all the sights you can, and just enjoy it all in general.
If you are thinking about a trip to Bogota, Colombia, then a good idea would be to stay in one of the many hotels. In order to maximize your budget, you should book reservations well ahead of your arrival date, and check with each website to find out what all the amenities are for each one. You can also find some great discounts on certain travel sites, and many have packages for combining all your travel needs for one low price.

You should also check before you go to see what kinds of restrictions any of these hotels may have. If you are planning any guided tours or excursions into the National Parks, then you should also book these trips as well, to make sure they are still available. Any time you plan to make a trip during peak tourist season, always make your reservations early. If you wait until the last minute, many will not be available.

There are also a few safety tips you should observe when traveling anywhere out of the country. Whenever possible, leave all of your valuables in the hotel you are staying at, in the hotel safe it they have one. If you must carry money, buy a security money belt, and use it. Never reveal your money belt, and if you need to get into it, excuse yourself to a rest room and open it in a private stall.

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Travel to San Jose, Costa Rica

Costa Rica's capital is San Jose and is considered as the largest city located in the middle of Grand Area Metropolitan. San Jose is the official residence of the national government. It is also the center of business and transportation in Central America.

Costa Rica nowadays features modern facilities as a result of the upsurge of its tourism. The combination of modern architecture and art has made become a favorite destination of tourist from around the world.

According to statistics, there are around 346,800 people residing in the city. This figure makes up one third of the overall population of the country. It has the strongest influence in terms of the political affairs of the country.

San Jose is home of the country's prominent school established during 1843, the University of Costa Rica. The Inter-American Court of Human Rights is also located in the city.

The city boasts of its various tourist attractions which contribute to the economy of the city. The Banco Central de Costa Rica is among the tallest buildings considered as a landmark. Another landmark is the Cathedral, the office of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese. Other landmarks include Melico Salazar Theatre and the Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica. These theaters hold several plays and musicals attracting many visitors. The city is also home to some of the historical buildings and architectures of great importance to the history of the city.

Museums are also abundant offering a wide variety of ways to explore and learn about the beauty of the city. The Gold Museum features a unique collection of different artifacts made of gold from the early civilization of the Latin Americans. The Lankester Botanical Garden is among the favorite of those with an inkling about plants.

El Pueblo is the right place for visitors who love the nightlife. El Pueblo holds a lot of bars, restaurants, clubs and disco houses where you can enjoy your favorite wine. There are nearby resorts and hotels where you can stay while visiting San Jose. Many of the entertainment centers open at 9:00 PM till morning and hold various live bands.

Calle de la Amargura is close to the University of Costa Rica, and is another place of entertainment with several cafe, bars and restaurants. Majority of these centers provide cheaper prices for students of the university.

For nature lovers, the Parque La Sabana is a perfect place featuring beautiful fountains and a lagoon. This park is also a great place for family picnics. Within the park, visitors can enjoy their favorite sports such as volleyball, basketball, baseball, tennis and swimming pool. The park is also home to the national stadium in which the most popular game of soccer is being held regularly.

Pueblo Antiguo is another ideal place to visit where museums and centuries old architectures can be found. The theme park is good for jogging, sightseeing, biking and adventure.

Another exciting adventure would be a visit to the Arenal Volcan National Park. The park features an alluring trip through a rain forest. Witness the amazing view of the volcano which captivates every visitor coming to the park.

San Jose is indeed a great place for vacation wherein visitors can indulge in variety of outdoor fun and adventure. You can surely have a relaxing and enjoyable vacation right in San Jose, Costa Rica. You can also find the best accommodation from the most luxurious to the cheapest hotels in the city and experience the hospitality of the people of San Jose. Great travel packages are available to give you best budget deals.

For more information on Tours Around San Jose and San Jose Costa Rica please visit our website. http://www.sanjosemetropolitano.org/tours.html & http://www.sanjosemetropolitano.org/sanjose.html

Fiery Arenal Volcano Of Costa Rica

By Frank Scott

All our luggage and camera gear is packed in the van by 8 a.m. and we are on our way to our first destination, soon to become a real life adventure. We are on a photography tour so everyone is talking cameras and pictures. This is the first day, we are getting to know one another, and the level of excitement in the van is high looking forward to the tour.

We are on our way to Arenal, an active volcano in Costa Rica, but there are a few stops along the way. First, we stop in Sarchi, famous for its tropical furniture, where magnificent, brightly decorated ox carts are made in an eighty plus year old water powered factory. From there, we drive to the little mountain town of Zarcero where the focal point is the old wooden church with its much-photographed double row of topiaries leading to its entrance. You can fill your camera's memory card just at these two places with the colours and patterns in Sarchi and the fantastic shapes of the topiaries in Zarcero.

Along the way, the potholes in the roads are many. Our Tico driver, Luis, knows this and so drives extremely cautiously to avoid them. However, it seems like everyone else on two or four wheels pass us. Those passing us seem to believe that they are Formula One contenders and in Costa Rica there is even a bus driver who is known to have passengers find God while on his bus.

After our planned stops and lunch in La Fortuna we are now just a few miles from our lodge at Arenal. As we leave the main highway we find ourselves on a road that is one continuous pothole. It is January and the rainy season has just ended so most roads are in poor condition but what is unique about this road is that it was constructed from crushed lava rock.

In rounding a curve we come upon a clearing at a river and behold, there is Arenal Volcano! The majority of my group have never been face to face with an active volcano and this perfectly shaped volcano is an awesome sight.

We see that the peak of the cone is shrouded in puffy little white clouds against a cerulean sky. The sight is picture perfect and we stop and everyone quickly descends from the van in the process of attaching cameras to tripods. Some of us wade into the tropical river to capture the incredible image from a different perspective and others are shooting from the riverbank.

Of course being this close to an active volcano could be very dangerous but Arenal is quite predictable, a low risk. The lodge is only one and a half kilometers to the base of the volcano and two kilometers to the top of the cone and needless to say, any activity attracts your attention.

While unpacking and getting settled in, Arenal speaks. It is a great roar, smoke and gas billowing many hundreds of feet into the sky and the sound of the rocks tumbling down the slopes. After the eruption, the Mantled Howler monkeys are extremely vocal but we do not know if they are protesting the roar of the eruption or just answering back.

While sitting in the lodge dining room enjoying our dinner Arenal speaks again. Everyone had been told of the many photo opportunities in Costa Rica but who would imagine eating dinner and having something like this happen? And this was only our first day of the tour!

Most of us do not get much sleep for the first two nights. Instead, we find some comfortable chairs in the common area outside our rooms and attach cable releases to our cameras and put them on a tripod. From past experiences I decide to use an 80-200mm lens set at 80mm and an aperture of f8, the camera shutter set at "B" for time exposure.

With the activity of the small flare-ups at the cone and the lava flowing down the opposite side I think a time exposure of more than twenty minutes will produce an ugly yellow blob of light, so if there had been no eruptions after this length of time I will close the shutter and start another exposure. Using a cable release makes these exposures very easy and Arenal puts on quite a display while we are there.

Arenal volcano was the first adventure for my photography group in Costa Rica. Everyone is looking forward to the next eight days and the marvelous and exciting photo opportunities they will have. Pura Vida!

About the Author:

Frank Scott writes about sunny Costa Rica where he is a professional Costa Rica Photographer offering unique photography tours. Some of his work can be seen in Costa Rica Vacations, a very popular travel guide to this unique country.

Ecuador and The Modern Eco Tourist

Ecuador is a small state located in South America. It is bordered by Columbia, Peru and Pacific Ocean. The capital city of Quito is a city that is filled with history, where one can walk around town to see how significant a role it has played.

The colonial buildings and the mountains are what set it apart from other tourist destinations. The weather is just perfect all through the year, and so people find it easy to walk, without getting too tired.

There are three main regions here, namely, the La costa, which is the coastal region. La Sierra, the places of high altitude, and ofcourse the El Oriente, the eastern region. There is one more, The Region insular, which houses the Galapagos Islands. When visiting Ecuador there are some great places to go to.

The Cuyabeno National Reserve is very popular with Eco tourists. Ecuador, being part of the Amazon rain forest, has its share of forest reserves and animal safaris. Cuyabeno, one of the famous wildlife national reserves, was created way back in 1979 and has been home to about 15 types of animals, and nearly 500 species of birds.

You can take a tour of the place, watch the beasts and birds in their natural habitat. The jungle lodges within the campus allows guests to stay overnight in the tree houses and cottages, giving them a taste of what it feels like living with the wild.

Teatro Sucre is a place that was originally known for its fierce bull fights. It has been transformed into a theatre where artists from around Ecuador and other parts of the country perform. Schools hold their annual drama and musical events here, and now theatre groups are encouraged to come out present their pieces to the public.

Teleferico is another area that is well worth visiting. Here a cable car, takes people up into the hills so people can enjoy the superb views from the mountain top.

It is a tranquil place from where you are able to watch the valleys, the fields and the town, go about the routine and take in all the grandeur in full scale. Quito, also has its share of ponds, lakes, amusement venues and art centers.

A trip to Ecuador is incomplete without visiting the Guayllamba Zoo. The doors of this wonderful zoo opened in 1997 and since then it has been an extremely popular tourist destination. It is known to have the biggest collection of fauna and flora in the country.

The zoo, which is about 30 kilometers from the capital city of Quito, is spread across 12 hectares of open space. There are animals and birds from various exotic forests and coastal regions.

Ecuador is a beautiful country that has so much to offer to the Eco tourist. By planning your journey carefully before you go there, you are able to take in a diverse range of sights and activities. It has suffered its fair share of trouble in the past and it is advisable to check with The Foreign Office before going there.

Andrew Gibson is MD of http://www.Directholidaybookings.co.uk.They are one of the largest holiday home websites with a selection of holiday villas and self catering holiday apartments to rent all over the world.

The New Seven Wonders of the World

If you have ever taken a history class, you have probably learned a few things about the ancient Seven Wonders of the World. In the last few years there has been a tremendous amount of debate regarding the naming of seven new Wonders of the World. Certainly, everyone has their opinion of which sites in the world should top the list, but popular opinion does seem to concur that the following sites are among some of the most wondrous:

The Great Wall of China
The Colosseum in Rome
The Taj Mahal
Petra in Jordan
The statue of Christ the Redeemer in Brazil
Chichen Itza pyramin in Mexico
Machu Picchu in Peru

Each of these sites has something to recommend it, whether it is the sheer size of it, as is the case with the Great Wall and the statue of Christ the Redeemer, or it is the grandeur, such as with the Taj Mahal. Other sites are revered for their historical significance while others are astounding for a combination of factors.

Machu Picchu, in Peru, is one of those sites. Situated in the Andes, Machu Picchu is believed to have served as a religious retreat and royal estate. Historians have estimated that it was constructed sometime between 1460 and 1470 by an Incan ruler. This ancient city contains about 200 buildings, most of which are residences, although there are also some public buildings, including temples. The majority of the buildings in Machu Picchu were constructed using granite blocks that were fit together without using any mortar. This is quite surprising, given the tight fit of the blocks, even today. Perhaps one of the most fascinating things about this ancient city; however, is the way in which the landscape and existing stone formations were carefully integrated into the formation of the city. Temples sit carefully perched on precipices while sculptures were painstakingly carved into rock formations.

Machu Picchu remained hidden and forgotten by the outside world following the influx of the Spanish conquistadors. It was not until 1911 that the ancient city was rediscovered by a professor from Yale.

Today Machu Picchu has been carefully preserved so that modern generations can learn more about the ancient culture that took so much care to construct such an expansive and fascinating city. Although Machu Picchu remains a difficult site to access, one of the reasons that it was able to survive in such good condition throughout the last several centuries, no visit to Peru would be complete without experiencing the beauty and majesty of Machu Picchu.

Visitors who plan to travel to Machu Picchu will need to access it from nearby Cusco. From there, visitors have four options for reaching the ancient city; by train, by foot, by bus or by helicopter. Most visitors opt to take the train to the ruins in the morning, allowing them plenty of opportunity for exploration, before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. If you are feeling adventurous, hiking the Inca Trail is another option that allows you to reach the city via the Sun Gate. Visitors who choose this option sleep in tents and can opt for either a two day or a four day hike. There are also frequent bus runs as well as direct helicopter flights that will take visitors into Machu Picchu.

Elaine Rojas is a writer, entrepreneur and inveterate traveler and is partner in an e-commerce site, http://www.tikanchay.com that sells Peruvian silver jewelry handcrafted by master artisans who produce only the highest quality silver jewelry.

Looking For A Cruise With A Difference?

Cruise ship companies are continuing to add ships to their fleets and they are also becoming far more imaginative with the cruise itineraries that they are providing. The Caribbean and Mediterranean are still the most popular cruising destinations, but there is now a large range of exiting cruises that are available around the World.

This article attempts to give you some inspiration on where you should think about taking your next cruise holiday.

South America can offer a huge range of diverse cruises ranging from a trip up the Amazon to the throbbing cities of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires as well as offering natural wonders like the Galapagos Islands, Chilean Fjords and the Andes mountains.

Many of these cruises start from US ports and otherssail from the major South American cities. The majority of cruises to the Antarctica start from Ushuaia in southern Argentina. Several cruise companies including Voyages of Discovery and Hurtigruten offer expedition-style Antarctica cruises.

Dubai, as well as being a luxury holiday destination is starting to become an established cruise port. Costa Cruises is sailing seven cruise itineraries in 2009 calling at Abu Dhabi, Oman and Bahrain.

Dubai and other gulf ports often feature on world or repositioning cruises which means you can pick up a cruise bargain by choosing one of these cruises.

North Africa is well served by many cruise ships that also include the Mediterranean but what about the rest of Africa? Some world cruises sail down the west coast of Africa to Cape Town, as an alternative to cruising through the Suez Canal in Egypt.

Cruising the west coast means that you can visit countries such as Senegal, Gambia and Namibia as well as the Cape Verde Islands and St Helena. In southern and eastern Africa some cruise lines offer departures from Cape Town and also the Kenyan holiday resort of Mombasa.

Silversea Cruises offers several trips from these ports which call at destinations such as Zanzibar, Madagascar and Assumption Island. Hebridean International Cruises and Voyages of Discovery are also featuring cruises around this region.

Cruises to Alaska are still as popular as ever. These cruisese start from Seattle or Vancouver and make their way up the Inside Passage taking in some of the worlds most spectacular scenery. NCL, Princess and Royal Caribbean are just some of the cruise lines offering Alaskan cruises, which can also be combined with a land tour.

The Baltic is the second most popular cruise region in the European summer season. A Baltic cruise would visit the stunning cities of St Peterburg, Stockholm and Tallinn, whilst of course Norway offers the incredible Fjords, the midnight sun and The Northern Lights. Hurtigruten is famed for its coastal voyages around Norway.

The Far East and in particular China has seen a big growth in cruise customers. Many cruises start from Hong Kong and cruise north to China and Japan. Other cruises head south where you will cruise to Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Australia and New Zealand feature on most world cruises by cruise companies such as P&O, Holland America, Princess and Royal Caribbean.

So, what are you waiting for? Cruising has never been more popular and with the ever increasing choice of both exotic and exploration cruises available there has never been a better time to book a cruise.

David Brice was writing on behalf of cruise experts White Rose Cruise, http://www.whiterosecruise.co.uk

Bogota The Athens Of The Americas

By: Gaizka Pujana

For the most part, you will be lucky to find a place that offers everything that you wish for. Luckily for you there are places like Bogota that exist.

The city is also known as Santa Fe de Bogota and the Athens of the Americas. This is a city that is filled with intrigue and has many different layers that will take some time to uncover. The best part about Bogota is the vast array of accommodation options. When considering a place to venture away to, you need to know first and foremost where you plan on staying. It all depends on your personal choice and your current needs.

As a single, young person, staying in a backpacker's lodge would suit your budget and lifestyle quite nicely. This is a way that you can see the city of Bogota at your own pace and come and go as you please without having to worry about being anywhere at a certain time. Bogota has a lot to offer young travelers. The main reason for this success is the policy of People First as introduced by the mayor of the town in the 1990s. The city's aim was to create more walkways and lanes for pedestrians and bicycles in order to keep the city more people-centric. This has worked wonders for Bogota's image and has attracted millions of tourists for this reason.

If you hire a bicycle, it does not really matter where you stay in the city. There is a lot of easy budget accommodation scattered around the city of Bogota. You can use your bicycle by day to see the town and the surrounding areas and when it comes to the evening time you have the option of using the public transport or a private cab. This way, you will be able to experience the Bogota night life without having to worry about how you will get back top wherever you decide to stay.

You will find backpacker's lodges or self-catering holiday apartments or hotels within the city of Bogota that won't break your bank by any means. You need to use your accommodation in Bogota as a stepping-stone to explore the amazing city and to take in as much of the surroundings and culture as you possibly can.

If you have the luxury of time, it would be in your best interests to spend as much time in Bogota as possible. Although you will thoroughly enjoy a few days in the city, it is not enough to really see what the city is about. There are too many museums, too much scenery and too much activity both day and night to only spend a short period of time there. If you book your accommodation long enough in advance you may be able to get a good booking for a longer time period.

Author Resource: Gaizka Pujana Amaya. Bogota

Bogota apartments, Bogota rentals, Hotel Bogota

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Mexico's Hidden Jewels

By: Ricardy Banks

Thinking of a vacation to Mexico but want to go somewhere different off the beaten path? Here are some ideas for destinations in Mexico that will take you beyond Cancun or Puerto Vallarta.

Isla Mujeres, located only eight miles across the bay from Cancun, is a tiny island only five miles long and about a half mile wide. Translated, Isla Mujeres means the "Island of Women". No, it is not a hidden commune filled with females but it is a charming and tranquil fishing village. It has shops, restaurants and about a dozen or so small hotels where you can rest your head.

With a downtown area consisting of only four or five blocks, this makes Isla Mujeres everything that the big tourist areas in Mexico are not. Surrounded by white sand beaches on all sides, snorkeling and scuba diving are popular in the crystal clear turquoise waters. Kayaks, snorkeling gear, and other water toys can be rented on the beach and fishing, sailing and even swimming with dolphins is available here. Isla Mujeres has something for every one of all ages and is a great place to explore the natural wonders of Mexico.

Another great Mexico vacation spot that is often overlooked is Cabo San Lucas. Its location at the southern tip of the Baja peninsula, gives it an ideal climate of about 78 degrees year round. Once a tranquil fishing village, Cabo has evolved into a wonderful spot for vacationers but remains small and charming. Small however does not mean boring, there are many things to do in Cabo.

Deserted beaches, on both the Pacific coast and along the shoreline of the Sea of Cortez, make Cabo San Lucas an awesome beach vacation. If you enjoy water sports, boating, marlin fishing, horseback riding and golf, you will enjoy Cabo. Golf has become very popular in the area and there are five championship golf courses already here and more on the way.

Cabo San Lucas is a perfect vacation spot for those looking for something different. It can be quiet and relaxing for a romantic getaway or it can be a place where you will keep going till you drop with the whole family.

Another one of Mexico's jewels is Tulum. You will find Tulum about an hours drive south of Playa Del Carmen on the Mayan Coast. Tulum is best known for its Mayan ruins. Small but impressive, the ruins are perched high on top of limestone cliffs that offer a breathtaking view below of the sparkling Caribbean and a romantic coastline.

The little town of Tulum is slowly expanding and there are several very good local restaurants and a few on the beach in the smattering of hotels in the area. Accommodations range from five star boutique hotels to rustic cabanas.

Tulum offers the perfect mixture of tranquility, relaxation and seclusion but still gives you the option of exciting nearby attractions. Day trips in the area are always a good choice and the Eco-tourism experiences are limitless.

It is a much slower paced vacation and a combination of 3-4 days in Playa Del Carmen and 2-3 days in Tulum is a great way to combine the best of both worlds in these treasured spots.

Author Resource: Ricardy Banks is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be
sure to visit her other websites Jewelery, Travel and Personal Finance

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Make Peru Your Next Travel Destination

By: Elaine Rojas

Inveterate travelers have a new destination to target since Machu Picchu was voted one of the 7 Wonders of World last year. Previously on the radar of adventure travelers and those with an interest in places of rich cultural history, Peru has gone mainstream and it's about time.

One trip will never do justice to this magnificent land and those who have the good fortune to spend a week or two inevitably leave with the promise of return on their lips. Any trip includes the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu where the experience is so much more than the ubiquitous photographs of green mountains and vast terraces can capture.

Walking the paths through the "Lost City" is a privilege and an unfathomable luxury when you consider that in most other countries, this historical monument would be cordoned off and only available for viewing from behind carefully guarded ropes. Llamas roam the lower grassy areas, lounging in the warm sun while guides at chosen vantage points explain the construction of the Incan walls, made from tons of stone transported from miles below to build this fortress that was never discovered by Spanish conquerors.

Colonial cities were built by the Spaniards with a Plaza de Armas in the center of each. The beauty of these main squares with their soaring Cathedrals and stately City Halls is marred by the knowledge that they were often built on the foundations of Incan temples, torn down to impose Colonial rule and replace the Incan worship of the Sun and the Moon with the religion of the Catholic missionaries. While modern Peruvians are proud of the beauty of their cities they also carry in their hearts a love for their true heritage.

When Colonial rule was established in Peru, the choice of Lima as the Capitol City for the Vice-royalty brought with it many waves of immigration, creating a melting pot not unlike that of the United States. This mix of cultures and races is most dominant in the exquisite cuisine of the country. Complex and varied, the dishes range from seafood on the coasts, to guinea pig and alpaca in the highlands. Stews, sautes, ceviches and soups with flavorings and techniques that represent fusion cuisine long before it became famous in the modern culinary world. A taste of Peru in the literal sense becomes a longing that lingers long after the vacation ends.

While the flavors of Peru are difficult to transport home, the superior craftsmanship of the artisans is not, from the rich textile traditions to the ancient traditions of silver jewelry artisans. A visit to the artisan markets in each of the small provinces in the country is a highlight of any trip. Unique treasures abound and a tourist with a discerning eye can gather a suitcase full to give as gifts or keep as a reminder of moments spent suspended in the magic that is Peru.

Author Resource: Elaine Rojas is a writer, entrepreneur and inveterate traveler who shops artisan markets around the world. To see some of her Peruvian artisan treasures visit her site, Tikanchay.com which showcases Peruvian silver jewelry handcrafted by master artisans who produce only the highest quality silver jewelry.

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The Underwater World of Panama

By: simon hurst

Have you ever wanted to scuba dive amongst large groups of pelagic fish and see beautiful coral reefs teeming with colorful fish? Santa Catalina in Panama has opened up a lot of doors for scuba divers and is attracting visitors from all over the world.

If you want to do some diving from Santa Catalina, you have two main options. You can choose to dive along the Caribbean coastline, or you can venture further a field and visit the Coiba National Park. Both offer spectacular dive sites, amidst a relaxed surrounding and a friendly atmosphere. Many trips to the national park start from the Santa Catalina town, so it would be worth trying both places out.

The dive sites on offer around Santa Catalina do not disappoint. Water temperatures are typically warm throughout the year, with a nice 28 C in January. Divers will be wearing a 3 mm wetsuit which is generally adequate all through the year. Just off the coastline are several small islands that jut out from the sea. Many of the local sites are based around this area, as well as several other sites located about an hour away. Lanchas or small skiffs ferry the divers out to the fantastic dive sites, where they can enjoy the beautiful marine life that is available in abundance. The sites feature large schools of fish and colorful coral reefs. White tip reef sharks are a common occurrence in the area, and if you are lucky you may see a hammerhead, bull shark, nurse shark or a tiger shark as well.

Punta Pargo or Snapper Point is a very popular and aptly named dive in the area, and boasts large schools of snappers and other large pelagic. After doing an hours dive, you will typically go to a nearby beach to enjoy your surface interval in the sun before going out to dive again. Another beautiful site in the area is El Palo Grande, or the Big Tree. This site is also notable for its large schools of colorful fish, including barracuda, surgeon fish, groupers and puffers. Free swimming morays are often seen in the area; in various colors and lengths.

Coiba Island is another definite must if visiting Santa Catalina. Located about an hour and a half by boat, the scuba diving is definitely worth the trip! Divers are offered an abundance of reefs and beautiful fishes, as well as large schools of fish. Scuba divers are given the chance to see rays, sharks, dolphins, marlin, sailfish and tuna on the various dive sites around the island. During surface intervals, you can explore the national park and see the great range of wildlife in the vicinity.

The nearby islands of Boca Chica and Boca Brava also offer great diving, as well as live-aboard trips around the islands. Boca Chica has its own dive centre, and the owner offers four or five day trips on his custom made dive boat. Between the island and the Coiba National Park are a further range of dive sites to be enjoyed. Panama is host to some world-premiere dive sites that have been compared to Palau and the Galapagos. It is a country worth visiting for its beauty or for its diving alone.

Author Resource:-> For more on Panama Real Estate
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