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Vaya Adventures Travel Blog
Argentina Reciprocity Fee 2012 Update
Important news for anyone flying into Buenos Aires: Argentina has just announced that it is changing how it collects its “reciprocity fee” from U.S., Canadian and Australian visitors (it is called a “reciprocity fee” because Argentina only charges it to citizens of countries that charge a similar fee to their foreign visitors). Argentina is now going to require all [...]
Uttermost Part of the Earth: The Classic Book on Tierra del Fuego
This extraordinary book is on our “Suggested Reading” list for Argentina, and is particularly recommended for anyone traveling to Patagonia or Tierra del Fuego. The first person account of E. Lucas Bridges (only the third child born in Tierra del Fuego to non-native parents), the book is a lesser-known classic that combines history, anthropology and adventure. [...]
Brazil Prepares for the World Cup
If I’ve learned one thing from living in South America, it’s that soccer is not just a sport – it’s a religion and a way of life. Walk into your local grocery store during a soccer game, and all eyes will be glued to the television set. That Brazil will be hosting the 2014 World [...]
Exploring the MALBA in Buenos Aires
One afternoon, as my husband and I explored the Palermo neighborhood of Argentina’s capital city Buenos Aires, the skies opened up, and a downpour ensued. Fortunately, it just happened to be a Wednesday, and Wednesday is a discount admission day at the MALBA Museum, so we headed on in. It was a serendipitous event, because [...]
Three Nights at the Posada – A Peruvian Amazon Extension
Adding an Amazon Jungle visit to a trip in the Peruvian Highlands (i.e. Cusco, the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu) is easier than a lot of people think, and is an excellent way to add some additional variety to a primarily “Incan-focused” trip. The Puerto Maldonado area of the Peruvian Amazon in Southern Peru lies [...]
Hiking and Biking in Peru: Video Highlights
On a recent trip to Peru I followed our Peru Highlights Active: Hike & Bike Peru’s Top Spots itinerary, and brought my HD video camera along. The result is this less than 2 minute piece of work, set to some Peruvian guitar and charango music. Clips include: hiking near the ruins of Pisac and Ollantaytambo in the Sacred Valley, [...]
Afro-Peruvian Music: Another Side Of Peru
One of the great benefits of living and traveling in South America has been the chance to learn more about its incredibly varied music and dance traditions. On one warm summer evening in Lima, Peru, I attended a party hosted by a vacationing Peruvian family. Laughter and lively conversation emanated throughout the house, but it [...]
An Introduction To The Best Lima Museums
Lima’s excellent and diverse collection of museums serve as a road map to Peru’s rich historical, cultural and archaeological past. Use this overview of the best Lima museums to decide which ones to visit during your trip to Peru. Archaeologists date ancient Peruvian society as far back as the year 9,000 BC. A colorful mosaic [...]
Why There Should Be A Cap on Tourist Arrivals to the Galapagos
As a Board Member of the International Galapagos Tour Operators Association (IGTOA), I recently attended a conference in Guayaquil entitled “Defining and Achieving Sustainable Tourism in the Galapagos.” Attendees included the Executive Director of the Charles Darwin Foundation and representatives of various organizations working to preserve the Galapagos, including the World Wildlife Foundation and WildAid. [...]
Great 1-Day Escapes from Santiago, Chile
Nearly all visitors to Chile pass through Santiago at some point during their trip. The city’s reputation has improved dramatically in the last few years, and there are also some very worthwhile day trips that can be taken. Here are some of the top day trip options for those looking to get outside the hustle and bustle [...]
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