As you might surmise, Eater Island–an earthen, 45-acre mound in the Pacific Ocean between South America and the Polynesian Islands–was discovered on Easter Sunday, 1722.  What the Dutch navigator Jacob Roggeveen and his crew witnessed the, remains a puzzle today: hundreds of colossal stone statues (moai) with long sloping noses, pursed lips, sharp chins, elongated ear lobes, each facing inland with its back to the sea.

The obvious questions persist.  Who are they?  How were they hauled into place? Why were so many toppled or destroyed?  Questions with no answers.

Most of the stories about Easter Island’s origins center on an ancient king’s migration to the island–in two 90-foot canoes, stuffed shoulder-to-shoulder with hundreds of his subjects.  They were a cult who believed that supernatural powers were projected through the sightless eyes of the giant statues.  One the other hand, Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl made the same voyage aboard his raft, Kon Tiki, and theorized in several book that the monuments were actually the work of South American stone carvers.

Who really knows?  You’ll have to draw your own conclusions…and the experts at James TravelPOINTS, 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com, know just the right way to visit this mysterious island. 

  
Mention South America and the average traveler thinks of Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires, the Amazon River and the Andes Mountains.  Perhaps the Incas and Machu Picchu come to mind along with the splendid variety of the vibrant modern cities and lush tropical landscapes, frozen mountain peaks and echoes of ancient cultures. 

Increasingly, travelers are turning their attention southward, and the result is South American is emerging as a popular destination.  In addition to the continent’s myriad of attractions, access is convenient from Denver and other major gateway cities within the United States. 

Capital in the Clouds:

The capital of Ecuador, Quito, is located in the Andes Mountains at 9,300 feet.  A visitor arriving at Mariscal Sucre International Airport can’t help but marvel at the green cloud-clad peaks that surround the thriving city sprawled below. 
Since Spanish conquistadors took Quito from the Incas in 1534, the city has been Ecuador’s political and historical center, and its colonial architecture retains an air of dignity.  But this is only the starting point; with a day’s trip from Quito in a direction you’ll find nature and culture of nearly every kind.

Avenue of Volcanoes:

In just one day, a traveler could take in ten of the snowcapped volcanoes that tower above the rest of Ecuador.  Directly overlooking the capital from 15,000-plus feet is Pichinca.  And then there’s Cotopaxi, which reaches 19,342 feet into the sky to earn distinction as the world’s highest active volcano.  Even that loft height, however, can’t match Chimborazo, the tallest peak in Ecuador, at 20,700 feet.

Cities Historic and Happening:

A quick flight south leads to the harmonious, historic city of Cuenca.  Set among emerald hills, Cuenca retains its colonial charm, with its cobblestone streets, wrought-iron balconies, and baroque architectural details. 

In clear contrast to Cuenca is Guayaquil, a booming economic center on the pacific coast.  Ecuador’s largest city, it moves to a more modern beat than most places in the nation.

The Evolving Galapagos:

Of course, for many the highlight of a trip to Ecuador is the Galapagos Islands.  In the Pacific 680 miles out, the isolated Islands have been made famous since Charles Darwin developed this theory of evolution based in part upon observations of the islands’ unique wildlife.  Ecuador annexed the Galapagos in 1832, and today 90 percent of the land is protected as a national park.  All of these unbelievable sights are located in Ecuador, one country smaller than the state of Arizona.

Inspired to discover more of South America?  Treat yourself to all of Ecuador’s highlights, from the colonial capitals to the Andes Mountains then to the Galapagos Islands.  For more information about ideal tour for the traveler with an adventurous spirit call James TravelPOINTS for complete details 1-800-538-7461, www.travelpoints.com.

By Joshua G. Shafran & Holly Shafran.  Holly is a Vacation Expert at James

TravelPOINTSWe read and talk a lot about diversity in our community and throughout the world. To experience a slice of it first hand we traveled to South America’s largest country, Brazil.

The land mass is vast. It is about the size of the continental United States. The people live their lives in huge urban centers. The rural landscape is an expansive area of dense forests, teeming wildlife including a third of the world’s species of birds, surging rivers and massive waterfalls. In twelve days our group of 26 adventurers chose to explore three areas of Brazil; Rio de Janeiro, Iguassu Falls and the Amazon River region.

To start to understand the rich cultural diversity of Brazil begins with the history of the region. Portuguese sailors were the first Europeans to claim what became known as the Port of Rio. Therefore the country’s first language is Portuguese.

Rio’s port is well protected by the unique geography of the city. Rio is famous for its beaches, night life and renowned Carnival.

It is a large city with millions upon millions living side by side in a packed urban center by the sea. Islands naturally protect the main harbor and beaches of the city. It’s a city with a huge disparity of wealth. Economic and social groups mix well together in this diverse urban center. It’s a clean city, and relatively unpolluted due to a predominate use of ethanol fuel. Anyone and everyone blends into the Rio street scape. Stereotypes don’t work here. Rio feels as safe as any large, densely populated city in the world.

The city is vibrant, alive, artistic, and creative. It is a tapestry of humanity all blended together. We walked the streets all day, sat out and explored the beaches, saw the sites, ate great food, and partied at night. We found that Rio does not stop. It is one of the world’s 24/7 cities.

Though the popular time of the year to visit Rio is at Carnival time (February), we savored Rio during their winter time, our summer. The temperatures were mild, 60’s and 70’s during the day and night. The skies were crystal clear.

To experience Rio, we began by taking a tram up Corcovado, one of the city’s highest hills. The views of the mountains, city and beaches are impressive. The famous sculpture of Christ the Redeemer stands 90 feet high on the top of Corcovado. It is a familiar Rio landmark that we all recognized.

Sugar Loaf, too, is a must see location. A series of cable cars took us to the top of this hill area. The views from here emphasize the harbor and bay areas of the city.

The major beach spots have recognizable names too. Ipanema and Copacabana beaches are beautiful bay areas, in and part of the city. The feeling at both beaches is friendly, and bustling with activity. We sat out, sipped the local coconut drink and people watched. Volleyball, surfing, swimming and a constant parade of imaginative beach vendors are there to enjoy. These beaches are constant entertainment, and are filled with beautiful people!

There is a bounty of restaurant choices in Rio. A quick snack is from a street corner juice bar. A large meal is at a Churrascaria, Rodizzio style bar-b-que. At this style restaurant we first sampled from a variety of fresh salads. Waiters then walked around in a never ending parade with an assortment of succulent skewered meats, carved table side including beef, lamb and chicken. We enjoyed the entire meal. The fresh fish restaurants were great too. Seafood is of course local and specialties range from the assortment fishermen catch each day. We ate wonderfully prepared snapper, shrimp, lobster and sardines. To say the least we did not leave Rio hungry. We spent four fun days in Rio, and would gladly go back for more of the Rio life.

Iguassu Falls was our next destination. It is south of Rio situated by Argentina and Paraguay. It is known for its hundreds of waterfalls, each reaching several hundred feet high. Niagara Falls would be lost in one isolated corner of this massive natural wonder.

There are many ways to see these falls. We saw it up close in a zodiac craft and felt the power of the water first hand. To see it from the air we hopped on to a helicopter for an overview of the area. We also walked out on an over the river walkway that led to the edge of the thundering, rushing cascades of water. It certainly left us in awe at the scale and size of this area.

The animal life at Iguassu is not to be overlooked. It is abundant. Bird life is everywhere. Toucans and parrots greet visitors in the morning hours prior to breakfast.

Our last area of Brazil, the Amazon River region began at the city of Manaus. Here the Amazon River is six miles wide, and goods come in and out of this major city of over two million people.

When traveling here don’t miss the city tour. A beautiful Opera House and market area were worth visiting prior to getting on our Amazon River boat cruise. Both locations gave us a feel of the culture and economy of this water region.

We spent four days on the river system of the Amazon region aboard our private Clipper river boat. In the early mornings and evenings we would travel by small craft to view the varied marine and bird life. We caught piranha, and watched fresh water dolphins at play. Flocks of exotic birds flew overhead.

Our river activities included visits to villages and forest areas too. We learned a lot in a brief time about the teeming life of the Amazon River Region.

Twelve days was a brief introduction to this varied and large country. We only tasted what Brazil has to offer. We will savor those cultural flavors for a lifetime.

When you, your family and friends plan an individual or group trip let James TravelPOINTS take care of you 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com. For our adventurous group of 26 they did a great job.

By Toni Barnett at James TravelPOINTS 

Chile is a country of 15-million people and 5-million are within the city and suburbs of Santiago.  Needless to say with a city of this size, to truly experience it you should have a knowledgeable guide, and Christian from Turismo Cocha was just that person.

Starting out on evening city tour we visited La Moneda Palace (similar to our White House) after 40 years this building has only recently been opened to the public.  Just a quick walk-through of the gardens, it was great seeing all the locals enjoying their new freedom within the walls of the Palace.  The Museum Chileno De Arte Pre-Columbino (Prior to Columbus) was our next stop, I found this an interesting small museum, the artifacts were incredibly well preserved, and I enjoyed watching the young teenagers, in their school uniforms, working on the homework assignments.  Quick stop in the Igleisa Catedral for a view of this beautiful Cathedral and on to the Plaza De Arms for some local entertainment and people watching.  Next we were off to Santa Lucia Hill, this is where 150 settlers (only 5 of them women) originally settled in 1541, the first city in all of Chile.  Here you can view the entire city in all its wonder.

Our next day we were off to visit the seaside sister cities of Vina del Mar and Valparasio.   People come to Vina del Mar to stroll along the beach, and relax.  The water is a constant 55 º year round and there is a strong undertow, so swimming is not recommended.    Known as the “Garden City”, you will certainly find just that, beautiful gardens throughout.  If you’re in the mood to gamble there is just one casino, keep in mind if you want to place a bet of $100 or more you must wear a tie.  Don’t fret, you can rent one from a local vendor. 

Valparaiso was charming and represented the real life of the locals.  It is built on 41 different hills and has the feel of San Francisco 70-years ago, it’s hard to believe that 90% of city was destroyed in the earthquake of 1906.  Valparasio is a major harbor for Chile, exporting mainly fruits and vegetables.  It is also headquarters of the Chilean Navy. (Military is mandatory for all men after graduation the term in 1-year and 4-months).  We enjoyed lunch on top of the 25th floor of a rotating restaurant Giratorio Coco Loco what a great way to enjoy your harbor, your mountain and garden views, and then start all over again.  High on the hill, was what I thought to be the highlight, a visit to La Sebastiana, one of the famous poet Pablo Neruda’s homes-turned-museum.  Here he has incorporated his poetry into his lifestyle, the colors, the furniture, the mosaics, tile, staircases, porthole windows, and heli-pade to the stars.  This was certainly a day to remember.

The last day of our whirlwind trip was spent touring Concha y Toro winery; I would have love to spend more time here.  We enjoyed a quick stop at a local craft market, it was a treat to browse through the stores without anyone hassling or pushing me to buy. Then one last view of the city high above on St. Christobal hill.

I thoroughly enjoyed my adventure to Santiago Chile I would recommend it as a stop on your way to Patagonia or on a trip that hits the highlights of South America.  Just give the experts at James TravelPOINTS a call and we’ll arrange it 1-800-538-7461/303 442-2340, www.travelpoints.com.