Archive for the ‘South America’ Category
Colombia South America – Not What You Think
My Recent Trip to Colombia
Andy James with James TravelPOINTS recently visited Colombia South America, visiting Bogota, Cartagena and the islands off the coast.
This past February I had the opportunity to travel to Colombia South America as a possible destination our company may want to promote and recommend. At first I considered why any American would want to travel to Colombia with its history of drug cartels and problems. I can tell that after I returned from Colombia, I would go back because the country is progressive and very welcoming. (Click here to read more)
Colombia South America has a perception problem, the drug cartels and media have created an image of a country that is hostile, dangerous and unsafe for tourist to visit. On the contrary, I found the country to be hospitable and friendly. Everywhere I traveled I did not feel my personal safety was at risk. Most Americans tend to shy away from travel into Colombia because of media attention and perception that has existed over the past years. Colombia is a beautiful South American country that has a vibrant economy and progressive society. The President of Colombia Alvaro URIBE Velez has taken a strong stance against the drug cartels during his term and has done a good job of eliminating their presents in the country. But like any area of the world, you still need to be alert and be aware of your surroundings, whether traveling in South America, Europe or New York City. Smart travelers don’t put themselves at risk or in situations that would put their safety at risk. Smart travelers don’t go into parts of a city that are not safe or recommended. They don’t flash a lot of cash and jewelry or wander around the city late in the evening. When travelers use common sense and remember they are not in the United States anymore, that the landscape and culture is very different than where they come from, they usually don’t have any issues anywhere they go.
My travel into Colombia started in Bogotá, a large city of 8 million people situated at 9,000 feet above sea level. The city is typical of a lot of South American cities, large and sprawling, lots of traffic, people and clusters of buildings. The old city of Bogotá is worth visiting for a day of sightseeing.
Our journey continued north to Cartagena where we spent the next 2 nights sightseeing and exploring many of the fine boutique hotels in the old city and many of the large properties located along the beach in Boca Grande, a separate area off to the southwest of Cartagena. The weather is nice, warm and humid with temperatures around 80 – 85 degrees, very tropical. Cartagena, an old walled Fortress that the Spanish colonized and built in the 1600 century, now a thriving tourist destination. Most of the major cruise ships stop in Cartagena during there voyage through the Panama Canal. The old city was built within the fortress walls, the streets are narrow the buildings 2-3 stories tall with many small boutique hotels, shops, restaurants, plazas, parks, churches and residents all incorporated within the city. The wall provided safety to the citizens during the patriot days of the 1600 and now provides a historical haven for tourist to see and experience. The city has a very heavy Spanish architectural influence. We spent the first couple of days walking around and visiting many hotels in the Cartagena area. During the evening our small group sampled many of the fine local restaurants and took advantage of a horse-drawn carriage ride of the old city during the evening.
On our 3rd day we boarded a 25 passenger speed boat and took off to the “out” islands located 30 or so miles off the coast of Cartagena. We visited 4 or 5 different Islands that cater to day trippers seeking an island experience for the day. Each island has its own unique traits for travelers who wish to spend a day or a couple of days relaxing on these islands. Some of the islands and accommodations vary in comfort and services. A few of the islands were a step above “beach camping”, similar to Gilligan’s Island and others were quant, romantic islands with gorgeous beaches and ocean views, similar to the Corona Beer commercials. At the end of the day we ended up staying on an island called Punta Faro, an island located about 60 miles off the coast of Cartagena. The owner of the island showed us around and told us about the property. The island has 3 large generators to power the electricity and a desalination water treatment facility to provide the fresh water. The island can accommodate approximately 40 – 50 guests per night and the rooms are quaint and very nice. Everything on the island has to be brought in by boat on a weekly basis, food, fresh vegetables, fruits etc. This particular island has one unique feature, a clay tennis court. Later in the afternoon I was talking with the owner and asked him why a tennis court on an island that is 60 miles from no-where in the middle of the ocean. Colombia is not a “tennis” destination. It turns out the owner is a tennis player and he likes to play tennis. I told him I was an avid tennis player and he invited me to play tennis with him the next morning. He provided me with tennis shoes, my own ball boy and tennis racquet. We played a couple of hours and had a marvelous time, the owner was a very good tennis player.
Later in day we left the island and toured a couple more islands before we visited our last island resort on Baru. This resort was the nicest and largest of all the island properties visited. An all-inclusive property similar to resorts located along the Riviera Maya in Mexico. Just recently opened in February 2010, the rooms are designed in a Caribbean Spanish theme, the public pools are large and inviting and the beach is long and cozy. Tennis is available on site and golf is nearby. We returned back to Cartagena for our last night while staying in a boutique hotel within the old city, very charming. The food and seafood was great in Cartagena, lots of fresh juice, fruit and great coffee.
An area we did not see but heard a lot about was the Coffee Triangle area. The land of the coffee is located in the mountainous region and offers ecotourism and a glimpse of the rural traditions of coffee plantations along with the natural conservations parks, ecological attractions, hot springs and bird watching. One of the luring aspects about this area is the historic haciendas and boutique hotels that have cropped up over the years, reminiscent of the early settlers. The local haciendas are the starting point for most day tours that include a blend of culture, cuisine and tradition. This is an ideal get-away for 2 – 4 days in conjunction with Cartagena.
While I was down there, I was able to meet with many different local tour providers, ground operators and hotel vendors to line up contracts and relationships for future travel requests. These companies we choose to work with have been working with the American traveler for years, providing quality knowledgeable travel service and expertise. These companies are local, they know the market and they know what the American Traveler expects. I had first hand experience traveling with many of these operators and I know the quality of their people and services provided. These reputable companies allow us the flexibility to customized packages into Colombia for individuals and small groups. Our direct relationship with these tour providers allows us the ability to give you a unique experience at a great price.
Colombia is a destination with culture and relaxation. I would highly recommend anyone with a sense of adventure to visit and explore Colombia. Give us a call and we can help you arrange a customized trip with very reputable local tour companies that will take care to make you and give you a great experience with many memories. For information you can contact us at 1-800-626-3483 and speak with Turner or Andy James.
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Easter Island-Outpost of Mystery
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.
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Adventures in South America
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.
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Adventure…Brazil
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.
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