Introduction to Patagonia I recently spent six weeks in the southern end of South America exploring the incredibly vast region known as Patagonia. It easily ranks as one of the most spectacular natural regions of the world that I’ve ever visited. I experienced many amazing & diverse sites. Through preparatory research, followed by my own …
9 Things Distinctly Argentinian
9 Things Distinctly Argentinian Argentina is one of 13 South American countries, which in general share many similarities and cultural traits. To start with, all were colonized by Spain in the 1500-1800s, and a few also by Portugal. As a result, all speak Spanish, except Brazil, and have a predominantly Latino culture. Most countries on …
Introduction to Uruguay
Introduction to Uruguay Uruguay is a small South American country located on the Atlantic coast, about 2/3 down the eastern side of the continent. The compact tear-shaped country is wedged between its two much bigger neighbors, Brazil to the north and Argentina on its western and southwestern borders. Officially known as ‘Republica Oriental del Uruguay’, …
11 Interesting Facts about Argentina
11 Interesting Facts about Argentina I’m currently in Argentina, the fifth country on my extensive South American explorations in 2022-2023. I started nearly one year ago in February, 2022, by spending one full month in the fantastic, far-flung Galapagos Islands. After that I explored mainland Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and a bit of Chile, where I …
Incredible Chile–Argentina Andes Border Crossing
Incredible Chile–Argentina Andes Border Crossing Fronterizo Los Libertadores Chile and Argentina are two very long countries located in the southern half of South America. They border each other for an astounding 5000 miles / 8000 km, with Argentina on the eastern Atlantic Ocean side of the continent and Chile on the western, Pacific side. The …
The 10 Most Spectacular Natural Places in Chile
The 10 Most Spectacular Natural Places in Chile Chile is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor adventurers. The country’s natural diversity is so vast that most of the Earth’s climate and vegetation zones are found somewhere in Chile. They range from the driest place on the planet at Atacama Desert in the far north …
My Sailing Experiences and Chartering Boats in the Caribbean
My Sailing Experiences and Chartering Boats in the Caribbean Quite unfortunately for me, I did not grow up learning to sail. I was busy practicing ballet, taking horseback riding lessons, racing around town on bicycles and, later, skiing. In any event, I couldn’t have learned sailing as a kid anyhow because my family always lived …
Introduction to Valporaiso – Chile
Introduction to Valporaiso, Chile Valporaiso is one of Chile’s most popular and important coastal cities. Located just 120 km / 75 miles northeast of the capital, Santiago, Valpo makes an easy weekend getaway for city residents. Valporaiso is famous for its steep hillsides packed with colorful houses, its many amazing panoramic views over the wide …
12 Interesting Facts about Chile
12 Interesting Facts about Chile Most people know that Chile is located in South America. And many may also know that it’s situated on the lower western side of the continent with a Pacific Coast and that the Andes Mountains run through the country. Some outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers may further know several famous …
The Full Machu Pichu Experience
The Full Machu Pichu Experience Machu Pichu is a place where the experience of visiting live, in person, cannot be captured in photos, no matter how good the images. The ‘classic’ Machu Pichu photo taken from one of the nearby mountaintops, with the visitor towering way above Machu Pichu, is a perfect example. For one …