Santiago represents a perfect fusion of modernity and tradition. The neighborhoods of Lastarria and Bellas Artes offer a bohemian atmosphere, with alleys bordered with colonial houses and large green areas. The Civic Center holds the historical gems of the capital, including the Palacio de la Moneda, the great esplanade of the Plaza de Armas, the National Historical Museum, the Pre-Columbian Art Museum and the beautiful urban park of Cerro de Santa Lucia, with terraces and viewpoints from which you can calculate the great magnitude of the city and the imposing Andes Mountains, which are white in winter.
The Barrio de Bellavista, guarded by the Cerro de San Crist&oacute;bal and cradle of the famous poet Neruda, stands out for the hustle and bustle of its venues offering live music, dance and different dining options, from luxury to fast food. To the north is El Barrio&nbsp;el&nbsp;Golf, which is the center of finance with modern glass towers and European flavor in its spacious and elegant avenues as well as extensive green areas. It is always busy with young people who fill the terraces after working hours. The beautiful Parque Bicentenario, a large green lung for the city, is the ideal place to relax and enjoy a pleasant walk along the trails. If you want to follow the Chilean wine route, there is nothing better than a visit to the 120-hectare Cousi&ntilde;o Macul vineyard that houses centuries-old trees, vineyards and old wineries where you can taste this precious wine. And to enjoy a 100% Chilean experience, a stop is required in the traditional La Piojera bar, frequented by the most important personalities of the city where you can taste a famous Terremoto cocktail.

Santiago de Chile

Known for art and football, La Boca is one of the most popular neighbourhoods in Buenos Aires. The neighbourhood is home to La Bombonera, the stadium of Boca Juniors, one of the most important teams in the country. Its name is due to its box-like shape. The striking colours of the houses, like those on Caminito, the most emblematic street, are the works of some of the greatest Argentinian artists, such as Benito Quinquela Mart&iacute;n who renovated the whole street in the 1950s, turning it into a work of art by strengthening the previous colours of the tenements. These buildings, which represent the typical architecture of the neighbourhood and originally housed immigrants, are another sight not to be missed. Nowadays in La Boca, various styles of crafts, souvenir shops and tango shows can be found.

Barrio de Boca

Are you going to Buenos Aires? Good choice! The capital of Argentina is a city of contrasts, known for its vibrant cultural life, but also for its football fans. Don't miss the Asado (barbecued meat), the dulce de leche, the Plaza de Mayo or the Mafalda monument.&nbsp;
<h2>What to see in Buenos Aires</h2>
<h2>Plaza de Mayo</h2>
The Plaza de Mayo is the most significant place in the country's political life. Every Thursday, the mothers of the Plaza de Mayo meet here, still demanding information about the children they lost during the dictatorship. The most important buildings in Buenos Aires' administrative life are located in the Plaza: the Casa Rosada, the National Bank and the Metropolitan Cathedral, among others.
<h2>The Casa Rosada, seat of Argentine political power</h2>
You can visit the Houses of Parliament in London, and the White House in Washington and the equivalent in Buenos Aires is the Casa Rosada. Some of its interior rooms are open to the public, as well as the Patio of Palm Trees.
<h2>San Telmo Market in Plaza Dorrego</h2>
If you decide to visit Buenos Aires and take a walk around the San Telmo neighborhood, don't miss the market in Plaza Dorrego, livened up by the living statues and street musicians. This area, which was once inhabited by people from the Argentine upper middle class, was abandoned after the yellow fever epidemic that devastated the city. Many of its palaces were left in ruins and the neighborhood was about to be demolished, but the appearance of the antique market saved it. Besides finding antiques and all manner of curios, it is the perfect place to have a coffee.&nbsp;
<h2>Statue of Mafalda</h2>
Sitting on a bench in San Telmo is one of the most famous girls in Argentina. You will identify her by her dark bushy hair and her red dress, although the sculpture is made of bronze. Just don't go near her with soup. It's better to take her a burning political question to get a witty answer in reply. There are few travelers who do not have their picture taken with cartoonist and comedian Quino's most famous character.
<h2>Pasaje Caminito in La Boca</h2>
The La Boca neighborhood is one of the most popular among those who travel to Buenos Aires. You'll recognize it by its modest and brightly colored houses. The most visited and photographed street is the Pasaje Caminito, the birthplace of the tango of the same name: Caminito. If you want to see how real professionals perform this dance, oozing with character and sensuality, this is the perfect place. You won't have to enter any premises either. You're more than likely to run into street dancers.&nbsp;
<h2>Caf&eacute; Tortoni, a place with plenty of history</h2>
Caf&eacute; Tortoni was founded in 1858, making it one of the oldest in the city. The cultural equivalent of Madrid's Caf&eacute; Gij&oacute;n, it was a meeting place for Argentine intellectuals in the first half of the 20th century. It was said that the caf&eacute; was notable for its hospitality, meaning that the drinks were cheap; this attracted the artists and writers of the day, who were no closer to financial stability than any of their kind at any time or place.
<h2>Parque 3 de Febrero</h2>
The Parque 3 de febrero is actually a group of parks that are also called Bosques de Palermo, because they are located in this Buenos Aires district. They form a real urban oasis, occupying an area of forty hectares dotted with artificial lakes and with a zoo, a botanical garden, a planetarium and an impressive white bridge that is one of the most popular attractions among those who choose to visit Buenos Aires.&nbsp;
<h2>La Bombonera</h2>
If you like football, and even if it is not your favorite sport, you must have heard of one of the most famous teams in Buenos Aires and in all of Argentina: Club Atl&eacute;tico Boca Juniors. Its stadium, La Bombonera, is one of the world's temples pf football; or at least that's how the legendary player, Maradona, described it.&nbsp;
<h2>The Obelisk of Buenos Aires</h2>
This obelisk, almost 70 meters high, was built to commemorate the city's birthday, its fourth centenary to be precise. This took place in 1936. You can see it in Plaza de la Rep&uacute;blica, but only from below. The only way to reach the highest point is by a ship's ladder, a feat within the scope of very few.&nbsp;
<h2>Subte and Alfajores</h2>
If you're going to travel to Buenos Aires there are two things you should know. The first is that the best way to move around the city is the metro, which is known as Subte. It has six lines and the tickets are very cheap. Just watch out for pickpockets.
And secondly, you mustn't miss the city's traditional sweet confection: alfajores. These consist of two cookies, usually sandwiched with dulce de leche or honey.&nbsp;

Buenos Aires

Situated between the Argentinian province of Misiones and the Brazilian province of Parana, the Iguazu Falls are one of the most visited natural attractions in the country. There are a total of 275 falls, the majority of which are situated in Argentina. The highest is the Devil's Throat, at 80 meters. There are a series of walkways from Puerto Canoas which allow observation of the falls, as well as the option to take various excursions and boat trips. The local fauna us another great attraction of Iguazu. Over 450 species of birds have been sighted here plus 80 mammals including the jaguar and anteater. Iguazu Falls National Park was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984 and was chosen for the New7Wonders project as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
<h2>What to see at Iguaz&uacute; Falls</h2>
Argentina is a country of immense natural wealth. To the south, Patagonia has the Perito Moreno glacier, one of the most famous in the world, and with good reason. And to the north, on the border with Paraguay and Brazil, in the park of the same name, is the most impressive group of waterfalls on the planet. An authentic wonder of the world that you can only see if you decide to visit the Iguaz&uacute; Falls.
<h2>Getting to the Iguaz&uacute; Falls</h2>
The truth is that it rains almost all year round in this region, although there is more rain in summer. Of course, this is also the time of year when the rivers carry the most water and the waterfalls are at their most impressive. Between May and September, the low season in Iguaz&uacute;, the temperature is cooler, the rains are a little less frequent and there are fewer tourists. So we recommend that you visit the Iguaz&uacute; Falls at this time of year. But don't worry if you can't. The area is so beautiful that it will never let you down.
<h2>Visiting the falls: from Argentina or Brazil?</h2>
The Iguaz&uacute; River is a natural border that separates Argentina from Brazil and the Iguaz&uacute; Falls can be visited from both countries. Ideally, you should see them from both sides, which requires you to set aside a couple of days in your schedule. Walkways have been erected on both banks to allow you to approach the most impressive area safely.
Whichever country you choose, the approach to the Iguazu Falls is very similar, requiring a walk from the area to the north of the falls. You'll be walking among the local flora and fauna along the whole route and there'll be many opportunities to savor the views.&nbsp;
The most seasoned travelers recommend that you see the falls from the Brazilian side and explore the landscape from the Argentine one.
If this isn't enough for you, we recommend the following:
<h3>The triple border marker</h3>
The city of Puerto Iguaz&uacute; has a monument that marks the triple border shared by Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. It is a viewpoint from where you can see how the Iguaz&uacute; river meets the Paran&aacute; river.&nbsp;
Nearby there is a craft market that is perfect for buying gifts and souvenirs.&nbsp;
<h2>The Devil's Throat</h2>
Part of your Iguaz&uacute; Falls travel plans will undoubtedly be to visit the Garganta del Diablo, or Devil's Throat, which is where most travelers go. This is the most spectacular waterfall in the area and possibly on the planet.&nbsp;
The waterfall is u-shaped and the water plummets into the void from a height of more than 80 meters. The waterfalls with such awesome force that the impact creates a mist that prevents you from seeing the bottom. And if you find the sights incredible, the thunderous noise is even more so.&nbsp;
<h3>A different perspective on the falls</h3>
Seeing the waterfall from above is most common, but you can also see it below. Believe it or not, you can get under the jets of water. There's no shower more natural than that. Keep your camera safe!
<h2>The hummingbird garden in Puerto Iguaz&uacute;</h2>
After being practically in the jungle this garden may seem almost tame, but bird lovers will adore it. There are more than 15 species of hummingbird here. The only birds capable of staying in one place while flying!
If you visit the garden during the breeding season you will see fewer birds, but it's still worth it.&nbsp;
<h2>The Wanda Mines</h2>
It's a good idea to visit the Iguaz&uacute; Falls, especially if you have time to visit the surroundings. The Wanda Mines are a little more than 50 km from Puerto Iguaz&uacute;. Set aside some time to see them and learn more about how precious stones are formed. This is an open-air mine that the owners of the land discovered by chance and which is open to visits. Topazes, amethysts and quartz crystals are mined here.&nbsp;
<h2>The ruins of San Ignacio Min&iacute;</h2>
A little further on, about 300 km from Puerto Iguaz&uacute;, are the ruins of San Ignacio Min&iacute;. It will take you a few hours to get there, but the time is worth it. A well-preserved 17th-century Jesuit mission awaits you, an official World Heritage Site. Most of the mission walls are still standing. And you can see a door with side columns. The surrounding landscape will help you to get an idea of the missionaries' way of life, which was not particularly close to how it is portrayed in films.

Iguazu Falls, Argentinian side

The San Telmo neighbourhood, in Buenos Aires, is one of the oldest in the city. It is also one of the best preserved areas, characterised by its colonial mansions and cobbled streets. It is home to one of the best known markets in Buenos Aires, which takes place in the Plaza Dorrego square every Sunday. The neighbourhood is rooted in art and literature, and is home to a range of museums and exhibitions devoted to tango. The neighbourhood is also home to the statue of Mafalda, Quino&rsquo;s illustrated character, who sits on a bench waiting for tourists to take photos with her.

San Telmo

An enesemble of waterfalls located on the river Iguazu, situated between the Argentinian province of Misiones and the Brazilian province of Parana. It is entirely contained in protected areas, the Argentinian sector in the Iguazu National Park, and the Brazilian sector in the Igua&ccedil;, u National Park. They have been named as ons of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. They are formed of 275 falls, 80% of which are on the Argentinian side. Another sight is the fall with the largest water flow and, at a height of 80 metres, also the largest: The Devil's Throat, which can be witnessed in all its majesty from a height of 50 metres, thanks to the viewpoint walkways from Puerto Canoas,, accessible by the rainforest ecological train service.

Iguazu Falls, Brazilian side

Founded as San Sebastian del Rio de Enero, now commonly referred to simply as Rio, is a Brazilian city and municipality, capital of Rio de Janeiro state, located in southeast Brazil. It is the second most populated city in Brazil, attracts the most international tourism in the country and is the first Olympic city in South America. It was the capital of the kingdom of Portugal between 1807 and 1822 and the capital of the Empire of Brazil since 1822, when the nation declared its independence from Portugal and conserved this status until the construction of Brasilia, in 1960. It is one of the main economic, cultural and financial centres of the country, and is known worldwide for its cultural icons and landscapes, such as the Sugarloaf Mountain, the statue of Christ the Redeemer, considered one of the Seven Wonders of the Modern World, Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the Maracana stadium, and Tijuca National Park, the biggest urban forest in the world, amongst others.

Rio de Janeiro

Latin Capitals & Mendoza Winelands

Also known as Aswan, this city located in the south of Egypt is known for being the starting point for many of the visits to Abu Simbel. Due to the flooding of the Nile riverbed, the Egyptians built both a high and low dam in the area to prevent flooding, but in both constructions, the environmental impact was not taken into account, and due to the rising levels of Lake Nasser the temples of Nubia and Abu Simbel suffered flooding damage. Thanks to a UN campaign to preserve the monuments, different countries of the world collaborated in the transfer of the temples to the interior, away from the river banks.

Aswan

The gigantic Egyptian capital stretches for kilometers. The Alabaster Mosque is one of the visual references of the city, as well as the citadel of Saladino, a medieval Islamic fortification that can be seen from different parts of the city.
One of the great attractions of any trip to Cairo is to get lost in the Jan el-Jalili souk, a network of narrow streets covered with numerous stalls where you can find all kinds of items: from the famous shishas, incense, papyri, spices or poufs made from camel skin, to clothing, antiques and costume jewellery. The Egyptians like to bargain very much, so purchases in any part of the country will be very economical. Another unmissable sight is the famed Egyptian Museum in Cairo, whose cabinets contain precious relics of Ancient Egypt such as vases, sculptures, friezes, paintings, personal belongings and sarcophagi found in the valley of the Kings. In the museum, you can also see the treasure of Tutankhamun, and the mummies of some of the most important pharaohs in history. The pyramids of Giza, one of the wonders of the world, are located on the outskirts of Cairo.
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El Cairo

The necropolis of Giza is one of the greatest treasures of Ancient Egypt. Located within the site are the famous pyramids of Khafre, Menkaure and the great pyramid of Giza, Khufu, considered one of the best preserved and one of the seven wonders of the world. Located on the outskirts of Cairo, these three imposing monuments are one of the main tourist attractions, as well as the enormous figure of the Sphinx, the animal with the body of a lion and a human head whose nose was destroyed by Napoleonic troops. A visit to the great pyramid of Giza allows the traveler to enter a giant network of low-lying tunnels that lead to the King's chamber, where an empty sarcophagus is found. In the surroundings, other visitors have the opportunity of taking a camel ride between the different pyramids, for an exciting, unique experience.
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Giza

Known as the ancient city of Thebes, Luxor was the capital of the New Kingdom of Ancient Egypt built by the pharaohs Amenhotep III and Ramses II. An archaeological center of great relevance where you can find the pillars of the famous temples of Luxor and Karnak, linked together by an avenue of sphinxes and considered a world heritage by UNESCO. Dedicated to the god Amun, you can expect to see columns, obelisks, bas-reliefs and calendars sculpted in the rock. It is also where the mysterious sculpture of an Egyptian beetle is found, which legend suggests has the power to grant wishes. The Luxor area also includes other renowned places of interest such as the Valley of the Kings, the ancient necropolis where the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt were buried. One of the most important findings was the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. A few meters away is the Valley of the Queens, where the funeral chamber of Nefertari was found. Finally, on a trip to Egypt and Luxor you should not miss the Colossi of Memnon, two stone sculptures on the banks of the Nile that represent Amenhotep III.
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Luxor

On a trip to Egypt, you can not forego a boat trip or cruise on the Nile, the longest river in Africa on whose bank the most important cities of the country were built in antiquity. Currently, it is where the main tourist attractions are located, such as Luxor, the ancient capital; Giza, the necropolis where the famous pyramids are located; as well as Cairo, the capital of modern Egypt. The Nile River has two tributaries: the White Nile, which is born in Burundi and passes through Tanzania, Lake Victoria, Uganda, South Sudan and Sudan; and the Blue Nile, which originates in Lake Tana, crosses Ethiopia and reaches Sudan, where it meets the northern part of the river. 
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Nile River

Great Pyramids & Full-Board Nile Cruise

Known throughout the world as the most deadly Nazi concentration camp,&nbsp;Auschwitz, also known as&nbsp;Auschwitz-Birkenau, opened in&nbsp;1940. It would soon become the&nbsp;largest Nazi concentration camp&nbsp;and continued to operate until the end of&nbsp;World War II, when it was liberated by Soviet troops in&nbsp;January 1945.&nbsp;
This tragic place is instantly recognisable by its entrance gate, topped with the German words&nbsp;&lsquo;arbeit mach frei&rsquo;,&nbsp;or &lsquo;work sets you free&rsquo;. History has since revealed this slogan to hold no truth. According to historical investigations, between&nbsp;1.1 and 1.5 million people, including a great number of Jews, were systematically murdered in this camp, the world&rsquo;s greatest symbol of human cruelty in the&nbsp;20th-century.
A&nbsp;UNESCO World Heritage Site,&nbsp;Auschwitz concentration camp is located in the&nbsp;Oswiecim County of Poland,&nbsp;just over an hours drive from&nbsp;Krakow.&nbsp;Tours of Auschwitz&nbsp;are one of the most popular day trips from&nbsp;Krakow. When it opened, the camp originally held Polish political prisoners, but soon adapted to facilitate the large scale extermination of the Jewish population of Europe, as per German Nazi ideology. As Germany invaded more of Europe, so the complex grew and the larger&nbsp;Birkenau&nbsp;camp was added just a few kilometres from&nbsp;Auschwitz.&nbsp;
In 1947,&nbsp;Auschwitz and Birkenau&nbsp;were transformed into the&nbsp;Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial &amp; Museum&nbsp;with the aim of remembering those who died there. Today, the site sensitively and respectfully presents the historic events of this place in a number of exhibitions and memorials. The complex is split into two parts:&nbsp;Auschwitz I and Auschwitz II-Birkenau. It is essential to visit both parts to truly understand how this place became a universal symbol of the atrocities of the Holocaust and the Nazi&rsquo;s systematic regime against Jews, Poles, Romas and many other groups.
There is no doubt that&nbsp;visiting Auschwitz&nbsp;is a harrowing, emotional and poignant experience and it is important to be prepared for your visit, allowing plenty of time to take in the exhibitions and for quiet contemplation.&nbsp;
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Auschwitz

Located on the banks of the Vistula River, the city of Krakow is one of the essential visits on a trip to Poland. It was founded by Prince Krak (hence its name Krak&oacute;w) from the hill of Wawel, where his famous castle is located along with the city&rsquo;s Cathedral. Just below is the dragon statue, one of the protagonists of his legend that tells that the only knight capable of finishing him was a shoemaker who offered him a sheep full of sulfur. Once devoured, the dragon came to drink water from the Vistula and died. In the epicentre of the city, in the busy market square, you can also hear learn of the legend of Saint Mary, one of the best-known images of Krakow. Every hour, the trumpet sounds to the rhythm of Hejnał Mariacki, a traditional Polish melody reminiscent of the trumpeter killed during the Tartar invasions. The Market Square is medieval in style and it is the best preserved in Europe. Underneath it, ancient prisons and torture rooms are located.
Although Krakow was affected by the Jewish Holocaust that took place during World War II, the city suffered little material damage. Today, these black pages of history can be discovered through a walk around Kazimierz and Podg&oacute;rze, Jewish Krakow wherein the second of them the ghetto was created and where the well-known factory of Oskar Schindler is located. Converted into a museum, today it is one of the essential visits on a trip to Krakow. Other essential places are the university, the oldest in Poland; and the palace of the Archdiocese, where the window from where John Paul II used to say goodnight to the parishioners when he visited the city, is located.
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Krakow

Located in the Tatra Mountains, in southern Poland and just over 100 kilometers from Krakow, this national park is one of the country's greatest attractions and is home to one of the most beautiful parts of the Carpathian Mountains. Its variety of forests, characteristic of high mountain areas, are ideal for hiking trails. Most of them include Lake Morskie Oko (eye of the sea), the most beautiful of all due to its incredible views of the peaks that surround it. The highest of these is the Rysy, of almost 2,500 meters high, which climbers and experienced mountaineers can access. The park also offers the possibility of enjoying beautiful valleys and discover fascinating waterfalls and caves. Another of its great attractions is its fauna, where mammals such as the marmot, the mountain goat and even bears can be found, although the latter are more difficult to locate. Among the birdlife, the golden eagle stands out. Most of the excursions that cross the Tatra National Park leave from Zakopane, a small city located at the foot of the Tatras that enjoys a lot of atmosphere during the winter months when it becomes a ski resort.

Tatra National Park

Located in the Tatra Mountains, in southern Poland and just over 100 kilometers from Krakow, this national park is one of the country's greatest attractions and is home to one of the most beautiful parts of the Carpathian Mountains. Its variety of forests, characteristic of high mountain areas, are ideal for hiking trails. Most of them include Lake Morskie Oko (eye of the sea), the most beautiful of all due to its incredible views of the peaks that surround it. The highest of these is the Rysy, of almost 2,500 meters high, which climbers and experienced mountaineers can access. The park also offers the possibility of enjoying beautiful valleys and discover fascinating waterfalls and caves. Another of its great attractions is its fauna, where mammals such as the marmot, the mountain goat and even bears can be found, although the latter is more difficult to locate. Among the birdlife, the golden eagle stands out. Most of the excursions that cross the Tatra National Park leave from Zakopane, a small city located at the foot of the Tatras that enjoys a lot of atmosphere during the winter months when it becomes a ski resort.
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Warsaw

Jewels of Poland

The imperial city and former national capital preserves some of the best temples in Japan, with its zen gardens, such as the Golden Pavillion Kinkaju-ji. The Higashiyama area still captures the atmosphere of old Tokyo, with its cobbled streets and range of pagodas, whilst in Shimbashi the traditions of geishas and tea houses are still very much alive.
If you decide to visit Kyoto, be prepared to see a side of Japan you may not expect. Unlike Tokyo, Kyoto has retained its more traditional appearance in districts such as Gion. The city boasts so many temples and is surrounded by such stunning parks and gardens that all the time you spend there will seem like too little. So take note of the essential sites we recommend at Exoticca.
<h2>What to see in Kyoto</h2>
<h3>Travelling to Kyoto to find oneself</h3>
Even if you travel in summer, Kyoto is full of places to meditate. And we are not only referring to its temples, but also to its parks and gardens. This is one of the most visited cities in Japan and you will find locals and foreigners in the streets dressed up as geishas and samurais. The good news is that the Japanese, who tend to tour around their own country a good deal, are very polite and respectful, so you can stop and meditate in any of these places:
Kiyomizudera Temple
This is an enormous wooden temple supported by hundreds of huge columns built with no nails. Join the queue at the nearby fountain and collect the water that comes directly from the spring. The walk up to the temple from the city takes you through a traditional cemetery. But don't worry, Japanese cemeteries are nothing like Western ones and the differences are worth noting. Once at the top of the hill, soak up the views of the city.
Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka
After the visit to Kiyomizudera, you'll have to descend to the centre again. The custom is to do this by walking down the narrow streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, flanked by traditional shops and houses. You'll find all kinds of gifts here and lots of people taking pictures. If you're up early enough, you can take some incredible photographs and savour the architecture as if you've travelled back in time.
<h3>The golden pavilion or Kinkaku-ji and the gardens of Ryoan-ji</h3>
If you're going to Kyoto, you mustn't miss the golden pavilion. Our advice is to get up very early so you can enter with the first group. This building, with its roofs decorated in gold leaf and surrounded by a beautiful lake which reflect it like a mirror, is one of the city's main attractions. It's not unusual to find large groups of students here taking pictures and studying the history of their country. It's worth visiting, despite the crowds.
Next to it are the Ryoan-ji gardens, a large park where you can relax and even get lost. Everywhere you go in Japan is well marked with maps, but the beauty of this garden is labyrinthine, so pay attention to where you are going.
<h3>Travelling to Kyoto to meet up with the past: the Gion district</h3>
Kyoto is one of the major Japanese cities where traditions have been best preserved. Walking around the Gion district is a delight not only because of its traditional buildings but also because of the possibility of meeting, even today, an authentic geisha. These women, in clothes and make up from the Edo period, will allow you to photograph them, but it is better to ask their permission and not keep them waiting. Remember, they're working, and may be in a hurry.
<h3>Fushimi Innari Shrine</h3>
To get here you will have to take a train, but the journey takes only five minutes and you'll never forget it. This shrine occupies an entire hill, where you pass between hundreds of red toriis marking out the path to the top. The itinerary is impressive, full of sculptures dedicated to the goddess Inari and funerary monuments that blend into the forest. Photographs are allowed, but don't forget that this is a sacred place. Respect is fundamental.
<h3>Arashiyama Bamboo Forest</h3>
Japan is known for many things, including the extensive use of bamboo to build furniture, boats and all manner of utensils. Arashiyama is a bamboo forest outside the city centre, although you can walk there if the thought of long walks does not deter you. Once there, you can go deep into the high plants, visit the many temples hidden among them, take a boat ride or have tea in one of the area's many caf&eacute;s. Mind the mosquitoes, though! These humid areas are their favourite place.
<h3>How to get around if you decide to visit Kyoto</h3>
Unlike Osaka or Tokyo, where the metro is recommended, one of the best ways to get around Kyoto is by bus, unless you are in a hurry. They are slow because of the traffic, but it is the best way to get a broader impression of what the city is like. Of course, Kyoto also has a metro system with stops at the biggest tourist attractions.

Kyoto

The emblematic mountain is the highest in the country at 3,776 metres. It is a tradition for all Japanese people to climb the mountain at least once in their life, where they can pray in the sanctuary at the summit. A great many pilgrims make the climb in summer.

Mount Fuji

Nara is one of the most visited cities in Japan, and it is no accident that it has achieved this honor. Visiting Nara is like traveling back in time. If you arrive by train, you'll see the newest part of the city, but you only have to climb a small slope to enter the most magical place in Japan. An accumulation of fields, woods, temples, and small hidden-away altars. Set aside at least one full day for your visit and take a break for a plate of ramen. You'll be ready for it.
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<h2>First port of call in Nara: feeding the deer in the park</h2>
Nara Park is immense and most of its inhabitants are sacred deer. You'll see plenty of signs to warn you that they are dangerous right next to the mobile cookie sellers. These cookies are the only food you should offer the animals. When they see you holding them, they'll come to you to be fed. Don't misunderstand them: they are not friendly animals, but they are very polite. They know you're going to feed them in exchange for a photo and they'll pose for you. But they will be off as soon as you run out of food!
Be careful, these animals are protected. They're considered to be messengers of the gods and perhaps this is why they have developed a somewhat capricious character.&nbsp;
The park is so big that you're unlikely to have time to see the whole thing. But if you've seen enough temples, head down to the lower area. Nara's young manga and anime fans gather in the park dressed as their favorite characters and it's not uncommon to see groups of cosplayers doing photo shoots. If you ask their permission, they'll let you take pictures too.
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<h2>Todai-ji Temple</h2>
The Todai-ji is one of Nara's best-known temples. It's famous for its huge Buddha and its large gateway. One of the traditions is to pass through a hole that goes through the wood of one of the pillars sustaining the Buddha. The hole is exactly the same size as one of the giant statue's nostrils. And why do tourists and worshippers pass through this hole? Because whoever does so is blessed by the Buddha.&nbsp;
Take the opportunity to burn some incense sticks in the courtyard on your way out, but do so with respect. Those who pray here are the devout faithful who take their religion very seriously, while you are just passing through.&nbsp;
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<h2>Kasuga-Taisha Shrine</h2>
Many of those who decide to visit Nara think that they can see the Kasuga-Taisha quickly, but nothing could be further from the truth. Once you pass through the entrance torii, which is more modest than at other temples, you'll find yourself in a magical enclosure. The path up from the park to the temple area is adorned with dozens of large stone lanterns. And inside the Kasuga-Taisha there are hundreds of lanterns of all sizes. The stone lanterns are impressive, but the metal ones that hang along every single corridor seem to come straight out of some traditional tale. If you have decided to visit Nara in early February or mid-August you may be lucky enough to witness the Setsubun Mantoro or Obon Mantoro festivals, respectively. During these periods the bronze and stone lanterns are simultaneously lit. The spectacle is unparalleled.
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<h2>Kofuku-ji Temple Pagoda</h2>
Pagodas are one of the many attractions at a considerable number of tourist sites all over Japan. Traveling to Nara means you can visit the five-story pagoda that is part of Kofuku-ji temple. The temple, for its part, is the oldest in the world built of wood.&nbsp;
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<h2>Naramachi, the samurai district</h2>
Naramachi, the old commercial district of Nara, retains its narrow alleyways and traditional houses. What used to warehouse have become a craft and gift shops. If you want to buy a truly traditional souvenir, look for a calligraphy workshop. There are several in this area. They sell special paper, brushes as big as brooms and as small as cotton buds for the ears. Nara's stationery stores are also a good place to find a less typical souvenir. Although almost everyone tends to choose a hanging monkey, or migawari-zaru, an ornament you will see in most Naramachi houses.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>Koshi-no-le, a traditional residence</h2>
If you want to know what life in feudal Japan was like, go inside this traditional house. The entrance is free.

Nara

At the heart of Japan&rsquo;s Kansai region, on the island of Honshu, lies Osaka, the second-largest city in the country after Tokyo. An immense metropolis known for its thriving port and importance as a center for trade and commerce, a holiday to Osaka opens up a world of culture and an uncensored taste of Japanese life. Famed for its gastronomic prowess, Osaka is a mecca for foodies; it packs a punch when it comes to its exciting food scene and trend-setting restaurants. If you&rsquo;re unsure what to do in Osaka, then eating your way around the city is a good place to start.
Historically the &lsquo;nations kitchen&rsquo;, Osaka was once the center of rice distribution in Japan, an important measure of wealth, and ever since, the city has expanded into a fast-paced urban sprawl of unlimited opportunities. Although much of the remnants of the past have fallen in favor of modernity, it is the atmosphere of the place, enthusiastic and lively, which charms visitors who choose a tour of Osaka. You can expect gravity-defying skyscrapers, neon lights aplenty and a plethora of entertainment, shopping and leisure activities. The neighborhood of Dotonbori is foodie heaven, whilst Kitashinchi is the nightlife hub, with enough bars, nightclubs and karaoke bars to keep any visitor partying until the early hours!
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<h2>Highlights of Osaka</h2>
If you are wondering what to see in Osaka, a tour is a great way to get an overview of the main sights and attractions of the city. One of the most emblematic and photographed buildings in the city is Osaka Castle, an amazing reconstruction of the original 16th-century castle which once stood on the same spot. With an amazing moat, guarding the majestic white castle, and lush gardens surrounding the site, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to spend a sunny afternoon.
If you are lucky enough to take a trip to Osaka during the springtime, you&rsquo;ll find the gardens awash with cherry blossom trees and cheerful locals enjoying the fleeting beauty of the sakura. Another of the last remaining historic sights to see on an Osaka tour is the ornate Shitennoji Buddhist Temple, dating back to the 6th-century and a tranquil retreat from the bustling city center. When it comes to architecture, Osaka&rsquo;s Umeda Sky Building is an icon of the city. Comprised of two 40-story towers, these awe-inspiring modern structures are connected by giant bridges and make a great backdrop for one-of-a-kind photo opportunities.
Lovers of culture should head to the Kuronmon Ichiba Market, where Japanese gastronomy and culture combine, whilst nature lovers can find wildlife amidst the city sprawl in the Osaka Aquarium, one of the largest in the world and a great rainy-day activity. Of course, you cannot forget the Universal Studios Japan theme-park, the much loved movie-themed attraction with a Japanese twist. There is so much to do in Osaka, you&rsquo;ll be spoilt for choice!

Osaka

In the shadow of Mount Fuji lies Tokyo, the Japanese capital, the world&rsquo;s most populous metropolis and a city like no other. This vast city is high on the must-visit lists of all travelers for its non-stop atmosphere as well as the glimpses of Japanese history and culture that are waiting to be uncovered if you know where to look. An organic entity, Tokyo&rsquo;s urban sprawl takes on a life of its own and it&rsquo;s easy to lose your bearings amidst the neon signs and skyscrapers, but that&rsquo;s all part of the fun of a trip to Tokyo.
Stretching for over 2000 square-kilometers, this immense megalopolis consists of 23 central districts, including Central Tokyo and Old Tokyo, known as Shitamachi. From the dazzling lights of youthful Shibuya and Harajuku to the temples of Asakusa and the majestic Imperial Palace of Chiyoda, the seat of Japanese power, the city&rsquo;s diversity is its main appeal. One of the most surprising aspects of the city is its humble beginnings. Once a small castle town called Edo, today, you can still trace Tokyo&rsquo;s modest beginnings and historic legacy in Shibamata or Taito, two of the more traditional neighborhoods that nod towards the days of the Edo era. A trip to Tokyo is sure to include a good deal of delicious Japanese food and the city&rsquo;s gastronomic scene is simply unbeatable. I
t&rsquo;s incredibly easy to find good eats in Tokyo; just follow the locals and chow down on freshly rolled sushi or handmade noodles. Tokyo&rsquo;s super-efficient and accessible subway system might appear a little daunting on the first inspection, but it&rsquo;s the key to exploring the city&rsquo;s wealth of sights, so you&rsquo;re sure to make use of it if you take a tour of Tokyo.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h2>What to see in Tokyo</h2>
Faced with such an enormous city, it can be challenging to choose where to start when it comes to things to see in Tokyo. Keep in mind that some of the most eye-opening and memorable parts of a Tokyo holiday will probably happen when you&rsquo;re traveling between sights or simply strolling aimlessly through the city&rsquo;s neon-lit neighborhoods. Tokyo is all about &lsquo;experiencing&rsquo; rather than &lsquo;doing&rsquo;. Nevertheless, there are a number of top sights in Tokyo to fit into your itinerary.&nbsp;
The Meiji Shrine, dedicated to the spirits of Emperor Meiji and his wife, is a beautiful traditional Shinto shrine, located in the neighborhood of Shibuya. Nestled within a thick evergreen forest, it&rsquo;s the perfect place to enjoy a laid-back stroll and gain an insight into the traditional beliefs of Japanese Shintoism. Undoubtedly the most popular district in the city for visitors on a tour of Tokyo is Asakusa, which stands out from the rest of the city for its historic streets and remarkably well-preserved traditional architecture.
This is the Tokyo of yesteryear and a trip to Tokyo is incomplete without visiting this part of the city. Senso-ji Buddhist Temple is the highlight of the Asakusa district and the oldest temple in the city. For further historic delights, head to the Imperial Palace, in the district of Chiyoda. This stately castle complex is the primary residence of the Emperor of Japan and is surrounded by a serene moat and a large grassy park area. Although most visitors are not authorized to enter the buildings themselves, tours around the manicured gardens are popular and very scenic.&nbsp;
If you travel to Japan you probably want to experience the tranquil charms of a traditional Japanese garden, and Korakuen Garden, in Bunkyo, is Tokyo&rsquo;s best example of this. This 17th-century garden is a beautiful oasis of ponds, waterfalls and walking trails that lead visitors through areas of maple trees, cherry blossom, and plum trees. Gorgeous at any time of year, Korakue Garden is a little slice of zen amidst the hustle and bustle of modern Tokyo. If you&rsquo;re interested in the arts, then Tokyo is paradise, owing to its countless museums and galleries. There&rsquo;s something to suit all tastes, from the National Museum to the high-rise Mori Art Gallery, not to mention the seemingly endless array of pop-up exhibitions and galleries scattered throughout the city in buildings as diverse as former bathhouses and dilapidated warehouses. It&rsquo;s here you&rsquo;ll find the cutting-edge of Japanese art.&nbsp;
Finally, there are two things to do in Tokyo which are high on the lists of everyone who travels to Japan. The first is crossing the Shibuya Crossing, the world&rsquo;s most famous intersection and the quintessential image of Tokyo. Although the crowds can be overwhelming, it&rsquo;s the number one thing to do in Tokyo. Secondly, if you&rsquo;re lucky enough to travel to Japan in the springtime, you&rsquo;ll be able to see the fleeting beauty of Cherry Blossom, or hanami, season, usually between the end of March and the beginning of April. Shinjuku Gyoen and the Korakuen Gardens are just two of the locations where you can see this magical natural phenomenon in Tokyo.

Tokyo

Wonders of Nippon

Ancient Incan capital conquered by Pizarro, Cuzco today is an active city of colonial buildings surrounded by reminders of this splendid civilisation. For example, the Santo Domingo cathedral is built on the stone of the Incan Casas del Sol, some of the walls are even still visible. This is the classic departure point for trips to Machu Picchu.
<h2>What to see in Cuzco</h2>
You may be passing through Cuzco because you want to see Machu Pichu. However, at Exoticca we recommend that you pay attention to the city as well. This is a place with a wealth of history and great beauty. There is a reason it was the capital of the Inca Empire and a strategic hub during the Spanish colonial period. The combination of both cultures is a feature that will provide a constant source of delight.
<h3>Travel to Cuzco and discover its heart: Plaza de Armas</h3>
When you see the Plaza de Armas for the first time, it won't occur to you that it was originally a swamp. The Incas installed drainage, dried it out and made it their administrative centre. The Spanish colonisers built their churches and buildings on top of former palaces and today it is a place to have coffee.
The Cathedral and the Church of the Society of Jesus are outstanding places to visit. The latter was built in a beautiful baroque style and houses a golden pulpit and four cedar altars.
<h3>San Blas district</h3>
The city's oldest church is the one that gives its name to one of its most charming districts. San Blas is a place to lose yourself amid steep cobbled streets full of interesting nooks and crannies. Don't miss the colonial-era buildings and take advantage of the walk to buy your Cuzco souvenirs here. If possible, in one of the craft workshops. When you reach the highest part of the district you'll be able to soak up one of the city's most beautiful views. And, if it gets late and you are in San Blas after dark, take advantage and have a pisco sour cocktail.
<h3>Calle Loreto and the twelve-angled stone</h3>
Calle Loreto is one of those places where the contrast between the pre-Columbian Inca culture and the colonial culture is best appreciated. The lower sections of the buildings consist of walls of Inca origin, yet they support buildings of colonial architecture.
The best known place in Cuzco meanwhile is the twelve-angled stone, very near Calle Loreto. You'll find it in Calle Hatun. This stone is remarkable for its workmanship.
<h3>San Pedro Market</h3>
The developer of the most famous structure in Paris, the Eiffel Tower, also built the Mercado de San Pedro, or Central Market of Cuzco. Inside, you can buy Peruvian food and local handicrafts. We recommend that you try the fruit: it's absolutely delicious.&nbsp;
<h3>The temple of Qorikancha&nbsp;</h3>
The temple of Qorikancha is an Inca construction dedicated to the sun god, and at one time it was the most important place of worship of the Inca civilization. Its enormous blocks of rock, which are joined together without the use of mortar, have been preserved. In the past, they formed walls covered with sheets of gold that marked the limits of the enclosures of the various buildings of the complex, since the temple of Qorikancha was not a single building, but a real religious complex that housed the temple of the stars, the moon and, of course, the sun.
<h3>Sacsayhuam&aacute;n</h3>
To reach the ruins of the Sacsayhuam&aacute;n fortress, one must walk about forty minutes to the north of the city. It's well worth the walk. In fact, it would be unforgivable to travel to Cuzco and not visit this complex, which dates back to the 15th century, when Pachacutec commissioned its construction. The three superimposed platforms, made up of gigantic blocks of stones similar to those of Qorikancha, have been preserved to this day. They exhibit images carved by the Incas
Don't miss the Sun Gate.
<h3>Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Qenqo and the White Christ</h3>
No list of archaeological sites would be complete without mentioning Tambomachay, Pukapukara and Qenqo. All three of them would be more than enough reason to travel to Cuzco on their own, but we recommend that you don't miss a single one.
Tambomachay, which lies 8 km from the city, is a place where water was worshipped. There is a complex system of aqueducts and canals here.&nbsp;Pukapukara is only a five-minute walk from Tambomachay. It is known as the Red Fortress, and you can still see the remains of the walls and inner quarters.&nbsp;Qenqo is further away. It contains the remains of a religious complex with the ruins of an amphitheatre, an underground hall, a canal and two religious columns.
The White Christ is an 8-metre-high statue near Qenqo. From here you can walk to the centre of Cuzco on a descending walk that will reveal beautiful views of the city.
Our recommendation is that you do the whole route on foot so that you can appreciate the surrounding landscape, but you can also take a bus or combi.

Cuzco

Founded by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro, Plaza Mayor and the surrounding old town retain their colonial feeling. In this square you will find the cathedral, one of the most fascinating examples of baroque architecture in America and home to Pizarro&rsquo;s tomb. Nowadays, the home town of Nobel prize winner Nobel Mario Vargas Llosa has positioned itself firmly as the gastronomical mecca of Latin America.
<h2>What to see in Lima&nbsp;</h2>
There are many charming places and monuments in the capital of Peru that you might not have expected to find here. Walking around its streets, visiting its churches and tasting its food are just three of the things you can do if you decide to visit Lima.&nbsp;
<h3>Main square or Plaza de Armas</h3>
If you've decided to travel to Lima, you mustn't miss its nerve centre: Plaza de Armas. This is one of the most photographed sightseeing places in the city. Here you'll find the archbishop's palace, the government palace and the equestrian statue of Francisco Pizarro. Some of these buildings are open to visitors, but if you don't feel like going in, don't worry: just seeing the beauty of their facades is rewarding in its own right.&nbsp;
<h3>Lima Cathedral</h3>
Religious tourism is not a major feature of Peru, but Lima Cathedral is an exception. The building combines different architectural styles. Thus, the fa&ccedil;ade is a clear representation of the Renaissance style with plateresque additions that merge into a clear neoclassical style when it comes to the towers.
You shouldn't miss the representation of the star-filled sky in the interior.&nbsp;
<h3>Government Palace</h3>
The Government palace has become a reason to travel to Lima in its own right. It is located in the Plaza de Armas and its neo-baroque facade will immediately attract your attention. Make sure this does not distract you from the side fa&ccedil;ade, decorated in neo-colonial style and also demanding admiration. Although this palace is now the seat of the Peruvian government, it harbours much more history. Eminent figures such as Francisco Pizarro dwelt within its walls. As well as several presidents of Peru.
<h3>Municipal Theatre of Lima</h3>
If you're looking for a really old and impressive building, head for the theatre in Lima. It was built in 1915, but it was razed to the ground in a fire in 1998. Its restoration in 2008 included upgrades, while respecting its original style. Today it is in full use and is part of the active cultural life of Lima.
<h3>San Francisco Monastery</h3>
You are surely aware of the catacombs of Paris, but did you know that there are also catacombs under the Monastery of San Francisco in Lima? They form part of the country's historical heritage and it is estimated that they are home to the remains of more than twenty thousand people. When you visit them, you'll be surprised by the state of conservation of the place. Contrary to what you may expect, it is not at all sinister but rather a place of contemplation.
On the surface you'll find a monumental complex that includes a basilica, a convent and two other buildings of religious character: the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Solitude and the Church of the Miracle. This is one of the most majestic and yet charming spots in Lima.&nbsp;
<h3>Malec&oacute;n de Miraflores: spectacular views</h3>
You'll find the Malec&oacute;n esplanade towards the end of the Miraflores district. A perfect walk to get to know this beautiful city. As you proceed you'll discover various parks and gardens where you can enjoy the perfect climate and the tranquillity of a city that lives in close contact with the sea.&nbsp;
And if the walk is beautiful, the five kilometres of the Malec&oacute;n are just as good. Do the walk and you'll reach the cliffs of the Costa Verde and their incomparable views.
<h3>The Park of Love</h3>
Among the great range of parks and gardens in Lima, the Parque del Amor, or Park of Love, is notable for housing Victor Delfin's famous sculpture "The Kiss". It shows a couple kissing passionately on a platform facing the sea. Visiting Lima can be a bit overwhelming, so stop in the shade of its trees and catch your breath before continuing.
<h3>Larcomar, the first pit stop</h3>
Not everything involves fresh air and parks in Lima. The city also has popular shopping malls, such as the Larcomar Shopping Centre. It's the perfect place to get your strength back with a "Pisco Sour", or a typical Peruvian&nbsp;ceviche. But be prepared to spend your time here in the company of crowds. Larcomar is not only big, but also very popular.
<h3>Huaca Pucllana&nbsp;</h3>
Travelling to Lima and missing the archaeological centre of Huaca Pucllana would be unforgivable.
Note its truncated pyramid and the many adjoining courtyards and buildings. The entire complex was built in adobe and filled in with pebbles. The visit is very interesting and instructive, thanks to the restoration work that began in the 1980s and continues to this day.&nbsp;
<h3>Bridge of Sighs</h3>
Lima is, as we have already mentioned, a city that lives in contact with the sea. Its beaches and its&nbsp;malecones&nbsp;prove it. To bid farewell to this beautiful capital, come to the Bridge of Sighs at sunset. You'll have an unforgettable image of the ocean imprinted on your retina that will stay with you forever.

Lima

An ancient Incan citadel and top of most travelers bucket-list, Machu Picchu is an awe-inspiring sight and a must-see for all intrepid travelers. Perched at 2,430 meters in the eastern mountains of Peru, Macchu Picchu has enchanted all who have made the journey to see its ancient ruins since its rediscovery in 1911.&nbsp;
Constructed in a classical Inca style the monument is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major attraction for all who choose to <a title="travel to Peru" href="https://www.exoticca.travel/america/south-america/peru" target="_blank">travel to Peru</a>. As the world&rsquo;s most recognizable icon of the Inca civilization, Machu Picchu dates back to around 1450 and is nestled between breathtaking mountain peaks, making for spectacular views and photo opportunities for those on a tour of Machu Picchu.
&nbsp;As well as its amazing backdrop, there are three main structures to explore within the site itself: Intihuatana, a ritual stone sculpture, the Temple of the Sun and the Room of Three Windows. There are also hundreds of man-made terraces, historically used for complex farming techniques, and a charming population of native llamas.&nbsp;
There are different options on how to travel to Machu Picchu, but the most accessible and popular route is to take the scenic train from Cuzco or the Sacred Valley to Aguas Calientes, the nearest town to the monument. From here, you can reach the entrance either on foot or by an array of transport services available in the town.&nbsp;
Alternatively, the most intrepid travelers might opt to trek the Inca Trail. The full Inca Trail can take four to five days of moderate trekking to complete, although shorter and one-day options are also available to enable everyone to feel the accomplishment of completing the hike to Machu Picchu.&nbsp;
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<h2>Significance of Machu Picchu</h2>
Machu Picchu is one of the most popular destinations for travelers on a trip to Peru, although many visitors know little about the history and significance of this ancient monument. By uncovering some of the theories about why Machu Picchu was built, travelers might find their visit an even more eye-opening experience.&nbsp;
On the most part, Machu Picchu was unknown to anyone outside of the region until 1911, when American archaeologist, Hiram Bingham, discovered and consequently shared this secret of the Incas with the rest of the world. Led by the locals, the archaeologist unearthed the so-called &lsquo;Lost City of the Incas&rsquo; and proceeded to excavate the site whilst forming theories about its curious history. Bingham later published a book outlining his theories on the history of the site, inspiring globe-trotters from around the world to travel to Machu Picchu.
Macchu Picchu is thought to have been constructed around 1450, at the height of the powerful Inca Empire. It is suspected that the site was completely abandoned just 80 years after its construction, sparking enthusiastic debate about the original purpose of this mysterious monument.&nbsp;
The most widely accepted theory suggests that Machu Picchu served as a royal estate for Inca kings during the hot summer months due to its cool, high-altitude climate. The structure of the monument reveals a three-class structure, with different buildings appropriate for housing both royalty, nobles, and servants. Complex irrigation systems and farming terraces also point to the monument once functioning as a self-sufficient hilltop retreat. On the other hand, some believe that the monument was built to serve a spiritual purpose as a center for important religious ceremonies.&nbsp;
The Incas worshipped the sun, due to its life-giving properties, and Macchu Picchu and its buildings are in direct alignment with the surrounding mountains that frame, perfectly, the sun rises and sunsets during equinoxes and solstices, which would have been important, spiritual events for Inca society.
&nbsp;A final theory to keep in mind if you visit Machu Picchu is that the sheer height at which the monument was built suggests it held immense value to the Inca civilization. It&rsquo;s speculated that Machu Picchu was the final stop on a grueling pilgrimage route, beginning in Cuzco and culminating at the peak of the monument. If you trek the Inca Trail, you can surely sympathize with these ancient Inca pilgrims.

Machu Picchu

The Sacred Valley, nestled in the Peruvian Andes, is one of the country&rsquo;s most rewarding travel destinations, owing to it&rsquo;s mysterious Inca ruins, breathtaking scenery, and charming colonial towns and villages. Relics of Peru&rsquo;s Inca heritage are scattered throughout the bowl-shaped landscape of the Sacred Valley and it&rsquo;s proximity to both the ancient Inca capital of Cuzco and the bucket-list ruined citadel of Machu Picchu makes it ones of the country&rsquo;s most popular tourist destinations.
Gladly, the Sacred Valley&rsquo;s popularity has not detracted from its natural beauty or intruded on its pockets of untouched Inca culture. Here, you can get lost in the labyrinthine streets of Ollantaytambo, where typical Inca streets are still trodden by traditionally-dressed locals, or quad-bike across the sweeping valley to the curious Maras Salt Mines or Moray Terraces, the result of some pretty ingenious experiments by the valley&rsquo;s original Inca inhabitants. Spend a few days in the Sacred Valley and you&rsquo;ll soon be bowled over by the traditional local culture, landscapes and living history of this magical place. A trip to the Sacred Valley is a great choice for adrenalin junkies, who are in for a treat as bungee jumping, rock-climbing, and rafting on the Urubamba River are all up for grabs in this beautiful part of Peru.
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<h2>Things to see in the Sacred Valley</h2>
There are simply so many things to see in the Sacred Valley, it can be hard to get your head around planning an itinerary. It&rsquo;s highly recommended to get yourself a &lsquo;boleto turistico&rsquo;, a ticket which grants access to a range of ruins, sites, and museums in and around the Sacred Valley and Cuzco. A standard ticket is valid for 10 consecutive days. If you choose an organized tour of the Sacred Valley, this will probably be taken care of for you, but nevertheless, it&rsquo;s good to know some of the top sights in the Sacred Valley in order to plan out your trip to Peru.
Standing above the Urubamba River, on top of a mountain are the magnificent Pisac Ruins. A 2-hour hiking trail links the ruins with the colonial town of Pisac, and although the hike may be a little grueling at this altitude, you&rsquo;ll be greatly rewarded by a well-preserved selection of Inca ruins which easily compete with Machu Picchu in terms of size and complexity. Probably built as a defense system, the sweeping stone terraces, buildings, and circular look-outs will take your breath away, as well as the staggering views across the Sacred Valley. Even higher in altitude than Cuzco lies the charming little town of Chinchero, home to Inca architecture and a lively local market. Chinchero is well-known as a center of Peruvian textiles.
The local weaving center offers demonstrations and workshops to visitors, who can purchase the finished articles at bargain prices. The Salt Mines of Maras are perhaps the Sacred Valley&rsquo;s most curious attraction. These salt mines, in use since pre-Inca times, are an ingenious invention, as well as being incredibly photogenic. Families in the local communities are each assigned one of the salt ponds and harvest salt once the sun has evaporated the spring water from the pond. You can even purchase Maras salt in the local souvenir shops! If you travel to the Sacred Valley hoping to get to know the locals, you can&rsquo;t miss out on visiting Ollantaytambo, dubbed the &lsquo;only living Inca town&rsquo;.
Dating from the 15th-century and once an important royal estate of a powerful Inca emperor, today it tempts travelers to explore its archaeological sites and meet the locals, many of whom wear traditional dress and live in ancient Inca dwellings. A fortress, terraces, and plaza, dating back to Inca times, can also be found in Ollantaytambo. Finally, a tour of the Sacred Valley would be incomplete without visiting Pisac Market, the best place in the valley to experience vibrant Quechua culture. If you visit Pisac Market on a Sunday, you&rsquo;ll see local communities from around the Andes gathering to sell their produce and buy supplies. You&rsquo;ll also find plenty of stalls selling Andean textiles and souvenirs, such as cozy ponchos, a must for keeping warm at altitude.&nbsp;

Sacred Valley

Sacred Land of the Incas

South Africa&rsquo;s&nbsp;oldest city,&nbsp;Cape Town,&nbsp;&nbsp;sits on the&nbsp;southwestern&nbsp;coast of the country, on the&nbsp;Cape Peninsula. It is famed for being an extremely diverse city, and a paradise of contrasts, from sandy beaches, popular with surfers from around the world, to a colorful city center, in the shadow of the iconic&nbsp;Table Mountain, and not to mention the&nbsp;Cape Wineland, filled with verdant vineyards. Nicknamed the &lsquo;Mother City&rsquo;,&nbsp;Cape Town&nbsp;is the legislative capital of&nbsp;South Africa&nbsp;and is famed for its multiculturalism. The city successfully showcases itself as a destination of expatriates and immigrants from around the world, and its abundant restaurants, cultural sights, and neighborhoods reflect this. In recent years, it has topped lists of the best places to visit in the world and was crowned&nbsp;World Design Capital&nbsp;in&nbsp;2014.&nbsp;A&nbsp;holiday to Cape Town&nbsp;is an unmissable adventure into a world of contrasts, both in landscapes and atmosphere. Due to its location, in the&nbsp;Southern Hemisphere, the city enjoys warm and dry summers between&nbsp;December&nbsp;and&nbsp;March.
 
<h2>History of Cape Town</h2>
Cape Town&nbsp;first came into existence when it was developed as a supply station for the&nbsp;Dutch East India&nbsp;company in the mid-17th&nbsp;century, and as a result,&nbsp;European&nbsp;settlers began to build a community on the site of the modern-day metropolis. Due to its importance and growth, it soon became the economic and cultural capital of the&nbsp;Cape Colony, the name given to the&nbsp;Dutch&nbsp;and later&nbsp;British&nbsp;colonies on the&nbsp;Cape Peninsula.&nbsp;The region was a central stage for conflicts such as the&nbsp;Boer Wars&nbsp;in the late&nbsp;19th&nbsp;and early&nbsp;20th centuries&nbsp;and the later&nbsp;20th century&nbsp;saw&nbsp;Cape Town&nbsp;become a focal point for the struggles of the&nbsp;anti-apartheid&nbsp;movement.&nbsp;Robben Island, located&nbsp;10 kilometers&nbsp;off of the coast of the city&rsquo;s&nbsp;Table Bay, was famously the island-prison where&nbsp;Nelson Mandela, the&nbsp;South African&nbsp;anti-apartheid&nbsp;revolutionary and politician, was imprisoned. Furthermore,&nbsp;Cape Town&rsquo;s&nbsp;City Hall&nbsp;was the place where, after his release,&nbsp;Mandela&nbsp;made his first speech. Nowadays, the city is considered to have the highest rate of equality in&nbsp;South Africa, a source of pride for&nbsp;Cape Town&rsquo;s&nbsp;locals.
 
<h2>Sights in Cape Town</h2>
Cape Town&nbsp;offers visitors a wide array of sights and places of interest, owing to its unique geography and variety of natural attractions. In the city center itself, known as the&nbsp;City Bowl&nbsp;and the area between&nbsp;Table Bay&nbsp;and the surrounding mountains, you can find the quaint&nbsp;V&amp;A Waterfront, a complex of shops, restaurants, bars, hotels and leisure facilities, situated on the harbor-front. The city center also boasts a wonderful mix of architecture, although the most characteristic buildings in the city are those demonstrating the&nbsp;Cape Dutch&nbsp;style of architecture, a mixture of&nbsp;Dutch, German, French&nbsp;and&nbsp;Indonesian&nbsp;styles. Perhaps the most characteristic sight in the city is&nbsp;Table Mountain,&nbsp;where visitors can opt to trek up the trails to the peak or ride the revolving cable-cars up to the flat summit for spectacular views. The surrounding&nbsp;Table Mountain National Park, where designated nature reserves protect the unique biodiversity of the area, which boasts over&nbsp;2000 plant&nbsp;species, encourages further exploration. The city&rsquo;s&nbsp;Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden&nbsp;is another highlight for visitors looking to immerse themselves in nature.&nbsp;Robben&nbsp;Island&nbsp;stands out as an important attraction for visitors on a&nbsp;tour of Cape Town, for its historical significance. Visitors can take a regular boat service from&nbsp;Table Bay&nbsp;to the island where they can visit the cells where former political prisoners such as&nbsp;Nelson Mandela&nbsp;were held. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city center, filled with shops, restaurants, and museums, the dreamy&nbsp;Atlantic Seaboard&nbsp;neighborhoods are an upmarket residential area along the coast, with a multitude of mansions and houses overlooking the ocean, making it the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. It is here that you can find&nbsp;Clifton Beach, perhaps&nbsp;South Africa&rsquo;s&nbsp;most famous beach, where holidaymakers and locals alike bask in the sunshine of the summer months. Other notable beaches include&nbsp;Boulders Beach, home to a penguin colony and&nbsp;Muizenberg Beach, a true paradise for surfers, lined with colorful huts.
A&nbsp;trip to Cape Town&nbsp;will immerse you in a city filled with history and culture, situated in a privileged position between the ocean and the vast natural environment of the peninsula. From&nbsp;shark-cage diving&nbsp;to visiting the iconic&nbsp;Cape Point, where the&nbsp;Atlantic&nbsp;and&nbsp;Indian Oceans&nbsp;meet, the metropolis of&nbsp;Cape Town&nbsp;is an unmissable and fascinating destination.

Cape Town

South Africa&rsquo;s largest city, Johannesburg is a cultural melting-pot and an excellent starting point for further discovery and tours of South Africa. Trendy neighbourhoods, such as stylish Maboneng, have sprung up in recent years amidst the urban sprawl, offering travellers an accessible glimpse into the vibrancy and diversity of modern South African culture. On the other hand, Johannesburg&rsquo;s suburbs, such as famous Soweto, are also filled with cultural insights and stories of the nations eventful history.
Despite the city&rsquo;s questionable reputation in recent decades, &lsquo;Joburg&rsquo;, as it&rsquo;s known locally, is looking towards the future with optimism. Walls adorned with community murals, charismatic street vendors and an eclectic, international food scene make a trip to Johannesburg a highlight of any holiday to South Africa. In fact, foodies are sure to fall for Johannesburg&rsquo;s food scene, perhaps the best in the country. Representing the diversity of the city, it&rsquo;s exceptionally cosmopolitan, meaning traditional South African food is surprisingly challenging to find.
Instead, eat your way through the different neighbourhoods and you&rsquo;ll be rewarded with cuisines ranging from Turkish to Indian, Ethiopian and Asian, to name only a few. The best time to visit Johannesburg is during the sunny winter months between May and August when temperatures are mild yet pleasant. Joburg&rsquo;s skyline is dominated by the huge Hillbrow Tower, which makes a handy landmark to help you keep your bearings whilst sightseeing in the city centre.
Johannesburg&rsquo;s plentiful museums and galleries, such as the Johannesburg Art Gallery, are sure to satisfy culture-vultures, whilst the abundance of live music venues and seemingly impromptu parties in the city&rsquo;s bars and restaurants makes it one of South Africa&rsquo;s most fun-loving destinations.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
<h3>What to see in Johannesburg</h3>
Due to its size and diversity, there are countless things to see in Johannesburg, depending on your interests and travel style. Longing to experience the city&rsquo;s youthful spirit? Head to the university neighbourhood of Braamfontein on a Saturday morning to browse the lively food market, busy with local students and a great place to savour the flavours of modern South Africa.
If you&rsquo;re keen to learn more about the nations turbulent history, look no further than the Apartheid Museum and Mandela Family Museum, both situated closeby to the suburb of Soweto, in the shadow of the mural-laden Orlando Towers. Other things to do in Johannesburg include visiting Nelson Mandela Square, situated in the upmarket, touristic neighbourhood of Sandton. This elegant square is home to a huge statue of the anti-apartheid revolutionary Nelson Mandela and a selection of cafes and restaurants from which you can enjoy the views. Constitution Hill, a former prison complex and living museum, is another must-see on a trip to Johannesburg.
One of South Africa&rsquo;s most important historical sites, it bears testament to the nation&rsquo;s turbulent past. Gold Reef City, an amusement park, might not be an obvious choice for visitors to Johannesburg, but holds a sightseeing secret in the form of a fascinating underground mine. The underground mine tours on offer here provide an interesting look into South Africa&rsquo;s gold rush. If you visit Johannesburg you can also enjoy a number of hop-on-hop-off bus tours and group walking tours, both informative and safe options for exploring the heart of the city and its diverse neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

Johannesburg

The largest game reserve in South Africa. As if its 20,000 km2 were not enough, the Kruger continues its span into the neighbouring country of Mozambique, forming an outstanding collection. The Kruger National Park is especially well known for its lion population.

Kruger National Park

Cape & Kruger Explorer

Bergen is the second largest city in Norway and the gateway to the Norwegian fjords. A small fisherman's city who's colourful wooden houses cannot fail to charm. Especially the area of Bryggem, a UNESCO World Heritage site which was occupied by the Hanseatens, a German federation which controlled fishing in the north of the country for years. The city is surrounded by seven mountains, the best known being Ulriken and Floyen, the latter the supposed home of fairies and trolls. Bergen was the inspiration for the Disney film, Frozen.

Bergen

Known as the &lsquo;Land of the Fjords&rsquo;, Norway is famous for its glistening waterways. The word &lsquo;fjord&rsquo; is of ancient Viking origin, used to describe the watery inlets that stud the coastline of Norway. So what is a fjord? These mythical bodies of water are created by retreating glaciers that, after carving out a groove into the coastal cliffs, melt away leaving behind huge channels to be inundated with seawater.&nbsp;
The thing that makes Norway&rsquo;s fjords so impressive are their sheer length, number, and complexity; some of them even have branches that continue to carry the seawater in different directions along tributaries. You can think of the fjords as natural canal systems. One thing is for sure is their incredible beauty and appeal; they are surely the biggest attraction of a trip to Norway. Norwegian fjords cruises are increasingly popular with travelers who desire a tranquil getaway amidst the heavenly landscapes of Norway&rsquo;s fjord region. Glistening, glacial waters surrounded by dramatic cliffs; sounds like a perfect picture!
 
<h2>Must-see Fjords</h2>
On a Norwegian fjord holiday, it can be challenging to know which fjords to focus on. The &lsquo;King of the Fjords&rsquo; is a good place to start! Sognefjord is the deepest and longest of the Norwegian fjords, at 1308 meters deep in places and weaving its way into the mainland for a staggering 200 kilometers! It is a natural giant and one of the most widely enjoyed fjords by visitors as its depth allows for large cruise ships to navigate on the waters.&nbsp;
For the wow-factor, head to the Geirangerfjord and Naeroyfjord, two of the most spectacular in the country and both inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Bordered by free-flowing waterfalls which cascade into the fjord and traditional farm dwellings dotted along the hillsides, these fjords are sure to make you feel as if you have stepped into a fairytale.&nbsp;
A Norwegian fjords cruise is incomplete without navigating the Hardangerfjord, which begins just south of the city of Bergen, on the Atlantic Ocean, and ends all the way in the Hardangervidda mountains. This mighty fjord is famed for its summertime apple trees, which blossom all along the lengths of its banks.&nbsp;
 
<h2>How to experience the Fjords</h2>
A fjord cruise is perhaps the best way to get a good view of the different landscapes of Norway&rsquo;s fjord systems and to be close to the action. Whether it is on a large scale cruise ship as part of a fjords tour or simply a day trip cruise, you can feel the truly tranquil atmosphere and sense the shadows that the towering cliffs cast upon the still waters from the deck of a cruiser.&nbsp;
Another option to experience the fjords in Norway is from the sky. A birds-eye view of the fjord region is an amazing way to capture the sheer scale and complexity of the inlets. If you are landing at Bergen airport, you&rsquo;re likely to enjoy an amazing view. Alternatively, take the funicular from Bergen to the top of Mount Floyen for a brilliant panorama of the different Norwegian fjords.
Prefer something a little more luxurious? Jump aboard the prestigious Flam Railway, which runs from the end of the Aurlandsfjord, a tributary of the Sognefjord, to the hill station of Myrdal. The hour-long journey covers breathtaking landscapes ranging from tiny villages to waterfalls and farms, with the backdrop of the glistening fjord. More adventurous travelers on the hunt for Norway&rsquo;s fjords might prefer to take a kayak excursion out onto the waters. There&rsquo;s no better way to connect with the fjords than with the freedom of a kayak.

Norweigan Fjords

Oslo is the capital of Norway and, as such, the most populated city in the country. Its main asset is the fact that it is surrounded by nature, between hills, forests and fjords. Consequently, it boasts not just an urban centre and lively night life, but also numerous possibilities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amongst the most popular tourist attractions is the famous painting The Scream, by Edvard Munch which can be found in the National Gallery, also home to the Madonna, by the same artist. Other landmarks include the Vigeland Sculpture Park, the Holmenkollen, a popular ski jump offering fantastic views of the city and a museum dedicated to the sport, the Akershus fortress and the Viking Ship Museum.

Oslo

Vision of the Fjords

In the heart of Argentinian Patagonia lies El Calafate, on the shores of Lake Argentino, known for its large flocks of flamingos. Named after a prevalent bush berry in the region, many visitors travel to El Calafate to see its most famous attraction: the Perito Moreno glacier. As well as acting as a base for further exploration into the wilds of Patagonia, El Calafate is home to all the necessary traveler amenities, alongside charming Patagonian houses and a range of restaurants and souvenir shops.&nbsp;
Whether you&rsquo;re visiting El Calafate on your way to Chile or using it as a base for expeditions into the amazing icy landscapes of the Los Glaciares National Park, you&rsquo;ll be enchanted by its pretty streets, amazing lakeside location and tranquil surroundings. El Calafate is easily reached with daily flights connecting this Patagonian city with the capital of Buenos Aires and other popular destinations such as Ushuaia and Bariloche. Be sure to include a trip to El Calafate on your next tour of Argentina.
&nbsp;
<h2>What to see in El Calafate</h2>
Of course, almost all visitors who travel to El Calafate will visit the Perito Moreno glacier, a bucket-list-worthy natural wonder and a highlight of many tours of Argentina. This huge glacier, which stretches for 250 square kilometers, is fed by the Southern Patagonian Ice Field and is the largest reserve of fresh water in the world. Unlike many of the world&rsquo;s glaciers, the Perito Moreno is not retreating but, instead, maintains an equilibrium as it grows and retreats at an equal rate. Footpaths across the gigantic ice-mass are the most adventurous way to explore the Perito Moreno, although boat trips allow you to see the glacier from a different perspective and lucky travelers might even visit the Perito Moreno during its regular rupture cycle when huge blocks of ice fall from the glacier into the icy waters below; a thrilling sight indeed!
Los Glaciares National Park, the location of the Perito Moreno glacier, is a must-see whilst visiting El Calafate. As well as the showstopping Perito Moreno, the Upsala and Spegazzini glaciers are impressive in their own right and are accessible only by boat. Reached by sailing through the middle of two huge ice-fields, the dazzling white landscape is like something from another world.&nbsp;
There are also a handful of things to see in El Calafate itself, but the most exciting attraction is the Glacarium Ice Museum, a newly built museum complex that beautifully and accessibly explains how glaciers are formed. Here, you can learn about the importance of glaciers on the environment in Patagonia and enjoy high-tech exhibitions that guide you through the process of glacier formation. To top off your visit, you can even enjoy a drink at the on-site underground ice bar!
Finally, a stay in El Calafate, or in Argentina for that matter, is incomplete without a visit to an estancia, a traditional ranch where you can experience, first-hand, the ways of the gaucho. Expect horse-riding excursions and Argentinian hospitality on a quintessential estancia visit.&nbsp;

El Calafate

If you are thinking of travelling to Perito Moreno, prepare yourself for a landscape that words can barely describe. To begin with, you should know that it lies within the third largest continental ice mass in the world. The glacier reaches a height of seventy metres and its face is 5 km wide.&nbsp;
<h2>What to see in Perito Moreno</h2>
The amazing Perito Moreno glacier is about 70 km away from the city of Calafate. All the excursions and the travellers who make the visit on their own set out from here.&nbsp;
But Calafate has its own points of interest.
<h3>The Historical Interpretation Centre&nbsp;</h3>
In this museum you will find very interesting information about the history of Patagonia, from prehistoric times to the present day. The centre places special emphasis on the colonial period and the creation of the states of Chile and Argentina, a history that was not always a bed of roses.
<h3>Patagonian Ice Museum or Glaciarium</h3>
If you thought that ice was just the stuff that cools your drinks, you are very much mistaken. In the Ice Museum you will learn how glaciers are formed and develop, as well as the history of the ice fields of Patagonia.&nbsp;
<h3>The coastal area of Bahia Redonda: a beautiful boat trip</h3>
Travelling to Perito Moreno does not have to be limited to the glacier. It's worth reserving a place in your travel diary for the whole Calafate area. For example, sail along one of the arms of Lake Argentino, which together form what is known as Bah&iacute;a Redonda. It has a waterfront area where horses graze. There aren't many wetland meadows in the world, so don't miss this one.&nbsp;
At one end of the waterfront is the Municipal Ecological Reserve of Laguna N&iacute;mez, a part of the wetland especially suitable for birdwatching. Here you can find swans, flamingos and up to 80 different species.&nbsp;
<h3>Calafate at its most authentic: one more reason to travel to Perito Moreno</h3>
Calafate is not a city of monuments, but its streets and squares have a certain charm. The best way to get to know its most authentic part is to walk to the top. And not only because of the views of the city itself, but also because of the panorama you will get of Lake Argentino and the Andes. If you want to explore the surroundings on your own, you can do it on horseback. It's one of the activities that will give you closer acquaintance with the area.&nbsp;
<h2>The region of Calafate and Perito Moreno</h2>
<h3>Travelling to Perito Moreno: more than one way to see the glacier</h3>
Once you are in Patagonia you'll have to decide how you want to approach the famous glacier: would you prefer to go trekking or simply take the walkways? Both options will bring you closer to the immense walls of ice and there are possibilities of combining them.&nbsp;
Don't be confused by the references to walkways. These are not the typical gangways, but rather a network of paths several kilometres long that have been created on the slope facing the glacier. The view will blow your mind.&nbsp;
When you're there you'll see big chunks of ice fall off the glacier. Although we are in an undeniable climate crisis, the truth is that this is not the reason for the ice falls. The Perito Moreno is a glacier in equilibrium. The ice from which it is made forms and detaches in a cycle as the glacier passes through the Magellan Peninsula.&nbsp;
<h3>Visiting the Spagazzini and Upsala glaciers by boat</h3>
If you are visiting Patagonia, Perito Moreno is the most usual place to see, but it's not the only glacier in the area. The national park is called Los Glaciares for a reason. The Spagazzini and Upsala glaciers are a little further from Calafate and the best way to reach them is by boat. You'll be sailing between two large ice fields with a very unusual white landscape.&nbsp;
It's been a few years since any boat has been allowed to cross the sea of ice around the Upsala, so you'll view it from a safe distance. Bear this information in mind if you decide to make one of the so-called trekking tours to Upsala. In fact, it is a path that leads to Estancia Cristina, where there is a viewpoint from which you can observe the glacier.&nbsp;
<h3>The Rivers of Ice</h3>
If you don't want to spend too much time away from Calafate, you can undertake a half-day excursion to the two glaciers mentioned. The focus is usually on the first one, although you cannot disembark there. Remember that the sea of ice floes is dangerous.

Perito Moreno

South American Cities & Wonders

The Galapagos Islands, whose official name is the Archipelago de Col&oacute;n, constitutes a province of Ecuador and is located 1000 km off the mainland coast, in the Pacific Ocean. The group are formed of a set of thirteen islands of volcanic origin and more than a hundred islets and rocky outcrops. It is the second largest archipelago in the world and with more volcanic activity than Hawaii. The Galapagos is a Natural World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve. They are known to be the center of the observations and studies of Darwin's for the development of his "Theory of Evolution".
 Its exotic landscapes do not resemble other islands of the Pacific, on the contrary, they are rather arid, with huge lava fields, rock formations, cactus forests and volcanic cones. And this is exactly where its exoticism lies, in its uninhabited and naked aspect that seems like it is from another time and from another planet. Under the sea, there are underground craters and coral reefs, where an extraordinary biological diversity is present. So much so they are also considered one of the seven underwater wonders of the world and one of the most fascinating places in the planet to perform deep sea diving.
 The Galapagos can be reached by air from Quito or Guayaquil. Only four of its islands are inhabited, the town of Puerto Ayora in Santa Cruz Island is the main human settlement. Other minor settlements are Puerto Baquerizo Moreno on San Crist&oacute;bal, Puerto Villamil on Isabela Island and Puerto Velasco on Floreana Island.
 The lava beds of the Island of San Crist&oacute;bal are like "a petrified sea at the height of the storm", according to the famous naturalist. Its tourist points are Playa Ochoa, Puerto Grande, Le&oacute;n Dormido, Isla Lobos, Puerto Chino, Galapaguera from Cerro Colorado, El Progreso, the Interpretation Center, Cerro Tijeretas, Mann Beach, Punta Carola and La Lober&iacute;a.
 In Isabela, the largest island, you can see an identical landscape. On the way to the volcano Sierra Negra, the vegetation disappears little by little and the magma of recent times floods the horizon along with plenty of large cacti. The equatorial line crosses the north of the island.
 The main airport is on Baltra Island, whose most famous attraction is the 150-meter water channel that separates it from Santa Cruz Island and where sea lions, birds and endemic species live together.
 Bartolome Island has some of the most beautiful landscapes of the archipelago which consist of an extinct volcano 100 meters just off the coast of Santiago Island and a variety of volcanic formations in red, orange, green, black and bright. Pinnacle Rock and the twin bays, separated by an isthmus, are popular with travelers. In the Plaza Islands and the channel that separates the North Island from the South, the turquoise waters contrast with the black lava of the banks. Plaza South is one of the smallest in the Galapagos, but in spite of its size it is the richest of all and some of the most interesting and outstanding species of the archipelago live there. Seeing land iguanas, that often remain in the shade of the cactus, is guaranteed as well as swallow-tailed gulls who nest on the cliffs.
 Its geological past of almost 5 million years has given it a spectacular and unique landscape and has made it home to two thousand endemic species. This is one of the most exciting places for scientists and biologists due to its rich fauna and flora. 220 species of endemic plants have been counted, 399 natives and 119 introduced, transported by the wind, the sea, or the birds that emigrated from the continent. In the animal world, sea lions, dolphins, Darwin finches, cormorants, giant tortoises, land and marine iguanas, flightless cormorants, Galapagos penguins, frigates, seahorses, pelicans, blue-footed boobies and red-legged, albatross and whale and hammerhead sharks constitute the enormous diversity that lives in this exclusive environment.
 Traveling to the Galapagos Islands encourages you to strengthen the bond between man and nature and to look into each other's eyes with respect and admiration. The islands are a very unique place, and when you discover them, it is hard to forget your experiences there.

Galapagos Islands

Guayaquil is the largest and most populated city in Ecuador and is located on the banks of the Guayas River, which flows to the Pacific Ocean through an estuary called "Estero Salado".
Right in the centre are the famous streets of Clemente Bail&eacute;n and Chimborazo, where the Seminario Park is located, in which huge and harmless iguanas roam wild. It houses an equestrian statue of Simon Bolivar and in front of the garden area is the Cathedral of Guayaquil, a beautiful neo-Gothic building rebuilt in stone after the great fire.
On the banks of the river, the 2.5 km long Malec&oacute;n Sim&oacute;n Bol&iacute;var, known as the Malec&oacute;n 2000, allows for peaceful river-side strolls. It is one of the most successful urban projects in America and an icon of the city. Guayaquil locals stroll along the promenade and it is also the departure point for boats that sail down the river to enjoy the local landscapes.
This urban park, full of nature, history, tradition, modernism and beauty, has many tourist attractions such as manicured gardens, artificial lagoons, fountains, viewpoints, quays, squares, museums, cinemas, shopping centers, restaurants, bars, food courts, play areas and historical monuments such as the Hemiciclo de La Rotonda, a monument that commemorates the meeting between Sim&oacute;n Bol&iacute;var and Jos&eacute; de San Mart&iacute;n; a Clock Tower, 30 meters high, which an octagonal base and a huge Byzantine-style dome that is one of the most famous and photographed buildings in the city; the Palacio de Cristal, a convention and exhibition center located in the Plaza de la Integraci&oacute;n, the Obelisk to the Glorious Aurora and the statue of the politician Olmedo.
A few meters from the Malec&oacute;n 2000 and on the banks of the river on a hill, is the emblematic historic district of Cerro de Santa Ana, a very special neighbourhood with a colonial appearance, narrow cobblestone streets and wooden houses of different colours. Behind the statue of the founder Francisco de Orellana, there are 444 steps that connect the base of the hill with the top in a route that concentrates a variety of restaurants, cafes, art galleries and craft shops. Above you get one of the best views of the city and you can visit the Lighthouse, the Chapel of the Virgin of Mercy and the Naval Museum. At the foot of the hill, Las Pe&ntilde;as neighbourhood is the most iconic of Guayaquil, where we can appreciate the colonial air in its old, elegant and colourful wooden houses with French-style balconies. In its most emblematic street, the narrow paved road Numa Pompilio Llona, art galleries and live music venues permeate the place with a captivating bohemian air. Next to Las Pe&ntilde;as is Puerto Santa Ana with its own Malecon and modern commercial and office buildings.
Travel to Guayaquil to discover the economic centre and feel the constant renewal of Ecuador. Guayaquil is warm, cosmopolitan, colourful, modern and dynamic. It has as been baptised "the Jewel of Ecuador" and &ldquo;the Pearl of the Pacific".
&nbsp;

Guayaquil

Ever wanted to stand with one foot in each hemisphere? The&nbsp;Middle of the World Monument&nbsp;in&nbsp;Ecuador&nbsp;grants you that wish. As the name suggests, the monument stands on the&nbsp;equator, the line which divides the earth into the&nbsp;northern and southern hemispheres. Only&nbsp;19 miles&nbsp;north of the Ecuadorian capital,&nbsp;Quito, it is a must-visit attraction if you&nbsp;travel to Ecuador.
The&nbsp;Middle of the World Monument&nbsp;measures&nbsp;30 meters&nbsp;in height and a line runs from its centre down to a central square, where visitors can stand with one foot in each hemisphere. Although the monument was constructed between&nbsp;1979 and 1982, on the site where a French explorer calculated the equatorial line in&nbsp;1736, later technologies have revealed the true equator to be a few hundred metres north of the monument.&nbsp;
Nevertheless, only geography purists would worry about these minor details as it&rsquo;s still a fun landmark to visit on a&nbsp;tour of Ecuador&nbsp;where you can take photos and enjoy the panoramic views from the viewing platform at the top of the monument.&nbsp;
<h2 dir="ltr">Things to do at the Middle of the World Monument</h2>
Of course, the best thing to do at the&nbsp;Middle of the World Monument&nbsp;is to straddle the equatorial line and take a few memorable photos. Another highlight is to ride the elevator or climb the stairs to the top of the monument. From here you can enjoy a breathtaking view of untouched mountains and the snow-capped&nbsp;Andes&nbsp;for as far as the eye can see.&nbsp;
If you&rsquo;re interested in visiting the exact spot which marks the equatorial line, be sure to stop at the&nbsp;Inti&ntilde;an Solar Museum,&nbsp;which proudly advertises itself as the&nbsp;location of the &lsquo;true&rsquo; equator.&nbsp;This ethnographic museum is a celebration of&nbsp;Ecuadorian indigenous culture&nbsp;and has a number of interesting interactive exhibits. Visitors also have the opportunity to test the laws of physics, which are said to be affected by the location of the site on the equator, with a series of fascinating science experiments.&nbsp;
&nbsp;

Middle of the World Monument

"Light of America&rdquo; is one of the names that have been assigned to Quito. The capital of the Republic of Ecuador was founded in the sixteenth century on an ancient Inca city. It has the largest and best preserved historic center in Latin America, enough reasons to be proclaimed the first Cultural Heritage Humanity Site in history along with Poland&rsquo;s Krakow.
 Quito is full of churches, monasteries, colonial buildings, squares, convents, museums, theaters and narrow, steep cobbled streets. The Spanish influence has left dozens of temples in the old town, modest in their facades and immense inside for the materials and details. Three of them stand out considerably: the Church of San Francisco, the oldest, called the "Escorial of the New World" because of its size; The Company of Jesus, one of the most important baroque expressions of the continent whose interior is covered with sheets of gold leaf; and the Basilica del Voto Nacional, the largest neo-Gothic architecture on the continent, whose curious gargoyles not only represent mythological beings, but also endemic fauna.
 The neighborhood of La Ronda is the most emblematic of Quito and in its main artery, Juan Dios Morales street was known as La Ronda street, you can still breathe the bohemian, cultural and artistic air of yesteryear and listen to live music and taste the famous canelazos or delicious empanadas on sale in every restaurant. Another of the most important roads is that of the &lsquo;Six Crosses&rsquo;, which runs through the entire colonial area. Its name refers to the stone crosses that were placed in the atriums of each church as a popular altar.
 The Plaza Grande or Plaza de la Independencia houses the Palacio de Carondelet or Palace Presidential, the Municipal and Archbishop's Palace and the Metropolitan Cathedral. In the middle of it and surrounded by gardens, stands the monument to Independence, a cry for freedom. The Plaza Foch in the neighborhood of La Mariscal, constitutes "the zone of farra" or the center of the entertainment and evening entertainment in Quito where you can enjoy "la pachanga" dancing in bars, restaurants and nightclubs.
 Quito is located at 2800 meters above sea level. At 3000 meters above sea level, on the hill of Panecillo, stands the sculpture of the Virgin of Quito, 30 meters high and built with 7400 pieces of aluminum. From its vantage point, you can get the best views of the city, both the old town and the modern area, as well as the suburban neighborhoods that climb the slopes of the mountains that surround the city. Thus, delimiting the city is the Casitagua volcano to the north, the Falla de Quito to the east, the eastern slopes of the Pichincha, belonging to the Cordillera de los Andes, to the west and the Atacazo volcano to the south.
 Another attraction of the city is the cable car, which climbs from 2950 meters to 4053 meters in just 10 minutes to the slopes of Pichincha from whose natural terrace the viewer can be captivated. The surrounding parks are an important part of the urban life of the locals, who come on weekends as a family to enjoy the endemic wildlife. Popular parks include Itchimb&iacute;a, Gu&aacute;pulo, Metropolitano, El Ejido and La Carolina.
&nbsp;

Quito

Amazon Adventure & Galapagos Discovery

The most popular entry point into a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.exoticca.travel/europe/western-europe/ireland">vacation package to Ireland</a>&nbsp;and a&nbsp;favorite&nbsp;for weekend breaks,&nbsp;Dublin is a thriving capital city&nbsp;and the perfect place to unwind and immerse yourself in the good nature and fun-loving culture of Ireland.
Home to around a third of Ireland&rsquo;s population, the hustle and bustle of the city only adds to its&nbsp;playful atmosphere&nbsp;where Gaelic heritage mixes with cosmopolitan culture in a city that is as diverse as it is historic.
The city is&nbsp;split in half by the River Liffey, and both the north and south sides of the city retain their own atmosphere. A number of bridges, some showcasing impressive modern architecture whilst others nod to Dublin&rsquo;s historic past, link the two sides and a stroll along the&nbsp;harbor&nbsp;provides a pleasant contrast to the lively cobblestoned streets of the interior.
Grafton Street, on the south side, is the main shopping street, lined with competing buskers whose music provide a jovial atmosphere. Within the same&nbsp;neighborhood&nbsp;of Temple Bar, you can barely walk a few steps without being tempted into any number of&nbsp;cozy&nbsp;bars and pubs, brimming with friendly locals and excitable visitors.
Those who go on a&nbsp;holiday package to Ireland will discover that pub-culture is alive&nbsp;and well in Dublin, with over&nbsp;700 taverns&nbsp;to choose from. Musical performances to suit all tastes are plentiful. The city also has an increasingly diverse and trendy gastronomic scene, with a fantastic mix of global cuisine thanks to its cosmopolitan population and even a thriving Chinatown around the Capel Street area.
Medieval castles and cathedrals, such as&nbsp;Dublin Castle and St. Patrick&rsquo;s Cathedral, open the eyes of visitors to the long history of the city, whilst the quaint Georgian streets show the long-lived British influence in Ireland.
St. Stephen&rsquo;s Green&nbsp;is a pretty green space amongst the hustle and bustle of the city&nbsp;center&nbsp;with a palatial Victorian layout. Other sights such as the 11th-century Christ Church and Chester Beatty Library are popular with visitors, whilst Kilmainham Gaol provides great insight into the struggles of the 1916 Easter Rising.
Sightseers will find that the city is&nbsp;small enough to explore on foot whilst an easy to use city bicycle&nbsp;hire system is well suited for sunny days, although rare for the rainy Irish climate.

Dublin

Just 90 minutes by road from Dublin in the county of Leinster, Kilkenny is a well-preserved medieval city with a plethora of ancient sites, religious buildings and a wonderful arts scene. Exploring Kilkenny is like stepping back in time as it charms visitors with its tiny streets and cobblestoned alleyways. Enchanting riverside houses border the River Nore and the steeples of the regal St. Canice&rsquo;s Cathedral can be sighted above the skyline from almost anywhere in the city. Kilkenny Castle is perhaps the biggest attraction of the city, built in 1195 by the Normans as a symbol of their conquest in Ireland. Today the castle charms visitors with its perfectly spherical towers and pretty red-rose lined gardens. The castle has seen maybe conflicts, even in the 20th century during the Irish Civil War, and has consequently changed ownership many times.
Nowadays it is open to the public all year round and houses a fantastic museum with quality reconstructions of the interior decor which effortlessly transports visitors back in time.
Within the city, the Medieval Mile is the perfect trail of discovery for lovers of history who can enjoy a multitude of the city&rsquo;s most interesting sights including the Medieval Mile Museum, Rothe House. and St Canice&rsquo;s Cathedral &amp; Round Tower. Aside from the rich history of the place, Kilkenny has a thriving coffee culture with plenty of artisan cafes and bakeries. The city has been awarded the Irish Foodie Award due to its diverse selection of cuisine. Arts and culture are also important to the city, especially pottery which has a long history in the city and is still active today as local potters create both traditional and modern designs to sell in the local shops.
You&rsquo;ll find the characteristic Irish hospitality in abundance in Kilkenny, especially in the old-world pubs' whos walls are full of history and where traditional folk music is played nightly.

Kilkenny

Located in County Kerry, Killarney National Park is 26,000 acres of pure nature, filled with lush woodlands of oak and yew trees, stunning views and glistening lakes. It was declared a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1981. A popular walking and hiking destination with wonderful wildlife, Killarney National Park is a natural haven and the perfect place to enjoy the landscapes that Ireland is famed for. The park is a fantastic example of unspoilt woodland and a diverse ecosystem. It is home to the last remaining indigenous herd of red deer in Ireland, who have roamed the land here since Neolithic times. Today the herd is approximately 800 strong and is an important attraction within the park.
You are also likely to see Japanese sika deer, who were introduced to the park as part of a conservation effort in the 19th century. Bats, mink, otters and the iconic Irish hare also participate in the rich ecosystem of Killarney. Kingfishers, robins and geese are just some of the flourishing birdlife present in the park and the lakes are home to Atlantic salmon and Arctic char, two of the most notable freshwater fish found here. Perhaps the most pleasant sight in Killarney National Park can be obtained from &lsquo;Ladies View&rsquo;, a viewpoint that looks over the park&rsquo;s three major lakes and the best place to enjoy an unspoilt view. Lough Leane is the largest and visitors can enjoy boat rides on its waters in the warmer months. Muckross Lake and Upper Lake are equally scenic attractions, each with its own unique wildlife and ecosystem. The lakes are surrounded by the Macgillycuddy's Reeks mountain range, which includes the unusual Purple Mountain, whose colour is a result of a rare limestone composition. Other than the Visitor &amp; Education centre, a fascinating introduction to the park, visitors can explore Muckross House and Gardens, a well-preserved Victorian mansion with immaculately landscaped grounds.
Other attractions include a number of archeological sites, some dating from the early Christian period such as the Inisfallen Abbey, and the Franciscan Monastery, Muckross Abbey, which has stood on the same spot since 1448.

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