Arica
The beautiful city of Arica is as lovely as it is diverse. You can lie on the beach sipping an exotic drink, and hike the trails of the glorious Lauca National Park in the same day. The park's mountains reach heights of 14,000 feet, and offer hiking enthusiasts some of the most exhilarating trails that the world has to offer. The Cathedral of San Marcos is a fantastic man-made achievement, and the Salar de Surire National Monument is spectacular. Arica is found in the northernmost sector of Chile, over 1,000 miles north of Santiago. Only a few miles from the Peruvian border, Arica features a warm climate and a unique landscape that is sure to please every kind of tourist. 170,000 people inhabit the city, and Arica is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in South America. In addition, the city and its surrounding area are virtually rain free, experiencing the least precipitation of anywhere on earth. It also has an incredibly low crime rate, and is a wonderful blend of modern tourist attractions and ancient culture.
Lima
Lima is an extraordinary city nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It's an old city with an esteemed history. Ranging from fast paced activities to relaxing sightseeing, Lima has it all. In 1535, Francisco Pizarro founded Lima, and in its early days the city surrounded the Rimac River. For the next three hundred years the city was the capital of the entire Spanish South American Empire. Over the years, the city has mushroomed, and now Lima is home to around seven million people.
The hustle and bustle of Lima is found in the downtown sector. The area surrounding the Plaza Mayor is the most popular and busy region. This is where you will encounter the most aesthetically pleasing architecture, artwork, and museums. Other portions of the city are more entertaining and exciting, but this is the district that houses the educational and historical sights of Lima. They exist elsewhere within the city, but not in nearly as much of a concentrated fashion as they do here by the Plaza Mayor. Miraflores and San Isidro are the two nicest neighborhoods in Lima, as they are located by the sea and quite affluent. The restaurants and shopping in these areas are probably the best in Lima. The nicest parks are definitely close to the ocean, and a few in particular are absolutely gorgeous. In between the beautiful towns by the sea are small working-class areas of Lima such as Rimac, Brena, and La Victoria. Lima is a city best enjoyed by walking, and during the day it is safe to travel anywhere within the city. Peruvians love the outdoors, and on weekends you will see what seems like the whole country gathered in the Plaza to enjoy the warmth.
Manta
Once you dock at the Port of Manta and enter the harbor, you'll realize that you are in for an enjoyable stay. The area around the harbor is bustling and full of activity, but as you travel inland, the city mellows into a relaxing place full of great restaurants and small communities. This contrast adds to the personality of the city, and incredibly enough, the port of Manta is the busiest fishing port on earth. Because of the inordinate amount of import and export, the variety of cultures within the city is remarkable. The Museo del Banco Central is a fantastic museum that displays countless artifacts that have all been found in the region. Photographs show the progression of the port through the decades, and by looking around you can tell that great time and care went into building the museum's astonishing edifice.
Manta's beaches are spacious as well as beautiful, and are home to a wide array of wildlife. Frigate birds and pelicans occupy some of the area, but keep to themselves enough that they will never spoil your afternoon. Instead, they will provide entertainment as they hunt for their prey come dusk. Soaring and then diving to catch fish, they shoot through the air at incredible speeds. The surf in Manta is usually pristine, and often the beaches of Murcielago will have waves roll through that would impress even the most traveled surfer. There are a few truly great restaurants in Manta, and the nightlife is fantastic.
Acapulco
In the 16th century, Spanish explorers came across the Bay of Acapulco and were captivated by its naturally protected shores and beautiful surroundings. Today, Acapulco remains a stunning Mexican hideaway that caters to all the needs of the modern tourist.
Acapulco is by far the largest, most opulent of all the resort cities in Mexico. An endless variety of dining, entertainment, and sporting options are available in town, assuring that you will never run out of things to do while visiting. In addition, it is quite close to the resort cities of Ixtapa and Zihuatanejo; two destinations providing a brief escape from the hustle and bustle of Acapulco.
Acapulco is the ideal location for either a relaxing or an exciting day under the sun. A typical day on the bay will find you spending the majority of your time outdoors. With an average temperature of 80 degrees, Acapulco enjoys some of the finest year-round weather in the world. While spending the day on a beautiful beach, you can either lie peacefully, soaking in the sun's rays, or instead enjoy the many adventurous water sports offered in Acapulco. Some of these water sports include scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, and water skiing. In addition, you should not miss La Quebrada, where daring cliff divers take a 130 feet plunge into the ocean. Other sites you should see is the beautiful vegetated lagoon of Coyuca, the historical Fuerte de San Diego, built to protect Acapulco from dangerous pirates in 1616, or a glass bottom boat where you can view the submerged Virgin of Guadalupe on the ocean floor off Roqueta Island.
At the end of a tiring, sun-splashed day, head over to Pie de la Cuesta and watch the beautiful sunset. Once the sun is down, Acapulco turns into a city of the night. There are delicious cafes, shops, boutiques, and lively clubs throughout the charming streets of Acapulco.
Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta is a land of gorgeous sandy beaches, majestic
mountains, and small-town allure. Located in the heart of the Mexican Riviera, a
beautiful stretch of coastline running from Mazatlan to Manzanillo, Puerto
Vallarta is second only to Cancun in its popularity with tourists.
The city of Puerto Vallarta traces its history back to the
1500's, when it was first visited by Spanish explorers. Later, migrating
Mexicans and even pirates added their individuality to this unique city. Today
Puerto Vallarta remains a place enriched with history and culture, welcoming all
people to join in its beauty. Puerto Vallarta offers its visitors a wide range
of lovely hotels, inns, resorts and restaurants, which are sure to fit any
budget. Tours are offered year round to sites such as Los Arcos and Huichol
Indian villages. Kids will find places to explore and learn about around every
corner of this Mexican paradise. Puerto Vallarta is alive with the feeling of
"old Mexico". It is not rare to see donkeys roaming the streets and
artfully designed homes reminiscent of days long past.
While areas of Puerto Vallarta can make you feel as if you
have entered early 20th century Mexico, only walking distance away,
the same city offers the feeling of a modern world-class resort with all the
amenities of home. The city's 26 miles of coastline offer some of the most
beautiful beaches in the world, with plenty of boardwalk on which to stroll or
browse the wares of the street vendors, who always offer something unique as a
reminder of this beautiful and historic city.
In recent years, Puerto Vallarta has also gained a reputation
as being a prime area to take part in many adventurous "ecotourism"
activities. Outfitters are springing up all over town, providing the necessary
equipment and expertise to enjoy a day of mountain biking, sea kayaking, and
deep-sea diving.
San Francisco
Whether or not you will leave your heart in this great city is debatable. However, what is not debatable is that you will enjoy countless wonderful experiences while in San Francisco, you will have a fabulous time, and you will be a better and more cultured person for it. The citizens of this incredible city are about as diverse as anywhere in the world. They have brought along with them their cultures, traditions, and cuisine. San Francisco could not be more open to every nation and heritage. This is exactly what makes San Francisco such an extraordinary place to visit. Everyone is welcome, and walking through the city, you will encounter tolerant and fascinating individuals, eager to help you on your travels.
The city has an old and esteemed history, becoming popular and really ballooning in size back in the Gold Rush days in the mid-19th century. Chinese immigrants flocked to this part of California, and Chinatown in San Francisco is one of the city's amazing cultural centers. The dining in Chinatown is authentic and delicious, as it is everywhere else in the city. Probably the best parts of the city are on the coast, as the glorious Pacific and Golden Gate Bridge paint a beautiful backdrop to this bustling center of commerce. Fisherman's Wharf, Pier 39, and Ghirardelli Square are some of the best sites found on the coast. Just off the coast, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Ocean on its own rock, lies Alcatraz, a former penitentiary that can be visited by boat. There are a multitude of museums, activities, and sporting events to keep you busy during your stay. So grab a bowl of the best clam chowder around, and see the sights of this one-of-a-kind city.
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