Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is 75 square miles of 19th-century homes, green parks, and small cafes. It is the cultural, economic, and political capital of the country, and because of its location and stature, it remains the gateway to all other parts of Argentina. The citizens do appreciate this fact, and are proud to be members of practically the largest and most influential city in all of South America. Interestingly enough, there are more psychoanalysts per capita in Buenos Aires than anywhere else in the world. Perhaps this extends from an identity crisis, as many of the ancestors of present-day Buenos Aires residents came over from Europe and settled in this beautiful port town. As a result, the locals, known as Portenos, are constantly struggling with their true culture and heritage.
The city as a whole is a must see. Buenos Aires is more than just fabulous architecture, great people and spectacular cuisine. It is dancing the tango in the middle of the night, strolling through a gorgeous park, sinking your teeth into a savory steak, or walking through the city and admiring the architecture and culture. Buenos Aires is simply dazzling.
Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay, which is one of the smallest yet most popular countries in all of South America. More tourists visit Uruguay every year than Brazil, Argentina, or Chile. The city is full of excitement and beauty. The territory is marvelously scenic, and many say it is the most picturesque area on the continent. The restaurants and shopping facilities are fantastic, and the locals are friendly and always eager to help. The amenities and accommodations are also top notch, and so it is no wonder that Uruguay is so popular among American and European tourists. Uruguay is located south of Brazil and bordered by Argentina to the west. Everywhere you travel within Montevideo and beyond, you will be treated to a wide array of extraordinary visual pleasures. Hilly green meadows laced with sparkling rivers and streams comprise a large portion of the landscape, and near the coast, the beaches are excellent. The conditions at a number of the beaches are near perfect, and the hot springs just outside Montevideo are enormously popular. Sports are adored in Uruguay, and there are opportunities everywhere to play your favorite game or sport.
In addition to being the capital, Montevideo is also the trading center and the main draw for visiting Uruguay. From December to April, Montevideo is the liveliest place around. But to really experience the best of Montevideo, go during Carnival. Carnival in Uruguay is probably the safest in all of South America, and the most fun as well. Montevideo really comes alive during March and April as preparations get underway for celebrating this enchanting weeklong event. As crazy as it gets, there are relatively few problems because everyone is in such good spirits.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia is a glorious port city found at the southern-most end of Argentina. Right below the Straight of Magellan, Ushuaia is technically not on the Pacific side or the Atlantic side of the country. It stands at 55 degrees latitude south, making Ushuaia actually closer to the South Pole than to the north border of Argentina! Ushuaia is located on Tierra del Fuego, a small island just south of the Argentinean mainland. The island's aesthetic beauty is unparalleled, and demands a visit. Other than the gorgeous landscape, Ushuaia's incredible history cannot be ignored either.
For 6,000 years, Haush, Selknam, Alakaluf, and Yamana Indians inhabited the area in and around Ushuaia. In the 19th century, the Argentine Republic, led by Anglican missionaries, wished to expand their holdings and take over Ushuaia. This was in part because Chilean and European expansionary tactics had been growing rapidly, and Argentina was quite concerned with losing face as well as land rights to their rivals. So, in 1902, Argentina established a penal colony in Ushuaia, and settled all of the southern territories in that region. Political prisoners were the only ones sent to Ushuaia's penitentiary at first, but when the Argentinean government began to get nervous about invasions; they began to send all of the worst criminals possible there. It worked fabulously, and neither Europe nor Chile bothered Ushuaia again.
In 1947, the prison closed, and in 1978, Ushuaia was given a tremendous economic boost. The Industrial Incentives law enabled many home appliance and television manufacturing factories to be built in the area. Unfortunately, in the last few years, raging global competition has forced many of these factories to close down. Ushuaia has 45,000 inhabitants, all of whom are hoping that their picturesque city will soon become a haven for tourism and thus give a gigantic boom to their economy. There is a surprising amount of interesting and enjoyable activities in town, and the overwhelming scenery is always an activity in itself. The majestic Andean Cordillera mountains provide a spectacular backdrop to the sunken city, and to the south and west, the Andes fade out, overshadowed by the tumultuous sea.
Punta Arenas
In 1520, Magellan was wandering through South America when he discovered Punta Arenas, on the southernmost tip of Chile. This region became enormously popular because of its geographic location, and the fact that it is rich in natural resources. Entrepreneurs, theologians, explorers, and pirates all made numerous trips to Punta Arenas to try and uncover some of its secrets and riches. Charles Darwin and Sir Francis Drake were said to have come here as well, and this amazing new city became the main draw in South America. Between 1892 and 1920, the area really thrived, as steam navigation greatly increased the commercial importance of Punta Arenas. There was an abundance of precious metals in the region, which kept the Europeans flocking to share in the riches of this new land. Other settlers found their prosperity in the form of giant sheep ranches. Hundreds of Europeans began calling Punta Arenas their permanent home.
Unfortunately, with the opening of the Panama Canal, Punta Arenas lost a great deal of its attraction, and all the expansion stopped dead. But the city has stormed back, becoming the capital of the Magallenes region in Chile. It is hundreds of miles away from the other big Chilean cities, and nearly 2,000 miles away from Santiago, but this adds to the charm of this small, unique city. Sharing the territory with the locals is a marvelously interesting array of wildlife. The museums and sights in Punta Arenas are fabulous, and the services and dining facilities are top notch. It is a simple town with all the amenities of a fancy town, so you get the best of both worlds.
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.
Guayaquil
In the 16th century, the Spanish conquered the indigenous people of the beautiful coastal city of Guayaquil. The legend of this exciting town has is that, before being defeated, the prince and princess of this close-knit community committed suicide to avoid being forced into slavery. He was called Guayas, and the girl's name was Quil, and Guayaquil gets its name from this immortal pairing. More than two million people live in the city, making it the most populous city in Ecuador. It is the economic and social capital of the country, and the port has been busy ever since Francisco de Orellana arrived here in 1537.
Industry and commerce rule the coastal portion of Guayaquil, and the interior is quieter, yet the energy of this bustling town remains very contagious. The more of Guayaquil that you explore, the longer you will want to stay. The area is incredibly diverse, and home to some of the best museums in Ecuador. Museo Municipal features wonderful paintings and sculptures. The Ecuador Antiguo Museo Arqueologico contains fascinating relics, some that date all the way back to 3000 BC. The Metropolitan Cathedral is an exquisite site with incredible stained glass windows, and La Merced is another magnificent religious monument.
The dining engagements in Guayaquil are fabulous, and there is a wide variety of restaurants for you to choose from. There are numerous great shopping facilities, and the nightlife here is blazingly active.
Cartagena
Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia; a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemani neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect their new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.
However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.
Cartagena
Located in southeast Spain, Cartagena is a small port city that has only recently begun to attract travelers. This quiet, beautiful town has managed to stay relatively tourist-free over the years, but the secret is out; Cartagena is a great place to see. Located 29 miles south of Murcia, the locals are friendly and hospitable. This magnificent city is known for having some of the best weather in all of Spain. Cartagena is warm and dry virtually the entire year. It is a fabulous place to visit anytime, but Cartagena is especially pleasant in the spring and fall. It has a mild climate that is perfect for traveling throughout the region. The weather almost never becomes too hot or uncomfortable, and the sights and smells of the land are marvelous.
In the 3rd century B.C., the Carthaginians founded Cartagena. The city possesses an extremely rich history and culture. It is also Spain's main naval base, in part because of its ideal location. Positioned right on the Atlantic, many of the country's cities and ports are quite accessible from Cartagena.
The landscaped squares of Cartagena are so magnificent that you can spend hours just sitting and looking. This is an enormously popular activity, and enjoying a Spanish snack while relaxing in one of the squares is a cherished pastime for locals and tourists alike. Do not be alarmed if you find yourself admiring one of the squares for much longer than you would have anticipated. Many of the boulevards in Almeria are lined with gorgeous palm trees, creating shade and a crisp, clean atmosphere. Cartagena has remained relatively unchanged over the decades. Modern apartment sections have been added to the suburbs because of all of the recent tourism. The buildings and religious structures of the city add to its wonderful culture, and a walking tour of Cartagena is great fun.
Key West
Key West's reputation has certainly undergone a makeover over the years. When Ernest Hemingway called the island home from 1931-1961, Key
West was a quiet, laid back port town with its own character and a unique charisma. To visit Key West now is to find an island that has been almost
completely commercialized, with small pockets of the old Key West disappearing
fast.
Not that this is a terrible thing. The confluence of people
into Key West makes for a more diverse atmosphere and a fun-loving destination
365 days a year. Key West still embodies a true "laid back" spirit and
a quirky self-deprecating humor; even the cemetery is a source of offbeat
amusement. Think about it, how many places have you visited that actually
celebrate the sunset?
Key West has been an inspiration to countless authors and
artists. Among those who have called the island home, besides Hemingway, are
John James Audubon, Tennessee Williams, and John Hershey.
While over 1.2 million people visit Key West annually, only
30,000 people call it home on a permanent basis. But those 30,000 are fiercely
loyal. Nicknamed "The Conch Republic," Key West even has its own flag!
Most permanent residents have called Key West home for generations, and many
would confess that they have never left the island. Can you blame them?
Festivals and celebrations dot the calendar year-round in Key
West. From Hemingway Day in July to Fantasy Fest in October, your visit has a
good chance of coinciding with a local event.
Of course, over time, the secret of Key West has gotten out.
The amount of hotel rooms has tripled, and the delicate balance of natural
beauty has been threatened. The only living coral- reef in North America is
found here, and steps have been taken to ensure its continued survival.
What will never change is the beautiful weather and
breathtaking scenery you will find in Key West. The island is only twelve square
miles, easily covered on foot or bicycle. With all its commercialization, Key
West has managed to maintain a unique flavor all its own.
Miami
A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm
weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches,
modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home,
but another 10 million come to visit every year.
The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable
that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by
the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the
English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange
for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and
Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.
Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth,
from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just
people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.
But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of
museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the
glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.
Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more
than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even
mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map
What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is
the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so
many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and
Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.
It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one
day, but here are some of the highlights.
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