Spanish a bit rusty? You and me both. In general, Spanish is used throughout Latin America – but you’ll definitely encounter dozens of other languages too. On a Belize trip or Guyana tour you’ll find English as the official language, with other languages spoken in varying regions. For example, along the coast you’re most likely to hear Creole spoken. Spanish is the main language in Belize towns that border Guatemala [...]
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=olfq5APGHr4] If you’ve been on an Argentina tour or Uruguay trip chances are you’ve passed the mate. Yerba mate is a hot drink made from a blend of herbs, much like a tea. It contains caffeine, herbs and proteins as well as hot water. But it is much more than a simple drink; sharing mate is a social experience. It is typically prepared by one, but shared by many and [...]
Ecuador’s paramo, a complex ecosystem of rolling alpine grassland, protects precious fresh water and endemic species. It is stunning in itself, but when combined with Ecuador’s legendary Avenue of Volcanos – including the mighty Cotopaxi – makes this unique area of Ecuador is a steadfast crowd-pleaser. Here are a few of my favorites trips to explore and experience this beautiful region of Ecuador. Cotopaxi Trekking Hike in the shadows of [...]
On Dec 21, 2012, the Maya calendar will complete its 5,125 year cycle, marking the calendar’s finality and the beginning of a new era. This date, at this moment in time, is shrouded in mystery; the meaning and the significance that Dec. 21, 2012 held for the creators of the Maya calendar continues to cause debate among scholars. These two Central America tours invite you to be in the heart [...]
A hardy hike deserves nothing less than some hardy food — and on our Inca Trail treks you’ll get it; sometimes with little extras that leave a big impression. For example, last time I was traveling in Peru my husband was celebrating a birthday during our trek. Surprise — a cake and candles were presented at his birthday dinner. Another personal touch the cook added en route was freshly picked [...]
New for 2012, Adventure Life’s 7-day Huaorani EcoLodge trip is designed to immerse travelers in the people and environments of the Amazon. Trip includes multiple hikes, waterfall excursion, Amazon camping, visits with Huaorani community and 4 to 6 hour sea kayaking excursions on the twisted Shiripuno River. Accommodations at the Hauoarni Lodge and campsite are comfortable but basic. An all round cool adventure in the Amazon, but that’s only [...]
Last week, the New York Times did a feature on ways to save on your next trip, calling attention to Latin America bargains. A few of our favorite destinations where mentioned: Argentina, Belize, Nicaragua, and Panama. The article noted what we’ve known for years — that many times travelers can find top of the line adventures at a fraction of the price that they would pay in the US or [...]
To tip or not to tip – or what to tip!? Questions regarding tipping etiquette are some of the most common concerns travelers have when visiting a foreign country. To make matters even more confusing, there is no universal language for tipping; in fact, in some countries a tip is considered an insult or an act of arrogance. Unfortunately, there is not a straight-forward, yes or no, answer to the [...]
My husband and I just returned from a visit to the ancient Maya city of Tikal in Guatemala. We were staying in Belize at Pook’s Hill Jungle Lodge and planning a day excursion across the boarder into Guatemala. Before we went, we were informed told us of a recent incident between the Guatemalan and Mexican drug lords — which occurred just days before we were planning on visiting the Peten [...]
Adventure Life and LAN airlines have partnered to offer you the chance to win two round trip tickets from the USA to anywhere LAN flies in South America. That’s a prize valued around $2500. A Machu Picchu trek, a Galapagos voyage, Patagonia’s legendary spears, or a trip to bustling Buenos Aires — whatever is on your South American travel wish-list, now you can WIN your way there. Enter our free [...]
