South America
Boat tour under the Iguazu Falls
One of the most exhilarating experiences at the Iguazu Falls is to take the short boat tour along the Iguazu River. The boat goes up the rapids and past several falls before making a quick shot or two under the falls – to make sure everyone gets a close-up experience of the thunderous roar. You’ll be drenched for sure!
Spectacular Easter Island
Easter Island is famous the world over for its mythical statues. However, the scenery, from volcanic cones to massive cliffs and secluded beaches, is another great reason to visit this fascinating island. Here’s a photo of Ahu Tongariki, the largest platform with 15 statues (or moai), with impressive cliffs as a backdrop.
Read the accompanying post: “Things to See and Do on Easter Island“.
The widest boulevard in the world
The Avenida 9 de Julio in Buenos Aires, with its 16 lanes, is touted as the widest boulevard in the world. It certainly takes a while (and a dose of patience) to cross!
Read the accompanying post: “Falling in Love with Buenos Aires”.
The salt canyon in the Valley of the Moon
The salt canyon is located in the Valley of the Moon (Valle de la Luna) near San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The salt canyon was carved by an ancient river which carried huge amounts of salt and other minerals down from the mountains. The river dried up and what remains are the salt crystals which cover the surface of the canyon. From afar, the canyon looks like it’s covered in a thin layer of snow. Walking through the canyon is a bewildering experience. Stop for a minute and listen. The expansion of the salt crystals results in a cracking plastic-like sound. Imagine that cracking sound and multiply it by a thousand. The whole canyon cracks in what seems like a giant symphony!
Read the accompanying post: “A Desert Full of Wonders“.
The Valley of the Moon
The whole canyon is covered in a layer of salt
The salt-covered walls of the canyon were like a giant orchestra
Inside the Salta Cathedral
The Cathedral in Salta, Argentina, has a lavish interior with arches, towering columns and stunning frescoes. While you’re there, check out the 3D-like floor. This style, called trompe l’oeil (French for ‘deceive the eye’), was used in many churches, monasteries and official buildings throughout Europe – a magnificent example can be found in the Charterhouse of Calci in Tuscany. The Cathedral in Salta has the exact same cube floor pattern as the monastery in Calci!
Read the accompanying post: “Some Lazy Days in Salta“.
