A suggested South America travel itinerary would include highlights from Brazil, Argentina and Peru. Brazil has so much to offer it is difficult to narrow down a couple specific destinations, however there is never enough time for everything so to narrow it down it is recommended that the traveler visit Rio de Janeiro, the beautiful and historically significant coastal city and Iguazu Falls, the most extraordinary falls on the planet. From Argentina it is also possible and worth it to visit the other side of Iguazu Falls. Also, it is not recommended that you travel to Argentina without visiting the vibrant capital city of Buenos Aires on the eastern coast. Finally, what is a trip to South America without a visit to Machu Picchu, a world wonder and the highlight of a Peru vacation? This itinerary guarantees that you will visit some of the best South America has to offer.

This South America vacation begins in Rio de Janeiro. The large majority of flights and all international flights flying in and out of Rio from Aeroporto Galeao, also known as Aeroporto Antonio Carolos Jobim. The airport is just 10 miles from the Rio city center. Some domestic flights, especially a Sao Paulo flight fly from Aeroporto Santos Dumont which is in the center of Rio. If you are traveling overland, Rio is served by bus from every major city in Brazil. The bus station, however is located in a sketch area however, so you should defiantly plan on taking a taxi to your hotel from the bus station.

To travel to Iguazu Falls from Rio de Janeiro it is recommended that you fly. Iguazu is right on a cruz between Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay so it can be accessed from cities in all three countries: Puerto Iguazu in Argenitina, Foz de Iguazzu in Brazil, and Ciudad del Este in Paraguay. All three cities have airports so depending on where you are choosing to lodge would be a good deciding factor on which city you fly into.

From Iguazu you can take another flight to Buenos Aires. There are buses but a flight is much quicker and more comfortable and you don't want to lose a lot of time since Buenos Aires has so much to offer its visitors. It is recommended that you spend ample time in this exciting capital before your flight to Cusco, Peru.

Flying to Cusco will take a day since you will have to connect in Lima most likely. Give yourself a couple days to see Cusco and the Sacred Valley as Machu Picchu is by no means the only thing to see in that area of Peru. When you are ready to see the ancient Inca citadel, take the train directly from Cusco or Ollantaytambo. It is a beautiful ride along the Urubamba River with the peaks of the Andes all around you.

The train will take you to Aguas Calientes at the base of Machu Picchu Mountain. From Aguas Calientes there are buses every half hour or so up the mountain to the entrance of the famous Machu Picchu. There is plenty of accommodation in Aguas Calientes so it is recommended that you spend the night there or in the Sanctuary Lodge right outside the ruins. If you wish to return to Cusco there are afternoon trains as well.

Question by kinnan1: How safe is bus travel around south america?
Ive heard scary stories about buses falling off cliffs and stuff. Im planning on going there soon and want to know how common it is and if anyone knows reliable safe companies or any other useful info on south america travel

Best answer:

Answer by eck210
if you go to peru, don't do it. 60% of buses are poorly maintained.
if you are in central america, it is safe. i have been on bus everytime i go to guatemala and el salvador, the streets are in good shape there. and the crime isn't as bad as portrayed on TV.
peru and bolivia are the worst countries to take buses in though. they are mountainous countries, if you are in argentina, brazil, or other countries, you are safe, just keep jewelry and electronics concealed. its like riding public transportation here

Add your own answer in the comments!
Chile & South America Trip for Economic Purposes, Says Obama
Chile, Brazil and El Salvador are all destinations for President Obama who will travel to South America later tonight to visit with leaders and discuss jobs and economic situations.
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We just returned from a wonderful vacation in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico; did you know that Puerto Vallarta is tucked away in the middle of the Bay of Banderas, in the Mexican pacific coast? There you will find a gorgeous tourist town rapidly becoming one of the most popular holiday spots in the world and we want to share our experience. We found an incredible Villas In Puerto Vallarta, called La Casa de Arriba, overlooking Los Arcos rocks in the Mismaloya Bay.

The view from the wrap around infinity pool was breath-taking, during the season; they told us that you can watch the migrating whales while in the pool! There is a gourmet kitchen with all the toys and a dining room table that will allow 8 people to eat together. For the kids, big ones included, there is a huge game room with a full size pool table and big screen flat TV. They even had the NFL package so that we could watch all the Sunday action! A huge natural rock that is actually part of the wall accents the game room and built in bar area. And again the view was amazing! Our maid, Carolina, was super helpful with everything. She was born in the area and was able to tell us where to find the best food, gifts, and activities. She even helped us learn a little bit of Spanish.

In town we found great pizza at Encuentros, as well as four identical masked Mexican superheroes, dressed up for Halloween. When we asked them the significance of the costume, we found out that they were from PVRPV, the company that had rented us the Puerto Vallarta Homes, what a hoot!

After pizza we went bar hopping and found Fridas, where we spent hours enjoying the music and local people. Our concierge turned us on to some great day trips. We took a boat to secluded beaches, had lunch on the beach, and oh, the open bar on the boat was something too! Swimming with the Dolphins, Zip lines, and jungle tours were other options that we had.

I didn’t know that Puerto Vallarta is reported to be the most repeated holiday destinations on earth. By that, they mean that more people return here for a second, third or more holidays than any other place they go... we just want to say thanks for all those who made our vacation so special, we will be back!

Check this funny video about where to stay in Puerto Vallarta. ==> http://www.pvrpv.com/in_and_out.php

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Down in the most stunningly gorgeous part of Mexico where the sea of Cortez meets the pacific ocean there is a land of fun and excitement. This exclusive sun soaked paradise is known as Los Cabos Mexico. Whether you want to take part in the exciting nightlife or soak up the warm rays on the pristine Golden Beaches, this paradise has something for honeymooners, single travelers and whole families to enjoy. From the warm waters to the sizzling nightclubs, from the World class golf to the World famous fishing, you can find it all in Baja's most exclusive destination at Los Cabos Mexico.

On the east coast, laid-back San Jose del Cabo Mexico provides a quiet retreat from the high energy of Cabo San Lucas, with narrow streets and charming colonial architecture. Bridging Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo Mexico is the 17-mile Los Cabos Corridor, a strip studded with world famous golf courses and high-end resorts, bounded by pristine beaches of endless white sand. Stroll the meandering streets of San José del Cabo, founded as a mission in 1730. Admire the Spanish colonial architecture and art galleries in an atmosphere rich with Mexican history and folklore..

On the west coast, fast-paced Cabo is alive with busy restaurants, shopping and a frolicking party atmosphere. The city is well known for its warm waters, abundant fish and famous geological rock formation, El Arco. The city is also host to the largest marlin tournament in the world. Cabo San Lucas is the generally agreed upon dividing line between the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. The famous arch appears to separate the cool waters of the Pacific from the warm and quiet water of the Sea of Cortez.

Cabo San Lucas is at the tip of the Baja California South, Baja California is the world's longest peninsula and is separated from the main land of Mexico by the Sea of Cortez, also known as the Golf of California. The peninsula is divided into two Mexican states, Baja California (Norte or North) and Baja California Sur (South). Cabo San Lucas, once a small fishing village, enjoys a worldwide reputation for its endless variety of restaurants, bars and nightclubs, as well as the beauty of its beaches.

Cabo San Lucas Bay is a protected marine sanctuary. the bay side of the arch area is a prime location for scuba diving or try the Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park that is located about 40 miles north of San Jose del Cabo on the eastern cape of Baja.

Did you know that Puerto Vallarta is tucked away in the middle of the Bay of Banderas, in the Mexican pacific coast? There you will find a gorgeous tourist town rapidly becoming one of the most popular holiday spots in the world. I didn’t know that Puerto Vallarta is reported to be the most repeated holiday destinations on earth. By that, they mean that more people return here for a second, third or more holidays than any other place they go.

Puerto Vallarta is alive with a buzz of international tourism, drawing huge numbers from the US and Canada as well as a growing European influx. Entering from the north you pass the airport and the first area of interest you will come across is the Marina. The area got its name, most obviously because it is built around docking facilities for thousands of boats of all descriptions from canoes, kayaks and jets skis to tour boats and multi-million dollar yachts. Continuing along highway 200, now narrowed to the main street, you enter the Hotel Zone. This area of course is where you find a lot of hotels, many familiar American names and some Condos Puerto Vallarta. The beach here is gorgeous and you will find some great dining.

Cross over the bridge and you enter Centro. Here you will find shops too multiple to describe... jewelry shops, art galleries, clothing stores, more time share offers than you can believe, souvenir shops by the score, restaurants with just about any kind of food you taste buds desire. This is the most diverse area of town. On the right you will find the ocean with terrific views from one tip of the bay to the other while on the left the street is lined with shops. Check out the wonderful collection of statues all crafted from bronze, stone and concrete that adorns the wide sidewalk known as the Malecon. Meander the side streets for hours and you will find delightful little discoveries guaranteed to satisfy your hunt for an unusual gift. If you get a chance take in the Art Walk, happening every Wednesday, a casual stroll of the many art galleries in this area complete with snacks and a drink offered at participating galleries. Just look for an Art Walk flyer, you will find them at shops all over this area.

Continuing south from the Malecon you will cross another bridge, over the River Cuale into Zona Romantica. I guess you could call Centro and The Malecon the center of this city. Zona Romantica is the heart, the magic, if you have not by now fallen in love with this town Zona Romantica will win you over. Here you can find the best Villas In Puerto Vallarta!. Taste the flavors of Mexico at a variety of eateries, from roadside vendors where you can eat for a couple dollars to local Cenadurias, all the way up to five star North American style fine dining experiences on the beach. Don't be afraid to explore here, both on a culinary level and on a cultural level. Try some local dishes like pozole, molcajete, fried cheese tacos, mahi mahi, it's all delicious. Let one of the small sidewalk cafes or bars lure you in with offerings of great service, fabulous food and just a plain magical experience.

Above Zona Romantica on the hillside you will find lots of foreign influence again with beautiful villas and condos owned primarily by foreigners and ex patriots most of which can be rented.

Puerto Vallarta is no longer just a cute little Mexican town. It has grown into a diverse, culturally rich tourist destination making its mark proudly on the map. As world commerce grows and travel becomes more and more accessible to the masses Puerto Vallarta has kept pace and in many cases surpassed others as the place to be for your next exotic vacation. Go online and reserve your Puerto Vallarta Rentals you’ll be glad you did!!

Check this funny video about where to stay in Puerto Vallarta. ==> http://www.pvrpv.com/in_and_out.php

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The best way to find out different all inclusive Costa Rica is to look at the many Costa Rica holiday packages which are available.  For an exotic trip where you can see a variety of sights you may wish to visit and spend some time relaxing in one of the many Costa Rica hotels.

As you look at these all inclusive Costa Rica holiday packages you will find that you can choose from cultural tours which will allow you to see the many wonders of Costa Rica. You could even look forward to having an adventure trip to one of the tropical rainforests.

Once you have gotten all of the information that you need about the different hotels and resorts, as well as the many different activities that can be found in these Costa Rican resorts you should think about making a decision on which package suits you best. The variety of all inclusive Costa Rica holiday packages that you will find will allow you the chance to choose one that fits your budget.

You will find that there are many interesting things for you to do in this beautiful country. Once you know the exact place where you will be staying you can see about booking your hotel. You should make sure that you known the price of different hotels in Costa Rica.

One of the best ways for you to plan your trip or vacation time in Costa Rica is to look at some travel guides. These guidebooks or online links can help you see what awaits you in an all inclusive Costa Rica holiday package.

You will need to see what sights you will be able to access from your hotel. For those of you who desire to spend some time on a beach you will need to look for all inclusive Costa Rica holiday packages where you can drive to almost any place in Costa Rica

In various preset all inclusive Costa Rica holiday packages you will find that the hassles of arranging your vacation plans and internal flights is no longer an issue that you need to think about. The downside to these sorts of vacation packages is that you need to pay a rather high price.

You will also need to understand that you can’t spend as much time sightseeing as you may want to. This brief tour should allow you to see what can be found in this country. The information that you can get will help you when you are planning another holiday in Costa Rica.

As with all of these different all inclusive Costa Rica vacations you will need to make sure that you have all of the details that you need known and you have plenty of time left to book your dream vacation.

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Guide To Costa Rica Currency
When you are planning a trip to another country it is best if you have some facts about the place on hand. One item that you might want to look at is that of the currency that is used. For the country of Costa Rica the Costa Rica currency is called a colon. While you can use the money that you have on hand you should make sure that you are not carrying a large amount of money on hand with you. Even though Costa Rica is a beautiful country with many items that you can buy, you should not use your credit card.

This is due to the fact that you can have this card of yours taken from you and you will not discover this fact until later. By also seeing that you exchange your home country money with that of Costa Rica currency in a reputed bank you can be assured that you are getting a good value for your money. For those of you who are hoping to travel to Costa Rica knowing some facts bout the Costa Rica currency can be of help. The first item that you should keep in mind is to look for the exchange rate that is available for each day. The second fact that you must remember is that many of the goods that you can get at priced higher than you might be expecting.

Since Costa Rica is a beautiful country you may be tempted to visit some of the neighboring villages to take in the sights and to do some shopping. At these places you should have a goodly supply of small change. This is necessary as most of these village stores will not be able to change any large denomination currency.
You will find that knowing the common or slang terminology for Costa Rica currency to be a great asset. These terms will apply to the various money bills that you will have in hand. For instance the 100 colon bill is known locally as teja. The 500 colon bill is called the cinco teja. For the larger amounts of money such as the 5,000 colon bill you will hear the slang term tucan.

There is a note of caution that you must keep in mind when you are going to Costa Rica. While you may consider that you have more than enough money for all of your travel needs, there are times when you will need extra. At these times you should see about getting your money exchanged at reputed Costa Rican banks where you will not be played out as you wait for your Costa Rica currency.

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Costa Rica News Updates
News is one price of information that we all look forward to. When you are looking at the different items of news you will find that some of these pertain to countries and others to events around the world. Depending on the news that you are looking for you should find a vast selection to look at. One such item that you may find of interest if you are going to Costa Rica for a holiday is that of some Costa Rica news.

The Costa Rica news that you can find will include many different items. Among these will be the weather conditions, the price of goods, where you can stay and the activities that you can have fun doing. With all of this news you need to understand the views which made these items of interest are based on the views of different people.

For this reason when you are looking at the different pieces of Costa Rica news that you can get, it is best if you take your situation into account and look for this information. The first items that you should cover, when you are looking at the Costa Rica news is the price of different hotels and other accommodations.

As the daily exchange rate can change quickly you should look at these prices and see if you will be able to afford booking a hotel that is found in a four to five star range. You will also need to take into account the regional Costa Rica news. This news will allow you to choose the best places where you can stay while you are visiting Costa Rica.

Since most of us have our holiday in the summer time you should refer to the weather information when you are looking at some of the Costa Rica news which is available. By looking at what the weather is like in Costa Rica and how the country operates or does not you can see when you can visit next time in the year.

All of this Costa Rica news and information is quite valuable but the most important item that you need to think about has yet to be looked into. While you are busy looking at the different times and places where you can have this holiday of yours, you will need to look at the cultural and adventurous places that you can visit.

To help you in this endeavourer there are certain internet sites which will provide you with a good overview of the different activities that you can find while you are holidaying in Costa Rica. The best thing that you will find about checking out the latest Costa Rica news is that you can see the best ways to plan your holiday in sunny Costa Rica.

Traveling is an activity that provides us with the opportunity of seeing different places. While many people prefer to arrange their own travel plans, some people actually prefer if the headache of traveling were taken out of their hands. This applies to places like Costa Rica as well. While you can get a bird’s eye overview of Costa Rica, you will find that arranging to go on one of the many Costa Rica tours will provide you with many great features. These features will of course be dependent on the type of tour that you are booking. Since you will have varying travel needs it is a good idea to have these needs listed down. Once you have all of these details, including that of the money that you can afford to spend on the entire holiday package, you will know what type of Costa Rica tours are better for you.

To book one of these Costa Rica tours you will need to check out the different tour operators. This way you can choose from the best tours to Costa Rica. If you prefer to know in advance what interesting information can be found for the different tours you can use the internet. Here you will be able to find tours which can be arranged from the hotel where you will be staying. You could make sure that you book any excursions and mini tours while you are sitting in the tour operators office. At this time make sure that you see what the price range is like for each of the Costa Rica tours which are being offered.

As with most of the tours that you will find there are the cultural and fun tours. Depending on your preference and travel plans you will be able to see if there is a way that you can combine these two tour type plans together. As there are people who like to have some spice added to their vacation you can look for Costa Rica tours which are known for their adventure tours. While these are some of the Costa Rica tours that you can arrange, there are other tours which are made simply for enjoying the finer side to life. At these tours you can see the sights of the city while you are floating down the coastline of Costa Rica or you can see about taking a leisurely ride down the many rivers.

The great thing about going on one of these Costa Rica tours is that you will be able to have the best of life. The taste for all things cultural and fun – or adventurous – can be taken in one go when you go on one of these tours around Costa Rica. The small slice of life in Costa Rica that you have seen while visiting via one of these Costa Rica tours will only whet your appetite for more.

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