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“The black Lava rocks on the beach are frequented by large (2–3 ft [60–90 cm]), disgusting clumsy Lizards. They are as black as the porous rocks over which they crawl & seek their prey from the Sea. I call them ‘imps of darkness’. They assuredly well become the land they inhabit.” Charles Darwin Camouflaged Marine Iguanas A […]
When traveling to Latin America, among the top concerns of most travelers is: “Can I speak English and get by?” Those with basic Spanish experience may ponder: “Is my Spanish good enough that people will understand me? Will I be able to get by and relate with the locals?” Yes, you will get by, regardless […]
One of top natural escapes from Quito is undoubtedly Mindo. Just a 2-hour trip, Mindo is a valley and small village in the cloud forests of the Andes mountains. For budget-minded travelers, the bus ride to Mindo will only cost you $2.50. The view from the bus is merely a tease, as you pass from […]
Top Destinations in South America
Peru
In Quechua, the language closest to that of the Inca, Peru means the ‘land of abundance.’ Peru is full of extremes: from lush, towering Andean peaks to rolling sand dunes on the coast to the
...Peru
Chile
Wedged between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean, the best-known fact about Chile is its wholly improbable shape. Stretching 4,000 km (2,500 mi) south from the base of Peru right to the tip of the
...Chile
Bolivia
Often dubbed the most quintessentially South American country, Bolivia suffered few changes during the Spanish Conquest – thanks in part to its harsh mountain landscapes and thick jungle which
...Bolivia
Colombia
Say “Colombia” and most people will immediately think of something negative: drugs, guerrilla warfare, corruption, kidnappings or crime. This is hardly surprising, since the international press
...Colombia
Ecuador
Ecuador might be the smallest of the Andean countries, but size is a hardly a factor in light of what it contains. The entire country covers the Northern Coast, Southern Coast, Andean Highlands and
...Ecuador
Argentina
Argentina, Latin America\'s largest Spanish-speaking country, can seem overwhelming to visit because of its massive size and the resulting distance between travel hot spots. However with a little
...Argentina
Brazil
Brazil is a land of contrasts. Here you will find great wealth and grinding poverty, beautiful beaches and filthy waterways fouled by industrial pollution, honest, open people and some of the most
...Brazil
Guyana
Travel in Guyana requires a truly adventurous spirit: the weather is hot and muggy year-round, 93% of the country’s roads are unpaved, and crime is a serious problem, especially in the waterfront ...Guyana
Suriname
Suriname, the smallest country in South America, is a perfect destination for adventurous, nature-loving travelers who don’t mind sacrificing a few comforts. national parks and reserves are ...Suriname
French Guiana
The only non-independent portion of South America, French Guiana, or as it is locally known, Guyane, is also the only French-speaking nation in South America. This tiny country in the northeast ...French Guiana
Uruguay
Uruguay, (population: 3,399,000) the smallest Spanish-speaking country in South America, looks a bit like an upside-down diamond wedged between Argentina and Brazil. For tourists wanting to travel
...Uruguay
Galapagos is one of the planet's most unique destinations, and VIVA Galapagos will give you all that you need to plan your trip and make the most of it once you're there. Get the ebook direct from VIVA, or get the printed or Kindle version from Amazon.com.
Weighing in at 811 pages, this monolith of travel knowledge is now available as an ebook or even individual $3 chapters direct from VIVA, or get the printed or Kindle version from Amazon.com.
Quito is VIVA's home town. We're the only major guidebook company headquartered in Latin America, and now we get to show you why we love it so much here. Get the ebook direct from VIVA, or get the printed or Kindle version from Amazon.com.
