My profile - V!VA Travel Guides - unbiased community-created guides

. Or create a new V!VA account.

Home > User profile

Close Map

Change Images

V!VA Travel Guides

Hometown
Chamberlain, SD, USA
Location now
St. Paul, MN, USA

Erin Helland's Guide Book Entries

Info

Getting to and Away
May 10, 2007 - Guaranda, Ecuador
The bus station in Guaranda is located a little ways away from the main square. It is walkable, but with ......
Read More
Getting to and Away Riobamba
May 01, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
The bus station is located about 2 km north of El Centro in Riobamba on the street León Borja. It ......
Read More
Getting to and Away from Ambato
Apr 24, 2007 - Ambato, Ecuador
The Bus Station in Ambato is located about 2 km north of the Centro on Ave. Columbia and Paraguay. Their ......
Read More

Banks in Lima
Apr 19, 2007 - Lima, Peru
ATMs are readily available in Lima, with many offering 24-hour service. Just approach them with caution, in particular at night, ......
Read More
Culinary Vocab in Peru
Apr 19, 2007 - Peru
Ají: Ají is the Spanish word for chili pepper. It is a staple in Peruvian cuisine. Arroz con Leche: A ......
Read More
Peru Food and Drink
Apr 19, 2007 - Peru
Peruvian food has begun to win international acclaim in recent years, but the locals have known about, and celebrated, its ......
Read More
Inca Kola
Apr 19, 2007 - Peru
During your time in Peru you are sure to encounter this sweet yellow soft drink. Its flavor resembles bubble gum, ......
Read More
Inca Baths
Mar 27, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Legend has it that when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived in Cajamarca, Inca Atahualpa was relaxing in his favorite place: The ......
Read More
Contemporary Art Museum
Mar 19, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
The structure that holds this art museum was built toward the end of the 17th century by a family whose ......
Read More
Cultures of Oaxaca Museum
Mar 16, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Within the expansive structure of Santo Domingo, which was originally a monastery, lays the Cultures of Oaxaca Museum. The museum ......
Read More
Quesillo
Mar 16, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Cheese in Latin America is often nothing to write home about. Quesillo is the exception to this rule. A soft, ......
Read More
Chapulines
Mar 15, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
At every market in Oaxaca you will see old ladies selling chapulines by the bucket full. A bucket full of ......
Read More
Mezcal
Mar 15, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Mezcal is Oaxaca’s version of Tequila. It is made with the same plant as Tequila, agave, but is cured differently, ......
Read More
Museo Frida Kahlo
Mar 12, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Fans of Frida Kahlo will be eager to visit this museum, which is actually the house she was born in, ......
Read More
Temazcal and Spas
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
No relaxing vacation is complete without a little bit of pampering. Within Puerto Escondido there are many places where you ......
Read More
Snorkeling & Diving
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
In the calmer bays snorkeling is offered. Many of the resorts in the area rent out gear for snorkeling. You ......
Read More
Horseback riding
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
All along the beaches you will see an old man pulling along a row of horses. If you would like ......
Read More
Surfing & Boogie Boarding
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Puerto Escondido to try their luck on the “Mexican Pipeline” on Playa Zicatela. There surfing contests ......
Read More
Banks in Pisco
Feb 13, 2007 - Pisco, Peru
Banks are located around the Plaza de Armas. All exchange American Express traveler’s checks (US dollars only), cash dollars and ......
Read More
Getting to and Away
Feb 13, 2007 - Peru
Most people visiting the Pisco area begin their trip in Lima. There is no airport in Pisco, so you will ......
Read More
Safety on the Pacific Coast south of Lima
Feb 13, 2007 - Peru
As with any foreign travel, it is best to use good judgment in everything that you do. Foreign travelers tend ......
Read More
When to go
Feb 13, 2007 - Peru
During the summer months, from December to March the weather conditions are wonderful on the southern coast of Peru. The ......
Read More
Getting to and away
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Most people traveling to Manu do so with a tour which assists them in getting from Cusco to Manu. It ......
Read More
Mountain Biking
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Mountain biking is a relatively new activity in Peru. The trips range from onesthose within the Manu area, to those ......
Read More
Llama Carting
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Llama taxis are offered at the most southern point of Manu National Park in the grasslands. They are let by ......
Read More
Rafting and Kayaking
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
If you are looking to experience the thrill of navigating down treacherous waters while vacationing at Manu, you are in ......
Read More
History of Copacabana
Feb 12, 2007 - Copacabana, Bolivia
This area was highly valued by the Incan civilization long before the Spanish discovered its allure. The Isla Del Sol, ......
Read More
Eating and Drinking in Manu
Sep 26, 2006 - Manu , Peru
There are really no restaurants within the Manu area. Instead, the resorts in the area all have their own dining ......
Read More

See all Info (28)

Destinations

Alausí
Apr 24, 2007 - Alausí, Ecuador
Most tourists that end up in Alausí do so to take the famed Devil’s Nose train ride. Besides the train ......
Read More
Salinas
Apr 24, 2007 - Salinas, Ecuador
A windy bus ride on dirt roads through the Ecuadorian countryside will bring you to the small town of Salinas. ......
Read More
Guaranda
Apr 24, 2007 - Guaranda, Ecuador
Guaranda is best known for its massive Carnival celebration. Carnival, which traditionally falls at the end of February, is the ......
Read More

See all Destinations (6)

Hotels

Hotel Foresta
May 08, 2007 - Santiago, Chile
Don’t let the dingy lobby of Hotel Foresta scare you; it is a great budget lodging option in Santiago. The ......
Read More
Happy House Hostel
May 08, 2007 - Santiago, Chile
With its sleek modern touches and Victorian buildings, the Happy House Hostel has a more upscale feel than most other ......
Read More
Hostal de Sammy
May 08, 2007 - Santiago, Chile
Named after the owner’s late pet dog, this place is a backpacker’s dream. The hostel, set in a huge house ......
Read More

Hostería La Andaluza
May 01, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
This charming hotel is located about ten minutes away from Riobamba, and is the perfect place to stay if you ......
Read More
Hotel Ambato
May 01, 2007 - Ambato, Ecuador
Hotel Ambato is the fanciest place in town, with a price to match. If you happen to be in town, ......
Read More
Hotel Zeus Internacional
Apr 25, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
Hotel Zeus is one of the nicer hotels in Riobamba, but with a price tag to match. Prices range from ......
Read More
Hostal Montecarlo
Apr 25, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
Located only a few blocks from the train station, Montecarlo is a very convenient place to stay. The rooms are comfortable; ......
Read More
El Refugio
Apr 25, 2007 - Salinas, Ecuador
This Ecuadorian-owned, eco-friendly hostel is probably your best option if you are planning to spend a night or two in ......
Read More
El Portal Del Marques
Mar 21, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
El Portal Del Marques is conveniently located in Cajamarca, only blocks away from the Plaza de Armas. If you want ......
Read More
Hotel Laguna Seca
Mar 20, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Hotel Laguna Seca's main selling point is its location. It is located so near to the Inca Baths that there ......
Read More
Posada del Puruay
Mar 20, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Set in the countryside this Spanish Colonial house in undoubtedly quaint. Originally built in 1822, its current owners seriously renovated ......
Read More
Galápagos Safari Camp
Mar 16, 2007 - Puerto Ayora, Ecuador
This camp in the highlands of Santa Cruz has eight luxury tents, each with their own private bathroom and balcony. ......
Read More
JW Marriott Mexico City
Mar 09, 2007 - Mexico City, Mexico
If you want for your vacation to be as ritzy and high class as possible, the JW Marriott is the ......
Read More
María Cristina
Mar 08, 2007 - Mexico City, Mexico
It may be a bit more expensive than other budget accommodation, but it is much less expensive then many of ......
Read More
Casa González
Mar 08, 2007 - Mexico City, Mexico
If you are not keen on staying in a hotel that looks as though it could be in Boise, Idaho ......
Read More
Hotel Catedral
Mar 08, 2007 - Zócalo, Mexico City, Mexico
Like most hotels around the area, Catedral can get a bit rowdy from street noise, which, combined with the extra-firm ......
Read More
Hotel Agua Luna
Feb 21, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Hotel Agua Luna has a posh minimalist atmosphere not often found in Mexico. Located right on Zicatela Beach, it is ......
Read More
Villas Carrizalillo
Feb 14, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Its location slightly further away from the main beaches lends to its quiet and peaceful atmosphere. The hotel has nine ......
Read More
Hotel Flor de Maria
Feb 14, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
This cozy retreat is very popular amongst travelers looking for a relaxing beach vacation. It is located close to both ......
Read More
Best Western Posada Real
Feb 14, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
This hotel offers a relaxing holiday atmosphere with its 700,000-square-foot site overlooking the ocean and filled with gardens. The hotel ......
Read More
Hotel Paracas
Feb 12, 2007 - Paracas, Peru
Due to re-open in June of 2009. Open since 1944, this hotel is located near the Paracas National Reserve. Its proximity ......
Read More
El Mirador
Feb 12, 2007 - Paracas, Peru
Located in the Paracas Bay, El Mirador allows you to appreciate the views and wildlife of the bay. The hotel ......
Read More
Hostal Posada Hispana
Feb 12, 2007 - Pisco, Peru
The hostel is conveniently located just one block from the main square, Plaza de Armas. The rooms are clean but ......
Read More
Hostal San Isidro
Feb 06, 2007 - Pisco, Peru
Reopened August 20, 2008, Hostal San Isidro is a favorite among Pisco visitors. It is located in a quiet area ......
Read More
Manu Lodge and Manu Cloud Forest Lodge
Feb 05, 2007 - Manu , Peru
The Manu Lodge and Manu Cloud Forest Lodge are owned and operated by Manu Nature Tours. Both offer all-inclusive services ......
Read More
Amazonia Lodge
Feb 05, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Amazonia Lodge is located in the tropical rainforest lowlands of the Manu Biosphere Reserve. Before, in the 1980s, the lodge ......
Read More
Manu Paradise Lodge
Feb 05, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Manu Paradise's eco-lodge is set in within the beautiful cloud forest between the Kosnipata and San Pedro Rivers, which lends ......
Read More

See all Hotels (27)

Restaurants

Oasis Café
Apr 25, 2007 - Ambato, Ecuador
This lovely café, located a little off the strip, specializes in helado (ice cream). Sharply decorated with simple modern fixtures, Oasis ......
Read More
Hollywood Coffee
Apr 25, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
Perhaps the most random coffee shop in Ecuador, Hollywood Coffee seems to be trying to be a Planet Hollywood meets ......
Read More
D’Baggio
Apr 25, 2007 - Riobamba, Ecuador
Anyone who has spent a reasonable amount of time in Ecuador probable knows that generally their pizza is nothing to ......
Read More

See all Restaurants (12)

Activities

Mercado Central
May 10, 2007 - Center, Santiago, Chile
A major fixture in Chilean society, the Mercado Central may be touristy, but rest assured that the tourists are visiting ......
Read More
Museo Histórico Nacional
May 08, 2007 - Center, Santiago, Chile
This site, originally constructed in 1807, is a must-see. Although it has been remodeled some, the original splendor is still ......
Read More
Arbol De Tule
Mar 30, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Around 13 km outside of the city of Oxaca lays El Arbol de Tule, which is one of the oldest ......
Read More

Church of Santo Domingo
Mar 29, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
A former monastery, the Church of Santo Domingo’s impressive baroque architecture is a must see in Oaxaca. It was founded ......
Read More
Zócalo
Mar 29, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
The Zócalo is the place to see and be seen any night of the week in Oaxaca. A plaza surrounded ......
Read More
Bruning Archaeological Museum
Mar 29, 2007 - Lambayeque, Peru
Named after the German engineer who was head of the archaeology project that bore the majority of the contents of ......
Read More
Sicán National Museum
Mar 29, 2007 - Ferreñafe, Peru
Located in Ferreñafe about 25 minutes from the city of Chiclayo, this museum's displays show artifacts from the Sicán culture. ......
Read More
Royal Tombs of Sipán Museum
Mar 29, 2007 - Lambayeque, Peru
This recent addition to the area, opened in 2003, displays some of the most important and impressive artifacts of the ......
Read More
Inca Baths
Mar 27, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Legend has it that when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived in Cajamarca, Inca Atahualpa was relaxing in his favorite place: The ......
Read More
Papalote Museo del Niño
Mar 21, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
If you are bringing children with you to Mexico City, a visit to Papalote Museo del Niño (Papalote Children's Museum) ......
Read More
Museo de Arte Moderno
Mar 21, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Mexico’s vibrant contemporary art scene comes alive at the Museo de Arte Moderno (National Museum of Modern Art) in Chapultepec ......
Read More
Contemporary Art Museum
Mar 19, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
The structure that holds this art museum was built toward the end of the 17th century by a family whose ......
Read More
Cultures of Oaxaca Museum
Mar 16, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Within the expansive structure of Santo Domingo, which was originally a monastery, lays the Cultures of Oaxaca Museum. The museum ......
Read More
Museo Frida Kahlo
Mar 12, 2007 - Oaxaca, Mexico
Fans of Frida Kahlo will be eager to visit this museum, which is actually the house she was born in, ......
Read More
Temazcal and Spas
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
No relaxing vacation is complete without a little bit of pampering. Within Puerto Escondido there are many places where you ......
Read More
Snorkeling & Diving
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
In the calmer bays snorkeling is offered. Many of the resorts in the area rent out gear for snorkeling. You ......
Read More
Horseback riding
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
All along the beaches you will see an old man pulling along a row of horses. If you would like ......
Read More
Surfing & Boogie Boarding
Feb 22, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
Surfing enthusiasts flock to Puerto Escondido to try their luck on the “Mexican Pipeline” on Playa Zicatela. There surfing contests ......
Read More
Candelabro De Los Andes
Feb 13, 2007 - Pisco, Peru
An image carved into the sandstone cliffs along the Pisco Bay is said to be one of the most mysterious ......
Read More
Mountain Biking
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Mountain biking is a relatively new activity in Peru. The trips range from onesthose within the Manu area, to those ......
Read More
Llama Carting
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
Llama taxis are offered at the most southern point of Manu National Park in the grasslands. They are let by ......
Read More
Rafting and Kayaking
Feb 12, 2007 - Manu , Peru
If you are looking to experience the thrill of navigating down treacherous waters while vacationing at Manu, you are in ......
Read More
Puerto Escondido Beaches
Feb 12, 2007 - Puerto Escondido, Mexico
As the name hints, Playa Principal is the main beach in town. It runs parallel with the road El Adoquin ......
Read More

See all Activities (23)

Tours

Panorama Viajes
Mar 27, 2007 - Cajamarca , Peru
Panorama Viajes offer a few different tour options to Cajamaraca and the surrounding areas. The agency was founded in 1968 ......
Read More

V!VA List Articles

No entries found

Get the book

book

Buy V!VA Book

Direct or on Amazon.com

Top Places to go in Latin America - as rated by V!VA Members

Activities

Popular V!VA Travel Guides Destinations

V!VA Travel Guides Hotels

Top V!VA Travel Guides Hotels

Other V!VA Travel Guides pages