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

Home > User profile

Close Map

Change Images

V!VA Travel Guides

I am V!VA's operations expert. With an MBA and a background in the Interactive Television industry in the U.K. I am the organizing force behind the team and the Managing Editor of V!VA World. With an insatiable thirst for off-the-beaten-track travel, I have travelled extensively in Europe and Asia and most recently in Central and South America.

Hometown
Honiton, Devon, England
Location now
Quito, Ecuador
Work published
V!VA List Latin America V!VA Travel Guide to Ecuador & The Galápagos Islands.V!VA Guide to ColombiaV!VA Guide to Peru
Travel philosophy
Try anything once!
Craziest place
Hanoi, Vietnam. I have never seen so many motorbikes in one place, following no obvious traffic rules. Crossing the road was an adventure. You had to step out into the road regardless of the oncoming sea of motorbikes and they would dodge you. One rule: don't stop! If you stopped in the middle of the road like a frightened rabbit you would, for sure, be run over.
Bizarre experience
Watching Indonesian men in a remote coastal community in eastern Lombok paint their toenails with pink nail polish, brought to them by the tour guide. This was followed up with a dance, including a strange mix of 1970s disco and the very traditional music of the locals.
Advice
Be patient.
Dream destination
Mongolia, on a camel trek, followed up by an overnight in a Ger.
Traveled before
England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France, Holland, Germany, Luxembourg, Belgium, Austria, Italy, Vatican City, Switzerland, Monaco, Spain, Greece, Morocco, Cuba, India, Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, The Maldives, USA, Ecuador, Bonaire, Peru, Chile, Bolivia, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia.
Going next
Cuba

Paula Newton's Guide Book Entries

Info

Internet in Cuba
May 25, 2009 - Cuba
Internet in Cuba is different to how you might expect it to be. For starters, the cost is very expensive, ......
Read More
International Arrivals and Departures from Havana Airport
May 25, 2009 - Cuba
Havana Airport - Arrivals On arrival at Cuba’s Jose Marti International Airport in Havana, after disembarking you proceed first to ......
Read More
Casas Particulares
May 11, 2009 - Cuba
Cuba offers little in the way of cheap accommodation—there are not the backpacker hostels that you will find in other ......
Read More

Getting Around Cuba by Bus
May 11, 2009 - Cuba
The main option for getting around Cuba by bus is to use buses from Viazul (www.viazul.cu), the tailor-made tourist transportation ......
Read More
Internet in Guatemala
Feb 23, 2009 - Guatemala
Internet is commonly available throughout Guatemala. Medium-sized towns usually have Internet cafés with a decent connection. Internet cafés may exist ......
Read More
Working in Guatemala
Feb 23, 2009 - Guatemala
Opportunities for paid work in Guatemala are harder to come by than volunteering opportunities. As a general rule, wages are ......
Read More
Volunteering in Guatemala
Feb 23, 2009 - Guatemala
In Guatemala, opportunities exist for a wide variety of volunteering options. You can help with everything from constructing houses in ......
Read More
Getting Around By Boat
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
While there are a number of places to travel by boat in Guatemala, two are of great importance: the use ......
Read More
Getting Around By Car
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Driving in a rental car is an easy way to get around Guatemala. If you plan to drive, you need ......
Read More
Getting Around By Hitchhiking
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
While hitchhiking is possible in Guatemala, it is not generally recommendable or safe in most parts of the country. That ......
Read More
Getting Around By Taxi
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Taxis are available all over Guatemala. In Guatemala City, taxis have meters; outside of the city and in the rest ......
Read More
Getting Around By Train
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
There are currently no passenger trains operating in Guatemala. The last such train traveled between Guatemala City to Puerto Barrio. ......
Read More
Getting Around By Bus
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
By far the most common method of getting around Guatemala is by bus, whether it be by the so-called “chicken ......
Read More
Getting Around By Plane
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
In February 2009, the only regularly scheduled domestic flights in Guatemala were from Guatemala City’s La Aurora airport (GUA) to ......
Read More
Getting Around By Bike
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Bike travel in Guatemala is becoming much more common and is a pleasant way to see and experience what the ......
Read More
Getting Around Guatemala
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Most travelers get around Guatemala by bus. Distances between destinations are generally short, which is good, because you’re likely to ......
Read More
Banks and Money
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Banks The currency of Guatemala is the quetzal. In February 2009, the exchange rate was 7.88 quetzales to $1 USD. ......
Read More
Politics
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Guatemala’s politics have been troubled at best. The political system is democratic in this republic, and there are numerous political ......
Read More
Language
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
In Guatemala, Spanish is the most widely spoken language. Guatemalans speak a relatively clear form of Spanish, which makes this ......
Read More
Religion
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
As is the case in most Latin American countries, the predominant religion in Guatemala is Roman Catholicism, practiced by approximately ......
Read More
Population
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
The population of Guatemala was estimated in July 2008 to be at approximately 13 million. Approximately 40 percent are considered ......
Read More
Flora and Fauna
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Flora Guatemala means “land of the trees,” and so it is not a surprise that around 35 percent of the ......
Read More
Climate
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
Guatemala has been dubbed the “Land of Eternal Spring,” a name which comes from the climate in the country's mountain ......
Read More
Geography
Feb 22, 2009 - Guatemala
The geography of Guatemala is largely determined by the county's position in Central America, sitting as it does on the ......
Read More
Getting Around Uyuni
Jun 19, 2008 - Uyuni, Bolivia
Uyuni is pretty small, with most hotels, restaurants and tour operators, as well as the bus station all located within ......
Read More
Getting to and away from Peguche
Oct 08, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
Peguche is just a few kilometers from Otavalo and you can walk between the two. Just head north along the ......
Read More
Hiking in Peru
Jul 18, 2007 - Peru
Hiking in Peru affords travelers with the opportunity to take in some of the best scenery the Andes have to ......
Read More
New Year's Eve
Jun 18, 2007 - Ecuador
A New Year's Eve, or Año Viejo, spent in Ecuador provides a fascinating insight into local culture and folklore. During ......
Read More
Festivities of Quito
Jun 18, 2007 - Ecuador
If you are in Quito during the last days of November and during the run up to 6th December, you ......
Read More
Fanesca
Jun 18, 2007 - Ecuador
Fanesca is a traditional, thick, rich soup that is served almost everywhere during the Easter period in Ecuador. A large ......
Read More
Getting to and from Cabanaconde
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
Cabanaconde is a five to six-hour bus journey from Arequipa (two hours on from Chivay). Bus companies servicing this route ......
Read More
Getting to and away from Chivay
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Finding your feet in Chivay is fairly straightforward, as buses arrive in the centrally located Plaza de Armas. From Arequipa, ......
Read More
Getting to and away from Iquitos
Mar 12, 2007 - Iquitos, Peru
The best and only really viable option for getting to and from Iquitos is by air. Lan offer four flights ......
Read More
Holidays and Fiestas in Peru
Jan 11, 2005 - Peru
The main holidays and fiestas of Peru are: January 1 New Year's Day (Año Nuevo) January 6 Epiphany February 2 Virgin ......
Read More

See all Info (34)

Destinations

Playa Ancon
May 24, 2009 - Playa Ancon, Cuba
Coming soon ......
Read More
La Boca
May 24, 2009 - La Boca, Cuba
Coming soon ......
Read More
Trinidad
May 17, 2009 - Trinidad, Cuba
Coming soon ......
Read More

See all Destinations (10)

Hotels

Hotel Las Jazmines
May 25, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
Hotel Las Jazmines offers spectacular views of the mogotes both from the pool’s edge and from almost all of the ......
Read More
Hotel Saratoga
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Almost directly across the street from the Capitolio this fancy upscale hotel is very conveniently located on the edge of ......
Read More
Hotel Florida
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Right on the main Obispo strip, a stay at Hotel Florida puts you right at the center of things in ......
Read More

Hostal Buenavista
May 24, 2009 - La Boca, Cuba
Hostal Buenavista is actually a casa with a large room for rent, with two double beds, a private bathroom, refrigerator ......
Read More
Casa Rio y Mar
May 24, 2009 - La Boca, Cuba
Located a few meters off the main strip, Casa Rio y Mar offers a comfortable room with a double and ......
Read More
Casa de Sandra y Victor
May 17, 2009 - Trinidad, Cuba
Sandra and Victor run one of the nicest casas in Trinidad. The entire upstairs of the house is given over ......
Read More
Casa de Reuben
May 17, 2009 - Santiago De Cuba, Cuba
At Casa de Reuben you get your own private mini-apartment complete with bedroom, private bathroom with hot water shower and ......
Read More
Casa Lourdes
May 11, 2009 - Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
Conveniently located just off Plaza del Cristo in Havana Vieja, Lourdes is a pretty and friendly casa offering two rooms ......
Read More
Casa de Daniel Carrasco Guillen
May 11, 2009 - Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
Reportedly on the second floor of this colonial house, you will have to walk up what feels like more flights ......
Read More
Las Pigualas
Feb 25, 2009 - Mompiche, Ecuador
Located 3 kilometers outside of the sleepy town of Mompiche (as you go north along the beach), Las Pigualas is ......
Read More
Adventure Brew Hostel
Jun 07, 2008 - La Paz, Bolivia
At the Adventure Brew Hostel your every need is considered. This friendly place has it all, even down to free ......
Read More
Hostal Calafate
Jan 21, 2008 - Punta Arenas, Chile
In the heart of Punta Arenas, just half a block from the Plaza de Armas, Hostal Calafate is right across ......
Read More
Hotel Plaza
Jan 21, 2008 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Set on the corner of the Plaza de Armas, in a suitably grand-looking building, the Hotel Plaza has a pleasant ......
Read More
Hostal del Rey
Jan 21, 2008 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Open all year-long, the Hostal del Rey is family-run and conveniently located just a block and a half from the ......
Read More
Andean Moon
Nov 24, 2007 - Ollantaytambo, Peru
Set back from the main square, up one of Ollantaytambo's pretty cobblestone streets, the Andean Moon is a pleasant place ......
Read More
Hostal Varayoc
Nov 24, 2007 - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Just a stone's throw from the train station and buses to Machu Picchu, the Varayoc has a prime location. Blink ......
Read More
Aya Huma
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
The hostel Aya Huma is a decent and economical option for those who would prefer to stay outside of Otavalo ......
Read More
Milenio Hotel
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
The well-presented Milenio Hotel is a bit of a splurge, but perhaps worth it. Spread over five floors, the rooms ......
Read More
Hotel del Pacifico
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
The four star Hotel del Pacifico is located in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, and convenient for just about everything. ......
Read More
Hotel Zaracay
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
Hotel Zaracay is a pleasant hotel and is a fairly reliable choice. The hotel has plenty of amenities, including a ......
Read More
Hotel Tropical Inn
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
The Tropical Inn is modern-looking with decent services. The 45 rooms are clean and well-appointed, the restaurant serves local food, ......
Read More
Hotel Esmeralda
Apr 26, 2007 - Macas, Ecuador
Handily located for the airport terminal, the Esmeralda is still within easy walking distance of the town center. The hotel ......
Read More
Casa Blanca
Apr 26, 2007 - Macas, Ecuador
The Casa Blanca, is as the name suggests, a white building offering 13 well appointed rooms set across two floors. ......
Read More
Manzana Real
Apr 26, 2007 - Macas, Ecuador
The Manzana Real or “Real Apple” is located away from the center of things, but is well equipped, including facilities ......
Read More
Hotel Heliconia
Apr 26, 2007 - Macas, Ecuador
Just one block from the bus terminal, Hotel Heliconia is a decent and convenient choice. The six-story building has a ......
Read More
Hotel Casa Kolping
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Casa Kolping has 26 rooms, all equiped with private bathroom and hot water. For an extra charge, TV sets are ......
Read More
Hotel Copacabana
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Hotel Copacabana is close to the main square in Tacna, making it central for sightseeing opportunities. They boast rooms with ......
Read More
Maximo's Hotel
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
In business since 1997, Maximo’s is l centrally placed in the city. The hotel has plenty of eateries too, including ......
Read More
Takana Inn Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
A family business, Takana Inn Hotel is conveniently located close to the commercial center, in the heart of the French ......
Read More
Tacna Gran Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Centrally located, on Bolognesi, the Tacna Gran Hotel is positioned conveniently for business visitors. The hotel is fairly large, boasting ......
Read More
Hotel Meson
Apr 04, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Hotel Meson provides comfortable rooms in sizes ranging from single to quadruple. Rooms have cable TV and minibars. There is ......
Read More
Kuntur Wassi
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
This hotel is arguably the best spot in town, in an attractive building surrounded by a pretty garden. Close to ......
Read More
La Posada del Conde
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
This hotel is a good choice with a pleasant atmosphere and comfortable and clean rooms which have private bathrooms and ......
Read More
Hostal Valle del Fuego
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
Hostal Valle del Fuego is in an adobe house with a distinctly rustic feel, conveniently located in the town center ......
Read More
Hostal Colca Wasi Kopling
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Hostal Colca Wasi Kopling is a relatively small hotel, offering only one single room, nine double rooms and two triples, ......
Read More
Casa Andina - Colca
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Four blocks from the central square in Chivay, this hotel is Casa Andina’s Chivay offering. The hotel’s 52 rooms are ......
Read More
Colca Lodge
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Affiliated with the Hotel Libertador chain, the Colca Lodge is located approximately six miles from Chivay’s town center. Constructed from ......
Read More
Colca Inn Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Not much to look at from the outside, the Colca Inn Hotel is a reasonable choice for budgeters, and is ......
Read More
Pozo del Cielo Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
The Pozo del Cielo Hotel is tastefully constructed from local stone and consists of twenty large rustic rooms decorated with ......
Read More
Hotel Le Rendez-Vous
Mar 14, 2007 - Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Rendez-Vous was set up by a French couple who fell in love with and chose to settle in Vilcabamba after ......
Read More
Jardin Escondido
Mar 14, 2007 - Vilcabamba, Ecuador
In addition to the sizzling Mexican and international fare offered up at the restaurant, Jardín Escondido has 13 pleasantly appointed ......
Read More
Internacional
Mar 14, 2007 - Loja, Ecuador
For those looking to stay the night on a shoestring, the Internacional is a budgeter’s standby. Rooms are modest, but ......
Read More
Podocarpus
Mar 14, 2007 - Loja, Ecuador
Located near the Central Plaza, Hotel Podocarpus is comfy and modern, making it one of your better options while staying ......
Read More
Hotel Oro Verde
Feb 20, 2007 - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Grand, centrally located and only 10 minutes from the airport, the Oro Verde is a plush choice for those with ......
Read More
Grand Hotel, Guayaquil
Feb 20, 2007 - Guayaquil, Ecuador
The Grand Hotel Guayaquil lives up to its name, featuring a spacious reception area and excellent service. Centrally placed four ......
Read More
Unipark Hotel
Feb 20, 2007 - Guayaquil, Ecuador
Convenient for a leisurely stroll to the Malecón, this upscale hotel is owned by the Oro Verde chain. Smack in ......
Read More
Hotel Restaurant Mercurio
Jan 17, 2007 - Punta Arenas, Chile
The Mercurio has rather dark rooms decorated in an old-fashioned style, but if you can see past that, it may ......
Read More
Hosteria Izhcayluma
Jun 01, 2006 - Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Hosteria Izhcayluma is situated on a hill approximately 2 kilometers outside of Vilcabamba, and enjoys spectacular vistas of the village ......
Read More
Posada de los Leones
Dec 14, 2005 - Antigua, Guatemala
Arriving at the The Lion´s Inn, or Posada de los Leones in Spanish, you will marvel at its wonderful setting ......
Read More
Pagos Argentinos
Oct 12, 2005 - Antigua, Guatemala
Stay at an estancia in one of the following places: Tierra del Fuego, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Gualeguaychú or Mendoza province. ......
Read More
Manu Wildlife Center
May 04, 2005 - Manu , Peru
Manu Wildlife Center is close to the world’s most approachable, photographable clay licks of macaws and tapirs. Here you will ......
Read More
La Casa de los Abuelos
May 04, 2005 - Antigua, Guatemala
La Casa de los Abuelos is a Boutique Hotel, five minutes from Antigua Guatemala Downtown. It has 5 Beautiful Bedrooms ......
Read More
Grand Hotel Mercure Alameda
Apr 06, 2005 - La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
In the heart of the Mariscal, the modern Mercure is convenient for local eateries and is a reliable option. Rooms ......
Read More

See all Hotels (53)

Restaurants

Casa Hacienda
May 25, 2009 - Trinidad, Cuba
Set in the old hacienda, this restaurant offers reasonable food at not too bad a value, given that the audience ......
Read More
Casa de Don Tomas
May 25, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
Heading out along the main strip to the west of the town, Casa de Don Mason is an open-air restaurant ......
Read More
Dona Isabel Restaurante Italiano
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Restaurante Dona Isabel offers a basic Italian menu, including cheap pasta mains for CUC2.50 to CUC4, such as spaghetti bolognaise, ......
Read More

Café Las Begonias
May 24, 2009 - Trinidad, Cuba
Centrally located, Café Las Begonias is close to all of the main sights. With its high ceilings and pleasant décor, ......
Read More
Casa de Te
May 17, 2009 - Santiago De Cuba, Cuba
Situated conveniently on the corner of Plaza Cespedes, this is a pleasant place to stop for a refreshing drink. Service ......
Read More
El Palenque de Los Cimarrones
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
El Palenque de los Cimarrones is a restaurant that is located in the mouth of a cave. If you take ......
Read More
Hanoi Restaurant
May 11, 2009 - Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
Hanoi restaurant has a pleasant street view of the Plaza del Cristo. It is a pleasant place to take in ......
Read More
Dublin
Jun 07, 2008 - Bellavista, Santiago, Chile
Part of the fancy Patio Bellavista food court, although accessible from outside, the Dublin pub offers a variety of beers, ......
Read More
Bali-Hai Restaurant
Jun 07, 2008 - Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Styling itself as the “unique Easter Island Restaurant in Latin America,” this place offers dinner with a dance show. Dances ......
Read More
Ram Jam
Jun 07, 2008 - La Paz, Bolivia
Tucked away on a side street a couple of blocks from Plaza Avaroa, the funky interior of this place will ......
Read More
Angelos
Jun 07, 2008 - La Paz, Bolivia
Conveniently located in close proximity to the Iglesia San Francisco, Angelos café offers good value set almuerzos, for $2 or ......
Read More
Chill-e
Jan 22, 2008 - Puerto Natales, Chile
One of the most happening bars in town, Chill-e is a great place to let your hair down. Good vibes, ......
Read More
Patagonia Dulce
Jan 22, 2008 - Puerto Natales, Chile
Patagonia Dulce is a chocolate factory which makes delicious delicacies to whet the appetite. The chocolate temptations that the attached ......
Read More
El Living
Jan 22, 2008 - Puerto Natales, Chile
El Living is a British-run, friendly little coffee shop. The menu is sure to delight vegetarians and there are even ......
Read More
Real McCoy
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
Although not officially a pub, The Real McCoy an English restaurant, hosts regular pub quizzes and offers traditional pub fare ......
Read More
Hearts Cafe
Nov 24, 2007 - Ollantaytambo, Peru
Hearts Cafe is becoming something of a backpacker favorite. Set right on the Plaza de Armas, Hearts offers "mainly wholefoods," ......
Read More
Quechua Blues Bar Cafe
Nov 24, 2007 - Ollantaytambo, Peru
More of a bar than a restaurant (although you can get international food here), the Blues Bar Cafe is great ......
Read More
Tupana Wasi
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
Restaurants that claim to offer meals as varied as Italian, Mexican, Peruvian often arouse suspicion that none of those options ......
Read More
Apu Salkantay
Nov 24, 2007 - Aguas Calientes, Peru
Cheap and cheerful restaurant offering a three course meal for around $5. Pick between starters such as stuffed avacado, garlic ......
Read More
Inca....Fe
Nov 24, 2007 - San Blas, Cusco, Peru
Set in the artsy San Blas neighborhood, Inka...Fe Café is a find. Step off the cobblestone streets into this welcoming ......
Read More
Fluid
Nov 24, 2007 - Miraflores, Lima, Peru
For great Thai food right in the heart of the Miraflores district, head to Fluid. This new, British-run venue serves ......
Read More
La Isla del Mono
Nov 24, 2007 - Miraflores, Lima, Peru
La Isla del Mono offers Lima’s seafood at its best. Offerings include their mouth-watering Ceviche de Lenguado, or sole ceviche-raw ......
Read More
Tasca Bar
Nov 24, 2007 - Miraflores, Lima, Peru
Under the same ownership as the Flying Dog, and located conveniently underneath the Diez Canseco branch of the hostel, Tasca ......
Read More
Aya Huma Restaurant
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
In Peguche there aren't a whole lot of options for food, but the adjoining restaurant to the Aya Huma hostel ......
Read More
Busters
Apr 27, 2007 - Northern Quito - the "New Town", Quito, Ecuador
Little sister to the Turtle’s Head, Busters is in the northern part of town, opposite the swanky Quicentro mall. The ......
Read More
Latitud
Apr 27, 2007 - La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
Located on the ever popular Plaza Foch, Latitud is also known as “Tapas, quesos y vinos” and is popular with ......
Read More
Mongos
Apr 27, 2007 - La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
Right in the heart of the Mariscal, the Mongolian barbeque, Mongos has quickly become a firm favorite with travelers and ......
Read More
Raj Tandoori
Apr 27, 2007 - La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
This Indian restaurant serves a menu of mouth-watering curries with sauces ranging from sweet to mild to a spicy that ......
Read More
Cevichería A Todo Vapor
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
As the name suggests, for fans of seafood, Cevichería A Todo Vapor has a fine selection of delicious Peruvian ceviche ......
Read More
Rancho San Antonio Restaurant
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Rancho San Antonio is a popular joint serving up both international and national cuisine in a relaxing and laidback setting. ......
Read More
McElroy's Irish Pub
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Easy to find on the Plaza de Armas, McElroy’s is a decent Irish bar in Chivay. The bar is fairly ......
Read More
Casablanca
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Conveniently located on the main square, Casablanca offers a variety of options at reasonable prices. The food is tasty and ......
Read More
Sotito's
Jan 18, 2007 - Punta Arenas, Chile
A little on the pricey side, but nonetheless highly recommended, Sotito's is sophisticated and worth a splurge. The menu features ......
Read More
Brocolino
Jan 17, 2007 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Another great place to get tasty seafood offerings, Brocolino specializes in French and Italian cuisine, washed down with a good ......
Read More
Mandela's Bar
Nov 08, 2005 - Cusco, Peru
Mandela’s Bar is a fantastic bar/restaurant hidden behind the Cathedral, serving a mixture of Peruvian, contemporary and traditional South African ......
Read More
Fellini
May 04, 2005 - La Floresta, Quito, Ecuador
Fellini is a great place for a splurge. Tastefully designed and laid out, this Italian restaurant has a wide variety ......
Read More
Pavarotti
May 04, 2005 - La Floresta, Quito, Ecuador
Just across the street from the Swissotel, Pavarotti offers fairly standard Italian fare for prices similar to other Italian restaurants ......
Read More

See all Restaurants (37)

Activities

Museo de la Revolucion
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
If you only have time for one museum while you’re visiting Cuba, the Museo de la Revolucion in Havana Vieja ......
Read More
Catedral San Cristobal de Habana
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Havana’s cathedral is located on the northern face of the Plaza de la Catedral square. While elaborate, it does not ......
Read More
Plaza de la Catedral
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
This well-restored plaza, as the name would suggest, is dominated by Havana-s cathedral. Pretty pink flowers adorn the pillared walkway ......
Read More

Farmacia Taquechel
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Located on Obispo, between San Ignacio and Mercaderes, you can find the fascinating Farmacia Taquechel. The pharmacy holds all number ......
Read More
Memorial Ernesto “Che” Guevara
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Directly opposite the memorial to Jose Marti is the memorial to Che Guevara. Che’s timeless face looms over the concrete ......
Read More
Monumento and Museo Jose Marti
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
Located on the south side of the Plaza de la Revolucion is the gigantic Memorial and Museo Jose Marti. Although ......
Read More
Plaza de la Revolucion
May 25, 2009 - Havana, Cuba
The Plaza de la Revolucion is a square that is big, wide and of Soviet sparcity. The square’s main features ......
Read More
Fishing
May 24, 2009 - Playa Ancon, Cuba
The seas around Playa Ancon are teeming with fish, making fishing a pleasant way to spend a day. Fishing can ......
Read More
Bicycling from La Boca to Playa Ancon
May 24, 2009 - Playa Ancon, Cuba
For those staying in La Boca, a pleasant option for a day trip is to rent bicycles and ride to ......
Read More
Scuba Diving
May 24, 2009 - Playa Ancon, Cuba
One of the few things to do that is cheap in Cuba, diving is a bargain here. Dive trips can ......
Read More
Snorkeling
May 24, 2009 - Playa Ancon, Cuba
From the Marina Marlin opposite the Hotel Ancon, it is possible to arrange snorkeling trips that take in Cayo Blanco, ......
Read More
Museo Historico
May 24, 2009 - Trinidad, Cuba
This museum traces the history of Trinidad, from the early slave trade and the sugar plantations in the area, through ......
Read More
Cuevas del Indio
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
The Cuevas del Indio are located around 5 kilometers outside of Viñales village. It takes around 25 minutes to navigate ......
Read More
Mural de Prehistoria
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
Located 5km west of Viñales village, this mural was painted in the 1960s by the artist Leovigilda Gonzalez and commissioned ......
Read More
Viñales Bus Tour
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
The Viñales bus tour is a great way to take in everything that the valley has to offer, including the ......
Read More
Museo Municipal Adela Azcuy
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
This museum that is the former house of Adela Azcuy, something of a Cuban hero, has a collection of period ......
Read More
Hiking in Vinales
May 17, 2009 - Vinales, Cuba
For information about guided hikes in and around Viñales, head to Museo Municpal Adela Azcuy. The museum offers five hikes ......
Read More
Plaza de Armas
May 11, 2009 - Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
The Plaza de Armas is one of Havana’s prettier squares, and the only one located in Havana Vieja that has ......
Read More
Whale Watching
Mar 27, 2009 - Puerto López, Ecuador
Whale watching can be arranged from any number of tour operators with offices along the sea front. The season is ......
Read More
Hiking around Cuicocha Lake
Mar 01, 2009 - Cuicocha Lake, Cotacachi, Ecuador
The hike around Cuicocha Lake can be completed anywhere between 3.5 and six hours, depending on your general level of ......
Read More
Funicular
Jun 07, 2008 - Santiago, Chile
On a clear day, the view from the top of Cerro San Cristóbal is spectacular, providing the best view of ......
Read More
Museo de Archaeológico História Francisco Fonk
Jun 07, 2008 - Viña del Mar, Chile
You won’t be able to miss this small museum with its striking moai standing guard outside. The museum documents the ......
Read More
Museo de la Coca
Jun 07, 2008 - La Paz, Bolivia
This museum documents the history of the coca plant, largely in Bolivia, from ancient times through to the present day. ......
Read More
Salcantay alternative route
Dec 14, 2007 - Peru
The alternative trek takes in three more unusual, quieter campsites along the route, largely away from other tourists. On the ......
Read More
Train Cusco to Puno
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
Treat yourself to a train ride through spectacular Andean landscape as a pleasant, more stylish alternative to the bus. The ......
Read More
Inka Express
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
If you’re bored of just taking the regular bus, one option is to upgrade to the Inka Express, which provides ......
Read More
Peguche Waterfall
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
If you're staying the night in Peguche, it is probably worth your time to take the 20 minute walk to the ......
Read More
Calientes
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
For those wanting to get out of the city for a bit and relax, the baths of Calientes are a ......
Read More
San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Close to Tacna (22 kilometers/ 13.5 miles) are the San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs. The drawings are of dancing, fighting ......
Read More
Plaza de Armas
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
A wander around the Plaza de Armas is one of the highlights of a visit to Tacna. Opposite the civic ......
Read More
Andagua Trek
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
The Cabanaconde-Andagua Trek into the Colca Canyon is challenging but worth the effort. The route passes through unspoiled scenery with ......
Read More
Sangalle Oasis Trek
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
The trek to the Sangalle Oasis at the bottom of the Canyon can be made in one day, or at ......
Read More
Templo de Coporaque
Apr 04, 2007 - Coporaque, Peru
Templo de Coporaque is the oldest church in the Colca Canyon area, built in 1569 and is still in use ......
Read More
La Caldera Hotsprings
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
After a day spent condor spotting in the canyon, what better way to relax than to visit the hot springs, ......
Read More
Bocas Sailing
Mar 30, 2006 - Bocas del Toro, Panama
Three types of tour / activity are offered. The first type of tour goes to Dolphin Bay to watch the bottlenose ......
Read More
Pagos Argentinos
Oct 12, 2005 - Bocas del Toro, Panama
Stay at an estancia in one of the following places: Tierra del Fuego, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Gualeguaychú or Mendoza province. ......
Read More

See all Activities (36)

Tours

Barefoot Expeditions
Mar 17, 2008 - Quito, Ecuador
Barefoot Expeditions is an operator based in Quito, offering a variety of tours all over Ecuador. Choose from cultural tours, ......
Read More
Turismo Viento Sur
Jan 21, 2008 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Turismo Viento Sur offers one of the widest range of programs available in this area. Along with the standard hiking ......
Read More
Pali Aike
Jan 21, 2008 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Pali Aike offers a range of tours to suit all tastes, from "soft" tours in Torres Del Paine, through to ......
Read More

See all Tours (7)

Schools

Escuela Bellavista
Jun 07, 2008 - Bellavista, Santiago, Chile
Escuela Bellavista Spanish School has a friendly and welcoming ambiance. Its youthful, yet experienced teaching staff will work on your ......
Read More
Ixbalanque Spanish School
Jan 13, 2006 - La Ceiba, Honduras
Whether you are a tourist visiting Central America, or a businessperson who wants to improve your Spanish skills, you can ......
Read More
Interhispanica
Oct 26, 2005 - Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is a great city, but there are some challenges with studying there. There are a lot of language ......
Read More

Services

Infotur
May 11, 2009 - Havana Vieja, Havana, Cuba
Infotur is the government tourism information office. There is one centrally located in Havana Vieja at Obispo on the corner ......
Read More
Artesanal Market
Nov 24, 2007 - Aguas Calientes, Peru
In the last hour or two, when you've done Machu Picchu and you're waiting for your train to leave Aguas ......
Read More

V!VA List Articles

V!VA Latin

Driving La Ruta del Sol
Oct 11, 2006 - Ecuador
Late in the afternoon, we turn a corner on the dusty road and spy our goal—the balmy, azure Pacific Ocean, ......
Read More
Telefériqo
Oct 05, 2006 - Ecuador
Having recently opened in July 2005, Quito’s “TelefériQo,” or cable car, is a very pleasant option for whiling away a ......
Read More
Bellavista
Oct 05, 2006 - Ecuador
All around us, a peaceful humming sound prevails amid a rainbow of color. Nearly twenty hummingbirds are swooping in on ......
Read More

See all V!VA Latin (7)

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