Paula Newton's Home Page

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 organising 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 Ecuador.

Paula Newton's 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, ......
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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 ......
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Bellavista
Oct 05, 2006 - Ecuador
All around us, a peaceful humming sound prevails amid a rainbow of colour. Nearly twenty hummingbirds are swooping in on ......
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Paula Newton's Guide Book Entries

Info

Getting to and away from Peguche
Oct 08, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
Peguche is just a few kilometers from Otavalo. One option is to walk from Otavalo. Just head north along the ......
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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 ......
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New Year's Eve
Jun 18, 2007 - Ecuador
A New Years Eve, or Año Viejo, spent in Ecuador provides a fascinating insight into local culture and folklore. During ......
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Destinations

Peguche
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
Just a stone's throw from Otavalo, Peguche makes a welcome break for those looking for some peace and quiet after ......
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Santo Domingo de los Colorados
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
Located in the lush central lowland area of northern Ecuador, Santo Domingo de los Colorados is a huge transportation hub, ......
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Urubamba
Apr 05, 2007 - Urubamba, Peru
Located smack-bang in the middle of the Sacred Valley, Urubamba is an attractive little town, making it a good base ......
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Hotels

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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Hotel del Pacifico
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
The four star Hotel del Pacifico is centrally located in Santo Domingo de los Colorados, and convenient for just about ......
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Hotel Zaracay
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
A fairly reliable choice, Hotel Zaracay is a pleasant hotel located on the road out of town, headed back towards ......
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Hotel Tropical Inn
Jun 15, 2007 - Santo Domingo de los Colorados, Ecuador
The Tropical hotel was established in 1995 and is modern-looking with decent services. The hotel has 45 clean and well-appointed ......
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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 ......
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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. ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Hotel Casa Kolping
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Casa Kolping has 26 rooms, well appointed with private bathroom and hot water. For an extra charge, TV sets are ......
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Hotel Copacabana
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Hotel Copacabana is close to the main square in Tacna, so is central for sightseeing opportunities. They boast rooms with ......
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Maximo's Hotel
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
In business since 1997, Maximo's is a two star hotel centrally placed in the city. The hotel has plenty of ......
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Takana Inn Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
A family business, the two-star Takana Inn Hotel is conveniently located close to the commercial center, in the heart of ......
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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 ......
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Hotel Meson
Apr 04, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
The three star Hotel Meson in Tacna provides comfortable rooms in sizes ranging from single to quadruple. Rooms have cable ......
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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. The hotel ......
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La Posada del Conde
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
This well-appointed hotel is a good choice with a pleasant atmosphere and comfortable, clean and nicely decorated rooms which have ......
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Hostal Valle del Fuego
Apr 04, 2007 - Cabanaconde, Peru
Hostal Valle del Fuego is a two star hotel in an adobe house with a distinctly rustic feel, conveniently located ......
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Hostal Colca Wasi Kopling
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Hostal Colca Wasi Kopling is a relatively small hotel, offering one single room, nine double rooms and two triples, all ......
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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 ......
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Colca Lodge
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Affiliated with the Hotel Libertador chain, the Colca Lodge is located approximately six miles out of Chivay’s town center. Constructed ......
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Colca Inn Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
Not much to look at from the outside, the Colca Inn Hostel is a reasonable choice for budgeteers, and is ......
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Pozo del Cielo Hotel
Apr 04, 2007 - Chivay, Peru
The three star Pozo del Cielo Hotel is tastefully constructed from local stone and consists of twenty large rustic rooms, ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Podocarpus
Mar 14, 2007 - Loja, Ecuador
Comfy and modern, the Podocarpus hotel offers decent sized rooms with private bathrooms and cable TV. ......
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Madre Tierra
Mar 03, 2007 - Vilcabamba, Ecuador
A highlight of any stay in the Vilcabamba region, for those who wish to splurge, Madre Tierra offers outstanding accommodation ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Pagos Argentinos
Oct 12, 2005 - Argentina
Stay at an estancia in one of the following places: Tierra del Fuego, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Gualeguaychú or Mendoza province. ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Restaurants

Dublin
Jun 07, 2008 - Bellavista, Santiago, Chile
A part of the fancy Patio Bellavista food court, although accessible from outside, the Dublin pub offers a variety of ......
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Bali-Hai Restaurant
Jun 07, 2008 - Las Condes, Santiago, Chile
Boasting itself as the "unique Easter Island Restaurant in Latin America," this place offers dinner with a dance show. Dances ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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, ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Real McCoy
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
If you're from Britain, for a taste of home, head to the Real McCoy. If not, check it out anyway ......
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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," ......
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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 ......
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Tupana Wasi
Nov 24, 2007 - Cusco, Peru
Restaurants that claim to offer meals as varied as Italian, Mexican, Peruvian and breakfast often arouse suspicion that none of ......
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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 ......
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Inca....Fe
Nov 24, 2007 - San Blas, Cusco, Peru
Set in the hub of the artsy San Blas neighborhood, Inka...Fe Cafe is a find. Step off the cobblestone streets ......
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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 ......
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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 Cerviche de Lenguado, or sole cerviche- ......
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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 ......
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Aya Huma Restaurant
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
In Peguche there aren't a whole lot of options for food, so it's just as well that the adjoining restaurant ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Raj Tandoori
Apr 27, 2007 - La Mariscal, Quito, Ecuador
This Indian restaurant serves a menu of mouth-watering curries with sauces ranging from mild and spicy to sauces that will ......
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Cevichería A Todo Vapor
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
As the name suggests, for fans of seafood, Cervichería A Todo Vapor has a fine selection of delicious Peruvian cerviche ......
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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. ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Puerto Viejo
Jan 18, 2007 - Punta Arenas, Chile
Since its opening in 2002, Puerto Viejo has been a popular place to eat with travelers. The restaurant specializes in ......
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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 ......
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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 South African food (spicy ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Activities

Funicular
Jun 07, 2008 - Santiago, Chile
On a bright day, for superb views of the whole of Santiago, head up the Funicular. This is a unique ......
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Corporacíon Museo de Arqueología e Historia Francisco Fonck
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 ......
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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. ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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. This is ......
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Peguche Waterfall
Oct 07, 2007 - Peguche, Ecuador
If you're staying the night in Peguche anyway, it is probably worth taking the 20 minute walk to the little ......
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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 ......
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San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs
Apr 05, 2007 - Tacna, Peru
Close to Tacna (22 kilometers) are the San Francisco de Miculla Petroglyphs. The drawings are of dancing, fighting and people ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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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, ......
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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 ......
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Pagos Argentinos
Oct 12, 2005 - Argentina
Stay at an estancia in one of the following places: Tierra del Fuego, Córdoba, Buenos Aires, Gualeguaychú or Mendoza province. ......
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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, ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Schools

Escuela Bellavista
Jun 07, 2008 - Bellavista, Santiago, Chile
Escuela Bellavista Spanish School has a friendly and welcoming ambience. Its youthful, yet experienced teaching staff will work on your ......
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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 ......
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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 ......
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Services

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 ......
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