South America

Travel through South America by country:

Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela

Travel through South America by popular city:

Bogota, Buenos Aires, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro

Travel through South America by popular things to do:

Adventures in the Amazon, Falkland Islands, Iguazu Falls, Tierra del Fuego

24 Hours in Rio de Janeiro: Corcovado and Christ the Redeemer

by Grant Martin on

One can’t visit the country of Brazil without going to see the enormous statue of Jesus on top of Corcovado in Rio de Janeiro. It’s like going to Paris without seeing the Eiffel Tower or to Giza without seeing the Pyramids.

Perched at the top of one of the tallest peaks in Rio, Christ the Redeemer spreads his massive arms and welcomes the sinful populus into his bosom. It’s an awe inspiring site, and even better up close.

There are several ways to reach Corcovado from the beach towns of Rio de Janeiro. The fastest way is to hail a cab from the street and make your way directly to the base of the mountain — it’s a 20 minute ride that should cost about $10. The more adventurous (or frugal) can take one of several buses. Anything that says “Corcovado” on the windshield will get you there, but it’s fastest to take bus 170 from the city. That bus will drive you clockwise around the inland lake at the heart of Rio and then through Corcovado mountain, after which you can get off when you see the tram (or when the other tourists disembark.) Taking the bus will cost about $1.25 and should take 45 minutes or so.
Once you make it to the foot of the mountain, a $20 tram will take you close to the summit. Departing every 30 minutes, it’s a twenty minute ride up a steep slope to the summit station, the last 10% of which offers some outstanding views. Make sure to sit on the right side of the tram on the way up for the best photos.

It’s another brief elevator ride to the base of the statue once you exit the train, the climax of which is a commanding view of the back of Christ the Redeemer. Much of the surrounding area has been developed for tourists, and those in that frame of mind can grab a meal, wooden replica or trinket here. Most, however, make the quick walk around the perimeter of the statue toward the viewing platform, where one can find both an excellent view of Rio de Janeiro and of the massive, stone statue.

From the summit, visitors can take either a car or the train back to the foot of the mountain, after which another bus or cab can be taken back to the coast. Try to schedule at least 3.5 – 4 hours for the entire affair from front door to front door.

Gadlinks for Monday 10.5.09

by Brenda Yun on

It’s the first Monday of October — and you know what that means, right? FALL is here. It’s time to hike and check out the fall foliage! There are some other great travel reads for this Monday, so let’s get started!

‘Til tomorrow, have a great evening!

More Gadlinks here.

24 Hours in Rio De Janeiro: The City Maravilhosa

by Grant Martin on

It’s hard turning your back on a city as amazing as Rio de Janeiro, but circumstances, schedules and work sometimes can’t be avoided and you have to make the best with what little you have. A layover, wedding or funeral might leave one with only a free day in the city, far too brief a period to soak in the beautiful landscape, people and culture, but that’s no excuse to not sneak in for a shred of excitement and a swim in Ipanema.

So grab a day pack, your camera and a bottle of sunscreen – it’s going to be a busy day.

Getting cash and into the city is the first challenge. At Galeão – Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport, ATMs are mostly unmarked and located on the third floor, far above international arrivals. Heading to the end of the hall (as you look inward, to the left,) several international banks have cash machines – just check to see if they subscribe to the VISA or MasterCard before you dip your card, otherwise nothing will work.

The least expensive way to get into the city is via the Real bus, a lumbering, infrequent behemoth that pitches through the suburbs and slowly into the downtown area. It will only cost about $3.50USD ($3.50USD = R$7) and can be found on the international arrivals floor, but it can also take a frustratingly long time to reach the city, so for those on a tight schedule it’s best to take an airport taxi. Grab a yellow cab with a blue stripe and ask for the meter to make sure you get a good rate – it should cost about $25USD to get into Copacabana or Ipanema.
With only one night in the city, it’s important to stay near the activity, so a hostel or hotel in the above beach towns are highly recommended. Ipanema has the reputation of being slightly ritzier, cleaner and more expensive, and one can find a hotel or hostel in the area for $50 and $25 respectively.

After you’ve settled into your lodgings, it’s time to head out into the city. Stay tuned later this week for a tour through some of the best hot spots in Rio de Janeiro.

Top 10 places to have your pocket picked

by Tom Johansmeyer on

I always get a laugh when I see people walk the streets of Manhattan with backpacks worn on their fronts. Millions of people commute into and around the city every day, yet the outnumbered visitors take extreme measures to make sure their subway maps and recently purchased Planet Hollywood t-shirts remain in their control.

Of course, pickpocketing is a concern in many tourist destinations around the world, and it does pay to be cautious. In the latest TripAdvisor list of cities where this crime is most prevalent, New York doesn’t make an appearance. In fact, no city in the United States is represented. Yet, there are plenty of places where you could be separated from your wallet quite easily, so if you’re thinking about hitting any of these spots, keep an eye on your valuables.

Eight of the top 10 pickpocketing locations in the world are in Europe, with one in South America and the other in Southeast Asia. Spain and Italy share the dubious distinction of making the list twice.

Ready to find out where this crime is most common? Take a look at the list after the jump.

1. Las Ramblas, Barcelona, Spain
The wide pedestrian walkway has performers and is great for people watching. Of course, there are a few purse-snatchers who have realized this, making the spot a nice big target.

2. Rome, Italy
You might want to look out for a pair of scissors, but chances are, you won’t see them coming. Crowds gathering around ancient relics are easy prey for the “alternatively employed.”

3. Prague, Czech Republic
Wandering the statues around the Charles Bridge? You’re not alone! Stay aware of your surroundings, because those looking for your wallet and watch certainly are.

4. Madrid, Spain
When I was in Madrid earlier this year, I didn’t have a problem at all. But, jam-packed metro cars and the El Rastro fleamarket are said to be high-risk spots. Also, be careful in museums. While you’re gazing at “Guernica,” nefarious plans may be in the works. When you’re distracted … you’re easy.

5. Paris, France
Instead of having your money taken, just cave and give it to the “Bosnian” beggars at every tourist attraction in the city.

6. Florence, Italy
If you’re wrapped up in the amazing sights – things you’ve waited your entire life to see – you can easily fall victim. Michelangelo’s “David” won’t grab your goods, but one of his neighbors may.

7. Buenos Aires, Argentina
The common scam is to pour “bird droppings” (usually mustard) on you and offer to help you clean it up. It’s not the good deed you may think it is.

8. Amsterdam, Netherlands
The laid-back vibe of this city is likely to let your guard down. There are plenty of people counting on this.

9. Athens, Greece
Big attractions that draw plenty of people ensure that pickpockets can choose who to go after. Your level of diligence will determine whether it’s you.

10. Hanoi, Vietnam
There is plenty to see in the Old Quarter, and it’s easy to lose sight of the pickpocketing threat when you’ve spent more than a day traveling to reach Hanoi. Make sure you’re awake when you leave the hotel.

Lonely llama wanders Pikes Peak

by Kraig Becker on

Recent visitors to Pikes Peak, near Colorado Springs, Colorado, have been surprised to find an unexpected creature wandering the slopes of the 14,000 foot mountain. According to this story from The Gazette, an escaped llama has been prowling the area for the past three weeks, avoiding capture, while posing for photos, and trying unsuccessfully to join the local herd of bighorn sheep.

Llamas are found in the wild in South America’s Andes Mountains, but have become popular domesticated animals all over the world. This lone llama has obviously escaped from someone’s farm, and its natural instincts have led it into the mountains, where it is reportedly eating well, and thriving. Llamas also happen to travel in herds, and this one is no exception. He has tried, without success, to join the herd of sheep that lives atop Pikes Peak, but so far his high altitude neighbors have shown little interest in letting him join their community.

Local authorities say that for now, the llama is safe and doing well. But they fear that as winter moves in, and food becomes scarce, he will become an easy target for predators. They have alerted local ranchers about the out of place wanderer, but so far, no one has claimed him.

For now, the Lone Llama of Pikes Peak continues to enjoy a life of freedom while frolicking in the high mountain meadows. But those care-free days may well be ending soon, and for his own good.