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Author Archive | Gilles Barbier

Travel Guide To The Pantanal

By on 5. October 2015 in Brazil

It Is Very Much About The Jaguar, But Not Only!

Jaguar, Porto Jofre, Northern Pantanal, Brazil

Jaguar, Porto Jofre, Northern Pantanal, Brazil

Yes, the Pantanal is unique! Who doesn’t dream of spotting such an elusive “Big Cat” (the third biggest in the world, after Tigers & Lions) as the Jaguar, an animal that played a central role in the old cultures of Central & South America, for instance the Incas. And the Pantanal is indeed a place where your chances of spotting Jaguars in the wild are really high if you go there in the right season… Actually, the only place in the world!

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Stunning Snorkeling in Bonito

By on 27. September 2015 in Brazil

The Self-Declared “Ecotourism Capital” Of Brazil

Snorkling in Rio Sucuri, Bonito, Brazil

Snorkling in Rio Sucuri, Bonito, Brazil

In the middle of the Brazilean Pampa, Bonito is a sleepy, dusty village that at first sight has nothing to offer… However, it is not Bonito you come here for, but its surroundings: crystal-clear rivers for some serious fresh water snorkeling, caves, waterwalls, you name it… And everything here claims to be “Ecotourism”… Continue Reading →

Iguazu Falls – A Photo Essay

By on 26. September 2015 in Argentina, Brazil
View form a helicopter, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

View form a helicopter, Iguazu Falls, Brazil

No matter how many waterfalls you have seen in your life, these leave the most experienced travelers mumbling all kinds of words of excitement when you finally stand in front of the “Garganta del Diablo” or the “Salto San Martin”. In my opinion, these are the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, far more impressive than Niagara Falls (USA), Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Angel Falls (Venezuela). Continue Reading →

Minas Gerais’ Stunning Colonial Cities

By on 23. September 2015 in Brazil
Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

Igreja da Nossa Senhora do Carmo, Ouro Preto, Minas Gerais, Brazil

The great Gold Rush did not take place in California, but almost two Centuries earlier in the hills of Minas Gerais, 500 kilometers northwest of Rio de Janeiro. Between the early 17th and the middle of the 19th Century, this area produced more than half of the Gold of the whole world! Continue Reading →

10 Highlights In & Around Salvador De Bahia

By on 22. September 2015 in Brazil
Igreja e Convento do Carmo, Pelourinho, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Igreja e Convento do Carmo, Pelourinho, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil

Salvador has changed a lot since 2007… I remembered a somewhat rundown, decrepit Colonial City completely overrun by tourists. First, the drive from the airport to Santo Antonio, near the Pelourinho, showed a highly modern city, large avenues lined with modern high-rises and brand new shopping centers. Then, the Pelourinho has been completely restored for the Football World Cup in 2014. Last but not least, Salvador was almost void of tourists… Maybe being there on a Sunday and a Monday explains things, but at times I had the streets for myself… Continue Reading →

Magic Machu Picchu

By on 31. July 2015 in Peru

One of the most famous views in the world – Machu Picchu, with Wayna Picchu in the background

Unless you approach Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail, all tourists going there MUST take the train from Cuzco or at least from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes. Round trip, with only 30 kilometers each way, costs an incredible 57 USD per persons from Ollantaytambo in the backpacker train. The more comfortable Vistadome costs no less than 76 USD.

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Cruz Del Condor

By on 30. July 2015 in Peru

A Photo Essay

Condor (Vultur gryphus), Cruz del Condor, Colca Canyon or Canyon de Colca, Cabanaconde, Peru

The best way to see condors is to leave Cabanaconde at 06:30 am, get off the Arequipa-bound bus at Cruz del Condor after a 30 minutes ride and catch the next bus that passes there at around 09:45 am. There are three reasons why leaving so early: first you can only spot condors early morning or late afternoon, second the light is better in the morning and third because the Mirador called Cruz del Condor is packed with groups of tourists as early as 08:30 or latest 09:00 am. Continue Reading →