A Photo Essay
Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida
Only city built in the 20th Century listed as a UNESCO World Heritage, Brasilia is fascinating, disturbing and intimidating alike: Continue Reading →
9 Things To Do In Brasilia
Archive | South America
Stunning Snorkeling in Bonito
The Self-Declared “Ecotourism Capital” Of 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
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 →
15 Highlights Of Rio De Janeiro La Maravilhosa
Sunset over Morro do Corcovado & the Cristo Rendedor, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio de Janeiro… There is something really special, almost mystical about this name: hardly any city stimulates as much the imagination. Deservedly! This was the second time I visited Rio de Janeiro La Maravilhosa, and I left once again spellbound! Continue Reading →
Street Art In Brazil – A Photo Essay
Street Art in the Pelourinho, Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
I am no “Aficionado” of Street Art… I actually very seldom specifically look for it and spend even less time photographying it. Maybe did I have a negative image of it? Continue Reading →
Minas Gerais’ Stunning Colonial Cities
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
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
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.
Cruz Del Condor
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 →
The Chauchilla Cemetery
A Photo Essay
Ica-Chincha Mummies found in the Chauchilla Cemetery … near Nazca, Peru
A sight less often visited in Nasca is the Cemetery of Chauchilla, a truly groovy place about 25 km north of Nasca right in the desert. The cemetery was used by the Ica-Chincha, a civilization that lived in this region long before it was conquered by other cultures, the last one the Inca, who also used this cemetery. Scientists estimate that there might be 2000 graves, but only about ten were fully excavated and restored. Continue Reading →