Explore Machu Picchu

Thinking of the ruins of Machu Picchu in Peru always makes me smile and laugh because it reminds me of my little brother’s laughter while watching “The Emperor’s New Groove,” an animated film that takes place in Peru.

Nonetheless, that is not the only reason I believe people should visit Machu Picchu. This Incan ruin was discovered in 1911 by Yale University Explorer Hiram Bingham.  In 1968, “the world’s leading wonder authority,” Howard Hillman, declared Machu Picchu one of the Wonders of the World.

Photo: Rio Urubamba from Machu Picchu
Source:http://dorieweb.com/PeruEcuador_Urubamba.htm

Machu Picchu “sits boldly perched on a steep sided mountain saddle far above the partially encircling Urubamba River gorge” www.hillmanwonders.com.  During its glory days, Machu Picchu resembles a utopian society coveted by many nations today: “The structure of Inca society resembles a blueprint for a utopia, drawn up by a political theorist concerned for the physical well-being of the citizens but with no interest in the higher ideals of liberty or equality” www.historyworld.net.

Although what is left of the city is now ruins, tourist travel to this city seeking adventure.  This destination is for people who love being outdoors, do not mind getting dirty, and most of all, do not mind hiking long trails out in the hot hot sun.

Photo: Inca ruins
Source:http://dorieweb.com/images/PeruEcuador/UrubambaGIncaRuin.jpg

The most chosen and famous trail to get to the top of Machu Picchu is the Inca Trail.  The Inca Trail is 14,000 miles long, which is made up of smaller trails that run with it.  This trail takes three to four days to trek.  Tourist get to experience how the Inca’s once lived by seeing the ruins of many small villages along the way. 

If you really want to visit Machu Picchu, but feel that you are not fit enough for the challenge, don’t worry, there is a two day trek that offers the same adventure as the four-day trek.  The two day trek takes tourist to the Machhu Picchu Citadel, “declared one of the New Seven Wonders of the World” www.peruforless.com.

So if you were born to be adventurous, this destination is right for you.  Prepare yourself for rough terrain, long rocky trails, and breathtaking mountainous views.

Trails:

Two day trail--moderate--$359 per person

Four day trail--advanced--$599 per person

Brazil, the "Cidade Maravihosa"

Yes ladies and gents, Brazil has more to offer than the gorgeous Victoria Secret models such as Gisele Bundchen, Adriana Lima, Alessandra Ambrios and Ana Beatriz Barros.  (But what girl wouldn’t want to be them and what guy wouldn’t want to date them?  Ah, the power of dreaming…(sigh).

There are many exotic places to visit in Brazil, but one city beats them all, Rio de Janiero, Brazil, or Rio as the locals call it.  Rio is known for its exotic beaches, colorful and vibrant carnivals, and rain-forest peaks.  No wonder why Rio is known as the “cidade maravihosa” or the “marvelous city.”

If you are planning to take a relaxing trip that offers peace and quiet, then Rio is not the place for you.  Rio is known for throwing some of the wildest parties in the world, which is probably why it attracts the young crowd.

The most popular and favorite hot spot in Rio is Ipanema beach.  “Ipanema is blessed with a magnificent beach and leafy streets dotted with enticing outdoor cafes and restaurants, pricey boutiques and lively bars,” said Regis St. Louis, author of The Lonely Planet, when describing the beach.

Ipanema has activities for everyone.  Activities range from beach soccer, volleyball, beach tennis, surfing, bodyboarding and much more.

Looking for a cheap place to stay, but with a luxury vibe?  Here are some luxury hotels that will save you money:

·      Rios Nice Hotel  $50.77 per night

·      Apa Hotel   $100 per night

·      Augusto’s Paysandu Hotel  $111 per night

·      Augusto’s Copacabana Hotel  $120 per night

Budget Restaurants

·      Deliro Tropical

·      Fazendola

Galeto Stat’s

Mexico. To Travel or Not To Travel?

Photo: Riviera Maya  Source: www.akademifantasia.org

Spring Break is approaching quickly---next week to be exact, and for months we’ve been getting warnings from our government to not travel to Mexico or to take extreme precautions if we do so.

So how safe is it to travel down south to our neighbor country?  Well according to an article posted on Hispanicvista.com, Mexico is not as bad as the media has painted it to be. 

“Mexico…ranks 39^th in total crime in the world with a per capita of slightly less than 13 crimes per 1000 residents that is a 1.3 percent chance of being a victim in Mexico,” said Patrick Osia, author of the article.

If Mexico is not the desired choice of destination this year, then what country is?  The Dominican Republic; apparently people think it is safer than Mexico.  Tourists, you are in for a BIG surprise!  According to NationMaster.com, this country “is rated the number one country with the highest propensity for crime in the world,” thus the chance of being a victim of crime is about 10 percent.  Findings in the study also showed that residents and tourists in United States have about 8 percent of being a victim of crime.

So is Mexico looking like a better choice of destination for this year’s vacations?

Susie Albin-Najera, a reporter for The MEXICO Report, did an excellent job at answering how safe Mexico is:  “People ask me everyday if Mexico is safe. ‘Is Mexico safe? Will I get shot?’ Well, I suppose it’s like if a person from Mexico asked me if they would get shot if they traveled to Los Angeles.  Is it possible? Yes.  Is it probable? No.”

Ultimately, only you can decide if you want to travel to Mexico for Spring Break or for summer vacation.  It is also very important that you take all the necessary precautions when traveling abroad.  Registering at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate is always a smart idea.

Just in case you do decide to travel to Mexico, do not miss out on its money saving deals on hotels and flights.

Buen viaje!!!!