From Vilcabamba, Ecuador to Chachapoyas, Peru The most scenic way to travel from Ecuador to Chachapoyas in Peru is without doubt through Podocarpus. This eastern route starts from Loja/ Vilcabamba. On the way to Chachapoyas it passes through the Podocarpus National Park and crosses the border at La Balsa. Until March 2003 it was still only possible to cross this border by boat over the Canchis River. The small local boats were also called “Balsas”, hence the name La Balsa. On March 8, 2003 both, the presidents from Ecuador and Peru where present when a new international bridge between the two countries was opened. Transporters Nambija Bus Now, 16 years later, there is direct bus from Transportes Nambija that crosses

Potosí, the most important American City! Why was Potosí the most important city Historical seen the Bolivian city of Potosí and its Cerro Rico Silver Mines are without doubt the most important influences in South America history. But the mines and city of Potosí are now almost like a forgotten movie star, famous in its own time, but forgotten by new generations… Hopefully this article can help Potosí and its mines to gain back some of their fame. History of Potosí and its silver mines In pre-Hispanic times the current province of Potosí was mainly inhabited by ethnic groups called Charcas, Chullpas and Aymara. These cultures lived from agriculture and selling ceramic pottery and jewelry made from silver. When the

Ica, Huacachina Tours The pretty Oasis of Huacachina is located in the desert, about 4 km outside the town of Ica. It is only a small village with maybe about 100 inhabitants living around a natural lake and surrounded by high sand dunes. The history of Huacachina The origin of the name Huacachina seems to come from the words “waqay china”, which means “crying woman” in the local language Quechua. There are different local legends about the emergence of the lake. But in general storyline talks about a beautiful princes, with a beautiful voice who fell in love with a brave warrior. The warrior died in a battle and the sad princes looked for a quite spot to cry. She

Tourist Visa Peru 2019 New regulations for tourists who visit Peru Since 2018 the Peruvian Government has changed some of the immigration rules for tourists who want to stay longer in Peru. Most western and Latin American tourists who enter Peru have the right to receive a tourist visa for free. However if your nationality belongs to one of the counties mentioned in the list below you will have to apply for a tourist visa which will cost around 30 Soles. More information you can find at: Viajara Peru. According to Article 29 of Legislative Decree No. 1350 all tourists are allowed to stay a maximum of 183 days within a period of 365 days in Peru. However, if tourists

Ecuadorian Tourist Visa Extension Important visa travel information for tourists who want to stay longer in Ecuador: Since December 2017 the Ecuadorian government has adapted a new extension of the immigration law (acuerdo N° 907). According to this new agreement each regular foreign tourist who arrives in Ecuador has the right to stay 90 days for free as a tourist in Ecuador. Tourists who want to stay longer in Ecuador can apply once for an extra of 90 days extension on their tourist visa. This visa extension cost at the moment of writing exact 129.63 US$. South American tourists with the following nationalities: Argentina, Bolivia, Brasil, Chile, Colombia, Guyana, Paraguay, Perú, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela (all countries that belong to

2019 Guide to Huanchaco, Peru What makes Huanchaco a popular tourist attraction? Huanchaco is a relaxed small fishermen and surfers town north/west of Trujillo, in the north of Peru. In this article, I would like to explain what’s so special about this coastal town. Huanchaco is not a particularly pretty town. North of the pier much of the beach has been lost to coastal erosion. Thankfully South of the pier it remains unaffected. No, the attraction of Huanchaco is not visual. The appeal of Huanchaco comes from its location, history, culture, peacefulness, fresh seafood and strong, consistent waves for surfing. This attractive mix makes Huanchaco one of the best stops for travelers in the north of Peru! History of Huanchaco:

Information about Tours to Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia With 10,582 square kilometers (4,086 sq mi), this Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat! It is located in the southwest Altiplano (High Plain) of Bolivia at an elevation of 3,656 meters (11,995 feet) above sea level. Scientific history: The Salar de Uyuni is part of the Altiplano a high plateau, with an average altitude higher than most peaks in the Alps and Rockies. The Altiplano formed when the tectonic plates of Nasca and the Antarctic moved underneath the South American continental plate, creating in the North the Andes Mountain Range and in the South two Andean ridges flanking a mostly flat, high basin. The plateau includes fresh and

Touristic Information about Cuenca, Ecuador Traveling in Ecuador isn’t complete without a tour through Cuenca. On this page you can find more information and tips about tours, activities, sightseeing, restaurants and nightlife in this impressive cultural city! Cuenca, The Blue Pearl, or Athena of Ecuador! The city Cuenca has about 350.000 inhabitants, which makes it the 3rd city of Ecuador. However walking through the city center, it doesn’t feel at all like you’re walking through a big city. The picturesque city is located at an altitude of 2530 m above sea level and is crossed by 4 small rivers, the Tomebamba, Tarqui, Yanuncay and Macháncara Rivers. Its official name is “Santa Ana de los Cuatro Ríos de Cuenca” (The 4

The Fairtravel4u Guide to the Galapagos Islands Information Lying 970 km (600 miles) west of the Ecuadorian coast on the equator, the Galapagos Islands consist of 6 main islands, 12 smaller islands and over 40 small islets. The Galapagos Islands are an archipelago of volcanic islands that originated about 10 million years ago. Since their formation 10 million years ago, to their discovery in 1535 by Thomas de Berlanga, the Spanish Bishop of Panama, the Galapagos Islands were completely isolated from the mainland. Throughout the millennia, a large number of birds, reptiles, insects, and plants drifted or flew to its shores, creating the unique flora and fauna found in the Galapagos today. The Islands have never been connected to a

The Origin of Pisco and Pisco Sour For many years there have been discussions between Peruvians and Chileans about the origin of the alcoholic drink Pisco. With this article I would like to proof to you that Pisco and Pisco Sour were invented in Peru, but that the origin of Pisco is actually Europe. The history of Pisco can be traced back to the days when the Spanish Conquistadores arrived to Peru. Looking for gold they confronted misery, fought bloody battles and feared arrows and bludgeons. Through this process, the colonists brought with them products from Europe to improve their quality of life so far from home. Among these were cattle, olive oil, limes, grapes and wine. Once Lima was