My Last Day in South America

August 22, 2008 | Written by Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo

On my last day in South America, I wake up to the calm sound of rain falling atop the metal roof.  Two days before I was tanning on a cushioned lounge chair along the water of Mancora Beach, Peru my mind dizzied, almost drunk, on sun and relaxation. But now I am in Quito, Ecuador on a rainy morning and my mind is dizzying from the prospect of leaving this great continent.

As the rain taps, I work to fall back asleep,... [Read more]

The Grandness of Valparaiso

July 21, 2008 | Written by Xochitl-Julisa Bermejo

I was once lured to read Isabel Allende’s novel Daughter of Fortune upon recommendation, but never got more than forty pages in. Though I stopped reading, I still remember the magical description of a bustling port city at the turn of the 20th century. Allende’s  heroine runs about a city built along hills and terraces that look out onto the sea, and from her description I knew Valparaiso was a city... [Read more]

In the Jungle, It’s All About the Monkey

July 17, 2008 | Written by Sarit Reizin

His monkey was of the smallest kind in South America, and that is why I trusted him. In this place, it was as good a reason as any. The place was Coca, Ecuador, a small jungle town that I had big expectations for as a portal to an off-the-beaten-track adventure. This trip along the Rio Napo, which eventually merges with the Amazon, would be my first stab into the jungle. The plan was to make way to the border with Peru... [Read more]

Two Wheels Through Terror: a Review

June 22, 2008 | Written by Srinidhi RV Lakhanigam

Title: Two Wheels through terror by Glen Heggstad

Road travel is one of the best ways to see the world and when it is done on a motorcycle it is even better. On a motorcycle the entire journey gets redefined, it is dangerous, thrilling, down to earth, soul-searching and spiritually uplifting. Whether in bustling city roads or huge truck-dominated highways, a biker always presents a picture of adventure and freedom.... [Read more]

Plaza Life of South America

June 8, 2008 | Written by Dominic DeGrazier

Some of the most enjoyable memories on my year long journey through South America happened while sitting, reading, gazing, listening, talking, zoning out or all of the above in a town’s plaza. Whether it was the fullness of trees and detailed flower structures sprouting around, artisans hanging out and conversing among themselves, actors performing skits to an encircling crowd of pedestrians, or permanent chess boards... [Read more]

Going Green in the Galapagos

May 2, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Ecoventura is the pacesetter in responsible tourism to the Galapagos Islands. Through its core commitment to the ongoing sustainability of this fragile and at-threat ecosystem, Ecoventura is a case study for communities and regions seeking to discourage the negative effects of irresponsible tourism.

We invite our media friends to take a close look at this one small company that is “walking the talk” of sustainable... [Read more]

Argentine Wine Route

April 26, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Argentine Wine Route : A Taste of the Good Life

On the horizon, the Andes mountains. A shorter distance away, an arid valley seared with furrows where grapevines grow. On a roadside, the minimalist building of an ultra-modern winery or the colonial mansion of a traditional winemaker. This is a postcard of Argentina , a country whose reputation as a world-class wine producer continues to grow. And... [Read more]

Birthday Memories in Copacabana, Bolivia

April 1, 2008 | Written by Amy Huang

When I mention that I had spent my 25th birthday in Copacabana, everyone thought I had perhaps joined the beautiful bikini clad women full of feathers Samba-ing the night away. Little did they know, I was grasping for breath from high altitude and enjoying a quaint lake side life with the Bolivianos.

It was a long five hour bumpy bus ride from Puno across the Peru-Bolivian border along the shore of Lake Titicaca.... [Read more]

Sustainable Tourism with Big Five (video podcast)

March 8, 2008 | Written by Wayfarer Digital

Our own lovely and beguiling Eileen caught up with Ed of Big Five for a few thoughts on sustainable tourism, culture, and recycling in the Galapogos at the Los Angeles Times Adventure and Travel Expo. Be sure to watch our new collection of videos from around the world in our podcast section.

As with all of our videos, Quicktime 7.0 or better is required, and worth... [Read more]

New Moons: Peru and Argentina

January 1, 2008 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Moon Peru
Authors: Ross Wehner, Renée del Gaudio, and Kazia Jankowski
ISBN: 1-56691-983-5 • Price: $21.95 • Pub date: October 2007 • Second edition

Once, this Southern American region dripped with gold, but now, Peru drips with different kinds of gold: culture, tradition, history, and breathtaking backdrops. Experienced travel... [Read more]

GrandTravel’s Latest

December 31, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

“ZORBING” IN NEW ZEALAND OR SWIMMING WITH PENGUINS IN THE GALÁPAGOS – GRANDPARENTS AND GRANDCHILDREN SHARE MANY EXPERIENCES ON GRANDTRAVEL TOURS

Grandtravel continues to find new ways for the two generations it serves - grandparents and grandchildren – to bond through the experience of travel, sharing unique adventures amidst... [Read more]

New Hotel Hits Argentina

December 26, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Leading Latin American Hotelier Unveils Latest Argentinean Property

Having already witnessed great success with its Caesar Park Buenos Aires property, which was recently recognized as one of the “Top 15 Hotels in South America” by Conde Nast Traveler readers, Grupo Posadas eagerly anticipates the debut of its newest development in this rich and vibrant destination, Caesar Park Silver... [Read more]

Club Med Rio das Pedras

December 21, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Club Med Rio Das Pedras Basks in the Heart of Brazil’s Green Coast

Americans Discover the Resort of Choice for Brasilieros

Club Med Rio das Pedras takes its name in tribute to its neighbor, the Rio das Pedras Ecological Reserve, which generously provides a lush mountain backdrop to the resort. The second largest nature reserve in Brazil,... [Read more]

Galapagos Islands from Boundless Journeys

December 16, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

The Galapagos Islands
February 7-16, 2008
Two spaces now available
MAKE US AN OFFER!

Our February 7th Galapagos Islands trip is fast approaching, and we’ve just had one cabin (for two guests) become available. This is the only cabin left for all of 2008 as our other departures are already sold out. If you would like to travel to the Galapagos in 2008 this is your opportunity.... [Read more]

Vacation meets Tango in Argentina

December 12, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

Vacation / Holiday and Tango come together in Buenos Aires Argentina.

“Discover the majesty of Argentina, learn the Tango, enjoy the spectacular scenery and stay in our world class accommodations”, says Carlos Fola of www.argentinatango.com.

“Planning a trip to... [Read more]

Discount Vacations for AARP Members

December 7, 2007 | Written by ITKT Media Partner

For AARP Members, 3, 4 & 5 Star Escorted and Locally Hosted Vacations - At a Discount

AARP Services Inc. and Brendan Worldwide Vacations today announced a preferred provider relationship that will help AARP’s 39 million members to travel throughout the world at a discount.

Under the agreement, AARP members will receive a $50 per person discount on Brendan’s escorted and locally... [Read more]

Much More than Machu Picchu

October 11, 2007 | Written by Natalia Paz

To most, Peru is the country where Machu Picchu is located. Yes, this is true, and what an incredible landmark to boast: the incredible Inca ruins made up of huge rock structures built without mortar—so perfect that not even a piece of paper fits in between the slabs—miraculously and majestically sit up on a cliff in the middle of the lush Cuzco vegetation.

But... [Read more]