Category: Latin America

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Wonders of the Salt Pools in Maras, Peru

on August 9, 2019

The Salt Pools of Maras, Peru are quite a unique and interesting experience for travelers to the country. The site is actually comprised of a canyon filled with geometric salt pools that have been harvested and in use since the days of the Incan Empire. The individual pools are fed by a local stream which are then opened and damned. The salt is then collected by a process of evaporation once the pool is filled with water from the stream. There’s nothing else on earth quite like it!

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thebinstergram using the hashtag #gate1travel. This picture was taken in Maras, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru trips here! 

Gate 1 ConnectionsLatin America

Ecuador; Where Diversity, Wildlife & Nature Converge

on July 15, 2019

Nature lovers and animal enthusiasts unite! If following in Charles Darwin’s footsteps and seeing incredible wildlife you’ve only read about is your dream, make it come true on an Ecuador and the Galapagos tour with Gate 1 Travel. From the capital city of Quito, to the incredible Galapagos Islands and onto the lively port city of Guayaquil, you will explore this impressive country and enjoy many unforgettable adventures along the way.

Let Gate 1 take you seamlessly from the main land of this South American country, and then on to the highlight of the trip; the Galapagos Isles where you will enjoy beautiful flora and fauna that is unlike anywhere else on earth. Choose to also explore the Amazonian areas of Ecuador where you will experience the culture and traditions of the people and the special setting in which they live. Canoe rides, ziplining, cruising and nature hikes will all become your modes of transportation on your Ecuador excursion with Gate 1 Travel.

Guayaquil

Vibrant and exciting Guayaquil is an excellent place to start. Guayaquil has often been passed off as the little sister of Quito but it’s made a splash in recent years with a massive riverside development called Malecon 2000. Guayaquil is also more populous than Quito and some say it has more style but you can be the judge of this. This city is your gateway to the Galapagos islands and the second largest city in size in the country. This port city is full of incredible architecture and you will view and visit some of them including the main square with its stirring Heroes of the Independence memorial that symbolizes the triumph of the Republic against Spain. Continue on to the Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas) and enjoy this favorite place for bird watching and home to arboreal Iguanas. Next, enjoy sites such as the Neo-Gothic Cathedral, La Rotonda Monument and Torre Morisca (Moorish Clock Tower).  Visit the charming riverside Malecon Garden and Santa Ana Hill where the city was founded in the 16th century. You will be in the exact place where the city was born and learn more about its history. Lastly, enjoy a visit to the Parque Historico, where you will view historic houses with their pastel hues and learn about the culture of the area.

Quito

Not only is Quito the capital of Ecuador, it is also the second highest altitude capital in the world after La Paz, Bolivia. This city is high in the foothills of the Andes and was constructed on the base of an ancient Incan city. Quito has a long and storied history and you will discover it starting at the Independence Plaza; the central square and historic center of the city. Continue your tour and view the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Presidential Palace, Municipal Building and the Archbishop’s Palace. Make your way to the historic colonial quarter, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a smaller city within a city. Museums, plazas, churches and more dominate this old and historic area. Lastly, visit the Metropolitan Cultural Center with its exhibits that highlight and celebrate Ecuadorian culture and history.

Galapagos

The Galapagos is truly one of the most incredible and unique places on the entire earth. It contains animals that live only on the island and you can only see them here. These animals have also been here a long time so they’ve had time to adapt to their habitat in the most unusual and fascinating ways. These longtime residents include the blue-footed booby, Galapagos giant tortoise, Galapagos penguins and so many more. In fact, this archipelago is the only place in the world that you can see penguins and flamingos in the same place! Join us on these legendary islands and experience the place where biodiversity has flourished for many years. If going to the Galapagos is on your bucket list, there is no better time than now to heed the call.

Visit Isabela island, the largest island in the Galapagos and considered the “gem” of the archipelago. This island offers an expansive beach, beautiful natural surroundings and striking pink flamingos which gracefully appear in the lagoons and marshes at dusk. Board a dingy to Tintoreras Islet, a small bay with calm turquoise waters and sandy beaches. Inhabitants here include sea lions, sea turtles, penguins and iguanas. Make sure to have your camera ready for when you encounter some of these amazing creatures. When the tide is low here, you may even be able to see the island’s famous whitetip reef sharks! Keep your eyes peeled. Continue on to the Sierra Negra Volcano, one of the most active volcanoes of the islands. Enjoy a trek here across alien terrain and fascinating geological landmarks.

A true highlight comes up next at the Charles’ Darwin Research Station’s Giant Tortoise Breeding Center on Santa Cruz Island. Here you will learn more about the programs to save the iconic Galapagos tortoises and see some of the animals eating, sleeping and wallowing in the mud. These turtles can live up to and over 100 years! They are the some of the longest living vertebrates on earth.

The Galapagos includes a plethora of diverse islands with different reasons that bring travelers there. Gate 1 Travel offers different tours to many of the different islands including the following so you can embrace the Galapagos your own way. North Seymour, a resurfaced island that appeared from underwater millions of years ago by geological lift, is home to excellent bird watching and 500 land iguanas. Bartolome features the cutest of ambassadors, the Galapagos Penguins. Santiago is home to a rich diversity of wildlife including marine iguanas, sea lions, fur seals, land and sea turtles and dolphins. On Fernandina, the youngest and most active of the volcanic islands, penguins, sea lions and fur seals enjoy the sun and wade in the tide.

Perhaps join our Galapagos Express itinerary, an affordable package that includes all excursions, an excellent way to see the islands! Begin your journey at Baltra Airport where you will then ferry to Santa Cruz. Visit Bartolome Island with an astonishing array of wildlife such as penguins, sea lions, turtles and many different kinds of fish. Also enjoy snorkeling and swimming and the option to hike over the steep summit of this island. Next, head by boat to North Seymour Island and keep an eye out for blue-footed booby, pelican, frigate bird, sea lion and iguana. Relax on an isolated stretch of beach and enjoy a swim or snorkel along the coast. Last, visit the impressive Charles Darwin Research Station and the Fausto Llerena Giant Tortoise Breeding Centre before you leave this incredible archipelago cemented in time.

Amazon

The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to more varieties of plants and animals than any other place on the earth. Start off your adventure right by journeying to your hotel down river in a motorized canoe and then transferring to a dugout canoe for the remainder. You will then arrive at your lodge just in time for either some bird watching or hanging out at the pool. Rest up and then embark on a “Canopy Walk” where you will view extraordinary panoramas from the observation platforms at a height of 120 feet above the forest floor. Learn about medicinal plants that have been used by the local people here for hundreds of years. Visit the Nueva Providencia Interpretation Center where you will speak with women from the Kichwa community and learn about their lifestyle and have a meal with them. Afterwards, take a canoe ride into the flooded floor of the rainforest and find yourself surrounded by birds, monkeys and more.

Andes

The Andes Mountains is one of the longest mountain ranges in the entire world and spans much of the western side of South America. Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina are all encompassed by these giants. High in this landscape, you will visit Papallacta home of a hot springs for which the area is famous. Here you can choose to enjoy the optional to the spa and enjoy steaming thermal baths surrounded by the beauty of nature. Perhaps, also opt for a soothing massage in this jungle paradise. Surround yourself in this incredible setting and take time to wind down and remember all of your fond memories from your Ecuadorian adventure.

Ecuador is one of the most diverse countries on earth. If you are looking to see fascinating cities, infinite ecosystems and a plethora of animals, there is no better place. From the wilds of the Amazon to the heights of the Andean countryside, Ecuador is stunningly diverse, despite being smaller than the state of Nevada. No matter which itinerary calls to you, our carefully chosen hotels provide all the amenities and services you expect from Gate 1 Travel to ensure you’ll explore in comfort. What’s more, thanks to our full roster of tours and features, you can be sure you’re traveling at the best value available. Join us!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Genuine and True; Bogota, Colombia

on June 14, 2019

The capital and largest city in Colombia is located in the Andes mountains on the Bogota savanna. Bogota is responsible for the majority of the country’s tourism and is a growing force in international meeting destinations. Restaurants, monuments, shopping malls, museums, art and culture; Bogota has it all. Although very modern, this city is steeped in tradition and unapologetic culture. Be sure to visit La Candelaria, Gold Museum and Plaza de Bolivar in this enchanting city. Make time to visit a local market, pictured is Paloquemao Market. These markets are beautiful and very much part of the Bogota’s culture.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @michacart using the hashtag #gate1travel. This colorful scene picture was taken in Bogota, Colombia. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Colombia trips here! 

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Down the Path to Cusco, Peru

on May 31, 2019

Cusco, Peru is one of the top tourist attractions in the entire world and this picture shows you why. Beauty, history and nature converge in this former capital of the Inca Empire and it continues to impress visitors from all over the world. At Saqsaywaman, where this photo was taken, you will discover ancient ruins of the citadel and its stone walls that fit tightly together without mortar. This incredible city is a must for any traveler’s bucket list and Gate 1 Travel has you covered.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @thetravelingredhead88 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This natural scene was taken in Saqsaywaman in Cusco, Peru. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Peru trips here!

#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

The Icon of Two Countries; Iguazú Falls, South America

on May 10, 2019

Vast and glorious is Iguazú Falls. This huge waterfall system borders the countries of Brazil and Argentina in South America. The falls lay between the province of Misiones in Argentina and the state of Paraná in Brazil. The falls make up the largest system in the entire world and are a huge attraction for these South American countries. You can reach the falls from two main towns; one in Brazil and one in Argentina. The park is shared by the two countries and you can view them from either the “Brazilian Side” or the “Argentina Side.”

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @haydzarantz using the hashtag #gate1travel. This incredible display of nature was taken at Iguazú Falls, South America. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s South America trips here!

Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

La Paz & Santiago: South America’s Dynamic Duo

on February 27, 2019

At first glance, the difference between La Paz and sprawling Santiago is their scale. The compact size of the Bolivian capital is dictated by its geography; its dense position within dramatic canyon walls makes it seem far smaller than its 182 square miles. The metro area of Chile’s capital, on the other hand, spreads out over 5,947 square miles in a vast valley in the shadow of soaring Andean peaks. One-and-a-half million people call La Paz home, while there are five times as many Santiaguinos.

Visiting them both on one trip—as we do during our new Natural Wonders of Bolivia & Chile small group
tour—provides an enlightening glimpse of how two cultural centers have adapted to and been influenced
by their Andean locales. From arts and leisurely urban pursuits to cuisine and dress, here’s how these two remarkable cities compare.

The low-down on high altitude

    • La Paz: Your 12,000-foot elevation may require a cup of maté tea to combat altitude sickness.
    • Santiago: At an average of 1,700 feet, Santiago lies in the center of a massive basin encircled
      by mountains.

Bird’s eye views

    • La Paz: Ride the Mi Teleférico cable cars, the world’s highest and longest aerial public transit.
    • Santiago: Ascend San Cristóbal Hill and share the view with a stunning statue of the Virgin Mary. 

Unique, culture-rich shopping and browsing 

    • La Paz: El Mercado de Hechiceria, or the Witches’ Market, boasts a curious collection of potions, talismans, and more.
    • Santiago: The bustling Mercado Central, a confluence of fishmongers, butchers, and green grocers, invites wide-eyed wandering.

A snack break 

    • La Paz: Tuck into a delicious salteña, a meat-filled pastry.
    • Santiago: Go for a savory, cheese-filled empanada de queso.

A locally inspired cocktail 

    • La Paz: Try a yungueño, a mixed drink of local brandy, simple syrup,
      and orange juice created in the valleys.
    • Santiago: Sip a pisco sour, a blend of brandy and tart pica lime juice.

Wine from nearby vineyards

    • La Paz: Sample Singani, distilled from white Muscat of Alexandria grapes in the high valleys.
    • Santiago: You’re in Chilean wine country, so uncork your favorite wine from any of numerous wineries. 

The skinny on fashion 

    • La Paz: Try on traditional alpaca knitwear and bowler hats.
    • Santiago: Find 21st-century chic and sophistication at boutique clothiers in Bellavista.

Fascinating people-watching 

    • La Paz: Meander the cobbled streets around the San Francisco Cathedral.
    • Santiago: Grab a bench by the Simon Bolivar fountain in the Plaza de Armas.

Distinctive neighborhoods 

    • La Paz: Explore Jaen Street, the remarkably restored colonial district home to notable museums.
    • Santiago: Wander among the boutiques and avant-garde galleries of bohemian Bellavista.

Souvenirs and take-homes

    • La Paz: You’ll find ample offerings of coffee, alpaca sweaters and scarves, and silver.
    • Santiago: Duck into a bookstore for poetry by native Pablo Neruda,
      or find copper trinkets in local markets.
Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

Bolivia: A Wealth of Culture, History and Nature

on February 25, 2019

Its isolated, land-locked locale lends it a cultural richness unparalleled in any other South American nation. It boasts one of the planet’s lowest population densities and most dramatic geographic extremes. The peaks of the Andes soar to some 19,000 feet. Glassy surreal salt flats shimmer under the sun. It is home to the highest navigable lake in the world. And that’s only part of the story.

You might ask why you would explore Bolivia with a Discovery Tours small group. But with its many-layered cultures, remarkable history, and astonishing natural wonders, the real question is, “Why wouldn’t you?”

La Paz: City of Peace

All three of Bolivia’s show-stopping qualities – culture, history, and nature – converge in its bustling capital. Its setting is truly breathtaking: nestled in a vast canyon carved out by the Choqueyapu River and spread at the foot of Mt. Illimani, one of the highest Andean peaks. To get a full view of the city’s splendid urban and mountain vistas, just board one of the Mi Teleférico aerial cable cars, said to be the longest and highest-altitude such system in the world. From its heights, the entire patchwork of La Paz unfurls below, from its red-roofed villages clinging on hillsides to its glittering glass skyscrapers, all encircled by a ring of spectacular mountains.

Where architectural treasures meet. Of course, to experience the city fully, you’ll need to come down from these lofty heights. A central place to begin exploring is the Plaza Murillo. This vast city square was named for national hero Pedro Domingo Murillo who, in 1809, likened the revolution against Spain to a growing flame that no one would be able to extinguish. He was right. A local uprising here in La Paz kickstarted the liberation of all of South America. 

Still, many monuments to Spanish colonialism remain as an important part of Bolivia’s past. On the square, the Presidential Palace (known to locals as the “Burnt Palace” for the number of times it has caught on fire) is home to the nation’s leader. Adjacent, the La Paz Cathedral is a stunning example of neoclassical and baroque ingenuity. The National Congress building, with its stately façade, was a convent and a university before it was transformed into a house of legislature. Nearby, the distinctive San Francisco Cathedral is a stunning blend of baroque and mestizo style—the epitome of indigenous-influenced colonialism. 

Where ancient and modern cultures converge. The cultural gems of La Paz are, in a word, spellbinding – especially at the Witches’ Market in the Cerro Cumbre district. Browsing its stalls, you might think Hogwarts of Harry Potter fame was transplanted right here in the Andes. If you wish, you may visit with the local yatiri, indigenous Aymara witch doctors with their tell-tale black hats. Perhaps you’ll purchase dried frogs, armadillos, or potions and talismans that promise good luck and long life. 

For an outing with a more modern flair, visit the many museums along the city’s famed Jaén Street. This historic neighborhood looks much as it did when the Spanish ruled here. Today, it boasts ten different cultural institutions. To glimpse ancient history, visit a replica of a semi-subterranean temple from the Tiwanaku culture that thrived in Bolivia from around 100 to 800 AD. And to feel the pulse of the city’s heart, head to El Prado, the main avenue where families stroll, merchants sell their wares, and cholitas don traditional bowler hats as they go about their daily errands.

Beyond La Paz, Astonishing Nature and a Long History

North of La Paz, the highest navigable lake in the world straddles the border with Peru. Lake Titicaca sits at 12,500 feet above sea level and has witnessed some of the region’s most stirring and pivotal history. On the Isla del Sol, or Island of the Sun—a short boat ride from the mainland town of Copacabana—Inca ruins date to the 1400s. The island is said to be the birthplace of Inca civilization; more than this, they believed it was also the birthplace of their sun god. Ample evidence of the Inca can be found among the island’s terraced gardens, ancient temples, and even a reputed fountain of youth. Much of the island’s pre-Columbian past is chronicled at the Inti Wata Cultural Complex. Here, you can witness a Kallawaya ceremony and the ancient craft of weaving the lake’s tortora reeds into water-tight boats. Today, the island’s rocky and hilly terrain hosts just 800 families who live off the land, the lake, and tourism. 

South of La Paz, a surreal landscape unfolds in the Valle de la Luna, the Valley of the Moon. The land here is composed of clay, not rock, which has left it prone to dramatic erosion. Tall, craggy spires and countless canyons have been carved by strong winds and rains over millennia. Its mesmerizing palette of colors is explained by the varying minerals of the earth here.

The town of Colchani is our gateway to the magnificent Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat. Stretching some 4,000 square miles, the salar is covered with several feet of salt which covers a pool of brine below. Over the entire surface, its elevation only varies by a few feet; this means that rainfall leaves a thin layer of calm water, creating the world’s largest mirror. During your visit, head out to an “island” in the flat to see its thousands of giant cacti standing as high as 26 feet and stop to explore the remarkable Chiquini Cave, formed underwater before the lake that covers the salt flat dried up.

From the history and culture of La Paz to the beguiling beauty of the planet’s largest salt flat, we can’t think of a reason not to visit Bolivia with Discovery Tours. And you can, when you join our new Natural Wonders of Bolivia & Chile small group tour! Join us!

Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

Chile’s Jewel of the Pacific: Valparaiso

on February 21, 2019

Perhaps no other city in Chile casts a spell as mesmerizing as salty Valparaiso. Certainly, it strikes a dramatic pose, nestled on a thin strip of land between the Pacific Ocean and 43 steep, rolling hills. You might think it’s a wonder that settlers built a city on this terrain at all! But as you stroll its narrow, labyrinthine streets—among mansions that cling to their once-grandiose days, stunning ocean views, and hard-working porteños taking a break over cafecitos (small black coffees) in cafés—you will be very glad they did.

Indeed, Valparaiso—or Valpo to those in the know—is nothing if not authentic and romantic. Chilean native and Nobel prize winning poet Pablo Neruda regaled the city in his works Canto General and I Confess that I Have Lived. In return, proud locals honored him on his 100th birthday by “composing” the world’s largest poem, an epic collection of contributions from Chileans that scrolled 65 feet long and three feet wide. Other artists have been similarly inspired: the city’s rich street art—huge colorful and beautifully wrought paintings that cover the sides of buildings—appears at every turn. And a host of world-class museums dot the cityscape.

Founded in 1536 by a Spanish conquistador, Valparaiso is a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its improvised urban design of late 19th century hillside structures and seaport architecture. The most glorious buildings were constructed during its heyday, when it was a major stopover for ships sailing between the Atlantic and Pacific. Immigrants from Britain, Germany, and Italy poured into the city during this boom, each bringing its distinctive culture and architectural styles into its own hillside neighborhood. When the Panama Canal opened in 1914, the ships and the people stopped coming, but the city remains Chile’s second most important port and today is affectionately known as “Little San Francisco” for its many hills.

Its historic center is a maze of winding cobbled streets, all of it overlooked by towering cliffs crowned with richly textured suburbs. These hilltop residences are linked to the barrios below by steep stairways or by ascensores, or funiculars. No matter how you decide to ascend, you’ll marvel at spectacular vistas, but riding the funicular is rightly heralded as Valparaiso’s most distinctive and thrilling experiences.

Though they are traditionally called elevators, only one of the city’s renowned funiculars runs in a true vertical direction. The rest carry visitors and locals alike up angled tracks. The original ascensores, introduced in the 1880s, ran on steam. As many as 28 have operated since and about a dozen still operate. Fifteen have been declared National Historical Monuments as local organizations work to ensure that they continue to play an active role in the city’s rich heritage.

You’ll fall under the spell of Valparaiso during our new Natural Wonders of Bolivia & Chile small group tour. Join us!

Latin AmericaSmall Group Discoveries

The Mysteries of the Atacama

on February 11, 2019

Chile’s Atacama Desert is one of the driest places on earth. Yet it is teeming with beauty and plenty of surprises. Our Discovery Tours small group takes you to its fascinating heart, where you’ll gain remarkable insight into its wildness, its history, and its culture. Here’s what we find most fascinating about this mysterious place. We look forward to sharing it with you during our new Natural Wonders of Bolivia & Chile small group tour.

  • This vast desertscape stretches for some 49,000 square miles between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.
  • Scientists believe the Atacama saw no significant rainfall from 1570 to 1971. Further, they call it the oldest desert on earth—at least three million years old!
  • The landscape has been compared to that found on Mars, so much so that movie crews have used it to stand in for the Red Planet and NASA has tested out some of their Mars rovers on its terrain.
  • The metallic-blue lakes of Miñiques and Miscanti were once one large lake, until lava flow from an eruption of the Miñiques volcano separated the two. Today, they occupy a starkly beautiful landscape that is home to flora and fauna found nowhere else.
  • Remarkably, about a million people call the Atacama Desert home. The vast majority of them live along the coast. But inland, people still eke out a living in tiny villages such as Socaire, Machuca, and Toconao. The latter boasts a welcoming market of textiles made from alpaca and other handicrafts, as well as a striking bell tower that is pure Atacama in its architectural style. 
  • With its clear skies, high elevation, and freedom from light pollution, the Atacama is one of the world’s best spots for stargazing. As conditions permit, you’ll visit an observatory and turn your gaze skyward with an astronomer.
  • At the desert’s edge, a 12th-century pre-Inca fortress provides remarkable insight into an ancient civilization while the site of Tulor, with its circular dwellings, lets you imagine life here as long as 2,000 years ago.
  • Geysers, hot springs, mud pools, and fumaroles steam and bubble and burst forth from the earth at the Atacama’s El Tatio geyser field, the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere and the third largest in the world.
  • Wind and time have sculpted the jagged contours of Moon Valley and Death Valley, a pair of geological wonders rich in vast breathtaking landscapes and colors.
#G1PhotoFridayLatin America

Cruising Among Giants in Beagle Channel, Argentina

on January 18, 2019

Beagle Channel is passage located in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago on the southern tip of South America. This strait separates the main island of Tierra del Fuego from the various other small islands around it. The Beagle Channel is one of three navigable passages that link the Pacific Ocean in the west to the Atlantic Ocean in the east, in the very southern tip of the continent of South America. See the vast beauty and experience mother nature up close while cruising through Patagonia and the Beagle Channel.

This week’s #g1photofriday was uploaded by user @ever_721 using the hashtag #gate1travel. This postcard-like photo was taken in Beagle Channel, Argentina. Be sure to tag your photos on social media with #gate1travel or #g1photofriday to be featured. Check out Gate 1 Travel’s Patagonia and Antarctica trips here!

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