South America
Known locally as Pelourinho, or simply Pelô, the historic zone of Brazil's city of Salvador has been declared as a cultural and historic treasure by UNESCO, and offers visitors unique insight into the history, traditions and cultural customs of this vibrant city. An open-air market, art galleries, restaurants, theaters, churches, museums, monuments and more, are found in the vicinity of the main square, and cultural activities and events, including musical performances, concerts, dances and theater performances, take place throughout the year, attracting both locals and visitors to Pelourinho.
South America
Built and operated by the European Southern Observatory organization, La Silla Observatory in Chile is one of the largest of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. The observatory is located in an area rated as one of the driest and loneliest places in the world – the Atacama Desert. However, for scientists this remote and inhospitable area is perfect, as it is located far from sources of light pollution, offering one of the darkest night skies anywhere on earth.
South America
Located amidst the Andes mountain range in Argentina, Aconcagua stands at a proud height of 6,962 m, making it the tallest mountain in the Americas. This natural marvel is listed amongst the famous Seven Summits – the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. It stands in the Aconcagua Provincial Park, which was named a protected area in 1983. Aconcagua is a major attraction in the Mendoza Province, drawing mountain climbers and trekkers from around the world.
South America
The name Ouro Preto means "Black Gold". The town is located in the Minas Gerais state of Brazil. This colonial town has been preserved so well that is has been listed as an UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980. Due to its historical value, noteworthy sites and abundance of attractions, Ouro Preto is one of the most visited destinations in the country. Foreign visitors flock to this picturesque site each year, to take in its magnificent sites, explore its beauty and travel back in time by visiting its wonderful attractions that have preserved the heritage of the town.
South America
Chan Chan was a city ruled by the Chimú kings as the capital of the Chimú Empire. Years of tireless and continuous excavations on this archeological site have revealed a world of splendor and grandeur that was fit for kings of Chimor. The massive site covers an area of over seven square miles, or twenty square kilometers, and is also the biggest mud-brick, pre-Columbian settlement that can be found in the Americas. Archaeologists have discovered that this once was a bustling city with an urban centre that was approximately six square kilometers in size.
South America
Established in 1540 by the Spaniards, the town of Arequipa in Peru is a picturesque destination that is located in the Caylloma Province. Its breathtaking views of snowcapped volcanoes and numerous historical buildings have developed the town into a popular tourist hot spot. It is not only the attractions within the town that draw foreign visitors but the natural wonders that surround Arequipa, such as the magnificent Colca Canyon. Even though the Grand Canyon in the United States of America is known worldwide, the Colca Canyon is viewed as the largest of its kind and is slowly beginning to gain legendary status.
South America
It is still disputed as to who discovered the Fernando de Noronha archipelago. Some believe the islands were discovered by Gaspar de Lemos, some credit it to Fernao de Noronha and others name Amerigo Vespucci. But there are two well known facts about the islands. Firstly, the islands were documented as Ilha de Fernando de Noronha by Martim Alfonso de Souza in 1530, and secondly, they are absolutely breathtaking islands. Located off the coast of Brazil, Fernando de Noronha has become a popular destination for tourists.
South America
Nature lovers thinking about visiting Argentina will be delighted to take a trip through the Talampaya National Park. This massive park covers some 2 150 square kilometers of land. It was designated as a provincial reserve as far back as 1975 and was eventually declared a national park in 1997.
