Destinations

Magical Mexico

Mexico has enchanted me ever since I read about the ancient civilisation of the Maya in history in secondary school. Such a fusion of cultures! The second biggest country in Latin America & so much more than sombreros & tequila!

I succumbed to the magnetic pull in March this year & I can honestly say it is an adventure that has altered me. How can you capture the essence & soul of such a charming country & life-changing holiday? Well, here it goes...

I landed in...

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Destinations

The Viedma Glacier in El Chalten

Today we actually walk on a glacier itself. Our choice for this activity is the Viedma glacier at El Chalten. This glacier is the 2nd largest in South America at over 900 sq km in surface area and 150 to 200 m deep.

First off after being dropped on the bank by the boat is a 30 minute walk to the glacier along a landscape of very smooth colourful boulders of reds, oranges, pinks and browns. We are told that only 22 years ago that landscape was covered in ice, that is how fast this glacier...

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Destinations

Things to do in Recife

Recife, Brazil’s fifth largest city is located along the northern coast. This vibrant city has the old colonial charm, city vibe and laid back beach culture. Bridges and canals connect this city surrounded by water- hence known as “Venice of Brazil.”

Visitors shouldn’t bypass the historical sites, art, beaches and of course, football of Recife.

History

Founded by the Portuguese in the 16th century and conquered briefly by the Dutch from...

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Destinations

Things to do in Sao Paulo

Imagine the possibilities when visiting Sao Paulo- 110 museums, 240,000 stores, 200 helipads, 12,500 restaurants, 1,500 pizzerias, 70 nationalities and a population of almost 12 million. And over three football stadiums that sit 40,000 and more.

Sao Paulo, the megalopolis city has always been the economic, sports and cultural center of Brazil. Nothing is stopping this city from flourishing or attracting 12 million tourists every year.

Head spinning?

Let me help you find 4...

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Destinations

Things to do in Manaus

The meeting of the waters

A sight not to be missed from Manaus, the meeting of the waters is the point where the dark Rio Negro meets the sandy colours Amazon River. Along a stretch of the river, the colours muddy together to the point where you can see exactly where the waters mix.

Visit the beach

While nowhere near as beautiful as the remote beaches on Brazil’s northern coast or as exciting as Rio de Janeiro’s Copacabana Beach, it is possible relax on beaches along...

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Destinations

What you don’t know about Brazil

Yesterday it was announced that one in three people in the UK cannot place Brazil on a map. This is despite the football mad nation making up nearly half of the South American continent. With the kick-off of the World Cup now less than 36 hours away, Brazil is getting ready to have all eyes on her.

Brazil is the only Portuguese speaking country in the Americas.

Along with pinning Brazil on the map, those asked also struggled to name the most common language used in Brazil. Unlike...

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Destinations

World Land Trust raises £1million for orangutans

The World Land Trust is an international conservation organisation that takes direct action to save rainforest and other biologically important lands. Since it was founded in 1989, it has helped local conservation organisations to purchase and protect over 400,000 acres of threatened habitats in Asia, Europe Central and South America.

Tucan Travel has been working to raise money for the World Land Trust since 2009 by adding a further 10% of all money raised in their Carbon Offset Scheme...

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Destinations

About the Caxirola

(Photo from worldcupbrazil.net)

What is the Caxirola?

An instrument decorated in the colours of Brazil’s national flag, the caxirola is destined to be the sound of the summer and become as well known as the dreaded vuvuzela. The caxirola is the official musical instrument for the 2014 World Cup and designed by Carlinhos Brown and the Ministry of Sports.

A round instrument with slots to place your fingers for the best grip, the caxirola is easy to...

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FILED UNDER: Destinations
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Destinations

About Lake Titicaca

Lake Titicaca is undoubtedly on the top of my list when it comes to highlights in South America. Spanning across the border of Peru and Bolivia it is the highest lake in the world.

On a full day tour of the lake I had the opportunity to visit three islands in particular, and experience the local culture of their inhabitants.

The Uros Islands, also known as the floating reed islands, are fascinating in their structures. They are set on stilts and can be moved to different locations if...

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Destinations

My Cambodia or Wat

One of the best things about traveling to a distant, exotic, foreign countries is meeting the  people who call those countries home. You can see different temples, shopping centers, restaurants or any kind of attractions in every country, but people are what really makes the difference. Cambodia didn’t disappoint – not with temples and definitely not with its wonderful people. Khmer people always had a big smile on their faces. They also seemed very sincere and genuine, possibly because...

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