A crash course on geology and the formation of the world is available to anyone willing to observe and listen. Virtually any form of wildlife in the islands can teach visitors how the earth and its inhabitants were formed. The islands were declared a National Park in 1959 and it is widely recognized as a Man and Biosphere reserve as well as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Galapagos wildlife is perhaps best known for their fearlessness of human visitors, partly because of the lack of natural predators in the islands. This has also contributed to the evolution of wildlife into its various forms. There are fourteen distinct forms of the giant tortoise, as well as other extraordinary kinds of wildlife such as the marine iguana, the thirteen species of finches, and the four species of mockingbirds, among many others. Plants are equally diverse and remarkable. The island has its own endemic species of pepper, cotton, tomato, and guava, along with other flora which has become the basis for intensive scientific studies.

US and Canadian citizens do not need a visa to visit the Galapagos Islands through the Republic of Ecuador. The islands enjoy good weather all year round. However, it also has its share of peak and low tourist seasons, factors which may need to be considered when planning a trip to Galapagos in the future.

Ecuador holds the distinction as one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world, according to the World Conservation Monitoring Centre. It is also best known for the Galapagos Islands, which is widely recognized as the birthplace of Darwin’s theory of evolution. Travelers can experience nature at its best with a visit to the Amazon basin and a glimpse of the glaciated Andean Volcano, after paddling through virgin tropical rainforests where diverse flora and fauna hold permanent residence.

Cultural attractions also come in long abundant supply in Ecuador. Visits to Inca ruins, art galleries, and handicraft shops to see how the famous Panama hat is made are only some of the activities that travelers can enjoy. Cuenca and Quito are among the the most popular destinations for those looking for classical and colonial architecture, while adrenaline junkies can head to the Quilatoa Loop for world-class mountaineering and trekking.

Gustatory explorations also reveal wonderful surprises in Ecuador, where food is as varied as the wildlife. Food explorations in the mountain regions showcases dishes of grains and rice. Travelers can munch on a popular Ecuadorian street food known as hornado, a delicious combination of potato and pork. For a different twist, the coast offers a multitude of seafood choices. Prawns, shrimps and lobsters make for everyday feasts in the coastal regions.

For Canadians and Americans, no visa is required for entry to Ecuador, where the maximum allowed time for visits is 90 days. This is true for vaccinations, although shots for yellow fever, tetanus, polio, and malaria are recommended for those planning to visit the Amazon basin.

Mendoza’s festivals showcase the best of the seasons’ harvest, most of which are held during the summer. Despite the heat and humidity that often rises in warm weather, Mendoza still is an attractive tourist destination come festival season, with its tree-lined streets and fountains in the plaza to make visitors feel cool and fresh all day long.

Aside from the festivals, Mendoza also boasts of other attractions. Visitors can get to know the region’s history with a visit to the Museo Popular Callejero, while those looking for an adrenaline rush can climb Cerro Aconcagua, the highest peak in South America. Successful climbers can revel in their accomplishment by taking stunning pictures of the view below, especially from Laguna Horcones. Marvel at the Puente del Inca, a natural stone bridge which is one of Argentina’s most popular natural attractions, or spend a quiet moment of reflection at the Cementerio de Los Andinistas, the cemetery which holds the remains of people of all nationalities.

Aside from wine tastings and vineyard lunches, Mendoza also offers year-round sports activities such as skiing, horseback riding, climbing, hiking and paragliding, fishing, and wildlife excursions.

No visa is required from Americans and Canadians to enter Argentina and getting from one destination to another can be made easier by renting a car from one of the many international or local car rental companies in the region. Trolley buses and taxis are other transportation alternatives.

The Amazon River is equally famous as the forest itself. On its own, it stands as a majestic natural wonder. Some parts of the river are so wide that the other side cannot be seen easily, especially in places where the river’s edges are 30 miles from each other. In some areas, the river is so big that waves and sand are present.

Whether you are taking short or long trips, a nature excursion through the Amazon Rainforest is one activity you will never forget. Visitors can ride down the river in the traditional big boats and voadeiras. The big boats are popular for river lunches and cruises, and they often stop at small villages to allow guests to take short foot tours. Small, handmade canoes are used for river excursions deeper into the jungle. There is nothing like the experience of being wrapped in green foliage as travelers make their way through the forest, with no sounds except those of nature.

A visa is required for the visit to the Amazon Rainforest for Canadian and American citizens. Vaccinations are not necessary when staying in the metropolitan areas. However, trips to the rainforests and other places in the Amazon may require vaccinations for malaria, tetanus, and yellow fever.

Many things about Rio de Janeiro prove just how marvelous the city can be. There are the curious sights of Pão de Açúcar or Sugar Loaf Mountains, from which the view of the city is spectacular. Its shanty towns, such as the Rocinha favela, are studies in contrast – of life’s grim realities and the culture’s innate passion and joyfulness. Likewise, its popular beaches are infamous and have been subjects in many of pop culture’s products. (Who isn’t the least bit curious about the Girl from Ipanema or Lola of Copacobana?) Beyond these anthems, these beaches are truly brimming with life. Tourists and locals fill the shores; fried shrimps snack and empanada peddlers hawk their goods at the top of their voices; while others lounge in the many seaside commercial establishments.

This seeming fiesta of the senses is apparent in the city’s other attractions – the most being at Rio de Janeiro’s annual Carnaval. The Carnaval is said to be the best reason to visit the city. During this festive 2-week party, streets transform into “samba blocks.” A Sambódromo or Sambadrome parades at the city’s center. The best caipirinhas are served, and partying lasts till daylight.

Rio de Janeiro is the second biggest city in Brazil. It is notorious as one of the most violent cities in the world (with crimes mostly concentrated within shanty towns). At the same time, it enjoys a generally festive and friendly culture.

A valid passport and visa are required from travelers to Rio de Janeiro. Typically, visas are good for 90 days and can be extended for another 90 days. Street crime is a traveler hassle. One needs to be constantly aware of surroundings and should bring only the necessities.

Visitors are concentrated on the beach resorts. Of these, the Praia do Futuro stands out as the most attractive. The waves are strong but good enough for dipping. At night, it transforms into one of the most exciting places in Fortaleza. Live music fills the air – and this goes beyond the usual forró.

The beaches of Praia de Iracema and Meireles also beckon the restless traveler with beachfront bars and restaurants. Fortaleza’s diverse mix of peoples is best seen here. As seaside centers, these beaches draw local families, professionals, and students. Its nearby establishments have clientele that includes local politicos and businessmen. Hawkers patrol the beach, selling food and crafts – the same with prostitutes and vagrants.

As one of Brazil’s cultural centers, the capital is rife with shows and exhibits. The Dragão do Mar Art and Culture Center is the site of the impressive Contemporary Art Museum and the Cearense Culture Memorial. Likewise, every July, the city holds Fortal, its off-season carnival that brings together several national artists and bands.

Fortaleza dates back to when Spanish Conquistador Vicente Pinzón “discovered” and named the land Santa Maria de la Consolación. This was in 1500. The city has since blossomed into one of Brazil’s economic and cultural centers. Tourism is just one aspect of its economy – Fortaleza’s industry is highly diversified.

When traveling to Fortaleza, Brazil, one needs a valid passport and visa. There are no typical traveler hassles, except for petty crimes. As always, it is advised to keep aware of the environment and safeguard belongings at all times.

Machu Picchu was discovered by most of the Western world through Hiram Bingham, the American historian who chanced upon the ancient city during one of his explorations. This was in 1911 – although many believe that the city had been plundered way back in 1867 by Augusto Berns, a German businessman. The ancient city has since become Peru’s top tourist attraction, so much so that concerns about its preservation amidst unceasing tourism have been raised. It has been on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites since 1983, and is one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

Travelers to Machu Picchu can get in by train, bus, or on foot. Perhaps the best way to reach the ancient city is by taking a 2-day or 4-day hike. Trekkers enter the city through the spectacular Sun Gate, from which they are rewarded with their first view of Machu Picchu, amidst the valleys that surround it. At its Temple of the Sun, visitors can marvel at extraordinary stonework, regarded as some of the best examples of its kind. The Condor, on the other hand, is the subject of conflicting stories – as an ordinary temple during its time, told to families and middle-aged travelers; and as a torture chamber, complete with slots for manacles and a pit to drain blood.

There is a fee to view the ruins. Likewise, travelers need a valid visa and passport to travel to Peru.

The Argentine capital has been at the center of several political upheavals. Through these, the people have endured. Life goes on, and the city has grown with it. One still feels the frenzy of action and change though during nightly walks along the Avenida Corrientes. The street comes alive with employees on their way home or stopping by the theaters for a movie nightcap. Stalls hawking greasy pizza and faena assault the senses, while bookstores arouse curiosity. The traveler is wise to hang around and just take these all in.

Tango is best learned in Buenos Aires. The city is its birthplace after all. Joining a milonga is the traditional and least expensive way to do this. At the milonga, one can experience real tango. Everyday people come up and dance. Lessons are offered prior to the dance proper.

There is so much more that Buenos Aires offers. After all, this city of 202 square kilometers is an exciting mix of communities and cultures. Travelers to the city need a valid passport and visa to get to Argentina. Visiting Buenos Aires is generally safe, yet it is advised to be mindful of one’s belongings.