What to See on a Trip to the Eternal Spring City Medellin, Colombia

Medellin, a dazzling city in Colombia, is often overlooked by tourists. But this is a city that has everything a traveler could want or need and should not be missed.

Here is a list of the must-see attractions in Medellin that are worth visiting.

1.     Plaza Botero

The famous artist, Fernando Botero was born in Medellin. The plaza dedicated to him is full of his memorable sculptures. It is an interesting plaza for people watching and enjoying the weather and full of great photo opportunities. It is located in the center of the city and a great place to spend an afternoon.

2.     Parque Explore

Parque Explora is educational and fun. Kids and adults alike can learn about science and technology in this park. The outside is full of interactive physics experiments. Visitors can spin on a merry-go-round and try to throw foam balls into a basket against gravity or watch how a tornado is made. Inside the building is an aquarium with the largest freshwater tank in South America. There are exhibits where visitors can play virtual air-hockey, learn about robotics, make their own snapshot videos and take infra-red photos. Exhibit themes include; Physics, Biology, Technology, Media and Geography. There is so much to see at Parque Explora that visitors should allow several hours here.

3.     Museum of Antioquia

To get a sense of the history and culture of the area, the Museum of Antioquia is the best place to start. It houses 108 pieces of art from Botero. The museum exhibits show visitors the past and present of Colombian art in many different mediums. The museum is now considered a national monument and was founded in 1871.

4.     Bolivar Square

Located in the center of the city, Bolivar square is a great place to pass some time. It is a refuge of shade surrounded by great restaurants and shopping. There is often live music in the park so visitors can hear traditional Colombian Vallenato or listen to Tango. The square is a traditional landmark of Medellin, built in the mid-19th century. The Metropolitan Cathedral is impressive behind a fountain at the end of the square. Also in the square is the Lido Theater which was recently restored. It is a great place to get a feel for historical Medellin.

5.     Palacio de Cultura “Rafael Uribe Uribe”

This is one of the most unforgettable buildings in Medellin. The checkered palace, built by a Belgian architect is enough to stop pedestrians in their tracks. The gothic-style building is well worth a visit, even if it is only to gawk at the exterior. Inside it houses historical archives and is home to the office of the Director of Culture in Antioquia. Exhibitions include a library, art gallery and museum. The dome of the palace is used for artist workshops, exhibits, theater and cinema shows.

The mentioned places of interest are only a part of the great number of attractions in Medellin. Visits to the mentioned places can be organized by individual tourists. It is important to say that most of these places are also included in guided tours but taking part in such a tour you will not have enough time to experience with your own senses the whole atmosphere there. Another important issue by planning your trip to Medellin is the accommodation. You can find many options for accommodation in Medellin. The best is to stay in a Medellin hotel. As it is a well-known tourist destination, you will easily the one you are looking for.

Transportation In Bolivia, Useful Information for Travelers

There are many options for transportation in Bolivia, from bus, plane, train, or driving the challenging roadways of Bolivia yourself. 

Transportation in Bolivia is cheap if you take the bus from city to city. But keep in mind that you should be prepared for a long journey and an uncomfortable ride. 

Getting around in Bolivia is an adventure itself. In Bolivia you'll find some of the bumpiest and most poorly maintained roads in South America. Also, during the rainy season many of the roads can be hazardous and be flooded. 

Despite the difficulties, traveling through Bolivia’s varied and stunning landscape is also one of the most enjoyable aspects of a visit to Bolivia. 

·        By Bus

Most of the tourists and Bolivians use the bus transportation system as the main way of getting around Bolivia. There are many bus companies based at the bus terminals all across the different cities in Bolivia. You can find daily routes to all the major cities in Bolivia and to other major cities in South America as well. 

·        By Plane

Air travel is a great way of avoiding an exhausting overland journey and saving time. Flights inside Bolivia can be relatively inexpensive compared to other countries, with most domestic flights around Bolivia costing anywhere from $40-$120 and offers great views over the Andes or of the Amazon. 

·        By Train

There is a train in Bolivia, although its network doesn't cover all of Bolivia, it is still a great transport option if you don't want to take a bus. You can find a train in Western Bolivia and also in the Eastern lowlands of Bolivia in the city of Santa Cruz.

·        Car Rental

Renting a car in Bolivia is a possibility, but few travelers actually ever do. and may not always be a good idea, especially in the bigger cities where the roads are narrow and traffic is crazy. 

Also, it is quite easy to get lost because some roads don't have signs and outside cities or towns, most roads are in poor condition or unpaved, so a four-wheel drive is essential. That’s why, it is advisable to have a travel guide for Bolivia.

No matter what kind of transport you use, if you intend to stay in Bolivia for more than one day you have to choose a place for accommodation. The best alternative is to stay in a hotel in Bolivia. There is a wide range of hotels in Bolivia and usually they are full of foreigners during the high season. Considering that I recommend you to make an online reservation for the chosen hotel in Bolivia so that your stay will be guaranteed. So the decision is up to you but for sure you will have an unforgettable experience in Bolivia.

How to Get to La Paz (Bolivia)

La Paz, the city, that touches the sky, is an apt description. Located high above sea level, La Paz sits in a bowl surrounded by the high altiplano. La Paz as it grows climbs the hills resulting in varying elevations from 3000 to 4100 m. Looking over the city you will see the towering triple-peaked Illimani, always snow covered and majestic. 

La Paz is the legislative capital of Bolivia, the largest city. The legal capital, home of the Supreme Court, is in Sucre. Not as often visited as other countries, Bolivia is the most Indian country in South America, and you'll experience the language, primarily Quechua, the culture and customs first hand. 

·        Getting there and getting around

1.     By air to El Alto Airport, 25 minutes from the center of La Paz. Take a taxi or minibus into town, or make arrangements with your hotel to send a taxi for you. The airport is on the altiplano above the city, and planes come in fast, due to the thin air of the 4100 m elevation. Check flights from your area. You can also browse for hotels and car rentals.

2.     By bus to the main bus terminal on Plaza Antofagasta at Avenida Uruguay.

3.     By taxi around town, although if you can manage it on the up and down streets, the center of La Paz is very walkable. Residents of La Paz, paceños, are used to the altitude and walk fast, but you'll probably enjoy a slower pace.

4.     The trains in Bolivia are slow but inexpensive.

·        When to Go

April to October is recommended, though La Paz has an average year round 35-65F temperature. No matter when you go, be prepared for wind and cold nights. Buildings are not always heated after dark. Summer is the wet season.

Be prepared to feel the altitude. Follow these tips to Acclimatize to the Altitude.

Check the current weather.

No matter what kind of transport you use, if you intend to stay in La Paz for more than one day you have to choose a place for accommodation. The best alternative is to stay in a hotel in La Paz. There is a wide range of hotels in La Paz and usually they are full of foreigners during the high season. Considering that I recommend you to make an online reservation for the chosen hotel in La Paz so that your stay will be guaranteed. So the decision is up to you but for sure you will have an unforgettable experience in La Paz.

Sightseeing and Activities in Ushuaia, Argentina

It is possible to enjoy all year long the magic of Ushuaia tourism.

Summer is ideal for adventure tourism: you can go trekking, horseback riding or even mountain biking inside Tierra del Fuego National Park. It is also fishing season. You can even take amazing trips across the Beagle Channel, Cape Horn up to Argentine Antarctica.

The Tierra del Fuego National Park constitutes an attraction itself, giving you the chance of discovering natural beauties like Lakes Escondido and Fagnano, as well as the Martial Glacier.

And, should you wish to grasp the character and spirit of this uttermost land's pioneers, there is nothing like a visit to one of the typical Patagonian estancias, like Harberton.

Not very far you can get to the picturesque town of Tolhuin, which can be visited along with Lakes Chepelmut and Yehuin

.

During any of these excursions you will be able to observe this unexplored piece of Earth's autochthonous flora and fauna.

A longer (but very interesting) journey will take you to the northern part of the island to visit the second largest city, where most of the oil companies as well as cattle raisers are based: Rio Grande.

 Winter and its snowy landscapes change Ushuaia's physiognomy radically. Only 15 Km. from the city you have the Mount Castor Ski Resort, on Krund Hill. And if skiing is the name of the game, Ushuaia's possibilities are almost endless.

Reading the information above, there is no doubt that Ushuaia is a place worth visiting, no matter the time of the year you are visiting it. But planning your travel to Ushuaia, you have to know in advance where you are going to stay. There is a great variety of hotels in Ushuaia. You will be pleased to understand that the quality of the service in hotels in Ushuaia will meet your expectations and you will spend a memorable time there. Undoubtedly, being there you have also to experience the Ushuaia tours. It will be a great adventure that you will remember your entire life.