Kosmovista

We #Launch 31st of May. It's time to fly.

kckal — Fri, 25 May 2012 22:04:54 -0400

Ladies and Gents,

It’s time.

It has been a long road, and not the easiest by any means.

But we never lost faith.

And now it’s time to jump or get pushed.

My name is Kunal Kalro and I am the founder of Kosmovista. Today we are extremely nervecited to announce that on May 31st 2012 we will take the step off the ledge, launch ourselves into the unknown and hope we learn to fly.

Flying is learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss.

- Douglas Adams

And what better day to announce our launch date than on international #towelday. Douglas Adams, inciter of travel lust in millions around the world, was a staunch advocate of environmental and conversational issues and he changed more lives than he ever could have imagined he would. It is a bit of serendipitous moment for today to be today. To me, it certainly seems like it was meant to be. I was a wee lad, when I first read “Last Chance to See” and it is the book that set me on the path of becoming the bleeding treehugger that I am.

And many years later, here I am, sitting in front of a computer screen trying to write the words that will define what the past year has been and how this milestone will define the next. We have some lofty goals, that’s for sure, but we are equally certain that we have what it takes to achieve them.

If more of us loved nature, the environment will take care of itself.

- Matt McDermott

Our premise is simple. If there were more people in the world that loved nature, the environment would take care of itself. And so, we embark on this adventure to make more people love nature. We love it and we know that if more people would see, with their own two eyes, the places that made us love nature in the first place, then they would love it too. And along the way, we work with small communities and tour operators to aid community development through tourism.

Travel changes lives. And not just the lives of those who travel, but also the lives of those they meet with, talk to, eat with, drink with, fall in love with. And so, beginning on May 31st, we ask you to be part of something, and change your life and the lives of others for the better.

We want to make travel what it should have been from the start. And if that’s what it takes, we’ll take you to the ends of the earth, to save it!

The oddest little German restaurant in Valparaiso

emmasky — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:08:38 -0500

Let’s start out by saying this place could never work in the U.S. It’s one of those places that you visit and realize, “holy cow. I’m a long way from home.” But that’s the beauty of traveling, isn’t it?

Hambergo restaurant in Plaza Anibal Pinto in Valparaiso is a unique experience. You’ll be wondering, “am I in Germany? Chile? Out at sea on a ship?” It’s all very confusing. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit this unique piece of German culture tucked away in the center of one of South America’s most fascinating cities.

When you walk in, you’ll first notice the random collection of “everything German” and “everything related to the Navy.” The German owner was a proud part of the Chilean Navy for most of his career. And he runs a tight ship in the restaurant, too. You’ll notice that the servers are a bit more attentive at this restaurant than at most laid-back Chilean establishments.

The food is rich, large, and of course, German. You’ll find a variety of fish and meats, and even one meat dish that is rolled with cheese and potato. In just a few bites, you’ll find yourself rolling over, full. Finish off with dessert and a cup of coffee. Their large coffees are brewed there, which is unique in a “Nescafe kinda” country.

As you’re eating, make sure to look carefully at the wall décor. And when you’re done, you should take a few moments to browse around. We won’t tell you everything, but here’s a sneak preview at the more interesting pieces—photos of Pinochet and German war relics.

Oh PS - pictures are allowed. And we recommend taking a few. Where else can you see this stuff?!

Heads up, Elqui

emmasky — Sat, 17 Dec 2011 10:11:00 -0500

Ok, so after traveling through Chile, you’ve become a wine connoisseur. But how much do you really know about pisco, Chile’s very own grape-based liquor? If you’re interested in learning how Chileans distill this unique alcohol, and maybe even taste a few types, head up to Pisco Mistral, nestled in Valle de Elqui.

This watershed is located just a couple of hours north of La Serena and is well known for its dry air and clear skies. In fact, international organizations have deemed Valle de Elqui one of the best around for astronomical observatories. And local UFO fanatics claim the area is a hot spot for extraterrestrial activity. Although, we’ll let you judge whether or not that’s true.

An easy drive from Santiago & Valpo

It’s an easy drive, but probably more than a day trip from Santiago and Valparaiso. To make the most of your stay, I recommend finding a hostel in Vicuña and making a weekend trip out of it. From Santiago, drive 450 km north to La Serena. Then, head 90 hm east, and you’ll find the Valle de Elqui. More info on Valle de Elqui

So what’s next in Elqui?

When you arrive, you’ll notice that the atmosphere is perfect for growing grapes. Clear air and sunny skies allow agriculture to thrive. Locals even grow crops along mountainsides to make the most of their yearly product.

Here are a few ideas for things to do while you’re in this mini-paradise:

- Take a walk through Vicuña and explore the work of local artisans.

- Get your fortune told by a woman who specializes in the Mayan horoscope. Then, check out some of her handmade jewelry.

- Visit the Reservoir Puclaro, and if you have gear, go windsurfing.

- Check out the astronomical observatory, Mamalluca, just 9 miles north of Vicuña. You can get tickets in Vicuña.

- Take a tour of Pisco Mistral’s distillery. Learn how locals have been making this famous alcohol for years. The tour is in Spanish, but don’t worry if you’re not fluent—you’ll be able to understand the main ideas.

- When you’re done exploring, relax at Pisco Mistral’s restaurant and bar. Often there’s live music, and you can trust that you’ll get enjoy one of the best pisco sours around.

Surfing Concón, Chile If you’re on the coast of Chile, don’t...

emmasky — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 12:00:43 -0500

Surfing Concón, Chile

If you’re on the coast of Chile, don’t forget to visit Concón. Sure, it’s a bit of a bus ride away from Valparaíso, but it’s worth the trip. Rent a surfboard and wetsuit to catch some early morning waves. When you’re done, order empanadas to satisfy the hunger you just worked up.

When to go and where to rent a board

You wouldn’t go snowboarding without snow, right? Surfing is the same. The morning you’d like to surf, check the waves first. Use MagicSeaweed.com to look up the surf report for La Boca Beach in Concón. If you’re learning the best waves for you will be only 1 to 2 feet high. It’s also best if the day isn’t too windy—the waves will have a better shape and be easier to ride.

Take the bus to the tip of Concón (about a 40 minutes from Valparaíso) and jump off when you see Playa La Boca. There are a number of surf schools next to the water, and you’ll have no problem finding one that rents boards and wetsuits, and offers lessons.

If you’re a beginner, I recommend taking a lesson. But just in case, here’s a 10-minute guide to surfing.

Surfing + seafood empanadas = awesome

Image credit: http://escapeamericanow.blogspot.com

When you’re done surfing, trust me, you’ll be hungry. Luckily, Concón also offers a number of excellent, affordable empanada restaurants. Try La Casa del Mono or Las Deliciosas, which is just up the street.

Personally, I love both the crab and shrimp empanadas at La Casa del Mono. I always order two crab empanadas (jaiba) and then end with something sweet. Manjar (a sweet, caramel-like filling, aka dulce de leche) is one of life’s great pleasures. Order the manjar-filled empanada, and you won’t be disappointed.

Then who knows, order one more. ;) After all, you already had a great morning workout.

A view of a church in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

emmasky — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:54:00 -0500

A view of a church in Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

emmasky — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 06:46:00 -0500

When traveling, I usually believe in the importance of minimal planning. It’s helpful to have a light guide to point you in the right direction, but nothing concrete. After all, if you plan too much, you might miss that surprise concert, café, or new friend along the way.

That said, there is no amount of planning that can prepare you for Rio de Janeiro. Even if you know your trip itinerary to the T, something will come up to shake things up a bit. Brazilians know this about their beloved city, and it’s embraced. They live life in the present and respond with a carefree, happy outlook that permeates the city.

The bus isn’t on time? No problem. The taxi driver just drove the wrong way two blocks down a one way street? No problem. All of a sudden a tropical storm passes through while you’re walking through Centro? It’s all good. Just go get yourself a fruity caipirinha or pão de queijo, and relax in a nearby café.

But it’s my job to help you prepare for the Rio experience, and so I’ll do my best to give you a few learnings. Here’s what I know:

Neighborhoods

No matter who you are and what you’re looking for, Rio de Janeiro is sure to please. If you’re a beach bum, looking to catch some surf and rays, try staying in Ipanema, the upscale, newer version of the infamous Copacabana. If you prefer the road less traveled and bohemian cafes nestled in a hillside jungle, check out Santa Theresa. This turned-around favela offers a mix of old and new, as well as charm. Party animal? Centro and Lapa offer a variety of night clubs and samba bars.

Tip: you’ve probably heard about the dangers in favelas. Stay safe and stay away from these neighborhoods. If you’d like to learn about the history of favelas and culture in Rio de Janeiro, sign up for a guided favela tour.

Hungry?

Brazilian food is fantastic, and no matter where you stay you’re sure to score a good meal. For breakfast, stumble into a nearby café and order pão de queijo and an espresso. Or go to a local market to try an assortment of fresh, local fruit. Pineapples, mangos, and passion fruit are plentiful.

Keep lunch light and affordable by grabbing a pizza. Brazilian pizza is a surprisingly delicious. Order it with ham, egg, peppers, and olive for a real treat.

After you’ve walked off your lunch by visiting Cristo Redentor on Corcovado mountain, opt for an early dinner. Brazilians love their meat, and as long as you’re not vegetarian, you’ll enjoy their large dishes of beef and rice. Check out Porcão Rio’s, one of the city’s best churrascarias, located right on the beach.

Nightlife

Finish the night at a club, in a local watering hole listening to live samba, or at an upscale Ipanema restaurant sipping wine—Rio is a jumble of everything. So no matter your taste, there’s something for you.

Tip: There’s more nightlife in Lapa and Centro than in Ipanema and Santa Theresa. If you’re staying in these neighborhoods, you might need to take a taxi to the bars.

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DayCapitán Pastene,...

kckal — Sun, 20 Nov 2011 19:07:00 -0500

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Capitán Pastene, Araucanía Region, Chile - Courtesy of Kunal Kalro

San Pedro de Atacama

kckal — Thu, 10 Nov 2011 20:46:02 -0500

Is a wonderful little oasis town in the middle of Atacama, the dryest and highest desert in the world. And one of the most expensive places to visit in an already expensive Chile.

So why in the world is a town in the middle of nowhere one of the most expensive places to visit?! And why did this budget traveler not at all mind blowing his budget for this place?!

Full disclosure: This budget traveler is from Dubai, which gives him a very strong appreciation all things desert-y. So San Pedro was unsurprisingly one of the highest spots on my “Must Visits in Chile,” and has long been on my travel bucket-list.

So one could say that my expectations were quite high. Just a tad. But the unbelievable natural beauty of this place meant that I left with all my expectations met and even more so.

Geysers, volcanoes, pink flamingos, salt flats, salt lakes, dunes, valleys, canyons and who the hell knows what else?! This place is a gold mine of beautiful natural beauty. And is one of the better environmentally maintained places in Chile.

Why is it so well maintained?

Because the national parks are all run by the local Atacameños. All the proceeds from park entry fees is reinvested into the parks and local community. This was one of the first places I did not bitch and moan about having to pay 5,000 pesos (10 USD) to go into a park for 30 minutes. How could I ever feel bad when I know that the money is going to the local community?!

In stark contrast to the well maintained areas around San Pedro, not enough light is given to the damage copper mining is doing to the environment no more than 2 hours away close to Calama. The desert is littered with small ghost towns that are no longer safe to be inhabited due to the mines in the surrounding areas. More and more mining means that they are now starting to infringe on the local environments of endangered species like the Pink Flamingos. On our travels we came across a town that had banks, pharmacies and other stores of the sort and yet not a single soul around. An eerie, eerie feeling.

How to get there?

The brave and cheap: 24 hour bus ride from Santiago for about $60 USD
The deal-hunters: Flight to Calama can sometimes be had for around $100 USD. Other times its insanely expensive. Important fact: Should you attempt to book a flight while still in the US, you are going to end up spending a LOOT more. Sometimes up-to $400 USD. It’s almost better to arrive to Chile and find someone willing to help you by using their Chilean credit/debit card to make the purchase for you. Essentially, all the good prices are limited to those with a Chilean bank account.

From Calama, there are a couple of bus services that run to San Pedro de Atacama and cost about 6 USD, but between the cost of getting into town and getting a bus, you are better of spending 20 USD and taking a transfer service to San Pedro from the Calama airport.

What to do?

Must-Do:

Sunrise in Geysers Del Tatio - Has to be a tour unless someone has a 4wheel and knows the way.
Valle de Luna - Amazing formations in barren, barren landscape. Can be biked, steep ride, but its much easier in a tour.
Laguna Cejar - Swim (Float) in waters as salty as the Dead Sea - Tours are rather generic so just walk around town and get the best price.
Puritama - Hot Springs - Usually done as part of the same tour as Geysers del Tatio, so it should be covered in the tour. Some tour operators even take you to a
Archaeological tour of an ancient fortress - only 4kms from SP de A so bike/walk is fairly simple. Also Aldea de tulor is a village that’s about 2500 years old which is a easily bikeble 12kms away. It’s quite crazy since there is some crafts and pots from 500 BC that is literally sitting out in the open that you could easily touch. (Although probably best that you don’t.. :) )
Star watching at night - unmissable. The best place on earth (one of, if not the) to watch stars. The name of the solitary agency that does this is Spaceorbs and should be easy to find around town. Was there close to the full moon and they took some pictures of the moon through their telescopes for us:

The “If You Have Time”-Do:

Lagunas Altiplanicas - Needs to be done as a tour - Salt pans, a visit to a beautiful local village and traditional local food.
Sandboarding in Valle del Muerte
Salar de Tara - Gorgeous views, 4900 altitude. Can be a pain to get to.

Where to Stay?

San Pedro de Atacama is a ridiculously tourist town. Some days I felt I saw more Europeans than Chileans. All days I felt that I saw more Europeans than Atacameños. And with that, you could imagine that almost every single business in this small town, caters to tourists. Which ends up meaning that there are a lot of hostels, hotels and places to crash. Hostels can be found by walking around town, and you would likely get the best price that way. Prices are, however quite high compared to the rest of Chile.

$h!t your mom would tell you:

Bring warm clothes. It gets pretty cold at night. Especially for the sunrise/sunset trips it will be VERY cold.
Bring swim shorts or something of the sort for the salt lakes.
Bring a flashlight.
Be aware of the tour operators. They are not all of quality. Visit the SERNATUR (Chilean government’s tourism organization) office in the central plaza where they have a book of reviews by other visitors for tourism enterprises and is definitely worth reviewing before signing up with a tour operator.

At the end of it all, this place may be tourist central, but with views like these, who could blame them!

Windsurfing and kitesurfing at Puclaro

emmasky — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 08:05:00 -0500

Water sports aren’t easy at Puclaro, but then again, they’re not necessarily meant to be easy. Puclaro, a fresh water reservoir in the La Serena region north of Santiago, tends to put you in your place, teaching you to respect the wind and water. If you can handle a windy day at Puclaro, you can handle almost anything.

Even the most accomplished windsurfers and kitesurfers can get thrown at Puclaro. But that’s the fun of it, isn’t it? See, the type of people who love these oddball adventure sports usually enjoy challenges too. Puclaro isn’t about taking the easy road. Or a little joy ride. It’s where the big kids play.

Now, I don’t want to scare you out of windsurfing or kitesurfing at Puclaro because it’s one of the best places I’ve sailed. The wind is strong, consistent, and there’s just enough chop to lift your board so you can enjoy a few minutes of blissful air. But to get the most out of Puclaro, you need to be an intermediate to advanced windsurfer or kitesurfer. Here’s why.

Getting to and launching at Puclaro

For Puclaro, dedication is a must. First, you have to have your own gear. There’s nowhere nearby to rent sails, boards or kites. If you’re in need of gear, check out Windsurfing Chile in Santiago. It’s a wind/kite shop that can point you in the right direction.

Then head to La Serena City, about 450 km north of Santiago. Once you’re there, drive east about 42 km, where you’ll find the dam named Puclaro. The nearest village is Gualliguaica. Drive to the north side of the water, where you’ll find the narrow, dirt path (nope, it’s not even a road) leading to the wind/kitesurf spot.

It’s essential to have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive because you need to navigate over rocks, and up and down a few hills. If you don’t have 4-wheel drive, you should make friends with a fellow windsurfer or kitesurfer who does. I recommend parking on the main road near Puclaro and flagging down someone with boards on their car’s roof rack. Hey, whatever works, right?

If you haven’t already made friends, you definitely will at the beach. Experienced windsurfers and kitesurfers always bring nets for rigging. It saves their gear from the mud. If you don’t have a net, once again, I recommend making a few friends fast. The good news is that the wind/kitesurfer community at Puclaro is friendly. This laid back crowd is there to get out of the city, make a few friends, and enjoy the outdoors.

Oh, one last precaution. The land underneath and surrounding Puclaro used to be a town with vineyards. Be careful not to step on the wires leftover from growing grapes. I guarantee you won’t be sailing if this happens.

Despite it all, a trip well worth it

Although it takes a little effort, I promise you’ll enjoy strong, consistent wind. In fact, there’s wind every single day throughout the year, with the strongest wind September to April. On most days, it averages 15 knots in the morning and then picks up to 30 or 35 knots in the afternoon. So it’s perfect timing for those of you recovering from a slight hangover from the pisco the night before.

Once you’re on the water, it’ll seem effortless. The strong, consistent wind makes it the perfect place for the intermediate to advanced wind or kitesurfer to progress. So bring your tiny gear and a lot of energy—you’ll find Puclaro is an undiscovered paradise.

When you’re done? Well, it’s a good thing you already made a few friends. Gear up for a beer and a Chilean BBQ—trust me, it’s the perfect way to end the day at Puclaro.

Zip-lining through Mendoza River, Mendoza, Argentina

kckal — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0500

Zip-lining through Mendoza River, Mendoza, Argentina

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DaySunsets over the dry...

primarytumblrhate — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:37:00 -0400

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Sunsets over the dry Atacama desert, Chile - Courtesy of Kunal Kalro

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DayPink Flamingos...

primarytumblrhate — Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:36:00 -0400

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Pink Flamingos over salt flats in Atacama Desert, Chile - Courtesy of Mayel De Borniol

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DayValle de Luna,...

primarytumblrhate — Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:14:00 -0400

Holy F#%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Valle de Luna, Atacama desert, Chile - Courtesy of Karla Lopez

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DaySmoke Over Water...

primarytumblrhate — Fri, 30 Sep 2011 08:54:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Smoke Over Water - Nyama Choma Restaurant, Nivasha, Kenya after some ‘Afternoon Showers’ - Courtesy of Sean Kolk

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day Central Hong...

primarytumblrhate — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 14:16:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Central Hong Kong, aka Bladerunner - Courtesy of Jordan Sitkin

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day Cinque Terre,...

primarytumblrhate — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 10:51:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Cinque Terre, Liguria, Italy - Courtesy of Emily Woods

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DayRice terraces of...

primarytumblrhate — Fri, 16 Sep 2011 14:00:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Rice terraces of Ping An, a village near Guilin, Southwestern China - Courtesy of Ed Forman and Leslie Forman

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DayNight Fishing,...

primarytumblrhate — Thu, 15 Sep 2011 10:19:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Night Fishing, Macau, People’s Republic of China - Courtesy of Jordan Sitkin

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DaySun rises over...

primarytumblrhate — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 19:04:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Sun rises over Mount Athos, Macedonia, Greece - Courtesy of Mayel De Borniol

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the DaySun sets over the...

primarytumblrhate — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 11:42:00 -0400

Holy F@%kin’ $h!t Travel Photo of the Day
Sun sets over the fog in Valparaíso, Chile