The Ritual Tinku

The dance is actually a representation of an indigenous ritual that originated in the Andean region of Potosí, Bolivia. Tinku means encounter in Quechua. According to tradition, once a year during the early days of May, thousands of villagers gather in towns for several days to take part in this ritual. They come together to dance, drink chicha (an alcoholic beverage made from fermented maize), and fight each other, mostly with their bare hands.

However, these one-on-one fist fights can get bloody; since sometimes people use weapons, such as stones, whips and slingshots. At times, the situation can get out of hand and turn very violent; in fact, in the past deaths were quite common during these combats. Still, for participants all the bloodshed represents a way to honor Pachamama (as they refer to Mother Nature) by providing her with a sacrifice in order to earn a good harvest for the year.

The Festive Tinku

As mentioned before, the festive Tinku dance is an artistic representation of the combat ritual that has become popular in all of Bolivia, and it’s performed in several festivities throughout the year. Dancers simulate combat between groups while raising fists, jumping and kicking; all these to the rhythm of lively music (to get a better idea of the whole experience, check out the video below).

Also, the outfits that dancers wear are very colorful and are embroidered with many bright details; whereas for the ritual Tinku the clothes that fighters wear are of much darker shades. Typically, both women and men wear sandals with colorful thick wool socks; they should be comfortable to endure hours of active dancing. The women also wear hats topped with flowers and decorated with mirrors and long ribbons.

Today, the festive Tinku has gained popularity both in Bolivia and abroad; for example, in Chile there’s a yearly festival during the first week of May where different groups performed the dance on a parade in the streets of Santiago. In the meantime, the tradition of Tinku combat is kept alive in some small villages in Bolivia; even if police has to intervene at times so that the fighting doesn’t end up in deaths.

Have you ever witnessed the Tinku tradition? Did you see the combat ritual or the dance? Let us know in the comments below!

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Today, Bariloche is one of Argentina’s main touristic hubs with visitors flocking to the city during both the winter and summer seasons; as it offers good opportunities for skiing, trekking and mountaineering. If you visit Bariloche, these are the top seven things that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Circuito Chico (Small Circuit)
It’s a short route that starts on the south shore of the Nahuel Huapi Lake; along the way, one can stop for a break at one of the many beaches and appreciate the views of the lakes, islands and mountains in the area. You can take a bus ride or if you prefer to be more active you can also rent a bike.

2. Cerro Campanario
To get to the top of Cerro Campanario you can either take the chairlift and admire the views all the way to the summit, or you can take a short hike of about 30-40 minutes (Cerro Campanario has a height of only 1050 meters above sea level). When you reach the top, you’re treated to some of the best views in Bariloche.

3. Taste the Craft Beer
Given the popularity of Bariloche with German immigrants, it’s not surprising to find so many microbreweries in the area; in fact, this is probably the place with the best beer in all of South America. Most brewers offer a selection of lagers, red beers, and dark stouts, to cater to all tastes.

4. Enjoy Some Chocolate
Bariloche is also known as the Chocolate Capital of Argentina. All around town you can see numerous artisan shops specialized in the making of exquisite chocolate treats. Nothing is better than a sweet reward after so many outdoor activities, so go ahead and indulge!

5. Admire the Architecture
For those days when all you want to do is rest and not do much, you can enjoy a walk around town and admire the distinctive architecture of Bariloche. Soon after the city started to form, it became clear that tourism would be its main appeal; so the local government aimed to give it the appearance of an alpine town.

6. Seven Lakes Circuit
It’s a longer route than the Circuito Chico, which takes you through forests, across rivers and along the shores of some of the most beautiful lakes in Argentina. The circuit can be made by bus, by car or, if you’re feeling more adventurous, by bike. The whole circuit is about 200 km long, and it goes from Bariloche to Villa Angostura to San Martin de los Andes.

7. Hike up to Refugio Frey
The trek to Refugio Frey is one of the classic hikes in Bariloche. The refuge is set by the shore of Laguna Toncek, a beautiful lake with crystal clear green water, that sits at about 1700 meters above sea level. The landscape is astonishing and well worth the hike. There are different ways to get to Refugio Frey, some are easier than others so check first with the Club Andino Bariloche.

Have you ever been to Bariloche? What are your top things to do there? Let us know in the comments below!

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When my bus pulled into town, the sky was covered in gray clouds and there was a light drizzle falling; I feared that perhaps I was too late in the season and that the weather would have finally changed. Fortunately, it turned out to be just a temporary event and after a couple of days temperatures were back up and the sun was once again shinning in the sky. Still, I was told that I was lucky because weather in El Chaltén can be unpredictably, even in summer and the fall season was already underway.

Each year, thousands of visitors come to enjoy mainly the trekking in the park, but also many other outdoor activities, such as rock climbing, rafting, horseback riding, fishing or simply to walk the trails and admire the local flora and fauna. The high season runs from November to February (the southern hemisphere summer); but arriving in late March, as I did, has its own perks since the town is much less crowded and fall colors add shades of yellow, orange and red to the already dramatic Patagonian landscape.

The first hike that I did was to Laguna Torre, a fairly moderate walk that can be easily done as a day trip. There are no major climbs along the way except for a short one at the end, just before reaching the lake. Overall, it’s a very pleasant walk that takes you through a beautiful beech forest along the Fitz Roy river. When I made it to the viewpoint at the lake, Cerro Torre and most of the glacier were covered in fog so I couldn’t get the close up view that I expected. Still, it was a nice first hike to get used to the terrain and to prepare for my real mission: seeing Fitz Roy at sunrise.

Ever since I saw a photograph of the magnificent Fitz Roy, I’ve wanted to see it for myself; it was my main reason to coming to El Chaltén and I was determined to see it at sunrise, when it’s at its most spectacular point. For that, I went camping on my own for the first time ever; it was a cold night and when I got out of my tent to start the hike up to Laguna de los Tres everything was covered in frost. As I made my way in the dark, the bushes around me were glittering under the light of my headlamp; it was freezing but beautiful.

It took me some forty minutes to get to the viewpoint, just in time to see the first rays of the sun bathing Fitz Roy in a bright orange light for a few minutes while the moon was still out; it was one of the most dazzling sights I saw during my time in Patagonia, so in the end it was well worth it. During the rest of my time in El Chaltén, I enjoyed mild weather and did some more trekking, cycling and even a bit of rock climbing. In the end, this was one of the highlights of my trip to Argentina and if I have the chance I’d go back to El Chaltén anytime!

Have you visited Patagonia? Which was your favorite part of your trip to Argentina? Let us know in the comments below!

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Everyday, hundreds of visitors come to the park with the hopes of witnessing the rupture of big chunks of ice into Lago Argentino (Argentine Lake), an amazing act of nature as they come down with thundering noise. There are several options to visit the Perito Moreno glacier:

1. Viewing from the walkways
Just across the south and eastern side of the glacier there’s a network of walkways that offer easy viewing access for all visitors. Getting there is no trouble as there are many buses running daily from El Calafate. For this option you can either go on your own or hire one of the many tours offered around town.

2. Taking a boat tour
If you fancy getting a bit closer to this magnificent sight, you also have the option of going on a boat ride that will bring you face to face with this colossal giant. If you’re lucky, you’ll also get to see some of the rupturing ice from up close.

3. Go ice trekking
For the ultimate adventure, you can take one of the tours that take you trekking on the ice of Perito Moreno glacier. There are two possibilities: a mini trekking experience that brings you first to the walkways and then takes visitors by boat to the glacier for a short trek on the ice; and then there’s the Big Ice trek, for the most adventurous souls, which includes the same but you trek on the ice for about four hours.

 No matter how you choose to experience the Perito Moreno glacier, it’ll surely leave a lasting impression and will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Have you visited any glaciers in your travels? How did you like them? Let us know in the comments below!

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LAKE TITICACA

PERUVIAN JUNGLE

If the cold temperatures of Peru’s Altiplano are not your cup of tea, then why not head to the rainforest in Puerto Maldonado in the country’s far east? Several jungle lodges, such as the Inotawa Lodge, offer a fascinating tropical rainforest experience, including: day and night hikes through the jungle, a comprehensive introduction to the jungle’s flora and fauna, piranha fishing (and eating, if you catch one!), pink dolphin sightings, cayman watching (as long as it doesn’t catch you, that is), direct contact with local people and lots more. The daring visitor can also try some of the local cuisine, including ants, and swing on a liana (large vine) Tarzan-style – a childhood dream come true!

The Ballestas Islands offer an abundance of fauna just  a short distance off the coast. Some locals describe them as “The Galapagos in a nutshell”, whereas others call them “The Poor man’s Galapagos”. While any comparison with Ecuador’s Galapagos islands is certainly exaggerated, their close proximity to Peru’s coast – the islands can be reached in about a 90 minutes’ boat ride – and their beautiful natural setting make the trip definitely worth-while. The islands are inhabited by sea lions, pelicans, cormorants, penguins and Peruvian boobies (the bird species, of course), among others. If you are lucky, you will also encounter dolphins and flamingos. On the way to the islands, watch out for the “Candlestick” geoglyph – a giant figure etched into the sandy hills near the coast.

On the subject of “giant figures etched into sand”, the world-famous Nazca Lines are not to be missed on any Peru vacation. More than 800 straight lines, 300 geometric figures and about 70 spectacular, mainly animal and plant drawings have been etched into an arid, rock-stewn area of the Pampa Colorada. The Nazca Lines, which sometimes run for several kilometers across the desert and therefore only really recognizable when viewed from high above, remain one of the world’s greatest archeological mysteries. Nobody really knows exactly who made these lines, why they were made, or how they managed to know what they were doing as the lines can only be properly appreciated from the air. Theories abound, of course – like the ones being presented at the Maria Reiche Museum. If that all sounds a bit too dry and theoretical, head to nearby Huacachina Oasis to relax or go nuts on a dune buggy or sandboarding adventure on the giant sand dunes.

PERUVIAN CUISINE

The oldest continuously inhabited city of the Americas was once the foremost city of the Inca empire and is now the undisputed archaeological capital of the continent. Although Cuzco’s infrastructure has developed rapidly within the last few decades to be able to cope with the influx of visitors taking Peru tours, its historical past retains a powerful grip on the present. Narrow cobblestone streets, ancient treasures carefully guarded inside colonial mansions and churches, and massive Inca walls (watch out of the 12-sided stone in Calle Hatunrumiyoc!) forming the foundation of many buildings. The Plaza de Armas is considered one of South America’s most beautiful squares, while many museums such as the Museo Inka provide essential background information for the visitor. Exploring the nearby archaeological sites in the Sacred Valley and the impressive fortress of Saqsayhuaman are just a few of the many choices of day-trip options during your Peru vacation.

The lost Inca city of Machu Picchu is the most well-known archaeological site on the continent and definitely the highlight for many visitors when traveling to Peru. This awe-inspiring ancient city with its spectacular location high in the mountains was never revealed to the Spanish conquerors and virtually forgotten until about a century ago. Machu Picchu is best appreciated by either wandering around through the maze of terraces, walls and plazas and/or by climbing nearby Wayna Picchu or Intipunku for breath-taking views of the entire city. The best way to approach Machu Picchu is by hiking the four-day Inca-Trail, which takes you past several other sights such as the ruins of Llactapata, Runkurakay, Sayaqmarka and Wiñay Wayna – each of them a little bit more impressive than the one before and thus providing a perfect build-up to finally reaching Machu Picchu itself.

The Inca-Trail, reaching an altitude of 4.000 meters, is certainly very demanding; however, the real “mecca” for trekking and climbing enthusiasts is to be found in Huaraz. Surrounded by one of the most impressive mountain ranges in the world, this capital of Andean adventure serves as base camp to explore hundreds of spectacular multi-day trekking options and/or to opt for mountain-biking adventures, ice- and rock-climbing safaris and high-altitude excursions to simply capture the enormous beauty of the Cordillera Blanca. Experienced climbers might also want to attempt the country’s highest mountain, Huascaran (6768m), or Alpamayo (5947m), which is widely considered as one of the most beautiful mountains in the world.

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The trek to Ciudad Perdida (which means “Lost City” in Spanish) is one of the best hiking experiences Colombia has to offer to adventure seekers, making it a “must” for active travelers  on their Colombia vacations. The ruins are located in the mountains of the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta and it takes about 2-3 days of hiking through humid tropical forests to reach it. The city was built around the year 800 AD as the main settlement of the Tayrona tribe, and it has been estimated that there were between 4000 to 10000 people living in the Ciudad Perdida.

When the Spanish arrived to Colombian shores in the 16th century, they brought with them many diseases that were unknown in these parts of the world, so the local tribes didn’t know how to treat or prevent them. After losing a great part of their population due to sickness, they decided to abandon their city and head deeper into the mountains where the Spanish wouldn’t follow. Soon the jungle reclaimed its territory and the city laid hidden for centuries.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that the Ciudad Perdida was found by some locals who were out hunting; when they discovered that there was gold buried in the graves, they started digging them up and a series of tomb raiding began. It wasn’t long before their newly found fortune attracted the attention of neighbors, who wouldn’t rest until they found out about their secret. Soon, there were more people digging up the graves and searching for gold. It took the Colombian government a couple of years to step in and take control of the situation. The restoration of the ruins took a few more years until the site was ready to receive visitors from all over the world.

Nowadays, it’s necessary to book an excursion with one of the four tour operators that are certified to work in the area; visitors are not allowed to go on their own. The journey started early in the morning in Santa Marta, we’re I met with a multicultural group of people from America, Europe and South America at the launch point. From there, we boarded  a 4×4 vehicle for a short ride  to the village of Mamey, the access point to the Sierra Nevada and the beginning of the trek. After a light lunch, we embarked on our hike through some fields belonging to local campesinos. The first stop on the itinerary was by a river where we swam to cool off a bit before continuing on to the first camp; where we spent the first night sleeping in hammocks.

The next day, we woke up early to a rainy morning; which brought new challenges to our journey turning the trail into a muddy and slippery mess making it harder to keep our balance and to enjoy the views. Thankfully, we made a couple of stops to eat fresh fruit and to regain our breath. By mid-afternoon, we were soaked and when we finally made it to the second campsite; we were grateful to have beds to sleep on and rest our sore muscles. After showering, we all sat around a table to listen to a couple of Kogis, the modern day descendants of the Tayrona, and share their stories and views of life and the state of the world.

Before going to sleep, we agree to leave at sunrise the next morning so that we can reach the third campground by early afternoon and attempt to go up to the Ciudad Perdida. The day turns out to be better than the previous one and we only get some light showers. We all walk at a good pace and arrive to our destination at around noon; we are eager to get to the Lost City in spite of the cloudy and foggy weather. It’s a tough climb up the 1200 steps that go up to the ruins; they are also wet and slippery so we have to take it slowly. At last, the summit appears before our eyes; we’ve made it!

The ruins consist of several circular terraces that were used for various purposes; our guide recounts the story of the place and how it has changed throughout the years. The views from above are simply beautiful and there’s a certain peace that overcomes you when standing there; it’s a combination of things: the wind, the birds, the mist. Once we’ve satiated our curiosity we start the head back to the camp. Walking down the stairs is almost as difficult as walking up, we have to be careful not to slip; it takes a lot of concentration.

The next day, the clouds have withdrawn and we get a nice view of the blue sky; it’s all we need to motivate us to go back up to the Lost City, we want to see it in a different light. Our guide gladly accepts to take us up one more time, so we start ascending once again. At the top, it’s warm and sunny; there’s also an air of expectation as the soldiers that guard the base at the top are waiting for a helicopter to come bring them some provisions. We decide to stick around to watch the impressive sight of a huge helicopter landing in Ciudad Perdida.

After the show is over, it’s time to go down before it gets too late; we need to make it back to the same camp where we slept the second night. By the time we make it, we are all exhausted and we just want to shower, eat and go to sleep; we need to recover some energy for the next day, which is the longest of the trip. As expected, we start early the next morning; luckily, there’s no rain that day and the clouds protect us from the sun. However, the humidity is high and we’re all covered in sweat and mud. The way back takes us between 6 – 7 hours. When we finally get back to Mamey we all share a sense of accomplishment; the trek was more challenging than we expected, but it was also incredibly rewarding: it left us some everlasting memories and a few new friendships forged along the way. It was definitely one of the highlights of visiting Colombia and would be a great addition to any Colombia Tour itinerary.

Have you visited the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta? Would you like to see the Ciudad Perdida for yourself? Let us know in the comments below!

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Furthermore, given Chavez absence from the public eye during the last couple of months and his inability to show up for the inauguration of his fourth presidential term, the conspiracy theories from both sides are going back and forth. On one hand, there are rumors that say that Nicolas Maduro, Vice-President under Chavez and who’s now Acting President until the new elections, is manipulating the situation in a move to keep power for himself. Some go as far as accusing Maduro of betraying Chavez and even playing a role in his death for his own advancement to Venezuela’s presidency.

On the other hand, some Chavez loyalists claim that in the end the comandante was poisoned or somehow killed by the Americans in an attempt to regain their hegemony in the southern continent. These are tense times in Venezuela with accusations flying high from one front to the other.

The next step in this political struggle are the upcoming presidential elections which will take place on April 14th, 2013; when Nicolas Maduro will face opposition candidate Henrique Capriles. For both sides the stakes are high: Chavez’s supporters need to prove that the revolution that started with the comandante is deeply rooted and doesn’t need his figure to keep on going; while, on the other hand, some see this as the opposition’s last chance to get their country back and tackle the issues that Chavez’s government has continuously failed to address, such as the growing insecurity on the streets, a crumbling economy that is today more dependent on oil than ever before, and the numerous product shortages that Venezuelans face every day, among others.

One thing is for sure, it’s not only Venezuelans who are watching closely the development of these events, the world is also paying attention; specially countries in the region which are going through their own revolutionary process inspired (and funded) by Chavez’s government, as well as the countries that rely on Venezuela’s oil exports. Only time will tell what’s coming next for Venezuela’s history.

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Uros Islands, Lake Titicaca, Peru

The women from this region are widely recognized for their traditional garb including their brightly colored skirts and derby styled hats.  The floating islands of the Uros are made of the tortola reeds which is constantly decomposing in the water and requires new layers to be added on a daily basis.

Huarez, Peru

Located in close proximity to the Cordillera Blanca mountain range, sports such as snowboarding, hiking, biking, and glacier climbing attract visitors from all over the world.

Cusco, Peru

Located near the Urubamba valley and the Andes mountains, Cusco is the main launch point for travelers wanting to visit the famous Machu Picchu ruins. Cobbelstone streets, colorful artworks, a plethora of ancient ruins and a lively nightlife have made Cusco one of Peru’s most well known cities.

Discover Peru for yourself with one of our Peru Tours. For all the ladies out there we are happy to offer you a 10% discount on any tour to Peru booked by March 31, 2013 just mention this article!

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There is something at Tayrona National Park for everyone: if you just want to relax, there are numerous stretches of golden sanded beaches to lay down and enjoy the view; if you’d rather be active, you can hire a guide and go horse back riding at the beach, or bring your own gear and go snorkeling to enjoy the colorful underwater treasures found around the rocks; if you want to see some culture, you can hike up to Pueblito Chairama on a trail built with stones by the Tayrona tribe more than 500 years ago. All these possibilities and more, in a setting of unmeasurable beauty, are what make this park such an attractive place to take a break from daily life.

Also, there are many species of animals living in the Tayrona National Park: from monkeys to iguanas, woodpeckers to jaguars, and not to mention all the marine creatures! However, it’s not easy to catch a glimpse of them, because most of them stay out of sight during the day. The best times to see some animal action is in the wee hours of the morning, when the forest is greeting the first rays of the sun and the temperatures are still fresh.

As a protected area, the use of motorized vehicles is restricted within the park. To get to the beach, visitors can either walk for a couple of kilometers on the designated trails, which are all marked and well kept; or there is also the possibility to hire a guide with horses. The options for accommodation are also varied and go from simple hammocks to luxurious eco-habs; as well, visitors are welcomed to camp on one of the several campgrounds available. There are several options for eating in Tayrona National Park to match different budgets; just be aware that prices inside the park can be considerably higher than outside, so be prepared to pay more for everything. Nevertheless, it’s still worth it to spend a few days in Tayrona to experience all its natural wonders.

Have you been to Colombia? Which is your favorite beach there? Leave a comment and let us know!

Also, don’t forget to follow us on Twitter and to like our page on Facebook. For more photos from Colombia, check us out in Instagram!

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Bogota

Bogota is the capital of Colombia and the countries largest city with a population of over 7  Million. Previously listed as a city to avoid due to crime and violence, many changes have been implemented to clean up the city and make it more appealing and safe for tourists. Visitors will find beautiful colonial architecture, elegant churches, a wide variety of museums, and of course a thriving nightlife. Most travelers choose to stay in the upscale neighborhood of La Candelaria, a pleasant neighborhood full of cafe’s, bars, restaurants, museums and more.

What to See
1) Plaza Bolivar

2) Cerro Monseratte

3) Gold Museum (Museo de Oro)

4) Neighborhood of La Candelaria

Medellin

Medellin, the city of eternal spring, and capital of Antioquia is nestled in a valley 1538 m above sea level. It’s unique location makes for warm, sunny, comfortable weather year round. The famous Colombian artist Botero, is wildly celebrated throughout the city you can find his sculptures and other pieces of work. The people of Medellin are referred to as “Paisas” and known for their good looks, pleasant nature, and friendliness. Medellin has developed in recent years from one of the most dangerous cities in the world to one of the most livable and safest cities in Colombia. The city today is an important industrial, commercial, educational and cultural center for the country. Medellin has numerous churches, museums and historic houses, as well as beautiful modern buildings. Medellin is also known for its many fashionable shops and of course it’s infamous nightlife. Medellin is the only city in Colombia with n advanced Metro system providing efficient, safe transportation throught the city. Colombia provides 90% of the imported flowers sold in the US each year and many of these are grown in Antioquia. In celebration of this booming industry the city celebrates “La Feria de Flores” each August. This flower festival is celebrated for 10 days and is among the most important and popular cultural events in Colombia.
What to See

1) Pueblito Paisa

2) Ride up the cable car to Parque Arvi

3) Parque Botero

Cartagena

Cartagena is a jewel in the crown of Colombia. Its varied history includes pirates and privateers, Spanish galleons sailing from its port laden with gold from the New World, slavery and religion. The historic walled city, called “Ciudad Amurallada” is filled with narrow cobblestoned streets, vibrantly clothed women balancing bowls of tropical fruits on their heads, soaring colonial churches and museums of gold.

What to See
1) Walk along the city wall

2) Stroll through Old Town

3) Castillo de San Felipe de Barajas

4) Have a sunset cocktail at Cafe del Mar overlooking the Caribbean.

San Andres Island

San Andrés is a coral island among the Colombian islands in the Caribbean Sea; it is the largest island of the southern group of islands. Together with the nearby islands of Providencia and Santa Catalina (which, with some smaller islets and shoals, form the northern group of the Colombian archipelago), San Andrés forms the department of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.

What to See

1) Visit the nearby island of Provedencia

2) Go snorkeling at Johnny Cay

3) Enjoy a dinner show of traditional dance and music

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