Tag: pictorial review

The Ruins of Cusco & The Sacred Valley – Learn From My Mistakes.

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

I don’t think I saw this region properly.  I don’t often say that.  But considering that the Inca Ruins were among the places that I was most excited to explore in South America, I have to be honest and say that if I ever do it a second time in life, I will do it differently.  Don’t get me wrong, I had a wonderful time and am thrilled that I finally made it here.  But those of you planning your Cusco trips, please learn from my mistakes! Continue reading “The Ruins of Cusco & The Sacred Valley – Learn From My Mistakes.” →

Cusco, City and Celebration

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Having spent a full month just in Cusco, 1 blog post doesn’t seem like fair attention to this fascinating place.  So I am going to break this up into 3 posts.  This post is dedicated to the City of Cusco, as well as the Inti Raymi festival that I was lucky to be able to celebrate there.

When I first set my sights on South America, Machu Picchu felt like the pinnacle that had to be reached.  My initial plan was to start in the South of Patagonia, and finish 4 months later in Cusco, the launching point for visitors from around the globe visiting the wondrous Inca ruins.  That is not what happened.  After 4 months, I hadn’t even reached Peru.  So I returned to South America a second time, this time with 6 months to spare.  The second time around, I still had my heart set on visiting Machu Picchu, but I no longer envisioned it as the climax of my journey.  After being awestruck by so many unexpected things along my way, Machu Picchu became another exciting stop along a journey that would continue well beyond.
Continue reading “Cusco, City and Celebration” →

Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Arequipa was my “Welcome to Peru” city.  I had heard from repeated backpackers that the city center was really lovely, and that the nearby Colca Canyon was something that shouldn’t be missed on a good tour of Peru.  So of course, I headed straight there. Continue reading “Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Peru” →

Copacabana & Isla Del Sol, Bolivia

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

This was an incredible way to say goodbye to Bolivia after an incredible 3 months (4 if you count last year).  I love this country beyond words! For my the final leg of my Bolivian journey, I visited Copacabana and Isla Del Sol.   Continue reading “Copacabana & Isla Del Sol, Bolivia” →

Visiting the Provence of Jujuy, Argentina

by Rach Rob, posted in Argentina, South America

4smI am sad to report that this is my final blog post of Argentina (for now).  This region has something for everyone.  A big city, a rich historical background, and unimaginable natural beauty.  You can enjoy the hustle and bustle of San Salvador de Jujuy, hike incredible mountain trails, horse-back ride through Pacha Mama (Mother-Nature), salivate over traditional regional foods, be enchanted by the many charming little towns, and feed your knowledge by visiting historical sites.

Continue reading “Visiting the Provence of Jujuy, Argentina” →

Iguazu Falls, Brazilian Side

by Rach Rob, posted in Brazil, South America

I spent three days exploring Iguazu Falls and it’s subtropical rainforest surroundings.  This place can be described as nothing short of magical.  “Magical”  seems to be the only word I can find that comes close to describing my time here.  Each of my three days was an incredibly unique experience.  For this reason, I need to do a separate post about each day here.  I begin on day 1, by exploring the Brazilian side of the falls. Continue reading “Iguazu Falls, Brazilian Side” →

A “Holy Shit” Moment

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Chile, Patagonia, South America

46smHave you ever had a “holy shit” moment?  Where your heart sinks into your feet and life stops feeling real?  I’ve had a few of them.  They’ve usually been awful moments.  But on Magdalena Island, off of Punta Arenas, Chile, the other day I learned that sometimes those moments can be good moments. Continue reading “A “Holy Shit” Moment” →

The Sights of Ixtapan, Mexico

by Rach Rob, posted in Central America, Mexico

21snThe town of Ixtapan may not be an exciting tourist destination outisde of their all incluse spa resorts, but Liz and I ventured into town yesterday to see the sights, hear the sounds and smell the smells.  Here are pictures I captured from around town. Continue reading “The Sights of Ixtapan, Mexico” →