Tag: south america

Ceremonies Of The Amazon

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

Anyone who visits the jungle in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia has the chance to participate in a native ritual ceremony.  The indigenous Tacana traditionally practice these ceremonies twice a week, on Tuesday’s and Fridays, and additionally for special occasions and events. Many jungle adventure tours will be sure to include the ceremony in your experience even if your tour does not fall on those days.

These ceremonies are about giving back to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of resources and life she provides.  They are also an opportunity for the native people to ask for her protection from dangers, providence of food, and general well-being. Continue reading “Ceremonies Of The Amazon” →

Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

You may know by know that I am quite enamored with the rainforest.  Iquitos, Peru is another launching point to the Amazon.  The main reason to visit Iquitos is preparation before a jungle excursion and rest afterwards.  Iquitos boasts that it is the world’s largest city inaccessible by car.   Continue reading “Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru” →

¡Jungle Crafts!

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Peru, South America

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!” →

A Desert Oasis – Huacachina, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Moving right on along in my South American adventure… I stopped at a respite for a couple days of absolute joy in the sandy dunes of Huacachina, Peru.  As the blog title suggests, Huacachina is a real-life, actual desert oasis.  The small lake surrounded by mountains of sand as far as the eye can see, attracts people looking for a short and fun getaway. Continue reading “A Desert Oasis – Huacachina, Peru” →

Nazca, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

Two millennia before the Inca would exist to create Machu Picchu in Eastern Peru, the Nazca people ruled the deserts 197 miles (317 km) to the West.  The region is scattered with ruins, leaving behind clues to this ancient civilization.   Continue reading “Nazca, Peru” →

Butterflies of the Amazon

by Rach Rob, posted in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, South America

I apologize for the serious content of this post.  Haha, no I don’t!  It’s butterflies.  And they are just delightful.  My latest video has been described as “joyful”. Continue reading “Butterflies of the Amazon” →

Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, The Jungle of Southern Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

You thought I was done exploring the Amazon?  Think again.

When I initially decided to visit the Southern jungle in Peru, I was a bit confused as to how to go about it.   Continue reading “Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, The Jungle of Southern Peru” →

A Modern Day Tarzan Story

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Chapa Chico, South America

Meet Miguel.  Born and raised in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, this Native Bolivian Indian knows how to live off the land completely.  He puts everyone on survivalist reality TV shows to shame.  Although he did not grow up in one of the “uncontacted” communities that have received recent attention in the Amazon jungle, he comes from a primitive tribe in the same region, likely with close genetic relationships.  This community lives a natural lifestyle without modern amenities.   Continue reading “A Modern Day Tarzan Story” →

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” →