Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria infamously ruled the streets of Medellín, Colombia, until his death in 1993. For many long grueling years, Colombians lived in constant terror from violence caused by the drug cartels. The drug-lord’s international fame has increased in recent years thanks to Netflix original series, Narcos. However, today, Medellín is reviving and thriving. Continue reading “True Stories of Pablo Escobar and a Cop Who Fought Against Him.”
This place is a little out of the way from the typical beach resorts where most who vacation in Colombia go. But if you head to the southwest of Colombia there are incredible treasures in store. San Augustín’s stunning landscapes and Archeological parks were among the most memorable stops along my two month Colombian adventure.
If you love traveling to lesser-known off-the-beaten-path places and have an affinity for history and ancient mysteries, then San Augstín should definitely be on your list of adventures. Continue reading “Visiting San Augustín, Colombia”
I began my Ecuador explorations in the lovely city, Cuenca. Cuenca has dozens of museums for art and history. You can visit factories of the famed “Panama Hat” to learn how they are made (Yes, the Panama hat actually comes from Ecuador…). You can walk the streets or follow the river. There are even Incan ruins in the middle of city. Continue reading “Cuenca, Ecuador”
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”
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!”
Paracas is located on the shores in the Ica provence south of Lima. The bay waters are peaceful and the Humbolt Current runs just a little ways offshore all the way up to the Galapagos Islands in Equador. The current stirs up nutrients attracting wild sea life in great variety. A short boat trip away, Peru’s famous Ballestas Islands, popularly referred to as “The Little Galapagos”, rest along this current. The islands are home to sea lions, penguins, pelicans, sharks, dolphins, whales, turtles and a hundred other bird species. Not to mention, this place is a fisherman’s dream come true. Continue reading “Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos””
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”
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”
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”