Gadling http://www.gadling.com Gadling http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Gadling http://www.gadling.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[The Inca Rally: A Road Race Through South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/05/13/the-inca-rally-a-road-race-through-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

The Inca Rally begins in AugustLooking to add a little excitement to your summer? Then look no further than the Inca Rally, a new road race that is set to get underway in August and promises to offer plenty of adventure to those crazy enough to enter.

The three-week long event begins in Lima, Peru where racers will first barter for a car that is utterly ill suited for the roads they'll be driving on. Once they've acquired their sacrificial vehicle, they'll hit the road on August 1, driving across Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela and Guyana. What route they take along the way is completely up to the drivers, they simply have to reach the finish line in time for the blowout party at the end of the three weeks.

This is pure adventure at its finest. There will be no support crews, few directives and plenty of freedom on the open road. Teams can choose to make their way through the Andes, visit the Amazon Rainforest, follow the scenic coasts or get completely off the beaten path. They can visit large, bustling cities or remote villages; they just have to get to the finish line in Georgetown, Guyana.

While the Inca Rally is meant to be a spirited adventure it will also help shine the spotlight on local charities and help raise funds for those organizations. You can find out more about the event and those charities on the Rally's official website, where you can sign up for the race as well.

We definitely need a Team Gadling in this event!

The Inca Rally: A Road Race Through South America originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelinca rallyIncaRallyRoad RallyRoadRallySun, 13 May 2012 08:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/27/cheesey-street-foods-of-latin-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

With the possible exception of Argentina, most people don't associate Central or South America with cheese. Like all of Latin America, these countries are a mix of indigenous cultures, colonizing forces, immigrant influences, and varied terroir, climatic extremes, and levels of industrialization. They possess some of the most biologically and geographically diverse habitats on earth. As a result, the cuisine and agricultural practices of each country have developed accordingly.

The use of dairy may not be particularly diverse in this part of the world, especially when it comes to styles of cheese, but it's an important source of nutrition and income in rural areas, and a part of nearly every meal.

While writing a book on cheese during the course of this past year, I tapped into my rather obsessive love of both street food and South America for inspiration. As I learned during my research, the sheer variety of cheesey street snacks from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego are as varied as the ethnic influences responsible for their creation. Read on for a tasty tribute to queso.

Arepas: These flat little corn or flour cakes from Colombia, Venezuela and Panama may be grilled, baked, boiled, or fried. They're usually stuffed or topped with a melting cheese, but may also feature meat, chicken, seafood, egg, or vegetables.

Anafres: Essentially Honduran nachos, composed of giant tortilla chips, refried beans and melted cheese. Named for an anafre, the coal-fired clay pot the dish is served in.

Pupusas: This Salvadorean staple is similar to an arepa: a thick, griddled corn cake stuffed with meat, cheese-usually a mild melting variety known as quesillo-chicarrones (pork cracklings), or queso con loroco (cheese with the buds or flowers of a vine native to Central America).

Continue reading Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America

Cheesey Street Foods Of Latin America originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>argentinean foodArgentineanFoodasasdosbrazilian foodbrazilian street foodBrazilianFoodBrazilianStreetFoodbreaking newsBreakingNewscentral american street foodCentralAmericanStreetFoodCentralParkcheesecheese breadCheeseBreadcolumbian foodColumbianFoodcomedycornculinary travelCulinaryTravelEcuadorean foodEcuadoreanFoodempanadasEmpanadasEmpanadafood marketsfood on a stickFoodMarketsFoodOnAStickhdtvindigenous foodsIndigenousFoodsmasamexican street foodMexicanStreetFoodperuvian foodperuvian street foodPeruvianFoodPeruvianStreetFoodprovoletaquesadillassalvadorean foodSalvadoreanFoodsouth american cheeseSouthAmericanCheeseSouthKoreastreet foodStreetFoodvenezuelan foodVenezuelanFoodFri, 27 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Tips For Backpacking South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/17/tips-for-backpacking-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

south america Backpacking South America is a worthwhile adventure I recommend everyone to have at least once in their lives. Before I arrived on the continent, I was unsure of what to expect. To help prepare you before you go, here are some things I wish I had known before I left for my trip.

Know the Exchange Rate

The exchange rates vary considerably from country to country in South America. For example, while travelers can spend a lot of time in Bolivia and Peru, stretching their dollar very far, popular tourist cities in Brazil, Chile and the Galapagos Islands can be expensive. If you're on a budget, look up which cities are the most affordable beforehand. For example, I noticed in Argentina that the farther south I went - basically the farther into Patagonia - the
more expensive things cost. For example, my usual chicken sub went from being 10 to 15 Argentine Pesos ($2 to $3) in Buenos Aires to 45 to 60 Argentine Pesos ($10 to $14) in Bariloche.

Moreover, don't always think "roughing it" will save you money. Making use of the shelters on the "W" circuit in Torres del Paine and camping your way through the Inca Trail to Macchu Pichu are quite expensive. In fact, one night in a "refugio" in Torres del Paine will cost about $40 to $60 - and that only includes the mattress. Camping in the park is free if you bring your own gear; however, this can be tricky as the hike is difficult at times and you will have to carry your own
equipment. Moreover, to trek with a good company for the Inca Trail will cost about $500 to $650 for the trek.

Continue reading Tips For Backpacking South America

Tips For Backpacking South America originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelbackpackingbudget travelBudgetTravelhikingsouth americaSouthAmericaTue, 17 Apr 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/04/15/holistic-healing-practices-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

licorice rootNowadays, it seems like there's a pill or shot to cure every illness. But do we really know how safe these unnatural remedies are? Throughout my travels and by talking with locals from other cultures, I've learned there are many natural treatments that are also effective in promoting good health. For those who've ever wondered about the holistic secrets of other cultures, here are some answers.

Turkey

In Turkey, the trick to staying healthy is mesir paste. The concoction was invented in Manisa during the Ottoman Empire, when the wife of Sultan Yavuz Sultan Selim and mother of Suleyman the Magnificent became very ill. No doctor was able to find a cure, until one created a unique spice blend that seemed to bring the woman back to life. The mixture is a blend of 41 different spices that form a thick paste, and is used as a general cure-all and tonic. Some of the paste's ingredients include black pepper, cinnamon, licorice root (shown above), coconut and orange peel. The country is so proud of their natural remedy, they celebrate a Mesir Festival in Manisa each year.

Continue reading Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World

Holistic Healing Practices From Around The World originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>budget travelBudgetTravelculturedrinkecotourismfoodhealthholisticholistic remediiesHolisticRemediiesnatural remediesNaturalRemediesnaturewellnessSun, 15 Apr 2012 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Hilton launches "Authentically Local" programs in the Caribbean and Latin America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/hilton-launches-authentically-local-programs-in-the-caribbean/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/hilton-launches-authentically-local-programs-in-the-caribbean/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/13/hilton-launches-authentically-local-programs-in-the-caribbean/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , ,

Can a mega-corporate hospitality chain with 3,750 hotels provide authentic local experiences to travelers? Select Hilton Worldwide hotels are giving it a shot with the just announced "Authentically Local" packages. Available through the end of the year in the Caribbean and Latin America, the packages are aimed at introducing travelers to local cultures and languages through experiences such as dinners featuring local flavors, dance lessons in the local style, destination and tour suggestions hand-picked by locals, and more. There is even the opportunity for hotel guests to choose wearing a "language immersion pin" that identifies them as someone hotel employees will only speak to in the local language.

Options under the new package include tasting conch at the British Colonial Hilton Nassau in the Bahamas, learning rumba at the Hilton Cartagena in Colombia, snorkelling in the clear waters at the Hilton Curaçao off the coast of Venezuela, or touring the Mercado Municipal when staying at the Hilton São Paulo Morumbi in Brazil. The hotel chain also says culture consultants will be avialable at each participating property (full list after the jump) to help guests learn about the most celebrated experiences in the destinations.

So, is Hilton's new initiative to help travelers partake in authentic experiences when staying at their hotels a way the chain is reaching out to the community, or is it just a marketing ploy? It could go either way, but no matter what it's nice to see more travelers will be learning about local cultures.

Continue reading Hilton launches "Authentically Local" programs in the Caribbean and Latin America

Hilton launches "Authentically Local" programs in the Caribbean and Latin America originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bahamasbrazilCaribbeancultural travelCulturalTravelEntertainmenthiltonLatin Americalocal travelLocalTravelThe BahamasMon, 13 Feb 2012 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/08/gallery-a-guide-to-south-american-cocktails/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,


Margaritas, Cuba libres, piña coladas and mojitos are drinks with Latin American origins that have become staples at bars across America. But what about the drinks being mixed up further south? Whether you want to know what to order up at the bar during your next trip to South America or you are looking for a way to raise the bar at home, these mixed drinks will leave you thirsty for more.

Gallery: Cocktails in South America

CanelazoPisco SourGrappamielFernet & CokeCaipirinha

Gallery: A guide to South American cocktails originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alcoholargentinaboliviabrazilchilecocktailscolombiadrinksecuadorfood and drinkFoodAndDrinknightlifeperusouth americaSouthAmericauruguayWed, 08 Feb 2012 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/03/trek-the-colombian-andes-in-el-cocuy-national-park-with-mountain/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , ,

colombia adventure travelAcclaimed Seattle-based adventure travel company and guide service Mountain Madness debuts its newest trip on February 4th: an excursion to Colombia's El Cocuy National Park. Although Colombia is often characterized as being mostly tropical jungle or coastline, the Andean Cordillera Oriental crosses a significant portion of the country. The El Cocuy trip will allow trekkers to explore glaciers, alpine lakes, and remote colonial villages.

Mountain Madness owner and president Mark Gunlogson has years of experience as a mountaineering guide all over the world, and the company is renowned for its reputable and distinctive trekking trips and alpine climbing schools, particularly in South America and the Himalayas. For this inaugural El Cocuy adventure, Gunglogson will lead five other trekkers and climbers as they "explore this area's potential for adventure travel. The team hopes to dispel the myth of danger with travel in Colombia and open up a new, cutting-edge trip."

Activities will include mountaineering, trekking, rock climbing, and cultural exchange, a Mountain Madness hallmark. Check out the company's blog for dispatches from El Cocuy. Buena suerte, team!

Video: How to self-arrest with an ice ax

How to Self Arrest with an Ice Axe

Trek the Colombian Andes in El Cocuy National Park with Mountain Madness originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure traveladventure travel companiesAdventureTravelAdventureTravelCompaniesalpine climbingalpine climbing schoolsAlpineClimbingAlpineClimbingSchoolsandesbest travel companiesBestTravelCompaniesclimbing schoolsClimbingSchoolscolombiacolombian parksColombianParksEAel cocuy national parkElCocuyNationalParkglaciersguideshimalayashow to choose travel guideHowToChooseTravelGuidemountaineeringnew adventure tripsNewAdventureTripsSeattletravel companiontravel guidestravel outfitterstravel safetyTravelCompanionTravelGuidesTravelOutfittersTravelSafetytrendsWashington stateWashingtonStateFri, 03 Feb 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 luxury hostels from around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2012/02/02/10-luxury-hostels-from-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

gilligans While many people think of hostels as run down hotels with cramped rooms and few amenities, there are many properties that can actually make you feel as if you're staying at a resort. For those who want comfort on a budget, here are 10 excellent luxury hostels from around the world.

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort Cairns
Cairns, Australia

Gilligan's Backpackers Hotel and Resort in Cairns is without a doubt one of the best hostels I have ever stayed in. And if you're looking for something a little more luxurious than your average youth hostel, this is an excellent choice. Rooms offered include 4,6,8,10-bed dorms, 4 & 6-bed deluxe dorms, 6-bed all female dorms, and private rooms. The accommodation has a resort-type feel, with balconies, a lagoon-style pool with a waterfall and palm trees, a makeshift beach with volleyball nets, and even gym access. They also have swanky nightclub that often hosts theme parties and hot DJ's.

Continue reading 10 luxury hostels from around the world

10 luxury hostels from around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art and cultureArtAndCulturebest hostelsbest hotelsBestHostelsBestHotelsbudget travelBudgetTravelluxury hostelsluxury travelLuxuryHostelsLuxuryTravelwhere to stayWhereToStayThu, 02 Feb 2012 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[LAN Colombia will begin flights to the U.S.]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/lan-colombia-will-begin-flights-to-the-u-s/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/lan-colombia-will-begin-flights-to-the-u-s/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/28/lan-colombia-will-begin-flights-to-the-u-s/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

On February 1, LAN Colombia will celebrate the airline's inaugural flight to the United States when it touches down at Miami International Airport from Bogota. The event will be marked by a water cannon salute and will be attended by the iconic Juan Valdez (and possibly his mule Conchita) in an effort to promote his coffee brand-which will now be served exclusively on all of LAN's long-haul flights.

So why might you be interested in hopping on one of the seven weekly flights between Bogota and Miami? Not only was Bogota named one of Gadling's picks for best budget vacations in 2012, but Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast is one of our top picks for national parks to visit in all of South America. If you need more convincing, find out why Alex Robertson Textor things Bogota is the next Buenos Aires.

LAN Colombia will begin flights to the U.S. originally appeared on Gadling on Sat, 28 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airlineairline routesAirlineRoutesairlinesbogotaBogotáBuenos AiresCaribbeancolombiaJuan ValdezlanmiamiMiami International Airportroutesunited statesUnitedStatesSat, 28 Jan 2012 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[10 best national parks in South America]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/15/10-best-national-parks-in-south-america/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,



In South America, there are myriad diverse landscapes, unique flora, and endemic fauna to experience. With so many destination options on the continent, however, it can sometimes be hard to decide exactly where to go. National parks can provide beautiful and educational experiences in nature and, depending on where you visit, you can experience enormous glaciers, white sandy beaches, tropical rainforests, gushing waterfalls, jagged limestone cliffs, and hot thermal springs, sometimes all in one place. If you love birdwatching and wildlife viewing, South America is also home to many rare species that cannot be found anywhere else, like the giant tortoises of the Galapagos Islands or the spectacled bear in Peru. To help you plan your next trip to South America, or just to give you some inspiration from nature, check out the gallery below.

[Photo by Samuel Rochas, Wikimedia Commons, CC-BY-SA-3.0]

Gallery: Best National Parks in South America

Cotopaxi National Park, EcuadorTorres del Paine, PatagoniaIguazu National Park, ArgentinaFernando de Noronha Martime National Park, BrazilCanaima National Park, Venezuela

10 best national parks in South America originally appeared on Gadling on Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure travelAdventureTravelcotopaxinational parksNationalParkssouth americaSouthAmericatorres del paineTorresDelPainevolcanovolcanosSun, 15 Jan 2012 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Bogota, Colombia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2012/01/04/budget-vacation-guide-2012-bogota-colombia/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Everything about Bogota, Colombia's capital of culture, cuisine and Cumbia, begs for further exploration. From the rough-around-the-edges street art of colonial-tinged 'hood Candelaria, to the fabulous golden Pre-Columbian artifacts at the Museo del Oro, to the buzzing coffee bars of Zona G, there's a little something for every type of traveler in this rapidly rising mecca of South American tourism. Best of all, there's never been a better (or cheaper) time to investigate this symbol of Colombia's continued tourist resurgence.

Simply put, Bogota offers one of the continent's most affordable blends of culture and cost. Thanks to a healthy exchange rate of around 1,900 Colombian pesos to the dollar, Bogota visitors can expect to experience the city's first-rate amenities at positively rock bottom prices. A taxi ride to most attractions within the city costs less than $10, while a hearty plate of Bandeja Paisa, a gut-bursting sampler of Colombia's culinary staples, will set you back less than $5. Bogota's array of budget-friendly guesthouses offer private rooms starting for as little as $15-30/night.

And at just a six hour non-stop flight from New York City and three and a half hours from Miami, Bogota is surprisingly easy to get to. Move over Buenos Aires - Bogota is about to give South American travelers in search of a great value a run for their money.

Budget Vacation Guide 2012: Bogota, Colombia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adventure-travelbandeja paisaBandejaPaisabogotabudget-travelBudgetGuide2012candelariacumbiamuseo del oroMuseoDelOromuseum of goldMuseumOfGoldWed, 04 Jan 2012 09:00:00 EST<![CDATA[How to visit the birthplace of humanity]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/26/how-to-visit-the-birthplace-of-humanity/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/26/how-to-visit-the-birthplace-of-humanity/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/26/how-to-visit-the-birthplace-of-humanity/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , ,

iguaque National Park When visiting Columbia in South America, there are many interesting national parks to explore. Amacayacu National Park, Cocuy National Park, and Tayrona National Park are all natural points of interest in the country. Iguaque National Park, however, has one very unique feature that makes it a must-see stop on any trip to Columbia, as it is said to be the birthplace of humanity.

Iguaque National Park is located in Boyacá, about 142 miles away from Bogota. Having an elevation that ranges from 7,874 to 12,467 feet above sea level while covering 16,679 acres, you can imagine there is a lot to see. Whatever areas you decide to stop at, however, make sure to visit Iguaque Lake, located in the highest part of the mountain. According to the indigenous Muisca people, the sacred site is said to be the place where "mother Earth" (Bachué) emerged from the water carrying a baby boy in her arms. When the boy became a man, he populated the Earth before disappearing back into the lake as a snake. It is believed that a visit to Iguaque Lake cleanses the soul and purifies the spirit.

Want to make the pilgrimage yourself? To get to Iguaque National Park, you can go from Bogota to Villa de Leyva via Tunja. Once in Villa de Leyva, you can catch a bus to the park, and from there you will walk about a mile to the entrance to pay the fee. Because there is so much flora and fauna to discover, as well as hiking trails, there is an interpretative path in the beginning of the trek to help visitors understand the area. Keep following the path and you will to be taken to spiritual and historical site of Iguaque Lake.

Note: One thing visitors must be aware of is how important it is to leave early, as weather changes frequently in the area, posing the risk of hypothermia if the temperatures drop too low.

How to visit the birthplace of humanity originally appeared on Gadling on Mon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birthplace of humanityBirthplaceOfHumanitybudget travelBudgetTravelcolumbiaiguaque national parkIguaqueNationalParksacred sitesSacredSitessouth americaSouthAmericaspiritual placespiritual sites in columbiaSpiritualPlaceSpiritualSitesInColumbiaMon, 26 Dec 2011 14:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Colombia's Lost City gets long-term preservation plan]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/colombias-lost-city-gets-long-term-preservation-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/colombias-lost-city-gets-long-term-preservation-plan/http://www.gadling.com/2011/12/09/colombias-lost-city-gets-long-term-preservation-plan/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,

Lost City
Last year, Gadling's Aaron Hotfelder braved the mountainous jungles of Colombia to visit Ciudad Perdida, the nation's famous "Lost City".

These remote ruins were built by the Tayrona, a culture that thrived from 200 AD to c.1650 AD. More than 250 of their stone settlements have been found in a 2,000 square-mile area. The Lost City is the largest Tayrona site known with more than 200 structures over 80 acres. One highlight is a strange carving, shown below, that appears to be a map of the city.

Unknown to the outside world until the 1975, the site now attracts an increasing number of tourists willing to make the five-day trek, and this is destabilizing some of the structures. Erosion and local narcotics traffickers are also taking their toll, Popular Archaeology reports.

Now the Global Heritage Fund has teamed up with the Colombian Institute of Anthropology and History, which runs the Teyuna-Ciudad Perdida Archaeological Park, to preserve the site. The area will be fully mapped and examined, and they'll create a management plan to reduce natural and man-made damage to the site. One good aspect of the plan is that it's incorporating the local indigenous people. They've always known about the Lost City and consider it sacred, so their input will be crucial to ensure its future.


Photos courtesy William Neuheisal.

Lost City

Colombia's Lost City gets long-term preservation plan originally appeared on Gadling on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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I made my first visit to Colombia this past February and was immediately fascinated with the place. Everything from the rough-around-the-edges charm of Bogota, to the exotic tropical fruit juices, to the vibrant nightlife left me craving more. Today on Spotify I found an album that brought all of those Colombian travel experiences rushing back - a just-released compilation called "The Original Sound of Cumbia."

What's Cumbia, you say? Well, it's a musical style uniquely typical of Colombia, an infectious blend of trumpets, drums and accordions that combines the influence of indigenous tribes, Spanish colonists and rhythms brought from Africa by slaves. Basically it's the type of music that will have you dancing around your desk and shaking your hips to the pulsing, catchy tunes. Sound interesting? Well The Original Sound of Colombia is exactly what you need to get started. Created by the musical experts at Soundway Records, the 2-disc album collects some of the genre's greatest hits from all the way back in 1948 all the way up to 1979. The meticulously selected songs chart the rise of this elegant, catchy, fun and joyous sound as it evolved from peasant party music to the official soundtrack of Colombia.

Many music-lovers are guilty of banishing non-American and non-European bands to a catch-all genre called World Music. Before you write off The Original Sound of Cumbia as just another collection of music from some strange South American country, give it a listen on Spotify or buy the CD from Soundway. Even if you've never been to Colombia, we promise it will have you dancing circles around your laptop while you book the next flight down to Bogota.

Take a musical trip to Colombia with The Original Sound of Cumbia originally appeared on Gadling on Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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pavia rosatiPavia Rosati is the founder of Fathom, a recently debuted travel website. Fathom is smart and beautifully designed. It's full of exciting short briefs about various destinations across the globe.

Rosati, as you'll see from her answers below, is an experienced editor and an avid traveler. Her enthusiasm for Fathom's subject matter is palpable and infectious. We love Fathom and can't wait to see how it's going to develop.

Q: Good day, Pavia Rosati, and welcome. How would you describe your occupation?

A: I am the founder and CEO of Fathom, a new travel website. It's my job to help connect you to places and experiences you didn't know you were going to love.

Q: Tell us about Fathom.

A: Fathom cuts through the clutter of the online travel space with stories and destination guides that are as practical as they are inspiring. People typically go to a travel website for one of two reasons: They know they're going to London, and they need to know where to stay and what to do. Or they think, "I have two weeks off...I like nature...Where should I go?" Fathom addresses both needs through two main sections: Guides and Postcards. Guides have quick information about the basics: hotels, sites, restaurants, and itineraries. Postcards are inspiring travel stories organized around the passion points of travel with a "I Travel for the ..." theme: I Travel for the Food, I Travel for the Thrill, I Travel for the Kids. We aren't motivated by what's expensive or what's trendy. We're interested in what's special and what's awesome. Sometimes that's a three-Michelin star lunch at Le Meurice; sometimes it's a five-euro falafel at L'As du Fallafel.

Q: What are you trying to do with Fathom that hasn't been done by other travel sites?

A: I wanted to create the one-stop travel website that I could never find. You know how the best travel guide is the email you get from a friend who lives there, detailing what you need to do and know? That's the spirit that motivates us. I used to spend 80 hours researching dozens of sites to boil my findings down to an essential nugget of information. Fathom aims to deliver that nugget. I don't want to wade through a list of 200 shops in Buenos Aires; I want 20 that are amazing. I want to know what locals know. I want pre-edited links to the best articles, websites, and online resources. Perhaps most importantly, Fathom recommendations are not driven by a mega travel agency's vast and impersonal database; our recommendations are personal and special.

Q: How do you anticipate Fathom developing? For example, will the city guides grow in number?

A: Absolutely. It's a big world, and we want to get everywhere. Postcards are updated continually, and we will launch several new guides every month. Reader feedback will be critical: We've had a lot of requests for Amsterdam since launching, so look for that soon. We want more Postcards from Fathom readers, a community we call the travel-proud. This fall, we'll launch Boutique, with our favorite travel products; Traveler Profiles, based on the popular Fathom Questionnaires; and My Itineraries, so readers can save the places they want to go.

Q: How did your decade at Daily Candy prepare you for this endeavor?

A: First and foremost, it's where I met my partner, Jeralyn Gerba, Fathom's editorial director. We had one priority at DailyCandy: We had to delight our readers every day. To achieve this, we had to be trustworthy, we had to recommend quality places, and we had to deliver information readers wanted in a way they wanted it. And it helped if we had a great time doing it. These are excellent editorial priorities. By the way, before DailyCandy, I spent four years running the Entertainment Channel at AOL. That taught me a thing or two about building and serving a big audience.

Continue reading Traveler Q & A: Pavia Rosati

Traveler Q & A: Pavia Rosati originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 02 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>africaargentinaasiacambodiacanadacaribbeanChilechinacolombiaeuropefathomfranceHong KongHongKongindonesiaitalyJapanLaoslondonNetherlandsnew yorkNewYorkNorth AmericaNorthAmericaparispavia rosatiPaviaRosatiportugalShanghaisouth americaSouthAmericaSri LankaSriLankasyriatokyounited kingdomunited statesUnitedKingdomUnitedStatesvietnamZambiaTue, 02 Aug 2011 09:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Top ten most crowded islands in the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/07/top-ten-most-crowded-islands-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/07/top-ten-most-crowded-islands-in-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/07/07/top-ten-most-crowded-islands-in-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

most crowded islands

From an island microslum in Colombia to a haute enclave in central Paris, the ten most crowded islands in the world bear scant similarities in class or culture. In fact, every entry in the top ten comes from a different country. But being islands, each shares the common thread of scarcity - whether it be land, resources, or housing. In general, these islands are prophetical microcosms for an overcrowded earth - finite spaces where self sufficiency governs and demand pierces supply.

With the world's population racing higher and higher, and the "megacities club" accepting new members yearly, some day the earth could bear the traits of one of these densely packed islands.

Gallery: Most crowded islands on earth

Vasilyevsky Island in RussiaLilla Essingen in SwedenÎle Saint-Louis in FranceÎle Saint-Louis in FranceManhattan in the Unites States

Continue reading Top ten most crowded islands in the world

Top ten most crowded islands in the world originally appeared on Gadling on Thu, 07 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>colombiafranceHong KongHongKongIle Saint-LouisIleSaint-louisIndiaislandsKenyamaldivesmalemanhattanmarshall islandsMarshallIslandsmigingomost crowded islandsmost populatdMostCrowdedIslandsMostPopulatdMumbainew yorkNewYorkrussiarussian federationRussianFederationSt. PetersburgSt.PetersburgStockholmswedenUgandaunited-statesThu, 07 Jul 2011 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Airbnb: Six awesome experiences]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/airbnb-six-awesome-experiences/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/airbnb-six-awesome-experiences/http://www.gadling.com/2011/06/07/airbnb-six-awesome-experiences/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

airbnbLast autumn, after having tracked the Airbnb buzz for a while, I finally took the plunge and reserved rooms through the site in Panama City and Bogotá for my two-stop December jaunt.

About a half-hour into my first pit stop, it was already clear to me that the service was a perfect fit for budget-conscious travelers. (For the record, I'm not the only Airbnb fan at Gadling. Check out my colleague Elizabeth Seward's Airbnb post published earlier this year.)

For those unfamiliar with it, Airbnb is a rental service. House or apartment owners list their spare beds, rooms, or entire living spaces for rent on the site.

What makes Airbnb distinct? First of all, owners are paid 24 hours after the reservation begins, a delay that helps weed out dishonest landlords. Another important detail: if there is a problem with a rental, guests can contact Airbnb to void payment. I was comfortable with Airbnb from the outset in light of these consumer protection safeguards, and the fact that everyone is encouraged to evaluate one another following a stay was icing on the cake. Landlords can't get away with false advertising, and poor behavior on the part of a guest or host will also be exposed through reviews. Good hosts and guests can both build up positive profiles via strong reviews.

Overall, Airbnb is pretty scamproof if used as directed. In a review of comments and criticisms of Airbnb online, it appears that some people have been scammed after making a payment on a rental outside of the Airbnb payment system. Payment via the Airbnb payment system, it should go without saying, is a much safer bet. Here's a tiny piece of advice: If any property owner you contact through Airbnb urges you to bypass the Airbnb payment system and directly wire them money, cut off contact and report them.

Overnight, I became a fan of Airbnb. Seldom had I found such cheap accommodations in such comfortable surroundings, and with the added benefit of an instant social network of locals taking an interest in my welfare. I've experienced just two annoyances of the most minor sort: a host in Panama City who never messaged me back and a hostess in Tel Aviv whose room was not available despite being advertised as such.

But where did I stay? What were my accommodations like? And what did they cost?

Continue reading Airbnb: Six awesome experiences

Airbnb: Six awesome experiences originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>airbnbamsterdambogotabudget travelbudget-travelBudgetTravelcolombiaIsraelJerusalemNetherlandsnorwayosloPalestinepanamapanama cityPanamaCitytel avivTelAvivTue, 07 Jun 2011 12:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latin America on a budget: Bogota, Colombia]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/19/latin-america-on-a-budget-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/19/latin-america-on-a-budget-bogota-colombia/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/19/latin-america-on-a-budget-bogota-colombia/#commentsFiled under: ,



Not all the glowing stories about Colombia's travel revival are true: a visit to Bogota can still be dangerous. I actually found myself in peril my first day in Colombia's capital when I went for some authentic lunch. As I sat down for my first Colombian meal, a friendly local recommended the "Bandeja Paisa," a hearty Colombian dish. Why not, I thought? Except his innocent meal was not what it seemed - the dish that showed up at my table looked downright terrifying: a dangerously delicious heart-attack-on-a-plate of ground beef, a fried plantain, a chorizo sausage, rice, a fried egg, avocado, crispy pork skin (are we done yet?), beans AND an arepa to top it off in case I was still hungry. As I consumed the tasty fare, I began to feel dangerously lethargic - my breath slowed, and I literally had to fight from slipping into a nap as I later explored Bogota's nearby Museo del Oro. In other words, I was loving every minute of my time in Bogota.

Bogota, Colombia is still a dangerous place to visit these days. It's just that it's not dangerous in the way you're probably thinking. In place of drugs and violence, this delightfully accessible Colombian capital is now "dangerous" for lots of good reasons: the dangerously gorgeous streets of colonial Candelaria, the city's sinfully exotic tropical fruit juices and mouth-watering culinary delights and, most importantly, its threateningly inexpensive costs for North American budget travelers.

This past February, I made the remarkably easy five hour non-stop Delta flight down to Bogota from New York City to find out just what everyone was talking about. My mission: to explore the city on just $75 a day. Wondering what I discovered in this dangerously intriguing South American capital? Keep reading below.

Continue reading Latin America on a budget: Bogota, Colombia

Latin America on a budget: Bogota, Colombia originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 19 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aguilaavocadobandeja paisaBandejaPaisabeerbogotabudget-travelcandelariachapinerochocolatechocolate santaferenoChocolateSantaferenocicloviacolonialcumbiadeltagraffitila pintaLaPintamuseo del oroMuseoDelOromuseum of goldMuseumOfGoldparque 93Parque93pezplaza de bolivarPlazaDeBolivarpuerta falsaPuertaFalsaqueso blancoQuesoBlancozona gzona tZonaGZonaTTue, 19 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Latin America on a budget: How to plan a budget-friendly adventure]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/latin-america-on-a-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/latin-america-on-a-budget/http://www.gadling.com/2011/04/05/latin-america-on-a-budget/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

latin america budget

Latin America is one of the world's most budget-friendly regions for visitors. There are very cheap places to stay across the region--most notably across Central America--where a few dollars will get you a bed for the night and dinner.

But in a budget-friendly region like Latin America there are also huge divides in terms of quality. How do you do your research to make sure that you come up with decent accommodations and an itinerary that delivers the best value for your money?

There's a big difference between a guesthouse that's cheap, clean, and cheerful and one that's filthy and barely fit for a hedgehog. There's a big difference between good cheap restaurants and bad cheap grub, too. How do you make the right planning decisions to make sure that you end up pinching pennies in a manner that's both high-value and high-quality?

In the video below I discuss how I planned my budget-friendly adventure to Antigua, Guatemala.



Check back tomorrow for my story and video on Antigua, Guatemala. On April 12 I'll extend the same treatment to Suchitoto, El Salvador. All my videos were shot by Gadling's own Stephen Greenwood. On April 19 Jeremy Kressmann will apply the Latin American budget magic to Bogotá, Colombia.

Latin America on a Budget is proudly sponsored by Delta Air Lines.

Latin America on a budget: How to plan a budget-friendly adventure originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americanantiguabogotabudgetbudget-travelcolombiaDeltaAirlinesel salvadorElSalvadorguatemalalatinLatin AmericaLatin AmericanLatinAmericaLatinAmericansuchitotoTue, 05 Apr 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Video of the Day - Sunsets around the world]]>http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/http://www.gadling.com/2011/03/29/video-of-the-day-sunsets-around-the-world/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,


Seeing the sun set over a foreign land can lead to some of the most memorable moments on any given trip. Even though it's an event we witness every day of our lives, watching it dip over a new horizon always feels like a completely new experience. Today's Video of the Day is a collection of one backpacker's best sunsets from a 365 day trip around the world.

Romain Corraze decided to travel around the world for one year after finishing his studies in 2009. Starting in France, he managed to venture through the USA, India, Cambodia, Colombia, China, Russia, Thailand, Argentina, Chile, Mongolia, Nicaragua, Mexico, Hong-Kong, Australia, Vietnam, Guatemala, Belgium & France - and captured some of these sunsets along the way.

If you like it, then be sure to check out Romain's full length documentary - "Backpacker, the movie". The video was shot with a Sony HDR-SR11 and edited in Final Cut Pro - which just goes to show that anyone can create an inspiring video with today's simple tools. If you have an inspiring piece to share, drop a comment below and it could be our next Photo/Video of the Day!

Video of the Day - Sunsets around the world originally appeared on Gadling on Tue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArgentinaCambodiaChileChinaColombiaIndiaMongoliaRomain CorrazeRomainCorrazeSunsetSunsetsUSAVideoVideo of the dayVideoOfTheDayTue, 29 Mar 2011 22:30:00 EST