Unforgettable Trip to Aruba

 Escape to Paradise - My Unforgettable Trip to Aruba

Night Photo of Aruba

When you think of paradise, crystal-clear waters, soft white sand, and warm island breezes probably come to mind. For me, that paradise became reality in Aruba. Located just off the coast of Venezuela, this tiny Caribbean island is bursting with charm, adventure, and beauty at every turn.

Why Aruba?

Known as “One Happy Island,” Aruba lives up to its nickname. The locals are warm and welcoming, the weather is sunny almost every day of the year, and the island feels safe and easy to explore. Plus, it’s outside the hurricane belt, which makes it a reliable year-round destination.

Woke up early morning, my cruise ship was almost at the dock, and after a good breakfast on the ship which was a 3 eggs omelet and a coffee was ready to explore the island on my own.  

As I exited the ship, there was a tour bus selling tours for $25 which was a good deal and took us all over the island.

Casibari Rock Formations

This was our first stop on my tour. The Casibari Rock Formations are a collection of tonalite boulders located in the center of Aruba, near the village of Paradera. These mysterious formations are a popular tourist destination because they offer a unique hiking experience and panoramic views of the island.

The rocks have been shaped by wind and erosion over time, and some people believe they resemble different animals. There are walking trails and steps carved into the rocks, making it possible for visitors to climb to the top for a 360-degree view. The site is also notable for its historical significance, as the native Arawak people are believed to have used the area for religious rites and left behind petroglyphs (rock drawings).

Next stop was Cheng Xing super Market, its a Asian Grocery store. 

Next The Aruba Aloe Factory Museum and Store which is a popular tourist destination in Aruba. It is an aloe factory that offers free educational tours and has a gift shop in a picturesque setting. There is a Aloe farm outside the store where they gave a short demonstration of extracting Aloe from the Plant.

And the next stop is the California Lighthouse. It was built between 1914 and 1916 and is named after the steamship California, which was wrecked nearby in 1891. The lighthouse is located on the northwestern tip of Aruba and offers panoramic views of the island's coastline. It is a popular tourist destination.

California Lighthouse Aruba

And the last stop was Eagles Beach. Aruba is home to many beautiful beaches. Eagle Beach is ranked as one of the best beaches in the world, it features a long stretch of white sand and clear turquoise water. It's also known for the iconic fofoti trees. I choose to go back to the Cruise ship as it was a hot day. In the evening I did stroll the busy markets to buy a few souvenirs, there are several shops and Bars within walking distance of the cruise port.

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Bonaire Tour from Cruise Port

Bonaire is a beautiful Caribbean island known for its pristine natural environment, particularly its coral reefs and diving opportunities. It's located in the Leeward Antilles, off the coast of Venezuela. It's part of the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao).

The official language is Dutch, but Papiamento is widely spoken.

Weather  Towards the end of January was hot and Humid

Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.

Image on the left shows the coast of Bonaire, characterized by a sharp contrast between the deep blue of the open ocean and the vibrant turquoise of the shallow waters closer to the shore.

After a good breakfast on my cruise ship, exited the ship and headed towards the cruise port, now I did not have a excursion planned ahead of time so basically I approached the Taxi counter, was told if there are four people they would charge USD 25 each for an island tour that lasted about three and a half hours. Within minutes there were 3 others wanting to go, was kind of surprised as most folks have booked shore excursions by the cruise ship company, anyways off we went. 

The cab driver was also our tour guide and gave a commentary on the sites we passed by, our first stop was the surf and snorkel beach, we walked down the steps to the beach. Picture of the iguana by the steps.

We continued on and our next stop was the lake. Salinas are natural saltwater lakes. Goto Lake is the largest natural saltwater lake on Bonaire where flamingos have their breeding grounds.

And we drove along the beautiful Bonaire island and came to Seru Largu which has a Cross on a hill and is a lookout point with Great island views.

It was a hot day and our last stop was The Cadushy Distillery where they make liquor out of the cactus. We drove around various neighbourhoods and were back at the Port in late afternoon.

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Crossing the Panama Canal

Crossed the Panama Canal from Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean. This was on a cruise ship.

Crossing the Panama Canal from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, or vice versa, is a remarkable maritime journey that showcases one of the world's most impressive engineering feats. 

The ship we were on is a bigger ship and used the new locks.  The new locks in the Panama Canal are called the Gatun East and Miraflores West locks. They were added between 2007 and 2016 as part of the canal's expansion. The new locks are larger than the original locks, allowing larger ships to travel through the canal. The ship enters the lock chamber, and water is either released or added to adjust the water level and help the ship ascend or descend.

Tugboats are used to help ships maneuver through the Panama Canal

The old canal utilized locomotives on either side of the ship to pull the ship into the lock. The new canal uses tug boats. From the Pacific side we go through three locks. Then we cross Miraflores Lake, Gatun Lake then 3 locks to go down to Atlantic sea level.

Gatun Lake Crossing:

Once the ship passes through the locks, it enters Gatun Lake, an artificial lake created as part of the canal system. This is the highest point of the canal and offers beautiful views of the surrounding rainforest.

Gatun Locks:

On the Atlantic side, the ship goes through the Gatun Locks, which consist of three chambers. The ship is lowered back to sea level, allowing it to continue its journey toward the Atlantic Ocean.

Atlantic Ocean Exit:

Once the ship passes through the Gatun Locks, it enters the Caribbean Sea, marking the completion of the Panama Canal transit. From here, ships continue their voyage to their final destination.

Duration and Experience:

The time it takes to complete a Panama Canal transit varies depending on factors such as the size of the ship, traffic, and canal conditions. Generally, the transit can take around 6 hours. Passengers on cruise ships or other vessels often have the opportunity to observe the process and enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Crossing the Panama Canal is not only a marvel of engineering but also a chance to witness the historic importance of this waterway and its role in global trade and transportation. 

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Day Visit to Cartagena Colombia

Cartagena, Colombia is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture, this was a cruise ship day stop for me,  Here are some of the top things to do on a  visit to Cartagena

Explore the Old Town. Cartagena's historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is filled with charming cobblestone streets, colorful colonial buildings, and beautiful plazas.  Be sure to wander around the Plaza de Bolívar, the city's main square, and admire the architecture of the Palace of the Inquisition and the Cartagena Cathedral. 

Cartagena old town

Walk the City Walls. Cartagena's fortifications are some of the most impressive in South America. You can walk along the top of the walls for stunning views of the city and the Caribbean Sea.

Visit San Felipe de Barajas Castle. This massive fortress is one of the largest Spanish forts ever built in the Americas. It's a great place to learn about Cartagena's colonial history and explore the tunnels and ramparts. 

Go shopping at Las Bóvedas. This craft market is located in a series of arches that were once used to defend the city. You can find a variety of souvenirs here, including Colombian handicrafts, jewelry, and clothing. 

Las Bóvedas

Sample Colombian cuisine. Cartagena has a great food scene, with everything from fresh seafood to traditional Colombian dishes like bandeja paisa (a hearty platter of rice, beans, and plantains). 

These are just a few of the many things to do in Cartagena on a cruise ship visit. With its rich history, beautiful beaches, and delicious food, Cartagena is sure to be a port of call that you won't forget.

Here are some additional tips for your cruise ship visit to Cartagena

Be sure to bargain when shopping at the markets.

The local currency is the Colombian peso (COP), Bought a T shirt and the vendor took US$

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Puerto Plata Dominican Republic

Puerto Plata is a Port city in the Dominican Republic, located on the Atlantic Ocean at the base of Isabel de Torres Peak. Puerto Plata translates to "Silver Port" in Spanish.

Puerto Plata Dominican Republic was a day stopover on Caribbean cruise, had booked a shore excursion to see the city and The Christ the Redeemer statue which is a famous landmark located at the summit of Mount Isabel de Torres. After a 10 minute walk to exit the Taino Bay Cruise Port, The tour bus was waiting for the group of folks that booked the tour. It takes about about half an hour to get from the Port to Mount Isabel de Torres. 

One can see the beautiful beaches and the city of Puerto Plata Dominican Republic from the Mount, on the way down from Mount Isabel de Torres the group decided to walk half way down as suggested by the tour guide, not an easy hike down though very scenic and beautiful through lush green gardens. 

The tour continued and the tour bus drove towards Fort San Felipe, a historic fortress built in the 16th century. We drove through The Malecon street which is about a 3 kilometer Picturesque drive on the oceanfront. 

Next stop on the tour is Parque Independencia which is a gazebo structure in city center across from Cathedral of St. Philip the Apostle. We did go inside the Cathedral and spent a good 20 minutes there.

Independence Square Puerto Plata

This is the main square of Puerto Plata where you can walk to the cathedral. the two statues are of national heroes Juan Pablo Duarte and General Gregorio Luperon. From this square, we walked to the surrounding attractions Umbrella Street,  and Victorian pink alley Paseo de Dona Blanca

Pink Alley Puerto Plata

We stopped at souvenir shops in downtown, they all charge tourist prices. The tour bus dropped us off at the Taino Bay Cruise port entrance, Taino Bay has music blasting with bars and shops selling T shirts, coffee, chocolates ect, there is also a pool and a lazy river, there is also free WiFi 

It was a hot afternoon in December and I took a free Tuk-Tuk ride from Taino Bay to the Ship, and tipped the driver 1 USD.

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Old Town Panama Visit

Exploring the old town of Panama City, also known as Casco Viejo, is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the history and culture of the area. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is filled with charming colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a rich history that dates back to the 16th century. Visited Panama in February, spent a day in old town Panama and the next day crossing the Panama canal

Things to do and see in Old town Panama

1. Plaza de la Independencia:

This historic square is surrounded by beautiful colonial buildings and is a great place to learn about the area's history. You'll find the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Municipal Palace here.

2. Visit the Metropolitan Cathedral:

Take a moment to step inside the Metropolitan Cathedral, a stunning example of colonial architecture. The cathedral has an impressive altar and beautiful stained glass windows.

3. Walk along Avenida Central:

Avenida Central is a lively street with many stores, cafes, and restaurants. It's located in Casco Viejo, between Plaza Santa Ana and Plaza Cinco de Mayo. The colorful buildings and vibrant atmosphere make this a delightful walk.

4. Stop at Plaza Bolivar:

Plaza Bolivar is a charming square named after Simon Bolivar, a prominent figure in Latin American history. The square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a great spot to relax and people-watch.

5. Explore the San Felipe Neri Church:

Continue your walk to the San Felipe Neri Church. This church played a significant role in Panama's history and has a distinctive yellow façade.

6. Visit Plaza de Francia:

Plaza de Francia offers panoramic views of Panama City's skyline and the ocean. It's a tribute to the French engineers who attempted to build the Panama Canal in the 19th century

8. Wander through Plaza de la Catedral:

This picturesque square is surrounded by historic buildings and is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. The Plaza de la Catedral is a great place to take a break and soak in the atmosphere.

9. End at Bóvedas and the Sea Wall:

Finish your walking tour at Bóvedas, a series of archways that were once used as dungeons but now house souvenir shops. Nearby, you'll find the sea wall, a perfect place to take in views of the ocean and the modern skyline.

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Santiago Chile Travel

Visited Santiago in January 2020 

I left after 2 days

Airport to city takes about 30 minutes, have your hotel arrange for transportation to avoid any taxi scams.

Civil protests were taking place Chile in response to a raise in the Santiago Metro's subway fare, increased cost of living, and inequality in the country.

In Santiago the city streets one could see graffiti every where also burnt buildings and shops.

Protest were still going on, there were protestors trying to break into shops for looting and armored police trucks were spray tear gas to disperse the crowds. 

The evening I spent in Pio Nono which is alive with bars and restaurants and a great place to enjoy the city night life.

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Puerto Williams Chile Travel

Puerto Williams is a small town located on Navarino Island in southern Chile. It is often referred to as the southernmost town in the world, and it serves as the capital of the Chilean Antarctic Province. Due to its remote location and stunning natural surroundings, Puerto Williams has become an increasingly popular destination for adventure travelers, stopped here on my expedition cruise to Antarctica. 

The immigration officers from Chile came onboard the ship to stamp entry into Chile as we had sailed from Ushuaia Argentina.

Things to do

Museo Martin Gusinde: This museum is dedicated to the indigenous peoples of Tierra del Fuego. It showcases artifacts, photographs, and information about the native cultures that have inhabited the region for centuries.

Naval and Maritime Museum: Given Puerto Williams' naval presence, this museum provides insight into the area's maritime history and its connection to the Chilean Navy.

Wildlife Watching: The area is rich in wildlife, including various bird species, seals, and sometimes even whales. Guided wildlife tours can be arranged to explore the local fauna.

Kayaking and Canoeing: The region's pristine waters offer opportunities for kayaking and canoeing. You can paddle along the coastlines and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Bow of the Yelcho (replica) Walking distance from the port of entry.

 

Above Photo: Bow of the Yelcho (replica), the ship is famous for rescuing the crew of Ernest Shackleton's Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition from Elephant Island in 1916. Yelcho was a steam-powered cutter that was originally used as a tugboat before entering Chilean Navy service. 

A little History about Yelcho 

The Yelcho was commanded by Captain Luis Pardo Villalón. The Yelcho sailed from Punta Arenas, Chile, on August 25, 1916. It arrived at Elephant Island on August 30, 1916. The crew of the Yelcho was able to rescue all 22 men who had been stranded on the island for 10 months.

The rescue of the Shackleton's crew was a major international news story. It was a testament to the courage and determination of both Shackleton and Captain Pardo. The Yelcho is considered a hero ship and is remembered as one of the most important ships in Antarctic history.

Cape Horn: Puerto Williams is a departure point for tours to Cape Horn, the southernmost point of South America. This iconic landmark is known for its turbulent waters and rich maritime history. Due to rough sea conditions the ship I was on was unable to dock at Cape Horn.

An impact crater that lies at the Moon's south pole is named after Shackleton.

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Punta Arenas Chile Travel

Plaza de Armas

Punta Arenas was a stopover on my way back from Antarctica in January 2020 

Punta Arenas, sometimes also called the ‘city of the red roofs,’ is the capital of Chile’s Magallanes region. This cultural melting pool has a lot to offer the world, and many visitors are surprised by its cultural diversity and natural beauty. Most people called it the city of red roofs because of the red metal roofs that most of the buildings in the city had. The red color came from the protective spray that builders used on those metal roofs.

Punta Arenas sees many activities with sea, land, and air pathways, despite its far-away location. It is also the starting point for many Antarctic expeditions, with recent expeditions bringing an economic boom with them. 

Things To Do In Punta Arenas, Chile.

One can find very convenient about Punta Arenas because it is possible to walk to most of the tourist attractions in Punta Arenas. 

Visit Plaza de Armas

My hotel Hotel Cabo De Hornos was across the street from Plaza de Armas with  The stately statue of Ferdinand Magellan in the center of the park, the namesake for this region of Chile. 

Board the Nao Victoria Museo

History buffs love Nao Victoria Museo because it is a replica of the carrack ship that Ferdinand Magellan used to discover what people now know as the Magallanes. For that reason, this replica has historical importance and is an important part of Punta Arenas’s history.

Climb the Cerro De La Cruz

Want to see the beautiful city from above? The Hill of the Cross or the Cerro de La Cruz will provide you with a breathtaking view of the idyllic city from above, with its colorful metal roofs and a stunning vista, including the Strait of Magellan.

Explore Fort Bulnes

The protectors of this old city built Fort Bulnes to evade attackers. Tourists worldwide now explore its nooks and crannies and get a feel of old-world Chile before it became the gateway to Antarctica that it currently is.

Punta Arenas Airport 

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San Pedro de Atacama Chile Travel

San Pedro de Atacama Chile, It's a must-see destination in South America and is known for its lunar landscape. The Atacama Desert is the highest and driest non-polar desert in the world. It's characterized by otherworldly rock formations, salt flats, and volcanoes. The town is small, with a population of around 5,000 people. The town is very calm and sleepy, even with tourists around, in January and February the town is full of tourists as this is one of the starting points of tours going to Salt Flats in Bolivia. The altitude can cause some people to feel tired, lose their breath faster, and experience headaches. It's recommended to spend at least 4 to 5 days to experience this destination comfortably.

Above Picture - Municipalidad De San Pedro de Atacama, is a block away from Caracoles Street, across the street is the Church of San Pedro de Atacama and there is a park, tourist office and a Medical post next to the Municipalidad.

I spent 5 days here, getting myself ready for the high altitude travel to Salar de Uyuni Bolivia. San Pedro de Atacama is Number 2 travel destination in Chile after Patagonia. Don't expect any fancy shopping malls.

Learn some Spanish. Though English is widely spoken.

San Pedro de Atacama Chile has one of the most beautiful night skies

How to get there - I flew from Santiago Chile to Calama, from Calama airport as you walk towards the exit, one sees the Airport shuttle booths, pick one its fixed price. From Calama it takes little over an hour to get to San Pedro de Atacama. The Shuttle is about 10k Chilean Pesos one way and will drop you at your hotel/hostel.

Stay - I stayed at Anka Hostel next to Caracoles Street, stay near Caracoles, its the main street with tons of tours agencies, money exchange, shopping, and great eating places. I loved my stay at Anka. Good breakfast, clean rooms and friendly staff.

Food - during my 5 days ate at several places. One place that stands out for great Chilean food is Las Delicias de Carmen, its awesome and had a very good beer selection. Picture below.



There was a pharmacy next to my hostel, went there to get some altitude sickness pills and they wanted a prescription, there is a medical post in town, went to see the doctor there free of charge, had to pay for pills only.

Tours - I did the Valley of the Moon tour.



This otherworldly landscape is characterized by dramatic rock formations, salt flats, and lunar-like terrain. Sunset is the perfect time to visit, as the colors of the rocks change beautifully, there are also bicycle tours in the morning where you rent and paddle by yourself to the valley of moon.

My days here were spent on the hammock in the hostel yard doing nothing, occasionally going to the ice-cream shop on Caracoles or to a café. 

San Pedro de Atacama is a breathtaking destination that offers a mix of natural wonders and cultural richness. Whether you’re exploring stunning landscapes, engaging with local traditions, or gazing at the stars, your time in this remarkable part of Chile will surely be unforgettable. Enjoy your adventure!

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Ushuaia Argentina Travel

Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina

Ushuaia, Argentina is a busy port city for Antarctica cruises.

How to get to Ushuaia - easiest way to get to Ushuaia is by flight. took a flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia.

Ushuaia claims to be the southern most city in the world. Puerto Williams Chile makes the same claim and it is more south, visited there as well, Ushuaia has more going for it than Puerto Williams. 

Ushuaia is Beautiful city with snow caped hills on one side and ocean on the other.

Airport to Town Taxi - cost is about USD 10

Cost - Ushuaia is not budget friendly, plan accordingly. I was there overnight as the next afternoon, had a ship to catch for my trip to Antarctica.

Transportation - one can walk everywhere

Weather - dress warm, I was there in January which is their summer and needed a Jacket

San Martin Avenue is the main street with all kinds of eating places and shopping, It's home to the Calle San Martin shopping mall. One can also find tourist agencies selling last minute tours to Antarctica on San Martin Avenue.

Food One place I recommend for coffee and sandwiches is Tante Sara Cafe Bar. I also ate at 137 Pizza. Both are located on San Martin Avenue.




Tourist info office, you can get maps and all the info you need. Across the street from the Port of Ushuaia 




Navigating the Beagle Channel - Along the Shore one finds the cabin shops selling shipping and sailing tours along the Beagle Channel which is the most popular activity in Ushuaia navigating the Beagle Channel, Take a scenic boat trip where you can spot sea lions, penguins, dolphins, and various bird species, while admiring the surrounding mountains and islands. Beagle Channel is named after the ship that took Darwin to Patagonia.

Mural in Ushuaia of prisoners in their uniforms

The prison in Ushuaia, Argentina, known as the "Presidio de Ushuaia," was a notorious penal colony.  Built in the early 20th century, it was infamous for its harsh conditions and isolation, with prisoners contributing significantly to the development of the city through forced labor on public works projects

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Buenos Aires Argentina Travel

Buenos Aires - Argentina

Buenos Aires, the capital of  Argentina is a lively city with lots to see and do. Well my Plan was to spend 3 days in Buenos Aires, things don't always work out as planned and with bad weather and flight delays, my time in Buenos Aires was cut short by 2 days.

Café Tortoni

Airport and immigration

U.S. citizens don't need a visa for visits of up to 90 days for tourism, The process is simple, though expect long line, kind of reminded me of Cancun Airport immigration 

There are ATM machines at the Airport.

Airport Taxi - As you exit the immigration, there are car rental and taxi booths, don't stop at those, exit the Baggage claim area and you'll see the main Taxi booth, book your taxi there, its a fixed price.

Stay- I stayed at America del Sur Hostel Buenos Aires, clean comfortable and really good breakfast.

Transportation - I used metered Taxi, cheap and safe

Picture above is Café Tortoni, located a few blocks from the presidential palace, Casa Rosada, and Plaza de Mayo. It's a favorite hangout of the cultural elite. The cafe has live tango and other performances.

Did the city walking tour, as with most cities BA has a good walking tour it starts at the Congress Building  and ends at the Pink Government house.

Congress Building 

The tour goes through Avenida 9 de Julio, also known as July 9th Avenue, is the widest avenue in the world. The avenue is also known for the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, which was inaugurated in 1936. The Obelisk is located at the intersection of Avenida 9 de Julio and Avenida Corrientes. 

Obelisk de Buenos Aires located in the Plaza de la República

Pink house

The Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral is the main Catholic church in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It's located in the city center, overlooking Plaza de Mayo.

Buenos Aires Metropolitan Cathedral

Due to flight delays, did miss the chance to go to Uruguay, though I did go the ferry terminal in BA, the ferry to Uruguay leave early in the mornings.

After 2 days of excitement in BA, took a flight to Ushuaia, the flight did stop in El Calafate which is a city in Patagonia, Argentina.

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Things to do In Rio de Janeiro Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, visited this Amazing city in the last week of August. The weather was just perfect, T shirt and shorts weather with slightly cooler nights.

Arrival - Arrived at Rio de Janeiro–Galeao International Airport early morning, Immigration is quick and easy, took 2 minutes and I was out in the Arrival area of the Airport looking for an ATM machine, there are no ATM/Cash Machines in the international Arrivals, had to walk all the way to Domestic arrivals to find an ATM. There are several currency exchange places at the airport, which I did not use.

Brazil Visa - US passport holder do not need a visa for Brazil, check if you need Visa here.

Airport Taxi, there are official Taxi booths at the airport, use your bargain skills at those, the cost of a taxi from airport to city is about 60 Riyal. The airport has free Wi-Fi and you can try Uber also. 

Safety - I found Rio to be safe, I took cabs at night, they have meters, no issues there, I also used Uber and the city metro all safe, I had my camera and cell Phone in My hand and no one tried anything, I actually found people to be friendly and helpful, basically I found Rio to be very safe. Now keep in mind that I didn't go walking into any favela's by myself. However I was drinking beer out in the open at street parties by the ocean with the locals, I am not suggesting you do this.

Tip for those who don't speak Portuguese, learn a few words or get an app as the everyday people you encounter in Brazil like cab drivers, asking people for directions will not know English 

Stay I stayed at an BNB found on booking.com and I paid USD $26 a night with breakfast included. It was close to Uruguai Metro station in Tijuca neighborhood, across the street was the Assai supermarket with restaurants, ATM's and taxi stand.

Food - tons of options, I recommend atleast checking out Confeitaria Colombo in Centro Rio.

Colombo Bakery 

Things to do in Rio

Walking Tour - That's the first thing I did in Rio and am a big fan of walking tours; now you can take a walking tour or do it yourself. The tour starts in Centro (Downtown) and ends at the Selaron Staircase in Lapa; Lapa has some great clubs and Bars, if checking out the city nightlife is your thing to do. Lapa also has Carioca Aqueduct to bring water to the city, built in the 1800's. The tour took about 3 hours, and goes through XV Square, Paço Imperial, Cinelandia also known as Brazilian Broadway, Municipal Theater, and National Library the biggest library of Latin America. 

Lapa Arches

Christ the Redeemer Statue 

One of the 7 wonders of the world, my 2nd day in Rio was spent in Rio at Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain. My advise is to get there early or else you'll be among large crowds. I off course slept in and was among large crowds. Took uber to the Christ the Redeemer hill and a Train to the top, train ticket was about USD $15 round trip, gave my self time to admire the statue and take in all the amazing view of the city from the hill. You'll have to climb stairs to see the statue.

There is a one room small chapel under the statue, where a baptism was going on while I was there.

Once back to entrance down the hill, some guy with a suggestion to eat his restaurant across the street. And all the walking up the stairs and down had left me hungry and I went there for lunch. The food was delicious, the place was clean and the price was reasonable. I don't remember the name of the place.

SugarLoaf Mountain

From Christ the Redeemer hill I took a cab to Sugarloaf, didn't have much luck trying to find a bus. The cab ride cost was about 8 USD. The cab rider dropped me at the entrance to where one buys the ticket for the cable car. Once inside you can buy the ticket though self help touch screen monitors. The round trip cost is 99 Brazilian Riyal. Try to be the first few people in the cable car, and get in the front for some amazing views.

The cable car takes you to the first hill, we walk though souvenir shops and cafes, to take the 2nd cable car to Sugarloaf. You see some amazing views all directions. Give yourself a good 2 hours to see and walk around.

 

Later in the evening I ran into some street parties by the ocean front where street vendors were selling beer and people were plating music, Rio is a fun place.

Next Day ( Day 3 )  I went to Gloria Street Market, it was a Sunday and you can find some of the freshest produce and seafood here. There are also clothing vendors, antique vendors my main focus was food stalls.




Mureta da Urca

A 10 to 15 minute walk from Sugarloaf Mountain, A great place to watch the Sunset and drink beer. Also a cool place for people watching, street vendors will be selling beer there. People will be playing music and musical instruments.


Beaches

I spent 2 evenings at the beaches in Rio, some of the best beaches are Ipanema and Copacabana beaches






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Tikal Guatemala Visit

Visited Tikal in September 2018, its hot and humid in September dress accordingly.

I had booked a tour online, they had canceled on me as they didn't have enough people for the tour. I headed to Belize border town with Guatemala called San Ignacio. There are several tours that leave everyday and I was able to book a tour to Tikal easily in San Ignacio.

The tour van was comfortable and had A/C. They took care of all the border crossing fees, entrance fees to the Archeological site, came with a guide and they took care of lunch.

The cost was $135 USD, which I thought was a bargain. The starting time was 6:30AM and drop off around 5PM same day.

Get a tour company and avoid all the hassles of doing it yourself.

Although everything for the trip was paid for, I did change 10 USD at the border to Guatemala Quetzal, in September 2018, 1USD = 7.5 Guatemala Quetzal. The reason being I'll need local money for water and drinks on a hot day full of hiking. I did buy 2 bottles of Gatorade for 30 Guatemala Quetzal.

From San Ignacio to the Guatemala border is 20 minutes ride and about an hour to Flores Guatemala. The van drive stopped by the lake in Flores. And a coffee restroom break at a roadside souvenir shop.

Nestled deep within the lush jungles of Guatemala lies Tikal, one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites of the Maya civilization. With its towering pyramids, rich history, and vibrant wildlife, Tikal is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking adventure and cultural immersion. September is low tourist season and once we arrived in Tikal National park, there were very few tourists. 

A Brief History

Tikal was once a thriving city, flourishing from around 400 BC to 900 AD. At its peak, it was one of the largest and most influential city-states in the Maya world. The site covers approximately 16 square kilometers and is home to over 3,000 structures, including temples, palaces, and plazas. Tikal played a crucial role in trade, politics, and culture, making it an important hub in ancient Mesoamerica.

The group I was in spent the hot day exploring the Mayan pyramids. The Pyramids with a room on top is a temple, the Pyramid which is flat on top is an Observatory.

Some of the Pyramids are still covered with dirt and have trees growing on them, the guide explained the issues that could arise by taking the trees out could cause damage to the structure. With all the technology we have, I thought it was the cost involved in restoring and upkeep as Guatemala is not very rich, I could be wrong.



The Tour van stopped on the road and everyone got out to take pictures of the monkeys on the trees.



Above Picture National tree of Guatemala 'Ceiba'




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