Seniors Descend To The Los Rios Region

My wife and I love Chile having spent time with students in Temuco, a short distance south of Santiago. These seniors hope one day to drive the entire length of the country from the Atacama Desert all the way to Los Rios.

The Los Ríos Region ‘s capital is Valdivia, pop. 356,396. Valdivia, one of the most beautiful cities in Chile, was founded in 1552, rediscovered in 1645 and strongly fortified in the 18th century. The German immigration transformed it to one of the most important industrial centers in Chile with factories of beer, mills and tanneries.

Oh Those Rivers (rios)

The Futaleufú river, at the top of Chile’s Patagonia, is one of the most captivating in the world. The valley it runs through is stunning and majestic, a special, sacred place, surrounded by snow-capped mountains, dense forests, glaciated lakes and other roaring rivers.

However, as is so often the case in pristine areas such as this, the watershed faces many threats, from hydroelectric interests wanting to dam the wild rivers to the potential construction of contaminating mines, as well as unsustainable development and the entrance of invasive species.

The original Los Lagos Region was one of the largest, most diverse regions in the country. Los Rios is properly named with many tributaries that promote some of the best fishing in the world. Chile is like a long spinal cord extending along the Pacific Ocean.

Senior Travelers Like Valdivia and Fly Fishing

Valdivia seems to be the place senior visitors want to be, located near hot springs, lakes and a plethora of fly fishing hot spots. With many miles of premium trout water, you can fly fish all day without seeing another soul. The city is recognized nationally for having outstanding human resources, with one of the biggest concentrations of masters and PhD’s per capita in Chile and one of the most important centers for scientific studies in the world.

Valdivia is located 520 miles south of Santiago , near the Valdivia River’s mouth and the port of Corral, on the Pacific Ocean. The economy is oriented to forestry, while the other provinces are more active in fishing and cattle farming.

La Cruces Forest, also known as Valdivia Rainforest Valdiviana or temperate rainforest is an evergreen forest. It is considered a good representative of the oldest forests in the world, with an unusual diversity of tree species, many of which are unique in the world.

We recall that the family we were staying with in rural Temuco took us to a forest with trees that looked like they belonged to a prehistoric era. The trees are called Araucaria or monkey trees or Chilean Pine. Because of the great age of this species it is sometimes described as a living fossil.

Seniors, make plans now to visit the Los Rios Region , bring along your fly fishing gear and a good South American appetite. jeb

Seniors Seek Peru’s Hidden Treasures

Peru, The Empire Of Hidden Treasures has so much to offer senior visitors. The country is larger than France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands and Switzerland combined. It is the third largest country in South America bordered to the north by Ecuador and Colombia, to the east by Brazil and Bolivia, to the south by Chile and to the west by the waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Most of us have heard of the enigmatic complex of Machu Picchu, the most important and beautiful legacy of the ancient Peruvian culture. It is part of the Historic Sanctuary of the same name, which is also one of the few places in the Americas placed on both the World Cultural and Natural Heritage Lists by UNESCO.

Over 250 species of orchids have been counted in the Machu Picchu Historic Sanctuary, as well as numerous birds such as hummingbirds, waterfowl and the majestic Andean Condor. Located high on top of a mountain the site complements the exuberant nature that surrounds it, creating a one of a kind site in the world.

Seniors will discover that Peru has not forgotten its roots. Today, as in the past, Peruvians are proud of their cultural and ethnic identity. Festivals and traditions are everyday affairs.

Seniors Visit Cusco and Walk The Inca Trail

The city of Cusco, the ancient capital of the Incan Empire, is without a doubt one of the most important destinations in Peru. However the ancient Inca citadel of Machu Picchu is the star attraction. For senior hikers, the Inca Trail is Peru’s best known hike, combining a stunning mix of Inca ruins, mountain scenery, lush cloud-forest and rich subtropical jungle.

Essentially the Inca Trail is a mountainous jungle hike leading to the sacred Inca city of Machu Picchu. The 45km trek can be covered in 4 days, arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak on the final day before returning to Cusco by train in the afternoon. The Andes of Peru are amazingly stunning. Home to millions of highland Indians who still speak the native tongue of Quechua and practice the times of years past.

Scenic Beauty, Inca History and Wild Animals

Whether you want to trek the hallowed Inca Trail, drink pisco sours in a sleepy colonial town, swim with pink dolphins or paddle your way down the Amazon in a dugout canoe – or all of the above – this is a country that’s ripe for exploring.

This was a fun blog… there is so much to share about Peru.  It’s a country full of scenic beauty, Inca history, wild animals galore, friendly people, great music, a fascinating coastline, rivers, lakes and so much more. So what are you waiting for seniors? Two of my grandchildren are taking a school trip to discover the highlights of Peru . And it’s on their grandpa’s “travel bucket list.” jeb

Seniors Investigate Ancient Civilization

(The Gateway of the Sun) Tiahuanacu is in the Bolivian Andes lying 12,500 feet (over 2 miles) above sea-level. It is said to be the “most intriguing ancient site on the planet.” The original port of Tiahuanacu was built on the shores of Lake Titicaca less then 600 feet away, but whose coastline now lies some 12 miles away. Senior travelers discover the remains of a civilization predating the Incas.

The 10-ton Gateway to the Sun is monolithic, carved from a single block of Andesite granite. It is broken through the center, leading investigators to wonder what sort of tremendous forces could have achieved this feat. So folks, this blog will be a “little different” from other travel blogs you have read here. So on we go.

Seniors Find Megalithic Stones of Puma Pumku

45 miles west of La Paz high, in the Andes mountains, senior visitors can visit the mysterious ancient ruins. The megalithic stones are among the largest on the planet, measuring up to 26 feet long and weighing more than 100 tons each. Puma Pumku (which translates to the Doorway of the Puma) is a large temple complex or monument group that is part of the Tiwanaku site near Tiwanaku, Bolivia.

The ruins are what is left of the Puma Pumku pyramid, a temple that stood at least 56 feet tall. The Nazca Lines in South America remain unsolved in a similar vein. Puma Pumku is so unique in the way that it was constructed, shaped and positioned, that it is said to be the most intriguing ancient site on the planet.

You can read all about Puma Punku on Wikipedia that shows several interesting photos of the high-precision small holes, blind holes of complex configuration and huge stone blocks that baffle scientists today. The initial construction of the Puma Punku dates back to AD 536–600.  The engineering feat is mind boggling with the largest of these stone blocks measuring 7.81 meters long, 5.17 meters wide, and about 1.07 meters thick, and is estimated to weigh about 131 metric tons (288,805 lb).

Marvelous Ancient Architects

Whoever constructed Puma Punku  were marvelous architects. The precise means by which these blocks were positioned remains unknown, in part because the Tiwanaku civilization did not have a written record. The Tiwanaku civilization and the use of these temples appears to have peaked from 700 to 1000 AD. by which point the temples and surrounding area may have been home to some 400,000 people.

Another of the most important archaeological artifacts ever discovered in Tiahuanacu or Puma Pumku is the famous Fuente Magna Bowl discovered in the Titicaca Basin. This bowl has Sumerian cuneiform and Proto-Sumerian hieroglyphic written on it. Skeptoid has a story on that explains a lot about the entire site and its history. All this may whet you appetite for a trip to the Bolivian Andes. jeb

Senior Nature Lover’s Paradise

For the adventurer, Guyana is a place of wonder; for the eco-tourist, it is a country where nature has placed its greatest riches. The country is a paradise for senior nature lovers, senior adventure seekers, and senior citizens who love the exotic.

You will discover an irresistible combination of fascinating and breathtaking natural beauty, pristine Amazonian rainforests, immense waterfalls, amazing wildlife blended with a vibrant indigenous culture, rich heritage and some of the most hospitable and friendly people you will ever meet. It’s called an Amazon Adventure.

Guyana is about the size of Idaho with a tropical forest that covers more than 80% of the land. It stretches 450 miles from its long Atlantic coastline into dense equatorial forest. The official language of Guyana is English and senior travelers won’t need a visa. Although not required, it is recommended that travelers receive vaccination against Typhoid fever within 2-4 weeks prior to arriving in Guyana.

The capital of Guyana is Georgetown and this is where senior visitors will no doubt start out your adventure. It was the French who developed Georgetown and made it their capital city when they captured the colony in 1782. The French called the capital La Nouvelle Ville.

A major visitor attraction is the Rupununi, a vast area of dry grasslands, with sparse trees, huge termite mounds and sprawling hills in the southwest of the country. The Iwokrama Rain Forest features 360,000 hectares (if you are not used to the metric system, that’s 889,579.373 acres) of pristine rainforest and that’s a bunch.

Seniors, Where is Guyana?

Maybe, just maybe senior travelers are wondering, like my wife, where Guyana is located. This map will put you right on the spot. The country has a population of just over 3/4 million and most of the population lives along the coast. About 50% of the people are of East Indian descent, and about 30 percent are of black African descent. A little background history: first charted by Spain in 1499, Guyana came under Dutch control by the mid-1700s. The British gained possession of Guyana in 1814.

The name Guyana (from Arawak Wayana) means “Land of many waters.” The tumbling rivers and dense rainforests of Guyana are filled with extraordinary natural sights like Kaieteur Falls. Kaieteur is one of the highest waterfalls in the world, nearly five times as high as Niagara Falls.

Enjoy shelling? Shell Beach extends for about 90 miles along Guyana’s northwestern shore. True to its name, this remarkable strand consists of uncounted numbers of tiny shells, a composition that makes it an ideal nesting site for sea turtles. Four of the world’s eight sea turtle species come here each year to nest. Enjoy birding? In Guyana more than 796 species of birds from 72 different families have been documented. Plus, there are many more species that remain unidentified.

I think that you will enjoy exploring Guyana. jeb

Seniors Explore the Amazing Rainforest

This senior has always been enthralled with the Amazon region in South America. The Amazon Rain Forest covers more than two million square miles of the earth’s surface, spanning eight South American countries. The Rainforest , also known in English as Amazonia or the Amazon Jungle, is a moist broadleaf forest that covers 40% of South America.

Although the region has no seasons, the Amazon River rises and falls by as much as 30 feet during the year, and the variety of living things senior visitors can see changes with it. Every journey in this area reveals new wonders. The Amazon River has more than 200 tributaries.

The name Amazon: Francisco de Orellana was a Spanish conquistador and the first European to travel the length of the Amazon river, in 1541-42. Along the way, he and his men ran into a tribe of fierce women warriors, each “doing as much fighting as ten Indian men.” Orellana recalled the Greek myth of warrier women and named the entire river “Amazonas.”

Seniors Encounter Staggering Numbers

The forest spans nine countries, with much of it in Brazil but also stretching into Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, French Guiana, Venezuela, Bolivia and Suriname.  The numbers of the Amazon Rain Forest are staggering: 40,000 plants species, 3,000 freshwater fish species and more that 370 types of reptiles. What is also amazing to me as I write this blog is the fact that more than 30 million people including 350 indigenous and ethnic groups, live in the Amazon.

Each year, the Amazon loses forested areas the size of the state of Delaware. Agricultural expansion, ranching, infrastructure projects, energy exploration and illegal logging are to blame. I can not fathom the quantity of water released by the Amazon to the Atlantic Ocean: up to 300,000 cubic meters per second (11,000,000 cu ft/s) in the rainy season. The Amazon is responsible for about 20% of the Earth’s fresh water entering the ocean and they say that the color of the water is like chocolate milk.

More than a third of the world’s species—mostly plants and insects—make their home in the Rain Forest. But with the help of an experienced guide, senior travelers can also glimpse a rainbow of exotic creatures that includes toucans, red deer, harpy eagles, poison dart frogs, spider monkeys and pink dolphins. One in ten known species lie within the Amazon Rainforest.

The astonishment and beauty of the Amazon is found “in the intricacy of this fabulously complex ecosystem.” Most senior travelers visit the western areas of the rain forest that remain largely untouched. The headwaters of the Amazon River are in the Andes Mountains of Peru, a mere 120 miles to the west (190 km) from the Pacific Ocean. From there the River stretches eastward for approximately 4,000 miles (6,400 km) until if finally empties into the Atlantic Ocean at Belém in Brazil.

Enjoy your every moment in Amazonia as it will surely be memorable. jeb

Seniors Set to Work on Their Portuguese

Fortaleza (Fortress) is the state capital of Ceará, located in northeast Brazil. With a population close to 2.3 million (metropolitan region over 3.4 million), Fortaleza is the 5th largest city in Brazil. Senior travelers, can you name any of the top four? I’ve been to Brazil…kind of… sneaking in to see Iguazu Falls from Argentina.  We flew into Sao Paolo on our way to Paraguay and on to our friends in Corrientes, Argentina.

However I don’t know much else about the country, but I do want to know more about Fortaleza. I discovered that it was “way up north” on the map. Fortaleza was officially founded in 1726 and its oldest remaining buildings have been well cared far.

The City Rocks

Fortaleza is a major tourist destination for the domestic Brazilian market. For you senior night owls, nightlife in Fortaleza centers around local Forro music and dancing or fine dining. Over the last four years several high quality restaurants have opened up as the city raises it standards generally and in particular with the world cup in view.

Fortaleza has about 16 miles of urban beaches. Despite being one of smallest states in Brazil , Ceará has one of the longest coastlines in the country.

Seniors Will Enjoy Fortaleza

As well as being an important economic hub, Fortaleza is also known for its excellent tourism opportunities, boasting numerous splendid beaches, an alluring nightlife and a heaving off-season carnival each July. Much history is present within the Centro area of Fortaleza, although it is understandably the beaches that serve as the biggest magnet for tourists.

In recent years, the fame of Fortaleza has been gaining the world, and the number of Europeans, North and South American travelers coming to Ceará has grown fast.

Senior visitors enjoy beautiful and historic buildings such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the President Castelo Branco Mausoleum and the Center of Tourism.

Beaches Are Fortaleza’s Attraction

Beaches are the top draw in this sunny, rapidly developing city, particularly bohemian, party-hearty Iracema beach, family-friendly Meireles beach, fishing and boating base camp Mucuripe and low-key Praia do Futuro.

Many of the biggest attractions in Fortaleza relate directly to its innumerable beaches, generous coastline and plentiful sunshine, with beach buggy tours popular with holiday makers. Senior tourists find fun on the beaches of Fortaleza all day long.

Stalls at the Mercado Central or Feirinha Beira Mar brim with local handicrafts, ranging from ceramics to lacework and leather goods. The Dutch-built Fortress of Nossa Senhora da Assunção in the city center, constructed in 1649, marks the spot where Fortaleza originated.

TripAdvisor will fix you up with 83 attractions not to be missed. I’ll say “adeus” with a last shot called Fortaleza Info that will fill in your itinerary very well.  Enjoy your visit. jeb

Seniors Visit the “Crossroads of the Americas”

Seniors travelers are always looking for great travel ideas and here is one that will captivate you. Panama. You certainly will not feel alone, Panama boasts a large expat community; about 25,000 U.S. citizens live in the country.

There are several recommended places to visit that include Colon, David, Pedasi, El Valle de Anton, Bocas, Boquete, Isla Colon, Isla Bastimentos and Santa Catalina. TripAdvisor gives information on each site and they offer lots of other helpful information on Panama.

I know of several seniors who have been to Panama on a cruise and that includes my father and mother-in-law. They spoke highly of their trip. U.S. citizens traveling by air, road, or sea must present a valid passport when entering or departing Panama. U.S. citizens departing or re-entering the United States must likewise present a valid passport.

Senior Travel to Panama is Easy and Popular

The ease of travel and wide array of experiences make Panama one of the most attractive emerging tourism destinations in the world. In just one week, senior visitors can enjoy two different oceans, experience the mountains and rainforest, learn about native cultures and take advantage of vibrant urban life.

The capital, Panama City, is a modern, sophisticated metropolis that resembles Miami and has established commerce, arts, fashion and dining. It is Central America’s capital of international finance, called by locals the “Dubai of the Americas,” and is in the midst of a prolonged boomtown fever.

Fodors, Frommers and National Geographic have all recently begun publishing guides for Panama, only the second country in Central America, behind Costa Rica, to have such extensive travel coverage. So how are you going to get there? Panama’s excellent location, in the center of the Americas, contributes to the availability of a wide range of options to reach Panama. From any city in North or South America, you can arrive at Panama in just a few hours. Additionally, there are many airlines to choose from for the trip to Panama. Similarly, from Europe, Asia, and the rest of the world’s continents, it is extremely easy to connect to Panama.

I love Wikitravel , a site that puts everything in order with super information as well suggestions for senior travelers. The NY Times has a differing opinion on where to go and what to see and they think that Bocas del Toro, Boquete (see above), Isla Contadora, Panama City and the San Blas Islands are the majors for you to consider.

USA Today provides some great ideas on keeping safe and how to make your trip a memorable one. Enjoy Panama. jeb

It’s Valparaíso For Senior Tourists

I’m reading a book called “Poseidon’s Arrow” by Clive Cussler. They make reference to this neat port in Chile, so this senior reader wanted to investigate Valparaíso and share with you what I found. The city is  located about 65 miles (111.8 km) northwest of Santiago, the capital.

There is lots of history in this port since Valparaíso played a very important geopolitical role in the second half of the 19th century, when the city served as a major stopover for ships traveling between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans by crossing the Straits of Magellan.

Jewel of the Pacific Beacons Senior Travelers

Wikipedia has an abundance of  information on the port for senior visitors. The port, its unique blend of international seaport atmosphere and chaotic topography and architecture, make the city an ideal place to start the exploration of Chile’s many urban and natural attractions.

It’s a beautiful area and TripAdvisor notes that is known for its bohemian, artistic vibe and lovely vistas. Its UNESCO-designated historic downtown offers charming colonial architecture, great seafood restaurants, markets and stores. Upon your arrival you’ll soon see why it’s called “The Jewel of the Pacific.”

YouTube takes us into the heart of the port. You’ll find plenty to see and do once you arrive on the central coast of Chile . There is living history in all corners of the city  with lots of tourist services.

La Sebastiana and Cerro Concepcion are two of the most delightful of all Valparaíso’s neighborhoods, with its brightly painted corrugated iron facades and pitched roofs. To get there, take the city’s oldest elevator, called the Ascensor Turri from the corner of Prat and Carreño, across from the Clock Tower.

Valparaíso is a World Heritage Site (2003). I love every one of them wherever they are in all the 192 countries in the world.  The Boston Globe notes that Valparaíso has been very busy revamping the city since they are expecting an influx of tourists and very soon.

I’ll depart today with a Virtual Tourist link that provides senior tourists with an overview of the city. So make plans now and beat the rush. jeb

Seniors Travel South…Way South

Have you ever wanted to visit the tip of South America? Many senior travelers have and some do. Actually, we don’t go to the very tip on this blog but we visit Puerto Montt, Puerto Varas, Fruitillar, Vincente Rosales Park and Bariloche.  That will keep us busy for at least a week or two.

First, How Do We Get There

We start off by taking a flight to Santiago ( Chile ) and then another plane on to Puerto Montt.  The other sites above can be easily reached by bus or car. Senior visitors who have been to the area find that Puerto Montt is the gateway to Chile’s Lake District. This area is famous for its spectacular scenery of deep blue mountain lakes, snow-capped volcanos, pristine beauty of alerce (larch) forests, popular resorts, year-round sports, and traditional folklore, handicrafts and legends.

Frommer’swrites: “Pay attention and I’ll teach you all about the Lake District.” Here’s a helpful map and photos that highlight the area. There is something about the mix of lakes and mountains that inspire relaxation. Add snow capped volcanoes into the mix and it is picture postcard perfection where the scenery has been likened to Switzerland.

Senior Travelers Enjoy the Lake District (Los Lagos)

Chile’s Lake District is aptly named. There are twelve major lakes in the district, with dozens more dotting the landscape. Between the lakes there are rivers, waterfalls, forests, thermal hot springs, and the Andes, including six volcanos with Villaricabeing the highest at 9395 ft (2,847 m.)

The Lake District covers two of Chile’s regions, the Ninth Region, more evocatively known as La Araucanía, and the Tenth Region, Los Lagos. It is anchored at the northern end by the inland city of Temuco(Great city. I’ve been there with students and loved it), in the middle by Valdivia on the Pacific and Osorno inland. The District has numerous lakes and volcanos, the most famous is Osorono, called the “Fujiyama of South America” for its perfect cone. Puerto Montt on the Bay of Reloncavi is at the southern end.

Puerto Varas and Bariloche

The small city of Puerto Varas in Southern Chile has been an essential starting point for expats, foreigners and senior travelers visiting the Patagonia and other locations in the South of Chile. Bariloche is part of Argentina but sits very close to the Chile border.

Check out tours and information on Chile online and plan on a vacation way down south to the Lake District. jeb

Seniors Find Bogotá Full Of Surprises

Bogotá, with a population of 8.8 million, is the largest city in Colombia and one of the biggest in Latin America . It fact, it figures among the 30 largest cities of the world. Senior travelers discover it to be a city of contrasts . Wikitravel will fill in visitors with facts that keep folks coming back again and again. Columbia’s Official Tourism Portal provides first-time senior visitors with information on what to do, practical information, and a helpful Travel Guide.

NY Times Says “Check It Out”

Bogota, declared by the prestigious New York Times as one of the 31 destinations to visit this year, is an inspiring city with millions of amazing stories that surprise visitors every day. TripAdvisor notes 82 attractions that are highly recommended starting off with the Botero Museum that is ranked #1 and following up with the Gold Museum (Museo del Oro).  If you like gold, as most of us do, you’ll enjoy this museum .

I love About.com as it is full of super suggestions and facts that will fill in any itinerary. My “new travel friend” Viator , notes 20 things not to be missed. As you know by now I enjoy sightseeing tours maybe with an optional lunch like this one and perhaps even a cable car ride. Many seniors prefer a private tour that makes for a more memorable experience.

Seniors Enjoy Modern With Historical

Bogotá is modern and full of history with fine colonial architectural marvels. A great place to start discovering Bogotá is Plaza de Bolívar and in the middle of the square is a bronze statue of Simón Bolívar . Here’s a video called “ Bogotá the best video of the city .” Zipaquira Salt Catholic Cathedral is considered the first wonder of Colombia.

La Candelaria is where the city was born. Barrio La Candelaria is Bogotá’s oldest district and its location dates back to the city’s foundation . It’s a lively neighborhood with many small shops. I would enjoy sampling five typical dishes . How about you? Just ask the locals where they like to eat, then walk off your empanadas and aji .

Senior travelers will find useful information from our State Department with everything from a country description to travel warnings. Fodors lists their Top Attractions and Sights not to be missed. Our friends at Lonely Planet call Bogotá a “city on the move.”  They find many more Things to Do in the city.

Some seniors might enjoy a bike tour , check this one out. Various other tours are available. Upon your arrival head for downtown Bogotá . Here you’ll see why. Seniors enjoy a visit to Monserrate , that hosts thousands of pilgrims. The ascend is done through the teleferico which give visitors a splendid view of Bogotá.

Don’t plan on just one day in Bogota, plan on three.  Here are two ready-made itineraries from Trip Advisor and the NY Times . Disfrute de Bogotá . jeb