Friday July 16, 2010
Despite the current temperatures in some parts of the US - you know, the ones capable of melting entire glaciers in a matter of seconds - things are cooling off elsewhere on planet earth. In Punta Arenas, Chile, temperatures are down today at a cool 44 degrees fahrenheit, while in Rio Grande, Argentina, they're pushing 41. So if you're looking for a way to beat the heat that's more exciting than a boring glass of lemonade, it's time to throw that Country Time Lemonade Mix aside and gear up for something a little bit chillier and a lot more adventurous: summer skiing in the Andes.
South America's ski and snowboard season begins in June and runs until October, but the best months for skiing and shredding have always been July and August, when the slopes are powdery and the scenery spectacular. The Andes are the world's largest continental mountain range, so views from the top include everything from ancient volcanoes to the lush forests of the Amazon. No matter where you are along the range, things are going to look a little bit different than the slopes you're used to if you're in the States (which, if you've got a little adventure in you, will be exactly what you're looking for).
In Argentina, you'll find the most popular ski spots along Patagonia and the Lake Region, where resorts in Bariloche offer affordable lodgings and amenities near gorgeous slopes. Cerro Catedral, named for the resemblance of its summits to the towers of a medieval temple, is a long-time favorite of locals and visitors alike.
In Chile, you'll want to check out the world-famous Portillo Ski Resort, as well as La Parva, El Colorado and Valle Nevado, the last of which is located near the small village of Farellones. Valle Nevado offers the terrain of the largest area in Chile, as well as a modern lift system and hotels. In each location, you'll get to set foot, or um, ski, on some of the choicest mountains in the world, and whether you're up in Santa Cruz or down in Rio Gallegos, you'll get to rub shoulders with some of the friendliest and most fearless South American skiiers.
So dig out los bastones (ski poles) and start planning! The slopes of the Andes await.
In search of more natural wonders in South America? Your search ends here:
- Becca McArthur, About.com Editorial Intern
Photo courtesy of Scott Markewitz
Thursday July 8, 2010
Whether you're sipping one of these tasty concoctions on Brazil's sandy beaches or simply doling them out to friends in your own kitchen, this Brazilian beverage is an awesome alternative to the margaritas and mojitos that usually accompany summer's rising temperatures. So if you're looking for a Portuguese-inspired way to cool down at the end of these hot July days, a caipirinha may be exactly what you--and your taste buds--have been craving.
With past temperatures in Brazil reaching a scorching 113 degrees farenheit, it isn't surprising that the country's national drink, caipirinha (pronounced ky-pee-reen-ya), is cold, delicious, and oh-so refreshing. The traditional Brazilian refreshment is made with tropical limes, sugar, and the sugar cane brandy known as cachaca, and with plenty of ice cubes, you've got yourself a cooling taste of the tropics.
If you're heading to Brazil, you won't want to miss sipping on one of these delicacies, and since most bars serve them up generously, finding a spot to enjoy one shouldn't be too difficult. But if you're looking for the best of the best, we've got some recommendations for especially authentic bars and restaurants that do caipirinhas right.
If you'll be near São Paulo, you'll find that Valadares, a local bar known for it's cold beer and unconventional meats, has a great caipirinhas selection. If you're traveling more centrally (near Brasilia, perhaps), the North Wing of Martinica Cafe is a popular happy hour spot for lots of locals, and is rumored to serve some of the tastiest caipirinhas in the area.
Even if you're not jet-setting to Brazil this summer, caipirinhas are easy to make at home, too, so that you can experience the taste of Brazil right in your own backyard. Check out our simple caipirinha recipe for mixing up a single-serving or a full pitcher. Also, if you want to change it up a bit, you can add to or replace the recipe's lime with other tropical fruits such as passion fruit, strawberry, or kiwi.
Taste buds tingling at the thought of Brazilian food and drink? Read up on some of the delicious dishes and drinks native to this region of South America - and where to get them.
- Becca McArthur, About.com Editorial Intern
Tuesday July 6, 2010
Ever wonder how South American countries celebrate their independence? If you are traveling to South America in the coming months, you'll find ample opportunity to fully immerse yourself in local culture with the many Fiestas Patrias, or Independence Day Festivals, going on all over the country this summer.
On July 9th, 1816 (Argentinean Independence Day), the representatives from Argentina's various provinces met in a local family home, now the Casa Historica de la Independencia museum, to proclaim their independence from Spain, and to this day, the country celebrates that day each year with passion, pride, and lots of music and dancing.
Chile's Fiestas Patrias takes place both the week preceding and the week following September 19th, and it too involves lots of festivities to celebrate this nation's criollo leaders who declared self-government for the first time in 1810. In Chile, much of the music and dancing takes place in ramadas, open-air "buildings" with a dance floor beneath a thatched roof that mimic the style of traditional Chilean shelters.
At almost every festival, you'll find a surplus of authentic national foods and fondas (refreshment stands) lining the streets. If you're in Peru on July 28th or 29th, you can celebrate by trying the country's delicious chicken or beef empanadas, which are sure to be plentiful at Peru's Independence festivities that weekend. Perhaps, if you're feeling adventurous, you could even try Peru's regional specialty, yuquitas rellenas, a tasty snack made from cheese and cassava root.
So if you've been waiting to plan that exotic excursion to South America, now is the time to start. No matter where in the country you find yourself traveling, whether it be hiking the Andes or basking on Chile's western coast, this summer's Independence Day festivities are the perfect way to truly experience la cultura of South America. Check out this South American Events Calendar to find festivals by country.
Want to plan your dream trip? Here are our picks for summer travel in South America:
- Becca McArthur, About.com Editorial Intern
Monday March 1, 2010
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all impacted by the recent earthquake in central Chile, which has left hundreds dead or injured and displaced many more. I encourage you to look beyond this devastation and help support the country by planning to visit in the near future.
About.com's Guide to Nonprofits has outlined a number of other ways you can aid in the recovery effort, including how you can make easy $10 donations to the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity, and other charities simply by sending a quick text message.
- Brian Spencer, Travel Editor
