Then take a plane to travel to Cusco, “The Archaeological Capital of America.” There we will visit the most important city of the Colonial and Inca Cusco: The Cathedral, Koricancha or Sun Temple, Archeological Site of Sacsayhuaman, Kenko and Tambomachay. You will see all its glory with its streets and Inca walls.

Valle Sagrado de los Incas observe beautiful scenic landscapes. It is recommended to attend the archaeological site of Pisac, Ollantaytambo Archaeological Complex, after the village of Chinchero.

In addressing Poroy station by train Hiram Bingham, who will go to Aguas Calientes. After arrival, a guided tour by the spectacular Inca citadel.

In the morning you will have the opportunity to see the spectacular sunrise over Machu Picchu.

LIMA

Lima, more than 400 years, was called City of the Kings by the conquistador Francisco Pizarro. Today, that same city that rose from the lands of the native chief Taulichusco, is a metropolis of more than seven million people who proudly preserve the colonial convents and mansions, symbols of their ancient tradition.

Founded on January 18, 1535, Lima, Peru’s capital, is a growing modern city, but it has maintained at the same time, the richness of its historic center, declared by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage of Humanity to be an enchanting haven of a bygone era, abundant in artistic monuments beyond.

The cathedral, whose construction began on the day of the founding of the city, the church and convent of San Francisco, considered by its unit volume and color the most successful architectural Hispanic American and Santo Domingo, with a beautiful main cloister, are just some of the priceless jewels of the old Lima.

And as the churches of Lima show the faith of his people, the Lima Mansions, such as the Casa Aliaga, built over the shrine to the chief Taulichusco, the House Goyoneche or Rada, the French influence, and the Palacio de Torre Tagle, the most beautiful mansion in the early eighteenth century, symbolizes the splendor of colonial life.

Located on the banks of the Rio Rimac, and caressed by the waters of the Pacific, the city of Lima also houses evidence of pre-Hispanic period, the most important being the great sanctuary of Pachacamac, which was worshiped the God of the same name , and the Huaca Pucllana in the district of Miraflores, an important administrative center of Lima culture.

In Lima there is never any downtime for the traveler. There are so many places to visit and discover that one has the impression that the hours ‘fly past’, as would more than Lima. So, when visiting the City of Kings, try to make the most of your time so that you can tour the historic center with its old houses and imposing churches and convents, his pre-Columbian ruins, museums and plazas, and also The modern Lima, with its tall buildings and endless neon lights, which enliven the nightlife. You will not regret to know these places.

What to visit in Lima?
Catedral de Lima, Convento de Santo Domingo, San Francisco Architectural Set
Houses in Lima: Casa Aliaga, Pilate’s House, Casa Goyeneche or Rada, Torre Tagle Palace, Government Palace, the Inquisition
Squares and parks: Plaza Mayor, Plaza San Martín, University Park, Villa Marshes

Overnight in Lima
Lima Nights has a name: Barranco. Traditional district, with an old and full of romance, is the meeting point of the bohemian capital.

In this corner of the city, the tranquility vanishes when night falls. Barranco is transformed with the moon. Hundreds of people “taken by assault” nightclubs, bars, restaurants, pubs and casinos slot, then, the hours are endless and for a moment the world seems to be perfect.

But the night is not exclusive to Barranco. In almost all districts of Lima you can enjoy the splendor of the nightlife. It is recommended San Isidro and Miraflores go where there is a wide range of possibilities for fun: casinos, discos, bars, pubs and clubs Creole, where the party is with guitar and cajón, with waltzes and polkas, to the traditional style Old Lima.

In Lima there are more of a reason to chase the dream. The night is seductive. Tempts to insomnia.

Accommodation in Lima
In recent years, due to the growth of tourism, the city of Lima has substantially improved its hotels.

Modern, large hotels with staff trained to provide quality service at the height of the great capitals of the world, have been built in Lima, mainly in the districts of Miraflores and San Isidro.

This has caused existing hotels have seen the need to improve their infrastructure, which benefits tourists are more likely to choose and opt for an efficient, comfortable and safe.

Lima hotel offer to suit all budgets and rates vary according to services offered. The city has hotels from 1, 2 and 3 stars, apart hotels 3, 4 and 5 stars.

Restaurants in Lima
The letter Lima offers a variety of dishes originating from various parts of the world, in addition to selected dishes of Peruvian cuisine, one of the finest in the world.

Whoever arrives in Lima, can not fail to taste the local food, especially the variety of dishes based on fish and seafood, combined brilliantly with its flavors and aromas hardly imaginable.

The ceviche, fish cooked by the lemon juice and seasoned with pepper, is emblematic of the chart. They also held tiradito jelly and fish and shrimp cocktail, among many delicacies.

Other gems of local food are: lomo saltado, carapulcra, rice duck, cau cau, kebabs, as well as sweets like rice pudding, porridge home, sighs Lima, the Bad News Bears, and nougat de Doña Pepa; delicious desserts that come to satisfy the most demanding.

In Lima, you can find great Chinese restaurants, or chifas as they are called in Peru. China cuisine, which came to the City of Kings with the first Asian who came to work on farms near the capital in the last century, has been merged in many cases with the Peruvian season, creating unique dishes such as rice chaufa.

You can also enjoy French food, Italian, Japanese, Arabic, Argentina and many international dishes, fine dining in three to five forks.

Lima Weather
The average temperature in the summer months (mid-December to mid March) is 25 degrees Celsius. If traveling to Lima during this time, you can fully enjoy the charms of the sea, either in the Costa Verde, no more than 15 minutes from downtown, or on the beaches located north and south of the city, the reached by the Pan American Highway on short trips of 30 or 45 minutes, depending on the chosen beach.

In winter the days are gray, cloudy and quite humid. The average temperature fluctuates between 12 and 15 degrees Celsius.

Flights to Lima
Jorge Chávez International Airport in Callao, is located just 30 minutes from downtown Lima and is the main gateway to the capital of Peru.

Daily international aircraft companies like Aces, Aeroflot, Aerolineas Argentinas, Aeromexico, Aeropostal, Air France, American Airlines, Avianca, British Airways, Continental Airlines, Copa, Cubana de Aviacion, Delta Airlines, Ecuador, Iberia, Lacsa, Lan Chile, Lan Peru, Lloyd Aero Boliviano, KLM, Servivensa, Saeta, Taca, Tame and Varig, arriving and departing the airport in Lima, connecting the capital of Peru with the main cities of the world.

Jorge Chavez airport, departing aircraft are directed to the most important cities of Peru, as Andahuaylas, Arequipa, Ayacucho, Cajamarca, Chiclayo, Cusco, Huánuco, Iquitos, Juliaca, Piura, Puerto Maldonado, Pucallpa, Tacna, Tarapoto, Trujillo and Tumbes.

Transfers in Lima
To move within the perimeter of the city, visitors can use public transport, with buses and minibuses or taxis.

The units provide public transportation service, usually starting at 5 am to 12 pm. Some vehicles do night service and increase fares by 50 percent.

According to local devices, carriers are required to post in a conspicuous place, both outside and inside of their units, the prices of tickets.

In the taxi service, there are three modes: remisse, located at the airport and out of hotels, whose units are black, taxi companies, which are requested by telephone service; and finally, the taxi drivers whose vehicles are painted yellow.

It is advisable to get into vehicles that do not belong to one of these modalities, as independent taxi drivers do not offer any guarantees. These units also are prohibited from entering the city’s historical center.

CUSCO

Cusco is located in central and south eastern Peru. Occupies most of the big knot orographic Vilcanota. Their diversity and the abrupt changes in landscape and ecosystems are mainly related to the Cordillera de los Andes. If it did not exist, Cusco and Peru in general, would be tropical locations.

The Cusco limited by the North to the jungles of Junín and Ucayali, in the west, with the jungle of Ayacucho and Apurimac saw, for the south, the highlands of Arequipa and Puno, and on the east by the great plains Amazon Mother of God.

Cusco territories are under the influence of macro-climate of large air masses from the south eastern jungle, the highlands and even the distant region of Patagonia. The winds of the southern forest involve huge masses of humid air, which are driven by winds from the east.

The winds coming from the Peruvian Altiplano of Bolivia are rather cold and dry, like those from Patagonia and generally involve larger-scale events. They enter through the south east.

On the other hand, the local winds that are generated in the valleys and plains of Cusco have the function of distributing heat and humidity throughout the day. Generally there are two seasons: the rainy season from November to March and the dry season from April to October.

Friendly and hospitable, the city of Cusco has all the services of a cosmopolitan city-oriented tourism. In the provinces and around the supply decreases, so we recommend all the necessary supplies in the provincial capital. The range of services continues to increase in order to fully meet the demands of the huge influx of tourists every year visit Cusco.

What to see in Cusco?
The Coricancha, “gold room” Sun Temple, Palace of Inca Roca, Sacsayhuaman, an Inca constructions raises more attention from visitors; Quenqo, Puca Pucara, Tambomachay, Pisac, Ollantaytambo and the town of Chinchero.

Cusco Adventure
Cusco is world famous for being the center of a fascinating and mysterious culture. The majesty of its landscapes and the power of your past and present converge in a magnetism that captures the visitor from the first day.

All areas of Cusco and primarily, the area corresponding to the Sacred Valley, provide ideal venues for sports. The diversity of microclimates and ecological make this region a true paradise for adventure activities. The excellent combination of cultural factors, such as alternating with a friendly population, constantly monitor various brightly colored costumes and visit archaeological remains strategically located, make Cusco a zone where the adventure comes to experience the feeling of having been transported back in time and be a true discoverer of ancient secrets.

Cusco has become part of the world circuit for all adventurers who know how to combine the adrenaline with the mysticism of the historical and large cities. Currently, the high demand of tourists and their growing numbers, contributing to the supply of travel agencies to expand and improve significantly.

Mountaineering, Trekking, Mountain Biking, Inca Trail, Manu National Park, the Tambopata-Candamo, The mountain of Ausangate, Cordillera de Vilcabamba, where is the Salkantay massif, is a beautiful and lonely. The Apurimac Canyon.

MACHUPICCHU

Located northwest of Cusco to 129 kilometers above the Urubamba River (hence the name of the river Vilcanota), in the mountains of Vilcabamba. The citadel of Machu Picchu is one of the most important archaeological sites in the world and is the main destination of Peru.

Few works made by man show so much harmony with nature as the citadel of Machu Picchu shows and 33 archaeological sites that are linked by the Inca Trail.

The archaeological site is located at the top of the mountain, Machu Picchu (in Quechua means “old mountain or mountain important) which gives its name to the village and the breathtaking scenery that we have all seen. In front of it, the amazing mountain of Wayna Picchu appears (“young mountain”) at its summit and slopes, some archeological remains are located. Both peaks bordering the mighty Urubamba River which runs eastward to 400 meters below the citadel.

Machu Picchu Weather
By being in a subtropical zone has a temperature ranging from 8 º to 22 º C. The wettest months are from December to April.

What to see in Machu Picchu?
Usually admission to the Citadel is the south and enter the western agricultural sector, specifically the houses of the ancient guardians of the area. In general, the urban sector is divided into two areas separated by a number of places. The area to the left contains the sacred and the most interesting.

The imposing Huayna Picchu, located just in front and right, will tell the north.

Solar Observatory
After going through the houses of the guards and go about 100 yards you come to a maze where the ruins are spread before him. There lies the solar observatory area, the Tower is located to your left. Formerly a large circular stone carved delicately. The wider window of the tower gives access to the best sources of the complex, with trapezoidal niches and an altar. Climb the stairs located to the left. After crossing the quarry will come to a block of rooms with no windows and only one door, the original entrance gate. This is a large trapezoidal door.

The Caretaker’s House
After around platforms and climb up a staircase to the right, arrive at the famous “Home of the Guardian.” At this point you can enjoy a spectacular view of the complex. Visitors entering from the Inca Trail just below this place. Also known as Guard Post is one of the few sites that have been restored by mimicking the original thatched roof and, therefore, is a refuge in case of rain.

The Caretaker’s House is located in front of a cemetery, which was identified as such by Bingham. It is believed that the cemetery was guarded by a guard who lived in this house and the bodies were placed there to be dried in the sun. For those who have more than one day in Machu Picchu, this should definitely be your starting point to recognize the ancient Inca Trail. Behind this house is a rock funeral, flat with a small staircase, so perhaps served as a funerary altar, ie a place where the mummified bodies of important people or animals sacrificed .

La Casa del Inca
If you return to the main staircase and descends, the Casa del Inca is located to your left. You enter through a door on the north side of the staircase. According to Bingham, this area was the home of political head of Machu Picchu. In the main room is added those of the servants. Pachacutec being the builder of Machu Picchu, it must be your residence.

Crossing the street in front of the Sun Temple is a classic kancha (apartment for an extended family). It is the only hotel in the area. It was built very solid, with carved stones. No doubt this was the home of the Inca.

The group has two large rooms and two wayranas (enclosures) small around the central courtyard. The eastern room is recognized as the chamber of the Inca. In the interior space that faces south, divided by carved stones forming the “bed.” It is assumed that the Inca could have stayed in that corner, on blankets woven from vicuña wool. At the north end of the room is a very small compartment that people named him as the “potty.” It would be strange to be so, because usually the bathrooms are not inside the home. The room in front is known as the “study” the ruling and the two were probably wayranas small kitchen and workshop. There is a carved stone that served as a grinder for grinding.

Temple
Leave the Casa del Inca and walk west to reach the main temple to look for a staircase that takes you to the Sacred Plaza. Enter through the east side. This square is flanked by three buildings. The building located at the southern end of the square corresponds to the house of the priest. It is a building consisting of four rustic walls whose stones were held together by mud mortar. At the eastern end of the square is the Temple of Three Windows. Its three walls show signs of having once been roofed. From the huge trapezoidal windows you get an impressive view of the main square.

On the north side of the square stands the main temple. Finding no wear on the top of the walls, Bingham concluded that it was never roofed. However, it has holes in the walls to hold a tree where fine fabrics may be hung. This place owes its name to perfection and solidity of its walls. Indeed, the damage located at the corner of the temple was due to land subsidence and not its design. Behind the temple, and connected to it, is a small building known as the vestry. It has several well-crafted niches. The vestry is famous for the two stones flanking the entrance, and have more than thirty angles.

Found in the carnival bands, samba bands and look forward to all year the arrival of this date.

The tradition began to develop in Brazil in 1723 with the arrival of Portuguese immigrants. In 1846 he was the first masquerade ball in 1852 he joined a group of drummers.

In 1855 begins the formation of carnival clubs in 1932 the first parade took place informally, and it was only in 1935 that saw the first official parade in the Plaza Once. In 1984 he led the Gateway Do Samba, later renamed Avenida Two Parades, now called Gateway Professor Darcy Ribeiro, a world renowned Sambadrome. It has capacity for 62 thousand people.

There are several ways to live the party, either within a school, or as a spectator encouraging your favorite schooling jumping, singing and dancing for an hour and 20 minutes that it lasts the passage of each group along the Avenue Marques de Sapucai, from its inception to the Apotheosis Square. Just dress up as anything.

All this takes place in two nights, seven samba schools parade on Sunday and seven on Monday.

Leading the parade is called the Front is a small group of dancers who perform a particular choreography, they are responsible for greeting the public and presents its school.

There is a minimum and maximum number of cars or carriages within each school, the first is called opening float and these are commonly transports to the main dancers.

The samba schools over 4 000 members and seven to eight carriages. The prize for the champion schooling is always important, the entrances to the stands range from 150 to $ 250 per night.

All this makes the parade a great competition where they compete wit, creativity, originality, harmony, timing, cunning and the odd bit, generating a significant buzz in the stands.

Rio de Janeiro is synonymous with joy, fun, heat, beach and beautiful women shaking their bodies to the beat of the music. Of course, all this will be evident during Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, one of the most famous parties of the year and expected.

Want to start the year having fun as ever? So begins saving now and escape to this Brazilian city. You still have time, as the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro will be between 5 and 8 March.

The joy in this city is complete with the Brazilian music that makes dance both parading as thousands of spectators watching from the stands. The doors of the parade with the samba open in the Carnival in Rio de Janeiro from 2011 to 17:00 pm, the ceremony will begin at 20:00 and presentations will begin at 21:00.

Beyond the agreed schedule, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro is one party you do not have time. Among the 5 and March 8, Brazil will not be anything but laugh, dance and enjoy.

RIO DE JANEIRO

Framed by mountains on one side and the ocean, the other Rio de Janeiro is the name of the state and the city world famous and the most important gateway to Brazil.

Cosmopolitan city, Brazilian capital for almost 200 years, Rio de Janeiro is one of the main cultural centers of the country, with its many cinemas, theaters, museums, concert halls, show houses, art galleries and libraries.

It is a great site gourmet restaurants in the city offer choices of international cuisine and dishes from all regions of Brazil.

The State of Rio de Janeiro is located in southeastern Brazil, the most developed, richest and most populous country. Its population is around 14.4 million inhabitants and its physical area is 43 000 909.7 square kilometers. Has the highest population density of Brazil and one of the largest in the world: 327 000 65 inhabitants per square kilometer.

Rio de Janeiro has a population of 7 million inhabitants and a land area of 1,170 square kilometers.

HISTORY

History records a curious detail about the origin of the name of the city. States that the January 1, 1502 a Portuguese navigator, probably Gonzalo Coelho, landed at Guanabara Bay and disappeared into the mouth of a river, and named the place like Rio de Janeiro.

In the first decades of the Portuguese colonized Brazil, only Northwest and establishing sugar plantations and valuable timber extracted from forests. Guanabara Bay would not be settled by Europeans until a French expedition to settle there in 1555.

A few years later a Portuguese force destroyed the French colony. The Portuguese founded in 1567 in the same place the city of Sao Sebastiao do Rio de Janeiro. The name was later simplified.

It was the capital and largest city of Brazil from 1763 to 1960. In the last decade lost its role as the national administrative center for Brasilia and its privileged position in favor of economic center of Sao Paulo.

Although Rio is a cosmopolitan city also preserves numerous testimonies of its past. This is in the baroque churches and monasteries.

ATTRACTIONS

Cradle of three Brazilian musical genres: samba, bossa nova and choro, Rio de Janeiro is a city of people happy and friendly. The city is nestled between mountains and sea. It is known by many as the “Marvelous City”, and as such has many attractions for visitors.

Of its colonial era, when was the then capital of Brazil, and the stage of the Empire and the Republic Rio, Rio preserves important monuments and public buildings of great architectural value.

In the former headquarters of Banco do Brasil currently operates a dynamic cultural center, the Municipal Theater, National Museum of Fine Arts, the Itamaraty Palace, which hosted the Republican government and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Museum Quinta da Boa Vista, a former imperial residence, the National History Museum and National Library.

The proposal by the City-Tour is welcome. In just three hours can the visitor a quick overview which normally includes the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the Jockey Club, the Arcos da Carioca (an ancient aqueduct which passes over a tram linking the Carioca Station with the charming district of Santa Teresa), the Municipal Theatre, the Cathedral, the Maracana, the samba, the Rio-Niteroi bridge and the miniature palace on Fiscal Island in 1881 designed neo-Gothic style.

Rio has a sequence of 14 beautiful beaches, beautiful islands such as packages, the Prosecutor and the Brocoio, located in the Guanabara Bay and Rasa Island, bought and Grande, which can be seen during a sightseeing tour bus or car .

For family outings weekend recommend Enchanted Lake, Solitude Dam, the Cascatinha, Mayrink Chapel, the Excelsior Lookout, and others.

Rio de Janeiro port is dominated by the stunning Sugar Loaf, the Corcovado Mountain, which rises 709 meters from the Guanabara Bay and offers the classic view of Rio. Christ the Redeemer is a statue that stands atop Corcovado.

ACCOMMODATION

The city of Rio de Janeiro has an excellent tourist infrastructure with an efficient network of hotels.

There are a lot of hotels of three to five stars, which provide very good service and spacious comfort.

Rio not only has good beaches and good accommodation, but we can also enjoy its theaters, cinemas, museums, fairs, restaurants, monuments, etc.

It also has a wide range of shops in the center, as in the north and south (Copacabana and Ipanema). Many have their own means of transport, such as Rio Sul and Barrashopping, for example.

¿HOW TO ARRIVE?

By plane

A large modern international airport Santos Dumont and another near the city do Aeroporto Galeao, which operates flights within the country, meet the needs of Rio de Janeiro.

The city of Rio de Janeiro is located 1,150 kilometers and 420 kilometers from Brasilia, Sao Paulo.

From the state capital is cheap to the rest of the country and Latin America, most from the Aeroporto Galeao. The Sao Paulo airlifts out of the Santos Dumont Airport, located in the center of the city.

The Galeao Aeroporto is located 15 km north of the city buses to downtown.

The Aeroporto Santos Dumont is in the middle of the city, the bay is used for lifts to Sao Paulo and other domestic flights. You can take the bus to the airport Galeao or head into town and take a taxi or walking to the airport from the center.

Road

From Rio also have buses out to almost all destinations. The major point of concentration is the Novo Rio Rodoviaria. Every 15 minutes can take excellent bus leaving for Sao Paulo. For the main destinations can also opt for the bus, very comfortable, with overnight service.

Several roads giving access to Rio de Janeiro. For those who depart from Sao Paulo, there are two options: the BR-101 by the coast and the BR-116 on the inside. Also for the BR-116 people departing from Salvador, Bahia, come to Rio. From Minas Gerais have used the BR-040.

ADVENTURE SPORTS

With a long summer and a very mild winter, geography and climate make Rio a magnificent setting for outdoor sports. The combination of sea, mountains and tropical forests encourage adventure sports.

Near the city you can go hiking and climbing in the great national parks. Also many walking and jogging trails in the south.

If you like heights but with the feet on the ground can enjoy the mountains in difficulty levels ranging from 2 to 9.

The most sought after by mountaineers are the Corcovado and Sugar Loaf with their traditional ways, Italian and Lagartao, the latter being considered a high-level climbing.

There are activities and adventures for those who enjoy water, is the case of surfing, windsurfing, bodyboarding, swimming, fishing and boating.

For lovers of racing we recommend visiting the Autodromo Internacional Nelson Piquet, and for those who prefer Maracana soccer.

Other activities: Bungee Jump, Canyoning, Cycling, Rock Climbing, Diving, Skydiving, Rafting, Abseiling, Surfing, Trekking, Paragliding and Windsurfing.

The Cariocas are cyclists, and circulate Lagoa das Freitas, Barra da Tijuca and along the ocean from Ipanema to Lema.

Another adventure option is the helicopter to see the city.

Chichen Itza is now one of seven modern wonders of the world and not for nothing has been won this title, the pyramids are true marvels of architecture and culture of the ancient Maya of Yucatan.

Chichen Itza is located in the state of Yucatan, which is the neighboring state of Quintana Roo, located by road a couple of hours from Cancun and easily accessible as it has a modern highway.

Now here you can find all the amenities you can imagine, and that Chichen Itza is located next to a small town where you can still admire people of Mayan descent.

In Chichen Itza take part two equinoxes during the year, spring and autumn.

During this impressive spectacle of nature there is a solar projection of Kukulcan “Plumed Serpent” descending the great pyramid. This wonder is as impressive as reviving the old days when the prevailing culture.

It is estimated that more than 20 million people have seen this magnificent and even natural and built indescribable spectacle of the Mayan Gods in the last 10 years.

On the other hand, the Sacred Cenote of the Mayans is a wonder totally apart, here were carried out human sacrifices practiced and offered to their gods.

The Centre is where the Mayans studied and based their knowledge of space and astrology in which to this day there are writings, which have records of astrological events. Without a doubt worthy of admiration and research of many experts in the modern world.

For this and much more, you can not miss the opportunity to see Chichen Itza, the great empire of the Mayas.

Weather

Climatic conditions are characterized by extremely hot and dry. Temperatures range between 20 º C and 40 º C, with an annual average of 34 º C. The months between October to March, are generated in the cooler days.

¿When to travel?

A favorable time to undertake a trip to this fabulous destination and visiting the various archaeological sites, it is during the spring equinox when the sun reflects on the steps of Temple Kukulcan a shadow simulating a snake. Do not miss this phenomenon occurs only at this time of year. It is advisable to arrive early since the place is very busy that day.

Gastronomy

You can delight in the Mayan dishes or mestizos, both known for their high quality of design and delicacy of its flavor. The roasted suckling pig is one of the most representative, is pork in achiote sauce cooked in earth oven. Also lime soup, prepared with turkey and fried tortilla chips. Other dishes are Chaya crepes, cheese and eggs filling Mutuleños.

¿How to get to Chichen Itza?

Merida, Yucatan state capital, has an international airport which receives flights from different cities of the world, including U.S. and Central America.

Both from Merida and Cancun to Chichen Itza you can go by car or bus if you prefer, both are low-cost transport. You can opt for the highway Merida-Puerto Juarez is coming to Cancun. During your journey you can see numbers of people and several cenotes in the area, where you can buy beautiful handicrafts and Indian clothing. Starting from Cancun, the road passing through Valladolid, also can offer several attractions along the route. The most important is the visit to the Sacred Cenote, the largest in existence.

Activities

One of the main activities that can develop in the archaeological zone is to admire the spectacle of the equinox (fall or Kukulcan Feathered Serpent) on 21 March and 22 September.

Chichen Itza has a sound and light show every day of the year, with two hours depending on time of year.

You can also visit the Sacred and the museum. In the auditorium of the zone can see a selection of documentaries from the Maya region, to acquire various crafts and enjoy the regional food.

CANCUN

Cancun is located on the northeast coast of Quintana Roo. In a few years, had a remarkable transformation since being a fisherman’s island surrounded by virgin forest and unknown shores, today is coupled with Acapulco Mexican resort best known in the world.

Cancun’s history is very short, 30 years ago on this island there was nothing but empty beaches. The Mexican government planned to detail the creation of a tourist in this narrow strip of sand, which on one side overlooking the Caribbean Sea and the other to the Laguna Nichupte.

Today, Cancun is a reality that is home to major multinational hotel chains, which run hundreds of restaurants and provide high quality tourism services.

¿What to do in Cancun?

In Cancun there are several sites for all the family fun and endless activities for fun and recreation.

If you want to learn more about the sea, visit the colorful coral reefs or just enjoy the warm, clear waters of the ocean, the Navy offer from a day of fishing or diving certification, to a tour through the jungle.

If you prefer to exercise there are tennis courts and golf courses, located in the jungle or the sea, offering a great experience for both beginners and professionals.

Cancun is also the starting point for adventurous excursions in the region, leading to discover dream islands and majestic Mayan archaeological sites in the world, extreme sports such as abseiling, Tyrolean or mountain biking and live with the Mayan people in their communities.

Nightlife

When night falls, after an intense day of sea, sun and beaches, excellent nightlife envelops the senses. The metropolis is dressed in lights and pleases everyone. Jazz groups alternate with the great orchestras Caribbean, tropical rhythms with flamenco dancing and the excitement of the mariachis.

Dancing under the starry sky or go with the magic of the extravagant nightclubs, all with a spectacular light show, videos and art show.

Cancun is famous for its intensity and variety. From quiet bars with screens up folkloric ballets can appreciate the cultural heritage of the country. The clubs feature the latest in technology, music and close at dawn.

¿How to get to Cancun?

By Air: Cancun International Airport receives more than 80 daily flights from Mexico City and some major U.S. cities like New York and Miami.

The airport has two terminals, one for commercial flights and the other for charters. It is located at kilometer 22 of the Cancun-Chetumal highway, only 10 kilometers from the hotel zone, distance covered in 15 or 20 minutes by car.

By Road: The road distance between Cancun and Mexico City is 1.652 kilometers. The trip takes about 18 hours beyond the exhaustion that causes such a long journey, an adventure to discover the charms of the Riviera Maya.

By sea: It is the most common route, however, many international cruise ships dock in Cancun as part of his tour of the Caribbean Sea. Most of these huge ships from New Orleans, Tampa and Miami.

With 7 thousand 300 kilometers of the Great Wall of China was built by Emperor Quin Shi Huang, who thought of this huge barrier to protect the Chinese Empire from the invasions of the nomads of Mongolia and Manchuria.

This magnificent feat of engineering to visit, there on the Great Wall, all is calm inside, all is peace, while your world revolves around fast, while all around you hundreds of tourists on pilgrimage to admire this great wonder.

To get there from Beijing, the nearest is at Badaling, which can go by bus or car. This section, next to Simatai and Mutianyu, are the best preserved. Especially in the second, Simatai, we get the best views of the Wall. There on the horizon, we’ll miss the Great Wall, climbing mountain ridges, down valleys and passing over rivers.

More than seven thousand miles that takes you from the Yellow Sea coast until Jiayuquan step in the Gobi desert, crossing 135 watchtowers on an adventure that not only will you tour the Chinese countryside. There are three steps of the Wall made of clay and sand and covered with baked brick and granite, the Shanghai Juyong and Niangzi.

The party visited by tourists is preserved and some routes have been rebuilt. But also because of its large size is most neglected and serves as a source of stone for construction of houses, play area and even graffiti.

It was said for a long time that the Great Wall of China was the only building visible from the moon, and even transcended textbooks in China. This has been dismissed by experts who say the construction is thinner still many roads. However it has been seen and photographed from space, but it requires good weather, suitable lighting and know where to go look.

The Great Wall of China is the symbol of his power and his story in 1987 was declared by UNESCO as a Cultural and recently chosen as one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

CHINA

The People’s Republic of China was founded on October 1, 1949. Today. China implemented its reform and opening policies and established a socialist market economy, drawing new path: the socialist modernization with Chinese characteristics.

Sightseeing

The most visited places by foreigners are: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Xi’an, Quilin, Hangzhou, Suzhou, Tianjin, Kunming, Dalian, Xiamen, Nanjing and Qingdao. Besides the Three Gorges of Yangtze River and the Silk Road are also tourist charms.

Directions

To get to China from other countries, usually made from aircraft. China has several international and domestic airports in large cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Macao, Malaysia and Taiwan. To move from city to city in China, so you can make high-speed train, bus or rent a car.

An estimated 300 million Chinese use the bicycle as transportation and, not surprisingly, there is bicycle rental shops everywhere, even in smaller towns. China’s terrain offers ideal conditions and different to the practice of this activity.

Accommodation

Tourists can choose among 6029 hotels of different categories, among them 117 are 5 star, 352, 4 stars, three stars 1899, 3061 and 600 2 stars 1 star.

Weather

The climate is quite different from one area to another. Especially in winter, when the rigorous cold north and south is a warm and humid. In summer it is hot almost all over the country. Usually the best time for tourism is April, May, September and October, ie, spring or autumn.

Location and Territory

China is located in Asia, on the western shores of the Pacific Ocean. Its territory covers 9.8 million square kilometers. The continental coastline extending over 18.000 km, and its vast sea covers more than 5.000 islands. Taiwan and Hainan are the largest.

Religion: Taoist, Buddhists, Muslims and Christians

Currency: Yuan

Language: Mandarin (official), Yue (Cantonese), Wu (spoken in Shanghai), Minbei (spoken in Fuzhou), Minnan, Xiang, Gan, Hakka, and many other languages.

System of Government: Communist State

Do not think twice and decide to visit this Asian country, where you can enjoy a grand tour of the Great Wall of China, many things.

This monument has become the symbol of Paris and it is unthinkable for the world lost tourists climb the Eiffel Tower when you visit this city.

The 324 meters high allows them to see Paris in a unique way and have the sight all the monuments of the city.

Walk up to the first floor can be presented as a personal challenge and a fun exercise where we can physically realize the height of the first floor.

The charm that emanates from the Eiffel Tower and so special in the eyes of the world is already something as inexplicable as magic that can only be understood once admiring Paris from the height.

Eiffel Tower History

Far from what it might indicate the current popularity and the pride of Paris for the Eiffel Tower, has had a complicated history, history that could end it at different times, but fortunately it remains firm and slender.

The construction works started in 1887 to commemorate the Universal Exposition celebrating the centenary of the French Revolution, after three years of study by Eiffel and his assistants, three-year battle against public opinion did not want a hulk iron was useless and would cost a millionaire.

Finally, a March 31, 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated, that despite what had taken its construction in the economy and the fight against the popular will, had an expiration date as it was intended to disarm the metal in 1900, when she finished the Universal Exhibition, and so would have been if not for the French navy wanted to make some tests with radio equipment at the top of the tower to discover a use for which the Eiffel Tower had not been built.

Currently there are several antennas that crown the Eiffel Tower, and not just radio, but television, and indeed the presence of these antennas have raised the height of 312.27 meters that measured in 1889 to 324 meters measured in the present, and which are the highest point of the city of Paris.

Climb the Eiffel Tower

Climb the Eiffel Tower is a must, something that anyone who visits Paris to do, because if you do not step it’s almost as if he had not been there.

To go there are different options. Sports enthusiasts may use the stairs (1665 steps), and others are no elevators that we can make it in the first or the second floor, a very unwise choice for those who suffer from vertigo, especially if you run something wind.

In the two stories where you can climb there are two upscale restaurants. Also say that there is a third floor with a view even better, but that few people dare to see, as it is the top of the Eiffel Tower and fully perceive this movement.

At night the Eiffel Tower is always illuminated, and every half hour or an hour depending on time of year, look for about 10 minutes lighting that is a real show, which can be seen from anywhere in and around Paris .

PARIS

Paris, one of the most beautiful cities in the world, the most popular, and probably the most romantic of the planet, lives up to its reputation and not disappoint anyone who comes to visit.

Paris has an antique, classic, and a tour of Paris is a walk in a place where time seems to exist, where despite the hustle and proper motion of one of the world’s largest cities, the visitor will feel of being in a place that has not changed for decades.
The nickname “City of Light” is that Paris was the first city to provide its streets and important buildings of electric light, which caused admiration throughout the world, but this name could also be due fully to France and in particular Paris, was also the light of the world and the city ahead of its time as shown by the fact that here were forged human rights and the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity.

How to get to Paris

By plane
The plane is definitely the fastest means of transport and comfortable we can use to get to Paris. There are two major airports, the Charlles de Gaulle, also known as Roissy, north of Paris and Orly airport, located in the south, both composed by different terminals.

The choice depends on what part of Paris was staying, but if we are in the middle will give us a bit the same, when the difference in time between one or the other is only 10 minutes.

What to do

The city of Paris view from the top is a sight in itself, both day and night, and various places and buildings of the city can have excellent views of the City of Light.

The Arc de Triomphe
Impressive from the closest, the Plaza de la Estrella with 12 avenues that leave from there to form a completely symmetrical design, even the most distant and can clearly see the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur de Montmartre and the Arc of Defense.

Sacred Heart
You can enjoy it quietly sitting on the steps that descend from the top, where there is a sense of peace and tranquility.

The Pantheon
From the outside it does not seem so great, but being situated on a hill, and have a respectable height, the view is also pretty good. Here are buried some of the most illustrious in the history of France.

The Hotel Concorde Lafayette
Attached to the Convention and Exhibition Centre at Porte Maillot, with which it communicates, on the top floor has a bar that offers a wonderful panoramic view of a part of Paris.

So do not wait any longer and be encouraged to travel to this beautiful city, which certainly never forget.

Puerto Rico was ‘discovered’ by Columbus in 1493 on his second voyage to the New World (despite the Taino Indians being the first Puerto Rican inhabitants). It was governed by Ponce de Leon from 1508. There therefore existed many years of Spanish rule before Puerto Rico (Rich Port) was eventually ceded to the USA in 1898 at the end of the Spanish-American War.

In 1917, Puerto Ricans were granted US citizenship and, in 1952, the island became a self-governing ‘Commonwealth in association with the USA’. Many people regard this situation as a compromise between full membership to the USA and full independence. In practice, this gives Puerto Ricans an American passport and makes them eligible for military draft but they do not pay US federal taxes and cannot vote in US elections.

This ’limbo’ situation largely exists with support from the Puerto Ricans. Referendum after referendum has voted towards Puerto Rico retaining the status quo, albeit from sometimes a narrow majority. There is still a vocal lobby for full independence for Puerto Rico, and the issue remains a sensitive one. However, the country, for the most part, happily juggles both Spanish and US influence, plus the African influence that came when Spaniards shipped African slaves to Puerto Rico. Its geographical position in the centre of the arc of the Antilles, and the outcome of history, has meant that Puerto Rico very much stands as a meeting of Hispanic, African and Anglo culture.

You can also hear the meeting of cultures in the island’s infectious music, which pounds out the fast-paced rhythm of nightlife in Puerto Rico. Latino beats fuse with West African percussion, which in turn intermingles with swing and big band. What a wonderful way to enjoy multiculturalism!

Area
8,959 sq km (3,459 sq miles).

Population
3.91 million (official estimate 2005).

Population Density
437.1 per sq km.

Capital
San Juan. Population: 442,447 (2004).

Government
Self-governing US Commonwealth Territory (incorporated). Gained internal autonomy in 1951.

Language
Spanish and English are the official languages.

Religion
Roman Catholic 85%; the remainder are other Christian denominations and Jews.

Time
GMT – 4.

Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. Casual dress is acceptable, but shorts should not be worn in hotel dining rooms or casinos, where formal dress is required after 2000. Spanish and American manners and conventions exist side by side on the island. Some hotels require formal dress.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz.

Head of Government
Governor Anibal Acevedo Vila since 2004.

Head of State
President George W Bush since 2001.

The island’s luxuriant tropical and subtropical vegetation is probably unsurpassed anywhere in the Caribbean. Kingston is its lively capital, surprising visitors with elegant, old colonial houses against the stunning backdrop of the Blue Mountains.

Jamaica has gained a reputation for violence, and there certainly are no-go areas in Kingston, but most Jamaicans are overwhelmingly friendly and fun-loving.

The two main tourist resorts are Negril and Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second city – known to one and all as Mo’ Bay. Negril boasts one of the longest beaches in the country, some 11km (7 miles) of it, with all the watersports one would expect in a lively resort. But just a little way along the coast, you can find ‘the real Jamaica’ with fishing villages like Treasure Beach, Port Antonio and Oracabessa providing quieter retreats.

Tourism grows, encouraged by the governing People’s National Party. Many visitors return as they succumb to Jamaica’s charms, the beautiful scenery, the warmth of the people; and of course, wherever you go, there is always music, music, music.

Author
Mike Gerrard

Area
10,991 sq km (4,244 sq miles).

Population
2.7 million (UN estimate 2005).

Population Density
245.7 sq km.

Capital
Kingston. Population: 660,000.

Government
Constitutional monarchy. Gained independence from the UK in 1962.

Language
The official language is English. Local patois is also spoken.

Religion
Protestant majority (Anglican, Baptist, Church of God and Methodist) with Roman Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu and Bahai communities. Rastafarianism, a religion based on belief in the divinity of the late Emperor of Ethiopia, Haile Selassie (Ras Tafari), is also widely practised.

Time
GMT – 5.

Social Conventions
Handshaking is the customary form of greeting. As tourism is a major industry in Jamaica, the visitor is well catered for, and hotel and restaurant staff are generally friendly and efficient. Outside Kingston, the pace of life is relaxed and people are welcoming and hospitable. Normal codes of practice should be observed when visiting someone’s home. It may be common to see signs on the island referring to ‘Jah lives’, Jah being the name given to God by the Rastafarians. Casual wear is suitable during the day, but shorts and swimsuits must be confined to beaches and poolsides. Evening dress varies from very casual in Negril to quite formal during the season in other resorts, where some hotels and restaurants require men to wear jackets and ties at dinner. Possession of marijuana may lead to imprisonment and deportation.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz, single phase. American two-pin plugs are standard, but many hotels offer, in addition, 220 volts AC, 50Hz, single phase, from three-pin sockets.

Head of Government
Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller since 2006.

Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor-General Kenneth Hall.

Santo Domingo, in the south, features the very first monuments of the American continent: the first cathedral, the first hospital, the first chapel and the first university. In the centre of the country, the three main mountain ranges run roughly parallel to each other in an easterly/westerly direction. The Cordillera Central is the highest mountain range on the island. It includes Pico Duarte, the highest mountain in the Caribbean at a height of 3,098m (over 10,000ft).

Western influence can be seen in the numerous colonial buildings of the capital Santo Domingo while the African heritage, introduced by African slaves brought to the island by the Spanish, is reflected in its music. The popular song and dance, the merengue, blends both heritages and is celebrated in several festivals which draw large numbers of national and international musicians.

Area
48,072 sq km (18,696 sq miles).

Population
9.2 million (2006).

Population Density
191.4 per sq km.

Capital
Santo Domingo. Population: 2.2 million (2006).

Government
Republic. Gained independence in 1865, after successive attempts.

Language
Spanish is the official language. Some English and French are spoken.

Religion
Almost all Christian, with 95% Roman Catholic; there are small Protestant and Jewish minorities.

Time
GMT – 4.

Social Conventions
The Dominican lifestyle is more American than Latin, with short siestas and without long, late lunches. The non-Latin ambience is reflected by the fact that, though the culture is rich in Roman Catholic and Spanish influences, 72-hour divorces may be obtained. Daytime dress is generally casual but beachwear and shorts are only acceptable in resorts and at pools; it is considered offensive to enter a church wearing shorts and a T-shirt. Evenings tend to be smarter, with jackets recommended for men at better restaurants, hotels and for social functions.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style two-pin plugs are in use.

Head of State
President Leonel Fernandez since 2004 (second non-consecutive term).

All of this is easy to forget as you luxuriate on wide, sandy beaches with crystal-clear waters that teem with coral reefs and marine creatures. The Seven Mile Beach on Grand Cayman is particularly popular and deservedly so. Rather than combating pirate invasion, the closest you will probably get to exertion is diving in shipwrecks, walking through rainforest, and letting velvety stingray brush against your legs.

There are three islands in this British Overseas Territory: Grand Cayman, Little Cayman and Cayman Brac. The latter two are the smaller of the Cayman islands and were discovered by Columbus in 1503. Sir Francis Drake explored the area in 1586, but it was 1670 before the islands came under full British rule. Grand Cayman was settled from Jamaica by 1672; Little Cayman and Cayman Brac were settled some time later and maintained a separate administration until 1877. The governor of Jamaica held administrative responsibility for the islands until 1962, when Jamaica itself became independent. Since then the islands have had their own governor appointed by the British Crown.

Area
260 sq km (100 sq miles).

Population
45,436 (2006 estimate).

Population Density
175 per sq km.

Capital
George Town. Population: 29,000 (2005).

Government
British Crown Colony since 1670.

Language
English is the official language, with a distinctive ‘brogue’ reflecting heritage of Welsh, Scottish and English ancestors still distinguishing the speech of the Caymanian people. The number of Jamaican residents in the workforce means the Jamaican patois and accompanying heavier accent is also common. Spanish, particularly regional dialects of Central America and Cuba, is also widely spoken.

Religion
Main Christian denominations.

Time
GMT – 5.

Social Conventions
The mode of life on the Cayman Islands is a blend of local traditions and of US and British patterns of behaviour. Handshaking is the usual greeting. Because of the large number of people with a similar surname (such as Ebanks and Bodden), a person may be introduced by his first name (such as Mr Tom or Mr Jim). Flowers are acceptable as a gift on arrival or following a visit for a meal. It is normal to prescribe the required mode of dress on invitations. Beachwear is best confined to the beach to avoid offence. Topless bathing is prohibited.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.

Head of Government
Kurt Tibbetts since 2005.

Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Bruce Dinwiddy since 2002.

Bermuda was first discovered by Juan de Bermudez, a Spanish sailor, in 1505. It was claimed in England’s name by Sir George Somers, in July 1609. After colonisation, the island prospered and has continued to do so almost continuously ever since. The tourist industry, catering particularly for the American market, began in Victorian times. Today, there are still elements of British culture and customs in almost every aspect of life on the islands.

In 1968, the island was granted internal self-government (formally a British Dependent Territory) while the UK retained control of defence and foreign policy. The issue of independence continues to crop up. A referendum on independence was last held in 1995 but a low turnout produced a majority against independence. In June 2005, opinion polls showed 20.1% supported self-governance, with 65% opposed.

Area
53.74 sq km (20.75 sq miles).

Population
65,000 (official estimate 2005).

Population Density
1,209 per sq km.

Capital
Hamilton. Population: 1,000 (UN estimate 2003).

Government
British Crown Colony since 1684. Gained internal autonomy in 1968.

Language
English is the official language. There is a small Portuguese population. Other languages are spoken by Bermuda’s residents originating from around the world.

Religion
Anglican, Roman Catholic, AME and Seventh Day Adventist and other Christian denominations.

Time
GMT – 4 (GMT – 3 from first Sunday in April to last Sunday in October).

Social Conventions
Many of Bermuda’s social conventions are British influenced, and there is a very English feel to the islands. It is quite customary to politely greet people on the street, even if they are strangers. Casual wear is acceptable in most places during the day, but beachwear (including short tops and ’short’ shorts) should be confined to the beach. Almost all hotels and restaurants require a smart casual dress in the evenings; check dress requirements in advance. Non-smoking areas will be marked. Drinking alcohol in public outside of a licensed premise is prohibited.

Electricity
110 volts AC, 60Hz. American (flat) two-pin plugs are standard.

Head of Government
Premier Ewart Brown since 2006.

Head of State
HM Queen Elizabeth II, represented locally by Governor Sir John Vereker since 2002.