Bolivia: From Lake Titicaca and the Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia is located in western South America and with its climate and landscape diversity is a wide range of natural attractions. But Bolivia has also culturally prepared for the interested visitor surprises.

Bolivia is a paradise for Backpack travelers, The growing number of Hostels and small guest houses to invite Hiking a. Tourism is still a rather small role in the Bolivian economy. For the traveler, this has the advantage of being in the country largely original cultural State finds themselves have not put up with lots of other tourists and the prices of European standards still quite favorable are. However, should they go for something with in the official language Spanish who are familiar with English because it comes just in remote regions not very far.

Bolivia: Cities and Landscapes

The Landscape Bolivia is mainly characterized by two major Mountain ranges of the Andes and the intervening Highland. The latter takes up about one-third of the country and is home to the majority of the Bolivian population. The different regions in different altitudes also require different Climatic conditionsWhat exactly TrekkingTours quite challenging, but made more interesting.

Who is less fond of nature, takes place in the great cities of the country Cultural Highlights. In the capital Sucre wait splendid Colonial buildings the visitor to the old town has even become World Heritage UNESCO. Various museums explain the cultural and historical background of the country and provide insights into the lives of indigenous peoples.

La Paz is the Seat of government Bolivia. Here too, the interested visitors numerous opportunities to expand his knowledge. Culturally, La Paz has a very versatile face, entice the daily Theater with concerts, performances and readings.

Probably the best known and also the populous City in the country is Santa Cruz. This is also the most Bolivia’s modern image, Both architecturally and economically. The development of the town came in the middle of the 20th Century with the growth of infrastructure and the associated development of Oil and gas in the region. Today, Santa Cruz, Bolivian economic center and university town at the same time.
Bolivia: Lake Titicaca and Salar de Uyuni

The Lake TiticacaThat in this country known mainly thanks to its unusual name for German ears is situated on the border with Peru, Only the eastern part belongs to Bolivia. On this page you will find the sacred islands Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. Both the sun and the moon play in the island Origin myths the indigenous peoples play an important role. For tourists, they are also due to many here to be discovered Inca ruins interesting. There are also beautiful dreamy baysWhere it can relax.

The Salar de Uyuni with an area of ​​over 10,000 square meters of largest salt lake in the world. Here in the southwest of Bolivia are estimated 10 billion tons Salt, give the lake a bizarre appearance. In the middle of these ranges is Incahuasi, a Island, For their ancient and high Cacti is known. Nature-adventure.

Machu Picchu – The City of the Incas

“Then we found ourselves in the middle of a tropical forest again, under the shade of the trees we could make up a large amount of old walls, the ruins of buildings made of granite blocks, some of them were fit beautifully in the most refined style of Inca architecture together. [...] This brought me to believe that Machu Picchu might prove to be the largest and most important ruin discovered in South America since the Spanish conquest. ” (HIRHAM Bingham, 1913)

Who does occur slowly in the early morning hours Machu Picchu from the mist, will feel like the great explorers of the ruins. At 2400 meters altitude, surrounded by lush green hills of the Peruvian Selva it is fabled city that probably the Inca rulers served as a retreat. One thousand people were fed by the hanging gardens of Machu Picchu and are today one has when one wanders through the narrow streets, is the feeling of being in a small town cut off from the rest of the world.

The early morning and the mornings are the best time to Machu Picchu to explore. If the mountain (Machu Picchu means “old” or “great mountain”) has yet shrouded in dense fog clears up these slow and gives a view of increasing parts of the ruined city. Particularly impressive is the sight when the sun comes out and the meadows of the town and the surrounding Forests in various shades of green leaves shine.
The most beautiful view over the city has one of the opposite hill Wayna Picchu. Who wants to climb it should hurry up, because only 400 visitors per day are allowed. But also from the Mirador near the entrance has a beautiful view of the various parts of the city, which is hoping to reconstruct the original function names like “Palace of the Princess“, „Neighborhood of artisans”Or”Quarter of the intellectuals”Has given.
Machu Picchu is divided into Upper Town and Lower Town, separated by a large lawn area, llamas graze on the day.
Coming from the entrance are best explored on the first left lying Yachay Huasi, the Palace District containing the mausoleum of the Kings – Bingham discovered here two magnificently equipped with gold and silver Mummies – And the small, semi-circular sun temple. We penetrate further into the upper town, you reach Inticancha, the holy area pointed to by the three windows of the adjacent Temple Hall The rising sun shines. In the adjacent main temple. Carpahuasi, you can admire huge monolithic block that probably served as an altar or sacrificial stone. A staircase leads to Intiwtana now, a granite block astronomical purposes and served with the help of the Inca the course of the sun, the constellations and the planets orbits pursued.
The various quarters of Machu Picchu are connected by numerous stairs and bridges. In the city there are the living and the artisans’ quarter, and the storage of food. From here you also have access to the Terrace GardensThat once supplied the city. Who has a lot of time, should contact any of the stages in the sun and enjoy the view of surrounding mountains, or climb, but the way back towards the prospect of punk and watch from there, from the bustle of Machu Picchu and imagine how the city well before the arrival the Spaniards in South America looked like.
A few practical tips

As I said you visited Machu Picchu, preferably in the morning. It offers all the breathtaking sight of the ruins in the morning mist and the benefit that people get away from the tourist crowds and too much can explore the city at your leisure.
The night can be seen in the town Aguas Calientes spending seems to be specially constructed for the purpose to accommodate tourists. Lots to see there is not, however, in the evening in the nearby hot springs . relax In the morning, buses depart at regular intervals up to Machu Picchu, but the walk is worth it. How to get to Aguas Calientes, you can choose between different Trains. While the favorable local separation is subject to the locals, tourists between the luxurious Vista Dome, and choose the convenient separation Inca or the cheap backpacker separation. Is highly recommended instead of traveling by train and the Inca Trail. Forty-five kilometers and enormous differences in elevation are covered in four days. The most popular Trail South America leads through sparse High levels of, Past snow-capped mountains and numerous Inca ruins. Who wants to commit him, must book several months in advance as to preserve the area where only five hundred visitors a day make with a guide on the way.

Bolivia: Lake Titicaca from the Salar de Uyuni

Bolivia is located in western South America and with its climate and landscape diversity is a wide range of natural attractions. But Bolivia has also culturally prepared for the interested visitor surprises.

Bolivia is a paradise for Backpack travelers, The growing number of Hostels and small guest houses to invite Hiking one. Tourism is still a rather small role in the Bolivian economy. For the traveler, this has the advantage of being in the country largely original cultural State finds, must not be stuck with tons of other tourists and the prices of European standards still quite favorable are. However, should you look a little into the official language Spanish who are familiar with English because it comes just in remote regions not very far.

Bolivia: Cities and Landscapes

The Landscape Bolivia is characterized mainly by two large Mountain ranges of the Andes and the intervening Highland. The latter takes up about one-third of the country and houses the majority of the Bolivian population. The different regions in different altitudes of course, require different Climatic conditionsWhat exactly TrekkingTours quite challenging, but made more interesting.

Who is less fond of nature is, in the large cities of the country Cultural Highlights. In the capital Sucre wait splendid Colonial buildings the visitor to the old town has even become World Heritage of UNESCO. Various museums explain the cultural and historical backgrounds of the country and provide insights into the lives of Indigenous peoples.

La Paz is the Seat of government In Bolivia. Here too, the interested visitors numerous opportunities to expand his knowledge. La Paz has a very culturally diverse face daily lure Theater with concerts, performances and readings.

Probably the best known and also the populous City in the country is Santa Cruz. Here is also the most Bolivia’s modern image, Both architecturally and economically. The development of the town came in the middle of the 20th Century with the growth of infrastructure and the associated development of Oil and gas in the region. Today, Santa Cruz, Bolivian economic center and university town at the same time.
Bolivia: Lake Titicaca and Salar de Uyuni

The Lake TiticacaThat in this country known mainly thanks to its unusual name for German ears is situated on the border with Peru, Only the eastern part belongs to Bolivia. On this page you will find the sacred islands Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna. Both the sun and the moon play in the island Origin myths the indigenous peoples play an important role. For tourists, they are also due to many here to be discovered Inca ruins interesting. There are also beautiful dreamy baysWhere it can relax.

The Salar de Uyuni with an area of ​​over 10,000 square feet of largest salt lake in the world. Here in the southwest of Bolivia are estimated 10 billion tons Salt, giving the lake a bizarre appearance. In the middle of this expanse lies Incahuasi, a Island, For their ancient and high Cacti is known. Nature-adventure.

Kaltern and Tramin near the Kalterersee

The Kalterersee is surrounded by vineyards south of South Tyrol Kaltern and close to the village Tramin, the home of Gewurztraminer. The towns are located directly on the wine route, since the beginning of the 20th Century a large role in wine production plays.

The Kalterersee is one of the warmest waters of the Alps and attracts many tourists every year. Kaltern and Tramin offer beautiful landscape, For walking and sporting activities such as Cycling Climbing and inviting. In addition, there are many places in the sights, restaurants and Recreation opportunities.
Kaltern and Tramin – The perfect place for wine-growing

The South Tyrolean villages Kaltern and Tramin offer due to its location ideal conditions for wine growing. Influenced by Mediterranean climate and the surrounding Alps, the villages are protected from the cold. In addition, the soil warmed slightly and the number of sunny days is very high, which is responsible for the splendid development of the vines.

Naturefriends enjoy themselves in the South Tyrolean towns and all their money. The landscape offers a panorama, which is characterized by vineyards, lush forests and characterizes the Kalterersee. These components combine to create a beautiful image, which you can hike and mountain biking.

Located near the lake, the Ice holes. These are natural phenomena in 500 m above sea level. In the Spring valley to the end of January, the first flowering plants can be admired thanks to the mild climate.
Tramin – The home of Gewurztraminer

The South Tyrolean village TraminWhich is about five kilometers away from Kalterersee is primarily for their Gewurztraminer known. Of particular interest is the historic village core. To the Sights Tramin include the parish church of St. Quirikus and Julitta and Cemetery ChapelThat has been consecrated by St. Valentine. The municipality comprises the villages of Ronchi, Söll and Tramin village, numbering in all about 3,000 inhabitants.
Kaltern – Fine wines from South Tyrol

The community is in Kaltern nine fractions and was divided as it were built on several floors. The “cold-lake-selection” is a famous wine region, which consists of Vernatsch grapes is obtained. But even as fine droplets and Sauvignon Cabernet are produced in Kaltern.

The town has much to offer to travelers so that it is never boring. The South Tyrolean Wine Museum, The wine Kalterer days in late summer and the countless summer festivals provide plenty of variety.

Antarctica: On expedition in the eternal ice

Early 90s were only about 1,000 tourists to Antarctica. In 2003 there were already 14,000. The Antarctic fascinated with their unique natural phenomena more and more visitors.

Germany is the second after the U.S. Country of Origin Antarctic tourists. The most popular are CruisesThat in Ushuaia in southern Argentina and begin the Arctic Attractions exit.
Exceptional climate of Antarctica

At Temperatures up to -70 degrees and -30 degrees in the winter Summer the South Pole is the coldest place in the world. With a rainfall of only about 40-50 mm per year in the form of snow, he is also the driest place on Earth. Climatically, the Antarctic is thus a desert.

Here are the Cities named after the research stations. Only in the vicinity of these people live. A population in the true sense, there is not, because the Antarctic is for people without sustainable Habitat dar. In the summer of 4000 and live in the winter of 1000 people in the stations and their Environment.

Despite the inhospitable climate in Antarctica has a very rich Ecosystem developed. Penguins, seals and whales can be observed in the regions.
Attractions in Antarctica

Particularly interesting are the creatures in the Dry Valleys. In this ice-free zone, live animals, which are found nowhere else in the world. The dry valleys are due to their rock formations with a Martian landscape compared. The Onyx River flows through them.

The remaining Waters at the South Pole are of a Ice covered. Lake Vostok is the example under a 3.7 km thick layer of ice.

For Tourists very interesting is taking place since the 1995 Antarctica Marathon and Music Festival at the IceStock New Year. In addition to the cruises are also Mainland expeditions offered. For most hard-bitten is a resident in the Camp Patriot Hills is recommended. This Stays limited, as the entire tourism to Antarctica in the summer months from November to February.

Tarifa – Andalusia surfer’s paradise

At the southernmost point of Europe, between the Atlantic and Mediterranean, has one of the world capitals for wind and kite surfing. The Costa de la Luz offers dream beaches, within easy reach via the Strait of Gibraltar in Morocco, Africa.

Tarifa, in the Andalusian province of Cádiz, offers a lot for the active vacationer. Pure nature, whether isolated beaches or breathtaking mountain scenery in the hinterland. But also cultural excursions to nearby cities such as Cordoba, Seville and Granada, Tarifa make it an ever popular destination.
Windy haven for water sports

In Tarifa, the year strong winds blow over. Only in August, the wind dies down a bit. Tarifa has not only the advantage to have available two seas, but two winds. The Easterly Levante comes with a wind speed of around 7 to 9 of the Sahara. He often brings warmth and sand from the desert.

Coming from the Atlantic Poniente however, is somewhat weaker and often also very refreshing. Thanks to these winds, Tarifa next to Hawaii and Fuerteventura, one of the most important destinations for surfers become.
Beach holidays in Tarifa

The nearly 20 km long sandy beach that stretches from Tarifa, offers plenty of room for visitors so everyone can find a quiet spot. Particularly appealing is if you in good Reports directly to Africa and may overlook the mountain Jebel Musa. The water quality in the province of Cadiz is very good and the unspoilt beaches very clean.

The idyllic coves at Beach of Bologna are mostly released for nudists. But the Playa Chica beach town is impressive and offers some protection from the strong winds of the coast.
Tourism in Tarifa

Since the 1970s the fishery in Tarifa has been replaced by tourism as the main source of income. The region is set to its visitors and shows all around very hospitable.

May exist in Tarifa itself are many good tapas bars and restaurants, but also the nightlife to be proud of. Numerous hostels, hotels, inns and guest rooms in and around Tarifa offer Accommodation for every taste. But the campsites near the beach enjoy great popularity.

At the tourist information points, travelers can find all the necessary and most locals speak at least English, too. Even without a car may be well with the tourists public buses move around and visit other cities also inexpensive.
Traces of Andalusian history

In and around Tarifa, there is a lot to discover. Everywhere you can track the long history of the southern region Spain . read Andalusia is influenced by the Romans and the Moors, so there are ancient Roman temples and amphitheatres as well as Arab palaces, gardens and mosques in the surrounding towns. Of course there is also huge cathedrals not in the predominantly Catholic communities today.
Excursions from Tarifa

From Tarifa to offer many opportunities for excursions, if you take enough of the beach, or has the pinch is too fresh. By car it is very quickly in the mountains Hiking or climbing or to make a tour of the Pueblos Blancos, The white villages of Andalusia.

Seville, the capital of Andalusia, And their Sights should not be missed. In the romantic city one can imagine the largest Gothic cathedral of Santa María de la Sede, with its Moorish tower Giralda who see the World Heritage one. Another World Heritage is the Moorish Alcazar palace and its impressive gardens. The Plaza de España, Parque Maria Luisa, the pigeons in the Plaza de America and many other historic and modern buildings give Sevilla a special charm.

The floating islands of Uros

At over 3800 meters altitude in the Andes lies the Titicaca Lake, home of the Uros, an indigenous tribe that lived for centuries on homemade floating reed islands. Once withdrawal facility from the attacks of the Incas, are the islands now open to visitors and well worth a visit.

The history of the Uros, a history of resistance – and success. When the Inca ruler of her empire continued to expand, subject to the Uros Floating Islands Lake Titicaca in the back and escaped said the submission by the Inca.
Today there are no more pure-blooded Uros and their language was gradually forgotten, but their culture is still alive. At the 50 floating islands are on the Titicaca Lake. They are produced – as well as the Cabins and Boats Uros – from Totora reedsThat grows in the lake and is indispensable for the Uros. Besides the main building material also serves as the reed as food and energy source.
An island is home to several families, while the larger islands there are also a primary school, a kindergarten, a small post office and a restaurant where visitors will be served fresh fish. The Uros live mainly from earlier Fishing, Is today for most Islands Tourism is the main source of income.
An excursion into the world of the Uros

Starting point for a trip to the “islas flotantes” is the city Puno on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca. A boat takes you to the island of San Miguel – each island has its own name – where one of the older Uros takes the lead. On the way to the islands to get a glimpse into the life of the Uros, where you can watch the harvesting of totora reeds. Once on the island a first lesson is followed in terms of “How to build an island”. It is important to anchor the islands at the base, the leader tells with a twinkle, otherwise it could happen that one morning in Bolivia wakes up. And one more anecdote from the Uro-life he is the best: What do you do when you zerstreitet with the neighboring family? It’s simple: you turn around his house. While actually the doors of all houses for the middle island show, family feuds recognize the fact that the doors of the show fighting cocks in the opposite direction.

Alone entering the reed islands is a highlight in itself. The ground is soft and cushioning with every step and never listen to the islands to fluctuate slightly. With luck, but you get the opportunity to another adventure: a ride on one of the reed boats of the Uros. As a keen observer you can make an interesting discovery. While the boats are on the outside in recent centuries is likely to change little, her body floating out there today, bundled, empty plastic bottles. Elsewhere observed that the impact of the modern world felt in the lives of the Uros: Tourism rules their lives. Women sell home-woven blankets, jewelry and key chains and mobiles made of reeds, while children run around with enamel cups and ask the tourists to cola or lemonade. Nevertheless, a visit is worthwhile. One gets an impression of how the Uros lived here before our time, and is surrounded by friendly faces and beaming children.

Mexico City – a city of superlatives

La Ciudad de Mexico, simply “DF”, is one of the most exciting cities in the world. It impresses not only through their enormous size, but also by its versatility. Archaeological sites, vast parks, old palaces and skyscrapers, fancy restaurants and Mexican international food stalls, modern shops and colorful markets, monuments and museums waiting to be discovered.

Our tour will continue where we ended last time: on the Plaza de da Constitución, the Zócalo. Depending on whether the first historical center want to explore or get an overview of the city, you can walk through the Centro Historico, or make yourself comfortable on the sun deck of the tourist buses.
The Turibus

A ride on the hop on / hop-offTuribus has the great advantage that you can see in a short time much of the city. For about $ 100 (Do not be afraid, even the Mexican peso is abbreviated with the dollar signs. Converted to comply with $ 100 about 5 €.) You learn in three hours, the main attractions to know the city and has the opportunity at various stops to get out to to look at a particularly nice to visit a museum or monument. The bus company offers two routes: the historic center and the southern route, which leads among other things, through the picturesque neighborhood of Coyoacan, where Frida Kahlo lived. The Zócalo may not be the actual starting point of the double-decker tour, but is suitable as a starting point, if you previously had the Palacio Nacional or Cathedral has visited.
For a longer stay in Mexico City, it is useful to make two bus tours to discover the city and neighborhood to discover that it is worthwhile to visit more detail later.
On foot, in the Centro Historico

The first to the Center of Mexico City wants to know, can the Zócalo from the street Francisco I Madero run down, the direction Parque Alameda leads. After a short walk you can see on the right side of the Casa de las Azulejos, A beautiful blue-tiled house from the 18th Century, which today houses a restaurant. Also located in the Avenida Francisco Madero, the Torre Latinoamericana, Offer a 180m tall office tower, whose upper floors visitors a wonderful view over the city and its attractions. Turn at the intersection with Avenida Lazaro Cardenas to the right, we come to the beginning of the 20th Century post-built buildings Palacio PostalWhose beautiful art nouveau staircase is worth a detour. From here there are only a few steps back towards the east to the ideal place for a Mexican lunch: the Café de Tacuba. Wall paintings, colorful tiles, high ceilings and arches carved furniture give the restaurant a warm atmosphere while tasting typical Mexican dishes like tamales, pozole, tacos or a la Tinga Poblana.
We continue to strengthen Alameda Central. Formerly an Aztec marketplace has been used in place of the Spanish Inquisition as a place of execution and now houses a park and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, Museum of Fine Arts, Concert Hall and Theatre. Continuing along the Avenida Juarez (Francisco Madero is at the intersection of Avenida Lázaro Cárdenas in the Juarez) to reach the Paseo de la Reforma, A 12-kilometer road that is modeled after the Champs Elysees in Paris. Turn south off after you reach the last highlight of our walk: the Angel de la Independencia. The 45m high column with the golden angel on top was erected in 1910 as the centenary of the Mexican War of Independence and is now a city landmark.

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Daily Deal With the holiday

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Discount coupons and vouchers from Daily Deal

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With us you can 5 x € 10 Daily Deal balances . win Simply write to 4th April 2011 e-mail to mail [@] wblogs.de with the subject “Daily Deal Travel blogging” and with luck you will soon include a voucher in the amount of 10 €, which you can redeem for a deal of their choice.

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WWOOF – A different kind of adventure travel

You want to discover the world, make yourself useful, learn new things and spend as little need for it? “WWOOF” is the magic word, the interesting travel and work experience for the small purse promises.

The abbreviation “WWOOF”Stands for”World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms”So Job opportunities on organic farms, and refers to a global network in which organic farms and volunteers get to know you. The principle is simple: volunteers work with board and lodging at the farm. Neither they pay for their stay, nor are they paid for their work. In this way one can cost foreign countries (or even his own) and learn more about the same time Organic Food and find a sustainable lifestyle.
How it works

For a small annual membership fee (for WWOOF-Germany € 18; in some countries of the free membership), the volunteers have access to the contact details of registered organic farms in a given country. It is important to note that there is no worldwide WWOOF membership, but each country has its own WWOOF organization with which one must register as a volunteer. So: you decide which country or countries in which you want to WWOOF before it applied for membership!
Once you are a member, you can be on the WWOOF Homepage of the country about the farms. Let’s go with the Travel Planning! The organization is up to you and as a volunteer, you must take the initiative and contact with the organic farms in combination, seem most interesting. E-mail or phone to make appointments with the owners of the farm, clarifies the duties and working hours and other issues. Also, the Arrival organize themselves and in consultation with the courts.
The Benefits of WWOOF

The first crucial Advantage has already been mentioned: WWOOF is cheap, and thus particularly suitable for Students or StudentWho wish to spend their vacation or a few months break in the fresh air and an interesting job. And who does not want to wander off into the distance and instead prefer to WWOOF in Germany and its neighboring countries, not to be expected with high travel costs. But even distant countries provide attractive opportunities for Wwoof. How about, for example, with a few weeks on a sheep farm or a vineyard in New Zealand? Or a cup of coffee cultivation on Hawaii? Or would you prefer in Ghana? Or Israel? Or Costa Rica? WWOOF exist in the world in a variety of countries and as each farm is different, you can make as Wwoof very diverse experience. To be surprised is not unpleasant – some courts do not deliver what they promise – you traded in the run with another on the forums of the respective Wwofern WWOOF organization of more than your experience.
Another advantage of WWOOF: it is spontaneously. In general, it is enough if you contacted 4 weeks prior to your trip to the respective court. Who wants to spend several months in a country, so it can begin on a farm and then decide at relatively short notice, wherever the wind blows on him. And another thing: is WWOOF internationally. If you travel abroad, get there a great insight into the life and work of each country. And even if you stay in Germany, you have the opportunity to meet other Wwoof from various countries and to cooperate with them.