Around the World in 100 Countries
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- Antigua Deps. (Barbuda, Redonda)
- Barbados Barbados’ climate is warm throughout the year making it great for outdoor activities. The best time to visit is from December to May .
- Cayman Islands
- Leeward Islands, French (St. Martin)
- St. Kitts Nevis
- St. Maarten (formerly Netherlands Antilles)
This is the only country in South America with coasts on the Pacific and Caribbean. It's a beautiful country, with the Andes Mountains, beaches, colonial cities and archaeological treasures to delight the business or traveler. Bogota is the capital of Colombia. The colonial traditions of Santa Fe de Bogota are very rich with a number of landmarks that are historically preserved. Most of these are located in the oldest district in the city of La Candlearia. There are many churches and the Capital Municipal Palace are some of the best places to visit. Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) is an extraordinary museum in Colombia and another great place to visit.Source: http://gosouthamerica.about.com/od/coltripplan/tp/whattodo.--mx.htm
In South America, Ecuador is the fourth-smallest country. It is located on the west coast of the continent crossed by the equator. There are a lot of attractive places to visit in Ecuador for tourists from within and outside the country. Ecuador has many historic districts with beautiful architecture, many of them UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as the Historic Center of Cuenca Ecuador which is surrounded by the Andean Mountains. Quito is one of the most exciting cities to visit. It is located 3000 meters above sea level. When you land in Quito, you will notice that it is harder to breathe. This is because there is less oxygen in the air, due to the high elevation. Quito has many Spanish colonial style buildings, national parks and eco reserves. Quito is the capital of Ecuador and you will find many art galleries, cafes and Church of the Society of Jesus. There are other important landmarks such as the monument of the Virgin Mary on top of El Panecillo and government buildings which are located in Plaza Grande. If you love art you should visit Museo National, Museo de Ciencias Naturales and Centro Cultural Metropolitano. Quito also has many beautiful city parks like La Carolina to enjoy picnic and recreational activities. Sources:
http://www.placesonline.com/south_america/ecuador/places.asp http://www.mytravelguideposts.com/2010/09/interesting-places-to-visit-in-ecuador.html
Paraguay is in the central part of South America with a land area slightly smaller than California. It is bordered by Brazil to the east, Bolivia to the north, and Argentina to the west and south. As of 2010, 6.4 million people reside in Paraguay. Most of the population is concentrated in the southern portion of the country. The Paraguay River divides the nation in half. The Pantanal is the largest freshwater wetland in the world. It floods annually, creating a massive nursery for marine life. The short dry season from May through July ushers in birds and exotic land animals. In Pantanal visitors might see river otters, jaguars, anacondas, monkeys, toucans and cormorants. Asuncion is the capital of Paraguay and 1.2 million people live there. Asuncion is in the southern part of the country along the banks of the Paraguay River, which separate it from Argentina. This cosmopolitan city has colonial architecture with upscale shopping malls, nightclubs and international cuisine. National Pantheon of Heroes is the best place to visit in Asuncion. Outside this memorial to fallen soldiers, visitors can witness a changing of the guard ceremony each day. The National Cathedral, National Congress, Visual Arts Museum and Fine Arts Museum are the other interesting places to visit in Asuncion. Source: http://traveltips.usatoday.com/interesting-places-landforms-visit-paraguay-35899.html
Peru is the most popular destination in South America for travelers from the U.S. and all over the world. In the early 1500s, many of the churches in Lima were built by the Spanish when the Conquistadores invaded. The Spanish had to concede to the local religion of Earth worship and adapt Christian icons to fit in with local tradition. The buildings in Lima were made to be earthquake resistant by using stone. Peru has Ancient temples, lost civilizations and so many breathtaking destinations. The Inca Ruins at Machu Picchu are the jewels of South America. Visitors can head to Puno on the shores of Lake Titicaca and visit the Amazon Jungle as well. The Gold Museum has many artistic facts from the Aztec period and incredible views of the Andes Mountains in Cuzco. It is about a one hour flight from Lima, one of the world’s highest cities. Visit the Temple of the Sun in Cuzco and see Cuzco Cathedral, one of the most ornate cathedrals in the world. This Cuzco Cathedral is made with about a tone of pure silver and covers over 4,000 square meters. Another best place to visit is the Sacred Valley under the Andes Mountains and the Inca temple at Urubamba Valley in Allantaytamba. Source: http://placeswego.com/places-to-go/latin-america/peru/
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay. It is a beautiful place with European and colonial architecture and even some similarities to the Porteño culture. Montevideo has a peaceful and gentle environment, including the busiest areas of the city. Its top landmarks include the old city quarter, the Puerta de la Ciudadela, the Teatro Solis, and the Parque Rodó. Do not miss the Rambla, a wonderful promenade with more than 13 kilometers of white sandy beaches, where the river begins to mix up with the Atlantic Ocean making it a very attractive place to play sports, relax, and the perfect place to enjoy the sunset. Montevideo can be visited from Buenos Aires in one day by taking a three hour direct boat from Buenos Aires or if you want to stay longer to enjoy the tranquil lifestyle of the capital, you can take a direct boat to Colonia. It is a one to three hours boat drive from Colonia to Uruguay about two and half hour bus ride. Source: http://www.buenosaires4u.com/2012/02/top-5-places-to-visit-in-uruguay.html CARIBBEAN
Antigua & Deps. is divided into six parishes and two dependencies, the islands Barbuda and Redonda. Dockyard Museum is located in the historic Nelson’s Dockyard. The Dockyard Museum highlights the history of the only continuously working Georgian Dockyard in the world and serves as the center of research in Antigua. The capital at St John’s is very colorful and is the home to some antiquated buildings, which are on Long Street. In St John’s you can also attend a game of cricket or eat in great restaurants of West Indian cuisine. Visiting Barbuda is a good idea for a day to enjoy Palm Beach or the small village of this secluded Island. The main reason to visit Antigua is for its beaches, sailing, diving and other water sports. There are luxury resorts to barefoot beach bars which offer a wide range of attraction during holiday seasons. Source: http://www.antiguanice.com/v2/thingstodo.php?cat=22
Aruba is one of the most popular island ports in the Caribbean. Aruba has incredible beaches, abundant sunshine, casinos, and gorgeous scenery. It has plenty of attractions for families including tranquil waters, animal sanctuaries, and natural attractions. Aruba is an interesting town to explore, considered a safe, friendly island, and outside the hurricane zone. Oranjestad is island’s capital and has lot of shops and historical museums. Aruba is the world's largest exporter of aloe. Aruba has several sanctuaries to interest biologists and animal lovers, such as the Butterfly Farm, near Palm Beach , the Donkey Sanctuary, near the Ayo rock formations, the Ostrich Farm, on the northern coast and the Bubali Bird Sanctuary, near the northwestern coast. These are the best places to introduce your kids to bird-watching. They will love it! Some facilities offer guided tours as well. Source: http://travelwithkids.about.com/lw/Travel/North-America-and-Caribbean/Aruba-for-Families.htm
There are a number of beautiful and exciting destinations around the world for vacationers to choose every year. Some of the most popular destinations are tropical locations with beautiful beaches and access to the ocean. One of the destinations fits this description is the Bahamas. A visit to the Bahamas can be the perfect vacation for the many people; it is paradise! Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island is a waterpark that offers activities for children and adults of all ages. From tubing rides to floating down lazy rivers and of course thrilling waterslides, a visit to Aquaventure at Atlantis Paradise Island is a must. Gold Rock Beach is one of the best beaches in the nation there and it has everything anyone that anyone would need if a person was to spend the day there. The beautiful crystal clear water is great to swim and splash around in. The surrounding area is absolutely gorgeous, especially at sunset. Gold Rock Beach is perfect for couples looking for a romantic time near the water. Balcony House the oldest structure in the capital city of Nassau. It has had a long and fascinating history and is a great museum that focuses on life during the early days of this paradise island. The colonial house is in great condition and the interior has gone through a painful restoration process that has returned it to what it looked like when it was used to entertain some of the most famous guests who visited the islands. Source: http://traveldoozie.com/top-ten-great-places-to-visit-on-a-trip-to-the-bahamas
Barbados’ climate is warm throughout the year making it great for outdoor activities. The best time to visit is from December to May. Their hurricane season is in September and October, so try to avoid visiting during these months. Bottom Bay is one of the most spectacular beaches. However, this is not a good swimming beach because of the heavy surf, but it is a wonderful place to while away a few hours in paradise. There are beach chairs for relaxing in a grove of tall palms, a cave to explore at the western end of the beach, and lots of coconuts for cracking and drinking the cool water inside. The rural east coast is good place to visit, and Bathsheba is the highlight. This is a tiny, relaxed fishing village that doubles as a surf town, due to the world-famous Soup Bowl break just offshore. There are a few restaurants, rum shops and guesthouses, but otherwise this is a wonderfully quiet place. Flower Forest is quiet atmospheric botanical garden is located in the rolling highlands of central Barbados, in St. Joseph Parish. All plants are labeled with both common and scientific names. The Flower Forest is on 50 acres land and is larger than many of the other botanical gardens on the island. Take your time and enjoy the self-guided trails at your own pace. Source: http://aaronmegquier.hubpages.com/hub/barbadosgreatplaces
The Cayman Islands is the top destination in the Caribbean and recently won the prestigious Traveler's Choice award for 2011. Grand Cayman is famous for Stingray City, Seven Mile Beach, world-class diving and duty free shopping and has been a favorite destination for years. The Three islands that make up the Cayman Islands - Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman - each have something unique to offer. Cayman's premier attraction, the Turtle Farm, has been transformed into a marine theme park. The complex now has several souvenir shops and restaurants. You can tour ponds in the original research-breeding facility with thousands in various stages of growth, some up to 600 pounds and more than 70 years old. Turtles can be picked up from the tanks, a real treat for children and adults as the creatures flap their fins and splash the water. Animal Program events include Keeper Talks, where you can feed birds or iguanas, and biologists speak about conservation and their importance to the ecosystem. Sources: http://www.destination.ky/ http://www.fodors.com/world/caribbean/cayman-islands/review-94335.html
Curacao island has long been a popular destination for travelers having fun in the sun in the Caribbean. The island is particularly unique when compared to many other islands in the area. The island shows a great deal of influence from the Dutch who controlled it for many years. Curacao offers wonderful opportunities for outdoor recreation both on the water and more inland too. One of the more unique sights to see during a visit to Curacao is Ostrich and Game Farm. The food available at the restaurant is rated as some of the best available in the area and tours of the farm are also available. One of the more unique experiences on Curacao is visiting the Hato Caves. The caves are located near the airport and will create memories that last a lifetime. During the island's history they were used as everything from shelter for the natives living there to hideouts for runaway slaves. Caves and the surrounding area tour are available and are a fascinating way to experience one of the most unique natural wonders on the island of Curacao. Queen Juliana Bridge is another must-see tourist attraction. This bridge is truly something special. It the highest bridge in the entire Caribbean region and is built in such a way that it is architecturally beautiful and also allows for cruise ships entering the harbor to safely pass beneath it. Some of the best views of Willemstad can be seen from high above on the Queen Juliana Bridge. Visitors can take a brief taxi ride across the bridge just to experience the scenic views. Source: http://www.squidoo.com/curacao-things-to-do-and-places-to-go
Haiti offers many of the same things that other islands in the Caribbean do, but it also offers a more undeveloped feel to it where visitors can experience life on the island in the way that its residents experience it. Citadelle Laferriere is located in northern Haiti, near the city of Cap-Haitien. Laferriere is commonly referred to as the Citadelle. This is the largest fortress in the entire Western Hemisphere, although it is located in a remote and difficult location. The fortress sits atop a mountaintop and was built in the early part of the 1800s during Haiti’s early days of independence. The fortress is open to tourists, though reaching it may require one to be in good physical shape or a rental horse. Once there, visitors can not only enter most of the areas inside this historic structure, but can also climb to the top of the fortress walls and rooftops. Jacmel is another wonderful area to tour and experience the surrounding southern coastline of Haiti. Jacmel is a colorful city featuring stunning Victorian architecture. Jacmel is located near Parc Macaya, which is one of the most beautiful and interesting national parks in all of Haiti. Jacmel offers a number of high quality and unique styles of accommodations, restaurants, and shopping districts. Another popular place to visit in the community of Jacmel is the Bassins Bleus which is a series of three small lakes that are all joined by a waterfall. Saut-Mathurine is the largest waterfall in all of Haiti. The beauty of this scenic area is hard to describe because it simply cannot be described in words! This remote location has allowed it to stay relatively free of some of the negative effects of overuse and development. This is one of the famous inland sights on the island for photography. Source: http://traveldoozie.com/five-must-see-attractions-in-haiti
There is so much to see and do on a trip to Jamaica, including sun bathing on the beach, swimming with dolphins, and snorkeling. Montego Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations on the island. It has a cruise line terminal and is also served by the Sir Donald Sangster International Airport which is the largest airport on the island. Montego Bay has some of the best beaches and resorts on the island. There are also interesting sites to see and activities in the area. Many attractions like the Windsor Caves, Rum Jungle, Cockpit Country, Rose Hall Great House, and the Bob Marley Experience & Theater are great places to spend some time. You can also enjoy many exciting activities including partying and entertainment at Margaritaville Montego Bay, kayaking at Chukka Caribbean Adventure's River Kayak Safari, golfing at the Ironshore Golf and Country Club, rafting on the Martha Brae, and adventure tours at Chukka Caribbean Adventure's Canopy. Negril is very popular because of the Seven Mile Beach with its stunning sunset backdrop and its alluring nightlife, fire eaters, and many Bob Marley impersonators. Negril has an array of places to visit and activities to enjoy. Negril's attractions include Cousin's Cove, Grange Hill, Bloody Bay, and May Field Falls. Dunn's River Falls is a very popular waterfall located near Ocho Rios. It is also known as one of the island's national treasures. Thousands of visitors visit the falls every year to see the 1,000 feet of water gracefully cascading down tiered-like giant stair steps with small lagoons scattered between the vertical sections of the waterfalls. It is considered to be one of the most unique waterfalls in the Caribbean and is a must see for visitors to the island. Source: http://voices.yahoo.com/top-three-places-visit-jamaica-8953383.html?cat=16
St. Martin is the French half of the world's smallest territory that is shared by two sovereign states. The other half, St. Maarten, is governed by the Netherlands. French St. Martin is 53 square kilometers in size and has a slightly smaller population than its Dutch counterpart. St. Martin is lavish, elegant, and cosmopolitan. It is also much quieter than St. Maarten and an ideal place for secluded rest and relaxation. The beaches on St. Martin offer the best way to relax. Baie Aux Prunes beach is quiet since it is the location for many of St. Martin's most exclusive homes. The Baie Nettle area is the French side of Simpson Bay Lagoon and is near many hotels and the capital, Marigot. Many visitors come here for water sports. Friar's Bay is a great place to bring your family since it is protected from winds and heavy surf. Gallion Beach protected Nature Marine Reserve on the windward side of St. Martin has trails to hike, reefs to snorkel, and sailboats to charter. There are lounge chairs and umbrellas here as well as Sunset Cafe, which will cater to your gastronomic needs. There are several beaches in this area. Restaurants, bars, and shopping are easily found here. Source: http://www.internationalyachtchartergroup.com/caribbean/about%20stmartin.php
Puerto Rico has so much to offer; each region is considered a destination on its own. There are many places to visit along the coast, and the central hillside of the island is filled with cultural, historical and Eco-adventures. There is something for everyone in Puerto Rico. You can spend every day of the year exploring the island and you will still need more time; this is one of the reasons Puerto Rico sees so many repeat visitors. If you really want to get to know Puerto Rico, transportation is a must. The roads are great in Puerto Rico and well marked with modern highways. El Yunque is the most treasured natural attraction on the island. Explore the only rainforest under the USA flag and one that has been nominated as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. El Yunque is safe environment, with wonderful hiking trails that lead to waterfalls and natural pools. From San Juan you can take a day trip to the north coast of Puerto Rico which houses two world wonders and the biggest radio telescope in the world. Also visit the Camuy Caverns, which is the third longest underground river system in the world. Another great destination in Puerto Rico is the island of Vieques. Here you will find pristine, virgin, and secluded beaches. A visit to Vieques will be your perfect Puerto Rico vacation. Source: http://viequestravelguide.com/puerto-rico-vacation.html
St. Kitts and Nevis make up a two-island nation at the northern end of the Leeward Islands archipelago surrounded by the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. The beaches are not crowded, and lush rainforests, historic ruins and a laid-back atmosphere can be found here. St. Kitts is about 69 square miles and Nevis is just half the size at 36 square miles. The best beaches on St. Kitts include Friar's Bay, Banana/Cockleshell Bays and Frigate Bay. It also offers diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, and golf. St. Kitts Scenic Railway takes sightseers on a leisurely, relaxing tour of the entire island in under four hours. The cuisine of St. Kitts reflects West Indian, Caribbean and indigenous influences, best sampled at local restaurants like Ballahoo, Circus Grill, Marshall’s, and Bobsy's. For seafood and conch chowder, Fisherman's Wharf is a popular spot. Nevis, or “Queen of the Caribees,” maintains a rustic and gracious ambiance. There is one main road without traffic lights circling the island. Nevis has some of the Caribbean’s most historic and upscale hotels and resorts. Source: http://www.voyage.tv/the_caribbean_st_kitts_nevis.html
One of the most gorgeous places to visit in the Caribbean is St. Lucia. One of the most stunningly beautiful areas in St. Lucia is Pigeon Island National Park. This is great place to take photographs. There are a number of hiking places in the park and also some very important historical sites as well. One of the top attractions in St. Lucia is Errard Plantation. It offers visitors the opportunity to see an area that was once a working plantation during the glory days of St. Lucia’s past. There are a number of animals that can be viewed while strolling along the land and the trails that lead off into the rain forest and along the rivers are exciting and fascinating. The St. Lucia Rain Forest is a great attraction, especially for those coming from an area where rain forests are not usual. The beauty in the lush jungle plants and the excitement of possibly seeing some actual wildlife make a visit appealing to many visitors. Anse Mamin is one of the hidden treasures of St. Lucia and an old plantation near Jade Mountain that welcomes visitors seeking to get away from it all and possibly enjoy some solitude during their vacation. There is a beach bar and grill on site that provides food and refreshment to the visitors. There are also some great hiking and biking trails that seemingly lead off in all directions. This is a great little stop and the perfect accent to a St. Lucia vacation. Source: http://traveldoozie.com/seven-must-see-places-to-visit-in-st-lucia
The island of Saint Maarten (Dutch)/Saint Martin (French) is the smallest land mass in the world to be shared by two different nations in a spirit of neighborly cooperation and mutual friendship for almost 350 years. 37 square miles are jointly owned by France and the Netherlands Antilles. The border is almost imperceptible and people cross back and forth without ever realizing they are entering a new country. The Philipsburg Courthouse was completed in 1793. This courthouse is one of the island’s oldest monuments. This court house is located on Front Street in the heart of the city's famed shopping and dining district. This charming two-story structure was severely damaged by a hurricane in 1819 and was fully rebuilt in 1826. The St. Maarten Museum is located off Front Street in Philipsburg. Its collection, including an acquisition of old photographs from the Royal Institute of the Tropics, is curated by Museum Director Elsje Bosch. Bosch, a former schoolteacher, has always been a collector. The museum's establishment in which she played the lead role enhanced her ardent interest in island history and heritage. Source: http://www.experiencestmaarten.com/islandfacts/
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