The Spaniards came to Colombia in the early 16th century with dreams of gold and visions of El Dorado. After the new country won its independence from Spain in 1819, the colonialists were finished, but they left behind a legacy that's still seen today in Colombia's many well-preserved colonial towns. This article lists the most unique throughout the nation.
From sophisticated second cities to (nearly) secret wine regions, Argentina is full of great unknowns that are every bit as spectacular as the blockbuster attractions. Beat the crowds with historic Jesuit ruins in Misiones province, visit remote salt deserts studded with brilliant pools, and drive Ruta 40—a wilder version of North America's Route 66, where you won't have to share the road.
This 10-day trip highlights one of the least explored—yet most rewarding—areas of Argentina. After touring Buenos Aires with a local, you’ll head north to visit hundreds of waterfalls along the Brazilian border, explore a colonial city known for architecture, and take day-trips to gorges, salt flats, and wineries at the foot of the Andes.
This amazing 11-day trip combines some of the most spectacular scenery that Argentine Patagonia has to offer. After exploring Buenos Aires with a tour and tango lesson, you'll head to El Calafate—jumping off point for Los Glaciares National Park—where you'll get up close to several glaciers. Finish the adventure in Bariloche, surrounded by lakes, forests, and mountains, with ample hiking trails and local history.
This 10-day itinerary highlights three of Argentina's most impressive natural wonders. Kicking off in Buenos Aires, you'll venture to Bariloche, surrounded by beautiful lakes and mountains—great for kayaking and hiking. Next is high-altitude Mendoza, where you'll take part in several wine tastings (especially malbec). Finish at the Brazilian border to experience hundreds of waterfalls in both countries.
Head from Hanoi up into northern Vietnam for six days of highland journeys. You'll make your way over mountain roads, past dramatic scenery through villages and markets, then spend two days amid the tranquility of the Ba Ba Lakes before you return to Hanoi.
Immerse yourself in Argentina's sights, tastes, and rhythms on this 10-day adventure. Begin by exploring the culture of Buenos Aires with a guided tour and tango lesson. Next, venture to high-altitude Mendoza and take part in several wine tastings (especially Malbec). Finish in the colonial city of Salta—your jumping off point for rugged gorges, giant salt flats, and painted deserts in the country's far north.
This exciting 9-day itinerary fuses Argentina’s cosmopolitan capital with the Iguazú Falls. Kick off in Buenos Aires where you'll explore neoclassical architecture, buzzing neighborhoods, and urban escapes by foot, boat, and bicycle. Next, fly north to the Brazilian border to experience hundreds of waterfalls in both countries. Circle back to the big city for a tango performance to complete the adventure.
This diverse nine-day tour combines top destinations in Argentina for a trip that won't disappoint. Start by experiencing the cosmopolitan bustle of Buenos Aires before you fly south to El Calafate for several spectacular glaciers, which you'll see by land and boat. Then, fly north to the Brazilian border (and warmer weather) to explore Iguazú Falls—the largest waterfall system in the world.
One of the least explored—yet most rewarding—areas of the country, this 8-day itinerary covers the highlights of Northern Argentina. After a day in the capital, you’ll visit hundreds of waterfalls on the Brazilian border teeming with unique flora and fauna, explore a colonial city known for architecture, and take day-trips to epic gorges, salt flats, and wineries at the foot of the Andes.
The capital of Argentina is a Latin American/European hybrid like no other city on this earth. Buenos Aires' rich culture is exemplified in its neoclassical and baroque architecture, the cobbled streets of its old neighborhoods, and the visceral passion of the city's Porteño soccer fans. Get the best of this concrete jungle on a 5-day tour which explores the city and indulges in its rising food scene, not to mention allows time for tango dancing and horseback riding with real gaucho cowboys.
Spend nine days traversing the sights of Myanmar on this itinerary. You'll visit the urban highlights of Mandalay and Yangon, cruise through the heart of the country down the Irrawaddy River, soar above the 3,000 pagodas of Bagan in a hot air balloon at sunrise, and sample handicrafts in village markets as you make your way through your tour.
Discover why Salta is called 'La Linda' (the beautiful) on this 5-day tour of northwest Argentina. After arriving in Buenos Aires, you'll fly here and explore one of the best preserved colonial cities in South America. Then hit the road with an experienced guide and visit the giant salt flats and Humahuaca Gorge, as well as traditional Andean towns known for pre-Colombian history in the Jujuy Province.
There’s more to Marrakech than the circus-like hullabaloo of Jemma el-Fna, persistent hawkers, and the donkey-dodging craziness of the souks. Beyond the walls of the medina (and sometimes even within them), you can find serene escapes that feel a million miles away from the city din – from the wave-lashed Atlantic coast to hidden gardens, galleries and High Atlas valleys.
Travel the Atlantic coastline from the vineyards of Bordeaux to the contemporary art of Bilbao on this 11-day itinerary. After exploring the wine regions of Bordeaux, you'll continue with bike tours of the countryside and the seaside glamour of Biarritz before you arrive in artsy Bilbao to wrap up your trip with a museum tour and a few more glasses of wine.
A stay in a riad will likely be one of your most memorable experiences in Marrakesh. Push open the heavy wooden door, and you enter a world far removed from the hubbub outside; one where you can rest in the shade of an orange tree, dip into a lantern-lit pool, or peer across the minarets of the historic city from the roof terrace, mint tea in hand.
This 5-day itinerary explores a special area of northwest Argentina starting in Salta—one of the most beautiful colonial cities in South America (circa 16th century). From here, you’ll enjoy a scenic road-trip to the towns of Cachi and Cafayate, admiring colorful gorges, vineyards, and mountain villages with an experienced guide. Return to Salta for one more night to soak in the local culture before heading home.
This 15-day tour in Argentine Patagonia hits the highlights between Puerto Madryn in the north to Ushuaia in the south for a range of outdoor activities and wildlife. On the itinerary are two national parks: Tierra del Fuego (rivers and ancient settlements) and Los Glaciares (glaciers and iconic hikes). There's also whale watching, snorkeling with sea lions, and a visit to South America's largest Magellanic Penguin colony.
This self-guided and incredibly scenic trip highlights Patagonia's best trails on both sides of the border. Kick off in Argentina's Los Glaciares National Park, home of 13 glaciers and the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy. Next is Chile's Torres del Paine National Park for more jaw-dropping peaks, turquoise lakes, and rare wildlife. Finish back in Argentina for coastal trails and a taste of the world's 'southernmost city'.
With multiple weeks in Greece, you can truly do it all, returning home with memories of the mainland and a number of islands. History-minded travelers can begin and end in Athens before visiting the sacred sites of Delos near Mykonos, prehistoric Akrotiri in Santorini, and the Palace of Knossos on Crete. Or, spend your time hopping between the Cycladic islands at an easy pace, experiencing the beaches, outdoor activities, and culture of each.
Two weeks in Morocco is enough time for a proper grand tour, from the souks of Fes and Marrakesh to the glittering Sahara, High Atlas mountains, and windy Atlantic coast. Those looking for an activity-packed trip should spend time exploring southern Morocco by camel, going on guided hikes, and desert camping, while those traveling during summer will love sticking to the Imperial cities of the north and splitting their time between classic stops and renowned cities like Tangier and Chefchaouen.
Five days in Colombia is enough to visit one major city and explore the surrounding area. Enjoy the best of Cartagena with a city tour, a private boat trip to nearby Rosario Island, and tasting menus at the city's best restaurants. Or, combine the charm of Bogotá with two nights in the Amazon rainforest, where you'll sleep in hammocks and explore via canoe. Learn about these options and more below.
This 15-day adventure dives into Argentina and Chile's deep south by land and sea. Starting in Buenos Aires, you'll get up close to massive glaciers, sail the pristine channels and fjords on a multi-day cruise, and enjoy the magnitude of Patagonia's most famous—and therefore scenic—national parks. Mixing relaxation and adrenaline, the tours are flexible for those who prefer more (or less) challenging activities.
This outdoorsy adventure highlights some of Colombia's most fascinating and unique landscapes in the Amazon region. Start off by exploring Bogotá's arts and culture scene before flying south to Leticia; from here, you'll head out on two unforgettable days via foot, canoe and other small boats in Colombia, and across the border in Peru and Brazil. At night, you'll sleep in hammocks with mosquito nets in order to fully experience the rainforest.
Experience a taste of Colombian culture on this 5-day trip to the Coffee Triangle. You'll go to the heart of the country's coffee region in charming Salento for an overnight at a working farm and hike through the picturesque green mountains of the Cocora Valley (and the famous wax palms). Then, head to Manizales, the most adventurous of the three cities that make up Colombia's coffee triangle, where you'll visit the Rio Blanco Nature reserve. Like the coffee this region is known for, this trip is designed to awaken all of your senses.
Soak up the sunshine and go off the beaten track on this 8-day cycling expedition around Puglia in the heel of Italy's boot. You'll bike to lesser-known towns and villages on this moderate-level ride, pedaling through lush inland plateaux and down the coastline on mostly flat terrain. Enjoy southeastern Italy's historic sites, flavorful food, and natural beauty on this active tour.
Besides the stunning green hills, seaside cliffs, and wild Atlantic coast, Ireland is most known for its culture. Music, literature, history—all of these conspired to create a truly unique and attractive legacy. For travelers who'd like to get to the heart of this country, here are some of the most authentic cultural experiences in Ireland.
In Argentina, you could easily spend all your time on the major highlights. But to fully experience the Argentine lifestyle, you'll want to spend time the way locals do: sipping coffee in old-fashioned Buenos Aires cafés, riding horses on quiet ranches in the country, and cheering from the sidelines at a soccer match. Read on for more local experiences in Argentina.
Cosmopolitan colonial cities, mega-waterfalls with hundreds of cascades, and still-advancing icefields peaking into lurid glaciers: Argentina's attractions are justifiably very popular with tourists. But the good news is, you don't have to stray far from these blockbuster sights to get a very different—and crowd-free—experience.
Planning a family trip this summer? Local travel specialists from Slovenia, Iceland, and Greece share their favorite kid-friendly activities, family travel tips, and more.
Just south of Athens, in the Saronic Gulf, this group of half-a-dozen or so islands makes for an easy getaway. No two are the same, and which to visit depends on your preference. Match culture with a lively party scene on Spetses, get away from it all on tiny Agistri, and everything in between with this guide.
Naxos is unfairly overlooked by many visitors to the Aegean. It's the largest and most fertile of the Cyclades Islands, and perhaps also its most quintessential, blessed with an abundance of attractions from archaeological treasures to some of the best stretches of white sand beach in Greece. From the main city of Chora to road trip-worthy villages and the glittering southwest coastline, let this guide be your essential handbook for Naxos travel.
Discover the capital cities of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia on this whirlwind 8-day trip through the Baltic states. As you travel north from Vilnius to Riga to Tallinn, you'll learn about each city's rich cultural, historic, and culinary traditions. Visit churches in Vilnius, indulge in a food tour in Riga, and explore the creative hub of Tallinn on this Northern European adventure.
Explore one of Eastern Europe's oldest cities on this three-day self-guided tour of Kiev. Visit the capital's highlights, including ornate churches and monasteries, historic districts, and cultural landmarks. You'll see grand baroque and Byzantine architecture, remnants of Ukraine's Soviet past, and get a sense of its modern, cosmopolitan present.
This two-week itinerary checks off Morocco's top urban and natural landmarks. See medieval architecture in the capital of Rabat, walk the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and tour 9th-century Al Quaraouiyine University in Fes. Continue to the Sahara for a night of glamping, visit the desert citadel of Ait Benhaddou, and explore colorful Marrakech markets and ornate palaces before ending in the quiet coastal city of Essaouira.
Visit Morocco's Imperial cities in this packed one-week tour. Start in Rabat, Morocco's capital, to see 12th-century architecture, then continue to Fes to explore the world's largest urban car-free zone. See the tanneries, the world's oldest university, and the medieval Jewish quarter, then head to Marrakesh to round out your trip with ornate palaces, bustling Jemaa El-Fna market, and a half-day cooking class.
Exploring the highlights of Southern Morocco on this adventure-packed trip. Spend your first night in the Sahara, then visit the famed Ait Benhaddou and explore the dunes of Erg Lihoudi with a comfortable night in a luxury camp. Continue to Marrakech to visit ornate palaces, the serene Majorelle Gardens, and vibrant city markets. Finish your trip in the charming coastal city of Essaouira, where 18th-century artist studios and quiet coastal charm await.
This highlights tour checks off Morocco's top cultural and natural sites. Explore medieval architecture in Rabat, wander the blue streets of Chefchaouen, and see the famous tanneries in Fes. Continue to the Sahara to see the desert city of Ait Benhaddou and spend a peaceful night under the stars, then finish your trip in colorful Marrakech, where vibrant markets, serene gardens, and lively nightlife await.
Explore Patagonia's most breathtaking sites at a relaxed pace while staying in comfortable accommodations on this 15-day itinerary. Kick off in Chile's capital before continuing south to Torres del Paine National Park for glaciers, turquoise lakes, and thrilling day hikes. Finish across the border in Argentine Patagonia for more glaciers and a secluded mountain lodge with a variety of outdoor activities, not to mention iconic views of Mt. Fitz Roy.
This 15-day trip combines outdoor attractions around Chile and Argentina's spectacular far south, also known as Patagonia. You'll start with penguins, horses, and glaciers before entering Torres del Paine National Park for three days of guided tours. Then head across the border for Los Glaciares National Park, where you'll go ice trekking and partake in several jaw-dropping trails near Mount Fitz Roy.
This two-week itinerary explores Patagonia's most breathtaking sites at a relaxed pace while staying in comfortable accommodations. Kick off in Chile's capital before continuing south to Torres del Paine National Park for glaciers, turquoise lakes, and thrilling day hikes. Finish across the border in Argentine Patagonia for more glaciers and a secluded mountain lodge with a variety of outdoor activities, not to mention iconic views of Mt. Fitz Roy.
From the stupendous Iguazu Falls down to Patagonia's mountains and glaciers, Argentina's surreal landscapes are well known—but its selection of eclectic accommodations is less so. Take a break from the standard hotel experience, and stay on a working cattle ranch in the north, a vineyard spa in the west, or a futuristic eco-dome in the Patagonian south.
Spend eight days amid the sweeping Tongokan roofs of South Sulawesi with this itinerary. You'll spend most of your time in Tana Toraja, an area known for maintaining many of its historic traditions amidst a backdrop of rice terraces, limestone cliffs, bamboo groves, and mountains. Then make your way south to the floating villages of Lake Tempe and beaches of Bira before you depart.
Ireland's unique collection of places to stay aptly reflects the charming idiosyncrasies of the country. Stay the night in a lighthouse, reenact medieval life in a ring fort, get cozy in a Hobbit home, or rent out the "pub with no beer"—find the perfect spot for your trip to Ireland with this list.
The Himalaya is a great destination for travelers seeking high-altitude adventure and cultural immersion. Much of your experience will depend on the region you visit: Nepal, Bhutan, or the Himalayan regions of northern India. Camping treks and guided cultural tours in Bhutan, remote trekking and varied landscapes in India, or the classic routes (and many trekking alternatives) of Nepal—which should you choose? Read on to find out.
Butter-soft lamb, spicy, aromatic tagines, syrupy sweets stuffed with almond paste and drizzled with orange flower water: Marrakech cuisine is at once highly nuanced and deeply satisfying. Read on to find out how to dig in to the most authentic flavours and where.
Locals are the best source of travel information, and Chile is no exception. With the help of our local specialists, we found some of the best-kept secret places in Chile, including a surfing mecca on the edge of the Atacama Desert, mystical health and wellness retreat towns, and ski resorts high on fresh powder and low on crowds.
When you picture Croatia, chances are you're thinking of Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian Coast first. But this popular area is only one of the country's five regions, each one of them worth a trip on its own. From mountains and national parks to beaches and islands, from cities to tiny villages, here's where (and when) to get the most out of Croatia.
This adventurous 14-day trip highlights Patagonia's best hiking trails! Explore some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, starting on the Argentine side, with a quick visit to Buenos Aires followed by several days in Los Glaciares National Park. Trek on a glacier and enjoy the trails around El Chaltén, the country's trekking capital, before crossing the border to Chile and Torres del Paine National Park. Discover the region's dramatic landscapes on day hikes, resting each night at lodgings in the park.
The secret's almost out. Boasting some of the planet's most diverse and remote landscapes—and an up-and-coming capital—Chile is becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. We've listed the country's top highlights with alternative ideas on how to skip the still-manageable, yet swelling crowds. Read on to learn more.
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