Uruguay's Gem

The Barrio Histórico of Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay, is a short ferry ride from Buenos Aires and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 17th century cobblestone streets, gas lamps and colorful painted buildings make it one of the most photogenic towns I've ever visited. And while Cuba is well known for its collection of classic cars, Uruguay beats it in the number of vintage cars that fill the streets. The colonial buildings remain from Portuguese times and the city changed hands between the Portuguese and Spanish on numerous occasions.

Cusco, Peru

Despite its crowds of tourists, Cusco manages to retain its mix of colonial and Quechua charm. Viva el Peru!  

The Peruvian Amazon

The few days we spent at the Manu Wildlife Centre were amazing. From Puerto Maldonado we took a 3 hour van ride, followed by a 10 minute boat ride to cross a river. Into local taxis for an hour and a half, then a five hour boat ride. The jungle got thicker and darker the more we traveled. 
The area around the lodge was absolutely filled with wildlife - the tapir visited, macaws were plentiful and watching a troop of squirrel monkeys frolic in the trees was an absolute delight.

 

The Bolivian Altiplano

The Bolivian Altiplano, in the southwest of Bolivia near the border of Chile, is an other-worldly place. The Laguna Colorada, the Arbol de Piedra, the volcanos - they all form part of one of the most stunning landscapes I have ever seen.

The Salar de Uyuni

The Salar de Uyuni is the world's largest salt flat, at over 10,500 square kilometers. In rainy season, a layer of moisture turns the salar into a mirror. The Isla del Pescado rises up in the middle of the salt flat. Covered with cacti - some over 1,000 years old - it truly adds to the wonder of the place.