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Claudia Looi

South America

 
South AmericaSouth America has the largest rainforest on earth, the longest river in (Amazon), the driest desert (Atacama), the longest mountain range (Andes) and the most southernmost settlement in the world (Puerto Williams, Chile).
The world's fourth largest continent is filled with-
  • distinct cultures
  • colorful regions
  • UNESCO World Heritage Sites
  • diverse landscape
  • historical and mysterious sites
  • lively markets
  • world famous wineries
  • mountains, high plateaus (altiplano of Peru and Bolivia), low plateaus (Patagonia in Chile and Argentina), glaciers, desert, beaches, waterfalls (Iguazu)
  • and more!
In case you are wondering where to go and what to do, where to eat and what to expect, below is a list of curated articles to help you plan your trips.
 27 Local Markets in South America
37 Local Food Experiences in South America
17 Coffee Shops in South America
Chile

Chile

2 Wineries to Visit in Santiago Chile
11 Things Every Traveler Should Do in Santiago Chile
8 Things to Do in Valparaiso
Visiting Punta Arenas
The Sight and Sounds of Perito Merino Argentina
Torres del Paine National Park
Four Places to Dine in Puerto Natales
5 Places to Eat in Puerto Varas, Chile
Frutillar the German Town in Chile
Puerto Octay the Non-Touristy Town in Lake District
A Day Trip to Chiloe from Puerto Varas
Bus from Puerto Varas Chile to Bariloche Argentina

Argentina

Argentina

Bus From Bariloche to Mendoza
Llao Llao Hotel and Resort in Bariloche
An Epic Wine Tasting Tour in Mendoza
Francis Mallman 1884 Restaurant in Mendoza
The Ultimate Road Trip From Mendoza to Montevideo
The Five Wines of Belasco de Baquedano
Buquebus Ferry From Colonia Uruguay to Buenos Aires Argentina
What You Should Know About Recoleta and San Telmo Before Going to Buenos Aires
Go West to Salta

Uruguay

Uruguay

Eat Like A Local in Montevideo: Chivito and Milanesa Sandwich
11Things To Do In Montevideo Uruguay
 5 Must See Places in Punta del Este Uruguay
Walking Tour: Colonia del Sacramento
Horseback Riding And Drinking Mate With A Gaucho In Uruguay
Estancia Stay At San Pedro de Timote Uruguay
 
Brazil

Brazil

Florianopolis, The Undiscovered Destination of Brazil (an eBook on Amazon)
Taking A Bus From Uruguay To Brazil
Japanese Noodle House in Sao Paulo
Images of Mercado Municipal In Sao Paulo Brazil
Street Food and Soccer in Sao Paulo on a Saturday
DiCunto Bakery in Mooca Italian Neighborhood of Sao Paulo
Hocca Bar in Mercado Municipal Sao Paulo
10 Things I Like About Sao Paulo
14 Places to Eat in Sao Paulo
The History of Coffee in Brazil: A Visit to the Coffee Museum
A Day Trip To Santos From Sao Paulo
Two Sights in Rio de Janeiro
Favela in Rio de Janeiro
10 Things I Like About Rio de Janeiro
The Bird Park in Iguazu Falls
Helicopter Ride At Iguazu Falls
Iguazu Falls Brazil in Pictures
The Difference between Argentinian Iguazu Falls and Brazilian Iguazu Falls
flag or Paraguay

Paraguay

Asuncion Paraguay in 36 Hours
Useful Paraguay Travel Tips
photo(7)

Bolivia

Bolivian Visa Application at the Border for Americans
Road Trip from Salta to Tupiza Bolivia 
Uyuni Bolivia
Bolivia's Salt Flats
Potosi Mine Tour and City Attractions
Bowler Hats and The Cholas of Bolivia
10 Things I Like About La Paz Bolivia
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Peru

Peru eBook
Feedback from readers:

Will Southard:

Reading Peru: From Machu Picchu to Cusco... opened the door for my husband and I to see ourselves going there. Claudia's engaging style, survival tips and smart links all add up to an invitation to enter the country. They help you draw a mental map and let your taste buds and imaginations fly. Her candor, such as describing the difficulties of trekking the Andean Highlands and the personal touches of their Homestay, provide a close inspection that traditional guide books don't!

28 Hours Bus Ride
photo 1(27)

Ecuador

Guayaquil Surprises Me
Piedra de Agua Hot Springs and Spa in Baños de Cuenca
Ikat Weaving and Makana Shawl Making in Gualaceo Ecuador
The Finest Bakery in Town
Chordeleg The Filigree Earrings Capital of the World
Espumilla Ecuadorian Dessert
Loja Ecuador: One City Ten Ways
Living Like a Local in Banos de Cuenca
Typical Food of Cuenca
Americans in Search of a Second Home (and Retiring) in Vilcabamba
Hiking the Inca Trail and Visiting Ingapirca
Eating Cuy at the Local Market in Gualaceo
Saraguro Ecuador: A Town Still in Mourning for the Last Inca
American Breakfast at Cafe San Sebas in Cuenca
Panama Hat Museum
Cafe Eucalyptus Cuenca Ecuador
Menu del Dia: Cheap Meals in Cuenca
Tiestos Cafe Restaurant in Cuenca
Meeting the Children of Ecuador
Ecuadorian Coastal Cuisine in Cuenca
The Other Cheap "Supermarket" in Cuenca
Fishing on a Rainy Day at El Cajas National Park
Souvenir Shopping in Cuenca
Is Otavalo Market a Letdown
Discovering Hidden Gems in the Villages of Imbabura
Hacienda Cusin- Serene, Laid-back and Spiritual
Live Like A Local in Cuenca
The Restaurant with a View in Quito: El Ventanal
Will The Real Mitad del Mundo in Quito Please Show Up
Running Out of Steam in Quito
Volcan Osorno
Colombia - Cartegena 
Old Town Cartagena Colombia
San Pedro Claver Cartagena Colombia

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Looking for things to do at night in Salvador, Bra Looking for things to do at night in Salvador, Brazil? Spend an evening watching the Balé Folclórico da Bahia in Pelourinho.

Live drumming, singing, and dance bring Bahia’s Afro-Brazilian heritage to the stage. Between exploring the historic streets and trying the local food, this is another way to experience Salvador.

📍 Teatro Miguel Santana
Rua Maciel de Baixo, 49, Pelourinho
🗓 Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 p.m.
🎟 We paid R$120 per person.

My tip: ask your hotel to confirm the schedule and current price and book your tickets for you.

Who would you bring to this show? Send them this for your Salvador itinerary.

#SalvadorBrazil #SalvadorBahia #Pelourinho #BrazilTravel #globetrotter100club
You’ll notice these colorful ribbons all over Salv You’ll notice these colorful ribbons all over Salvador, Brazil. But what do they mean?

They’re called fitinhas do Bonfim, symbols of faith, hope, and devotion associated with Bonfim Church. The tradition is to tie one around your wrist with three knots, making a wish with each knot.

At the church, they cover the fence in waves of color. But you’ll find them beyond the church, too.

At my hotel, a staff member gave me a handful in different colors. Another hotel used them to tie the bath towels and hand towels, adding a little touch of Salvador to the room.

That’s what makes these ribbons such a memorable symbol of the city. You encounter them as an expression of faith, a welcome, and a detail woven into your stay.

📍 Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim, Salvador, Bahia.

Have you brought one home from Brazil?

#SalvadorBrazil #SalvadorBahia #BonfimChurch #BrazilTravel #globetrotter100club
Before booking a beach stay in Salvador, check mor Before booking a beach stay in Salvador, check more than the ocean view. Find out how you actually get onto the beach.

I stayed at Mercure Rio Vermelho, where the swimming pool was amazing. I could see the water, but the easy beach access I had pictured wasn’t part of my experience.

The hotel was okay for a short stay. For a longer trip focused on beach time, I would choose somewhere else with direct beach access and more of a resort atmosphere.

My tip: check the walking route from the hotel to an accessible beach before you book. A waterfront location doesn’t tell you the whole story.

Save this for your Brazil trip, and share it with your travel partner. Would you choose a beautiful pool or direct beach access?

#SalvadorBahia #BrazilTravelTips #RioVermelho #BeachVacation #globetrotter100club
I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it on Instagram while planning this Rio trip. Then I had to see it for myself.

Some call it a hidden gem. The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, or Royal Portuguese Reading Room, is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Once inside, you understand why.

Its story began in 1837, when 43 Portuguese immigrants founded a library to promote learning and Portuguese culture in Brazil.

The present building opened in 1887, inaugurated by Princess Isabel. Designed in Portugal’s ornate Neo-Manueline style, it even has a limestone façade brought from Portugal.

Inside, towering bookshelves, intricate ironwork, and a stained-glass skylight compete for your attention. Take your time and remember to look up.

Planning a visit? Here’s what to know:

📍 Rua Luís de Camões, 30, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, near Praça Tiradentes.

🎟️ Regular admission is free.

🕙 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check holiday closures before going.

🚇 Take the metro to Uruguaiana, then walk to the library. For less navigating, take a taxi or rideshare directly to the address.

I found it difficult to locate, and some streets along our walking route made me uncomfortable. My recommendation: visit during the day, go with a companion or group, and plan your route beforehand.

There was a long line outside when we visited. Allow time to wait, then give yourself time to appreciate the interior. For me, it was worth it.

Save this for your Rio trip. Have you ever discovered a place on Instagram that you just had to visit?

#RealGabinetePortuguesDeLeitura #RioDeJaneiro #BeautifulLibraries #BrazilTravelTips #globetrotter100club
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