Selected images from our collection of photos from years of international travel…
It’s odd how attracted people in Europe are to climbing and sitting on bridges. Photographed on a warm spring day in Budapest at the Szabadsag Bridge, but we’ve seen similar scenes from Amsterdam to Paris to Prague.
*This is one of the new series of posts suggested by several fellow bloggers to help with The Intentional Traveler’s traffic. Many thanks.
San Pedro is a small tourist town located on the edge of one of the world’s greatest deserts with singular routes for getting there.
The nearest airport to the Atacama Desert is in Calama,Chile
The most convenient and the fastest way to reach San Pedro de Atacama is flying from Santiago (SCL) to Calama (CJC), a 2-hour flight, followed by a 1.5-hour transfer or bus (about 70 miles). Several airlines offer daily flights, and transfers are readily available at the airport in Calamafor roughly CLP$12,000 (US$13.17) –CLP$20,000 (US$13.54 USD).
San Pedro de Atacama
San Pedro de Atacama, located just inside the Atacama Desert, offers a variety of tour options that cater to different interests and preferences. Popular activities include visiting the stunning Valle de la Luna, where you can enjoy breathtaking sunsets, and explore the unique landscapes of Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic lagoons, known for their striking colors and natural beauty.
You can also experience the El Tatio geysers, which are best visited in the early morning to witness their full splendor. For those interested in wildlife, tours to Laguna Chaxa provide opportunities to see flamingos in their natural habitat.
San Pedro de Atacama, a prime travel destination in Chile, offers a variety of guided tours that cater to different interests and preferences. Visitors can explore stunning natural attractions such as the El Tatio Geysers, Valle de la Luna, and the breathtaking Laguna Cejar, known for its unique salt flats and lagoons.
Tour options range from half-day excursions to full-day adventures, including visits to iconic sites like the Altiplanic Lagoons and the Red Rocks (Piedras Rojas). Many tours provide opportunities for stargazing, taking advantage of the area’s clear skies and minimal light pollution, making it a perfect spot for astronomy enthusiasts.
Tours To Consider In San Pedro
Tour booking options to explore from San Pedro de Atacama includeGet Your Guide with their website HERE, Viator with their websiteHEREand Great Chilewith their website HERE.
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On a recent trip through Chile we were introduced to the Pisco Sour and it quickly became our favorite cocktail. We were told that the drink is claimed by both Chile and Peru and is very popular in both countries. After spending time in Peru and never being offered a Pisco Sour we’re inclined to give Chile the lions share of the market for this refreshing libation.
The Pisco Sour is a South American semi-dry to dry cocktail or aperitif. The Chilean Pisco Sour is a national favorite cocktail that highlights pisco, a type of brandy produced mostly in Chile. The traditional recipe typically includes three parts pisco (some recipes suggest 2 parts), one part freshly squeezed lime juice and one part simple syrup. Some variations may incorporate additional ingredients like soda water or preferably Prosecco to add a sparkling touch or egg white for foam.
The Classic Recipe
Start with classic Pisco* a locally produced grappa.
The typical ratio is three parts Pisco to one part lime juice and one part simple syrup, (3:1:1).
Lime Juice
The classic Peruvian Pisco Sour is traditionally made with Chilean Pica limes, never lemon juice, while Key lime juice is the best option outside Peru.
Adding Egg White
To add additional foam to the Pisco Sour add a teaspoon or two of egg white before the final shake. Although many people warn against using raw egg whites, it is considered safe to use fresh eggs.
Bitters
Although Angostura bitters is common nowadays, even in Peru, the Amargo Chuncho bitters is the traditional choice. One of the big reasons why bitters are added is to oddly detract from the smell of egg whites.
Sugar/Simple Syrup
To make a simple syrup, mix equal parts of sugar and hot water until sugar has dissolved. Wait until the syrup cools and then store at room temperature in a bottle.
To bring out the foam, first mix the drink without ice. Before serving briefly shake with ice to chill and quickly strain into a cocktail glass.
Drinkware
The Pisco Sour is typically served in a rocks glass, but recipes often call for a cocktail glass. In either case, it’s best if the glass is pre-chilled.
While there is much controversy regarding what is the proper recipe and in which country it originated, the Pisco Sour is deeply rooted in both the Chilean and Peruvian cultures. There are probably more regional variations in the recipe than actual differences between the countries.
Exactly what is Pisco? For those who live outside of Southern South America, it is a colorless, high-alcoholic grappa made by distilling fermented grape juice (aka white wine). It is produced in Chile and Peru and used in a number of cocktails but is most famous for the Pisco Sour.
*Pisco Brandy can be found at many outlets in America. A link to a Chilean Pisco at Total Wine is HERE.
Anyone care to share with jus a local favorite? (comment below)
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Rated as one of the world’s greatest wildlife experiences and reported to be the number one African safari destination, Kruger National Park is not to be overlooked when considering your travel plans.
Larger than many countries and containing mostly undeveloped land, Kruger is one of the most popular destinations in Africa. Kruger National Park is home to an incredible diversity of plant and animal life. It is reported to contain over 1,470 species of plants, 336 species of birds, 147 species of mammals, and 114 species of reptiles.
Established in 1898 by President Paul Kruger of the South African Republic, its initial purpose was to protect the area’s wildlife from excessive hunting and poaching. Originally known as the Sabie Game Reserve, it was renamed the Kruger National Park in 1926. The park’s boundaries have been expanded over time, and it now covers an area of nearly 7,500 square miles.
The main goal for visitors with their guides is to search for the “Big Five” animals consisting of elephants, rhinos, lions, leopards and Cape buffalo. In addition you’ll be told about the “Ugly Five” which normally includes warthog, hyena, wildebeest, vulture, and marabou stork but often people offer variations to that list. In addition you should easily see plenty of zebra, antelope, giraffes, hippos, monkeys and baboons. If you’re looking to see wildlife there’s no better opportunity than Kruger National Park.
Getting There
The nearest large international airport is Johannesburg (JNB) with a number of domestic flights to Kruger at less than US$450 round trip – Johannesburg (JNB) -O.R. Tambo Intl.) to Nelspruit (MQP)-Kruger Mpumalanga Intl.
The least expensive way to get from Johannesburg to Kruger without a car is to bus and taxi which takes 5h 30m and costs $30 – $55. There is a daily bus (Eagle Liner) from Johannesburg, South Africa to Newcastle takings 4.5 hours and cost less than US$10. From Newcastle to Kruger a taxi averages US$40 (1 hour and 38.5 miles).
Another option is to arrange a booking with a Kruger tour company. Several tour operators offer excursions from Johannesburg, providing a convenient way to experience the park’s wonders. These tours typically include transportation, accommodation, game drives, and most meals.
A few reputable tour operators offering Kruger tours from Johannesburg include:
African Budget Safaris: Specializes in affordable group tours and private safaris.
Wild Wings Safaris: Offers a variety of tour options, including budget-friendly and luxury packages.
Thompsons Africa: Provides tailor-made safaris for individuals and groups.
Intrepid Travel: Caters to adventurous travelers with small-group tours.
It’s highly recommended to book your tour in advance, especially during peak season (June to October).
Accommodations
The two major things to consider when visiting Kruger, beyond price, are distance from the park and the level of the accommodation you expect Accommodations range from basic camp sites to high-end luxury and everything in between.
Expect in-season rates to average US$125 to US$200 per night like Grand Kruger Lodge and Spa about 25 miles from park entrance. Camping resorts average about US$100 per night like Nkambeni Safari Camp located inside the park. Basic camping facilities averaging under US$50 like Sleepover Kruger Gate less than 2 miles from the park. Luxury resorts range as high as US$800 to US$1200 and higher a night like Kruger Shalati – Train on the Bridge located inside the park.
The Train On The Bridge Resort
Click The Map To Download A pdf Printable Copy
Our trip to South Africa and Kruger was booked as an all inclusive tour with exocticcaTravel and for more information on the tour click HERE.
The tour included glamping at the Nkambeni Safari Camp and for additional infotmation on this resort click HERE.
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Yala National Park is located in Sri Lanka and is one of the country’s most famous wildlife reserves, renowned for its wildlife . The park covers approximately 680 square miles and is home to a variety of species, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species . Yala is particularly noted for having one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, making it a prime destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
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The Iconic Windmills Of Mykonos. Traditionally, these windmills are heavy, three-story buildings made of stone, are circular in shape, reflecting the simple yet functional design typical of the Cycladic islands.
They were primarily built by Venetians in the 16th century and continued to be constructed into the early 20th century for milling wheat.
Mykonos is one of Greeces most visited islands, and features amazing beaches, a great entertainment vibe and just enough culture and history to keep visitors engaged.
Around Mykonos
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