Category: South America

Rio-bound without the airfare.

Everyone I know who hasn't been to Brazil wants to go. And everyone I know who has been, wants to go back.

The vibe is seriously sensual. The people are gorgeous. And Rio is more beautiful than any city has a right to be.

To me, one of the best things about Brazil is that you can recreate that tropical high whenever you want - with music. From the Bossa Nova of the 1960s to today's Favela Funk, Brazilian music is the best in the world.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 05/14/2008 at 8:29 PM | Categories: South America -

In Buenos Aires' Don't miss the San Telmo Antiques Fair.

If you're planning a trip to Buenos Aires, make sure you'll be there on a Sunday so you can visit the Antiques Fair in San Telmo (Feria de San Telmo). To get there, walk down Defensa from Plaza de Mayo. On Sundays, it's closed to traffic.

San Telmo Antiques Fair Buenos AiresThere are antique shops on both sides of the street, as well as tango dancers, musicians, and street performers. Artists and crafts vendors sell their wares on the side streets. And there's street food in case you get peckish.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 04/28/2008 at 8:57 PM | Categories: South America - Event - Attractions -

San Carlos de Bariloche and Argentina's Patagonia.

If you haven't been to Argentina yet, chances are it's on your short list. The charms of Buenos Aires are one of travel's worst-kept secrets.

But Argentina is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. So even those who are just planning to pop down for a city visit should addLlao Llao Argentina Patagonia and the Lakes district to their itinerary.

San Carlos de Bariloche, a two-hour flight from Buenos Aires, makes an easy gateway. The town, which looks like a Swiss village, is underwhelming - you'll see all there is to see in a couple of hours. But the location on Lake Nahuel Huapi is beautiful.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 03/29/2008 at 11:33 PM | Categories: South America - Hotels - Accommodations -

Bourgeois-Bohemian digs in Buenos Aires.

Looking for a cool, affordable hotel in Buenos Aires? Bobo -- in stylish Palermo Soho -- fits the bill nicely. But with just seven rooms, you’ll have to book well in advance. The staff couldn’t be friendlier. The restaurant off the lobby is one of the best in town. And it’s just steps away from fabulous shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Each of the rooms makes its own design statement, and some, such as Argentinian, have features like a private courtyard and Jacuzzi. It's not the bargain it was when it first opened, but with doubles starting at $US135, it’s still an excellent value. A nice breakfast is included in the price.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 02/24/2008 at 5:28 PM | Categories: South America - Hotels - Accommodations -

Dinner with Friends in Buenos Aires.

We think that private home dinners are a great way to live like a local, if only for a night. In Buenos Aires, Dan Perlman, an American expat, and his partner Henry Tapia will prepare a five-course tasting menu for you in their Recoleta apartment.


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Posted by Virginia Saunders on 01/31/2008 at 3:05 AM | Categories: South America - Dining -