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The 5 Best Latin American Destinations During The Recession
2008 has been a year most investors would like to forget. The financial sector is in ruins and our economy is in a credit crunch, the likes of which haven't been seen in decades. For most of us, it's been a stress filled year, with one horrible news story following another. All of this just means you need a vacation more then ever - and good news about the bad news is that the financial crisis has made destinations in Latin America, even more affordable then they already were before the crisis.
The U.S. dollar - which has been in a steady decline for past seven years has found it's second wind and worked it's way back up during the past four months giving, your purchasing power in Latin America, that much more of a punch. As investors fear a global recession, they see the U.S. and the dollar as a safe haven for the near term.
For Americans, that means these Latin American destinations have effectively become 25%, 30%, even 50% cheaper than they were just a few months ago. Even though places like Canada, Australia and parts of Europe have also gotten cheaper, you won't get a better bang for your buck anywhere else in the world. Not to mention that when it's winter in the North, it's summer over there, so why not get away from the cold?
BRAZIL
Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It borders every other country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador.
Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time - and that's all. Well, Brazil, the most important country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer - warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races - and much more!
The Brazilian currency, the Real, has declined more than 30 percent since its early August peak, as wary investors pull their money from emerging markets including Brazil amid the current global financial crisis. Carnival is coming up in February, and preparations will begin soon, all over Brazil. Why not enjoy the upside of the downturn in Brazil?
COSTA RICA
If you love nature, beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and seeing monkeys and reptiles, then Costa Rica is the perfect place for you. It has everything every other country has packed into one small peaceful nation. From the dry tropical forest along the Pacific coast to the misty cloud forest at higher altitudes, this wildlife wonderland is just a few hours away. More than 27% of the country's area is protected, creating a haven for countless species of flora and fauna.
From the cost perspective, not only is it cheap, but for most American's a flight to Costa Rica will take less time then a New York to Los Angeles flight. Since Costa Rica is so close, typical tickets only cost about $300 - $400 round-trip. What's not to like about that?
ECUADOR:
Ecuador is the undiscovered Costa Rica. Ecuador uses the dollar as their national currency but everything in Ecuador is 50% -70% off. Ecuador boasts some of most pristine landscapes with the Amazon to it's east and the Pacific lining it's west coast.
Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in so tiny a place (Except Costa Rica). Ecuador is the second-smallest country in South America, but its range of offerings is no less than astounding. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin, across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and sputter into the sunset for a dinner of ceviche on the Pacific coast, where - yes indeed - the water is warm. One day you'll pick through hand-woven wool sweaters at a chilly indigenous market in the Andes, and the next day you'll sweat all over your binoculars while spying on howler monkeys from a canopy tower in the Amazon rain forest.
For nature lovers Ecuador is a dream, with exotic orchids and birds, bizarre jungle plants, strange insects, windswept paramo (Andean grasslands), dripping tropical forests and the fearless animals that hop, wobble and swim around the Galapagos Islands. For the adrenaline junky, the choices are outrageous: mountaineering, trekking and white-water rafting are world class. Toss in some horseback riding and surfing and you'll go home with a happily aching body. And for the culture vulture, Ecuador is a labyrinth of indigenous heritage of traditional costumes and highland markets, where a constant rhythm of sound and movement envelops you. As for colonial architecture, few cities top the beauty of Cuenca and Quito, both of which are Unesco World Heritage Sites.
If you're on a very tight budget, then Ecuador will be your best friend. You'll have a hard time finding better bargains then what you'll get in Ecuador.
ARGENTINA
Argentina is a country of Gauchos, Mate, Asado, Tango, Pampas, and Dulce de leche. The name immediately conjures up the image of big steaks, passionate men and women and long night of eating the best meat of the world and sipping mate, afterwards. Buenos Aires, the capital, is the center of the country in all ways except its geographical location. With the Río de la Plata, in the east of the country, it is actually the city that is closest to the Old Continent, and probably the most European city in South America. If you're longing for a taste of Europe, you know where to go.
Behind Buenos Aires, the land of the Pampas begins. Many towns with historical centers that go back to colonial are worth visiting. In the west, the Andes mountains offer great outdoor opportunities: hiking, skiing and much more. Patagonia, the far south of Argentina is a rugged and cold land. The area around Ushuaia, southern most city of the country, is mild in October to May. It is great for the lovers of nature and wildlife; big glaciers that go directly into the Barney, birds, seals and other arctic animals abound.
In the northwestern corner of this dreamed land, deserts and steppes are the most common geographical sites; and in the northeastern part of the country, Iguazu Falls, complete all kinds of climate existing on the Earth... all in one beautiful country.
The people are awesome, full of kindness, and the weather is mostly pleasant all the year. Many people call this the Paris of the Americas.
COLOMBIA
Vibrant cities with streaking metros and soaring skyscrapers. Elegant port towns cut by cobbled alleys and graced with bougainvillea-shrouded balconies. Spectacular national parks ranging from Garden-of-Eden-tropical to heavenly-high-alpine. Cruise boats, party buses, late night salsa dancing and shopping glory. Yes, this is Colombia. Get ready for shattered expectations. While media reports still speak of coca fields, violent crime, rebel shoot-ups and kidnappings, travelers are often left to wonder how so many troubles can plague a country that appears so, well, normal.
Beyond the headlines is a thriving country with a rising middle class, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and an improved level of security. It's true that Colombia also faces massive challenges in dealing with poverty, rebels and the long-standing Drug War, but security improvements have made many tourist destinations accessible to travelers.
Now is the time to go. Costs are low, the welcome is warm and Colombia's sour reputation has kept it off the 'gringo trail.' Many travelers consider Colombia a way station between better known overland destinations, such as Peru and Costa Rica. But once you've explored its wealth of colonial-era towns, swam over its pristine reefs and trekked in its mountains, the land of myths, emeralds and El Dorado may become a highlight of your South American sojourn.
So pack a pair of dancing shoes next to your hiking boots, throw in a mask, snorkel and sunscreen and tell your friends not to worry. They don't know what they're missing!
ADDED BONUS
Finally, I'd like to point out a little added bonus for all of the single men reading this article. Traveling to these great Latin American destinations is not only affordable, exciting and memorable. It's also a great way to spark some romance. The women of Latin America are diverse, very attractive, and amazingly friendly.
Have A Great Trip,
The U.S. dollar - which has been in a steady decline for past seven years has found it's second wind and worked it's way back up during the past four months giving, your purchasing power in Latin America, that much more of a punch. As investors fear a global recession, they see the U.S. and the dollar as a safe haven for the near term.
For Americans, that means these Latin American destinations have effectively become 25%, 30%, even 50% cheaper than they were just a few months ago. Even though places like Canada, Australia and parts of Europe have also gotten cheaper, you won't get a better bang for your buck anywhere else in the world. Not to mention that when it's winter in the North, it's summer over there, so why not get away from the cold?
BRAZIL
Brazil is the biggest country in South America. It borders every other country of the continent except Chile and Ecuador.
Brazil is very much a country of contrasts. When someone hears the word Brazil, one thinks of the great Amazon forest, fantastic beaches, great soccer players, Carnival time - and that's all. Well, Brazil, the most important country in South America, certainly has MUCH more to offer - warm people, great cities with everything from slums to high technology, a wide range of weather patterns, an awesome mixture of cultures and races - and much more!
The Brazilian currency, the Real, has declined more than 30 percent since its early August peak, as wary investors pull their money from emerging markets including Brazil amid the current global financial crisis. Carnival is coming up in February, and preparations will begin soon, all over Brazil. Why not enjoy the upside of the downturn in Brazil?
COSTA RICA
If you love nature, beaches, mountains, volcanoes, and seeing monkeys and reptiles, then Costa Rica is the perfect place for you. It has everything every other country has packed into one small peaceful nation. From the dry tropical forest along the Pacific coast to the misty cloud forest at higher altitudes, this wildlife wonderland is just a few hours away. More than 27% of the country's area is protected, creating a haven for countless species of flora and fauna.
From the cost perspective, not only is it cheap, but for most American's a flight to Costa Rica will take less time then a New York to Los Angeles flight. Since Costa Rica is so close, typical tickets only cost about $300 - $400 round-trip. What's not to like about that?
ECUADOR:
Ecuador is the undiscovered Costa Rica. Ecuador uses the dollar as their national currency but everything in Ecuador is 50% -70% off. Ecuador boasts some of most pristine landscapes with the Amazon to it's east and the Pacific lining it's west coast.
Nowhere else on earth will you find so much natural diversity - and all the fun that accompanies it - in so tiny a place (Except Costa Rica). Ecuador is the second-smallest country in South America, but its range of offerings is no less than astounding. In one day's drive you can journey from the Amazon Basin, across glaciated Andean volcanoes, down through tropical cloud forest and sputter into the sunset for a dinner of ceviche on the Pacific coast, where - yes indeed - the water is warm. One day you'll pick through hand-woven wool sweaters at a chilly indigenous market in the Andes, and the next day you'll sweat all over your binoculars while spying on howler monkeys from a canopy tower in the Amazon rain forest.
For nature lovers Ecuador is a dream, with exotic orchids and birds, bizarre jungle plants, strange insects, windswept paramo (Andean grasslands), dripping tropical forests and the fearless animals that hop, wobble and swim around the Galapagos Islands. For the adrenaline junky, the choices are outrageous: mountaineering, trekking and white-water rafting are world class. Toss in some horseback riding and surfing and you'll go home with a happily aching body. And for the culture vulture, Ecuador is a labyrinth of indigenous heritage of traditional costumes and highland markets, where a constant rhythm of sound and movement envelops you. As for colonial architecture, few cities top the beauty of Cuenca and Quito, both of which are Unesco World Heritage Sites.
If you're on a very tight budget, then Ecuador will be your best friend. You'll have a hard time finding better bargains then what you'll get in Ecuador.
ARGENTINA
Argentina is a country of Gauchos, Mate, Asado, Tango, Pampas, and Dulce de leche. The name immediately conjures up the image of big steaks, passionate men and women and long night of eating the best meat of the world and sipping mate, afterwards. Buenos Aires, the capital, is the center of the country in all ways except its geographical location. With the Río de la Plata, in the east of the country, it is actually the city that is closest to the Old Continent, and probably the most European city in South America. If you're longing for a taste of Europe, you know where to go.
Behind Buenos Aires, the land of the Pampas begins. Many towns with historical centers that go back to colonial are worth visiting. In the west, the Andes mountains offer great outdoor opportunities: hiking, skiing and much more. Patagonia, the far south of Argentina is a rugged and cold land. The area around Ushuaia, southern most city of the country, is mild in October to May. It is great for the lovers of nature and wildlife; big glaciers that go directly into the Barney, birds, seals and other arctic animals abound.
In the northwestern corner of this dreamed land, deserts and steppes are the most common geographical sites; and in the northeastern part of the country, Iguazu Falls, complete all kinds of climate existing on the Earth... all in one beautiful country.
The people are awesome, full of kindness, and the weather is mostly pleasant all the year. Many people call this the Paris of the Americas.
COLOMBIA
Vibrant cities with streaking metros and soaring skyscrapers. Elegant port towns cut by cobbled alleys and graced with bougainvillea-shrouded balconies. Spectacular national parks ranging from Garden-of-Eden-tropical to heavenly-high-alpine. Cruise boats, party buses, late night salsa dancing and shopping glory. Yes, this is Colombia. Get ready for shattered expectations. While media reports still speak of coca fields, violent crime, rebel shoot-ups and kidnappings, travelers are often left to wonder how so many troubles can plague a country that appears so, well, normal.
Beyond the headlines is a thriving country with a rising middle class, some of the best health care and universities in South America, and an improved level of security. It's true that Colombia also faces massive challenges in dealing with poverty, rebels and the long-standing Drug War, but security improvements have made many tourist destinations accessible to travelers.
Now is the time to go. Costs are low, the welcome is warm and Colombia's sour reputation has kept it off the 'gringo trail.' Many travelers consider Colombia a way station between better known overland destinations, such as Peru and Costa Rica. But once you've explored its wealth of colonial-era towns, swam over its pristine reefs and trekked in its mountains, the land of myths, emeralds and El Dorado may become a highlight of your South American sojourn.
So pack a pair of dancing shoes next to your hiking boots, throw in a mask, snorkel and sunscreen and tell your friends not to worry. They don't know what they're missing!
ADDED BONUS
Finally, I'd like to point out a little added bonus for all of the single men reading this article. Traveling to these great Latin American destinations is not only affordable, exciting and memorable. It's also a great way to spark some romance. The women of Latin America are diverse, very attractive, and amazingly friendly.
Have A Great Trip,
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