I've been in Puerto Madryn twice in my life, and the second time was the best.
Itacaré is a magical city with a cool athmosphere, beautiful beaches, the river, the sunset, the people, the forro nigths, everything in Itacaré is so nice.
Medellín … Medellin is a great place to visit, but better if you know somebody there. I had friends to show me around. The food is great, women are beautiful, and the people friendly. However, there are definitely things to be cautious of, like any large city.
If you visit Argentina you cannot miss Esquel. The city doesn’t have a lot, but the area is fantastic. If I could, I would go back every summer.
Love the city. Full of life, friendly people and very cheap. The U.S. dollar goes a long way there. Been there with my wife to visit her family five times and was also married there. Make sure you visit the Malecon 2000, which is a large waterfront park located on the Guayas river in the downtown area. Lots of tropical plants and flowers and original jungle trees wihch date back to before the city was founded (our wedding portraits were taken in this park). Also visit the small chapel and lighthouse at the top of the Santa Anna hill in the Old Guayaquil section for spectacular views of the city. Lots of shopping and dining. Visit the Mall Del Sol which is a large American-style shopping center located in a very nice area across the street from the Sheraton Hotel and five to ten minutes from the airport and downtown. Don't carry lots of cash because you won't need it.You can find bargains anywhere except the for the malls. Artesanal is a good place to bargain shop for souvenirs…
A beautiful city! It was a great surprise to know Montevideo and I recommend everybody to do the same. You won't regret it.
Montañita is an incredible place and the beach at night is very crazy. You have to come and watch and feel for yourself.
Tolú … I recently traveled from Bogota to Tolu. Although car rental is very costly, it's well worth the price to travel through Colombia. The trip takes about two-and-a-half days, but wow, what fantastic views. Stopping every night in a hotel along the route -- no problems and low cost -- it's very safe these days. We found the best beach was San Francisco Beach -- very clean and good service with beach umbrellas and good food. Tolu is now undergoing a tourist boom and prices are half the price of Cartagenia. Also French Beach is nice and the walk along the beach is superb. You can also go on a power boat trip and visit a few small islands -- have lunch and enjoy the Caribbean at a modest cost. Go now before prices start to increase with tourism. Make sure you take a bike taxi -- the drivers are fun and they know everything.
Villarrica is a relaxed little town on Lake Villarrica, it's much nicer than touristy Pucon.
La Ceiba doesn't have much going for it -- if you're on your way to or from Copan you will be much better off staying in Santa Ana, about forty-five minutes West of La Ceiba. It's got hiking trails, waterfalls, nice people, cool fruit trees, and good food. In the city of La Ceiba there's almost nothing, though a fair number of musty hotels and a couple semi-nice ones -- all more expensive though. The city is noisy, with a lot of air pollution, but is very definitely a Honduran city (not touristy at all).
There is an alternative taxi / boat / taxi shorcut to the grueling 8 hours ride between Monteverde Cloud Forest and the Arenal Volcano. See http://www.monteverdeinfo.com.
I've been in Saquarema last February and what a great surprise Ii had with the very nice city and amazing beaches. The average prices are half than Rio prices. I recommend to visit Saquarema -- it's really nice and sunny!
Tourists need to avoid the district calle Amazona at night alone in Quito. There is a red light district that leads up to the bario Floresta in Quito.
Bogotá … I love so much Colombia and Bogota it is a beatiful capital! I love it.
I would like to share information regarding a restaurant, El Mexicano, which is a hidden gem for cheap and good quality food in Matagalpa. The owners are very friendly and the menu is excellent -- the tacos, nachos, and enchiladas are to die for. Go and enjoy some good food.
Buenos Aires is amazing! We spent a week there and were completely entertained. Don't miss Recoleta. The food and shopping are fantastic -- and cheap. Do not waste a day going to Tigre -- it's boring.
If you want to enjoy a safe and beautiful place with all the basic commodities, you should visit Ubatuba.
We're just leaving Taganga now. Our friends were robbed at gunpoint last night and we talked to three other groups of people who were robbed with knives during the last week. The people in the town and police were very apathetic about it. I was also told of two incidences (in the last week) of police searching/intimidating backpackers looking for contraband/bribes as well.
São Paulo … If you can arrange a walking tour, take it. If not, try to visit the Edificio Banespa. It is the tallest building in Sao Paulo and will give you an excellent view of the city.
Córdoba … Cordoba is beautiful, beautiful city -- and the great mosque of Cordoba is breathtaking. It was such a beautiful place it made us want to cry.
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