The use of travelling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are. - Samuel Johnson, English writer
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Mexico
If you are watching American movies carefully, in every other movie the lead character no matter good or bad flies to Mexico to spend some money. So, we concluded that lot of Uncle Sam's money this or that way finish in banks of Mexico. This week we lead you to Mexico City, the biggest vibrant city of Mexico state. Plan to stay at least a week to visit few spots, especially Bazar del Sábado that is held only on Saturdays as its name indicates. It is located in an expensive colonial area suburb a few kilometres south of the city. Since music is a part of Mexican's life, on Bazar you will enjoy in marimba music while you are looking around for high quality clothing, fine jewels, rugs, antiques, hand carved furniture and many other things.
After you fulfil your needs for spending money, visit Catedral Metropolitana located beside the Main Square, the oldest cathedral in the Americas built in Baroque style with even 18 bells. Find a time to take some tour. We recommend you to visit Chiapas, probably one of the most biological diverse region in the world. Be prepared for everything from mariachi singing to view of beautiful waterfalls, caves, jungles and forests. Use only well known tourist operators to avoid unpleasant surprises. Local self-called tourist guides may rip you off. Enjoy in adventure, don't break something and come back home with less money but filled with impressions.
Chile
From Mexico in North America in a blink of an eye we take you to south part of America. Republic of Chile named officially or shortly Chile like we all call it is one of South America's most stable and prosperous countries. Chile stretches on almost 757,000 square kilometres and it is about twice the size of Japan. In Chile we found the spot that you absolutely must visit - Elqui Valley, situated at the border of the Atacama Desert. Although word desert associates to dry and poor surroundings, Elqui Valley is very fertile land where growing papayas, avocados, lemons and grapes. There you will taste the best pisco (brandy-like liquor) but do not exaggerate with drinking because expect to have clear head for evening astronomical experience.
Firstly, settle in 3 stars Hotel Elqui Domos built in a geodesic form as domes, comfortable as a regular apartment but with one unique touch. Elqui Domos is one of the seven astronomic hotels in the world and the only one in the Southern Hemisphere that offers unique experience for you to observe the stars and planets. Every room has a telescope and literature about astronomy, beds are set in the highest point of the dome and when you open the window you may look at the stars from your little private observatory. Also, you can experience two hours long night horse riding or bike riding or enjoy in resting in outdoor giant wooden bathtub. Here you can drink your pisco in peace.
Venezuela
Now, we lead you to the northern coast of South America, to Venezuela, one of the most urbanized countries in Latin America, more closely to the capital Caracas. Caracas is always sunny and warm thanks to tropical climate and any part of a year will be good to visit it. Book at least a week and leave your things in five stars The Tamanaco InterContinental Caracas hotel settled in fashionable area of Las Mercedes just near the business and shopping district. Las Mercedes is mostly famous for its discos and pubs. There you will also find many famous clothing and fashion stores, art galleries, and some of the most expensive and exclusive restaurants of the city.
If you want to get a tan visit Los Roques Archipelago with some of the best white sand beaches in the world. Los Roques Archipelago is also the perfect spot if you like fishing, diving, sailing or, generally, if you are "water soul" you will enjoy. When you get out of the water, visit The Cathedral in which there is the BolÃvar family chapel. Pay attention to hand carved altars. If you appreciate art use the time to visit the Sofia Imber Museum of Contemporary Art to see works of Picasso, Chagall, Matisse, as well a works of some Venezuelan's artists. Visit Botanical Garden located in the heart of the city that along variety of the plants contains the oldest library in the country. Although the library is reserved only for students you will get permission to study for a while if you want. ■