60 Reasons to Explore the Rest of the Americas

Galleries
by Matt Hershberger Feb 28, 2017

 Salar del CarmenSan Pedro de Atacama, Chile#extreme #wonderoftheworld

 Muelle De Las AlmasRahue, ChileWe recently visited the island of Chiloé (off the coast of Chile). This was the first hike we did, 2 miles of rolling hills out to some cliffs overlooking the mist covered Pacific Ocean. As we visited in the summer months, the trail was quite busy, so I highly suggest visiting the island during the low season, but we were stunned by the island’s beauty nonetheless. #hiking #chiloe #chile

 Plaza de ArmasSantiago, ChileThe center of Chile’s capital, Plaza de Armas and its famous Catedral Metropolitana de Santiago are an impressive example of Chilean architecture and vibrancy. #culture #architecture #travelstoke

 Camino el toyoSan José de Maipo, Chile#hiking #camping
In the valley of san jose

 Catrala Boutique WinesCasablanca, ChileA wonderful visit to Catrala, an organic and biodynamic vineyard. Such a beautiful setting and wonderful family team happy to show you around and share their love of wine!

 The StreetsValparaíso, ChileValparaiso #unescoworldheritagesite

 Laguna del CaracolSan Clemente, ChileGPT Section 1- Laguna Caracol near the volcano Descabezado 

“This lake was created by a volcanic eruption. To get to this lake you need to cross a 4 km wide lava river. This lake does not have a visible train but is trained in the underground by the porous volcanic material that shapes the entire area”- Jan Dudeck

#hiking #camping #extreme
Copyright by Jan Dudeck

 Valle PehuencoLonquimay, ChileGPT Section 7 – Valle Pehuenco

“This minor road is now only an exit option because it could be replaced by a much nicer horse trail (now regular route) higher up in the mountain Ridge east of the road that passes several lakes” – Jan Dudeck

#hiking #extreme #camping
Copyright by Jan Dudeck

Colombia

 El Peñón de GuatapéPeñol, ColombiaThe Switzerland of Colombia; Guatapé!

 Quindío Botanical GardenCalarcá, ColombiaThere are multiple buses going from Armenia to our next door neighbor of Calarcá which houses our local famous botanical garden and truly incredible butterfly house. Entrance is 20,000COP and comes with an obligatory tour through the impressive garden and ends in the largest butterfly house I’ve been to. Seriously blue morphos frequently land on you. Not sure about the availability of English tour guides but even if you don’t understand it’s still nice to walk in and take in the beauty. #gallery

 La CarboneraIbagué, ColombiaQuindian wax palms – Colombia’s national tree – in la Carbonera near to the Valle de Cocora.

 Biblioteca Pública Virgilio BarcoBogotá, ColombiaYou may not borrow a book at this public library, but see the current exposition, walk the gardens, appreciate the building designed by Rogelio Salmona (the most important Colombian architect of all times), have a cup of coffee and catch a beautiful sunset at the roof is something you are going to love.

 La CandelariaBogotá, ColombiaDon’t leave without walking La Candelaria, the colonial neighborhood located in downtown. It’s full of hostels and restaurants surrounded by the classic architecture, bright colors and historical places.

 Chorro de quevedoBogotá, ColombiaCross the Chorro de Quevedo, a narrow street full of beautiful graffiti, amazing performers and tasteful restaurants

 Plaza De Mercado De PaloquemaoBogotá, ColombiaGo to the traditional local market “Plaza de Paloquemao” and get yourself some fresh fruits… And don’t forget to ask for a ñapa (something extra at no charge)

Costa Rica

 Hotel Las TortugasPlaya Grande, Costa RicaHotel right on the beach in low key playa grande- the quieter cousin of tamarindo. There’s a tiny taco shack with tasty smoothies and Tex Mexico style tacos. Weird when you’re in Costa Rica but hits the spot after a long beach day and served up with a smiley expat from…you guessed it…Texas.

 Poás VolcanoPoás, Costa RicaWhat can I say, it’s one cool volcano to check out and it’s not too far from the San Jose capital. The wind is a bit chilly up there so you may need a sweater or jacket. #volcano I was lucky to see this place on Christmas Day

 Hermosa Cóbano BeachPuntarenas Province, Costa RicaPlaya hermosa is an excellent spot to have a bonfire on the beach and catch some surf. Waves of all sizes for beginners or advanced. Lots of shade inland as well for relaxing outside of the sun.

Ecuador

 San Francisco marketQuito, EcuadorThis is a local market where you can buy all the fruits you need. they also sell meats and other quick meals. If you are looking for flowers, you can purchase at this place as well. very close to San Francisco church and worth a visit. Very cheap eats

Discover Matador