Different places to travel » Nature Reserve

Travel – New Providence – A Caribbean island

Traveller — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 17:54:33 +0000

New Providence Island is dominated by the capital Nassau and is a Caribbean island, being the most populated island in Bahamas. Its best attractions are the small vessel harbors in the Caribbean.
The Spanish were the first to deport slaves to this place, and as a result, a small English colony was formed. This island was a nest for pirates as it was close to New Providence harbor and they attacked ships returning to Spain laden with wealth, gold and silver. Now, the Americans have taken over with tourism and two-third of the Bahamas population is housed here.
The cities of New Providence include Nassau, which is the capital, and is on the eastern side of the island. New Providence is 21 miles in length and 7 miles in width. Paradise Island is located to its north and both are linked by two bridges.

Bahamas Attractions

• Power boat Adventures: This is in the capital Nassau. One can enjoy stingray and shark encounters, with the iguanas and have a good lunch. It is scary for some of the tourists as the wave might cause the boat to shake around.
• Bacardi Distillery: This distillery was established in 1962. This is a production house for rum that is sold on the island. One can take a tour and taste sample cocktails and buy them at the store. Its gift shop is still in running mode but the distillery was closed in 2008.
• Blue Lagoon Island and Dolphin Encounters: This is an exciting tour and cruising through Nassau Harbor on large, high-speed catamarans to the beautiful private island, giving a just perfect trip. Dolphin Encounters also offers a close encounter with California sea lions along with Dolphin swim.
• Daq shack: This is a local flavor to Cable Beach. It is situated direct from the Wyndham and Sheraton. The local straw market, food and cigar vendors are part of the shack. One can enjoy Caribbean music and have fun.
• Arawak cay: This is a cay which is known for its Fish fry. The local flavor of fish can be tasted here. Other Bahamian cuisines are also available.
• Stuart Cove’s Dive Bahamas: This is a notch, swimming with sharks and diving expeditions are available.
• Nassau: This is the capital of the Bahamas and is on New Providence Island. This is a colonial Caribbean city which has modern American culture. It is a combination of old and new in its facilities with an old-world charm. Many of the town’s buildings are dated back to 18th century.
• Junkanoo: This is known to be the biggest event in the Bahamian calendar. This is a street carnival which is held on December 26 which is also known as the Boxing Day. On New Year’s Day Junkanoo groups rush all through the town. Nassau town is the centre of this festival. Junakanoo music is played which has African rhythms and medley on cacophony. Every year the costumes are made from the scratch.
• Dolphin Encounters: Dolphin encounters are where one gets to swim with dolphins. One can also watch from the side. This is located on Salt cay.
• Bahamas Historical Museum: This museum is housed in Nassau and exhibits the pre Columbian times to present times, around 50 years of the history of Bahamas. It has interesting historical artifacts.
• Pirate Museum: This is a tour which takes us to a journey to the heart of downtown Nassau and back to 1716. There is a replica of the pirate ship “Revenge” which can be boarded and seen from the inside.
• Aqua venture at Atlantis Paradise Island: The Atlantis resort that is located on Pirate island houses the largest water park of the world and is spread on a 97-acre Park. There are many waterslides and river rides with special effects that are great fun.
• Bimini Islands: These islands are a group in the Bahamas with an underwater cave system. It is 50 miles (80km) east of Miami and has an area no larger than 10 square miles (26 sq km). The main island of North Bimini, is seven miles long (11km).
• Paradise Island: This Island is connected to the New Providence Island by two bridges. This island has a variety of beaches and hotels and resorts. Cable beach is the popular one.
• Freeport, Grand Bahamas Island: This Island has white beaches and aquamarine seas and is fifty miles, that is, 80 km, east of Miami. Free port is an inland which is preferred by visitors for stay or they choose Lucaya which is a seaside suburb.
• Andros Island: This is the largest island in Bahamas. This island is ideal for scuba divers and fisherman. This island is not that developed but tourist enjoy on the island.
• Exumas Islands: The Exumas comprises of a myriad set of islands and cays. They are spread over hundreds of miles. There are two parts of the islands, the largest is the Great Exuma and the little is the Little Exuma.
• Long Island: This Island hosts one of the main events of Bahamas, a yachting race called Long Island Regatta. It is held in the town of Salt Pond every may. People from all over the world come here to watch it. It is one of the unspoilt islands of the Bahamas.
• Eleuthera Island: This Island has no hotels nor cruise ships and hence not very crowded. It is spread almost 100 miles (161km) but is at most two miles (3km) wide. Harbor Island is considered to be its satellite island.
• Hartley’s Undersea Walk: One can take a walk along the oceanic floor here. Diving is popular and is easy with the use of undersea botanical helmet which is useful for a normal breathing experience and dry hair.
• Pine tree Stables: Here people are taken on a two hour Bahamian horse back ride. This ride starts from Freeport and through the Pine Tree forest, through a castle and then to the dunes and along the beach.

Best time to visit / climate:

This island has a tropical marine climate and the waters of Gulf Stream are warm. The place is attacked by hurricanes and tropical storms and floods. The hurricane season lasts (officially) from June to November. The hotels charge their highest prices during the peak winter period from mid-December to mid-April and are the peak period for touring. Late summer or summer is the best time to visit the place.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map
Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=New+Providence,+Nassau,+Bahamas&sll=25.06,-77.345&sspn=0.264352,0.44014&gl=uk&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Nassau,+The+Bahamas&ll=25.060099,-77.345123&spn=0.279903,0.44014&z=11

How to get there:
Visitors from US, Canada, EU and Japan do not need an advance visa for stays of up to three months.
By plane: the capital Nassau, on New Providence, and Freeport, on Grand Bahamas are the largest airports of Bahamas. There are smaller airports in other places.
By boat: The capital, Nassau, on New Providence Island is one of the world’s busiest cruise ship ports, and is served by ships that originate from Florida, Freeport on Grand Bahamas Island.
Getting around: One can go by Bahamasair from Nassau or take bus services from Nassau/New Providence or take a taxi or rent a car to go around the place. Mail boats are served in almost all islands in Bahamas and are the cheapest mode of transport.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Tripadvisor (hotel, restaurant)
• Wheretostay
• Caribbean.com
• Bahamas-travel.info

Blogs / Sites about New Providence:

• Travelpod.com
• http://www.newprovidenceblog.com/
• nj.com
• Travelbuddy.com

Images and photos of New Providence:

• Google Search
• Trekearth.com
• Tripadvisor.com
• pbase.com

Videos on youtube:

Destiny’s Day of Paradise and New Providence

Nassau – Bahamas New Providence Island – by Esther Borbas

Snorkeling Southwest Reef, New Providence, Bahamas

Travel – Isla Palenque Chiriquí, an island in the Gulf of Chiriquí in Panama

Traveller — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 17:53:12 +0000

Isla Palenque is an island located in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The word Palenque actually means a refuge for escaped slaves and this is island is given this name due to Central America’s colonial periods Indians who were indentured to work in the Spanish mines in those times. The island is situated off the western Pacific shore and near the Costa Rica border. To its north is Boca Brava and is linked to it by a narrow bridge. This island is about 400 acres (1.6 km2), with approx. 5 miles (8.0 km) of coastline and over 1-mile (1.6 km) of beaches. The island is mostly full of ecosystems of tropical forest that have mangroves, lagoons, and littoral forest and is home for many species of plants, flowers, animals and birds.
Families of Howler monkeys, Northern Tamandua Anteater, the Nine-banded Armadillo, White-nosed Coati, Crab-eating Raccoon, Agouti, Woolly Opossum, and the Mexican Hairy Dwarf Porcupine, kinds of rabbits, squirrels and mice all exist here. Among the large reptiles are the Emerald Basilisk, Black ctenosaur, Green Iguana, and Spectacled Caiman along with multiple species of frogs, salamander, lizards and snakes. Among the birds are Toucans, Parrots, Woodpeckers, Frigate birds, Hawks, and Owls along with multiple varieties of Hummingbirds.
This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing, scuba diving and snorkeling in the Gulf of Chiriquí.

Attractions of Islas Palenques, Chiriquí, Panama
Wildlife:
• Whale watching: One can watch the humpback whales only once in a point of year as these are migratory whales. This archipelago displays their acrobatic behavior with leviathans of deep travel of miles on icy waters and winter feeding at the poles.
• Bird Watching: The Frigate bird colony on Coco Island at Islas Secas Resort is worth watching and a beautiful experience as one can watch many species of birds on the archipelago.
• Coiba National Marine Park: This is on the island of Coiba. There are 37 surrounding islands and islets which are 30 miles off the Panamanian coast in the Gulf of Chiriquí. During the period 1919 to 2004, this island was a location for political prisoners and a penal colony for criminals in Panama. It is about twenty miles to the southeast of Las Secas and one can reach by boat to this archipelago. It is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Islas Ladrones: This Island is in the Gulf of Chiriqui and is an island. The word Ladrones means “thief” in Spanish. Islas Ladrones is situated to the south of Boca Chica and is 27 miles to Boca Chica. This island is the ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. This island is full of fish life; divers can see many varieties of fish species like King Angelfish, Damselfish, Surgeonfish, Parrotfish, Triggerfish, Wrasse, Gobies, Blennies and Moorish idols. This island is unique as from May to November giant manta rays make an appearance and on a year round basis one can view species of eagle, mobula and devil fish. Sharks of white-tip, black-tip and nurse species are also seen all through the year along with humpback whales. Among the activities that tourists do are scuba diving (with a visibility of 30-80 meters) and Snorkeling. Boco Chica is an ideal place for scuba diving and sport fishing.
• Islas Secas is located in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is an island. This island, Islas Secas, is situated to the east of Boca Chica and is 16 miles to Boca Chica. This island is also another ideal point for sport fishing and scuba diving in the Gulf of Chiriquí. The visibility is good in dry months and right for sport fishing as the fish flock from corals and rock to form schools. One can also see White-tip sharks, rays and turtles along with moray eels, lobster and nudi branchs and Humpback whales. One can watch the humpback whales only once in a particular time of the year.
• Diving: The Secas Archipelago with its neighboring island groups like Ladrones, Paredas and the Coiba National Park and the park being an UNESCO World Heritage site gives us the best adventure diving in the world. This island is governed by five oceanic currents and is rich in eco-regions. The Tropical Eastern Pacific, the islands of the Gulf of ChiriquÌ and the marine biodiverse life and habitat is unique here and is not there in other islands like the Galapagos and Coco Islands, Costa Rica. One can watch about 800 species of fish which include about thirty-three species of shark including the Reef White Tip, Scalloped Hammerhead, Bull, Tiger, and the bizarre Guitar shark.
• Kayaking – Sailing – Surfing: There are hidden coves, reefs, beaches along with mangrove forests which is a biggest attraction of this island. One can go through an all Kayaking safari. There is a blow hole which is also known as Buffona which is a natural phenomenon on Isla Cavada. One can do the best surfing from April through October.
• Boca Brava: This is an island in Panama in the Gulf of Chiriquí. One can access Boca Brava from David’s Enrique Malek International Airport. From Boca Chica, one can access by a boat. Boca Chica is a small fishing village that is 5 miles from Boca Brava.
• Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriquí is in the Gulf of Chiriquí and is a national park. This national park was found in 1994 and spread over 14,730 hectares or 36,400 acres. This area has coral reef, mangrove swamp and marine meadows with forests and white sand with temperate air and weather. This has been given the tag “one of Panama’s best kept secrets.” It is one of the hot spots of Bouquet. It has an archipelago called Las Isla Parida where one can see green iguanas, humpback whales (from August to October), hammerhead sharks, dolphins and multiple species of sea turtle on its island beaches.

Best time to visit / climate:
Isla Palenque’s temperatures are consistent year round but the dry season is from December through April and the rainy season is from May through November. So the best time for visiting this island is December through April.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
From David’s Enrique Malek International Airport, the island of Isla Palenque can be accessed by boat from the small fishing village of Boca Chica which is just about 5 miles from Isla Palenque over water. This takes about one hour or less and from port of Pedregal it is a 50 minute scenic ride.
To get around electric GEM bikes and cars are available for the resort residents.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://iguide.travel/Isla_Palenque
• Tripadvisor (link1, link2)
• http://www.boutiquehotelcalamia.com/hotelcalamiapanama.html

Blogs / Sites about Islas Palenque Chiriquí, Panama:

• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/
• http://adamspictureblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/isla-palenque.html
• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/2010/03/furniture-finds-in-panama/

Images and photos of Islas Palenque Chiriquí, Panama:

• Google Search
• http://www.islapalenque.com/blog/2009/12/scale/
• http://www.encyclopedia.com/topic/Palenque.aspx
• http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isla-Palenque/103250256395958?sk=wall

Videos of the island “Isla Palenque Chiriquí” from Youtube:

Isla Palenque by Chopper

Isla Palenque Shoreline

Whales and Dolphins off the Coast of Isla Palenque

Travel – Grand Turk – one of the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands

Traveller — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 08:49:20 +0000

Grand Turk is one of the islands of the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is the largest island of the Turk islands and it also hosts the territory’s capital, Cockburn Town. Its land area is about 18 km2 (6.9 sq mi). The JAGS McCartney International Airport is also in Grand Turk. This island is the administrative, historic, cultural and financial centre of the territory. Its population is approximately 3,720 people and is known to have the second largest population of the Turk Islands. Its name is derived from a species of cactus called Turk’s Cap Cactus. Christopher Columbus made the discovery of this island during his discovery of New World. One can visit even Providenciales which is another touring place.
Attractions of the Grand Turk Island:
• The Lighthouse: This lighthouse is built of local limestone blocks. This lighthouse guards ships from the treacherous Northeast reef which is usually the cause of many shipwrecks.
• Scuba Diving: These waters are rich with marine life and other amazing underwater spectacles. One can also enjoy swimming with the fish. Gorgeous reef structures, breathtaking coral walls, and an extensive aquatic ecosystem beneath the waves make the diving experience invaluable. There are rentals in the Dive shops and other places that offer scuba and snorkel gear rental. Almost 100 feet of visibility is available.
• Visit the Carnival Cruise Terminal: This is a village full of shops and restaurants. It has one of largest pools of the Caribbean and a beach that stretches to about 800 feet.
• Spa Anani : This is a spa and a diving spot. One can relax, rejuvenate and have Facials, Massages, Body Treatments, Waxing, and Ear Candling.
• Horseback Ride on the Beach: If you love a calm horseride, this is for you. This horse riding is full of leisure, giving you the pleasure of enjoying the natural winds and clear water of the beach. The breeze of the Atlantic Ocean is rejuvenating.
• 4×4 Off road Safari – This is a safari giving us insight of the natural history and cultural heritage of Grand Turk. It ends near the town centre. One can walk down the Front Street which is rich in that century’s Bermudian style architecture.
• Snorkel at Governor’s Beach or Gibbs Cay: Gibb’s cay is a beach where one is surrounded by all sizes of stingrays. One can experience the white sand and crystal clear waters. This is right for snorkeling. Governor’s beach is really exciting and enjoyable.
• Salt Cay: Salt Cay is a small island which is the lower part of the chain of islands and it was known to be a thriving, salt producing island.
• Bicycle Tour: One can take this tour which is a ride up and down Front Street and to explore the styles of island homes that are a century old and into Cockburn Town.
• Turks & Caicos National Museum: This museum depicts the cultural history of the islands, the discovery and the impact of early European settlement, natural and political history, and the role played in 20th century space exploration.
• Stroll through Cockburn Town: One can walk through this town to take an insight of the history of the islands and the cannons and the landfall location of Christopher Columbus, many find this exciting.

Best time to visit / climate:

The Turks and Caicos Islands are arid. Grand Turk is part of Turk islands and hence the weather is same. In the winter the weather is generally in the 70 – 80°F range. The temperatures easily climb into the 90°F during the summer. The island gets less than 50 inches of rainfall a year. Most rainfall occurs during the hurricane months of summer. Hence better to avoid or at least be careful during this time. Sunshine and breezy cooling winds are the norm in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane:
Grand Turk is one of several islands in the Turks and Caicos Islands. To reach Grand Turk one has to fly into the island of Providenciales at Providenciales Airport and from Providenciales take a local flight to Grand Turk on Air Turks and Caicos Air Turks & Caicos.
American Airlines has schedules flights from many US cities to Providenciales International Airport. Other major carriers from the US include Spirit Airlines, US Airways and Delta. British Airways offers flights to London. WestJet Airlines and Air Canada offer flights to Toronto.
By boat: Many cruise ships stop at the Carnival Cruise Terminal which is to the south end of the island. One can take a boat from the Dominican Republic, the Bahamas or Cuba.
Get around: Taxis are accessible in Grand Turk. There are car rentals available and motorcycle rentals too on the island.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Grand_Turk
• Tripadvisor Hotel
• Tripadvisor restaurant
• Yahoo travel
• http://www.bohioresort.com/

Blogs / Sites about Grand Turk:

• http://www.bohioresort.com/
• http://en.wordpress.com/tag/grand-turk/
• Travelpost.com

Images and photos of Grand Turk:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor
• Turksandcaicos
• http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Grand+Turk

Videos from Grand Turk island on Youtube:

Grand Turk Island

Grand Turk – Port Introduction

Cruise – arriving at Grand Turk

Grand Turk Island Margaritaville!! Turks & Caicos

Grand Turk Slideshow

Travel – Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes in Cuba

Traveller — Mon, 05 Sep 2011 06:45:25 +0000

Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes is in Cuba, in the Cienfuegos, Villa Clara, and Sancti Spiritus provinces. During the long fights first by Castro’s men, and then by rebels against him, the men hid in the Escambray mountains. The mountains are Limestone Mountains called mogotes. The national park has “mogotes” and waterfalls and cave. Pico de San Juan, at 1150 meters (3773 feet) is known to be the highest mountain of the place which one can’t hike.

Attractions of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes:
• Parque Altiplano: The main hotels are located here. There are places such as the Museo de Arte Cubano Contemparano (“Museum of Contemporary Cuban Art”); the Casa de Café and the “Mi Retiro” restaurant located here which are popular. The De Gigantes (“Giants Garden”) and a short hike to Salto Vega Grande (“Vega Grande Falls’) are small hiking trails.
• Salto de Caburní (“Caburní Falls”): These falls are a hike of 7 kilometers on a roundtrip basis and starts to the east of the Kurhotel. One can also swim in the large pool that is below the falls. It is a waterfall that is about 35-meters high.
• Sendero La Batata: This is another hiking trail that is about six kilometers long. It is a hike to a cave which also has an underground creek. One can also swim in the cave. The hike trails begins at the Casa de Café.
• Parque Codina: This serves as the starting point for hiking trails to caves, waterfalls and other viewpoints along with bird watching and camping and it is near the Parque Altiplano.
• Parque Guanayara: This hiking trail is to the Cascada El Rocío waterfall, swimming, hiking trails, camping.
• Parque El Nicho: These are series of waterfalls with clear blue waters. This is a drive about two hours. One can even go for horse back riding.
• Parque El Cubano: This is the part closest to Trinidad, and this site includes waterfall, swimming, camping, bird watching, horseback riding, and a restaurant and a trail from the Mirador de Caribe to Topos de Collantes.
• Embalse Hanabanilla: This is to the north of the national park and is a large reservoir which is near to the town of Manicaragua. There are offers for hiking, horseback riding, boating, and fishing.
• Mirador de Venus: This is a mountain top and one can on a hike to the top which is about two hours from El Salto.

Best time to visit / climate:

The best time to visit Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes is between December and April. One can avoid the horrendous storms and hurricanes and avoid the sticky heat of the Cuban summer which can be unbearable for some.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
The road to Topos de Collantes is fifteen kilometers and has a steep incline.
By plane: One can reach Cuba from Canada, Mexico and Europe by arriving at Jose Marti International Airport (located outside Havana). Cubana de Aviacion is the major carrier in Cuba and connects to Mexico, South and Central America, Canada and Europe. One can either take a taxi to Havana centre or take a bus service.
By boat: There are no regular boats or ferries to Cuba but private vessels may enter the marina Hemingway in Havana or marina Aqua in Varadero.

Get around
By bike: One can use a bike to go around but one has to get one’s own bike for that.

By plane: Cubana de Aviacion or Aero Caribbean covers larger distances and operate on routes:

Cubana de Aviación
Havana – Camaguey – Havana, Yakovlev Yak-42D
Havana – Santiago – Havana, Yakovlev Yak-42D

Aero Caribbean
Havana – Camaguey – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Guantanamo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320

Aero Caribbean
Havana – Baracoa – Havana, ATR 72-212
Havana – Bayamo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cayo Coco – Cienfuegos – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cayo Largo del Sur – Varadero – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Cienfuegos – Cayo Coco – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Las Tunas – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Manzanillo – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Moa – Holguin – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Nueva Gerona – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Santiago – Havana, ATR 42-300/320
Havana – Varadero – Cayo Largo del Sur – Havana, ATR 42-300/320

Global Air (Mexico)
Havana – Cayo Coco – Holguin – Havana, Boeing 737-200
Havana – Holguin – Cayo Coco – Havana, Boeing 737-200
Havana – Santiago – Havana, Boeing 737-200

By train: The main line runs between Havana and Santiago de Cuba. It stops at Santa Clara and Camagüey. Cienfuegos, Manzanillo, Morón, Sancti Spiritus, and Pinar del Rio are the other cities that can be reached by train. Tren Frances operates between Havana and Santiago de Cuba alternately.

By bus: Viazul is the bus service in Cuba for public transport to tour the island. Astro is another bus line for touring in Cuba.

By boat: Cienfuegos or Trinidad incorporates the Canarreos Archipelago and the Juventud Islands or Jardines de la Reina Archipelago. Windward Islands is the bases for boat rides.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Wikitravel.org
• Moon.com
• iGuide
• Travelbuddy.com
• Tripadvisor Hotels

Blogs / Sites about Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes:

• Travelpod.com(1, 2)
• Travelblog.com
• Eurekamag.com
• http://www.lonelyplanet.com/cuba/travelblogs

Images and photos of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes:

• Google Search
• iguide
• http://www.cubatravelphotos.com/

Videos of Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes from Youtube:

Cuba: Gran Parque Natural Topes de Collantes

Travel – Georgetown – is the largest city as well as the capital of Guyana

Traveller — Sun, 04 Sep 2011 06:38:48 +0000

Georgetown is the largest city in as well as the capital of Guyana, located in the north-eastern South America. It is a country on the Atlantic Ocean coastline, with the ocean on its northeast, and to the east is Suriname. To the west is Venezuela and to the south is Brazil. Guyana lies between Suriname and Venezuela. It is the third smallest country in South America (with the smallest and the next being Suriname and Uruguay). Georgetown is the Capital of the country, and is situated in the county of Demerara and in the Demerara-Mahaica region.
Georgetown is located in the Guyanese Coastal Plain. This plain includes the cities Georgetown, Bartica, Mabaruma and New Amsterdam.
It is a non-Hispanic nation in South America along with Suriname, French Guiana, and Brazil.
This place’s main events include Mashramani (Mash), Phagwah (Holi), and Deepavali (Diwali). This place is same as that of English-speaking Caribbean. It is also a founding member of the Caricom.
It is populated with Amerindians and is a blend of Indo-Guyanese (East Indian) and Afro-Guyanese (African) cultures like that of Trinidad. It has same types of food, festive events, music, sports, etc. to that of West Indies.
Guyana’s main sports are Cricket and Softball cricket and football along with netball, rounder’s, lawn tennis, basketball, table tennis, boxing, squash and rugby.
English is officially spoken language along with Creole and Amerindian dialects.
This place is mostly on highlands and on low coastal planes. Savanna is in the south and the highest point is Mount Roraima which is at an altitude of 2,835 metres.
Construction booms
Georgetown got a boom in construction and the major projects are:
? Providence Stadium, Providence (a few miles south)
? Buddy’s Hotel and Resort, Providence
? East Bank Highway expansion (4 lanes)
? Georgetown Centre Shopping Mall (City Mall)
? Providence Mall
? Greater Georgetown Conference Centre
? Repavement of all roads
? Repairing Demerara Harbour Bridge
? Construction of many private houses
? Construction/Renovation of churches,mosques and mandirs.
Among its economical businesses are:Demerara sugar, timber, bauxite, gold, and diamonds that are exported through Georgetown’s harbour.
There are many of the businesses headquarters in Georgetown and some of them are:
? AH&L Kissoon
? Bank of Guyana
? British Sky Broadcasting (Sky TV)
? Cevons Waste Management
? Courtney Benn Contracting INC.
? Courts Guyana Ltd
Attractions in and around Georgetown, Guyana:
• Victoria: This was the first village that was bought by the slaves.
• Mashramani: This is an Amerindian word meaning “celebration after hard work” which takes place on February 23rd and it is also the country’s republic anniversary celebration. One can view a carnival-like event with parades and costumed bands through the city.
• Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Building: It is the largest and most powerful economic union in the Caribbean housed in this building.
• Providence Stadium: It is on the north bank of the Demerara River and is the largest sports stadium in the country. There is a mall near called Providence Mall.
• Guyana International Conference Centre: It is a gift from the People’s Republic of China to the Government of Guyana.
• Stabroek Market: It is a large cast-iron colonial structure which looks like the statue that was located next to the Demerara River.
• The City Hall: This is a beautiful wooden structure which is from the colonial era.
• Orinduik Falls: This is most visited falls of Guyana. It is situated on a highland river called Ireng River. This river lies on the border of Brazil and Guyana and joins Takutu River and then the Amazon River. These falls fall from Pakaraima Mountains and it is a beautiful scene. The name Orinduik Falls is given after Orduik, which is the Amerindian name of an aquatic plant present at the falls. There are several herbal plants here. The surroundings are soothing and relaxing and one can rejuvenate mind and body. It is an eye for natural lovers and enjoyable site for children and family and one can also go for swimming here.

• St. George’s Cathedral, Georgetown, also known as St. George’s Anglican Cathedral: It is situated on Church Street. This church has one of the tallest wooden structures in the world and is the second tallest wooden church with its height being about 43.5 meters. The architect of this Cathedral is Sir Arthur Blomfield and the church was accessible to public on 1899. This is a National Monument as it is the first church and it dates back to 1810. The arches are of Gothic style and it gives a Guyana historical glimpse. The glasses were stained and portray scenes like Crucifixion and the Ascension and it also has a large chandelier gifted by Queen Victoria.

• Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana: This Bridge is a floating toll bridge of length 6,074 feet long. It was opened in 2 July 1978 and is one of the longest floating bridges in the world. The construction of Demerara Harbour Bridge, Guyana was assisted and started under British Government. It is 1.25 miles long and has 61 spans with even small crafts being able to pass through. This bridge links people of Georgetown to people living in West Bank Demerara and to enhance business and trade in the country.
• Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana: This is a museum of anthropology that is one of the oldest museums of the country. It was open to public in 1982 though open in1974. It was run by a NGO of Government of Guyana. This museum houses collection and artifact of culture of Guyana. It also hosts exhibitions.
The organization takes care of the collection, exhibition and conservation of the artifacts that showcases the spectacular culture of Guyana. Dr Denis Williams founded Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, Guyana who was an archaeologist. This museum also has excavated objects and information on its culture.
• Kaieteur Falls: It is situated in the centre of Guyana and on the Potaro River. It is one of the natural wonders. It has a single drop of 741 feet which is the largest in the world. It is located in Kaieteur National Park. It has a series of cascades with a total height of 251 meters (822 ft). It is known to be five times higher than the Niagara Falls and two times the height of the Victoria Falls. It is the 123rd tallest according to the World Waterfalls Database and the 19th largest waterfall in terms of volume and in their estimation, the 26th most scenic waterfall in the world.
• Iwokrama Canopy Walkway: It was opened in 2003 of November. It is a 154 meter long Canopy Walkway from heights of 30 meters. One can see the birds like the Green Aracari, Scarlet Macaw, Guiana Toucanette or Channel-bill Toucan and Red Howler Monkeys.
• Ecotourism: This is a booming industry in tourism in Guyana.
• The Walter Roth Museum of Anthropology, the National Library, the Bank of Guyana, the National Museum of Guyana, State House and St. George’s Anglican Cathedral..

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate is Tropical and moderated by northeast trade winds. There are two rainy seasons which are from May to mid-August and mid-November to mid-January. There is a threat of floods in the rainy seasons and so it is best to avoid this time for tourists.
Location on Google Maps:

Go to maps.google.com, search for the place, and when you find it, click on Link on the right side, Paste the HTML in the lower text box.

View Larger Map
Or click and paste the URL below on your browser:

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&geocode=&q=Georgetown,+Demerara-Mahaica,+Guyana&sll=37.0625,-95.677068&sspn=36.863178,56.513672&ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Georgetown,+Demerara-Mahaica,+Guyana&z=12

How to get there:

Citizens of the following countries do not need a visa to visit Guyana: Antigua and Barbuda, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Canada, Dominica, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Ireland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, North Korea, South Korea, Luxembourg, Montserrat, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, United Kingdom, United States.
By plane:
The Timehri international airport which was named in honor of the indigineous displaced peoples of Guyana and which was renamed Cheddi Jagan International Airport. There are daily international flights into and out of Cheddi Jagan International Airport which is about 40km south of Georgetown. International flights include flights to the US, Canada, UK and the Caribbean with Caribbean Airlines.
By car:
Guyana has road accessible to Suriname to the East and Brazil to the south.
There are no road links between Venezuela and Guyana. Travel to Venezuela may be done by air via Trinidad or overland through Roraima State in Brazil.
Get around:
Minibuses travel throughout Guyana and are the cheapest way to travel. Many parts of Guyana are separated by large rivers which can be traversed by way of river taxi. Taxis are a good way to get around in Georgetown or also rent cars.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://travel.yahoo.com/p-travelguide-485312-georgetown_vacations-i
• http://guyanahotels.com/
• http://www.guyanahotel.com/
• http://www.herdmanstonlodge.com/

Blogs / Sites about Georgetown:

• http://www.herdmanstonlodge.com/
• http://www.expat-blog.com/en/directory/south-america/guyana/
• http://www.travelblog.org/South-America/Guyana/blogs-page-1.html
• http://en.wordpress.com/tag/guyana/
Images and photos of Georgetown:

• http://www.google.co.in/images?hl=en&biw=1024&bih=653&q=Georgetown,+Guyana+images&um=1&ie=UTF-8&source=univ&ei=H9nXTILWFpGkuAOt0p2bCQ&sa=X&oi=image_result_group&ct=title&resnum=1&ved=0CCYQsAQwAA
• http://www.traveljournals.net/pictures/guyana/georgetown/
• http://www.infohub.com/pictures/images_guyana_291.html
• http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotos-g294078-Georgetown.html

Travel – French Guiana – in the Amazon region of South America

Traveller — Fri, 02 Sep 2011 18:25:10 +0000

French Guiana is located in the Amazon region of South America; is a French department and hence the name, French Guiana. This region is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean; lying between Brazil and Suriname. To the east lies Brazil and to the west Suriname. French Guiana is an overseas region of France. It has a land area of about 83,534 km² and a population of approximately 229,000. Its capital is Cayenne and its currency is Euro.
Earlier there were three sub colonies of French Guiana and they are from west to east: British Guiana (now Guyana), Dutch Guiana (now Suriname) and French Guiana.
The two main geographical regions of French Guiana are the coastal strip and the rainforest. The Tumac-Humac Mountains lie in the rainforest, and the highest peak of this region is Bellevue de l’Inini (at a height of 851 m). Among other mountains are Mont Machalou (782 m), Pic Coudreau (711 m), Mont St Marcel (635 m), Mont Favard (200 m) and Montagne du Mahury(156 m). There are three Iles du Salut Salvation Islands including the Devil’s Island and the isolated Iles du Connétable which is a bird sanctuary located further towards Brazil. There is a dam in the north of the region that has created an artificial lake called the Barrage de Petit-Saut (built for providing hydroelectricity). One of the nine national parks of France is the Guiana Amazonian Park which is actually spread over 33,900 square kilometres (13,090 sq mi). This park is upon the communes of Camopi, Maripasoula, Papaïchton, Saint-Élie and Saül.
French Guiana’s administrative divisions are divided into 2 arrondissements and 19 cantons and 22 communes and they are:
1. Awala-Yalimapo
2. Mana
3. Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni
4. Apatou
5. Grand-Santi
6. Papaïchton
7. Saül
8. Maripasoula
9. Camopi
10. Saint-Georges
11. Ouanary
12. Régina
13. Roura
14. Saint-Élie
15. Iracoubo
16. Sinnamary
17. Kourou
18. Macouria
19. Montsinéry-Tonnegrande
20. Matoury
21. Cayenne
22. Remire-Montjoly

The Cities of French Guiana are:
• Cayenne: This is the administrative capital of French Guiana.
• Kourou: This is the city that hosts the space center and Arianespace.
• Saint-Laurent: this city is located on the Maroni River that forms the natural border between Surinam and French Guyana.
• Saint-Georges: This city is on the Oyapock River that forms the natural border between Brazil and French Guyana.
This area is a low-lying coastal plain that rises to hills, and small mountains and also consists of hill plateaus and the Tumuc-humac Mountains.
The official language of French Guiana is French but Creole is also widely spoken. Few understand English here. On the Maroni river, Taki-taki is spoken and basic Portuguese and basic Spanish are understood.

Attractions of French Guiana:
• Emerald jungle village: This village is the best of the eco tourism. It is in the Cayenne region and has the solar powered lodge which is a French Foreign Legion post. This is abandoned now. The building comprises of a library and on the property lie the botanical trail.
The lodge conducts excursions through eastern French Guiana; canoes and mountain bikes are also available on rent.
• Hattes Beach: This is a single nesting site for the giant leatherback turtles in the world. These turtles nest from April to July (which is peak season for more than 200 leatherbacks). Their eggs are known to hatch from July to September. Even green turtles nest here, along with Olive ridley turtles and hawksbill turtles. This beach also has a local museum giving information regarding turtles.
• Salvation islands: Its Local Name is Îles du Salut and these are tropical islands; a group of islands are known for being a brutal penal colony setup in 1852. There are 3 groups of islands; they are Île Royale, Île St Joseph, and the Île du Diable which is also known as the “Devil’s Island” being a penal colony from 1852 to 1953.
The population of these islands is about 2000. These islands are located in shark infested waters.
• Marshes of Caw: This is located in the Cayenne region and is a natural reserve. It is best for nature lovers. One can see abundant wildlife in here.
• Cayenne Zoo: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a zoo that is situated in a tropical rainforest.
• Place des Palmistes: This is known as the “place of the cabbage trees” and has monuments and gardens. This place is full of palm trees because of which it’s got its name.
• Avenue du General de Gaulle: This is also in the Cayenne region. This is a well known street for hotels, eateries and boutiques, named for the war hero and the former President of France.
• Place Grenoble: This is also in the Cayenne region. This is one of the main town squares full of public buildings.
• Place Victor Schoelcher Market: This is also in the Cayenne region and is Cayenne’s main vegetable market.
• Cayenne River: This river is well know for tourists to take a walk and enjoy the atmosphere around.
• Musee Departemental: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a museum that was an old Creole home.
• Fort Ceperou: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a fort that dates back to the 17th century and is on a high hillside location with perfect views.
• Fort Diamant: This is also in the Cayenne region and is a government structure dating back to 17th century.
• Remire-Montjoly Beach: This is a beach that is in the Cayenne region and there is an old sugar mill with some ruins. It has great views of the beach.
• Village Chinois (Chinatown): This is also in the Cayenne region. This village is full of Restaurants and markets and a bustling fish market.
• Kourou Space Centre (Centre Spatial Guyanais): This is a Science museum and a space centre in the Kourou region of French Guiana. It is known for more than 500 launches that started in the 1960s. One can take a guided tour and view its six launch sites that are the region’s most popular attractions.
• Kourou River: This is in the Kourou region of French Guiana. There are organized rides in pirogues, traditional hollowed-out log canoes.

Best time to visit / climate:
The climate of French Guiana is Tropical; hot, humid with minimal seasonal temperature variation.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:

By plane: Cayenne-Rochambeau Airport (CAY) is the Airport that serves this place of French Guiana.
The flights that serve are:
- From Surinam, with Surinam Airways.
- From Brazil, formerly with Penta but now with Air Caribbes.
- From Martinique and Guadeloupe, with Air France and Air Caraibes
- From France, with Air France and Air Caraibes.
- From Panama with Air Caraibes.
- From Costa Rica with Air Caraibes.
- From Dominican Republic with Air Caraibes.
- From Miami with Air France.

By car: From Brazil a private barge serves across the Oiapoque River.
From Suriname, there is a ferry to cross the Maroni River.

By bus: From Brazil and Suriname, once you reach the border, cross the river with a motorboat or a dugout canoe.

By boat: From Brazil and Suriname, one has to cross the rivers Oyapoque and Le Maroni.

Get around: One can take a native craft or vessels and coastal river steamers or take minibuses to go between towns.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Southtravels
• Tripadvisor
• Mytravelguide
• Travel.yahoo

Blogs / Sites about French Guiana:

• Travelblog.org
• Travelpod.com
• Mongabay.com
• Expat-blog

Images and photos of French Guiana:

• Hanrossel
• Picturesofplaces
• Ddbstock

Travel – Freeport (Bahamas) – a city on the island of Grand Bahamas in the district of Bahamas

Traveller — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 18:07:46 +0000

Freeport is a city on the island of Grand Bahamas and in the district of Bahamas. It is located 100 miles (160 km) east-northeast of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This city is part of a free trade zone of the Bahamas, operated by the Grand Bahamas Port Authority (GBPA). There was an agreement signed called the Hawksbill Creek Agreement in August 1955 declaring that the Bahamian Government agreed to businesses in the Freeport area and will pay no taxes before 2054. The Pine yard of Wallace Groves, a Virginian financier, was the first development of the economy of Freeport of Bahamas. He owned 50,000 acres (200 km2) of land of this area. After the capital of Nassau, City of Freeport is known to be the most populous city of Bahamas. The Grand Bahamas International Airport serves this place.
Freeport’s land area is about 230-square-mile (600 km2). It is off the coast of Palm Beach, Florida and about 65 miles (105 km) off the coast. Many international companies use Freeport as their business sites. Tourism topped the list for quite some time but from 2004, tourism has decreased tremendously due to hurricane hits.

Things to do:
There are plenty of beaches. Diving, water biking, surfing, Parasailing and underwater cave diving are different activities of the place.

Places to see:
• The Rand Nature Centre: This Centre was named in the honor of James Rand.
• Rand Nature Centre – Bahamas National Trust, Freeport City: This is in the East Settlers Way in the Freeport City. One can take a guided tour through this tropical forest. This Centre has hanging vines, serene pools and unusual wild animals. This is the regional headquarters of the Bahamas National Trust. This centre is spread over 100-acre property. West Indian flamingoes flock to this centre.
• Petersons Cay: This is a small islet of about 300 yards off the Grand Bahamas shore.
• Lucayan National Park: This national park was found by Peter Barrat who was a former Architect. He was also the Freeport town planner. This park is spread to an area of about 40 acres (0.16 km2). This area includes five ecological zones which extend from south shore to the pine yard. There is an underwater cave beneath this park.
• Theo’s Wreck: This is the most popular diving site. This is actually a shipwreck of the ship named Theo Galanopoulos (228-foot cement hauler) which sank off the shore near Freeport in 1982. This is now laying at a depth of 100 feet right off the continental shelf. The marine life, including numerous moray eels have made their home here.
• Xanadu Beach, Freeport City: This is on the Southwest coast of Grand Bahamas Island in the Freeport City. This is a crowded beach. One can rent chairs and umbrellas and enjoy variety of fun things. Parasailing, banana boat rides and JetSkiing, enjoying tropical drinks and snacks are some of the things here. There is an international bazaar with countless eating, drinking and shopping.
• The Garden of the Groves, Freeport City: This is on the Magellan Drive in the Freeport City. This area has jungle and zoo in the 11-acre property. This garden has the most exotic wildlife. Macaws, alligators, pot-bellied pigs and pigmy goats and iguanas are few of them. There is a waterfall and tropical fruit trees all around.
• Pinetree Stables, Freeport: This is located at Little Crab Cay in Freeport city. One can gallop along the shoreline splashing in the Caribbean shores.
• Paradise Watersports, Freeport City: This is located in the Xanadu Beach in the Freeport City. One can enjoy many aquatic activities in this beachfront. Underwater marine life can be viewed by taking glass bottom boats. Reef-n-Wreck snorkeling and parasailing can also be done.
• Xanadu Underseas Adventures, Freeport City: This is located in Xanadu Marina in the Freeport City. Diving is the best here with amazing cave diving which is rare and shark diving is another attraction. One can dive in reefs, cave and tunnels.
• Grand Bahama Brewing Company, Freeport City: This is located in the Logwood Road in the Freeport City. This is a microbrewery in the Bahamas. One can taste the samples and buy too.

Best time to visit / climate:
Freeport enjoys a subtropical climate with mild winters. The average temperatures range in the low to upper 80s, with water temperatures never below 72°. The winters are usually cold and dry while the summers are usually hot and wet. This can be considered as an all year visit site.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
By plane: There are many flights available from South Florida. American eagle offers daily flights from Miami. Bahamasair, Continental Connection, and Spirit Airlines all offer daily flights from Fort Lauderdale.
By Boat: There are quite a number of cruises departing from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale) that offer cheap tickets to Freeport and Nassau.

To get around: One can take rent a car to move around.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Yahoo travel
• Tripadvisor Hotels
• Tripadvisor Restaurants
• Hotelclub.com

Blogs / Sites about Freeport (Bahamas):

• Lonelyplanet
• Travelpod.com
• Loadweb.com

Images and photos of Freeport (Bahamas):

• Google Search
• Placesonline.com
• Tripadvisor
• Freeportusa.com
• fotosearch.com

Videos from youtube:

Freeport Bahamas

Tour of Freeport, Bahamas

Our Lucaya Beach, Freeport Bahamas

Bahamas Jeep Safari, Grand Bahama Nature Tours, Freeport , Bahamas

Travel – Exuma – the largest of all cays in Bahamas

Traveller — Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:58:51 +0000

Exuma is located in Bahamas, and more important for tourists, is in the district which has numerous islands or cays (over 360). Great Exuma is a significant cay, and is the largest of all cays and is of about 37 mi (60 km) in length. The Exuma island chain is 130 miles (209 km) long in total. This is a part of isles whose capital is Nassau and has a population of approximately 2000.
The islands located in Exuma are mostly privately owned, with the one open to public being the Great Exuma, Fowl Cay, Iguana Cay, the Musha Cay which is also a resort and Staniel Cay.
The Cities located in Exuma are George Town which is located on Great Exuma, Saddleback Cay which is a private island (actually owned by Island World Adventures). It holds one day trips from Nassau on a daily basis. This island also has the Half moon beach which is known for its shallow reefs, with giant nurse sharks that are fed; this island also has other six beaches. The other city of Exuma is Thunderball Grotto which is known for its James bond flick as it was filmed at this place.

Attractions:
• Starfish The Exuma Adventure Center: This centre is in Great Exuma. One can see and enjoy the clear crystal blue waters of the Exuma cays here and look and explore the marine life. It is ideal for snorkeling and kayaking with private boat charters. There are some popular tours such as the very popular swimming pigs/thunder ball grotto tour, and half and full day fishing charters as a special ride.
• Roberts Island Adventures: Fishing, Sightseeing and Snorkeling-Half and full-day trips offered by Roberts.
• Exuma Water Sports: These offer a Thunder ball Safari Tour.
• Island Routes Caribbean Adventure Tours: This tour company gives us the best things to see and do in this area. They give us a guided one of a kind tour.
• Exuma Cays Land and Sea Park: It is a natural marine preserve with scuba diving and view of crystal clear water in a depth of 100+ feet. It takes tourists to the Exuma cays and is beautiful.
• Rolle’s Sea Kayaking Adventures: This Company offers sea kayaking adventures which is operated by a couple and guided by Gully and Shan.
• Dive Exuma: This is a PADI five Star Resort that offers snorkel tours, dive tours and boat charters along with courses and rentals.
• Exzooma: This Company too offers group boat tours around the place.
• Lee Stocking Island: This is a small island that is about three miles long, and is popular for Bone fishing, shelling, diving and skinny-dipping.
• Thunderball Grotto: This is a fantastic underwater cave and was used for filming of James Bond movies. Divers and Snorkels must see this cave.
• Explorer Ventures: These show the Geological formations and the Nature reserves around the place.
• Rolle Town Tombs: These tomb stones are a mark of the overseer with his wife who belonged to the old times when slavery was rampant.
• Exuma Wall: This wall is of Seventy-five foot height. It is a vertical underwater wall and is a popular diving site too.
• Dog Rocks Wall: This is unique as it is like a maze of coral. One can swim through this wall and also enjoy the marine life in it.
• Exuma Cays Adventures: This is also a tour company that offers group tour on boat.
• Bowe Family Plantation : This was a cotton plantation that is ruined as of now. It remains as a reminder of the colonial past of this island of Exuma.
• The Hermitage: This is a tomb or rather a cemetery that is from 1800s and is eight miles from the George Town.
• Sailing Regatta: Great Exuma hosts the famous Family Island Regatta every year in April. One can take part or watch and enjoy this sailing competition.

Best time to visit / climate:
Exuma is an all year round holiday destination but June to October is considered a stormy season with rains and high winds. But most of the time it is sunny and warm and temperature is moderate. The weather here is a treat as one can visit any time of the year.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
The northern islands are below an hour away from Nassau which can be reached by a speedboat and by tours. Great Exuma has the only airport in the islands and offers flights from Miami, Ft. Lauderdale and Nassau. It is about 10 mi (16 km) to the north of George Town.
Great Exuma can be gone around in a car whereas other islands are accessible only by tour charter or boat.
Car and boat rentals are available in George Town, Great Exuma. One must have international or US driver’s license.
Water Taxi to Stocking Island: This taxi goes daily from Peace and Plenty Restaurant in Georgetown Harbor to the neighboring Cay of Stocking Island.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/Exuma#Sleep
• Tripadvisor Hotels
• Tripadvisor Restaurants
• Allhotels.com
• Myoutislands.com

Blogs / Sites about Exuma:
• Travelblog.com
• http://www.blogged.com/topics/exuma/
• Travelpod.com

Images and photos of Exuma:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor
• Trekearth
• Igougo.com
• http://search.pbase.com/search?q=Exuma

Videos of Exuma from Youtube:

Exuma Bahamas HD

Exuma Islands — The REAL Bahamas HD

Exuma Bahamas

EXUMA 2008 SUMMER BEACH BY ALLY

Snorkelling with sharks in exuma

Travel – El Valle de Anton – a seven square mile town in Cocle in Panama

Traveller — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 19:11:30 +0000

El Valle de Anton is a seven square mile town in Cocle in Panama. It is surrounded by a volcanic caldera which was a deep lake. The crater spit out richest volcanic soil onto the valley floor which is known as tierra negra or black earth. It is located at a 2,000 foot elevation. It is known to be the cultural, environmental and culinary bounty of Old Panama.
One can ride or walk to waterfalls, square trees, mud baths, a zoo, a museum, the forest canopy tour, pre-Columbian petro glyphs, farmers market, tours of the local organic farm, coffee roaster, artisan bakery, and guided birding and fauna surveys, El Nispero – a local private zoo, a large waterfall called “El Macho”, a grove of square trees, a etched hieroglyphic rock, lots of birds, bugs, butterflies, animals or cooking school. El Valle houses an orchid conservatory and the amphibian rescue station that are two world class eco sites in town.
Activities at the place include hiking, horseback riding, and bird watching as El Valle houses around 500 species of birds.
Attractions of El Valle de Anton and around:
• “El Valle’s Sunday Market”: It is the town’s public market, which is open 7 days a week, located on Avenida Central or Calle Central to the east-west of the town.
• “El Nispero”: This is a zoo as well as a historical and geological museum, and a small serpentarium and an orchid garden that houses local orchid species.
• Cerro Gaital National Monument: It is a house for Panama’s 10,000 plants, 1500 trees, 1000 birds, 220 mammals, or 354 amphibians and reptile species.
• El Valle Amphibian Conservation Centre, EVACC: Over 200 frogs, salamanders and toads are prevented from attack from an unstoppable fungus that has been known to be hit them. They are maintained in micro climate and treated and detoxed. This also houses exhibits like the local golden frog, a cultural icon and the republic’s emblematic conservation symbol.
• El Nispero Zoo-Nursery: This place has examples of the local fauna, flora and wildlife.
• El Valley Orchid Nursery: This is an eco-site where the orchidophile can experience orchidelirium. There are about 1300 varieties and 200 endangered samples housed here. The JICA, COSPA, APROVACA center is one sponsored by a consortium of Japanese and Panamanian orchid growers.
• Three Sisters Cooking School: This is a cooking school giving insight of history and culture of food ways of the place.
• Alquiler de Caballos: This is a stable that houses 30 horses, who are used for exploring the mountains that are nearby. One can enjoy the horse ride over the mountains.
• Canopy Adventure: This is a gliding adventure that uses cables, pulleys and harness to glide and view the rainforest from above the jungle which is a magnificent experience.
• Chorro de las Mozas: This is a waterfall or set of waterfalls that cascade down the hill sides into the valley. These falls are also called Young Women’s falls.
• Chorro El Macho: This is the popular waterfall of El Valle which is 85 feet high. Below the falls one has swimming pools for swimming which are made out of rocks and surrounding it is the rainforest, with the water of the river being fed into the pool. There are hiking trails too available here.
• Handicrafts Market: This is a popular attraction and one of the Panama’s largest handicrafts markets.
• La Piedra Pintada: This is a huge boulder which is a colored stone of pre-Columbian carvings and full of petro glyphs.
• Coffee Plantation of Boquete: This region is famous for gesha coffee which can be visited and enjoyed and one can buy coffee that is grown on volcanic slope. Cafe Ruiz and Kotowa are for touring.
• Whitewater River Rafting on the Chiriquí Viejo: River tours that are either about 1/2 day and full day rafting excursions. Among them are:
o Chiriqui River Rafting
o Panama Rafters
o Boquete Outdoor Adventure
• Visit Paradise Garden: This is a Wildlife Rescue Center in Panama which takes an entrance fee in order to support the centre.

Best time to visit / climate:
El Valle de Anton dry Season starts from December through March which is also known as summer, and a cooler Wet Season which starts from April through November and is known as Winter. The best time to visit this place is hence December to March which is summer.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
There are frequent buses to and from Albrook in the Panama City hub which connects to Costa Rica or the Caribbean side. Also from the Albrook bus terminal there are buses that are run by Panafrom, Padafront, and Terminales David to David every one hour.

Get around: One can either take foot or take a taxi to go around. Apart from this there are several tour companies offering packages of tour around the place.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• http://wikitravel.org/en/El_Valle#Sleep
• Tripadvisor
• Czbrats
• Panamainfo.com

Blogs / Sites about El Valle de Anton:

• http://blogs.vidaenelvalle.com/
• Travelpod.com
• Lonelyplanet.com

Images and photos of El Valle de Anton:

• Google Search
• Tripadvisor
• http://travel.webshots.com/album/115166797oCQRsV
• Abpanama.com

Videos from youtube:

The Golden Frog Inn, El Valle De Anton, Panama

El valle de Anton

HD – El Valle de Anton

On the way to El Valle de Anton, Panama

Panama, El Valle de Anton, 2007

Travel – El Condado, located in San Juan, Puerto Rico

Traveller — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 07:51:01 +0000

El Condado is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is an oceanfront, located to the east of the Old San Juan (which is a historical colonial district of San Juan). Its land area is about 0.82 km² (824,791 m²), and has an approximate population of 6,170. This place is known for its Condado beach and its nightlife. El Condado has some great hotels, restaurants, boutique shops, bistros, nightclubs, casinos, and cafes. It has the De Diego Avenue on its eastern border which is known to be the extension towards the Atlantic coast. To its north are the beaches of the Atlantic Ocean. In its eastern district area there is a 1 mile long beach called the Ocean Park.
It is a Latin American city and has a Spanish based culture. This city lies in the capital of the island which is a home for the biggest and best natural harbors in the Caribbean. San Juan and also El Condado is a Latin American city with Spanish-based culture, mixed with African traditions and Taíno culture. Museums of modern art exist abroad.
The official language of this island is Spanish and English. Spanish is the mother tongue of the native living here.

Attractions of El Condado and around in San Juan:

• Condado Beach: This beach is one mile long stretched along the Atlantic Ocean and Laguna Condado. The line has many luxury hotels and facilities.
• The modern Convention Center: This convention centre is in Condado. It is known to be one of the largest in the Caribbean. This centre can hold about 10,000 people and houses and hosts many art exhibitions and festivals. The total area is about 580,000 square feet. It is located on a site that was earlier a US Naval and Coast Guard Base. It is the centre for many shopping centers, theatres, restaurants, and more.
• Casinos: There are two popular casino hotels of San Juan. Also there are small parks in the surroundings.
• Shopping: Most of the shopping centers are found on Ashford Avenue. The main centers are
1. Cartier
2. Louis Vuitton
3. Ferragamo
4. Furla
5. Hellmuth
• Nightlife: The following are the casinos and restaurants that stay open late into the night:
1. Eternal, the lobby-level lounge at the Conrad Condado Plaza.
2. The lobby bar at the La Concha Resort.
3. Kali, an Eastern-themed lounge and restaurant.
• El Castillo San Felipe Del Morro “El Morro”: This is a citadel that dates back to sixteenth-century. It lies to the northwestern-most point of the islet of San Juan, Puerto Rico. It is a part of National Historic Site and is a World Heritage Site by the United Nations in 1983.
• El Castillo de San Cristóbal: This is a Spanish fort that is in San Juan, Puerto Rico. This fort was built to protect against land based attacks on this city of San Juan. It is part of National Historic Site. It is of a height 150 feet and is on an area of 27 acres of land.
• Palacio de Santa Catalina: It is a residence of the Governor of Puerto Rico. This was built between 1533 and 1540 to defend the San Juan harbor. It is also known as El Palacio de Santa Catalina or Palace of Santa Catalina which is also the oldest executive mansion in the New World. La Fortaleza is a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
• El Catedral de San Juan Bautista: Juan Ponce de León, a Spanish explorer’s tomb lies here which was built in the 1520′s. It was rebuilt in 1540 after destroyed by hurricane.
• Castillo de San Jerónimo: It is a fort that was built to defend from attacks in 1595.
• Iglesia de San Jose: This is a church and Monastery that dates back to 1523.
• Ayuntamiento or Alcaldia: This is also known as the City Hall.
• The municipal cemetery of Santa María Madgalena de Pazzis: This is a cemetery that is situated just outside the city walls.
• Fuerte San Geronimo: This is a fort that was built to tighten defense within the city with a small museum housed inside.
• Centro de Bellas Artes: This is a fine arts centre in the Caribbean in 1981.
• Bacardi Rum Factory: This has a trolley and guided tour inside the factory.
• There are famous beaches in Condado and Isla Verde.
• Parks in San Juan: Central Park, Garfield, Munoz Rivera Park and Parque de las Palomas.
• The Casino of Puerto Rico which is a large building and The Teatro Tapia is the oldest theatre in the Western Hemisphere.
• San Juan National Historic Site: This place has the old and the colonial portion and this includes three fourths of the city wall and Forts San Cristóbal, San Felipe del Morro, and San Juan de la Cruz, also called El Cañuelo, plus bastions, powder houses. Among the best preserved, this city of San Juan is one of the oldest locations and is also a National Historic Site.

Best time to visit / climate:
El Condado, San Juan has a tropical marine climate and has minimal seasonal variations. The climate is mild but has abundant rainfall in the north coast. June and November are usually the seasons of Hurricane. So avoid this time.

Location on Google Maps:

View Larger Map

How to get there:
Condado is located between Luis Munoz Marin International Airport and Old San Juan and is a 10 minute taxi ride away from each. To get around, one can just walk around.
US citizens do not need any visa since Puerto Rico is a US territory. A Picture ID should serve the purpose. For other citizens visa and supporting documents are required.
By plane: Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport is the main airport which is in Carolina, near San Juan. Aguadilla and Ponce also connects with flights like Jet Blue, Continental and Delta. There are direct flights from US. SJU is the modern airport in the Caribbean. From airport taxi services are available.
By boat: The west coast city of Mayaguez and Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic has ferry services available. From Fajardo to St. Thomas, there is a ferry. There are cruise ships that land in San Juan.

Places to stay (hotels / restaurants along with website / contact numbers):

• Hotelguides.com
• Wikitravel.org
• http://www.sanjuanhotelsltd.com/
• http://www.condado.com.pe/pages/index.php
• Virtualtourist.com

Blogs / Sites about El Condado:

• http://www.travelpod.com/s/el+condado
• Tripwiser.com
• Lonelyplanet.com
• http://sanjuansafaris.com/blog/

Images and photos of El Condado:

• Google Search
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/jjd_photography/3515913303/
• http://www.terragalleria.com/america/puerto-rico/san-juan/
• http://photos.igougo.com/pictures-l613-San_Juan_photos.html

Videos of El Condado on Youtube:

Travel San Juan, Puerto Rico: Glitz @ El Condado & Isla Verde

El Condado, San Juan

El Condado, San Juan – Puerto Rico