Franz Josef and Fox are the two primary glaciers located on the west coast of the South Island. Visitors who arrive on a rainy day won't really begin to see the beauty and extent of their coverage - both are among the fastest moving glaciers in the world and their footprint is constantly changing from year to year. Glaciers in Argentina and other parts of southern South America are similar to those in New Zealand in that these are the only places … [Read more...]
Iquitos, Peru – Guides
Because Iquitos is difficult and expensive to get to and is somewhat off the beaten path, the city doesn't see huge numbers of travelers. Over eager for tourist dollars are a small number of "rabid guides". These type of guides will say most anything to get your business. They will blatantly lie, they will approach you on the street, may put their hands on your body, pretend to be your friend, make up stories they think you want to hear (like … [Read more...]
Iquitos, Peru – Eco Vagabond Lodge
UPDATE: UNFORTUNATELY THIS LODGE IS NOW CLOSED If it reopens under new ownership we will post the update here. One jungle lodge you will NEVER find in a travel guidebook is the Eco Vagabond Lodge located about 1 hour from Iquitos by fast boat. This rustic lodge sits mere meters from the great Amazon River. It is owned by an Argentine and a Peruvian - they no longer live at the lodge, but a fabulous bilingual guide Carmina who is in her … [Read more...]
Iquitos, Peru – Attractions
We have visited or participated in the following attractions or experiences in Iquitos or the surrounding region. Amazon River - what can you say about the Amazon River except its the world's greatest river. Its mind boggling to think that it supplies nearly a quarter of all the world's freshwater! From the Atlantic Ocean in Brasil, vessels make the entire trip up the Amazon River to Iquitos (some 3,600 kilometers of navigable waterway). It … [Read more...]
Peru 05
Peru trip was incredible. High mountains, steamy jungles, dry deserts and the ocean - all in one country. Can't wait to return and next time will visit the high altiplano of Bolivia and parts of the Patagonia. Article about Iquitos finished but won't be posted on the main page for a few months as there are other articles currently queued. http://www.davestravel.com/articles/iquitos/index.htm & the Peruvian Rainforest Article about … [Read more...]
The Yellow Rose of Texas, Iquitos Peru – May 2005
The Yellow Rose of Texas is a must visit for any traveler to Iquitos Peru. Located just off the Plaza del Armas, the Yellow Rose of Texas, is run by former Texas Oil & Gas Engineer, Gerald Mayeaux. This place absolutely bleeds with character. Huge saddles rotate as seats at the bar. An eclectic variety of dead jungle animals adorn the walls and ceilings and hundreds of photos line the walls. The food is tremendous. Never have you had such tasty … [Read more...]
Cuzco, Peru – Travel Agencies
Using Travel Agencies can be advantageous or disadvantageous depending on how you like to travel and your budget. Depending on the situation and type of trip, using travel agencies are often more expensive than planning and making the trip on your own. However, travel agencies will often save valuable travel time as they already have existing relationships established with guides and local tour operators. They offer pre-arranged tours and … [Read more...]
Sugar Hut Resort, Pattaya – April 2004
The Sugar Hut Resort & Restaurant is located between Pattaya & Jomtien Beach in Thailand. This "escape from reality" resort was founded in 1984. This is not your typical Pattaya stay. It is located in the midst of lush tropical foliage. Each "hut" is separate from the others by walkways through the foliage and as a result each bungalow is very private. All have balconies. Attention to detail shows here. There are 3 pools on the property … [Read more...]
Las Vegas, NV – Attractions
The Eiffel Tower is well worth a visit to the top. This is an exact 1/2 scale replica of the real Gustav's Eiffel Tower located in Paris, France. If you have never been to the real Eiffel Tower in France this is a pretty good replica. You buy your tickets on the first floor of the Paris Hotel, Las Vegas (owned by Caesars). Note the pretty sky on the ceiling when you walk into this hotel. The twilight of a summer Paris evening never changes in … [Read more...]
Angkor Wat, Cambodia – Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is known worldwide and is certainly the most famous attraction in Cambodia; it is located only 6km from the old market in Siem Reap - take Charles DeGaulle Blvd to reach the main Angkor Wat temples. Tourists used to be denied access to rent motor bikes for personal use (because of the danger of landmines) but now one can rent a bike for use around Siem Reap. You can either rent a taxi, tuk-tuk, regular bicycle, or go with someone on … [Read more...]