Many people have visited nearby Chichen Itzá and walked away thinking the same thing: If only we could’ve climbed to the top. If you want to visit a ruin that is remarkably well preserved, still allows you to climb most of the structures, AND is much less visited by tourists, …

On the shores of Lake Wakatipu amidst spectacular mountain scenery, Queenstown sits like a prize jewel in New Zealand’s crown. Deemed the Adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown enjoys a reputation as THE place to experience a whole range of adrenaline pumping action. It is also the snowsports hub of …

“So, do you guys want to spend the weekend with my family in Macaé?” Washington asked. “Sure,” we replied, despite having no idea where Macaé might be or why anyone would go there. But the chance to spend a weekend hanging out with Brazilians on their home turf wasn’t one …

The heat of Adelaide’s summer days send people flocking to the water. The city’s beaches are a great place to start, but the prevalence of sharks in this area of Australia make me wary of swimming out too deep. Kayaking, however, is a perfect solution – you’re out in the …

The statue of Christ the Redeemer is a symbol of Rio de Janeiro, and a trip to the top of the hill to visit it was a definite on our to-do list while in the city. We had the opportunity to go as part of an organised tour on the …

Your mum brought you up to have good manners, I’m sure, and expects you to do her proud while you’re travelling: clean up after yourself, eat with your mouth closed, say please and thank you. And she’s right, of course. But you’re going to have to forget some of the …

The Itaipu dam is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, the world’s largest hydroelectric power plant. It spans the river Paraná between Paraguay and Brazil, near the triple border of Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay.  You can visit from either side; we chose the Paraguayan one – mostly …

Paraguay is one of the few South American countries that require New Zealanders to obtain a visa to enter, and at US$75 for a single entry or $100 for multiple, it’s not a cheap one. Last year, travelling through South America with a group of three other Kiwis on a …

Buenos Aires is known for tango; it’s part of the history of the city. It is kept alive in restaurants and tourist areas in the ever-present “tango show,” which features the iconic music — often live — and several dancers, the women dressed in the appropriately short skirts and high …

Have you ever heard this warning (or something similar to it) after telling a friend or fellow traveler that you’re planning to visit someplace firmly located along the tourist trail? It might be the Las Vegas Strip, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or the Forbidden City. It might be Niagara …