Parque de los Pies Descalzos is the best place to relax after strolling around Medellin. The park allows you to go barefoot and enjoy the cool water of the fountains. It’s really a good place to hang out considering the warm climate of Colombia.

El Hueco has several shopping centers and vendors within its midst. You can waste half a day exploring El Hueco without bothering about the time. Haggling is an option if you want to get goods for a bargain. To get there, take a taxi and head for Calle 48, 53-53. Taxis are fairly cheap in Medellin.

View of Medellin at night.

El Alumbrado is an annual celebration that takes place during the holidays. At which time, some party is always happening in the city. Throughout El Alumbrado, lighted decorations depicting scenes from the Nativity and the joyful Christmas season fill the streets and Rio Medellin, the city river. Surely enough, it’s one of the top tourist attractions in Medellin.

Museo de Antioquia is known to be one of the greatest museums in Colombia. It features a combination of pre-Hispanic, colonial, and modern art made by a variety of painters and sculptors, including local Colombian artist Fernando Botero.

La Feria de Las Flores is also a seasonal festival except it takes place every August. It is really a flower festival where floats and Silleteros parade the streets of Medellin, showcasing the floral plants grown in Medellin. Bull fights are also common during the La Feria de Las Flores and are among the top tourist attractions in Medellin this time of the year.

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Top Tourist Attractions In Medellin is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Orla Taumanan Park

One of the top reasons to visit Boa Vista, Brazil is the Anaua Park, which is practically the biggest in the northern region. It is about 2.5 kilometers northwest of the center of the city and provides folks with a number of recreational options such as an amphitheater and a cart racing facility, to name a few. And there are also several gardens, a lake, as well as a museum in the vicinity, the Museu Integrado de Roraime, which displays informative details about the state’s wildlife, history, indigenous community and archeology.

And then, there’s the Ayrton Senna complex, named after famous Brazilian race car driver Ayrton Senna, which consists of a public square, a water show area, a statue commemorating the 21^st century (the Millennium portal) and the newest and largest plazas in the complex – Praca das Artes. There are also numerous colonial buildings within the vicinity that would shed light to a significant portion of local history. One of the popular structures in the area is Fort Sao Joaquin, a Portuguese stronghold which was used by the English and Spanish as a pit stop in their search for the legendary city of El Dorado.

With that said, it’s obvious that there are also amazing ecotourism highlights within this place that would satisfy the craving of any nature-loving guest. To begin with, there’s Monte Caburai on the northern point of Brazil. And here, people can indulge in white water rafting rides as well as hike up to one of the areas prettiest waterfalls, the Gara Gara.

Also, there is the biological reserve of Ilha de Maraca which presents a beautiful contrast between the nation’s Amazonian forest and the open savannah, and some of the other top reasons to visit Boa Vista, Brazil – its endangered animal species, namely the tapir, ariranha and guariba. And off coast is Maraca Island where visitors get to see red wolves and buffaloes as well as take part in a unique beach experience on Boca do Inferno, a dark-colored coastline, which is separated from the main island by a difficult clef known as the Igarape do Inferno.

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Top Reasons To Visit Boa Vista, Brazil is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Colombia is now safer for traveling, adding to the list of top reasons to visit Bogotá. But there are many more reasons as to why you should visit the city. Bogotá for instance, is a large city and therefore has plenty to offer. Below are several more reasons for traveling to this Colombian territory.

Bogotá, Distrito Capital

First of all, the sheer size of Bogotá alone should be enough reason to visit the city. Its massive land area means that it has more tourist attractions than smaller Colombian cities. As a matter of fact, New York and Mexico City are the only two North American cities larger than Bogotá. Not only is Bogotá large, it also happens to be a highly urban city. When Bogotá’s economical, cultural, and political status is taken into consideration, it may ranks with the likes of Buenos Aires, Berlin, Dubai, San Francisco, and Washington DC.

Despite being classified as a thriving, world-class urban destination, Bogotá still has close ties with its past and history. The healthy balance of historical and modern attractions is one of the top reasons to visit Bogotá. You will often find century-old squares called plazas with old buildings and churches around them. And yet these old, charming places reminiscent of the country’s colonial past are surrounded by skyscrapers and modern architecture.

Exposure to European and North American influences further created diversity in Bogotá city, particularly its cuisine and culture. You can grab traditional Colombian dishes in certain restaurants as well as international cuisine from others.

Getting around Bogotá used to be more challenging and tourist attractions were hard to find. In recent years however, this has changed drastically. Now that attractions are easier to find, you have more top reasons to visit Bogotá. The city’s water is surprisingly potable too, giving you more reason to travel to this city. Staying healthy is pretty easy since tropical diseases are totally absent in Bogotá thanks to its high altitude.

East Hills of Bogota

Staying safe is quite easy too as long as you stick to the basics. You want to avoid poor neighborhoods, wearing flashy clothes, and carrying expensive items. Always maintain a low profile. Calling for a cab using a phone is also recommended compared to hailing one on the streets.

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Top Reasons To Visit Bogotá is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Chile has a diversity of natural attractions. While best known for its beaches, the country also boasts captivating sceneries of mountains, volcanoes, glaciers, deserts, lakes, fjords, and rivers.

The Parinacota volcano towering over the Chungara Lake

Enjoy outdoor activities. Because of its diverse landscape, you’ll find many things to do in Chile. Ski in the Andes Mountain Range or take your fishing gear to the lakes. Other activities to enjoy in Chile include hiking, camping, horseback riding, canoeing, rafting, beach swimming, and sun bathing.

Explore the wine route. Chile produces some of the world’s finest wines. Visit haciendas where wine grapes are grown and learn how they are made. Wine tours usually offer wine tastings at the end. Of course, you can always order wine from local restaurants or grab a bottle or two at stores.

See Easter Island. The Polynesian island is home to more than 800 monoliths believed to have been carved by the Rapanui tribe. However, their true origin remains a mystery even for scientists. Easter Island is a World Heritage Site and one of the top reasons to visit Chile.

Ahu Tongariki near Rano Raraku

Chile’s native traditions continue to thrive. Despite European influences brought by colonial times, pre-Colombian traditions remain intact. They are reflected on Chilean cuisine, architecture, and handicrafts.

Chileans make the trip worth it. They are friendly, warm, and hospitable no matter where you are in the country; be it an isolated region or modern cities like Santiago.

Chile is an accessible destination. Planes from Central, Latin, and North America as well as Europe fly in regularly. Its accessibility is one of the top reasons to visit Chile.

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Top Reasons To Visit Chile is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Of course, the Pre-Columbian ruins still claim the top spot when digging for reasons to travel to Peru. The most prominent of which is Machu Picchu but there are several more scattered in Cusco, an old Inca capital. The best pre-Coloumbian sites in Peru include the Nazca Lines, the ruins of Saqsaywamán and Moche, Kuelap fortress, and the ancient tombs near Chiclayo.

Machu Picchu

Peruvian food is another one to include on the list. While not globally-renowned, local cuisine is one of the top reasons to visit Peru. The best meal you can have is a ceviche which consists of raw seafood marinated in lime. More traditional delicacies include the alpaca steak, a roasted guinea pig known to locals as cuy, and snacks wrapped in leaves such as humitas, juanes, and tamales.

The geographic diversity of Peru is also remarkable. It features coastal areas, jungles, as well as highlands. A 14-hour bus ride is more than enough to see all three landscapes in Peru. Because of this diversity, tourists can enjoy outdoor activities during their visit. Trekking seems to be the most popular. Casual hikers and experienced trekkers will find trails leading to Machu Picchu, the Andes Mountains, Colca Canyon, Cordillera Blanka, and the Peruvian lot of the Amazon. Travellers seeking more adventurous activities won’t be disappointed either. Paragliding, sand-boarding, dune buggy rides, rock and ice climbing, river running, and surfing are among the top reasons to visit Peru.

Uros floating island on Lake Titicaca

To top it all off, Peru has a diverse wildlife. You can witness this in any of the natural parks and sanctuaries spread throughout the country. Among the must-see nature reserves in Peru are Manú National Park, Tingo Maria National Park, Huascarán National Park, Paracas National Reserve, and Titicaca National Reserve.

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Top Reasons To Visit Peru is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Salar de Uyuni viewed from space

If you want a truly memorable experience, you should start your journey by making your way to Salar de Uyuni, which is known to be one of the flattest and largest salt fields in the world. It is found near the crest of the Andes, southwest of the republic. And it hosts several species of pink flamingos, who breed there during the summer. One special tidbit about Salar de Uyuni is that it contains 70% of the world’s lithium reserves and this element is actually used in creating several products including ceramics, alloys, chemicals and nuclear weapons, to name a few.

La Paz, Bolivia

For a more subtle starting point option, you could go for La Paz and enjoy sceneries composed of impressive colonial architecture and imposing natural sites like the Government Palace and La Luna Valley. There are also great nightlife attractions you could take advantage of during your stay and local markets to check out so as to satisfy your cravings for bargains and local souvenirs.

Now, if you wish for a wild and tropical escapade, you could go to Madidi National Park and discover for yourself why it belongs to the list of the top reasons to visit Bolivia. Of course, there’s the obvious fact of being herald as one of the most biologically rich parks in the world, housing elusive jaguars and unique species of titi monkeys. But on top of this, Madidi also provides people with a greater appreciation of the amazing contribution the Amazon has to the world’s ecology.

But if you are not a fan, you could schedule a trip just before Ash Wednesday to one of its towns, Oruro, and take part in the Carnaval de Oruro so you could explore the country’s folklore and culture in depth. The festival welcomes close to 38,000 participants each year and features a variety of ethnic performances.

Isla del Sol, Lake Titicaca, Bolivia

Aside from these, other top reasons to visit Bolivia include Lake Titicaca, Tiwanaku, Sorata and Sucre. If you have the resources, you should see to it that you go through every single one of these choices before you move on to another place.

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Top Reasons To Visit Bolivia is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Learn English with Kaplan

In a world with social networks and multiple mobile communication devices, it is almost essential for a person to be able to converse with someone that speaks a different language. Being multi-lingual can also come in handy when you find yourself on vacation in another country and in desperate need of a restroom. Being able to communicate with the locals can possibly save your life…. or at least save you from an embarrassing moment.

Learn English with Kaplan

The Advantages of Learning Another Language is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Bogata, Colombia

First up is the lovely city of Cartagena. Herald as the 5^th largest city in Colombia, this Caribbean beach resort city boasts of a tropical climate and an assortment of beaches, dive sites, historical and cultural landmarks as well as fun leisure facilities. If you want to escape the worries of everyday life, this laid back town is an ideal stop.  And while here, make sure to seek the Rosario and San Bernardo Corals National Natural Park.

If you find the former a little too commercial, Paramount Travel suggests you could head on to the northern region of the country, 34 km from the city of Santa Mara, and pay a visit to Tayrona National Natural Park. This natural reserve serves as host to a diverse collection of endemic flora and fauna, and about 12 square miles of beach front. In 2009, it was recorded to be the second most visited national park in Colombia with 211,833 visitors.

Taganga is another tourist spot that’s in close proximity to Santa Marta. And like the other destinations in the top 5 reasons to visit Colombia, this town has a beautiful and welcoming shoreline that can be compared to that of Brazil. Taganga is great for families and individuals who just want to loosen up and soak up some sun. It is a small fishing village with an offbeat landscape so anyone who is interested, can also engage in some hiking.

Isla Providencia in Colombia

The island of San Andres is also worthwhile to mention as one of the top 5 reasons to visit Colombia in terms of beaches. like other South American destinations, people who have been here appreciate the white sand coasts of San Luis, the snorkeling site at La Piscinta, the coral island of Johnny Cay as well as Acuaro’s diving area. Hoyo Suplador is also a “must visit” since it is here that tourists can watch a geyser emerging from the sea and shoot up water for as high as 20 meters.

Finally, there’s Providencia, which is another beach island in Colombia that has caught the attention of many tourists. One of its most admirable attributes is the fact that it remains untouched by commercialism. It is considered to be a sea lover’s paradise, with calm, crystal clear waters and the third largest barrier reef within close reach.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Colombia is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Parinacota Volcano, northern Chile Los Pinguinos Natural Monument

Los Pinguinos Natural Monument – Located on the Island of Magdalena, this particular site serves as home to more than 120,000 Magellanic penguins. And they are considered to be the largest colony there is in southern Chile. Paramount Travel recommends that you drop by every September or October to welcome these birds as they migrate here and find their partner. Mating season usually ends by March.

San Rafael Glacier – This humongous glacier that rests on the cusps of the Laguna San Rafael provides people the unique and breath-taking experience of being in the midst of a sea of ice. When they arrive, tourists are treated a boat ride across this 15 km stretch of isolation so they can marvel at one of nature’s most mysterious creations. According to experts, the San Rafael Glacier is slowly disappearing from Chile, which borders Argentina, due to global warming. With this reality, everyone is encouraged to pay it a visit at least once in their lifetime before it is too late.

Valle de la Luna – From one deserted landscape to another, the Valle de la Luna offers visitors impressive sand and stone formations that were carved by years of winds and flooding. It also boasts of dry lakes and saline outcrops that look like man-made sculptures. It might not be much as a destination to feature in the top 5 reasons to visit Chile, South America. But if you are dreaming of going to outer space, this is the closest thing you are going to get without spending too much. Considered one of the driest places on earth, the valley actually is reminiscent to that of the moon’s terrain, to which it owes its name.

Pucon – If you are tired of sight-seeing and would just like to relax, you could head on to the small town of Pucon, located at the southern Lake District of Chile. This welcoming body of water that rests beside an imposing volcano provides newcomers and locals a great venue for recreational activities like white water skiing and kayaking. There are also natural hot springs in the vicinity if you want release some tension and toxins.

Easter Islands – Nothing beats this site when it comes to mystery and allure. So if you are looking to have a fulfilling trip, make sure not to miss this final entry to the top 5 reasons to visit Chile. Nestled within the southeastern Pacific Ocean, this small paradise accommodates 887 extant monumental statues (moai) created by early settlers called the Rapanui people, as well as numerous beaches, exhilarating diving areas as well as two volcanic craters.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Chile is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog

Pão de Açúcar in Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

a. Rio de Janeiro. This is just the country’s second largest city and one of the favorites mentioned on Paramount Travel. But it already offers tourists a chance to indulge in the best of what Brazil can offer in terms of social activities (parachuting in Sao Conrado, Rio’s very own Carnaval), natural sights (Tijuca Forest) landmarks (Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf, and the Marcana stadium) and beaches (Ipanema, Copacabana, and Leblon).

b. Sao Paulo. Of course, what Brazil vacation experience would be complete without swinging by its largest capital, and seeing all the impressive things it has to offer? Unlike Rio, this South American metropolis contribution to tourism is largely cultural and economic. So those visiting can partake in any of its high profile events (Sao Paulo Art Biennial, Sao Paulo Fashion Week, or the Sao Paulo Gay Pride Parade) or drop by Paulista Avenue, its most important financial center, and make a few lucrative investments.

c. Manaus. This capital state of the Amazonas serves as one of the hosts of the second largest river and the biggest rainforest in the world (the Amazon River and rainforest). So it is not surprising for it to be part of the top 5 reasons to visit Brazil. But more than that, it also hosts other beautiful bodies of water (Tupe Beach and Paricatuba Waterfalls). And it is also here you will see the natural phenomenon of Solimonoes River’s muddy water and Negro River’s dark water running side by side, without mixing.

Iguazu Falls Park in Iguazu National Park

d. Igazu National Park. This tourist attraction features 275 cascading waterfalls that divide the Igazu River to upper and lower parts. It is found in the border state of Parana and is shared with the Argentine state of Misiones. According to legends, the falls was created out of spite by a god whose bride-to-be fled with her mortal lover on a canoe. When he found out, he sliced the river and condemned them both to an eternal fall.

e. Florianopolis. This final entry to the top 5 reasons to visit Brazil is perfect for those who desire to have a luxurious beach getaway with a loved one. Florianopolis is the capital of the Santa Catarina group of islands and is known for its high quality lifestyle. The city has 42 beaches, with their own respective resorts, and a booming surfing community. And it was herald as the “Party Destination of the Year” in 2009 by the New York Post.

Top 5 Reasons To Visit Brazil is a post from Paramount Travel Blog. Paramount Travel Blog - Traveling around the world travel blog