Torres del Paine

Torres de Paine é bonito mas é um programa para sofredores. Único programa disponível: andar num vento enlouquecido, a pé ou a cavalo. Programa alternativo: conversar com as ovelhas. Programa mais alternativo: encher a cara.

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PATAGONIA

El Calafate na Argentina é muito lindo. Deserto, Lago Argentino ( 2º maior da América do Sul) turquesa, montanhas com neve, glaciares magníficos e um céu hipnotisante. Turismo bem organizado com passeios bem distintos. O Parque dos Glaciares é impressionante. É preciso mais de 1 dia para se acostumar com esta nova realidade.

CAPE TOWN planejando

Most visitors to Cape Town visit the Waterfront, Camps Bay, Robben Island, Cape Point and the Stellenbosch/Franschoek winelands. However there are many other superb places to visit provided you have a rental vehicle.
For the very best view of Cape Town you must drive the short distance to Blaauberg (or Blouberg, as it is sometimes described) beach. The beach provides an almost endless walk with the view that appears on almost every tourist brochure. Ideally, head there in the early morning and have breakfast at one of the restaurants - Cafe Blouberg and Onse Huise are but two.
From Blaauberg head over the hills to the suburb of Durbanville. On your way visit some of the wineries that are equal to any in the Stellenbosch/Franschoek area. For some of the best shopping in Cape Town visit Tygervalley shopping centre, (very close to Durbanville) or a little closer to the city, the huge Century City shopping mall.
For some of the best swimming beaches visit Gordons Bay and Strand, near Somerset West. Beyond Gordons Bay is probably the most scenic drive in the Cape and if you do this drive you could proceed all the way to Hermanus.
For the most beautiful mountain walk (not hike!) drive to the top of Ou Kaapse Weg (above Tokai and Constantia suburbs) and enter the nature reserve through the gate just beyond the view-site. Drive as far as the road allows and then walk from there. You will be rewarded with the most beautiful views of the Cape Peninsula.

Referências importantes do viajante

zagat
fodor´s
lonely planet
destinia (hotéis em promoção)

CROSS THE ANDES IN A BUS

Now, a great tip! Cross the Andes in a bus (from Santiago to Mendoza)! Don´t rent a car so you can drink some wine on the way... and enjoy the view. It costs around 20 US$ and it´s a beautiful trip. It lasts about 7 hours but it´not bad at all! Go to the bus station and buy a ticket in a 2 floor air conditioned bus, try to get the first seats on the second floor. You will have the best view and bigger place for your legs!
Mendoza is a cozy and fresh town thanks to all the trees in every street. The city was burned in the late 1800´s and it´s was replanned and rebuild. It´s very pleasant to walk around, always on the shadow. You can enjoy the General Martin Park which reminded me of Central Park, this huge fresh park with all kinds of trees and of course, the typical palm trees, and a placid lake.
I stayed at the Nuevo Hotel San Francisco in Chacra de Coria ( about 60US$ a double room) outside of town. I would spend about 6 US$ to go to the center of Mendoza but it was worth it. The hotel is beautiful and has a wonderful pool. Since Mendoza is very hot this hotel was a blessing!

VIÑA DEL MAR

I went to Viña del Mar just because I have never been to the Pacific Ocean before. I come from Rio and my trip was not to be on the beach...so it´s not a must. But if you are curious... the road from Santiago to Viña is very good and beautiful as well. You pass by the Casablanca Valley which has many good vineyards too.

TERMAS LA COLINA

Now, the tip for the radical adventurous traveller: Termas La Colina, natural thermal pools on the volcano San Jose, about 2 hours from Santiago. Go to Cajón del Maipo and drive straight to the end! The road isn´t good but I did the way with a simple GM corsa. There´s an alpinist base (simple hotel) where you acn spend the night with a good wine and a astonishing view from the volcano. You can camp also near to the Las Colinas thermals. It´s wild but surely worth it!