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Tiene 35 años. Le gusta jugar el beisbol.

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Who is Miguel Cabrera? Everything You Need to Know

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Miguel Cabrera is a Venezuelan professional baseball player. Check out this biography to know about his childhood, family life, achievements and fun facts about his life.

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Who is Edinson Cavani? Everything You Need to Know

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Edinson Cavani is a Uruguayan professional footballer. This biography provides detailed information about his childhood, family, personal life, football career, etc.

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Tiene 31 años. Le gusta jugar el futbol. Es talentoso y trabajador.

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4. Los Roques, Venezuela

After your visit to the Archipelago of Los Roques National Park you'll always think of it as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Incredible shades of blue in the surrounding waters, white sand beaches, the vibrant green of the mangrove swamps, and the otherworldly shapes and shades of the coral reefs all combine to make the park truly breathtaking. You'll quickly see that it's an area of bright and gorgeous contrasts. There are over 1,000 keys here and you can find a landscape to suit your preferences - everything from sand beach, good surf, rock beach, still water bays, coastal barrier, lagoons, salt mines, and more. Don't leave without trying the fishing, sailing, diving, lobster catching, and windsurfing on offer.

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15 Best Places to Visit in Venezuela - Page 4 of 15 - The Crazy Tourist

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4. Los Roques, Venezuela After your visit to the Archipelago of Los Roques National Park you'll always think of it as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Incredible shades of blue in the surrounding waters, white sand beaches, the vibrant green of the mangrove swamps, and the otherworldly shapes and shades of the coral reefs all combine to make the park truly breathtaking.

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Los Roques

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Despite being dwarfed by neighboring Argentina and Brazil, visitors to Uruguay will be surprised and impressed at all of the incredible things that there are to see and do in South America's second smallest state. One of the safest countries on the continent, Uruguay's sophisticated cities are fascinating to explore as delightful colonial-era centers, pulsating tango clubs and a wide range of historic and cultural landmarks entice you onwards.

The beautiful beaches that border the Atlantic Ocean offer up sun, sea, sand and surf as well as fun and friendly beach resorts while in the interior stunning nature reserves lie side by side next to expansive cattle ranches. Very easy to travel around, Uruguay is a laidback country that has a lot to offer and so don't be surprised to find yourself yearning to return as soon as you've left its shores.

A small city, La Paloma lies on the coast of the Atlantic Ocean and is a popular summer beach resort amongst South Americans and Uruguayans themselves, who flock here to enjoy the sun, sea and sand. With spectacular beaches, this laid-back city is great to visit and there are lots of fun watersports for you to try out such as surfing, sailing and windsurfing.

One of the best beaches for sunbathing is Anaconda Beach, where watching the sun set over the ocean is absolutely divine. Perfect for those who are looking to kick back and relax, La Paloma's remote location makes it ideal for a quiet and peaceful holiday by the beach.

Bordering the laid-back Punta del Diablo is the marvelous Santa Teresa National Park which nature lovers will absolutely adore as it encompasses a diverse array of landscapes, ecosystems and fauna and flora. Much of the park is made up of lovely forests and seasides areas.

There are loads of great hiking trails that cut through the dunes and woods where visitors may catch a glimpse of some of the wildlife that resides within the park. It is actually here that a large battle took place when Uruguay was striving to win its independence.

One of the major historical sites here is the impressive Fortress of Santa Teresa which dates all the way back to 1762 and is located in between the wetlands in the park and the Atlantic Ocean. Definitely worth visiting, the nature and history on offer in Santa Teresa National Park will live long in the memory.

A popular place to visit among Argentines and Uruguayans looking to head to the beach and bask in the rays, Punta del Diablo is a lovely place to visit and despite recent development projects still has the feel of a picturesque and charming little fishing village.

With beautiful beaches and a laid-back way of life, it is a relaxing place to simply kick back and watch the world go by. As you can imagine, there is also some delicious seafood for visitors to enjoy.

With loads of outdoor activities on offer, you can be horseback riding over the dunes one minute, learning to surf the next and trying your hand at dune boarding later on in the day. Not far from Punta del Diablo are some fantastic nature reserves such as Santa Teresa and Cerro Verde, which are also well worth visiting.

Located near the spot where the Rio de la Plata and the Rio Uruguay join, Carmelo is an increasingly popular tourist destination and with good reason, as it is dripping with charm, as wonderful old buildings and cobbled streets make up much of the town.

The waterfront is lovely to wander along and from here you can take boat trips to the magical Parana Delta which is fantastic to explore. There is also a variety of activities for visitors to check out such as fishing, yachting and other watersports.

With some lovely beaches, brilliant wineries in the surrounding countryside, and a casino to boot; Carmelo covers a wide range of bases and has something for everyone to enjoy.

The second largest city in Uruguay, many people stop off here on their way to Argentina. This is certainly is a picturesque place as it borders the majestic Rio Uruguay. Salto is actually named after the falls which make a 'big jump' down near the city.

There are lots of lovely little riverside walks for visitors to enjoy, and the leafy streets and plazas delightfully combine with the wonderful architecture to make Salto a relaxing and laid-back city to visit.

In addition to this, there are soothing thermal springs at Dayman for you to unwind in. They are in stark contrast to the town's huge hydroelectric dam which is bizarrely a popular destination for tourists.

With a very Mediterranean feel to it, Piriapolis' wonderful beaches are great for lounging on, and the long promenade that hugs the waterfront is perfect for relaxing strolls while taking in the sun and river views.

One of the most popular beach resort towns in the country, it was actually created for that reason and so has a number of great hotels, restaurants, bars, casinos and shops, particularly as you get nearer to the coastline.

While the waterfront Rambla is the most popular spot in the city, the delightful Pira's Castle is well worth checking out, and the Hotel Colon is magical to behold. With lovely views of the coast on offer nearby, Piriapolis is a great spot at which to relax after a busy trip's sightseeing.

Located in the north of the country, Tacuarembo is as gaucho as they come and the rolling hills that surround the city are full of cattle and sprawling fields. As such, there is a distinctive cowboy feel about the place, and the culture, language and food here is very different from the rest of Uruguay.

With lovely leafy plazas and tree-filled avenues for you to enjoy, wandering around about town is a delightful experience. It is here that the legendary tango star Carlos Gardel is reputed to have been born.

The main sights on offer include a beautiful cathedral, the picturesque 19th of April Plaza and a couple of interesting museums, while the surrounding area has some nice waterfalls and grottoes for you to visit.

This upmarket beach resort town is so luxurious and fancy that it is often called the Monaco or Saint-Tropez of South America, where yachts, casinos and trendy cocktail bars abound in this playground of the rich.

With loads of bars, restaurants and clubs hugging the beautiful beachfront, it is a fun place to visit although it is quite expensive in comparison with the rest of the country.

The mansions along the seafront really need to be seen to be believed. Watching the sun go down over the ocean at either Jose Ignacio or La Barra is absolutely divine, and there are lots of great watersports for you to try and fantastic museums for you to visit. Alternatively, you can just lounge on the wonderful beaches and simply watch the world go by.

The historic quarter of Colonia del Sacramento is absolutely stunning to wander around as it is one of the oldest cities in Uruguay and wonderful colonial architecture and picturesque old cobbled streets are everywhere you look.

Having been ruled at various times by the Spanish and Portuguese who fought over it, there is an interesting mix of architectural styles. A city wall that once protected the city from invaders still runs around the old quarter. Lying next to the Rio de la Plata there some great museums for visitors to enjoy.

Two of the main tourist attractions are the towering lighthouse which offers up great views of the city, and the Basilica del Sanctisimo Sacramento which is wonderful to behold. A charming place to visit, Colonia del Sacramento is well worth checking out when you're in Uruguay and there are lots of great restaurants and trendy boutiques to boot.

The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo is a fascinating place to explore, and visitors to the city invariably come away having loved everything that they've seen and done. Home to nearly half of the country's entire population, it is a bustling place which is full of life, with loads of theaters, art galleries and music venues on offer.

In addition to the lively cultural scene, there is a happening nightlife, with lots of tango bars, trendy cocktail lounges and discos scattered about the city. As the capital of the country, Montevideo has something for everyone to enjoy and the historic downtown area is captivating to explore, with beautiful neoclassical buildings dotted about here and there.

The Teatro Solis which borders the impressive Plaza Independencia is particularly breathtaking to behold. For an authentic look at life in Montevideo, head to the Mercado del Puerto which is full of shops and restaurants selling delicious local cuisine. Then, go for a stroll along the scenic La Rambla which borders the bay. With beautiful beaches nearby and the stupendous Estadio Centenario for football fans to check out; Montevideo really does have it all.

Map of Uruguay

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Despite being dwarfed by neighboring Argentina and Brazil, visitors to Uruguay will be surprised and impressed at all of the incredible things that there are to see and do in South America's second smallest state. One of the safest countries on the continent, Uruguay's sophisticated cities are fasci

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Punta del Este

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Crude Petroleum, Refined Petroleum, Gold, Iron Ore

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Frozen Bovine Meat, Rice, Sulfate Chemical Woodpulp, Scented Mixtures

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Public Holidays in Venezuela in 2019 | Office Holidays

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Comprehensive list of National and Regional Public Holidays that are celebrated in Venezuela during 2019 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

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National Holiday in Brazil and other South American countries

The Carnival is an annual festival in Brazil held across the four days before Ash Wednesday.

The Monday and Tuesday are holidays. The festival is the most popular event of the year in Brazil and represents a last chance to party and over indulgence before the fasting period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

And even though a pre-lent carnival is a common festival throughout the world in countries with a large Roman Catholic population, it is Brazil where Carnival becomes the so-called 'Greatest Show on Earth'.

The most eye-catching celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro along the Copacabana beach where parades and pageants start on the Saturday and carry on for the four days of the festival. The main parade starts on the Sunday, when the samba schools compete in the Sambadrome. Each school may have up to three thousand participants which gives an indication of the huge scale of the event. It is said that the Carnival generates over $1 billion in revenue for Brazil.

Tourists visiting Rio for the carnival can actually take part. They pay upwards from $500 to buy a Samba costume and dance in the parade through the Sambadrome with one of the schools. The money from the fee is used to buy the tourist's costume and also to buy costumes for people who do not have the money to afford their own costumes.

During the 40 days before Easter, Roman Catholics are supposed to abstain from all bodily pleasures, including the consumption of meat. This is intended to remember the fasting of Jesus, who spent 40 days in the desert before beginning his ministry. Indeed, it is proposed by some that the word carnival is derived from the Latin 'Carne Vale' which means a farewell to meat signifying the coming period without meat.

Despite its original religious beginnings, the carnival can hardly be described as a solemn affair, and it shares its excessive nature with similar European celebrations and Mardi Gras, where the festivals are a opportunity for final indulgence before lent itself.

It is likely that these celebrations can be traced back to older pagan feasts celebrating the arrival of spring, though with Brazil being in the Southern hemisphere, it is actually the end of summer at the time of Carnival..

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National Holiday in Brazil and other South American countries The Carnival is an annual festival in Brazil held across the four days before Ash Wednesday. The Monday and Tuesday are holidays. The festival is the most popular event of the year in Brazil and represents a last chance to party and over indulgence before the fasting period of Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

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Indigenous Resistance Day- Octubre 12th

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Carnival- Marzo 4th

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What does it say about the national palate of Uruguay that their national dish is a sandwich of such unparalleled deliciousness - a sandwich of sheer amazing brilliance?

Let's list the basic parts of a chivito:

* Steak
* Mozzarella
* Mayonnaise
* Bacon
* Olives
* A fried egg (just to, you know, top it off...)

It's like a whole pantry of our very favorite things to eat! "Chivito" means "little goat" in Spanish, and according to the story, the dish was created in the 60s when an Argentine asked a restaurant owner for a dish of roasted goat like the one she was accustomed to back home. The chef had no goat, but he slapped together a sandwich and topped it with a little of just about everything in the kitchen. It was a hit, and the Uruguayan sandwich-eating public never looked back.

The chivito pictured above was put together by Amy and Jonny at We Are Never Full, after a momentous visit to Montevideo. As they say:

Until that moment, we had been led to believe that the United States was the home of the world's most ambitious and artery-busting sandwiches - indeed, it is home to most of them - but we now know that the Uruguayans, in their charmingly understated and apparently ego-less manner, have created something which can challenge for that title.

Indeed. We can only commend the Uruguayan culture on its excellent taste for this sandwich; we can hardly wait to try it!

* Get the recipe: El Chivito at We Are Never Full

Have you ever tried a chivito?

Related: Tax Night Supper: The Spanglish Sandwich with Avocado

( Images: Amy and Jonny of We Are Never Full. Used by permission.)

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Uruguay's Amazing National Dish: The Chivito Sandwich

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What does it say about the national palate of Uruguay that their national dish is a sandwich of such unparalleled deliciousness - a sandwich of sheer amazing brilliance? Let's list the basic parts of a chivito: * Steak* Mozzarella* Mayonnaise* Bacon* Olives* A fried egg (just to, you know, top it off...)

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Venezuela

The cuisine in Venezuela has a lot of European influences (especially Italian, Spanish and French) and is quite flavourful. But you can also find indigenous as well as African influence. As Venezuela is such a large and diverse country, each region has its own distinctive regional cooking.

On the coast you will find high quality fish, shellfish, crayfish, fish soups as well as fish stews. Try the pargo (red snapper) or the dorado if you have the chance. Coconut is also part of some dishes.

In the Andean region the food is quite different. Even the most famous dish the "arepa" is not made of cornmeal but wheat. Here you can find cured meats and sausages which are sold in many rural villages. You should not miss the famous fresh trucha (trout) dishes which come from the many Andean streams and lakes.

The food in the Amazon region varies a lot from the rest of Venezuela. Besides the main ingredients like yucca, corn, beans and bananas some people even eat turtles, tapirs, monkeys birds and deep fried ants. But you could also live on Casabe, bread made out of yucca, if you decide you don't want to be too daring.

Meat lovers will enjoy the parillas (mixed grill) in Venezuela as the quality of meat is quite high and the prices are low. You can choose between muchacho (roast beef), solomo (sirloin) and lomito (steak).

AREPA: It is the most famous dish from Venezuela, and is a cornmeal cake that can be grilled, baked or fried. Unlike in neighbouring Colombia where it is normally eaten unadorned, here in Venezuela it is split open and filled with a variety of cheese and meats. Arepa is a basic part of the Venezuelan diet and is eaten in place of bread in most meals. We recommend filling it with a mixture of cheese, eggs and bacon! See our Recipe for Arepas.

CACHAPA: Similar to the traditional American pancake (much thicker than an English pancake), it is made from a puree of corn, sugar, salt and oil. It is normally then folded over with a large piece of a soft white cheese inside. It is sometimes served with cream and jam. It is traditionally served with breakfast or at "once" a snack with tea. Sometimes it is accompanied by a side of fried pork. (We have yet to meet a gringo who truly enjoyed this chunk of pork)

CACHITOS DE JAMÓN: Is a snack which is very similar to the French croissant filled with chopped ham and or cheese.

CASABE: This type of bread, which is made out of yucca, is considered the oldest bread in the Americas. Rich in fibre and minerals the Venezuelans consume more than 30,000kg of casabe each year.

CHIVO AL COCO: (or Chivo en coco) is a coastal region specialty and contains pieces of shredded goat cooked in coconut milk. It will be served with mofongo which is fried, mashed green bananas.

EMPANADAS: The empanadas in Venezuela are deep fried, stuffed corn flour patties. Depending on the region you can even find shark, clams or other types of seafood fillings - especially in coastal regions like Margarita Island. The most typical empanadas are those filled with cheese and minced meat.

ENSALADA CAPRESE: This famous Italian dish is very popular in Venezuela as well. The caprese salad consists of tomato, mozzarella cheese and fresh basil.

GUASACACA: Is the queen of the sauces in Venezuela. It is quite spicy and will normally be served with meat, chicken, empanadas and arepas. It is made with avocado, parsley, coriander, onions, peppers and garlic.

HALLACA: There is nothing as important to Venezuelan cuisine as the hallaca. The process is incredibly laborious and involves the entire family; it is only done during the Christmas season, and generally in one go, to last the entire season. It is an incredibly social even, in which bundles of food are often exchanged between neighbours and friends. (The process is more of a competition than a gift exchange). The family forms a line starting with the filling of beef, pork, capers, raisins and olives that are then wrapped in cornmeal dough (the same dough used for arepas) and then bound with banana leaves. While generally men do not involve themselves in the cooking process, avoiding hallaca making is impossible and men are most commonly found cleaning the banana leaves and tying them together for steaming. There is always a familiar pride when it comes to hallaca making, with everyone quoting how their mother's hallacas are the best in the entire country. Perhaps there is some truth to this as no two families use the exact same recipe, and the filling sometimes differ throughout the regions. If you happen to visit Venezuela during the month of December you will be surprised to see how many generous people will gladly offer you a neatly wrapped package filled with a perfect balance of savoury and sweetness.

LENGUA DE RES: Cow tongue served in a vinaigrette.

MANDOCA: It is a donut of deep fried cornmeal. It is made with papelón or sugar cane pulp, and is served with bananas or plantains usually at breakfast.

ÑOQUIS: These potato pasta is another popular dish from Italy which is prominent in the centre of Venezuela.

PABELLÓN CRIOLLO: It is a simple dish of shredded beef and black beans served on a bed of white rice. It almost always is accompanied by a fried egg (Pabellón a Caballo) or with fried plantain slices (Pabellón con Barandas) .The meat is sometimes replaced by fish during lent. It is considered he Venezuelan national dish.

PAN DE JAMÓN: Is a typical dish that is served for Christmas. It is a long bread filled with cooked ham and raisins.

PASTA: It is said that Venezuela is the second country in the world for pasta - after Italy of course

PASTICHO: This name comes from the Italian word "pasticcio" which means lasagna. This is the Venezuelan version of lasagna.

PERICO: It is the Venezuelan type of scrambled eggs with onions and tomatoes. It is usually eaten at breakfast time - especially as a filling of the arepa or alone with bread.

PISCA ANDINA: This meal is a mixture of chicken stew, with diced potatoes, carrots, eggs, and pepper, and sometimes whatever else is left in the refrigerator. (Soups in general in Venezuela tend to be more lied thick stews that are cooked for hours until all the flavours melt together and the vegetables loose their form).

SOPA DE MONDONGO: It is a soup made with tripe (cow intestine and stomach) a mixture of root vegetables, cabbage and celery. Often the tripe is marinated in lemon juice or tamarind. Sometimes a beef bone is added for more flavour. It is usually consumed in the north-central regions and in the Llanos.

TAJADAS: In most of the typical meals you will be served tajadas on the side of the dish which are fried ripened plantain slices. Sometimes they will be referred as "barandas" which is slang for guard rails.

TEQUEÑO: The classic Venezuelan party food, this bite size treats are served all throughout the country from a few friends gathered in a home to elaborate wedding cocktail hours. It is a ball of dough filled with gooey white cheese that is then fried. Apparently every true Venezuelan party has to serve those.

TOSTONES: Are also known as Patacones in Venezuela and are Plantains fried twice! Eaten as a snack or a side with many meals, it is a very common throughout the country. The plantains are fried lightly for a minute on each side, then taken out of the pan to dry once they come out of the hot oil the second time and enjoy like chips.

YO-YO: In Venezuela, a yo-yo is a traditional dish made of two short slices of fried ripened plantain placed on top of each other with local soft white cheese in the middle (in a sandwich-like fashion) and held together with toothpicks. The arrangement is dipped in beaten eggs and fried again until the cheese melts and the yo-yo acquires a deep golden hue. They are served as sides or entrees.

Desserts

BESITO DE COCO: Are popular round coconut cookies

BIEN ME SABE: This dessert which literally can be translated to "it tastes good to me" has been well known in Venezuela since the colonial times. It is a sponge cake bathed in liquor and layered with coconut cream filling and topped with meringue

CANNOLI: Cannoli siciliano is a pastry tube filled with ricotta cheese and honey or chocolate.

DULCE DE LECHE: Is found in all of South America. The version in Venezuela is also called arequipe and is mainly produced in the northern town of Coro. You can find the pure variety of dulce de leche or the version with chocolate. It is basically sweetened milk that has been carefully cooked until you receive a brown jam that tastes a little bit like caramel. An easy way of preparing it is to cook sweetened condense milk for a couple of hours.

DULCE DE LECHOZA: This is a typical dessert served on Christmas. It is made of green papaya and brown sugar which is slowly cooked for hours and is served cold.

QUESILLO: Similar to flan, it is made with egg yolks and syrup. Contrary to the name, there is no cheese. Be careful though, outside of Venezuela the same name refers to a cheese dish rather than a dessert.

Next Activity

Try our interactive game about Typical Venezuelan Food. How many dishes can you get correct?

If anyone to learn more about typical Venezuelan Drinks, you will find a list at: Venezuelan Drinks
65 Classic Recipes from Colombia and Venezuela

If you found this guide about Venezuelan Food interesting or useful, let others know about it:

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The cuisine in Venezuela has a lot of European influences (especially Italian, Spanish and French) and is quite flavourful. But you can also find indigenous as well as African influence. As Venezuela is such a large and diverse country, each region has its own distinctive regional cooking.

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Pabellon Criollo

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Chivito Sandwich

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Dance in Venezuela Most of Venezuela's dances originated in Europe in the 19th century, but some originated in the Caribbean, and others have African origins. They include the national dance the Joropo, the Venezuelan merengue and the Baile de Tambor. Venezuelan polka Joropo The Joropo is the national dance of Venezuela.

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Joropo

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Poblacion- 30,912,302
La moneda- VEB
Continent- Northern South America

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Candombe

The history of candombe in Uruguay is related to the arrival of African slaves to the country, who maintained their traditions and musical rhythms. Nowadays, candombe is one of the most typical rhythms in the country, and one of the most popular traditions in the whole society. Candombe is traditionally played and danced in the streets, like a parade, with three different drums ( chico, piano and repique), and different characters dancing specific choreographies.

Payada

This is a poetic, musical form that was originated by gauchos-men that worked the countryside of Uruguay and Argentina. Their way of life paid great importance to their culture of music, dance, and poetry. It is one of the first traditional styles, from which milonga and tango were later created. In the payada, two payadores would perform a verbal duel, with guitars, in which each would sing verses enveloping an idea that established a poetic dialogue with the other.

Milonga

The milonga incorporated elements of the payada with African rhythms, like candombe, that would later all integrate into tango. The themes of the songs, with the characteristic guitar, would center on the daily life of gauchos, or in more philosophical and moral issues about personal life. The main difference between Uruguayan and Argentinian milonga is that the Argentinian doesn't incorporate African rhythms so evidently, as it didn't have any influence from the strictly Uruguayan candombe.

Tango

Tango is a music and dance style that originated in the port cities of Montevideo and Buenos Aires. Its musical origins are a mix of African (candombe), Latin American (milonga), and European influences, creating an entirely separate and independent fusion. The lyrics of the songs are usually about love, and include a lot of slang that originated in the working class. Nowadays, tango is iconic to the whole of Uruguay, not just its working class, and can be danced in special tango clubs and bars, and seen in shows.

Pericón

Pericón is originally from Uruguay, and is danced in some regions of Argentina as well. It was created by the Uruguayan musician Gerardo Grasso in 1887. The dance consists of eight interdependent couples, who dance a basic step and then perform certain figures with their dance at the shout of "Aura!" The best-known figure is the pabellón, where couples hold each other by their arms, make a circle, and hold a handkerchief on top of their heads, always keeping the rhythm of the music. These handkerchiefs are intercalated blue and white colors, like the Uruguayan flag.

Malambo

This is a dance that is attributed to the gauchos and the African slaves alike; it was considered the typical dance of both communities, in Uruguay and Argentina. Traditionally, it is danced by men and without a couple, but in pairs, each taking turns. While one dances, the other man waits, ducking, and observing. The audience, back then and nowadays, remains enchanted by the dancer who stomps, claps, arches his legs, crosses the knees and feet, and jumps as if gravity didn't apply.

Cumbia

Nowadays, cumbia is the most danced musical genre in Uruguay. Originally from the Caribbean, this music extended throughout the continent producing variations in every country. The result in Uruguay is very similar to the one in Argentina, where cumbia was traditionally danced and produced by the working class and now is enjoyed by the whole society. There is even a sub-genre of 'rich cumbia' that emerged very recently as very wealthy people started forming cumbia bands and changing the genre.

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7 Traditional Uruguayan Dances You Should Know About

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The history of candombe in Uruguay is related to the arrival of African slaves to the country, who maintained their traditions and musical rhythms. Nowadays, candombe is one of the most typical rhythms in the country, and one of the most popular traditions in the whole society.

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Candombe

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Poblacion- 3,351, 016
La moneda- UYU
Continent- Southern South America

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Who is Millie Bobby Brown? Everything You Need to Know

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All about Spanish actress Millie Bobby Brown, including her age, birthday, boyfriends, net worth, and some fun facts.

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Tiene 14 años. Ella es una actriz en la series "Stranger Things." Tambien, ella es talentosa y graciosa.

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Explore Canary Islands holidays and discover the best time and places to visit.

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Canary Islands

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Cars, chemical parts, machines, metals, vegetable products

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Learn Spanish in Madrid, Spain: TANDEM Madrid Spanish Courses.

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Public Holidays in Madrid, Spain 2018 - TANDEM Madrid

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List of local and national holidays 2018 in Madrid, Spain. Information about Spanish classes in TANDEM Madrid during holidays.

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Almudena's Day- Noviembre 9th

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Since each of Spain's regions has its own specialties, it is difficult to say that there is a single national dish of Spain. Historically, Spain was divided into small kingdoms, each one with its own language, culture, and cuisine. Spain remains separated into 17 autonomous regions, each one with its own unique cuisine. But there are a few dishes that have gained popularity all over Spain and some internationally that can be considered the country's national dishes.

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Since each of Spain's regions has its own specialties, it is difficult to say that there is a single national dish of Spain. Historically, Spain was divided into small kingdoms, each one with its own language, culture, and cuisine. Spain remains separated into 17 autonomous regions, each one with its own unique cuisine.

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Tortilla Espanola

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There can be no doubt that Flamenco has become the most famous Spanish dance, singing and music style in the world which is due to its heartfelt, fiery passion and visible emotion.

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Flamenco

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Poblacion- 48,563,476
La moneda- euro (EUR)
Continent- Southwestern Europe

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Who Is Daddy Yankee?

Native Puerto Rican Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez (born February 3, 1977), better known as Daddy Yankee starting singing and rapping at 13, right when the rap scene began taking root in Puerto Rico. At only 21 he launched his own label called El Cartel Records in the late 1990s. In 2004 he broke into the mainstream with his breakthrough album Barrio Fino along with its hit track "Gasolina."

In 2006, Time Magazine ranked him as one of the top 100 influencers in the world. Ten years later, he and his good friend Luis Fonsi collaborated on the single "Despacito," not knowing it'd become a chart topper in close to 50 countries and become the most-watched YouTube video ever. Yankee's unique rap style has made him the most-streamed musician on Spotify in 2017.

"Despacito" Becomes a Phenomenon

In January 2017, Fonsi released his song, "Despacito," which featured Daddy Yankee - and the rest is streaming history. Co-writing with Erika Ender, Fonsi felt the song needed an urban element to it and contacted Yankee. "I came to the studio and did the verse and the pre-hook, 'Pasito a pasito' - that was my creation," Yankee explained to Billboard magazine. "And we made a hit."

In an interview with Forbes.com, Yankee praises Justin Bieber 's contribution to the remix they made in April. "He gave us another ingredient on the song," Yankee said. "I think having two Latinos and Justin, who was born and raised in Canada... It's now a multicultural song. I think that is one of the reasons why everybody is feeling the song, because there's a lot of mixed in."

Net Worth

As of 2017, Yankee reportedly has a net worth of $30 million.

His Memorable Musical Moniker

When he was a child, Yankee was glued to MTV and BET, watching rap music videos of Dr. Dre and Rakim. Despite not knowing English, he felt connected to the music, and at 13, he gave himself the new moniker Daddy Yankee, which means "powerful man." A year later, he began recording himself rapping in Spanish.

From Aspiring Ballplayer to the King of Reggaetón

Though Yankee grew up immersed in music, his first love was playing baseball. In a 2006 interview with MTV.com, he said he had tried out for the Seattle Mariners and had every expectation of being signed when he was caught in the crossfire between gangs. He spent the next six months in bed. It was a year before he could walk and he still carries a bullet lodged in his right thigh. In a New York Times magazine profile, "The King of Reggaetón," Yankee credits that hiatus from street life for redirecting his focus on making music. He also went to college, and earned an associate's degree in accounting in 1998, in order to help himself better navigate the music business. "I thank God every day for that bullet," he said.

Rebuilding Puerto Rico After Hurricane Maria

People en Español named Daddy Yankee and Luis Fonsi The Stars of the Year of 2017 when the duo reaffirmed their dedication to helping their native island rebuild from the devastation wrought by Hurricane Maria in September. As one of Puerto Rico's most recognizable celebrities, Yankee, who has donated more than $1 million for reconstruction efforts, aims to leverage his star power to raise another $1.5 million to rebuild homes on the island. "Help has to keep flowing because this is not like you throwing 25 cents in a basket and keep walking," he continued. "This is a very long process and we need everyone to get involved in some way. Restoring and rebuilding the country will take a long time."

Personal Life

Daddy Yankee was born to Ramón Ayala and Rosa Rodriguez on February 3, 1977, as Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez in Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. His father was a bongosero (a salsa percussionist) and his mother's family came from a long line of musicians. He was raised in the projects with his older brother, Nomar Ayala (who at one point, served as one of his managers). His younger brother, Melvin Ayala, is a Christian rapper. He and Mirredys Gonzalez got married in 1994 when they were both 17 years old, and they have two daughters and one son: Jesaaelys Marie, Yamilette Rodriguez and Jeremy Ayala González.

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Native Puerto Rican Ramón Luis Ayala Rodríguez (born February 3, 1977), better known as Daddy Yankee starting singing and rapping at 13, right when the rap scene began taking root in Puerto Rico. At only 21 he launched his own label called El Cartel Records in the late 1990s.

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él cante Despacito y es talentosa. Tiene 41 años.

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25 Best Things to Do in Puerto Rico & Places to Visit

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Plan a romantic trip or a family vacation to Puerto Rico which offers a selection of stunning beaches, historical attractions and fun activities.

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The El Yungue Rain Forest

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Puerto Rico is an "unincorporated territory" of the United States and its economy relies mainly on federal aid from the US government. The island nation has very little natural resources of economic value and its manufacturing industry largely comprises of units set up by US companies. Pharmaceuticals, electronics, textiles, petrochemicals, processed foods, clothing and textiles are the major industries in Puerto Rico. Puerto Rico's trade and commerce continues to be subject to US congressional authority.

Puerto Rico is recognized as being part of the customs territory of the United States and all shipments between Puerto Rico and the US are not subject to import duties. However, shipments from outside the customs territory are all subject to the same import duty rates, regardless of whether the destination is the US or Puerto Rico.

Puerto Rico Trade, Exports and Imports: Highlights

The US is the main trading partner of Puerto Rico and accounts for nearly 90% of latter's exports and over 55% of its imports.

The major items exported by Puerto Rico are chemicals, electronics, apparel, canned tuna, rum, beverage concentrates and medical equipment.

Most of its imports are to the US, with small proportions going to the Netherlands, Dominican Republic and the UK.

Chemicals, machinery and equipment, clothing, food, fish and petroleum products are the major items constituting Puerto Rico's imports.

Ireland and Japan are the other import partners of Puerto Rico and accounted for nearly 23% and 6% of the island nations exports, respectively, in 2006.

The value of country's exports stood at $46.9 billion f.o.b. according to the 2001 figures.

The value of country's imports stood at $29.1 billion c.i.f. according to the 2001 figures.

Puerto Rico's trade with foreign countries is included in the US trade data, along with the figures for the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the Virgin Islands.

However, the figures for export and import between the US and Puerto Rico are mentioned as supplementary information.

Most of the industrial units in Puerto Rico import raw materials from the US, process it in the island nation and export the finished product back to the US.

Tourist inflows remain an import source of foreign exchange for Puerto Rico.

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Puerto Rico is an "unincorporated territory" of the United States and its economy relies mainly on federal aid from the US government. The island nation has very little natural resources of economic value and its manufacturing industry largely comprises of units set up by US companies.

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Chemicals, electronics, canned tuna, apparel

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Dia de los Presidentes- Febrero19th

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In Puerto Rico, eating and socializing go together, so one of the most authentic dining experiences to be had is a visit to one of the many chinchorros - specifically, bars with inexpensive food and drinks. These bars exist at the heart of the island's expansive food scene, as they combine the flavors of Puerto Rican cuisine with the music and social atmosphere that feeds every Puerto Rican's soul.

With its time-perfected traditional flavors and fresh and progressive gastronomy innovations, Puerto Rico is a veritable smorgasbord of unique feasting opportunities - especially during major annual celebrations like Saborea, a food festival that runs the gamut of Puerto Rico's countless top-notch chefs. However, no island adventure would be complete without sampling these six authentic Puerto Rican delicacies.

Mofongo
Mofongo, the unofficial national dish of Puerto Rico, is traditionally made by mashing fried green plantains with an old-fashioned pilón (mortar and pestle). Occasionally though, this popular dish is created using sweet plantains or yuca instead, or all three ingredients are combined as a trifongo. The base is only the beginning, however, as this savory treat is almost always stuffed. Shrimp, churrasco (skirt steak), beef, chicken, octopus, vegetables - you name it, it can probably be used as a mofongo filling.

Mofongo will often appear on restaurant menus as a side dish, but once you add a filling, the dish becomes a hearty main course all on its own. Wander into virtually any eatery across the island and you'll find a plate of mofongo waiting for you, but if you want to cut yourself a real slice of the action, why not try your hand at whipping your own rendition?

Lechón
Pork is so popular in Puerto Rico that there's even a town unofficially (but comprehensively) dedicated to lechón, or roasted pig. That's right: Guavate, a town about 45 minutes south of San Juan, boasts La Ruta del Lechón, a designated Pork Highway that's overflowing with open-air kiosks and restaurants. Many of Guavate's lechoneras - the sellers of lechón - also offer live music on the weekends, making a trip down La Ruta del Lechón a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture while also enjoying some authentic Puerto Rican flavors and beats.

Arroz con gandules
Arroz con gandules is a national dish with a history dating back to Spanish rule in the 1800s. To authentically prepare this dish, rice and pigeon peas are seasoned with the iconic herbs-and-spices mix known assofrito and placed in a pot under a layer of large plantain leaves to cook. The rice is then typically paired with ají dulce peppers, Spanish onions, cilantro, recao (spiny coriander) and garlic. Meat is often mixed in, and the plate is usually accented by a bright-green slice of ripe avocado.

Pasteles
A Puerto Rican holiday is certifiably incomplete withoutpasteles, a meat-filled delicacy made with a masa (dough) of grated ingredients like yautía (taro root), green plantain and pumpkin. Wrapped up in a plantain leaf and tied with a string, pasteles both taste and look like a savory, mouth-watering gift from the native Taínos, who are thought to have first introduced the dish. The pasteles season kicks off in November in Orocovis during the Festival del Pastel, which draws thousands of pastel-loving Puerto Ricans each year and features an incredible variety of fillings and masa combinations. Revelers can grab pasteles from any of the many kiosks, then wander the grounds to take in the festival's live music, dancing and eating competitions.

Frituras
Frituras, or Puerto Rican fried treats, can be found right across the island, from the colorful kiosks around Piñones, a beachside town about 30 minutes east of San Juan, to the lengthy stretch of restaurants with walk-up windows in Luquillo, near El Yunque rainforest. At any given spot, you'll likely see the same incredible variety of frituras, like bacalaítos (salted cod), tostones (fried plantains), empanadillas and pastelillos (pastry pockets stuffed with meat or seafood) and sorullos de maíz (corn fritters that you should dip in the iconic Puerto Rican mayoketchup sauce).

Tembleque
What's a meal without dessert? Puerto Ricans' dessert of choice would have to betembleque, a coconut-milk pudding named for its slightly jiggly appearance ( tembleque means wiggly). Like many traditional Puerto Rican dishes, it's a major part of holiday celebrations, but this cherished finale is reliably available at bakeries and restaurants everywhere, all year round. It's popular throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, but tembleque is rightfully claimed by Puerto Ricans as their own original.

If you want to truly experience the Puerto Rican culture, you should start by sampling these six essential dishes. However, food is only one part of the Puerto Rican culinary scene - socializing and community are so ingrained in the island's cuisine, that they have become an essential part of every Puerto Rican meal.

Add a little flavor to your visit to Puerto Rico by partaking in one of the island's iconic chinchorreos - essentially, a chinchorro bar crawl. Regular chinchorreo tours run in various towns across the island, which allow travelers to truly experience the local passion for drinking, eating and dancing. Truly, no comida criolla experience is complete without it.

If you're ready to experience the flavors of Puerto Rico for yourself, be sure to include these traditional eateries on your itinerary.

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Six Delicious Traditional Puerto Rican Dishes

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In Puerto Rico, eating and socializing go together, so one of the most authentic dining experiences to be had is a visit to one of the many chinchorros - specifically, bars with inexpensive food and drinks.

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Mofongo

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Informative guide to the culture of Puerto Rico: Dance

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Bomba

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Bomba Puerto Rican Dance by Julia De Burgos dancers

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Poblacion- 3,578,056
La moneda- USD
Continent- Caribbean

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International Volleyball Hall of Fame - Holyoke, Massachusetts USA

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Bringing volleyball and its history to the world

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Tiene 50 años. Es muy talentosa a el violebol.

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Peru is probably one of South America's most well-known destinations, and the mysterious settlement of Machu Picchu has adorned many a tourist postcard. But while the country is certainly celebrated for the Inca Trail and its ancient archeological site, Peru has so much more to offer than crumbling ruins.

Take your time discovering these Peruvian delights, from pre-Columbian settlements to the modern and traditional cities of the Southern Peru Tourist Corridor. Explore the museums of Lima, soak in the hot springs of high-altitude Cusco, and fly over the astonishing Nazca lines. Here's a look at the best places to visit in Peru:

Set in a scenic yet secluded spot far from the Peruvian coast, Chachapoyas lies high amid the mountains and is the capital of Amazonas. While the city doesn't have all that much going for it, it acts as a gateway to the stunning natural landscapes and archaeological sites that surround it.

Founded by the Spanish in 1538, the small city is home to a couple of interesting monuments and colonial buildings, with plenty of restaurants, hotels, and tour operators found around its main plaza. From here, you can arrange to visit incredible sights such as the distinctive sarcophagi of Karajia or the ancient stone city of Kuelap - the largest pre-Inca ruins in South America.

There's no shortage of natural beauty nearby, with mountains, valleys and forests home to a diverse range of fauna and flora, including countless species of brightly colored birds. Sparkling waterfalls also abound: Gocta Cataracts is the pick of the bunch at over 700 meter in height. With so many superb landscapes to explore, hiking and trekking are popular and can be arranged in Chachapoyas.

Famed for its dramatic scenery, wealth of archaeological sites, and beautiful beaches and wildlife, Paracas National Reserve lies along Peru's southern coastline, some 250 kilometers south of Lima. Encompassed within its confines are marine and coastal desert ecosystems as well as a couple of arid, rocky islands.

While fierce ocean waves pulverize its jagged, crumbling cliffs and deserted isles, its small coves and bays are home to shallow, warm waters perfect for swimming. Its sheltered beaches are also lovely for relaxing on, while sailing and windsurfing are popular pastimes. In addition, many people take boat trips out to the Ballestas Islands to gaze in awe at its spectacular rock formations and the multitude of seabirds, seals, and sea lions living there.

When visiting Paracas National Reserve, most visitors stay in the small town of the same name that lies on the Paracas Peninsula. Here you can find lots of restaurants, bars and hotels as well as tour operators who can take you to see some of the ancient archaeological sites that dot the reserve.

Lying just outside the city of Trujillo in northwest Peru, Chan Chan is one of the most impressive and extensive archaeological sites in the country. The largest pre-Columbian city discovered so far, it is set at the mouth of the Moche Valley in a desolate and arid spot, not far from the Pacific Ocean.

Once the capital of the Chimu Empire, Chan Chan rose to prominence around AD 850 when palaces, plazas, and temples sprung up. While many of these are now severely eroded as the city was entirely made out of adobe, many fine features, carvings, and friezes remain.

Among the endless sprawl, you can find ten royal compounds, home to ceremonial halls, burial chambers, and palaces. These were the residences of the kings of Chimu, who were buried in their complex when they died. The only one open to visitors and partially restored is the Palacio Nik An, which boasts lovely geometric designs, marine motifs, and awe-inspiring architecture.

Set high in the Andes in the Central Sierra region of Peru, the enormous Huascaran National Park encompasses almost the entire Cordillera Blanca. The world's highest tropical mountain range is home to lofty peaks and arresting scenery, while countless species of fauna and flora can be found within its confines.

Established in 1975, the park sprawls over a vast area and includes a number of mighty mountains. Huascaran - after which the park is named - is Peru's highest peak at 6,768 meters. Remarkably, more than 600 glistening glaciers are dotted about the upper reaches of the range, and countless alpine lakes and roaring rivers can be found down below.

The Cordillera Blanca's sweeping valleys, high plateaus, and steep slopes are home to all kinds of fauna and flora, while ancient archaeological sites are also scattered about. Due to the wonderful scenery and diverse landscapes, the park is a marvelous place to go trekking, mountain climbing and skiing. Wildlife watching is also popular; catching a glimpse of the elusive puma or endangered spectacled bear is an unforgettable experience.

Lying just outside the city of Ica in the southwest of Peru, Huacachina is a popular place to visit thanks to its surreal location surrounded by dunes. Emerging out of the desert like a mirage, the small settlement is clustered around a secluded oasis, with gently waving palm trees and nothing but sand stretching as far as the eye can see.

Huacachina's sandy surroundings lend themselves perfectly to all kinds of fun outdoor activities, with sandboarding, quad biking, and dune buggy rides popular pastimes. Clambering to the top of the sifting dunes is also a must for the spectacular views, and sunsets are particularly memorable.

Relaxing around the oasis and taking in the stunning scenery is a lovely way to pass the time, and swimming offers a welcome respite from the searing heat. As it is geared towards tourists, Huacachina has plenty of restaurants, bars, and hotels to choose from, with a few kiosks and shops dotted here and there. Besides its ample adventure opportunities, you can also visit the bodegas and wineries in Ica if you want to sample some delicious local produce.

As one of the most hip and happening summer beach destinations on the Costanera Norte along the northern Peruvian coast, you simply have to add Mancora to your bucket list. This slice of glorious sandy coastline stretches for kilometers along one of the sunniest parts of Peru - something that hasn't been missed by the tourism industry. You'll find everything from backpackers to swanky beach resorts dotting the sands here.

Apart from the beaches that are worth more than their fair share of relaxation, Mancora has a bustling main street filled with vibrant beach bars, seafood restaurants, and an excellent nightlife scene that livens up after the sun goes down.

That being said, most of the activity here revolves around inactivity; lazy beach days are the order of the day. Those looking for something more active can go surfing in the warm waters, take a seaside stroll from South Beach to Organos or spot seasonal dolphins and whales frolicking in the waves at the main beach. If you somehow grow tired of Mancora's beach activities, explore further afield - swim with turtles in El Nuro or soak in the hot springs of Poza de Barro.

Nestled within a lush valley eight hours north of Lima, Trujillo is celebrated for its photogenic colonial center filled with colorful Spanish mansions, quaint churches, and friendly locals.

Not far from the Pacific Coast, this relatively large city was founded in the 1500s close to the abandoned Chan Chan ruins, one of the largest pre-Incan empires of ancient Peru. Within its impressive once-walled ruins, this Chimor mud city is the largest adobe city in the Americas and boasts a series of religious temples, burial grounds, and royal residences.

But that's not the only history worth exploring in Trujillo. Visit the 19th-century National University of Trujillo - one of the largest of its kind in South America - that features the world's longest mosaic, and appreciate the incredible murals of Huaca de la Luna (the Temple of the Moon) that unfortunately showcases human sacrifice. If you're looking to relax after your days of exploring, you can't go wrong with the beaches of resort town Huanchaco - don't forget your sun cream!

The puzzling Nazca lines that crisscross the valleys of Palpa and Nazca have put this part of Peru's otherwise uninteresting desert on the map. These enormous inscriptions of lines, animals, and other geometric patterns were carved into the sandy terrain by the Nazca people and are believed to have been part of a thousand-year-old holy road. The dry, windless, stable climate of the Nazca Desert has helped keep the lines uncovered to the present day.

The best way to appreciate the magnitude of these geometric lines and shapes is from the air with a flight over the Nazca lines. If you're hesitant about flying (the costs aren't cheap!) or you'd just prefer to see them up close, there's an observation tower along the Panamerican highway where you can view three of the main figures.

Other Nazca sites worth viewing within the desert are the ancient aqueducts known as the Nazca channels. These underground channels are what allow the cotton, potatoes, and fruit plantations in the desert to thrive in this otherwise inhabitable location.

Iquitos is the capital of the Loreto region, which encompasses most of the northern reaches of the Peruvian Amazon. Interestingly, a town that was formed initially by a tribe of hunter-gatherers, Iquitos is now the largest city on earth without road access.

While Iquitos is a little tricky to get to - you have to fly or boat in - the rewards are totally worth it. Despite its remote location, there's a mix of traditional and modern architecture: wooden huts built on riverside stilts contrast with the historic architecture of the central plaza.

Offering an unforgettable escape in the Amazon jungle that feels authentic, visitors can browse the Belen floating market for everything from bananas to crocodile meat. If it's souvenirs you're after, the San Juan crafts market is a better bet.

The isolation of Iquitos is in its favor; the surrounding jungle offers some of the best wildlife watching opportunities in the country. It's the main base for boat trips along the Amazon River to spot monkeys, alligators, and the notorious anacondas. Visiting the nearby Pacaya Samiria National Reserve near Lagunas is one of the best places for spotting some unusual Amazonian wildlife.

Puno is a picturesque hillside port city that forms the natural gateway to Lake Titicaca and the 85-plus Uros Floating Islands - boats depart from the dock every 40 minutes. Set at an elevation of 3,800 meters, high-altitude Puno has a glorious view over the lakes and the island chain.

Because of its easy access to and from neighboring Bolivia and Chile, Puno is a popular tourist trap, yet it provides a more laidback alternative to the upmarket lake islands it overlooks. For one, souvenirs at the lakeside market are far cheaper than you'll find in Cusco or Lima!

Its biggest attraction is as a departure point for the famous floating Uros islands with boats leaving every 40 min from the dock. It is also a great place to get a feel for the Aymara and Quechua cultures. Some of the most popular things to do include a visit to a llama farm and an overnight stay with a local family. Most of the people who live in Puno are Andean, so there's an interesting mix of modern and Andean traditions, and you'll still find many women in colorful traditional dress.

As Peru's capital and largest city, Lima is a sprawling metropolis of almost 9 million people. The city was founded in 1535 by the Spanish conquistador Francisco Pizarro and offers a rich history as well as exceptional food, a great sense of culture.

You'll find modern buildings contrasting with traditional and colonial architecture and orderly slums alongside raving nightclubs and bars. Ruled by the Spanish for three centuries, Lima boasts intriguing Spanish-colonial churches, cloisters, and monasteries - a real treat for history buffs.

Because of its location close to the coast, Lima is a great foodie destination for seafood lovers. A Lima food tour is a great way to taste your way through the city's authentic Peruvian delights like Ceviche, with a visit to some of the most authentic markets and restaurants in the city.

Whether you're taking a stroll through the historic heart of Lima Centro and its craft markets or exploring the more tourist-friendly green suburb of Miraflores, which overflows with antique shops and bars, you're in for something special in Lima.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Lima

See also: Top Tourist Attractions in Lima

Located in the mountainous Southern Sierra region, Colca Canyon is one of Peru's most popular tourist destinations. Spanning over 70 kilometers, the world's second-deepest canyon boasts some spectacular scenery with fascinating Andean culture and nature to discover.

While the sheer size and scale of the canyon are staggering, it is the diversity of the many landscapes that is Colca's most impressive feature; it encompasses everything from barren steppe and stepped terraces to steep-sided cliffs and rearing mountain peaks. Wherever you go, the scenery is phenomenal, with breathtaking views of Andean condors swirling above the 3,140-metre deep canyon.

Archaeological sites and ruins are dotted about the canyon, while locals maintain their ancestral traditions in their small villages and towns. Many people who visit Colca Canyon start in Chivay before trekking along the scenic rim, past precipitous ravines and death-defying drops, basking in the astonishing scenery and landscapes as they go.

Once the heartland of the Inca Empire, The Sacred Valley of the Incas is a valley in the Andes, close to Cusco and the ancient city of Machu Picchu. The valley was appreciated by the Incas due to its special geographical and climatic qualities.

Located in Peru's Southern Sierra, some of the most popular activities here are adventure-based - from trekking and rafting to rock climbing. In contrast, the towns of Yucay and Urubamba are fast becoming a hub for spiritual relaxation and meditation.

Whichever route you take, there's plenty to discover along the way. There are gorgeous colonial towns, remote villages, colorful markets, and fascinating Incan sites such as the citadels of Pisac, Chinchero, and Ollantaytambo tucked along this mysterious route.

Take your time exploring the terraced hills above Pisac, making it down in time to browse the village's famous artisanal market. Check out Choquequirao, some blissfully uncrowded ruins that are deemed to be giving Machu Picchu a run for its money.

Winding through the mountains, over passes, and above valleys with stunning views all the way, Peru's Inca Trail is one of the most famous treks in the world. The hike takes around four days to complete and starts just outside of Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, with the end-goal being the mythical Machu Picchu - the Lost City of the Incas.

Using ancient stone paths and trails that the Incas themselves laid down all those centuries ago, the route meanders through diverse ecosystems and landscapes. While some parts run next to stepped terraces, others pass by alpine tundra and cloud forest, with plunging valleys and towering mountains lying in the distance. As the Inca civilization was centered around the highlands, you'll also come across ancient ruins on the way.

Due to the Inca Trail's incredible popularity, visitors now need to book with a tour operator and can choose between several different routes, which vary in distance and elevation. Hiking the historic trail in the footsteps of the Incas is an unforgettable experience and makes arriving at the majestic Machu Picchu all the more special.

Located 2,380 meters above sea level, Arequipa is Peru's second-largest city. Surrounded by volcanoes, including the El Misti, it's known as the ' White City ' because its buildings were crafted out of white volcanic rock called sillar from the neighboring mountains.

Unlike many of Peru's other cities, Arequipa doesn't have any Incan claims to fame - at least, not in the form of ancient settlements. Its most famous Inca sight is the Mummy Juanita, also known as the Lady of Ampato - an astonishingly well-preserved frozen body of a young teenaged Incan girl who was sacrificed to the gods during the 1400s. She can now be found in the Catholic University of Santa María's Museum of Andean Sanctuaries.

Examples of Spanish colonial architecture can be found throughout the center of the city. Among the most significant of these is the Santa Catalina Convent, which is often described as a city within a city because of its charming streets, colorful buildings and flowers. Beautiful bridges like the Puente Bolognesi also offer historic value as well as scenic views. The city's main square, the Plaza de Armas, is a common starting point for many tourists with its shops, restaurants and old churches.

Arequipa is the natural jumping-off point for visiting the multicolored Colca Canyon, one of the top tourist attractions in Peru. Dropping to a depth of 3,270 meters, the canyon is one of the deepest of its kind in the world.

See also: Top Tourist Attractions in Arequipa

Located in the Southern Sierras, colorful Cusco was once the capital of the Incan Empire. Today, it holds the title of the archaeological capital of the Americas. It's one of Peru's most-visited destinations, and for good reason: it offers easy access to Machu Picchu and the incredible Sacred Valley of the Incas.

Built by the Spanish on the ruins of age-old Incan temples and palaces, The heart of the city is the main square, the Plaza de Armas, which is surrounded by restaurants, cafes and churches. The colorful San Pedro Market is nearby with vendors selling Quechua handicrafts like alpaca textiles, painted pottery, ceramics and Peruvian dolls as well as fresh produce and drinks.

Just outside the city limits is an important Inca site known as Sacsayhuaman, an enormous walled complex constructed of large limestone boulders. The site is an ancient engineering marvel because of its accurate alignment with annual solstices and its ability to withstand earthquakes.

The city is brimming with culture - it's the center of Quechua culture in the Andes - and its mountains are etched with trekking routes and hot springs. Strolling the city streets with its colonial architecture, craft markets, museums, and art galleries has a timeless feel to it.

Because of its high-altitude location 3,400 meters above sea level, altitude sickness is a risk in Cusco, so make sure you allow time to acclimatize before making your way here.

Accommodation: Where to Stay in Cusco

See also: Top Tourist Attractions in Cusco

Machu Picchu is anyone's Peruvian highlight, no matter what you're visiting this South American country for. Tucked 2,430 meters high in the Andes, this abandoned ancient Incan city seems to be eternally enshrouded in mist. In fact, it's so well hidden that it remained undiscovered for centuries - earning it the nickname ' the Lost City of the Incas.'

The site was eventually discovered by an explorer, but even then, only by accident. In the years since its discovery, it's become one of the most yearned-after bucket list spots in the world. This means it doesn't come without the crowds, so be sure to plan your trip well in advance. Some of the most popular ways to reach these crumbling Incan ruins are by trekking the Inca Trail or the Salkantay Trail. For those who prefer not to ascend on foot, there is an easier route by train.

However you reach the site, you've got plenty to do when you arrive. Explore well-preserved buildings that include houses, temples, fountains and baths in addition to agricultural terraces and evidence of an irrigation system. You can also admire the surrounding views from the Sun Gate, the gateway to Machu Picchu from the famous Inca Trail, and climb either Huayna Picchu or Machu Picchu Mountain for a bird's eye view over the enchanting valleys.

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Peru is probably one of South America's most well-known destinations, and the mysterious settlement of Machu Picchu has adorned many a tourist postcard. But while the country is certainly celebrated for the Inca Trail and its ancient archeological site, Peru has so much more to offer than crumbling

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12 Peruvian Festivals, One for Each Month of the Year!

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If you're planning to visit Peru, you might find yourself intrigued by the prospect of observing, or even participating in, one of these many different Peruvian festivals. If that's the case, you're in luck, we've taken the liberty to compile a list of some of our favourite Peruvian festivals, including one for each month of the year in hopes that you'll find something that corresponds with the dates of your trip.

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Machu Picchu

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Copper Ore, Gold, Refined Petroleum, Refined Copper

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Trujillo Marinera Festival- Enero

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My first encounter with comida Peruana was over 20 years ago, thanks to my wife's Peruvian family. Their cooking was a study in juxtaposition: hot and cold, acidic and starchy, robust and delicate. That's because Peruvian food is all about spices and big flavors, some clean and crisp, others deep and heavy. Every sip of a pisco sour tamed the citrus and chile assault of a ceviche, the fish so fresh it almost crunched between my teeth.

When most of us think of Peru, we think of the ancient ruins and high mountain vistas. Those thoughts may be accompanied by a distant pan flute whistling over the Andes, and if we've been primed on the food, the conversation usually starts with the country's mind boggling variety of potatoes.

But culinarily speaking, Peru is the Hope Diamond of Latin America, home to dishes and flavors you won't find anywhere else. While this is hardly a secret-there are more Peruvian restaurants outside Peru than ever before-it's one we don't give enough credit. Few places on earth offer such a variety of indigenous ingredients, let alone a jumble of flavors and techniques from Europe, Africa, and East Asia. Rather than remain culturally segregated, these foreign additions have blended seamlessly with ancient Peruvian cuisine into something utterly unique.

A Peruvian Primer

Peruvian cuisine has only recently exploded onto the international culinary stage, but Peruvians have always been crazy about their nation's culinary heritage, and they steadfastly cling to the traditional, multi-culti flavors of home - pit-roasted feasts and all, even in the face of modern gastronomic innovation. A range of climates, from high altitude to low, offer an impressive diversity of produce. Yes, that means potatoes-over 3800 kinds-but also a variety of corn and other grains, to say nothing of the country's native aji chilies that are often puréed into sauces.

So much of what is now traditional Peruvian cooking was inspired by cultures oceans away. These foreign influences date back to the Spanish conquest of Incan king Atahualpa in the 1500s. Colonists brought European stews, sauces, and baked casseroles. Later, in the 19th century, immigrant workers from Guangdong Province brought their woks and stir fries, and Peruvians today love to eat chifa, a fusion of local ingredients cooked with Chinese recipes and technique. It's Chinese food with Peruvian influences-or maybe the other way around.

Like food everywhere today, there is a new style of Peruvian cuisine emerging-so-called nueva comida-forged by Lima's leading chefs like Gaston Acurio and Pedro Miguel Schiaffino. "It's very ingredient-driven," explains New York chef Eric Ramirez of the soon-to-open Llama Inn and formerly of Raymi Peruvian Kitchen and Pisco Bar. "With young chefs digging deep to find more exotic ingredients, the possibilities are endless." So the evolution of the nation's food continues, into territories of modernist cooking that's simultaneously old and new.

But for now, here's a quick tour of just some of the classic edible jewels Peru has to offer. Consider it the checklist for your next trip.

Ceviche

Peru's national dish, and an immediate obsession for nearly all who try it. Though other countries may claim their own variations with shrimp, octopus, scallops, tomatoes, and even tostada chips, Peru started this cold-"cooked" fish craze with only five simple ingredients: sea bass (corvina) marinated for just minutes in lime juice, onion, salt and, of course, hot chiles (aji). The tenderness of super-fresh fish is heightened by crisp onion, and sides of starchy boiled corn (choclo) and creamy sweet potato (camote) to balance out the texture of the dish. Dry-roasted corn kernels (cancha) sprinkled around add a pleasing crunch.

The leftover marinade-known as leche de tigre (tiger's milk)-is a briny, fiery elixir often tossed back from a shot glass or spiked with Pisco, either at the table or the next morning as hair of the dog. (In the latter case it's then referred to as leche de pantera, or panther's milk). Tiradito is a local variation of classic ceviche with a Japanese sushi-style twist of slicing the fish into thin strips, then adding puréed aji amarillo, soy sauce, and mirin to the marinade.

Lomo Saltado (Stir Fried Beef)

Almost as popular as ceviche, this chifa dish represents a fusion of Chinese stir frying and classic Peruvian ingredients. Juicy strips of soy-marinated beef (or alpaca), onions, tomatoes, aji chilies, and other spices are stir-fried until the beef is just cooked and the tomatoes and onions start to form a robust, meaty gravy. It's then served with two starches, a happy mix of East and West: a mound of rice and french fries (often tossed with the meat). The crowd-pleasing dish is found nearly everywhere across Peru, and is equally popular in Peruvian restaurants abroad.

Aji de Gallina (Creamy Chicken)

Shredded chicken bathes in a thick sauce made with cream, ground walnuts, cheese, and aji amarillo. The sauce is mild but piquent, the aji's fruity, moderately hot bite softened by the nutty, creamy sauce to a comfortable warmth. The dish reflects Peru's love of sauces thickened with chilies, cheese, cream, or even bread, drenched over and often cooked with meats and vegetables. Here the sauce is mixed with the poultry and served over rice with boiled potatoes and black olives, making for a rich, bright yellow chowder that glistens on the plates of restaurants and households throughout Peru.

Papas a la Huancaina (Potatoes in Spicy Cheese Sauce)

In another instance of "meat or starch covered in creamy sauce," sliced yellow potatoes are drenched in a purée of queso fresco, aji amarillo, garlic, evaporated milk, lime juice and-you guessed it-saltine crackers. It's not a looker: a yellow sauce over yellow potatoes topped with yellow-yolked hard boiled eggs. But don't be deceived; this homely sauce packs a complex, slow-building burn, at once brightened by the queso fresco, lime, and salty cracker, and tamed by the earthy potato and cooling egg.

Usually served as a side dish to a meal, it's also a common appetiser, with tiny round purple potatoes boiled whole, enveloped by sauce and garnished with olives, eggs, and, yes, more crackers. Originating in the mountainous city of Huancayo, it's now an almost everyday staple throughout Peru.

Cuy (Guinea Pig)

One of the Andean region's most popular sources of meat (the other being alpaca), this guinea-pig-as-food strikes fear in the hearts of Westerners who think of it more as a pet than a meal. But consider tender, smoky dark meat ( almost like poultry!) beneath a glistening golden veneer of shatteringly crisp skin, and you can begin to grasp the appeal. Or think of it as a single-serving suckling pig.

The traditional recipe calls for stuffing the whole animal with local herbs, then roasting it over an open wood fire and serving it with potatoes. When served this way it tastes best with a dip of aji sauce and eaten by hand like fried chicken. But more refined restaurant-ready recipes, which may involve deep-frying or braising, are now regularly enjoyed from Cusco all the way to Lima.

Causa (Potato Casserole)

This ubiquitous Quechan dish has taken on countless European-style variations, often served as a cake roll, terrine, casserole, or in colorful individual servings. Whatever the presentation, it starts with meaty mashed yellow Peruvian potatoes blended with lime, oil and spicy aji amarillo sauce. Shredded tuna, salmon, or chicken are mixed with mayo, followed by layers of avocado, hardboiled eggs, and olives. That surface is topped again with more potato mix, and so on, making as many lasagna-like layers as one dares. This bright, barely-spicy dish is served cold as a salad course or side dish.

Rocoto Relleno (Stuffed Spicy Peppers)

Red aji rocoto chilies are stuffed with a cooked mix of ground beef, onions, garlic, olives, raisins, herbs, and spices, then topped with queso fresco and baked in an egg-and-milk sauce. Fair warning: despite its scarlet good looks, this dish is not the stuffed bell pepper you're used to-the rocoto is a little larger than a plum with a bright, fruity, tropical berry essence and almost twice the heat of an aji amarillo (or in gringo terms, about ten times hotter than an average jalapeño). So that first bite will wake you up. But the chili's initial burn is quickly tempered by the sweet and savory filling inside, and the melted queso fresco and eggy cream sauce in which it all cooks.

The rocoto chili originated in the southern region of Arequipa, and while it's now ubiquitous throughout the country, it's still hard to find beyond Peru's borders, which makes rocoto relleno a dish that homesick Peruvians pine for when abroad.

Anticuchos de Corazón (Grilled Heart)

Don't let "heart" put you off. The heart is a muscle, after all, leaner than filet mignon, bolder in flavor than a ribeye, and delicious when licked by open flames. Typically cut into one-to-two-inch cubes, the crimson heart (alpaca or beef) is marinated in vinegar, cumin, ají, and garlic and grilled over charcoal to a medium rare with slightly singed edges.

Those cubes are often served on skewers with sliced onion or potato, and drizzled with lime, which makes them popular appetizers and even more popular street food throughout the country. Today, cooks make anticuchos out of any cut of beef, and even chicken, but nothing beats the original cardiovascular version.

Arroz con Pato (Rice With Duck)

This seemingly simple Spanish Criollo recipe is a signature dish in Peru. Rice is cooked in cilantro paste, herbs, and dark beer, giving a deep, earthy flavor to the vegetal grain. A roasted thigh and leg or-if lucky-crisp-seared duck confit is added on top of a mound of the green rice. The dish is so popular, it's found on nearly every Peruvian family table as well as at the finest restaurants in Lima, and like much of Peruvian cooking, it's been adapted into countless variations of rice mixture, texture and duck parts-and even with chicken or other poultry.

Pollo a la Brasa (Roasted Chicken)

Perhaps the most well-known Peruvian food in the US due to the many take-out Peruvian chicken rotisserie joints around (see our roundup of DC's best). A whole chicken is marinated in a powerful combination of garlic, herbs, and spices before roasting on a spit, giving the bronzed, crispy skin an addictively exotic and earthy taste. Perhaps even more beloved than the chicken itself is the green huacatay (Peruvian black mint) sauce served next to it: every chicken comes with it, though the recipe often varies and is a closely-guarded secret. For some it's a creamy melange of the mint with cilantro, garlic and chili in a mayo base that Peruvians (and everyone else) goes crazy for. If you can't make it to Peru, this is definitely a classic worth making on your own.

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Essential Peruvian Food: 10 Must-Eat Dishes to Seek Out

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If you've been primed on Peruvian food, the conversation likely started with the country's mindboggling variety of potatoes. But culinarily speaking, Peru is the Hope Diamond of Latin America, home to dishes and flavors you won't find anywhere else. Here are 10 essential meals to dig into on your visit.

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Ceviche

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The Marinera is Peru's national dance, with roots in the Spanish fandango, African zamacueca, and indigenous couple dances. The dance portrays a couple's flirtatious pursuit. The woman, in her embroidered pollera (skirt) and handkerchief, teases the man with her graceful movements.

Each region has its own style, punctuated by variations in the tempo, key, clothing, and steps. The Norteña dance from Trujillo is playfully flirtatious and accompanied by a brass band. The Mochera style, also on the north coast, reflects its rural origins in the dress style. The Limeña is considered the oldest. The elegantly dressed couples dance to the rhythms of the guitar and cajón drum.

The Marinera is not only a dance but a craft industry for embroiderers, weavers, hat makers, and filigree jewelry artists, among others. Its vitality is expressed in the energy of the dancers, the rhythm of the musicians, and the hands of the artisans.

Faithful to its diversity, the Marinera crosses boundaries, traveling wherever Peruvians reside. Many dance schools have been founded throughout the United States, from Washington, D.C., to Seattle, Washington, where parents send their children to maintain cultural ties to their homeland. This tradition is at the forefront of Peruvian social gatherings and celebrations, forming an important element of Peruvian identity abroad.

Filigree Jewelry

"Embroidering" silver and gold filigree threads, Eda Arroyo creates beautiful accessories for Marinera dancers. She learned this delicate craft by watching her father and uncles and now creates jewelry such as hair pieces with intricate designs and dormilona earrings with innovative peacock patterns.

Arte y Cultura Monsefuana

The organization Arte y Cultura Monsefuana strives to open economic opportunities for its members and promote regional identity. Formed in 2011 by fifteen Monsefú artisans, it hosts workshops to develop their embroidery, crochet, weaving, and hat making skills. They also hope to pass on their traditions through workshops for children in schools.

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The Marinera is Peru's national dance, with roots in the Spanish fandango, African zamacueca, and indigenous couple dances. The dance portrays a couple's flirtatious pursuit. The woman, in her embroidered pollera (skirt) and handkerchief, teases the man with her graceful movements. Each region has its own style, punctuated by variations in the tempo, key, clothing, and steps.

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Marinera

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Music of Peru "Marinera Nortena" Peruvian Folk dance - Brisas del Titicaca

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Poblacion- 30,741,062
La moneda- Sol
Continent- Western South America

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What typifies Ricardo Migliorisi, one of the most important artists of the Paraguayan nation is his Guaraní color, wit and irony that he has revealed in biennials and exhibitions, and in the collection of historical and contemporary art he now offers his fellow Paraguayans.
Text: He has displayed his works several hundred times in his own country and abroad and been awarded innumerable prizes. Ricardo Migliorisi is one of the most salient artists of Paraguay and - according to several specialists - the most international and complete one. And this is so because above and beyond his vast, solid and important plastic artwork, he also is a costume designer, scenographer, drawing artist, and professional architect. A man who has made art his way of life and expression. He was born in Asunción in 1948, and after graduating in architecture from the National University of Paraguay, he ventured into the arts under Cira Moscarda and labored with such intensity that his work has been widely acknowledged.

According to a critic, Migliorisi's work "is a very luminous and expressive art; he intermingles implausible images from classical mythology, popular culture, Latin American fauna and Bohemian nights". With all these elements "he creates delirious and brazen characters, which oscillate between erotism, humor, and obscenity". And this is the way he has exhibited in such far-flung places as Colombia and Norway.

Many Migliorisi artworks are part of important museums and private collections, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art of Madrid, the Museum of Contemporary Art of the National University of Bogotá, the Maldonado Museum of Contemporary Art of Uruguay, and the Museum José Luis Cuevas of Mexico. And in his own country, the Paraguayan Museum of Contemporary Arts dedicated a cabinet to his works.

His paintings are full of color, contrasts, textures, velatures, and transparencies. His figurativism is scathing and simultaneously ironic. However, he not only has produced paintings but also original artworks that hint at his passion for theater. He designs costumes, constructs scenery and produces diverse artifacts, which he exhibits together with his easel paintings. He also has ventured successfully into digital photography with a recurrent central theme: the bed. For these works, which recently were exhibited in a gallery in Lima, the artist photographed his own unclothed body among sheets and pillows, intervened the images and photographed them again in a doble movement, reminding of a former just as scathing photomontage with such internationally renowned figures as King Juan Carlos of Spain or Mother Theresa of Calcutta, who he was greeting dressed up as Andean indian or angel. He printed these peculiar images on kitsch dishware.

Although his counntry is not a recurrent nation in large exhibitions at world level nor is it renowned as host of artistic mega-projects from Asunción, Migliorisi has the courage to embark on contemporary and innovative projects, that make his works even more commendable.

As regards his personal life, the gennerosity of this Paraguayan artist also is renowned. He created the Foundation Migliorisi, the main project of which is the inauguration of a museum intended to protect the country's historic and artistic heritage and to promote the development of the visual arts. "Our country is experiening an interesting and complex time. On one hand, we are living the present time with its tradition of corruption, social inequity and ineptitude, and on the other one, the gradual broadening of the public sphere and an improving institutional consolidation. Against this arduous backdrop these contributions encourage us to forge ahead", said the Paraguayan critic Ticio Escobar when he announced this ambitious project.

Migliorisi has devoted over three decades to the collection of innumerable Paraguayan sacred art objects, paintings of Jesuistic, Franciscan and popular procedence, pre-Columbian cloth, Brazilian popular engravings and contemporary graphic artworks. These latter ones include lithographs, xylographs, and etchings signed by Tapies, Raushemberg, Christo, Matisse, Max Ernst, Toledo, Cuevas, Seguí, Moix and many others, as well as works made by Migliorisi himself between the 60's and the present time.

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What typifies Ricardo Migliorisi, one of the most important artists of the Paraguayan nation is his Guaraní color, wit and irony that he has revealed in biennials and exhibitions, and in the collection of historical and contemporary art he now offers his fellow Paraguayans.

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Little-known Paraguay is tucked away unassumingly in the heart of South America. For backpackers with an old-school map and an open mind, it offers untamed natural beauty, scorching summers and a fascinating colonial story just waiting to be discovered. To help you along, check out our guide to Paraguay's must-visit attractions.

On the outskirts of Ciudad del Este lies one of Paraguay's most spectacular natural wonders: Saltos del Monday. This thunderous series of waterfalls is an astonishing 45 metres tall and 120 metres wide. Adventurers can climb and abseil down the rocky walls, while observers keen to stay on dry land can watch the falls tumble into the depths below from wooden walkways snaking across the river.

These ancient petroglyphs, carved into caves in the Amambay Hills near Villarrica, have recently been dated to between 5000 and 2500 BC. The carvings depict pawprints, fertility symbols and the constellations of our galaxy, and appear to move in flickering candlelight. Revered by the Pai Tavytera tribe, they're considered one of the great mysteries of early Paraguayan settlement.

This immense dam on the border with Brazil is one of the largest hydroelectric dams on the planet. It's worth the trip to admire the colossal scale of this feat of engineering. The dam has its own mini ecosystem too - head out on a fishing excursion or a bird-watching tour to see the local residents.

The bitter herbal tea known as tereré is Paraguay's most beloved beverage. It was exported to Europe in the 19th century and even used as currency, exchanged for boats and building materials. Head to Bella Vista in the south of the country to take a tour of the immense plantations that pepper the countryside.

Bursting with wildlife and crisscrossed with trickling brooks and gushing waterfalls, this exotic park is the perfect escape after a few days in the capital. Visit the old iron foundry to learn about munitions production during the Triple Alliance War. After a refreshing dip in the park's many natural pools, wander along the winding paths to spot capuchin monkeys, tropical butterflies, peccaries and coatí among the trees.

Across the river from Asunción's Palacio de López lies a collection of vibrant houses dating from the 1750s, known as Manzana de la Rivera. Painted in bright colours and lovingly restored, they capture the city's colonial spirit and the Spanish influence that's lived on in the architecture. Casa Viola is home to Museo Memoria de la Ciudad, which reflects on the capital's past.

Areguá is a slice of Spain on the outskirts of Asunción's suburbs. In this charming colonial town on the edge of Lago Ypacaraí, cobbled alleyways give way to leafy plazas, lined with quaint cafés and boutiques. Watersports are the main draw on the lake, while sunseekers can catch some rays on its sandy shores. Head just outside the town to see the geometric sandstone formations of the Kôi and Chororî hills.

This secluded lagoon - translated as 'Eye of the Sea' - in the jungle north of Bella Vista is shrouded in mystery. Locals believe that two enormous white crocodiles live in its depths, swallowing anyone who tries to cross. To reach it, you have to wind your way through the verdant countryside for miles, though your efforts will be rewarded by vibrant green waters, exotic birds and the rare Yacaré morotí crocodile.

You might find yourself alone at Trinidad's Jesuit ruins, one of the least-visited UNESCO World Heritage Sites on the planet. This once lively mission was the home of European Jesuits and the rural Guaraní people they converted to Christianity. Once a city within walls, it's now a crumbling ruin, a haunting relic of the colonial age. Stick around after dark to see the mission light up against the night sky.

With some of the most dramatic scenery in Paraguay, Cerro Cora National Park is one of the country's best ecotourism destinations. Surrounded by the eight mountains of the Amambay range, it was the stage for Francisco Solano López's final battle during the Triple Alliance War. Today there are wooden trails through the forest, camping spots and plenty of opportunities to take a dip in the Río Aquidabán.

This 18th-century Franciscan masterpiece in the colonial town of Yaguarón is one of the finest examples of religious art and colonial architecture in the country. Constructed at the height of the Baroque period in the mid-18th century, it deserves its reputation as the continent's most decorative and beautiful church. It still has its original belltower and gold-leaf ceiling.

The Chaco War gripped Paraguay and Bolivia for three dark years in the early 1930s. The conflict's most bitter and decisive battle was fought at Fortín Boquerón in the Gran Chaco - a stronghold in the wilderness. Here you'll find a monument built from the trenches, the graves of the fallen and a museum detailing their sacrifice.

Looking for some sand and surf? The closest thing to the seaside in Paraguay is at San Cosme y Damián - a tiny town on the banks of the epic Río Paraná. The undulating sand dunes here could be plucked straight from Lawrence of Arabia's Nafud Desert.

This spectacular cathedral in Caacupé, east of Asunción, is one of the most significant religious buildings in Paraguay. Built in 1765 by the Franciscans on Guaraní lands, it served as a hospital during the Great War and stills stands as a place of pilgrimage for Catholics across the continent. Pope Francis even paid a visit in 2015.

Paraguay's Pantanal, which stretches into Bolivia and Brazil, is the largest wetland on the planet. Here you'll find swamp-loving creatures like caimans, boa constrictors, capybaras and otters. If you're looking to stick around, there's accommodation at Tres Gigantes biological station. Though under threat from development and deforestation, the wetlands are fiercely protected by the locals.

This Mennonite town close to Villarrica is the perfect springboard to the Cordillera del Yvytyruzú - a beautiful park free of tourists, trails and entry fees. Hike up Cerro Akatî or Cerro de la Cruz for incredible views across the valley, or get your adrenaline pumping by abseiling over the waterfalls of Salto de la Cantera. In November, stick around for Choppfest, the best beer festival in the country.

Folk music and tribal art are the order of the day at this small city in central Paraguay. Pick up some delicate ñandutí - 17th century lace weaving that resembles colourful spider's webs - from the shops and craft workshops that line the streets. Every year in March a festival is held in honour of this centuries-old art form.

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Little-known Paraguay is tucked away unassumingly in the heart of South America. For backpackers with an old-school map and an open mind, it offers untamed natural beauty, scorching summers and a fascinating colonial story just waiting to be discovered. To help you along, check out our guide to Paraguay's must-visit attractions.

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él es muy talentoso y le gusta arte. Tiene 70 años.

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Saltos del Monday

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Electricity, soybeans, soybean meal, corn, soybean oil

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Public Holidays in Paraguay in 2018 | Office Holidays

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Comprehensive list of National and Regional Public Holidays that are celebrated in Paraguay during 2018 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

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Day of Heroes- Febrero 26

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Sopa Paraguaya The national dish of Paraguay is Sopa Paraguaya. It is a cornbread made from cornmeal, eggs, pig fat (or butter), fresh cheese, and sometimes onions. It is most often made for special...

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Sopa Paraguaya

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The folk music of Paraguay is deeply rooted in European musical traditions. One of the styles that has become iconic in Paraguay is the polka. However, what's different between Paraguayan polka and European-style polka is that European style is based on more binary rhythms and Paraguayan styles combine binary rhythms with ternary rhythms.

Another popular form of folk music is the zarzuela, a Spanish-influenced form that blends operatic lyrical music with dance. The Paraguayan form drew in elements of Paraguayan polka and Guaraní music (and the Guaraní language).

Many of the instruments commonly used in Paraguayan music were brought over from Europe, like the Spanish guitar and the harp. The harp was one of the first instruments introduced to the native Paraguayans and has been in use since the 1500s. It was far more practical to use in religious services rather than an organ or harpsichord. Typically, it's made of mahogany or other tropical woods, and the number of strings can vary between 32-46 strings. Although it stands nearly 5' tall, it is fairly light in construction. The Paraguayan harp is often considered the national instrument.

I had already mentioned that polka was a popular form of music, so it's not hard to imagine that the polka dance is also a popular dance form as well. Another dance that is known throughout the country is the bottle dance; it's signature move is that the performer dances around while balancing a glass bottle on their head. There isn't a specific musical style associated with this dance, so many different forms can be used to accompany this dance.

As far as trying to find some bands that were from Paraguay, I had to do a little more digging around than usual. Typically, Wikipedia has been a great resource for listing a bunch of bands or musicians from a country to start with, and I'd go look them up on Spotify. But this one was lacking. However, I did manage to find a few. First of all, I listened to the band Flou. I loved them from first listen. Definitely in the nu metal category, they were loud, but their instrumentals were driving and clean. They kind of reminded me of Disturbed a little bit along with a bunch of other bands. However, they do have a slower, more melodic side to them that I also liked.

Revolber is another hard rock band I listened to. I liked what I heard from them -at times they have almost a punk or ska sound to their music. I think it's pretty catchy stuff. They remind me a little of Los Rabanes from Panama.

Paiko is a rock-pop band. I listened to several of their songs, and they have quite a range in styles from rock to reggae to almost a country sound. I'm not a fan of the country sound, but the other stuff was decent.

By now, you should know I have a penchant for punk music. Area 69 fell into this category, and I quite enjoyed it. It was more of that pop-punk style, but that didn't matter. I still thought it was kind of fun.

I also listened to Kchiporros. It's hard to explain, but it's very much Latin pop mixed with reggae. I really like it a lot. It's very danceable. I found myself listening to it longer than some of the others - although I'm not exactly sure how to pronounce it.

It was hard to find any rappers or hip-hop artists from Paraguay. Not too many popped up for me. However, I did come across one called Rapper Soul. I listened to a few of his tracks. He's got the rap-rock thing down - kind of in the style of Rage Against the Machine (one of my favorite bands). And like Rage or even Red Hot Chili Peppers, they also incorporate elements of funk into their music as well. I seriously wish I could find more of their stuff.

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The folk music of Paraguay is deeply rooted in European musical traditions. One of the styles that has become iconic in Paraguay is the polka. However, what's different between Paraguayan polka and European-style polka is that European style is based on more binary rhythms and Paraguayan styles combine binary rhythms with ternary rhythms. Another popular form of folk music is the zarzuela, a Spanish-influenced form that blends operatic lyrical music with dance.

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Polca

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Poblacion- 6,862,812
La moneda- PYG
Continent- Central South America

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Singer, Songwriter, Actress, TV Celebrity and Producer. As one of the top songwriters in the Latin American industry, Erika has songs recorded by ...

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Public Holidays in Panama in 2018 | Office Holidays

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Comprehensive list of National and Regional Public Holidays that are celebrated in Panama during 2018 with dates and information on the origin and meaning of holidays.

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by Penny de Vine

For me, food is a big part of the experience when traveling in a foreign country. I find it so interesting to see the different types of food, the way it's prepared and served, and the way it's eaten (and of course, the way it tastes!). The food in Panama is really diverse and has a mix of influences, from Spainish, Afro-Carribbean and Indigenous. In Panama City (where Spanish Panama Language School is located) you will find almost any type of cuisine you like including North American, Chinese, Thai, Japanese, Greek and Indian. In fact, Spanish Panama shares the friendly neighborhood of El Cangrejo with many of these types of international restaurants, as well as those serving local fare, such as the famous El Trapiche. So if you're wondering about the traditional food in Panama (and what the dishes are called in Spanish!), read on ...

Breakfast (desayuno)
Panamanians commonly start their day off with:
Fruit ( frutas) - Panama has a lot of fresh produce available and in particular the watermelon ( sandia), pineapple ( piña), banana ( banano) and guava ( guayaba) are delicious.
Sausages ( salchichas) - Panama is home to some fabulous sausages! Mild, médium and spicy to suit your taste, and mostly made with pork.
Eggs ( huevos) - the perfect accompaniment for your sausages! You can have eggs scrambled ( revuelto) or fried ( frito), but scrambled is more common (often with small pieces of onion and tomato mixed in).
Fried dough ( hojaldras) - the Panamanian versión of a doughnut, but a savory one, as it's served with eggs and is usally salty (sometimes those with a sweet tooth add sugar though).

Main dishes (platos fuerte)
For lunch or dinner, Panamanians can be seen eating:
Chicken and rice ( arroz con pollo) - rice in Panama is usally served as plain white or yellow. The chicken here is usually slow cooked or braised and served with vegetables (and also, a little less commonly, with beef or pork as the meat component).
Chicken soup ( sancocho) - this is a hearty chicken and vegetable soup and is one of the most typical dishes in Panama. It's said to be a great hangover cure!
Savory pastries ( empanadas) - Deep fried, savory corn or flour pastries, with meat and a boiled egg stuffed inside. A palm-sized, little pocket full of deliciousness.
Boiled corn dough ( tamales) - you can easily spot these on a restaurant table (or in someone´s hand), as it's a meal served in banana leaves. They're usually savory and stuffed with some sort of meat.

Side Dishes (entradas, bocadillos, picadas)
Common snacks and side dishes in Panama include:
Raw fish marinated in lime juice ( Ceviche) - The word "Panama" can have several meanings, but the most widely accepted on is "an abundance of butterflies, trees and fish". So it's no wonder that, with so much fish available for harvest, a popular dish here is Ceviche.
Fried green plantains ( Patacones) - green plantains look like big green bananas. Patacones are prepared by slicing the plaintain and frying it, then squishing it, and frying it again. These are definitely the most famous and popular Panamanian snack or side dish.
Rice and beans(gallo pinto) - rice mixed with red beans and pork; a filling side, good with most meals.
Fried Yuka ( yuca frita) - Deep fried thick wedges of yuka root, a delicious salty snack.

Dessert (postre)
Popular ways to finish off a meal are:
Snow cones ( Raspados) - Panamanians LOVE their snow cones! Topped with super sweet fruit syrup and condensed milk, it's the perfect way to cool down on a hot day (of which there are many!).
Flan - a light caramel custard-like flan; easy to squeeze in at the end of a meal.
Milk rice ( Arroz con leche) - as the name suggests, rice cooked with milk (and sugar and cinnamon to make it sweet); popular amongst kids.
Three Milks cake ( Tres Leches) - this cake is made (as the name suggests) with three different types of milk: evaporated, condensed and 'regular'. The result is a heavy sponge like cake; definitely something to save room for!

Now of course there are other foods that Panamanian's eat regularly; I've listed but a few to get you started on your culinary adventures in Panama!
What's your favorite traditional food in Panama? Let us know in the comment section below! And ask Spanish Panama for some recommendations on where to eat in Panama City.
Penny de Vine is an Australian teaching English classes at Spanish Panama Language School. She has many years experience teaching English as a second language to groups and individuals in Japan, Guatemala and Panama. Penny has a love of travel and has visited almost 20 different countries throughout Asia, South America, North America and Central America. Spanish Panama is a Canadian-Panamanian run language school located in El Cangrejo, on the main corner of Via Argentina. The school has a 13 year history of teaching Spanish in Panama and now offers Spanish, Portuguese and English classes for groups and individuals wanting to learn a language for conversational, business or academic purposes. At Spanish Panama the teachers are all native speakers, profesional and experienced. For more information please call (+507) 213 3121, or visit our websites www.spanishpanama.com or www.cursosdeinglespanama.com.pa
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by Penny de Vine For me, food is a big part of the experience when traveling in a foreign country. I find it so interesting to see the different types of food, the way it's prepared and served, and the way it's eaten (and of course, the way it tastes!).

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Folklore and tradition in music: Panama is one of the richest countries when speaking about traditional music and dances. Panamanians love to gather together and dance, whether it is amongst friends

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Ella es a actress y muy talentosa a canta. Tiene 43 años

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Gulf of Chiriqui

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Passenger and cargo ships, Sulfonamides, Oxygen amino compounds, Packaged Medicaments

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Mardi Gras- Febrero 13th

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Sancocho

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Tamborito

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Poblacion- 3,705, 246
La moneda- PAB; USB
Continent- Central America

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List of famous athletes from Nicaragua, listed alphabetically with photos when available. Nicaragua has seen some very talented athletes over the years, many of who have gone on to represent their country in the Olympics. These are some of the best Nicaraguan athletes of all time, so if you're a native of Nicaragua and are aspiring to compete in sports professionally then these are people you should look up to. If you're searching for a particular popular athlete from Nicaragua then you can use the "search" box to find who you're looking for.

List features athletes like Daniel Reyes, Lester Meléndez and more!

This list answers the questions, "Who are the greatest Nicaraguan athletes?" and "Which athletes are from Nicaragua?"

You can click on the names of these legendary athletes of Nicaragua in order to get more information about each one.

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List of famous athletes from Nicaragua, listed alphabetically with photos when available. Nicaragua has seen some very talented athletes over the years, many of who have gone on to represent their country in the Olympics. These are some of the best Nicaraguan athletes of all time, so if you'r...

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Le gusta jugar beisbol y es muy talentoso. Tiene 28 años.

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Nicaragua is abundantly blessed with vast freshwater lakes, imposing volcanoes, deep river canyons, bird-friendly cloud forests, picture-postcard Caribbean islands, forgotten fortresses, world-class surf beaches, and huge parks protecting amazing biodiversity; it's no surprise that ever increasing numbers of travellers are waking up to its stunning natural wonders. Tourism is booming, and many travellers are coming back to explore the country's wilder sides and delicious national dishes. Here are 15 inspiring places to add to your Nicaragua bucket list.

Somoto Canyon

The stunning river gorge that cuts deep through ancient rocks to create the Cañón de Somoto in northern Nicaragua provides one of the country's most exciting adventure experiences in some of its most beautiful natural surroundings. A four-hour descent of the narrowest part of the gorge involves scrambling over rocks, floating down rapids, and jumping from very high rocks into deep pools. The more adventurous can opt for a six-hour trip that includes abseiling down cliffs and visits to spooky caves inhabited by bats. The easy route involves a trip upstream in a rowing boat and a gentle float back down in an inner tube. What makes the whole experience more amazing is that the gorge only came to the world's attention when two Czech geologists stumbled across it in 2004.
Cañón de Somoto, Madriz, Nicaragua
Masaya Volcano

Peering through sulphurous clouds at the molten lava lake at the centre of the Santiago crater on the top of the Masaya volcano is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences that justifies the plane fare to Nicaragua all on its own. Even more amazing, you can drive right up and park by the lip of the crater, although cars do have to be facing downhill in case of an emergency evacuation from this active volcano. It's easily to visit from Managua or Granada; come in the day to learn all you can about the volcano at the onsite museum and take in the full extent of the crater and surrounding lava fields, or come at night for a brief but thrilling peek of the bubbling lava lake and the golden glow it casts in the crater. A trip to Masaya is easily arranged from the capital Managua, which now has a number of new attractions to tempt travellers to stay a few days.
Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya, Nicaragua
The Corn Islands

Laid back in the way only Caribbean islands can be, Nicaragua's beautiful Corn Islands offer a change of pace to those lucky enough to visit. Located 70 kilometres (43 miles) from the mainland, Big Corn Island is best reached by plane from Managua. Don't be fooled by the name; it's small enough to cycle around in an hour, passing at least seven or eight palm-backed beaches with warm crystal waters and golden sands you can call your own for the day. Little Corn Island is a thrilling 40-minute panga (boat) ride away and has no cars or banks. You can walk around the island in under an hour and part of the fun is finding its hidden coves. The big draw for both islands is the diving, with experienced divers heading for Blowing Rock, a spectacular tower of coral off Little Corn that is teeming with colourful marine life.
The Corn Islands, Región Autónoma del Atlántico Sur (RAAS)

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15 Epic Places in Nicaragua You Should Visit

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Nicaragua is abundantly blessed with vast freshwater lakes, imposing volcanoes, deep river canyons, bird-friendly cloud forests, picture-postcard Caribbean islands, forgotten fortresses, world-class surf beaches, and huge parks protecting amazing biodiversity; it's no surprise that ever increasing numbers of travellers are waking up to its stunning natural wonders.

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Somoto Canyon

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Insulated Wire, Knit T-shirt, Coffee, Gold, Knit Sweaters

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Holidays and observances in Nicaragua in 2018

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Overview of holidays and many observances in Nicaragua during the year 2018

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December Solstice- Diciembre 21st

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The Nicaraguan culinary art dates back to the pre-Colombian times, as you can tell by the names of the most known plates. Back then, during colonial times, the peculiar, creative, and varied Creole menu was the result of the union of these two races. In this type of food, ranging from soups and meats to a diversity of sweets, interesting ingredients are used.

Sons of Corn

Since its origin, the fundamental basis of Nicaraguan gastronomy has been corn. Thus, its wide usage and derivatives constitutes the culinary inheritance left by indigenous tribes that lived in the area. This fact explains the similarities between the typical Nicaraguan food and those of other countries in the Central American region and Mexico. We all were sons of corn.

Corn, as ingredient, has many different uses: lots of drinks are made from corn, such as Chicha and Pinol; as well main dishes such as Nacatamal, Indio Viejo, and Sopa de Albondiga; and snacks and sweets such as Atolillo and Perrereque.

A World of Ingredients

There are also other ingredients widely used in the Nicaraguan kitchen, mostly local, tropical products. Nevertheless, Nicaraguan culinary creativity is meticulous and open, which enables the utilization of ingredients used all around the world such as tomato, onion, garlic, flour, rice, orange, mustard and mayonnaise, milk and cheese, vanilla and cinnamon, and more.

Pipian, corn, and red beens (to the left), and corn and tortillas (photo to the right).

But what makes Nicaraguan food unique are those local ingredients discussed before. Below follows a selection of those ingredients, some of which are probably unknown to readers from non-tropical countries:

Fruits such as jocote, mango, papaya, tamarind, bananas (used a lot in Nicaragua), pipian, and avocado; roots such as yucca (also of a lot of use in typical national food), and quequisque; herbs such as culantro (also called cilantro), oregano, and achiote.

Another interesting aspect of the Nicaragua cuisine is the meat that is being eaten. Some foreigners, especially Europeans, might find the following hard to believe. From the cow, for example, some dishes are prepares using the tale, the udder, the stomach, or the brain; from the bull, the testicles; from the pork, the skin (which is used to make the famous chicharron), hoofs, and the blood (to make morongas).

In addition - and this is something not appreciated by ecologists - Nicaraguans eat turtle eggs, lizards, armadillos, and boas (boas are eaten mainly in the Central and Northern region of Nicaragua). Do note that all these species are currently threatened with extinction.

The Most Famous Plates

There are a lot traditional Nicaraguan dishes. Each region, according to geographical and cultural characteristics, produced various dishes, drinks, and sweets. Throughout the years, those dishes became known in the whole country. Some cities still are still known as the one that originated the idea of some food and they still specialize in creating this food, but most of the dishes passed to be national dishes. Below you will find an overview of the most famous Nicaraguan dishes.

Gallo Pinto: most people in Nicaragua eat this almost daily and it is considered a national symbol. It is composed of a mixture of fried rice with onion and sweet pepper, red beans boiled with garlic. They are mixed and fried all together.

Nacatamal: a dough which is prepared with ground corn and butter. This is then filled up with small pieces of pork or chicken, rice, potatoes, tomatoes, onion, sweet pepper (all in slices). This mixture is packed in leaves of plantain trees (not edible), tightened with a small thread, that makes it look like a tiny pillow. It is then cooked inside the leaves and boiled during five hours.

Vigorón: originally from Granada, where it is deliciously prepared. A plate is covered with a part of a plantain tree leaf, on top of which yucca, chicharrón and a salad made out of cabbage and tomato is placed.

Indio Viejo: meat is prepared with onions, garlic, sweet pepper and tomato. In addition, some tortillas are put into water and this has to be ground until they form dough. The meat is shredded and then fried with vegetables, the dough, and orange juice. Finally, you add broth.

Quesillo: originally from La Paz Centro and Nagarote, in the department of León. The quesillo is easy to prepare. A piece of cheese (which is named quesillo) is placed inside a tortilla. This is then wrapped up in a plastic bag. Onions and vinegar are added, and the finishing touch is to put fresh cream and a bit of salt on top.

Sopa de Mondongo: this soup is the specialty of Masatepe, in the department of Masaya. The mondongo is washed with a lot of bicarbonate, orange, and lemon. Next step is to cut it in small pieces and cook it with onion, sweet pepper, and garlic. When the mondongo is soft enough, grind rice is added, as well as vegetables in pieces, such as quequisque, chayote, sweet pepper, onion, corn. This should be kept cooking until the soup is ready. You can eat this with avocado and cheese.

Arroz-con-Piña Drink: for this drink you boil a "four leaf clover", a pineapple and rice, until the rice is soft enough. The drink is then being cooled and blended, adding water. Afterwards, remove the solid part, leaving only the liquid part. Add a little bit of vanilla, strawberry and sugar, as you desire.

Chicha-de Maíz: this drink needs a process of a couple of days. The corn is left in water for an entire night so it gets soft. Grind it the next day and then place it in water, adding red colorant. The next step is to cook it. When it cools, you add a type of candy called "dulce" and more water. The next day, you add more water and sugar.

Tres Leches: this is a dessert prepared with milk, condensed milk and cream. This is where the name comes from (three milks). You prepare a cake with flour and eggs, and then you add the mixture of these three milks. Finally, place a crown of meringue.

Cajeta de Coco: to do this use coconut, the coconut's water, yucca and a candy called "dulce". The coconut and the yucca are cut in thin strings. The water and the "dulce" are cooked until they make up a kind of honey, to which you add the strings of coconuts and yucca. You then mix those and that's it!

Rosquillas: These appetizers are the specialty of Somoto, in the department of Madriz. Corn dough is combined with cheese, egg, butter and lard. You give them a circular form and you bake them until they toast.

Caribbean Flavors

In Nicaragua, culture changes from one coast to the other, and the Caribbean Coast also has its part in traditional dishes. Here other important ingredients such as coconut are used.

Rondon: traditionally from Bluefields. Rondon is prepared with turtle meat, fish, and red meat or pork. Sometimes you combine two of these meats. When preparing, cook the meat with pepper, hot pepper, a herb named nargan, onion, sweet pepper, banana, yucca and quequisque.

Gaubul: this is a typical drink in the Nicaraguan Caribbean, almost unknown in the Pacific and center of the country. To create this drink, make a mixture of green banana (cooked beforehand and mashed in water), milk and coconut water, and a little bit of sugar.

Rice and Beans: this is the same as Gallo Pinto and it is prepared in the same way, using rice and red beans. The only difference is that it is fried with oil made out of coconut, which gives the plate a different and special flavor.
Go ahead and try them!
To some foreigners, Nicaraguan food might seem little inviting, strange, or even unedible. There is an urban tale related to this about a North American who was eating a Nacatamal. When he finished, someone asked if he liked it, and he answered: "It was very good, but the only thing I didn't like was that the lettuce was too bitter"; obviously, he thought that the lettuce was the plantain tree leaf, with which you wrap the Nacatamal, and which you do not eat!

Some believe that Nicaraguan food is very oily and that juices are too sweet. This is indeed true sometimes. Nevertheless, do not let it scare you off; go ahead and taste the delicious Nicaraguan traditional dishes!

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The Nicaraguan culinary art dates back to the pre-Colombian times, as you can tell by the names of the most known plates. Back then, during colonial times, the peculiar, creative, and varied Creole menu was the result of the union of these two races.