Santa Cruz Pictures

Things to do in Santa Cruz

The best things to do here are free, which is great for students looking to save money. Take a nice long walk around the city and soak up the culture. One of the nice things about Santa Cruz is that it isn’t an intimidating city and is relatively safe. So you can stroll along the old streets and pretend like you’re back in 1560. Swiss Bolivian Adventures is a tour company that runs out of Santa Cruz. With them, you can take a cultural or adventure tour of the city. You can take it to either Allegrande and La Higuera; both are special in their own way and worth taking a day trip to. Take a look into the Jesuit Missions or follow the footsteps of the actual Bolivian Revolution. River boat rides up the Amazon are popular as well, especially among college students who come here for a vacation or on spring break. You will see tons of incredible wildlife that you can’t see anywhere else.

Nightlife in Santa Cruz

Near the center of the city, Avenida Busch is a good place to start because there are so many bars located right around here. Espresso del Oriente serves Italian bakery goods and espressos, while an old Irish pub serves up pints of the good stuff down the street. If a nightclub scene is more your idea of a good time, Equipetrol is the best place to look. All of the discos are located here. Along the river there are a few cafes and bars for a quite drink or cafe with some friends. And there are beautiful views from the terraces.

Dining in Santa Cruz

Lunch is the largest meal in Santa Cruz. Breakfast isn’t very popular at all, although you can find some bread and baked goods. Potato, rice, and noodle-based dishes are served the most in restaurants. Humitas is a fresh corn and cheese dish wrapped in corn leaves and then steamed. Empanadas are a savory pastry dish, filled with cheese and onions. Changa de pollo o de conejo is a typical soup made with chicken or cuy (guinea pig), and potato, peas, avas and green onion. Casa del Camba, Picolo’s, and Michelangelo’s are nice restaurants where you can find these dishes, and they are always served with a smile.

Shopping in Santa Cruz

Since Santa Cruz is the most affluent and wealthy city in Bolivia the shopping is nice. And many people prefer to shop in this city above any others. Santa Cruz is really the only place you can find international retailers in all of Bolivia. Brand names and labels are popular, although don’t expect a huge selection. The Artecampo is a great place to pick up gifts and craft products. Artists, both local and foreign, sell their stuff here so you can get a good variety and a good deal. The good news is the money you spend here goes into the artists pockets. So sleep well knowing you are helping the locals when you buy your souvenirs.

Santa Cruz Travel Tips

• Buses run the full length of the city and are easily accessible.
• Keep mind of pickpockets.
• When you go out at night, make sure you’ve got a friend or two with you!

Montevideo Pictures

Things to do in Montevideo

Be sure to check out Ciudad Vieja, Montevideo’s Old Town. You can get there by entering through the Puerta de la Ciudadela. Also be sure to see the Plaza de Independecia, a square at the end of 18 de Julio Ave. and the main commercial artery of the city. next to Plaza Indepencia is the Palacio Salvo. Once South America’s highest building, the Palacio Salvo still dominates Montevideo’s skyline. You can take an elevator to the top at no cost for an excellent view of the city. Also be sure to check out the Mausoleo de Artigas. This large monument in the Plaza de Independencia pays tribute to Jose Gervasio Artigas, one of the heroes of the Uruguayan Independence. Lastly, e sure to check out the National History Museum, which has interesting exhibits and artifacts from the country’s history and no entrance fee. If you’re more of the outdoorsy type then try going to The Ramble, a water roadway where many locals, bike, fish, and enjoy the great outdoors. With 14 miles of coastline and a beautiful sunset, what more could you want?

Nightlife in Montevideo

There are bars and clubs throughout the city. Montevideo is a walking city, so go out and explore! The best drinks to get while in Montevideo have to be El Mate, you can find it anywhere in the city. Mate is derived from the herb yerba that was originally used by the indigenous Guarani living near the Rio de la Plata. Most city-dwellers prefer their drink without sugar, and drink it constantly.

Dining in Montevideo

Uruguay is renowned for its meats, and Montevideo has many parrillas where they are grilled up to perfection. There’s also the Chivito, a local sandwich made with meat and vegetables. What’s a meal without dessert? Caramel is a big part of the desserts in Uruguay and every restaurant has a huge menu. The best places to go are Cru, considered Montevideo’s finest restaurant, Don Pepperone, La Pasiva, Le Corte, Mercado del Puerto, and Montecristo. Montevideo also has tons of sidewalk cafes around the city where you can find great food at low prices.

Shopping in Montevideo

The main market in Montevido is the Mercado de los Artesanos, located on the corner of Paraguary and Colonia streets. There’s many different artists and craftspeople who converge there and sell products made from leather, paper, wood, and various textiles. There’s also the Montevideo Leather Factory, Manos del Uruguay, and Puna Carretas Shopping Mall, all a great choice when going out to shop.

Montevideo Travel Tips

• Spanish is the predominant language.
• Montevideo has a very arid climate during the summer.
• There is smog in the city during the summer.

Cuzco Pictures

Things to do in Cuzco

A must see in Cuzco is the Main Square. Once a center of the Inca’s culture and festivities now heaven to the history buff with the churches of the Cathedral and the Society of Jesus and stone structures that are still standing. The Archiepiscopal Palace is another cite to see, currently the museum of art it was once the palace of Inca Roca. Saint Blas District is home to many famous artists, the streets are picturesque with the narrow, cobble stoned streets weaving in and out of homes with walls built long ago by the Incas it truly is breathtaking. Acllawasi, or the House of the Sun Virgins is where the Incas used to house their most beautiful women and keep them as virgins for their entire life.

Nightlife in Cuzco

You’d think with so much history going on in one place that there’s no nightlife to enjoy. On the contrary, the Main Square of Cuzco has been a breeding ground for the business savvy to take advantage of building bars and restaurants all around the surrounding square. These bars and restaurants have made the nightlife in Cuzco something to look forward to. If you’re looking to enjoy a quieter night out then Cuzco’s own Tecsecocha is for you. A cobbled-stone street with the perfect mix of history and serenity.

Dining in Cuzco

Much like the nightlife dining in Cuzco is best found surrounding the Main Square. Cuzco’s custom food is usually on the spicier side, however if you’re not up for that there are plenty of different options on the menu. Traditional Cuzco dishes include,”quso kapiche”, a stew of beans, potatoes, and chili pepper and “pepin”, a type of chili made from rabbit or guinea pig. A traditional beverage to try is “chicha de jora” made from fermented corn.

Shopping in Cuzco

The best Cuzco shopping is in the open markets where you can bargain and American travelers may even be able to trade American products for some Cuzco souvenirs. Chinchero Market is an open market in Cuzco that’s always busy with artisans selling their products to locals and travelers, products like wool scarfs and blankets hand made the way the old world used to produce. At Cuzco’s Central Market shoppers can buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.

Cuzco Travel Tips

• Houses are required by law to have red roofs.
• Peru’s currency is the Nuevo Sol. However, the American dollar is accepted on occasion.
• Do not drink from the tap water. Only drink bottled or boiled water.

La Paz Pictures

Things to do in La Paz

La Paz is packed with activities and adventures that every traveler will enjoy. Both the city and the surrounding area have sights that are a must see. In addition to numerous outdoor markets, the city is also home to some very interesting museums. The Museum of Contemporary Art contains many works by renowned Aymara painter Mamani Mamani. Also worth checking out is the Musical Instrument Museum, housing some very strange musical devices.There are many popular day trips from La Paz to the surrounding area. The famous Lake Titicaca is a popular trip as well as a biking adventure down the most dangerous road in the world known as “Death Road”. It is also fun to simply enjoy the diverse sight and sounds of the city and appreciate the uniqueness of La Paz.

Nightlife in La Paz

La Paz has a very nice nightlife for traveling students.There are numerous bars and clubs that appeal to all types of people. Sol Y Luna is a popular bar that serves up great food and live music. The bar is famous for its Coca Leaf Mojitos, where Coca leaves are substituted for mint leaves! If you are looking for a club, La Paz is the place to be. Most of the clubs are open until 3 or 4 in the morning. A popular spot for travelers is Mongos, live music and fair prices make this club worth visiting.

Dining in La Paz

Being in the capital city of Bolivia, it is obvious that you can find some of best Bolivian Cuisine in the country. A place called Utama serves great Bolivian dishes and has hosted the likes of Fidel Castro. You can also find numerous other types of cuisine. Eli’s New York Deli features all of the classic New York favorites although the prices are high in comparison to other restaurants in the area. For a cheap and popular backpacker stop check out 100% Natural, known for its large sandwiches.

Shopping in La Paz

The numerous open markets and street vendors make shopping in La Paz quite the experience. Fine liquor, clothing, electronics, and many other items can be found in the various markets and market streets. Stop by Sagarnaga Street to find all sorts of items. Another market of interest is Mercado Negro.

La Paz Travel Tips

• La Paz is located at roughly 13,000 feet and this could result in altitude sickness, so make sure you know the risks before traveling.
• Despite being located in the equator, La Paz does receive small amounts of snow during the winter months and packing warm clothes year round is recommended.
• Make sure to venture outside the city and explore the many natural wonders that the area has to offer.

Caracas Pictures

Things to do in Caracas

Caracas is the type of city in which you really only need a few days to take in. This can be perfect if you don’t have a lot of time or want to explore the rest of the country. One of the best views of the city can be seen on the top of the Teleferico. This cable car takes visitors to the top of the Avila, which is an impressive 2600 meters above sea level. The cost is fair for this ride and there are discounts for students, so be sure to bring your students ID with you. This type of attraction is perfect for adults and college students alike, although maybe not for children as there is little “fun” activities to do. You will want to see La Plaza Bolivar which is located in the city center. It is close to many Government buildings, including Congress. This makes for a nice morning or afternoon trip. La Casa Natal de Simon Bolivar is the birthplace of Bolivar. There are many artifacts, a few museums, and nice old paintings within the Casa.

Nightlife in Caracas

The nightlife here is not that of many larger cities. You can easily get into many bars and clubs without a wait. Most places don’t have covers either. This makes a night out on the town easy and carefree. Since the weather in Caracas is always nice you can wear your favorite summer apparel and leave the sweater at home. El León is a popular bar. This place features an open air terrace that allows you to take in the views of the city while sipping on a cocktail or beer with your friends. The drinks are really cheap and this makes it a great hang out for college students. El Maní Es Así is a great Salsa Bar that you will not want to miss out on. Mingle with the locals and some of the lower class as you take a spin on the dance floor. Tables here cost an extra “servico”. But who needs to sit when you are dancing the night away in one of the hottest clubs in Caracas? Wear some comfortable shoes and save the sitting for your hotel or hostel.

Dining in Caracas

El Granjero del Este is a great little spot. Not necessarily for going out for dinner. You might want to hit this place up after a night of dancing and drinking at El Maní Es Así. 3 am is the best time to get the best grub. And yes they serve beer and drinks as well. Maute Grill is a bit more on the expensive side, however the food is amazing. If you were planning to splurge one night on a great meal then definitely go here. Cafe Ole is a mostly outdoor restaurant with great views of the city at night. Save room for dessert because they know how to make it right here. Caracas, unlike most other places in Venezuela, is home to a variety of different food types. Chinese, Japanese, French, Tex-Mex, and Mediterranean foods all can be found here. Caracas really is a great place to explore different cultures and have a great meal out.

Shopping in Caracas

Caracas is home to some of South America’s largest shopping malls and centers. Centro Comercial Sambil has most every store you would be looking for and even has two movie theaters. Centro Comercial El Tolón is a nice uptown area with fun shops and designer duds. You will often find college age tourists at Centro Ciudad Comercial Tamanaco (CCCT). The eclectic mix of funky shops, boutiques, cafes, and a few nightclubs makes it an instant hit with the younger crowds. Centro Comercial San Ignacio is where you will want to go for a variety of restaurants and clubs. There are many places to sit and grab a drink while socializing with your group of friends.

Caracas Travel Tips

• Caracas’ subway system is one of the best in Latin America.
• Be careful when using credit cards, as fraud is a known threat to foreign accounts in Venezuela.
• Taxis don’t have meters installed so be sure to agree upon the fair before you leave.

Lima Pictures

Things to do in Lima

Lima is home to many different tropical and aquatic activities. Just a short distance from Lima are the Palomino Islands. Cruises are available to this destination. There you can see many different oceanic life such as sea lions. If you’re adventurous you could even swim with some! Do you surf? Head over to any of Lima’s beautiful beaches and take out your surf board- you’re sure to find some sick waves! Looking for something indoor? Hit up the metropolitan area and do some Paragliding and Hang-gliding. Companies like AeroXtreme and PeryFly offer day courses and gliding excursions. If you’re feeling active then take a bike tour through Lima’s historic downtown. Companies such as Bike Tours of Lima take you to all the best spots including Barranco, San Isidro, Miraflores, Chorrillos, and the downtown. There’s also mountain biking nearby. Tours are conducted in English or Spanish and you are usually able to rent a bike from a small fee. Check first to see if they do in fact rent bikes! Are you into art? Head over to the Museo Larco. This building was founded in 1926 and showcases remarkable galleries that chronicle the history of Peru. Also located there is the Cafe del Museo and Museum Gallery Shop.

Nightlife in Lima

If you’re looking for some fun in a tourist-rich environment then head over to a small street between Parque Kennedy and Bellavista, known locally as the “calle de las pizzas”. For a more bohemian experience hit up the Cafe de la Paz right in front of the Kennedy Park. If disco is more your style then the Nebula is where you want to go. Lima also has fantastic jazz clubs including Jazz Zone and Satchmo. For other options try going to the Barranco neighborhood south of Miraflores. They have many clubs and cafes that are popular among college students. Be sure to get a Pisco Sour, the national drink of Peru.

Dining in Lima

Lima offers a vast variety of foods including fresh sea food. Lima is very health-conscious and prepares it’s foods as such. It’ll be hard finding anything fried. If you want some true Peruvian food make sure to try Ceviche which is said to be some of the best food in Lima. Eating Ceviche late in the day can be very acidic and irritate the stomach so be sure to eat it earlier. For this reason many Ceviche shoppes aren’t open past 5 pm.

Shopping in Lima

Lima’s shopping is mostly market-type where you can go and negotiate a price for good but most likely fake items. Hit up the Polvos Azules near central Lima to buy cheap clothes, cd’s and dvd’s, shoes, backpack’s, spirits, and perfumes.

Lima travel tips

• The Taxis in Lima are not metered so you must agree a price before getting in.
• Tourist violence is rare but theft is extremely common. Hold on close to your things!
• Avoid soccer stadiums before and after big games. People can get very violent.

Santiago Pictures

Things to do in Santiago

The downtown area of the city is where the bulk of the activities are. Santiago is famous for it’s wine and offers wine tasting right in the city. Concha y Toro, Chile’s most famous winery, has wine tasting available in a Napa Valley-style tasting room along with a gift shop. Go ahead and try it; the drinking age is 18. Chile is also home to many good climbing mountains. For those who like a good view the Parque Metropolitano offers a great view of the city and can be reached by funicular, cable car, or hike. Also featured in the park is a botanical garden, zoo, and two swimming pools. The downtown of Santiago is home to many different plazas and shopping areas such as the Plaza De Armas and Santiago Centro. Be careful for pick-pockets! If history’s your thing then check out La Chascona, once home to famous poet Pablo Neruda. Tours are given daily in both English and Spanish. Are you more into the arts? Santiago features great performing arts, with concerts, plays, and recitals going on Friday and Saturday night. Check listings in El Mercutio for times. Also check out The Club de Jazz de Santiago for some of the best jazz in Chile. Remember your student ID, most venues give discounts to students!

Find things to do in Santiago

Nightlife in Santiago

Santiago nightlife varies a lot by the location and price of the club. If you’re into a more upscale, exclusive place then hit up Suecia, Vitacura, and Isidora Goyenechea. If you like a more popular type of club then Bellavista, Plaza Nunoa, and Brasil can provide a wild spring break. For a small club with a unique atmosphere check out the Manuel Montt. To get a good beer take the Metro to Baquedano and cross the bridge to Pio Nono. This street is incredible with some of the best beer in Santiago! A great place to go for variety is the Bellavista. There you can find discos with all kinds of music and jazz bars. It’s also one of the only bars in Santiago with a predominately gay crowd. Most places close at 5 am but a few have “after hours” which run until 7 am.

Dining in Santiago

Santiago only has a few places worth noting but has many decent restaurants within the city. The Bar Nacional is one place to visit with hearty meals and a big selection of local and imported drinks. A great place to get pizza is Amadeus, between metros Buquedano and Parque Bustamante. According to Chileans, Ceviche is the best South American cooking and is worth the stop; many restaurants in Santiago serve this dish.

Shopping in Santiago

Santiago has a ton of malls that are pretty easy to get to. These include the Mall Plaza Vespucio, Plaza Oeste, Portal de La Dehesa, Parque Arauco, Alto Las Condes, Florida Center, and Plaza Norte. They have common mall-type stores and house the most famous department stores in Chile, Falabella and Paris and Ripley. For upscale fashion stores like Louis Vuitton and Hermes check out Alonso de Cordoba Street and Nueva Costanera Avenue. You can find clothes and art by local designers as well. For craft items, go to the Centro Artesanal Santa Lucia, they are cheap and good quality.

Santiago travel tips

• Don’t be surprised, Chile is not racially diverse.
• Don’t wear expensive looking jewelry or watches.
• Avoid La Legua, it is the worst neighborhood in Chile.

Sao Paulo Pictures

Things to do in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is the art capital of Brazil. The countless pieces of art are a little intimidating yet they draw you in. The Museo de Arte Sacra & Jardim da Luz has the best collection of colonial art and artifacts. This is a nice place for college students looking for some culture to soak up. A labyrinthine baroque monastery built in the 1800s is an interesting sight. And there are many nature walks and great areas of the city that are especially nice to see on foot. Ibirapuera Park has 1.5 million square meters of land, and is a nice place for running, jogging and biking. Banespa Tower has an observation deck with a spectacular view of the city. As far as festivals are concerned, the Arts Biennial takes place every two years in the Biennial Pavillon, which is located in the Ibirapuera Park. There is a huge art show with showcases of new fresh talents, as well as masterpieces that have been carefully preserved. Carnival, which takes place between February and March, is a perfect time to come for spring break. Purchase tickets to the parade, and let studentuniverse.com help you with your cheap student plane tickets. Dancers dress up in gaudy costumes and musicians play local samba music atop colorful floats and decorated cars. It is quite a sight to see.

Nightlife in Sao Paulo

One thing that sets Sao Paulo apart from the rest of Brazil is that it is fairly accommodating with the gay nightlife scene. There is even a Gay Parade here, which is one of the main highlights of the year. Over 3 million people take part and it is the largest Gay Pride parade in the world. With that said, there are an abundance of Gay bars here. There are also plenty of straight bars and nightclubs. The nightlife here is electrifying. Alcohol is fairly cheap, which is good news to many college students looking to save a few dollars. There is always something going on or crazy to see and do. Cachaça (Brazilian rum), or a caipirinha (a signature drink made from Cachaça) are taken in shot glasses. Chopp is a popular beer and will only cost you $2 – $5. From the traditional salsa and meringue music to rock and hip hop, Sao Paulo has it all. You can mix it up or stick with just one club. Or maybe you want to spend a few nights trying out the different places around the city. Just be conscious because the clubs can get a bit expensive and most have entry fees. If you’re just looking to have fun without the extra expense, that’s possible too–there are so many options for nightlife that you can always find something you want to do. The bars and pubs are always bustling and some have special events and features, so keep you eye out for them.

Dining in Sao Paulo

When eating out in Sao Paulo, note that a 10% gratuity is usually added to your bill before you even pay. And additional tips are not necessary. If no tip is added, then a 10% tip may be appropriate, but no one goes over this amount. In Brazil it is considered bad luck and poor manners to rest your purse on the floor beside your chair. You may be offered a separate chair to put your purse on. Many tables in restaurants have hooks under them where you can hang your purse, so you should definitely look out for that. As far as restaurant choices go, this city has a very diverse selection. Mandioca is a type of chip covered in salt and is served before and during meals in many places. Tacacá is made up of shrimp, garlic, and chili pepper, and can also be called tacacazeira. Many other foods show resemblance of European influences, such as Italy and Portugal. Others areas of influence include Japan and the Middle East. Pizza and sushi are popular food items. You will be able to find lots of seafood and pastas too. Rice dishes with mangos and passion fruits are side dishes you may commonly see, and of course the local tropical fruits are amazing just on their own

Shopping in Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo has everything from imported goods to local Brazilian items. The currency in Brazil is the Real (BRL). “Shoppings” is the term Brazilianz use for shopping malls, so you will hear it a lot. There are quite a few shoppings here with designer labels and goods. They can be expensive though due to the shipping costs. There are many local products that are just as nice and are actually native to the country so you can’t get them anywhere else. Students on budgets will appreciate the jewelry, clothing, accessories, and souvenirs here. Although Sao Paulo has the reputation of being the most expensive city in the area, it is still pretty affordable in terms of these goods, and compared to America and Europe it is not bad at all. Street vendors are open until around 6pm each day, however shopping centers may stay open as late as 10 pm.

Sao Paulo travel tips

• The official language in Sao Paulo is Portuguese.
• To make navigating the city a little bit easier, it’s nice to know a few key Portuguese terms before you go.
• The currency in Brazil is the Real (BRL).