The first time we arrived in Recife, we didn’t expect it to feel so immediately livable. Within a day, we were walking along Boa Viagem Beach, crossing bridges that cut through the city, and hopping between colonial buildings and modern cafés. Recife is often called the “Venice of Brazil” because of its rivers and bridges,…
Brazil has so many incredible spots, but Paraty is truly something special. We had a blast exploring the car-free Old Town, with all its colorful colonial buildings and cobblestone streets. That being said, as Instagrammable as the town is, getting around can be a bit of a workout. Dragging our suitcases over those bumpy 18th-century…
Barranquilla doesn’t always get the spotlight, but trust us, once you land in Colombia’s vibrant Caribbean gateway, you’ll wonder why you waited so long. We love how this lively port city, where the Magdalena River meets the Caribbean Sea, blends culture, business, and laid-back coastal energy. We’re talking about a city known for its UNESCO-recognized…
When most travelers think of five-star luxury, Manaus rarely tops the list, and that’s exactly why we wanted to dig deeper. Hidden in the heart of the Amazon, this fascinating city doesn’t offer an endless supply of high-end stays, but what it does have may surprise you. While Manaus is home to only a small…
The sprawling metropolis that is Peru’s capital Lima was one of those ‘surprise cities’ for us. We’d not known what to expect from this city, and we ended up absolutely loving it! Since Lima was far off from where we were coming from, we wanted to keep staying costs down, and we did keep them…
The undisputed archaeological hub of the Americas, Cusco in Peru has always been a bucket list destination for us. The former centuries-old Inca Empire capital is also the oldest continuously inhabited city on the continent and the gateway to the famed citadel ruins of Machu Picchu. Since we were hiking the Inca trail, we stayed for…
Lima, Peru is often seen as just a gateway to Machu Picchu and other Peruvian wonders. We’ve only been there a few times, but we were surprised by Lima. It’s rich in culture and has vibrant neighborhoods. But if you only have a day or two in the city and need a place to rest…
The lovely Peruvian capital of Lima is an absolute marvel. Tucked on the Pacific Coast of the Sechura Desert, this sprawling city is steeped in ancient Incan roots. What’s more, it’s famed as South America’s gastronomic capital today, but that’s not all that’s thrilling about this city. In a fiercely Catholic country that is all…
The vibrant and carnivalesque capital of Bolivia, La Paz, left us breathless – and it’s not just about the altitude. Nestled in the Andean mountains close to the southern shores of Lake Titicaca, La Paz is a kaleidoscope of old-world and modernity. When it comes to the gay scene in Bolivia, big cities are where…
The former historic capital of the Inca Empire, Cusco, is the most popular destination in Peru today. Besides being the capital archaeological capital of the Americas, Cusco is also the gateway to the legendary city that is Machu Picchu. As it’s also known, Cuzco boasts the richest heritage amongst any of the South American cities…
Brazil, the largest country in South America and Latin America, is also the fifth largest country in the world. The country, which spans such a vast area, has plenty of geographical diversity and variations in the landscape. It is no wonder, then, that it’s filled with some breathtaking sights. From the natural beauty of the…
Brazil’s “City of Dreams” Sao Paulo is home to almost 20 million “paulistanos,” as the denizens of the city are called. But, with millions of travelers visiting the city every year, it’s no surprise that its airport was once Latin America’s second-largest. Aeroporto Internacional São Paulo–Guarulhos, a.k.a. Governor André Franco Montoro International Airport or Sao Paulo Guarulhos…
Bogota is Colombia’s capital and largest city, with more than 7 million residents. It was home to the region’s indigenous people, the Muisca. Today, Bogota is a vibrant restaurant scene, world-class museums, and surprisingly wild nightlife. The city is also a charming colonial quarter with classical and progressive architecture, making it one of the most…
The dictionary defines a capital city as a city or town that functions as the seat of government and administrative center of a country. However, not all countries have their seat of government in the capital, like Sucre in Bolivia, which is the official capital but not the seat of the government. Capital cities are…
The simple fishing village of Buzios shot into the spotlight in the early 1960s when Brigitte Bardot and her Brazilian boyfriend discovered it. Since then, it has become one of the most popular seaside resorts in this part of the world. You’ll find boutiques, restaurants, bars, and an abundance of hotels in Buzios, Brazil. Predictably…
Fortaleza is the state capital of Ceara in Northeastern Brazil. It’s quite a sprawling city with about 25km of urban beaches. This proximity to the beaches makes it a favored destination for tourists. As such, you’ll find plenty of hotels in Fortaleza, Brazil. While you won’t find many over-the-top luxury hotels in Fortaleza, Brazil, there…
The city of Eternal Spring Medellin might be slightly rough around the edges, but it’s transformed into one of Latin America’s most progressive cities. Whether it’s gastronomy, social awareness, or innovation, the city is now an exciting and buzzing metropolis. Despite being largely conservative due to a Catholic population, Medellin is extremely gay-friendly as well.…
Affectionately called a “mini-Berlin by the seaside,” coastal Valparaiso overlooking the waters of the South Pacific Ocean is one of the most vibrant of Chile’s cities. What’s more, Valparaiso and its neighboring Viña del Mar are amongst the gayest places on the continent! Santiago might be home to a larger gay scene, but it’s Valpo,…
Captivating Cartagena is one glorious mess of historic grandeur on cobbled alleys, vibrant structures and plazas, and bougainvillea-covered balconies. What’s more, the old town, Cartagena de Indias, boasts 13 km of centuries-old colonial stone walls! It’s no wonder that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s more, Cartagena is the undisputed gay-friendly queen of Colombia’s Caribbean coast.…
Colombia’s capital city of Bogota lies nestled amidst verdant Andean peaks and is the very picture of sophisticated urban cool. Besides incredible colonial heritage, a slew of top-notch restaurants, chic hotels, and increased safety have transformed Bogota into one of the trendiest South American cities. What’s even better is that gay Bogota is leading Colombia’s…