South America

Viva Colombia!

My Colombia Vacation (aka Death Becomes Me)

I finally made it to Colombia in February. Woohoo! Viva Colombia! Aaaand, 12 hours after landing I immediately became so deathly ill, that I barely left my bed for 5 days. BIG boo. But — there’s a bright side…

The Cathedral of Santo Domingo in Cusco.

Cusco, Peru: Breathe In, Breathe Out

Perched 11,000 feet up in the Andes, Cusco took my breath away — quite literally. I’d heard tales of how captivating Cusco is, and the stories resonated. Tucked amidst dramatic mountain peaks, Cusco’s red tile roofs, cobbled streets and colonial architecture leave most travelers smitten — I was no exception.

The agricultural terraces of Moray.

Peru’s Sacred Valley: On the Road to Machu Picchu

Look past the obvious, the big glittery jewel of a destination. Tucked into the cracks, the side roads, the small towns nearby lie the less conspicuous gems. They will be your small joys.

Machu Picchu with Wayna Picchu in the background.

Machu Picchu, Peru: Into the (Crowded) Mystic

Wanna know a little secret? Machu Picchu is positively TEEMING with tourists. Here’s what to know to avoid the crowds and make the most of your bucket-list trip to the iconic ruins.

Parque del Amor

Inside the Belly of a Dead Whale: A Peek at Lima, Peru

When a city is described as similar to being “inside the belly of a dead whale,” I’m intrigued. Such was Lima.

A plate of ceviche mixto at Canta Rana in Lima's Barranco district.

How to Eat Your Way Through Lima, Peru Like a Boss

See my collection of standouts — restaurants, markets, food and drink — from Lima, Peru. Git in mah belly!

Praia do Pipa: Rocking the Famed Day Trip from Natal to Pipa

Praia do Pipa: Rocking the Famed Day Trip from Natal to Pipa

Exploring Northern Brazil’s coastal wonders on a day trip from Natal to Pipa includes stops at Praia do Amor, Madeiro and the epic Cacimbinhas Beach.

Ponto Negra Beach in Natal, Brazil, with Bald Hill in the distance.

On Top of Old Baldy: Natal, Brazil

In just a few weeks, the U.S. men’s soccer team will be playing one of their World Cup 2014 matches in Natal, Brazil. What can visitors expect?

Colorfully painted houses in Olinda, Brazil.

An Olinda, Brazil Tale: Fie on You, Convention! Fie on You!

My time in Olinda left me as much in love with travel and exploring this great, wide world’s nooks and crannies as I’ve ever been.

The Good Friday processional with the body of Christ in Olinda, Brazil.

Semana Santa in Brazil: Ain’t No Party Like a Brazilian Easter Party

Yes, the good Lord rose, and so did the spirits, voices and boombox volume of the entire town. It was a party for the ages — eating, drinking, and, you guessed it, dancing.

The Historic Center in Paraty, Brazil. (Diego Torres Silvestre via Flickr)

Paraty, Brazil Guide: Did You Want a Side of Charming, Colonial Village With Your Gorgeous Beach?

Today, tourists meander along Paraty’s cobbled streets, admiring this remarkably charming Colonial outpost along Brazil’s epically scenic coast.

Her name is Rio...

Her Name is Rio: What to See and Love in Rio de Janeiro

I found myself unexpectedly smitten with what I’ve determined is the prettiest-placed city in the world – Rio de Janeiro.