Things to Do in South Padre

If you live along the gulf coast then you know that there are many destinations for you to have fun in the sun; so many in fact that it may be hard to chose where you want to go. One State that proves it has many destinations is Texas. Texas has an expansive gulf coast to choose from. Though you can chose to go anywhere, this article will focus on what to do in South Padre. South Padre Island is a great getaway destination for those that want to stay in the state. It is along the coast, near Mexico, and within the Texas border. Get ready to have some fun in the sun!

If the beach is your main destination, there is a lot for you to enjoy. Think that the water is too cold? Think again! The water is from the gulf therefore it promises to be warmer than you are use to, perfect for the cooler months. You can head out the beach and catch up on your favorite book or even enjoy the different activities that are available for you. Tourists can expect to find a kite shop, great surf waves, and even beach exercising classes to keep you busy throughout the day. Still not finding something that you want to do? Well, you can always be more adventurous and try parasailing, fishing, swimming with the dolphins, snorkeling, or rent jet skis and enjoy a ride.

Feel like relaxing in a lazy river for the day? Then visit one of Texas' favorite water parks at their branch on the Island. Schlitterbahn South Padre offers you a way to still play in the water and soak up the sun without having to go to the beach. This place allows guest to float along the river and wait in line without ever having to leave the water. What could be better than that?

Looking for a little nightlife action? This island has that for you as well. Not only are there tons of restaurants for you to enjoy the gulf food, there are plenty of bars for those who want to enjoy the beach with a few drinks. The island will offer you everything from Irish Pubs to beach bars.

Don't forget about the sightseeing. If you love nature and all that it has to offer then you will be impressed. The island will offer you a look into the coastal life and show you're their efforts to rehabilitate and hurt sea creatures. You can also check out their wildlife refuge and see all the exotic animals.

As you can see there is a lot of you to do in South Padre. If you are from Texas, it is a great trip to get away and it is a great place for people to come visit the state. When you plan your vacation to the beach make sure that you have travel insurance. It will help you plan for the unexpected and keep you from losing any money in those moments. You can find cheap travel insurance quotes and work it into the budget without spending too much.

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Scenic Drives of Florida's Space Coast - South Tropical Trail, Merritt Island to Indian Harbor Beach

Back in the late 1960s when I first moved to Florida, South Tropical Trail was a narrow winding two lane roadway starting at the West end of Mather's Bridge which connects Indian Harbor Beach to the South tip of Merritt Island, and wound along the western edge of the island northward to the more populated center of Merritt Island near State Road 520. Mather's Bridge at the time was an old wooden bridge that I spent my youth fishing from and at the west end on Merritt Island sat the old Mather's bridge Fish Camp. Along the trail, large homes nestled among large properties on the east side of the road stretched from the Banana River shore westward across the trail to the Indian River. These "estates" were broken up by undeveloped properties with jungle-like vegetation, giving a mysterious otherworldly aura to this part of the island. There were also several urban legends about the Trail, including the "Haunted House", an ancient, dilapidated, and abandoned nursing home allegedly still haunted by the residents who died there. There was the "Madman with the Machete", a supposedly insane man who prowled the trail on foot at night, looking for unsuspecting teenagers parked in vacant lots. Then there was the "Girl in the Glass Coffin", whereas the story goes, a man raises his blind daughter until she dies tragically in her young teens. The father, distraught over her death and lifetime of blindness entombs his daughter's body above ground on their property in a glass coffin so that "she will not have to spend eternity in darkness as she spent her short life". Then there was our own version of "Dead Man's Curve", a section of the trail where a higher than normal number fatal traffic accidents occurred, usually younger drivers showing off late at night. The alleged "Haunted House" was there, ghosts or not, as was "Dead Man's Curve, a narrow curve on the edge of the Indian River Lagoon lined with thick trees. The "Girl in the Glass Coffin" was a story you always heard third hand, I never met anybody who had actually seen her or could tell exactly where she was, and I never personally met the "Machete Madman".

However, with that said, the drive between State Road 520 in Merritt Island Southward to Mather's Bridge, which connects the South tip of Merritt Island to Indian Harbor Beach is one of the most interesting drives along the Space Coast of East central Florida, and can be driven in three sections, however in my opinion it gets better the farther south you go with the southernmost section being the best.

The northernmost access is from State Road 520 Causeway at the first stoplight east of the Indian River Bridge from Cocoa. If approaching from the east it will be the next stoplight west of the intersection of 520 and South Courtenay Parkway. Heading South from 520, South Tropical Trail will wind through mostly residential neighborhoods for the first 3 miles, but once past that, the trail runs along the eastern shoreline of the Indian River lagoon offering expansive views of this most biologically diverse estuary while to the east of the road, high end home-sites dominate. This will continue for a little over 2 miles at which point the trail turns to the east to meet up with South Courtenay Parkway, where it again turns to the south and South Courtenay Parkway or State Road 3 becomes South Tropical Trail or County Road 3.

The second leg, which can be accessed by directly by South Courtenay Parkway if you wish to bypass the first leg, will at first go through residential on both sides of the road but very quickly begins to hug the Banana River to the east offering great views of this beautiful river, while to the west, beautiful homes on expansive lots are the rule.

The third or southernmost leg starts as the trail passes underneath Pineda Causeway and can be accessed or exited at this point. This is also the most scenic portion of the drive as the trail now begins to hug the Indian River Lagoon shoreline to the west. The island is thinner here and many of the homeowners along this stretch own the property from the Banana River to the Indian River and tropical foliage abounds while attractive gazebos and docks line the shoreline. The views are spectacular, especially towards sunset. South Tropical Trail ends at Mather's Bridge and at this point the island is not much wider than the road, as it turns to the east across the bridge, becoming Banana River Drive entering Indian Harbor Beach.

Dean R. Pettit is the author of Space Coast Outdoors, an online resource for self guided outdoor adventures along Florida's Space Coast, and includes locations and other information about Fishing, Birdwatching, Kayaking, Hiking, Biking, Backcountry Camping, Surfing, Windsurfing, Snorkeling, Golf, and more.

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Peru Travel: Culinary Treats of the South Cusco Valley

In a valley about 40 minutes south of Cusco, travelers with an interest in local gastronomy will find 3 small towns that are worth a visit. Oropesa, Pikillacta, and Tipon are respectively renowned for their preparation of pan (bread), cuy (guinea pig), and chancho (pork).

Oropesa

Although Oropesa was inhabited from pre-Inca times, the town's history and current form is closely tied to its settlement by Spanish colonists. Travelers can appreciate centuries-old haciendas and churches that are still standing. Spanish settlers found the valley's temperate climate ideal for planting wheat and over the course of the years, bread making evolved to become the town's principal economic activity. Currently, 90% of the population is involved in some aspect of bread making. The Festival del Pan (Bread Festival) is celebrated every October. Pan chuta is the bread to try. If you can't make it to the town itself, oropesanas (women from Oropesa) rise before dawn to travel to Cusco to sell their bread at markets and along side streets.

Tipon

Above the town of Tipon are an amazing set of ruins that grandly display the hydraulic engineering genius of the Inca. Fountains spring from nowhere, multiplying, converging, and diverging in a construction that is almost poetic. Tipon was also a site of agricultural experimentation and terraces at varying altitudes served to test which crops could grow at which elevations.

The town of Tipon below specializes in preparing cuy, or guinea pig. Cuyerias (or cuy restaurants) abound along the main road. There are 2 preparations to choose from: cuy al horno or cuy chactado. The first is baked; the cuy is stuffed with herbs and rubbed with spices and then baked in a clay oven. The second is fried; the cuy is pressed flat, breaded, and deep fried. Both preparations are served with tallarines (spaghetti noodles), rocoto relleno (stuffed pepper), and potatoes. You can also enjoy cuy whole or ask to have it chopped into 4 pieces.

Pikillacta

About 4km down the road from Oropesa, most travelers stop in Pikillacta to visit the pre-Inca ruins from the Huari culture. After the exotic meal of cuy, chancho (pork) may seem a bit boring, but there a multiple chancherias (pork restaurants) that might tempt you. Some of the dishes you might find on the menu are: chicharron, deep fried chunks of pork served with typical Peruvian sides; adobo de cancho, which is a hearty pork stew; or grasa de chancho.

This article was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Peru travel packages for your Peru vacation.

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3 Places to Treasure a View in South America

Known for some of the highest of the high (Mount Aconcagua in Argentina, the tallest peak in South America) and the lowest of the low (Colca Canyon in Peru, one of the deepest in the world), the South American continent is a nature and landscape lover's dream destination. Whether armed with a camera to capture the best of moments or with just your eyes for absorbing every precious second, be sure to visit these 3 high up points to feel the true grandeur and magnitude that Mother Nature has blessed the continent with.

Machu Picchu, Peru
Situated in the middle of the Peruvian Andes with a history of over 600 years, built by the hands of the mighty Inca Empire before the Spaniards ever landed in South America, and left undiscovered by the outside world until just 100 years ago, the mystique of Machu Picchu in addition to its scenic location is what makes it one of the top attractions on earth. Hundreds of thousands of travelers visit Machu Picchu each year, electing to hike in the Inca Trail for a more intimate feel of the environment along the way, or taking a series of train and bus rides to the entrance. Machu Picchu tours can sell out months in advance at times, so be sure to book early.

Christ the Redeemer, Brazil
The iconic white statue of Christ standing over all of Rio de Janeiro is the ultimate postcard-picture image of Brazil that many think of before arrival. Rio de Janeiro and its numerous islands scattered around, jungles, and renowned pristine beaches only add to its reputation as a top exotic destination for adventure and thrill-seeking travelers. A trip to the top of Corcovado mountain where Christ the Redeemer is situated can be done by hiking or taking a train ride. The views from the top are unforgettable and a must-see on any Brazil tours.

Baños, Ecuador
South America is lucky to have the Andes mountain range, which is the source of a large part of its beauty. Baños is one of the best places to earn your experiences with the Andes. There is nowhere to go but up from the valley-situated town, so depending on your skill level, go on a dayhike to waterfalls, rivers, or just to a high up viewing point, or go on longer treks into the mountains. If you are unsure how to navigate on your own or need assistance, don't hesitate to enlist the help of an experienced guide so you don't spend your Ecuador vacations lost!

This article about South America was written by a travel expert at Latin America For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Ecuador vacations and fully customizable Brazil tours.

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South America Travel: Explore Neighbors Peru and Bolivia

Why travel only to Peru when Bolivia is also so close by? One of the easiest dual-country holidays to enjoy in South America are the neighbors of Peru and Bolivia, both offering distinct glimpses into Andean and Altiplano life on the continent.

Peru is an absolute place of wonders, with all of its rich heritage and culture to speak of, is a premier destination in South America for due reason. The country features a wide range of climates and geographic regions, making it one of the most ecologically diverse places on the planet. Travel to Peru to see some of the most stunning views on earth, from the vibrant Pacific Ocean coast to the quaint Andean lifestyles of the central highlands and the exotic niches of the Amazon Basin, Peru and its people are an impressive and fascinating example of Latin culture and the results of Spanish colonialism centuries after the making. Another most famous destination is Machu Picchu, the ancient Inca citadel that was created over 600 years ago by the mighty civilization. Researchers today still don't know exactly why the incredible archeological site in the middle of the Andes was created, but the purpose of religion is the most reasonable motivation. Also worthy of your precious Peru holiday time is Puno along the brinks of Lake Titicaca, the highest navigatable lake in the world. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful, and the manmade floating reed islands all around still inhabited by the indigenous people as they have lived there for centuries is a breathtaking vista.

Just on the other side of Lake Titicaca on the Bolivian side is the town of Copacabana, the original site whose name lends itself to its more infamous brother in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. From there, visitors may visit the large and impressive Sun Island on Lake Titicaca, providing another beautiful perspective of the lake. Further inland is the capital city of La Paz, the highest city in the world, so make sure to spend some time getting acclimated to the altitude. The massive salt lake of Uyuni is typically the next stop after La Paz. The glistening white salt expanse is flat as a pancake, and an organized 4x4 tour across it will make for some of the most exciting vacation photos one can ask for, not only during your Bolivia travel times but of them all. A visit to the city of Sucre will round out your Bolivian experiences with all of its iconic white colonial buildings, a site which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This article about Peru and Bolivia was written by a travel expert at Peru For Less who specializes in helping you travel to Peru and Bolivia travel plans.

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South America Travel: Discover 2 of the New 7 World Wonders

For over a year, the international public had been invited to vote for what they thought should be considered the new 7 wonders of the world. The original legendary list of 7 ancient wonders include the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and many more that no longer exist; the only one of which can still be seen are the pyramids of Cairo, Egypt. Therefore, the new destinations have a lot to live up to! The semi-final list of New 7 World Wonders was revealed earlier this week, of which 2 are proudly located in South America.

Iguazu Falls: The massive waterfall spans the political borders of two countries: Argentina and Brazil. On both sides, natural parks of the same name provide for a dramatic environment in which visitors can explore the plants and animals of the area. The falls themselves are comprised of 275 smaller cascades, but the entirety of the view is absolutely stunning. Crashing down hundreds of feet, the water provides for spectacular photo opportunities. For the more daring, Iguazu Falls tours can take you via boat to the base of the natural wonder where you can see, hear, and feel the powerful sprays of the falls.

Amazon Rainforest: Spreading over 40% of the South American continent and the majority of its countries, the Amazon Rainforest is the largest of its kind in the world. Countless exotic species of animals consider the jungle their home, as well as thousands of indigenous natives who have lived there for centuries upon centuries. In Peru, the best jumping points for venturing further into the lust rainforest are the cities of Iquitos (reachable only by air or water) and Puerto Maldonado which is blessed with the nearby Manu Nature Reserve infamous for its incredible wildlife populations. In Brazil, Manaus is a top travel hub to visit before continuing further to jungle lodges such as those situated near the Madre de Dios River. Due to some complexities that may be had when planning a trip to the Amazon, booking Brazil tour packages and Peru tours are highly recommended in order that travelers are able to get the most convenient and best value experience during their holidays.

Shortlisted - the Galapagos Islands: The wildlife rich archipelago of Ecuador. It is considered one of the most biologically diverse areas of the world, and many endemic species of animals live there that cannot be found anywhere else on the planet. From marine iguanas to centuries old sea turtles and exotic bird types, a Galapagos cruise is a perfect excursion for the nature-loving traveler.

This article about Iguazu Falls and the Amazon Rainforest was written by a travel expert at Latin America For Less who specializes in helping you organize best value Iguazu Falls tours and fully customizable Brazil tour packages.

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