Think back to 1989. The Berlin Wall has just fallen. The television shows LA Law, Cheers and Murphy Brown clean up at the Emmy Awards. George Michael’s Faith is the album of the year. And Hampton Hotels launches its “100% Satisfaction Guarantee.”

Yes, 1989 was a banner year.

Fast-forward 20 years. There are many anniversaries to celebrate in 2009, but the one we’re focused on is Hampton Hotel’s 100% Satisfaction Guarantee (not 100% satisfied? then you do not pay). Why? Because in honor of the 20th anniversary of Hampton’s guarantee, Viator and Hampton have joined together to give away 20 free nights at any Hampton Hotel plus a $200 gift certificate at Viator.com!!

Hampton's 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: Not satisfied? Then you don't pay

Yes! The winner of our contest stays for 20 nights - free! - at any Hampton hotel. You’ll have 1,700+ locations to chose from… Manhattan to New Orleans, San Francisco to San Antonio, Puerto Rico to Mexico to Canada and beyond!. And you’ll receive a $200 Viator.com gift certificate.

How to enter

What’s the catch? There isn’t one!! All you need to do is answer one simple question:

What do YOU wish in life came with a 100% guarantee?

Leave your answer as a comment below. We will select the best answer to the question “What do YOU wish in life came with a 100% guarantee?” by November 5, and post the winning response below. That’s it. That’s all it takes to win 20 free hotel nights and a Viator.com gift certificate!!

Contest rules: The fine print

• The deadline for submissions is November 3, 2009. Winners will be announced by November 5, 2009.
• To enter the contest, simply leave a comment below answering the question:”What do YOU wish in life came with a 100% guarantee?”
• Viator will select a winner based on who they feel best answers the question above.
• You may enter the contest as often as you like, as long as you supply a different answer with each entry.
• The winner will receive a Hampton Hotels certificate entitling them to stay for 20 nights, free, at any Hampton Hotels location, subject to normal availability. The certificate is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. All hotel nights must be used within 12 months. The certificate has no cash value and cannot be exchanged or refunded.
• The winner will receive a USD$200 Viator.com gift certificate, valid for two years from the date of issue or as required by local law. Viator gift certificates are not redeemable for cash.
• Viator, Hampton Hotel, and Hilton Inc. employees, contractors and their families are not eligible to win this contest - don’t even think about it!

Good luck, and congratulations Hampton Hotels for 20 years of awesome customer service!

-Viator Travel Team

Hello Viatorians! We at Atlas Obscura are excited to team up with Viator to feature strange and wondrous places for the Viator Travel Blog. This week’s installment - two of our favorites from South America.

Standing in the Salar de Uyuni salt flats

Ilha de Queimada Grande, Brazil

Ilha de Queimada Grande, also known as “Snake Island,” is off the shore of Brazil almost due south of the heart of Sào Paulo. The small island is untouched by humans, and for very good reason. The island is packed with snakes. Researchers estimate that there are between one and five deadly golden lanceheads per square meter.

Snake Island, Brazil

The golden lancehead is a particularly nasty snake that grows to well over a foot (.5 meter) long, and possesses a powerful fast-acting poison that melts human flesh. (Yes - we did say it melts human flesh.)

Golden lanceheads are so dangerous that, with the exception of a few scientists, the Brazilian Navy has expressly forbidden anyone from landing on the island. But that hasn’t stopped some people from trying.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Or maybe you prefer a snake-less holiday in total desolation? We’ve got just the thing: Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flat in the world.

It’s a seemingly never-ending sheet of hexagonal tiles (created by the crystalline nature of the salt), spread out across 3,800 square miles in Bolivia’s remote southwest.

In the middle of this enormous salty lake is a hotel built entirely out of salt bricks, held together with salt mortar. Nearly everything in the hotel, including the chairs and tables, is made from salt. While the Hotel Playa Blanca has no electricity, little in the way of amenities, and no running water, what it does offer is even better: utter silence, austere beauty, and an astonishing view of the night sky.

Jumping into the clouds at the Salar de Uyuni salt flats

More strange and wonderous places coming soon from the Atlas Obscura!

-Dylan Thuras and Joshua Foer

All in all, a great evening.

Naive? Check. Narrow minded? Check.

Back at the hotel I Googled the restaurant to see what else I could learn about it, and was flabbergasted to read some of the nonsense that “reviewers” had posted after their own experiences there. Which got me to thinking: how often does a reviewer’s opinion have nothing to do with the establishment, and everything to do with the reviewer’s naivety, narrow-mindedness and lack of real-world experience?

Think before you complain (especially if you're American)

I started looking at reviews for some of the hotels and restaurants I’d enjoyed recently. And I got some pretty rude shocks. Hotels where I’d found everything to my liking were roundly derided as having poor service and lax standards, while my favoured restaurants were often seen as being second-rate.

Digging a little deeper, I found the problem was most evident in those cases where US-based reviewers had opined on international establishments. I found myself generally agreeing with the collective wisdom of Brits, Aussies and other domestic-market travellers, but was often sharply at odds with US reviews of my favourites in Europe and Asia.

Americans - stupid, ignorant and mean?

As I read more and more of these negative reviews I saw a pattern emerge. Now, you’d better brace yourself for some pretty outlandish statements coming up here; and none of them supported by any detailed research or opinion polling or any of that scientific stuff. But you decide. Here’s a summary of my thesis:

• Of all the major western, developed nations, America stands out as having a population that, in comparison to others, doesn’t really travel overseas that much
• Having said that, Americans love to share their travel experiences, filling sites like Viator, TripAdvisor, IgoUgo and others with literally millions of opinions about everything
• These two ingredients often combine into a potent mix that oozes stupidity, ignorance and, sad to say, mean-spiritedness

Here’s what I mean. A reviewer who says of a Moscow restaurant that “the servers were surly and unfriendly” clearly doesn’t realise that in Moscow the brusque manner of people in customer-facing roles is not seen as a negative by the locals; far from it, in fact. They would describe it as a “no nonsense, matter of fact” approach, and by comparison would have great disdain for the staff at your local TGIF, probably thinking them “transparently false.”

People, you hate too much

Sunday roast looks good to me, but not to everyone...

Examples like this abound. Suggesting that “activities are limited” on a Fijian island completely misses the point about Fiji — and many island destinations, where doing nothing is the whole idea!

Complaints about the size of bedrooms in London hotels fail completely to take into account the price of real estate in one of the world’s most crowded cities.

While negative statements about driving distances in Australia just demonstrate that a rudimentary knowledge of geography might be a good thing.

Read enough of these diatribes and you’ll suspect that many reviewers simply want domestic U.S. standards applied all over the world, so that no matter where they go they are greeted by a Gap-clad 20-something with a plastic smile and a menu… or a breakfast buffet that’s reminiscent of their favourite Sheraton. Sort of like the English tourists who stay in those little ‘British’ villages in Spain with ‘el Fish & Chips’ and ‘el Pub.’

Well, no. That’s not how it should be. Diversity is what makes the world an interesting place, and it’s the underlying reason why we travel. I want those Russian waiters to be off-hand; I want the French waiter to sneer at my wine order when he thinks it makes no sense; I want the Fijian check-in staff to hide out back when they see me coming; and I want the bell-hop in Las Vegas to treat me like the most important guest to check-in that day, even when I know I’m not.

The LAST thing I want is for the rest of the world to adopt false standards! Especially false American standards.

I think, therefore I complain

So please. Stop and think a little before posting that negative review. Was the service really bad, or just “different”? Was the food really too spicy, or is that just how it is in Northern India? If that beer was served warm, was there a reason why?

Travel’s an education. And from what I’ve been reading, there’s quite a few reviewers out there who could do with one of those.

-Rod Cuthbert

Editor’s note: Rod Cuthbert is the founder of Viator, Inc. You can read more of Rod’s musings here.

It started with a school movie, the 16mm kind they used to play on rattling projectors, with strips of amber film flap-flap-flapping at the ends of their reels.

I think our little elementary school in the country didn’t have much access to movies, because they showed us the Easter Island film every year (along with repeated showings of The Red Balloon and a terrifying environmentalist film in which a giant bulldozer chased down a tiny duckling).

In the woods of Oregon, a participant named Cary brought statues modeled on the famous moai heads of Rapa Nui. Photo by participant & photographer Steve Fritz

The great moai heads gazed out over a barren Easter Island landscape, as close to the middle of nowhere as you were ever likely to get. Why had the island’s past inhabitants toppled their own monoliths? Why were scientists and linguists unable to translate the petroglyphs carved into stones? Were stories of the makemake “birdman cult” true? Had the island’s tribes driven themselves to near extinction with overpopulation and by building their moai?

One place to see before you die

The movie didn’t answer these questions satisfactorily; it just scratched the surface and proposed a few modest anthropological theories. The more the archaeologists discovered, it seemed, the weirder and more mysterious the island’s history appeared. Easter Island—called Rapa Nui by its Polynesian inhabitants and Isla de Pascua by its sovereign nation, Chile—seemed not only mysterious and melancholic: it was remote, served by a single ship scheduled to dock once each year. I desperately wanted to go.

In our teens and 20s, my friend Anastasia and I kept lists. Places we wanted to live: New York, London, New Orleans. (Between us, we succeeded.) Things to live for: poetry, punk rock, patent leather shoes. (Likewise.)

Then there was the master list: Things to Do Before Dying. We managed to achieve some of them. Anastasia got married, I wrote a book. Others we grew out of: I no longer want to try certain exotic drugs or put out a 7-inch single on K Records. The jury’s still out on whether I will grow a roof garden composed entirely of poisonous plants. But I didn’t outgrow the number one item on my list. “Go to Easter Island,” it said.

Tiffany and composer Eric Hausmann are creating a soundtrack 6,480 hours long for the project. The music, which includes sounds from audiences and participants, will be streamed online for 270 days and used in live performances

Although many more documentaries have been made since my childhood — and now you can fly in several times a week from Tahiti or Santiago — Rapa Nui remains a place of mystery. I never lost my childhood fascination with ruins, cemeteries, and crumbling monuments. I’ve explored relics and temples of Mayan, Celtic, Hindu, Buddhist, West African, and Native American origin. Despite my impressive sixth-grade report on Polynesia and blatant theft of Rapa Nui culture for a fifth-grade archaeology project, despite researching in my 20s how I might drop by the island via tramp steamer en route to a writer’s residency in Antarctica, my grown-up travels never got me any closer than Maui.

The heavy part

Anastasia and I continued to bring up Easter Island over the years, hoping to someday drop by Tahiti on the way to look for our grandparents (a whole other story). We sketched out a screenplay about two women who do just that, but of course we never bothered to write it. The fabled Easter Island trip became less of an intended journey and more of an emblem, a symbol of the dashing, whimsical lives we imagined for ourselves. Now we were in our 30s, and things were getting more — ugh — serious.

Separately, we still traveled a fair amount, but graduate school and careers edged out quixotic adventures to the South Pacific. Then we both got walloped by our biological clocks.

Anastasia had always wanted children. She changed jobs and moved to a small town in anticipation of family life. I, on the other hand, didn’t intend to procreate. I wrote about child-free living in magazines and books; I was more than happy to remain a writer, artist, and traveler.

The biological clock, and marrying into a delightful family complete with stepchild, changed all that. The urgent, deep need to have a baby took me by hellish surprise.

Northwest ceramics artist Sequoia Miller offered this seed of creation to the project at a live event in Washington state

The clock strikes 40

For various reasons, it transpired that neither Anastasia nor I was likely to have children of our own. In our separate lives, in different cities, we wrestled with grief and uncertainty that seemed unbearable at times. One day we decided that if we were both still childless by the time we turned 40 — by the time I turned 40, being the elder — we would go on a big trip together, like our month in London as teenagers or our move to Brooklyn in our 20s.

“Is it time for Easter Island?” Anastasia asked.

“Yes,” I replied. “It is time.”

As excited as I was about the prospect, I didn’t really believe we would go. It would be bad enough if one of us couldn’t become a mother, but both of us? I thought I could accept that grief for myself, however torturous and never-ending it felt. It seemed horribly unfair, though, that Anastasia might not have children. Unlike me, she had done all the right things to set that up for her life. I hoped she could fulfill her biological imperative and that particular aspect of her loving nature. If she did have a baby, maybe I’d go to Easter Island all by myself.

The Easter Island Project is born, so to speak

Delving into the subject of childlessness in my artwork and writing brought me to a larger question: Why do we create? What compels humans to make babies, art, poems, and atom bombs? How does this relentless generative urge affect our environment?

Printing the project - The artist and friends create hundreds of serigraph images on cloth and paper, which are used at Easter Island Project events and installations

Thus the Easter Island Project was born. In it, I invite audiences to become participants who explore these questions with me. They do it by making creations and generously offering them to my project, knowing that I will gestate these “seeds” of creation and make something new out of them. Nobody knows, yet, exactly what the resulting artworks will look like. I ask participants to trust me. It’s a big thing to ask.

Some people participate via Internet and postal mail, but mostly, I meet up with them in person at events around the USA. People bring objects, make music, offer dances, and join rituals. In some form or other, these seeds of creation will come to Rapa Nui itself with me and Anastasia. I invite you to join in, and follow the Easter Island Project’s journeys on the Viator Travelblog. We could end up just about anywhere.

In the meantime, you can check out the project live in New York, March 26, at Synthetic Zero. Details here.

-Tiffany Lee Brown

Planning a trip to beat your own 40-year clock? Browse Viator’s Chiles tours & things to do in Chile, from things to do on Easter Island to Santiago day tours.

Thailand - Bangkok was voted #34 in 2008

Before we say farewell to 2008, let us take a moment to honor the Top 50 destinations of the year as determined by Viator.com travelers. This is our third annual “Viator Top 50″ list, and like last year, 2008 has been a great ride, full of surprises (good on ya Paris, Rome and Las Vegas) and some surprising absences (Mexico, we missed you).

If you’re not yet caught up on our end-of-year lists of top things to do around the world, these links will help: Europe, Asia, USA & Canada, Australia & New Zealand, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East & Africa.

Also have a look at our Top 10 Traveler Photos of the year - these photos will absolutely get you inspired to travel this year. Thanks again to the millions of travelers who visited us in 2008, we hope to see you again in 2009.

The Viator 50: Top Travel Destinations in 2008

50. Punta Cana. It’s the top resort in the Dominican Republic, with sandy white beaches, adventure safaris, snorkeling, speedboat rides, deep sea fishing, beautiful seaside golf course and a sunset cruise on the Caribbean. What more could you ask for?

49. Boston. Boston blends old-world beauty and modern convenience with grand architecture, renowned academic traditions, ghosts, harbour cruises, nearby seacoast and rolling New England countryside. Wicked cool, as they say in Harvard Yard.

48. Geneva. The most international city in Switzerland, Geneva is a peaceful place to explore museums, restaurants and cultural events, bask on the banks of Lake Geneva, hop across to the Alps, and eat plenty of chocolate!

47. Kyoto. The elegance and romance of Kyoto is found in its temples, shrines, palaces, gardens and museums. All this alongside famous artisans and cultural workshops, and a modern scene pulsing with life and activity. A definite must on your next trip to Japan.

46. Granada. Two words: simply breathtaking. Granada’s Alhambra is one of the greatest accomplishments of Islamic art and architecture, the next biggest attraction is the city itself, set against the backdrop of Spain’s Sierra Nevada mountains.

45. Montego Bay. Soak up the spirit of Jamaica with a walk in the canopy, trip to Kingston, horseback ride, jungle river tube safari, Jeep tour or just chill out to reggae.

44. Montreal. Montreal charms with a relaxed atmosphere, culinary excellence and lively nightlife, from the historic Old Port to Notre-Dame Basilica and Mont Royal Park, out to the magnificent surrounding countryside. Montreal puts a little oomph into any visit to Canada.

43. Auckland. Think: Waitomo Glowworm Caves, Harbour Bridge Climb, Wilderness Experience, Aquatic Encounter, Bungy Jumping, America’s Cup and nearby Rotorua’s bubbling mud pools. They all make Auckland a city to savour, and a must-see when visiting New Zealand.

42. Kuala Lumpur. The capital of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur (KL for short) is an Asian Tiger bustling with colonial history, markets and charm, enjoy panoramic views from the revolving restaurant, or get up close to the elephants and fireflies in the Malaysian countryside.

41. Nice. The capital of the Côte d’Azur is a sparkling, gritty, sexy city bursting with nightlife, fantastical belle époque architecture, modern art and a buzzing cultural scene. It also has glamorous day trips along the French Riviera to Monaco and Monte Carlo.

40. Christchurch. It’s a thoroughly modern Kiwi city, boasting art, fashion, food, the International Antarctic Centre, historic tram and gondola rides, culture and heritage, Wildlife including whale watching, and spectacular scenery along the Tranz-Alpine Railway and down to the glaciers.

#32 in 2008 - Cairo. Photo taken by Phillip D on a private tour to the Giza Pyramids from Cairo

39. Brisbane. Climb Story Bridge or take a dinner cruise on Brisbane River, discover the historic city centre and glitzy cafe scene and nightlight of Bris Vegas, getaway to Fraser or Moreton Island, double the thrills at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, and spend the day at Australia Zoo. Brisbane? Oh yeah, it’s also the capital of Queensland.

38. Singapore. A foodies paradise, from Little India to Chinatown. Have a Singapore Sling at the famous Raffles Hotel, eat at a hawker market, have a trishaw ride through town, have breakfeast at th4e Singapore Zoo with an orangutan.

37. Chicago. Diverse characters, unrivalled jazz and blues legends, and skyscrapers make Chicago an astonishing blend of tradition and modern, from Lake Michigan to Musicals and the prohibition, the Windy City is hoppin’! And see - we didn’t even need to mention it’s also the hometown of President Obama.

36. Perth. The sunniest and most isolated city in Australia, Perth is a City of Lights on the Swan River, home to magical beaches and festivals, perfect to embark on a Desert Adventure, explore Rottnest Island, taste fine wines at Swan Valley and Margaret River wineries, or swim with dolphins in Monkey Mia.

35. Costa del Sol. Like wedding cakes strewn along the seaboard from Málaga to Gibraltar, Spain’s Costa del Sol is the perfect base for a visit exquisite Granada and the Alhambra Palace, day trips to Morocco, Seville or Cordoba, or soaking up the sunshine, sports and nightlife.

34. Bangkok. Absorb this vibrant city (it’s the capital of Thailand) through your senses, a morning at the floating markets, silk shopping, a temple visit, or Thai cooking class before dinner on Chao Praya River. Or mnaybe a day trip to the Bridge on the River Kwai and Khao Yai National Park for an elephant ride.

33. Phoenix. Time your trip to Phoenix for the Scottsdale Rodeo or Yaqui Indian Easter Ceremonies in Guadalupe, an urban trek on Camelback Mountain, and a timeless visit to the wonderous Grand Canyon, West Rim, Apache Trail and Sedona.

32. Cairo. Cruise the Nile, visit the Sphinx, promenade by the Pyramids, then explore modern Cairo, a city alive with an intensity of tastes and sounds from the souqs to the palace, the chaotic to the bazaar. Cairo is a must on any trip to Egypt.

31. Salzburg. The hills ARE alive with the Sound of Music, in this mecca of Mozart. This highlight of Austria oozed charm along with gold and salt in the mines, mysterious ice caves and - for culinary decadence - Sacher Torte.

#23 in 2008 - Ayers Rock & Uluru. Photo by Tomoko K on the Kata Tjuta (Olgas) sunset tour

30. Edinburgh. Look for Nessie in the Loch, escape to the Isle of Skye, have a Highland fling, learn the truth of the da Vinci Code, immerse yourself in culture at Festival time, or just sip a wee dram o’ wonderful whisky.

29. Naples. Pulsating, anarchic and crumbling, see Naples and live! Capri, Pompeii and Mt Vesuvius are nearby, taste Southern Italy along the Amalfi Coast, and head back into this colorful town to explore the Piazzas, Naples Bay or San Martino.

28. Oahu. Walk on the beach in Waikiki, hit the museums in Honolulu, or go underwater in a submarine. This magnificent Polynesian island paradise offers culture, nature and history in a sumptuous blend.

27. Hong Kong. The harbour, dim sum, a junk cruise at sunset, Hong Kong has plenty packed into a very small area - which makes it a fabulous place to visit for even a few days on your way to points east or west.

26. Vancouver. Cedar-scented rainforest to whale-watching cruise, shop, sail or ski, you’ll be back in the centre of this sophisticated and laid-back Canadian harbour city in time for a cocktail or three.

25. Dubai. Science-fiction skyscrapers stand alongside mosques and shopping centres in this lavish sun-drenched megalopolis. Desert adventure safari, vibrant cosmopolitan or lush oasis, all meet in Dubai.

24. Zurich. Creativity and innovation meet tradition and finance in Zurich, the chocolate box city blossoming into a unique cultural capital. Visit the City of Roses, admire the Alps, cruise on the lake and soak up the Swiss ambiance.

23. Ayers Rock. The geological ochre marvel at the heart of Australia, Uluru is an icon of magic and mystery. Dine under a million stars, ride a camel into the desert, learn about Aboriginal culture, or simply wonder at the sheer majestic beauty of this unique place.

22. Vienna. Echoes of grandiose empires abound in architectural wedding cakes, sumptuous theatres, lavish opera and grand churches, while low-brow pleasures are as simple as a walk in the forest, or splashing in the river.

21. Los Angeles. Fame and fortune’s siren call brings celebrities and stargazers alike to LA, land of the scrumptious power-brunch, Hollywood movie stars, shopping on Rodeo Drive, A-list nightlife and hidden enclaves.

#13 in 2008 - Amsterdam. Photo by Sari S on the Holland in One Day Tour

20. Cairns & the Tropical North. Adventures from rugged mountains to wild ocean, the biodiversity of World Heritage Rain Forests, snorkeling and diving in the Great Barrier Reef, riding Kuranda Scenic Railway, simply relaxing on lush island resorts or taking in local culture and cafes.

19. Washington DC. Histrionics and history meet in the Memorials and colorful pageantry of American politics, take a Trolley Tour, visit the Monuments by Moonlight, The White House and Gettysburg, and taste extraordinary eco-friendly cuisine.

18. Dublin. Decadent and down-to-earth, Dublin offers a warm welcome and a well-pulled pint, historic buildings, garrulous sociability, and trips to the natural beauty of the wild coastline.

17. Munich. Sophistication and kitsch mix into an intoxicating brew in Munich, experience Bavarian Folk Traditions and Oktoberfest, high-end auto adventures, glamorous castles, vibrant arts, culture and Black Forest Cake.

16. Madrid. Europe’s highest capital and Spain’s headiest city, the addictive ebullience of Madrid extends from El Prado and Museums, to Tapas, Flamenco, the Royal Palace and Toledo.

15. Barcelona. Barcelona sizzles with stylish cool, from the genius of Gaudi to Mediterranean beaches, it’s time for Fiesta and Flamenco, experience the nightlife or a pilgrimage to Montserrat and adventure in the Pyrenees.

14. Milan. Visit the Italian design capital for serious shopping, worldly pleasures, famous art, flourishing theatre and gourmet delights. Milan will have your senses reeling all the way to Lake Como.

13. Amsterdam. Cruise the canals, admire the tulips, or hitch your bicycle to a bridge, explore the culture and the beer, Amsterdam is the ultimate hangout, where big city exuberance mixes with small-town manageability.

12. Orlando. The Orange City, home of Mickey Mouse and Gatorland, also offers an out of this world experience at the Kennedy Space Center, sandy white beaches, fine dining or swimming with dolphins and manatees.

11. Melbourne. Marvellous Melbourne, where hedonism meets high art, a paradise for football and fashion lovers, foodies, wine snobs and outdoor adventurers alike.

#3 in 2008 - Paris. Photo by Nick C on a 2CV Citroen tour of Paris.

10. San Francisco. Offbeat and genteel, the gorgeous City by the Bay is a unique mix, from Golden Gate Bridge to Chinatown; Vampires to California Wine Country.

9. Sydney. Sun-drenched natural wonders, famous icons, world-class shopping, fabulous food - from the Harbour to the beaches, Sydney has it all!

8. Venice. Achingly beautiful Venice will seduce you equally with a Gondola Serenade along the Grand Canal, or a walking tour of hidden secrets in her labyrinthine lanes.

7. Tokyo. Dynamic Tokyo offers a dazzling mix of Zen-like calm, consumer culture, sushi and sumo.

6. Florence. Home of the Renaissance, Florence is blessed with art, culture and history; Pizzas and Piazzas; Fashion and Fishing Ports.

5. London. Cosmopolitan and traditional, take in the stellar sights of London from the London Eye to Portobello Rd, Buckingham Palace to a Musical or Theatre Show.

4. New York City. Go, go, go! to Gotham City for incomporable restaurants and nightlife, fashion-forward shopping, Broadway shows, or simply explore the fascinating streets and boroughs of this thriving metropolis.

3. Paris. Experience the magical lights, museums and monuments of Paris, taste mouth-watering French delicacies, listen to opera, jazz or sexy cabaret, and enjoy romance along the Seine.

2. Rome. Discover the wonders of the Eternal City in the Vatican, Sistine Chapel and Colosseum, or on a day trip to the beautiful Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast.

1. Las Vegas. Fabulous Las Vegas! Experience the magic of a Casino Show on the Vegas Strip, getaway into the majestic landscapes of the Grand Canyon and Hoover Dam by air or land.

#1 in 2008? Las Vegas. Photo by Duncan H on the All American Grand Canyon helicopter tour from Las Vegas

So how’s your wanderlust doing after reading this entire list? For us, the Viator 50 list of top travel destinations is all about getting inspired to take that next trip. We hope this year’s list of top travel destinations on viator.com has got you thinking about your next holiday, whether it’s across town or across the globe.

Do you have your own favorites? Share them with us. Simply leave us a comment and tell us about your favorite travel destinations.

Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Team

Stay tuned, because this list is just the first of many top 25 lists (no kidding: we’re going list crazy again this year!) we are publishing as 2008 comes to a close. Stay tuned in the coming days for the Top 25 in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia-Pacific, USA & North America and the Middle East & Africa. And as always, we’ll start the new year with our annual “Top 50 Travel Destinations” list.

Rio de Janiero - Viator's #1 destination in Central & South America in 2008

Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America in 2008

We hear you asking, so Viator what were the big trends and surprises for Central & South America in 2008? Well the main trend we’ve spotted is a big jump in the popularity of shore excursions in Central & South America (mainly in Brazil) and continued growth in eco-friendly and outdoor tours: fishing, canopy tours, 4×4 safaris, hot springs treks - Viator travelers hit the outdoors in record numbers in 2008.

There’s also one thing that did not change between 2007 and 2008 - the continued popularity of both Argentina and Brazil. These two countries remain the most popular places to visit in Central & South America, among Viator travelers. One last note: in 2008 we welcomed two new South American destinations to Viator. Hola, Ecuador & Quito! Now, without further ado, Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America for 2008:

25. Rio De Janeiro Half-Day Walking Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Feel the history of Old Rio, visiting the Sao Bento Monastery, Nossa Senhora de Candelaria, Praca XV de Novembro square, and the Imperial Palace.

24. Manatee Swim & Reef Snorkel Cruise, Belize City, Belize

Jet across the crystal waters of the Caribbean by speedboat, to the manatee breeding grounds and continue on to a small remote island on Belize’s Great Barrier Reef.

23. Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tropical Islands Tour and Sepetiba Bay Cruise including Lunch, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cruise the gorgeous waters of Sepetiba Bay on a schooner, enjoying luscious tropical fruit and marvel at the natural beauty, spot dolphins, kingfishers, parrots, turtles and stingrays.

#2 in 2008 - Platforma show in Rio de Janeiro

22. Colchagua Valley Wine Tour, Santiago, Chile

Wine lovers rejoice in the boutique vineyards of Chile, with your choice of different wineries and a visit to the historic Colchagua Museum.

21. Corcovado Mountain and Christ Redeemer Statue Half-Day Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Wake up to Rio, with a ride on the cog train through dense rain forest, to the peak of Corcovado Mountain, enjoy this incredible vantage point, then relax at the beach.

20. Cousino Macul Winery and Concha y Toro Winery, Santiago, Chile

Chile is an emerging producer of great wines, taste them for yourself in a visit to two of the oldest and most historic wineries in the country.

19. Penguin Sanctuary and Otway Sound, Punta Arenas, Chile

Get close-up and personal with the penguins! A 2km coastal walk to the Magellan Penguin sanctuary.

18. Four in One - Best of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica

Highlights of Costa Rica in a day, including Poas Volcano, La Paz Waterfall Gardens, a cruise on Sarapiqui River and drive through Braulio Carrillo National Park.

17. Cave Tubing & Belize Rain Forest Tour, Belize City, Belize

Explore the jungles of Belize with a jungle hike, visit to the Maya Caves, and floating through an underground cave system on your own inner tube.

16. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip, San Jose, Costa Rica

Thrill seekers and romantics will love this visit to the breathtaking Arenal Volcano, one of the most active in the Americas.

15. Soccer Match at Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Football lovers soak up the electric atmosphere of a Brazilian football match at Rio de Janeiro’s famous Maracana Stadium.

14. Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Enjoy an eco trek in the Tijuca Rain Forest, with an open jeep ride to experience the amazing wildlife of monkeys, birds and butterflies in the Atlantic Forest ecosystem.

13. Buenos Aires City Tour, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Discover the magic of Argentina’s capital city with a comprehensive tour of Buenos Aires.

12. Costa Rican Combo Buena Vista Hot Springs / Canopy Tour and Water Slide, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

Take an exhilarating waterslide down a 1,300 foot (400 meter) slide in the countryside, relax with a mud rub at Buena Vista hot springs, and soar the jungle on a canopy tour.

11. Otavalo Marketplace, Quito, Ecuador

Experience the Otavalo handicraft market, cross the equatorial line at Guachala, and visit beautiful San Pablo lake at Mira Lago and Peguche village.

10. Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso, Santiago, Chile

A fantastic day on the coast, exploring the bohemian town of Valparaiso and Pablo Neruda museum in a leisurely trip along the coastal towns of Central Chile.

#1 tour in 2008? Corcovado & Sugar Loaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro

9. Tren de la Costa Rail Tour to Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Take a picturesque ride along the Rio de la Plata to visit the extraordinary Parana River ecological delta and luxurious homes and coastline of the Tigre area.

8. Chilean Folklore Show and Dinner, Santiago, Chile

Revel in the delectable Chilean cuisine with a three course meal and traditional folklore show.

7. Santiago City Tour, Santiago, Chile

Visit the neoclassical Moneda Palace, Parque Forestal and Santa Lucia Hill, finishing at Los Graneros del Alba handicraft village.

6. Argentinean Fiesta Gaucha Day Trip, Buenos Aires, Argentina

A relaxing day trip through the scenic pampas countryside to experience life on the ranch, with a traditional asado barbecue and the distinctive gaucho music and dance.

5. Opera Pampa Dinner and Show, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Brilliantly choreographed gaucho show, in a dynamic and entertaining introduction to Argentina’s history, feast on a typical gaucho barbecue and sample local wines.

4. Buenos Aires by Night - Tango Show, Buenos Aires, Argentina

Enjoy a superb performance of the tango, experiencing the emotion, magic and glamour of Argentina.

3. Helicopter Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A magnificent tour of the city by air, viewing the golden beaches, granite mountains, Maracana Stadium and Christ the Redeemer Statue.

2. Plataforma Samba Show, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Experience the glamor and colour of the samba, with a spectacular light show, exotic costumes and beautiful dancers.

1. Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Day Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The best of Rio in one day, take a cog train journey through Tijuca Rain Forest to the top of Corcovado mountain and watch the sunset over Copacabana Beach from Sugar Loaf Mountain.

There you have it. Viator’s list of the Top 25 tours and things to do in Central & South America in 2008.

Stay tuned for more lists in the coming days, to help you plan your next trip across the globe. In the meantime, if your curious about the top things to do last year, in 2007, keep on reading…

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *

Viator’s Top 25 Things to Do in Central & South America: 2007

25. Rio De Janeiro Half-Day Walking Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

24. Iguazu Falls Tour, Puerto Iguazu, Argentina

23. Rio de Janeiro Full Day Tropical Islands Tour and Sepetiba Bay Cruise including Lunch, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

22. Colchagua Valley Wine Tour, Santiago, Chile

21. Corcovado Mountain and Christ Redeemer Statue Half-Day Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

20. Cousino Macul Winery and Concha y Toro Winery, Santiago, Chile

19. Penguin Sanctuary and Otway Sound, Punta Arenas, Chile

18. Four in One - Best of Costa Rica, San Jose, Costa Rica

17. Buenos Aires Half-Day Bike Tour, Buenos Aires, Argentina

16. Arenal Volcano and Hot Springs Day Trip, San Jose, Costa Rica

15. Soccer Match at Maracana Stadium, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

14. Tijuca Rain Forest Jeep Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

13. Buenos Aires City Tour, Buenos Aires, Argentina

12. Vina Del Mar and Valparaiso, Santiago, Chile

11. Costa Rican Combo Buena Vista Hot Springs / Canopy Tour and Water Slide, Guanacaste, Costa Rica

10. Panama Canal Transit - Ocean to Ocean, Panama City, Panama

9. Tren de la Costa Rail Tour to Tigre, Buenos Aires, Argentina

8. Chilean Folklore Show and Dinner, Santiago, Chile

7. Santiago City Tour, Santiago, Chile

6. Argentinean Fiesta Gaucha Day Trip, Buenos Aires, Argentina

5. Opera Pampa Dinner and Show, Buenos Aires, Argentina

4. Buenos Aires by Night - Tango Show, Buenos Aires, Argentina

3. Helicopter Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

2. Plataforma Samba Show, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

1. Corcovado Mountain, Christ Redeemer and Sugar Loaf Mountain Day Tour, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Happy travels in 2009!

-The Viator Travel Team

The Blancaneaux Lodge, Belize

It’s Better in Belize. You Better Belize It. It’s Unbelizeable.

If I had a nickel for each time I saw a Belize-inspired T-shirt, I’d have at least 60 cents by now. Maybe a buck.

The problem is not a lack of T-shirts. Trust me, there are heaps on sale in Belize. The problem is that Belize is one of those places that refuses to become mainstream. Every few years something thrusts Belize into the global spotlight.

Yet beyond the occasional news item, most travelers know little if anything about Belize. Don’t belize me? OK smarty pants, let’s test your knowledge with my patented Belize Pop Quiz.

• True or false, there is a Guinness brewery in Belize.
• True or false, there are British army troops stationed in Belize.
• True or false, filmmaker George Lucas has a posh jungle lodge in Belize.
• True or false, the following countries all border Belize: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras.
• True or false, the most popular radio station in Belize is called Love FM.

OK, let’s see how you scored. The answer to question #1 is true. Belize has its very own Guinness brewery, under license from the mothership back at St James’s Gate, Dublin. This is also where Belize’s homegrown beer, Belikin, is bottled.

Question 2? True. The British Army maintains troops in Belize, a remnant of the days when Belize was a UK possession known as “British Honduras” (Belize gained full independence in 1981).

Question 3? You can be forgiven for missing this, it was a trick question. The answer is false because it’s not George Lucas but Francis Ford Coppola who stumbled across a dilapidated jungle retreat in 1981 and, 12 years later, opened the utterly lovely Blancaneaux resort (more on that below).

Question 4? False. Only Mexico and Guatemala share a border with Belize, not Honduras.

And question 5? True. ‘Thank you for choosing love’ is the unofficial motto of Love FM. My favorite DJ used to sign off with “…here are super-fantastic kisses to you and you and you” (it sounds best in a Belizean accent).

If you scored 5/5 on the quiz, give yourself a gold star and go read a different blog post because there’s little I can teach you about Belize. If you scored 2 or more out of 5 then keep on reading, you may need a Belize refresher course. If you scored less than that, ohhhhh how I envy you. It means you don’t know much about Belize. More to the point, it means you can have the distinct pleasure of discovering Belize for the first time. Whenever I meet somebody who has not heard of Belize I feel like giving them an award: first place in the ‘about to have the experience of a lifetime’ category.

Without further ado, my suggested itineraries for making the most of your time in Belize.

Belize: Before You Go

Lighthouse Lager, Belize's 'other' beer

The first decision you need to make is this: ocean first, ruins and mountains second; or ruins and mountains first, ocean second. I typically opt for the latter course. I like to have my adventures up front, then relax and unwind after. While you can’t make a bad choice, you do need to make a choice because it will define the shape of your entire trip. I’m going to assume you prefer adventure up front, as well, and offer my suggestions accordingly.

The second decision you need to make is this: to Belize City or not to Belize City? I will not lie to you. Belize City is not the most beautiful city in Central America (though if you’re coming from Tegucigalpa, well, it feels like paradise here). Belize City is a fine transport hub. It even has a few decent restaurants. But if you’re short on time it is OK to skip Belize City. The reality is, you’ll pass through here at least twice on your way to/from the reef and the airport.

The last decision you need to make is this: to drive or not to drive? Belize is a small easy-to-navigate country. There are only 4 main roads and buses are decent (I didn’t say comfortable, I merely said decent). So there is no reason that you must have a 4×4. That said, Belize is a very easy place to drive (on the right, despite the British influences). It’s also REALLY REALLY FUN to take a 4×4 into the jungle. I can’t imagine visiting Belize without having a 4×4 (and yes, you do need a 4×4) at my beck and call. I usually rent through a company called Crystal Auto because they have an office at the airport and in Belize City, and will shuttle you for free between the two locations. All you need is a driver’s license from your home country plus the basic insurance that comes with the vehicle.

Belize Itineraries: Jungles, Mountains, Maya Ruins

Assuming you take my advice and start with mountains and jungles and decide to rent a 4×4, here’s what you do. Fly into Belize City, grab your bags, walk across the parking lot to the car-rental offices, get your 4×4, and head out on the Western Highway to San Ignacio.

Hands down, the best inland base for travelers is the town of San Ignacio. There’s something incredibly charming about the place; it feels like a mix between a forgotten colonial outpost and a modern backpacker’s paradise. There is a good range of hotels, lodges and restaurants here. And San Ignacio is an excellent hub for day trips.

River Cave Tubing in Belize

Things to Do: Even if you’re not staying at Blancaneaux (see below), make the journey up into the Mountain Pine Ridge to the Rio Frio Cave. This is a stunningly massive cave with a river running through it. I don’t know if it’s “safe” to swim here, but I have done it many times, always with bats dive-bombing my head. I also think the Rio On pools, just past Blancaneaux, are worth a swim (despite the leech-like animals that stuck to my skin). And it goes without saying, it’s worth the $10 for a drink and snack at the bar at Blancaneaux, since you’re in the neighborhood.

Another popular thing to do is cave tubing. It’s a blast, I highly recommend it. Also on my “recommended” list are the ruins at Xuanantunich, which is a smallish but interesting temple complex overlooking the Mopan River; and the ruins at Cahal Pech plus the nearby Panti Medicinal Trails. If you’re up for a serious adventure, spend the day driving (about 2 hours each way) to the recently discovered ruins at Caracol. The drive alone, through jungle and untouched parts of the border region, is worth the effort.

On the way to or from Belize City, the Belize Zoo is worth a visit. I don’t remember which animal it was (the tapir, maybe), but when you see a sign that says ‘warning, this animal may pee on you’, they are not kidding, trust me on this. (If you like animals, also check out the Belize Community Baboon Sanctuary.)

Places to Stay: I’ll just get it out of the way, since it’s obvious how much I really enjoy staying at Francis Ford Coppola’s Blancaneaux lodge. It is simply stunning. Be sure to ask for one of the three-walled bungalows facing the river. The fourth wall is actually just a screen, which lets in the melodious gurgle of the nearby river and a cool breeze. Heaven.

I can also recommend a few of the more traditional lodges in Belize. Most of these are fairly expensive, but the service, location and overall experience are wonderful. Try the Chaa Creek Lodge, duPlooy’s Jungle Lodge, or the Windy Hill Resort. Less expensive (but good all the same) is the Parrot Nest Lodge.

Day Trip to Guatemala: Before you head back to Belize City for a week on the reef, consider taking a day trip to Tikal in Guatemala. Tikal is one of the best-preserved Mayan ruins in Central America. I’ve done this trip a few times, by bus, by 4×4 and by plane. If you’re short on time, the plane is a great option.

Belize Itineraries: The Reef

Sunset on Caye Caulker

If you’re following my trip plan, head back to Belize City and drop off your 4×4 at the rental office. Politely ask for a lift to the Belize City ferry port and catch the first ferry out of town. Your destination? The reef.

Belize’s reef is one of the finest in Central America, despite recent hurricane damage. Unless you’re planning a live-aboard diving trip, you’ll probably end up in one of two places: Caye Caulker or Ambergris Caye (caye is pronounced like ‘key’). Choosing between them is easy. If you prefer a backpacker vibe and a mellow pace, Caye Caulker is for you. If you want more restaurant, hotel, shopping and nightlife options, Ambergris Caye (and its main town of San Pedro) is for you.

The main thing to do on either island is relax. Beach, beer, swimming, napping, the island life is blissful in Belize. After a few days you may be itching for an adventure. In which case there’s snorkeling and/or watching manatees, world-class diving, sailing, fishing and (if you’re on one of those mega-fancy resorts) golfing.

Belize: The other bits

The mainland town of Placencia in southern Belize is a coastal gem, with easy access to southern diving sites and plenty of things to do in the surrounding jungle. If you look at a map you’ll wonder what else is near Placencia, and if it’s worth the trek in its own right. That’s a tough call, since Placencia is so pleasant. I guess if push comes to shove, skip it if you only have a week or two in Belize, and save it for the next visit. If you do make it to Placencia, check out Coppola’s Turtle Cove Inn.

Another part of Belize that falls into this category is Orange Walk, way up in the north, and the nearby ruins of Lamanai, one of the finest in all Belize. This is a real trek from Belize City, and you’ll need to dedicate a few days (at least) if you’re heading out this way. If you can afford it, I highly recommend the Lamanai Outpost Lodge.

-Scott McNeely

Planning a trip to Belize? Check out all of Viator’s tours and things to do in Belize or browse more of Scott’s photos of Belize.

What is Viator’s Traveler of the Month?

Recently we started publishing photos over on the viator.com website. These are photos taken by actual Viator travelers, photos of themselves on elephant treks, helicopter tours, desert safaris, private tours of the Vatican — and on hundreds of the other 5,000+ tours and things to do available on Viator.

So we’ve started giving props each month to an individual Viator traveler who makes us laugh, makes us smile, or who inspires us to make that next trip. It might be the prettiest traveler photo, or the funniest, or most inspirational, or just most plain weird.

What do you win? A $100 gift certificate (or the equivalent in pounds or euros) to use on Viator.com! So get traveling, take photos and submit them to viator.com when you return. If you want to participate, simply submit your travel photos (see below for how this works) and you are eligible. Each month we will chose a new winner.

This month we’re pleased to honor Danielle and her family for their Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner photos.

September’s Traveler of the Month - Danielle B, USA

While Danielle was traveling with her parents to Florence, they took the Tuscan Cooking Class and Dinner Tour. She submitted some enjoyable pictures of them making crepes and showing off their “flipping” skills during their Tuscan cooking class.

June’s Traveler of the Month - Theresa N, USA

Theresa traveled with her family to London and took her kids on the Harry Potter Black Taxi Private Tour. Theresa submitted some fun photos of her kids dressed up like Harry Potter and visiting the sites that were made famous by the series on the Harry Potter Black Taxi Private Tour. Yes, Theresa put a spell on us, so we’re crowning her the traveler of the month in June.

May’s Traveler of the Month - Alviera N, Australia

Alveira traveled with her family to Singapore and enjoyed the Imperial Cheng Ho Singapore Harbour Dinner Cruise during their travels. Alveira submitted some neat photos of them in front of the famous replica of the Imperior vessel of the Ming Dynasty on the Imperial Cheng Ho Singapore Harbour Dinner Cruise.

April’s Travelers of the Month - James & Michelle, United Kingdom

Michelle and James went on a trip to Cairo, Egypt and had a wonderful time exploring the different pyramids on their private tour to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara. James submitted some really fun photos of their trip to the Giza Pyramids, Sphinx, Memphis and Sakkara in Cairo. This is a great tour to get the full pyramid experience in Egypt.

James said, “This was a great day out. We had a few laughs along the way. The guide was brilliant.”

March’s Traveler of the Month - Alexandra S, Australia

Alexandra S and her family recently went on a trip to Fiji and based on her photos and captions, they had a blast. The photo above is from the South Sea Island Day Cruise where they snorkeled and relaxed by the pool. Alexandra submitted some great photos of the South Sea Island Day Cruise in Fiji. If you’re looking to relax and have a fun trip with the kids in Fiji, Alexandra recommends this tour.

Alexandra says: “Kris has given his thumbs up for this experience. This is definitely a trip to take especially if you have kids.”

February’s Traveler of the Month - James A, UK

Here’s a shot taken by James A in Rome, on the Vatican Museums, Sistine Chapel and St Peter’s Rome Walking Tour. James submitted some great photos of Rome and the inside of the Vatican. And, according to James’ review he’s glad he booked ahead because the line to get into the Vatican was over 2.5 hours long!

James says: “We were enjoying our tour within 15 minutes, and the guide brought the Vatican alive. There is so much to see you simply would not enjoy any other way as it would not mean much without being explained. The headsets you are given for the tour are fab, and you can hear loud and clear what your guide is saying. We normally do our own thing on holiday; however, this is one of the rare places which the tour works very well.”

January’s Traveler of the Month - Sumit B, USA

Sumit B seems to be having a good time at Madame Tussauds Wax Museum in Las Vegas, which he visited after purchasing the Las Vegas Power Pass. Sumit, his wife and his two embarrassed children met Beyonce, the Terminator, Johnny Depp, George Bush and Jenna Jameson, among others. Hopefully his wife forgives him for all of the photos with other women.

–The Viator Travel Team

Editor’s Note: We’ve posted the photos submitted by our Travelers of the Month over on the Viator Flickr site. Hop on over for some inspiration for your next trip.

How can you submit photos to Viator’s Traveler of the Month contest? It’s simple: book a tour with Viator and, when you return, you will receive a “Welcome Back” email. This email will invite you to submit reviews and photos of the tours and things to do on your trip. Tell other travelers what you loved, what you hated and show them in a photo. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words.

To find the Earth’s equator is now pretty easy. You stand around where you think it is with your handy GPS and the gadget tells you where to go and when you’ve arrived. Back when the equator was first mapped, it was the 1700s, and no one thought to bring along their GPS.

The story of the equator (well, equators, but we’ll get to that in a minute) in Ecuador starts in the 1700s when the first geodesic expedition took place, the French Geodesic Mission, whose goal was to find and mark the equator. The equator passes through 14 countries. The ones on major land masses were sort of uninviting, or at least seemed like a hassle to the French (present day Uganda, Somalia, places like that). So they turned to South America, and specifically it seemed like a nice Spanish controlled territory (now Ecuador) was traveler friendly, a nice colonial city, Quito, was already built nearby. So they asked the King of Spain if it was cool for them to go equator hunting and he said sure, provided you take a long these two Spanish scientists to share in the glory. So they all set off in 1735.

They got to Quito, met up with an Ecuadorian scientist, and started measuring the curvature of the Earth around Quito. They stood on tall hills (there are many around Quito), they walked around a lot, they measured. Through some math that I cannot admit I fully understand, they came up with the location of the equator. And that spot is called Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World in Spanish).

Kelly & Jacob on the equator

Ecuador’s Equator #1: French

Ecuador eventually became independent of Spain, and decided to commemorate the expedition and the equator, which they named their country after (yep, Ecuador is Spanish for equator), by erecting a monument. There’s a long walk up to the monument, the path flanked by big heads of all the scientists on the expedition.

The path culminates with a view of a stone building topped by a representation of the Earth (on its side for optimal equator viewing). Inside the stone building is an Ethnographic Museum, which houses some very worthwhile exhibits on the various cultures and peoples of Ecuador, both indigenous and not.

If you trek out to the Mitad del Mundo, I highly recommend a visit to the museum. And, of course, there’s a big line painted on the ground to represent the equator complete with compass markings.

The monument is great, there’s just one problem with it, its not actually on the equator. The French guys were good at math, but not perfect, they came in a mere 250 meters off.

Ecuador’s Equator #2: Actually at 0°0′0″ Lat.

Kelly & Jacob at actual equator

Located on the actual equator is the Inti Nan museum. Besides sitting atop the actual GPS calculated equator, the museum has hands on exhibits about indigenous Ecuadorian life (houses, food, stuff like that). The exhibits were interesting, but more interesting are the experiments you can participate in on the equator.

Try to walk the equator line straight with your eyes closed, its impossible, you feel like you’re falling. You can balance an egg on the head of a nail, gravity is straight down, so it becomes a much easier task. Watch the Coriolis effect in action as water spins down drains. All of it was fun in a sort of freaky and nerdy kind of way.

I highly recommend visiting at least one, if not both of the equators in Ecuador. I know it seems like a really touristy thing to do, but how often can you hop over a line and across a hemisphere?

– Kelly G

Following in the French Geodesic Mission’s footsteps and traveling to Ecuador? Browse Viator’s tours to Mitad del Mundo.

I have not been to Brazil. That’s the official line and I am sticking to it. However, the reality is, I have been to Brazil. Well…

My trip was simple enough. After visiting the Argentine side of Iguazu Falls we would transit the very corner of Brazil to Ciudad del Este in Paraguay, where we booked a charming riverside guest house to spend a couple of days before taking a local bus to Asuncion. (That’s a story for a future post!)

As any prepared traveler, I checked the situation for visas with both the US State Department and each countries consulate– Paraguay, check. Argentina, Check. Brazil: Not required for transit from Argentina to Paraguay. Excellent! Brazilian visas are expensive and I was happy to not pay this. I printed the information page from the consular website to take with me, “just in case”.

After several incredible days of hiking and relaxing at Iguazu, we hired a local taxi to take us to the border of Brazil. From there, we would transit by bus to Paraguayan border, walk across the bridge and take another local taxi to our guesthouse. At the Argentine/Brazil border, we were stamped out of Argentina with a hearty “Adios” and “Buen Viaje”. We walked through the no-man’s land to the Brazilian immigration office and presented our shiny blue American passports. The officer frowned and fired something at us in Portuguese.

Now, my partner speaks Spanish fluently and with a little improvisation can get out some basic phrases in Portuguese, but did we hear this correctly? They wanted $250 ($150 more than a “real” Brazilian visa) to transit for 45 minutes?? No way! We tried to explain the situation that a visa was not required. I even provided the printout that I brought with me from home – BAD MOVE! As it turns out, the US had just started charging $100 for a US visa to Brazilians and they were one of the first groups of travelers to be photographed and fingerprinted for entry. Needless to say, there was no negotiation and we simply were turned away. Dejected, we took a taxi back to Argentina and called our guesthouse in Paraguay to tell them that we could not make it – and that’s where the fun began!

Shortly after our news, our Paraguayan hosts called back and said that they were coming to pick us up - on a speedboat! It turns out that the boat can motor down the Parana River and navigate directly to the Argentine waters without ever entering Brazil. Great! We were instructed to go down to the river area, where the boat would meet us. What service! We trekked down to the boat docks and waited. It was a Sunday and the normal ferries were not running. The area was deserted and a bit eerie. We waited and waited.

About an hour later, the phone rang again – the boat was not working. Now they were coming to get us - with a car. Again, we explained our situation and they told us not to worry. We would not need to go through customs. Intrigued (and not wanting to re-arrange the rest of the trip), we agreed. About an hour later, a car (with Paraguayan tags) arrived. We were warmly greeted by the Manuel, the hotel owner and his Brazilian girlfriend Ratina. They gave us a glass of wine and we chatted as we sped off toward Brazil for the second time. As we approached the border, Manuel casually turned around and told us to “crouch down on the floor”. It was then that it hit me. We were not being “assisted” through customs. We were being “smuggled” through customs and it was too late to turn back now. We did as we were told and Manuel drove through the commuter lane and waived at the guards. It was that easy. We were in Foz de Iguacu, Brazil! Manuel and Ratina wanted to stop in for a bite to eat. By this time we were a little concerned and did not want any more troubles. We asked if we could just continue on to the hotel instead. They insisted that we celebrate our Brazil “visit” with a drink. We reluctantly agreed and stopped for a glass of wine. Manuel also bought a bottle of scotch. This was clearly a lot of fun for them.

Our departure from Brazil was quite simple. Once again, we were instructed to crouch on the floorboards as Manuel sped through the gates. Our arrival in Ciudad del Este was also straight forward. Manuel explained that the guards may wonder why we did not have an entry/exit stamp from Brazil and he would take care of everything for us. He took our passports (complete with official Paraguay visas) AND the bottle of scotch from earlier. Ah-ha! Something to smooth our entry. Fifteen minutes later it was “Bienvenidos – Paraguay,” and we were back on track.

–Ken Frohling

Editor’s note – Viator does not condone Human Trafficking, Smuggling or Bribery and Ken’s HR file has been duly noted. If you are going to Brazil or Argentina (legally), check out our full range of tours at Viator.com. If you need a place to stay, check out Hotels in Brazil on Planetware.com.