Known as "The Marvelous City", the Brazilian city of Rio de Janeiro is one of the most naturally beautiful cities in the world today.

A mixture of old classical statues and newer vibrant nightlife and carnivals, Rio offers the visiting traveler something to satiate all their needs. Whether you wish to visit some of its famous landmarks or sample its cosmopolitan clubs and bars, it's a wonderful city to make your acquaintance of.

Mention Rio to anyone and the first response you'll probably get is "Carnival". This is understandable - probably the most famous musical and cultural event in the world today, the annual Carnival in Rio de Janeiro attracts visitors from far and wide to sample not only its music and local cuisine, but the whole vibrant and colorful atmosphere portrayed.

A combination of a number of smaller carnivals, perhaps the most famous is the Mardi Gras, which is actually the signal for the Carnival to end. A celebration of music, life, food and belief, it's an unforgettable memory for those lucky enough to partake in it. However, there is also the parade of local Samba schools, known as the Escolas de Samba, as well as the Simpatia e Quase Amor, which is an extremely popular parade through the city that celebrates love and friendship.

However, it's not just the carnival that holidaymakers choose Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. Many New Year revelers visit the city, to enjoy one of the most elaborate and colorful fireworks displays to welcome in the New Year. This, coupled with the fantastic nightlife that the city has to offer (so good, in fact, that the likes of Naomi Campbell and Mick Jagger are known to frequent the city), makes Rio a haven for those seeking the ultimate in indulgence and fun.

Sport has always played a part in Brazilian history and Rio de Janeiro is no exception. Chosen to host the 2007 Pan American Games, it's also famous for its Moto GP superbike racetrack, as well as its beach volleyball. For the adventurous, you can try hang-gliding, kite surfing, or rock climbing, to name but a few. Indeed, Rio has been named as one of the favorite haunts for rock climbers, due to the likes of the famous Sugar Loaf granite mountain.

For the more sedate traveler, Rio also offers wonderful fishing opportunities. Take a boat out into the deep blue seas off the coats and allow yourself to relax as the breeze passes by, while you fish for the local delicacy, Brazilian copperfish. With a wide variety of these little fish alone, it's a very traditional meal and a nice way to ease the excesses of the previous night from out of your system.

By: Lucas Robi
Luca Robi is the owner and co-editor of BrazilReplies.com where you can great news and information about Brazil and other related information. Visit us if you want to learn more Brazil - Rio De Janeiro .

El Salvador is a Central American country along the Pacific Ocean and between Guatemala and Honduras. It is the smallest country in continental America and is fondly called Tom Thumb of the Americas. The country's main tourist attraction is its beautiful beaches for surfing and swimming, but there are also great archeological sites to visit and lots of other exciting things you can do when you are in El Salvador.

1.) Ilopango

Ilopango markets are located east of the city of San Salvaador. Here you can roam the market and buy local arts, crafts and unique handmade goods. You can also test your bargaining skills with the local merchants of these markets.

2.) Los Planes de Renderos

About a hundred meters above sea level, Los Planes de Renderos is a mountain that offers a spectacular view of the city San Salvador. It is a popular place to visit for both the locals and the tourists for some relaxing time. There are a lot of walking and picnic parks and restaurants in the area.

3.) La Libertad

La Libertad surf beaches is one of the best surfing beaches in the whole Central American region. It is also among the top ten in the world. A lot of surfers from around the world visit El Salvador for its surfing beaches all year round because of the challenge of El Salvador's surf.

4.) Archeological tours

Joya de Ceren is one of the most interesting archeological places in El Salvador where one can still witness the everyday life of Mayans. You can also see there the ceremonial site of San Andres with an acropolis, three main structures and 6 sub structures. The Chalchuapa is also an important archeological site where you will find the pyramids Tazumal, the name means "where the victims were burned" and the private archeological site Casa Blanca.

5.) Volcano Tours

There are a lot of volcanoes in El Salvador and several of them are open for hiking. There is the Ilamatepec which is about 2365 meters, the Tehutepec which is 2050 meters, the Izalco which is 1910 meters, Quetzaltepec which is 1960 meters and a lot more. Guides are available to assist and tour tourist through the hike through the volcanoes of El Salvador.

6.) Montecristo

Montecristo is a rainforest. It is the most important and most protected rainforest in El Salvador. Montecristo has a diverse fauna and flora that will entrance anyone who visits, so that a visit in Montecristo is truly an ultimate ecotourism adventure that should be included in your itinerary.

7.) Alegria Lagoon

This beautiful emerald green lagoon can be found inside the crater of Tecapa Volcano. Near the lagoon is the town of Alegria whose natives come from Pipil descendants. There is a local chieftain in Alegria town who willingly shares the legends of the town to its visitors.

8.) Diving

There are a lot of diving sites in El Salvador. There are guides that can recommend good spot depending on the divers' skill level, the tide and the weather condition. You can either bring your own diving equipment, or you can rent from the many diving resorts available.

9.) Fishing excursions

There are many resorts that offer fishing services in El Salvador. There are Tuna fish, Blue Marlin, Mackerel, and many other species of deepwater game fishes. You can also do some bottom fishing where you have a chance to catch Snappers, Blue Crevally, Scribbled Filefish, and others.

10.) Swimming

There are a lot of beach resorts in El Salvador for some swimming. One of the most beautiful beaches in the country is Costa del Sol. It is known for its white sand beach and great hotel resorts and restaurants.

By: Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/elsalvador to view or share El Salvador travel videos

1. Dulceria del Cangrejo- This excellent little confectionery shop makes cakes for any event. At the counter they sell delicious slices for just 25 cents a pop. However, the real deal is their medium sized cake, chocolate with a layer of chocolate fudge and personalized greeting for only $7.25!

2. Jap Jap- I feel as though I should talk to the owners about implementing a frequent Pita-ers club. Nearly every day I order the Pita Pollo, a delicious wrap of warm shredded chicken, fresh tomatoes, and a special Italian dressing-esque sauce. This fills me up and is only $2.50. For those with bigger appetites and a desire for some soul food, add a $1.25 to your bill and get their delicious (not overly mayonnaisey, with just the right amount of vinegar) potato salad.

3. While eating at JapJap, have your car washed for $3.50-4.50 depending on the size. This is a complete wash- interior and exterior.

4. Wherever you go in the city, avoid driving. Take a cab instead, it will only set you back $2.00.

5. If you are in the city and looking for a great day trip, buy a ticket to Isla Taboga for a round trip it will cost you only $11.00. Basque in the sun all day with the Panama skyline in front of you. The boat ride takes about an hour and the island has a few restaurants and hotels. Local children scale the trees and chop down coconuts.

6. If you are looking to take a direct bus to the Azuero Peninsula, known for its great beaches that are virtually empty, a one way ticket will set you back $15.00. The driver might play music a little loudly, but he will stop once along the way so you can get a snack, stretch your loins, and have a bathroom break.

7. Shopping for groceries in the city? Guinea or a bunch of Bananas will set you back only 80 cents to a dollar!

8. Looking to indulge in a little self beautification? A mani/pedi costs around $10 bucks. What a deal!

9. Beer from a local Chino- 60 cents.

10. Venture to romantic Casco Viejo and sit on the patio of Casa Portugal, enjoy a delicious glass of house wine for only $3.00. Tables are large and wooden reminiscent of a wine cellar. The ambiance here is dark and inviting, the perfect locale for a date.

By: Cailey Halloran
http://www.costaricapages.com/panama/blog/?p=90

Honduras is one of the places you can visit in Central America for its natural coast lines and historical landmarks. There are many things to enjoy in this country where natural beaches abound. It is one of the pleasures offered by the place that many tourists would certainly enjoy.

1.) Copan Ruinas

Here is the topmost tourist spot offered by Honduras which highlights the ruins of the country's Maya civilization. Many remain in awe of the sculptures that they can find in this famous landmark. This will surely win the hearts of tourists craving for remnants of history long past gone.

2.) Bay Islands

The natural coastlines of the Caribbean Sea can be found in this place. Many beach enthusiasts will find a lot of activities here such as diving, swimming and snorkeling. Boating is also possible, and you are most certainly welcome to take a stroll in its beaches just to enjoy the scenery.

3.) Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve

If you want a taste of nature, the Rio Platano Biosphere Reserve is the place to go to in Honduras. A feast for the eyes of nature lovers, this tropical rainforest happens to be the largest of its kind in the entire Central America. Here, you won't feel shortchanged when you've gone to this place and enjoyed the place.

4.) El Mercado Guamilito

Inside the industrialized city of San Pedro Sula is this spot where you will be treated to unique handicrafts. Here, you can buy a variety of wooden boxes specifically handcrafted, hammocks, Lencan pottery, leather items from Nicaragua. You will also see here handmade fabrics straight from nearby Guatemala.

5.) La Ceiba Carnival

Every third Sunday of May, you can witness a peaceful gathering called La Ceiba Carnival which happens to be the biggest of such events in Central America. Look forward to these mini-carnivals in the barrios. From here, you can move on to enjoy Cuero y Salado Wildlife Refuge with your children.

6.) Comayagua

One of the small cities found in Honduras is Comayuga. Despite this, it has retained much of architecture popular during the colonial Spanish era. The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception is built in the middle of the town square, and it is another proof of outstanding 18th-century architecture of that era when it was first built.

7.) Gracias

Gracias is proud to play host to three major churches, a museum and an old fort known as the Fortaleza de San Cristobal right above the well-known Hotel Guancasco. This place is conducive for strolling and viewing picturesque lifestyle of western Honduras. Cap this activity with a dip in the aguas temales (hot springs) just a few more kilomiters from this town.

8.) Omoa

See the beach in this part of Honduras, a short ride from San Pedro Sula, and experience a pleasurable day trip by passing by Omoa. You can also view the Spanish colonial era Fortress San Fernando in the area for one more taste of history. One would feel like he has stepped back in time when this fortress was still used and inhabited by soldiers.

9.) Tegucigalpa

The capital and the largest city in Honduras is urbanization gone wild nestled in a hilly terrain. The statue named Cristo el Picacho overlooks the city where free parking can be enjoyed at the park's entrance. The park itself requires only a small amount for you to gain entrance to it, and there's also the National Zoo situated on the hill where the Cristo el Picacho is found.

10.) Valle de Angeles

The Valley of the Angels is a tourist town a few miles off Tegus. Here, a tourist will enjoy shopping at relatively lower prices than items sold in the airport. Once you're done, you can rest and eat at La Casa de mi Abuela (My Grandmother's House) which happens to serve the best anafres in Honduras.

By: Jonathan Williams
Jonathan Williams is the travel writer for Destination Guide TV - the place to share travel videos. Visit http://www.destinationguide.tv/honduras to view or share Honduras travel videos.

If you are embarking on a Central or South American journey and Costa Rica is one of your stopovers, then you certainly need to find a reliable Costa Rica vacation guide to make the most out of your stay. To get a brief overview of what you should learn from a good vacation guide, read on and be armed with the basics.

Costa Rica is part of Central America and its neighboring countries are Nicaragua on the north and Panama on the south. On its western side, there are the beaches of the Pacific Ocean and on its eastern side, there is the beautiful Caribbean Sea.

You may be surprised to know that the best time to visit Costa Rica is during the early parts of the rainy season of May to July. Some towns in the country even experience an elevation in terms of visitors, making the tourist officials regard it as a 'mini-high season'. During this period, traveling might a bit more challenging due to the slight downpours and rain showers. Pack your raingear and bit more patience for the ultimate Costa Rican wild adventure. The mountains and high plateau also offer cooler temperatures to the visitor.

There are many different regions in Costa Rica. There are the Plains of the North, Guanacaste, Nicoya Peninsula, Central Valley, Central Pacific, Caribbean Costa Rica, South Costa Rica and Cocos Island National Park.

The capital city is Costa Rica is San Jose and their official language is Spanish. Other cities in the country are Alajuela which is the location of Juan Santamaría International Airport, Cartago which is the country's first capital and Heredia where tourists can visit coffee plantations. Quepos city is also notable as it is located in the Central Pacific coast and is the entry point to the Manuel Antonio National Park.

There are also the cities of Jacó which has a worldwide reputation as a surfing paradise and where superb dining selection abounds, Liberia which is the gateway to the fantastic beaches of Guanacaste and Pochote which is located on Whale Bay near Puntarenas. Their second largest international airport is also located just outside of Liberia providing easy access.

Of course, an excellent Costa Rica vacation guide book should not be quick to miss the cities of Puerto Limón which considered the main city on the Caribbean side of the country, Puntarenas where one can take the ferry going to Nicoya Peninsula, Parismina which is located in Tortuguero Canals and Tamarindo City which is also quite famous as a beach haven for tourists.

Although English is widely used in some areas populated by tourists and many businesses are operated by European entrepreneurs, it is recommended that you learn some Spanish and a few frequently used expressions.

The Spanish words 'Ma'e' means 'dude' and is generally used among friends; 'Pura Vida' literally means 'pure life' but is used by Costa Ricans to express agreement or enthusiasm. A 'pulpería' is a general merchandise store, while if you hear the word 'tuanis', it should be an expression of 'okay' for most natives.

Costa Rica is a beautiful tropical paradise that welcomes all visitors seeking an escape from the hectic everyday stress of urban life. The people of Costa Rica are friendly and helpful in providing you with a great vacation.

By: Jim Kesel
James Kesel, MS, is the publisher of the Inexpensive Costa Rica Vacation website at http://www.costa-rica-source.com, providing great information on vacations and travel in Costa Rica. A Costa Rica Vacation Guide will assist you in making your vacation one to remember.