Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Religious Cross Atop Isla del Sol

| Taken by Jason | 9 Comments » | Photo of the Day

Situated on the Bolivian side of the lake with regular boat links to the Bolivian town of Copacabana, Isla del Sol (“Island of the sun”) is one of the lake’s largest islands.  Geographically, the terrain is harsh; it is a rocky, hilly island.  There are no motor vehicles or paved roads on the island.  The main economic activity of the approximately 800 families on the island is farming, with fishing and tourism augmenting the subsistence economy.  There are over 180 ruins on the island. Most of these date to the Inca period circa the 15th century AD. – Wikipedia

We walked across the island in 3 hours capturing some of the most beautiful ocean island views we have ever seen.  We went off trail and climbed to the top of nearby hill to get a close up glimpse of this religious cross.

A Religious Cross Rests High on Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca

Photo of the Day: Mountains in Jujuy Province of Argentina

| Taken by Aracely | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

These colorful mountains rest in the Jujuy province of Northwest Argentina which borders Chile and Bolivia. As part of our tour from Salta, we visited several towns in Jujuy, including Purmamarca. Purmamarca is most famous for it’s Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores), which describes the mountains surrounding the town that glow in many colors. A small trail, about 40 minutes long allows you to walk around the town on a elevated route for some spectacular photos.

Colorful Mountain Range During Drive in Jujuy Province of Argentina

Photo of the Day: Rock Formations in Northwest Argentina

| Taken by Aracely | 2 Comments » | Photo of the Day

Northern Argentina, the region of Salta, has an unlimited number of naturally formed landscapes perfect for site seeing. If you are looking for things to do in Cafayate or Salta, rent a car. It’s the best way to explore these rock formations, salt flats, small villages, wineries and more.

Rock Formations Near Cafayate, Argentina

Photo of the Day: Gamez Islands in Panama’s Pacific Coast

| Taken by Aracely | 3 Comments » | Photo of the Day

The Gulf of Chiriquí is a part of Panama that encompasses Coiba National Park and Golfo de Chiriquí National Park.  There are dozens of islands in this Gulf.  We visited Gamez Island for a day in our own personal paradise of snorkeling, climbing and swimming.

Gamez Island in Gulf of Chiriquí National Park, Panama

Photo of the Day: Mountains at Dusk in Northwest Argentina

| Taken by Aracely | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta.  We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta.  On the drive from Cachi to Cafayate, the sun was settling and we took this beautiful photo of a blanket of white clouds being held back by glowing red mountains with the moon already shining.

Red Mountains at Dusk in Near Cafayate, Argentina

Photo of the Day: Yellow Daisy in Northwest Argentina

| Taken by Aracely | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta.  We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta.  Unexpectedly, we followed a typical festival sign that had us driving off onto a dirt and gravel road for several kilometers.  We arrived to a gaucho harvest festival, where children and adults displayed traditional gaucho dancing while serving some typical pampas food.

Yellow Daisy Against Northwest Argentina Pampas and Mountains

Photo of the Day: Gaucho Festival in Northwest Argentina

| Taken by Aracely | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta.  We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta.  Unexpectedly, we followed a typical festival sign that had us driving off onto a dirt and gravel road for several kilometers.  We arrived to a gaucho harvest festival, where children and adults displayed traditional gaucho dancing while serving some typical pampas food.

Locals Dancing at the Gaucho Festival in Northwest Argentina