Two Backpackers

Photo of the Day: Iguazú Waterfalls in Argentina

| by Aracely | 6 Comments » | Photo of the Day

The Iguazú National Park is a national park of Argentina, located in the Iguazú Department, in the north of the province of Misiones, Argentine Mesopotamia. It has an area of 550 km2 (212 sq mi). The park was created in 1934 and it contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the subtropical jungle. Across the Iguazu River lies its Brazilian counterpart (Iguaçu National Park). Both sites were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, in 1984 and 1986. – Wikipedia

Cataratas del Iguazú are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River starts at the city of Curitiba and runs for the most part of the course entirely in brazilian territory, and in a little part at the end bordering Brazil and Argentina. – Wikipedia
See photos from the Brazil side.

Iguazú National Park

Returning Home Culture Shock?

| by Jason | 28 Comments » | Reflections

Getting Up To Speed On Current Events in the US

Since we have returned home the question most often asked of us is, “Do you have culture shock?”  In a close second place is, “What are you going to do now?”  I will address the first one in this article.

“Shock” is an extreme word and feels like an exaggeration to me.  The phrase “Shock and Awe” comes to mind, and since 2024, I have just felt guilty using the term to describe something I have gone through.  Honestly, I am not in anyway shocked since I have returned home, I would just say I am more aware, much more aware. (more…)

Photo of the Day: Volcano Cerro Negro in Leon

| by Jason | 1 Comment » | Photo of the Day

Cerro Negro is a volcano in the Cordillera de los Maribios mountain range in Nicaragua, about 10 km from the village of Malpaisillo. It is a very new volcano, the youngest in Central America, having first appeared in April 1850. It consists of a gravelly basaltic cinder cone, which contrasts greatly with the surrounding verdant hillsides, and gives rise to its name, which means Black Hill.

Cerro Negro has erupted frequently since its first eruption. One unusual aspect of several eruptions has been the emission of ash from the top of the cone, while lava erupts from fractures at the base. – Wikipedia

Trekking to Volcano Cerro Negro in Nicaragua

Photo of the Day: Magellanic Penguin On Peninsula Valdez

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

Magellanic penguins dot the Argentina Patagonia landscape along the coast. Peninsula Valdez offers a myriad of sea life viewing opportunities including sea lions, elephant seals, penguins and if you are lucky, killer whales (orcas). As we drove our rented vehicle down the east coast of the peninsula from Punta Norte, we pulled off the side of the road at a penguin mirador (lookout). Signs detailed the penguins migrating and eating behaviors and also explained why they were currently shedding their fur.

Magellanic Penguin On Peninsula Valdez in Argentina

Photo of the Day: A Good Luck Sunset

| by Jason | No Comments » | Photo of the Day

San Pedro de Atacama is a Chilean town and commune in El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region. It is located east of Antofagasta, some 106 km (60 mi) southeast of Calama and the Chuquicamata copper mine, overlooking the Licancabur volcano. There are various activities for tourist and adventurers in the San Pedro de Atacama area: trekking, climbing, archaeological sightings, exploration tours in natural landscapes and even sand boarding in the desert. Because of its altitude, a brief period of acclimatization may be required.

Valle de la Luna (“Valley of the Moon”), a moon-like landscape with ruins of old Chilean salt mines, and worker huts. Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley): a valley where gigantic dunes and rocks abound. – Wikipedia

Discover San Pedro de Atacama

Stack of Rocks Symbolizing Good Luck in San Pedro de Atacama Desert

Photo of the Day: La Catedral de León

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

La Catedral de León is the biggest cathedral in Central America. It is also the final resting place of Ruben Dario, as well as many other notable Nicaraguans. You can pay a small fee to climb the stairs up to the roof, where you can get a nice view of all of León’s churches and the surrounding volcanoes, and you can go into the cellars beneath the cathedral. – Wikipedia

Leon Cathedral in Nicaragua

Photo of the Day: Nature in Torres del Paine Patagonia

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

Torres del Paine National Park (Parque Nacional Torres del Paine) is a national park encompassing a mountains, glacier, lake, and river-rich areas in southern Chilean Patagonia.   The national park (598.593,02 acres) is a popular hiking destination in Chile.  There are clearly marked paths and many refugios which provide shelter and basic services.  Views are breathtaking. Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular “W” route in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8–9 days.  It is a national park and thus hikers are not allowed to stray from the paths.  Camping is only allowed at specified campsites and wood fires are prohibited throughout the park. – Wikipedia

Torres Del Paine, Chile Circuit Trek