First Stop: South America

About a 17 hour bus ride from Rio is maybe one of the coolest and most perfect beach locations in Brazil. It is also one of the most safest and beautiful places in the whole of Brazil. Florianopolis has became the gateway for some of the greatest beaches in Brazil through Ihla do Santa Catarina. The northern part of this island can be quite busy and crowded. However, the southern section boasts a large amount of Argentine tourists because of its relative remoteness and great hiking and trekking opportunities. The whole island boasts some of the best surfing in Brazil and is also known for its great nightlife with crazy clubs and friendly people. Finally, if travelers want to experience Carnival but don´t want to be overwhelmed, Florianopolis has a great but mild Carnival.

Some great music has come from the Southern Hemisphere even if North American’s never noticed. Most of these famous singers sprung from the height of the Tango era. Adriana Varela is one such singer. She is most noted for her inflections of “fraseo.” Alberto Castillo is an orchestra singer from Uruguay who sang to the steps of dancers. Angel Vargas was known for his heavenly voice. Azucena Maizani was the first female to sing Tango all the way back in the ’20’s. Edmundo Rivero is the voice known to sing in Lunfardo, adding the country side to the city slick music in Buenos Aires. Julio Sosa was one of the most famous tango singers after Carlos Gardel and found most of his success during the 60’s. All these singers are great classics in Argentina. Buy a CD and enjoy the sounds of the past.

Uyuni by all accounts is the middle of nowhere, Bolivia. Created as solely a railroad junction Uyuni was mostly ignored until the discovery of the Salar. The reason why travelers have posted this small Bolivian town as a necessary stop is because of the Salar de Uyuni, the largest salt flats in the world. Travelers can get to the salt flats from Potosi by bus but many routes are availble to reach the twelve thousand square kilometers of flats. Tour groups take visitors into the heart of the salt flats to catch the entire beauty. Travelers can choose to take a day tour into the flats or spend up to four days wondering around and exploring the salt flats’ natural beauty. It’s also worth it to explore further south as to catch a bit of the lagoons and gysers near the Chilean border. Not only are the salt flats amazing, but there is plenty more to do in the small town. Train graveyards are a curious wonder for tourists.