South American music and culture magazine

The Galapagos Islands chain, which is made up of large islands and islets formed out of volcanic eruptions, is one of the few remaining untouched parts of the world. It lies on the Equator where it is host to a variety of species, most of them only found there. To protect the unique wildlife species and preserve their natural habitat, the local government has imposed strict control and governance over these islands. The goal is to allow the animals to thrive, with as little interference as possible from outside visitors and residents. After all, the islands are considered geologically young. The varied and unique plants and animals were the subject of Charles Darwin’s study when he explored the theory of evolution through natural selection. Continue Reading

There was great news for poker fans this week as the Brazilian Sports Ministry recognised poker as a game of skill. It’s part of a campaign inititated by the International Federation of Poker (IFP) to have poker recognised as a “Mind Sport” across the world. Continue Reading

Barranquilla Carnival is one of the most colourful and intense carnivals in South America and second in size only to Brazil’s. As artist Diego Samper Martinez puts it, the Carnival of Barranquilla is “the ultimate people’s celebration — the merriest, the loosest, true to the free-wheeling Caribbean spirit.” Continue Reading

Carnival season is almost upon South America, but don’t worry – you haven’t left it too late to join the party. See below for last-minute cheap rates on hotels and hostels for four hot destinations… Continue Reading

It doesn’t require a visit to Wikipedia or the Education Update to know that Pablo Escobar was one of the world’s most notorious criminals. In addition to instigating thousands of murders, including those of judges, policemen, and even a presidential candidate, Escobar successfully detonated an airliner carrying civilian passengers and blew up the government’s security ministry. Now, the man who was once the most feared organised crime leader of the 21st century, has become something else – which is possibly even more shocking – a tourist attraction. Continue Reading

In an effort to keep the natural environment healthy and thriving, only four of the Galapagos Islands are approved for residential living. Most of the islands are open to tourist traffic under the supervision of a Galapagos National Park naturalist. The Ecuadorian government has strict control over the number of annual visitors that are allowed to come to the islands. Privileged visitors come to this peaceful island chain straddling the equator for the pleasure of experiencing unique botanical finds, friendly engaging animals and crystal waters. Continue Reading

Casinos and gambling have become a fixture in many countries around the world, with South America no exception. The lure of a big jackpot at slot machines provides a universal appeal, with many casinos also doubling as a nightlife hub complete with concerts, restaurants, bars, and clubs. While many casinos are geared to attract tourists just as many are popular stops for locals as well, with a wide range of casinos of all sizes available throughout South America. Continue Reading

Chile is certainly not one of the cheapest countries to live in South America, but it is definitely more affordable than many parts of Brazil. Over the last decade Chile’s economy has grown faster than South American on average, and with economic growth comes raised living standards and inevitably a rise in the cost of living. Continue Reading

Bolivia is one of the most impoverished countries in South American. The cost of living in Bolivia has risen over the last few years, but still remains one of the cheapest countries to live in South America. The economy’s output per person (GDP per capita) was just $1,858 in 2010, the lowest in all of South America, five times smaller than that of Brazil and almost twenty times small than that of the United Kingdom. Continue Reading

The cost of living in Argentina has risen considerably over the last few years. Since the economic and political chaos which followed the country’s sovereign default in 2002, economic growth has returned to Argentina with the economy growing by over 40% since 2007. Continue Reading

Brazil demands the highest cost of living in all of South America. Rapid economic development over the past 10 years has seen the standard of living rise for millions of households. Brazil’s economy has grown into one of the major powerhouses of the world and in the process has created millions of jobs, raising average incomes and boosting consumer spending. The result has been a rapid rise in prices over the last couple of years and so the cost of living has risen for both tourists and Brazilians alike. Continue Reading

In the North-East of Brazil the state of Bahia is found, a vibrant and colourful region, glowing with a rich mixture of European and African influences. Baroque churches, Candomblé ceremonies, the unmistakable twang of the berimbau commanding a Capoeira roda, and the birthplace of Jorge Amado and apparently of chocolate. But the riches of Bahia are not only restricted to the cobblestone streets of places such as Olinda, or the dream-like beaches of its coconut-laden coast. There is also much to be explored away from the land. Jorge Amado may have written of a “Mar Morto”, but the sea surrounding Bahia is anything but dead. Continue Reading