The Machu Picchu; a hidden city that was never discovered by the Spaniards and thus is still completely intact. The amazing place is located in Peru and is Peru's most famous tourist attraction. At the same time, this in turn brings dangers to the wonder of the world so the Machu Picchu is very well protected from all factors that can damage the city.

• Machu Picchu was built by the Incas, the people who had the largest empire in the world at the time.
• The hidden city among the sharp peaks of the Andes Mountains probably had no average function.
• The isolated city is closed to tourists every February because of ecological restoration.

The Machu Picchu is a city at an altitude of 2,400 meters among the steep mountains of Peru. It is the city of the Incas; from the 13th century this Indian people lived in an area of Peru and had their own capital: Cuzco. The language they spoke was Quechua and the name of the city in this language was "Machu Pikchu. The Indian people were religious and their religion based on honoring sun god Inti spread throughout the area. In terms of size, the Inca Empire was the largest empire in the world. They kept control of this huge empire with the help of a road network, tunnels through the mountains and bridges over canyons and rivers. When Columbus discovered America in 1492, it eventually led to the demise of the Inca Empire.

Because of its location at an altitude of 2,400 meters among steep mountains, the city was difficult to reach and was never discovered by the Spanish when they discovered the Americas. There is much speculation about Peru's Machu Picchu, as its former function is not clear. Since the city was very inaccessible, experts expected that it did not have an average function. Nevertheless, the Incas used to lay a path to the city. The entire trek from Cuzco (where the Incas gathered) to the isolated city is done on foot. It totals about 100 kilometers with the last bit through the Andes mountains up to the hidden city considered the toughest part; this is the Inca trail. Nowadays, thousands of tourists visit Machu Picchu and thus also walk the famous Inca trail. To avoid damage to the path, only 400 tourists per day are allowed to enter the path and only groups accompanied by a guide are allowed to go up.

Machu Picchu is a hidden city among the highest and sharpest peaks of the Andes Mountains. 'Machu Picchu' therefore means 'Ancient Summit'. The city's "buildings" have been restored since the 20th century to give tourists the clearest possible idea of what it probably looked like in the past, but also to protect the city as much as possible, since it is very fragile. Natural phenomena such as earthquakes or weather cause the city to be damaged. In addition, despite their caution, tourists are a factor causing the Machu Picchu to be affected. Consequently, every February, the Machu Picchu is closed for ecological restoration.

The Incas built the city using numerous techniques that made it resistant to earthquakes at the time. Furthermore, many of these techniques had to do with the position of the sun; the sun meant everything to the Incas. The famous Intihuertana stone in the hidden city was seen as an astronomical clock or calendar that was tracked according to the position of the sun, which is what researchers believe. Whether this is really true is not known. In addition, the stone lies at exactly those coordinates that the sun is directly on the stone on Nov. 11 and Jan. 30 in the middle of the day, creating no shadows at all around the stone. Furthermore, the stone creates the longest shadow on its southern side on June 21 and a much shorter one on its northern side on December 21. This is probably indicative of the seasonal changes we use today.

The World's Most Dangerous Road

Several websites have released lists of the roads that they consider to be the most dangerous in the world. Routes in many different countries including China's Guoliang Tunnel Road and the Trans-Siberian Highway in Russia are often mentioned. However, among all of the roads around the world, one stands out as particularly treacherous. It constantly features on the aforementioned countdowns and in 1995 the Inter-American Development Bank christened it as the “world's most dangerous road.” Its name is the North Yungas Road but it is commonly known by its nickname Death Road (el Camino de la Muerte). In this article we will answer the following questions: Who built it? Why is it so dangerous? Do people still use it? And finally, is there an alternative if you do not want to put your life on the line?

• This route has featured in several different Australian, American and British shows including in an episode of the British Broadcasting Corporation's program entitled World's Most Dangerous Roads. The first ever commercial on this trail was shot by the car firm Mitsubishi showing their Outlander cars traversing the mountain pass.
• Before driving the road the locals pour beer on the ground and make other offerings to appease Pachamama (Mother Earth).
• The South Yungasor Chulumani Road which runs from La Paz to Chulumani is equally terrifying.

Also known as the Grove's Road this track, perched high in the Andes Mountains, runs between La Paz, the seat of Bolivia's government, and the jungle town of Coroico. In the 1930s Paraguayan prisoners constructed the road during the Chaco War (a war between Bolivia and Paraguay fought from 1932 to 1935).

There are several reasons why this road is so notoriously deadly. Climbing to an altitude of 4,650 meters this steep and winding track demands total concentration as some of its features include hairpin bends and sheer drop-offs of at least 600 meters without the protection of guardrails. Crosses and stone cairns indicate where drivers have lost their lives with many people going over the edge every year. The Bolivian rainy season which runs from November to March makes the road even more perilous as it creates a slippery surface which landslides could wash away at any moment while dust and fog contribute to poor visibility.

Considering the myriad of difficulties and challenges encountered by people who dare to travel this trail you would be forgiven for thinking that it is no longer in use. Admittedly, a lot of the traffic consists of tourists on bicycles however there are still some local trucks and buses whose drivers rely on this lifeline to make a living transporting products and passengers from one of the world's highest cities to the Golden Valley and back the other way.

 As mentioned above, numerous visitors choose to take their lives in their own hands and set out to defeat the road every year. Companies have emerged which offer thrill-seekers the opportunity to cycle down this track.

However, if you do not fancy embarking on this exhilarating and nerve-wracking drive or ride you can use the alternative highway, opened in 2006, which has modern infrastructure including drains, guardrails and bridges.

In conclusion, the Death Road is just one of Bolivia's top attractions. It is a country with so much to offer from the bustling jungle town of Rurrenabaque to the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats) in the department of Potosí and the magnificent Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. If you go to Bolivia and you decide that you want to experience the Coroico road for yourself on a cycling tour, I would recommend that you choose your company wisely. Look at reviews of the different trips, check out what safety systems and procedures are in place and see what is included in the price.  This will make sure that you have a life-changing experience and that you come out the other side proudly stating that you have conquered the “world's most dangerous road” and that you have lived to tell the tale.

On the west coast of Latin America lies a very special country with three distinct climates. It is a country very popular among travelers and especially one type of traveler: the backpacker. At the very mention of the name Machu Picchu, it is already clear which country we are talking about: Peru. Peru is one of the world's most popular backpacking destinations. And for good reason, because the options are endless for a perfect backpacking vacation. From the snowy peaks of the Andes to the arid desert of Huacachina - Peru will take you from one extreme to another. Traveling to Peru is a bit more expensive, but the experience you get in return is unforgettable.

•  Backpacking in Peru is an adventure in itself. The many opportunities and sights are each worthwhile.
• There is no need to book accommodation in advance, as there is often room available.
•  The diversity of this country graces to the fullest. From the Andes Mountains to the deep jungle of the Amazon, Peru never ceases to amaze.

Peru officially bears the name Republic of Peru and lies on the land borders of Ecuador, Colombia and Bolivia. The Inca culture is world famous and many have heard of it. Because the country consists of three climate zones, namely desert steppe climate, tropical rainforest climate and tropical savanna climate, no two landscapes are the same. The best travel time to go backpacking does not matter much in terms of temperature, as it remains fairly stable throughout the year. This is due to the fact that Peru is located pretty close to the equator so there are fewer temperature changes. However, if you would like to be assured of a sunny stay, it is best to travel between May and October, as that is the dry season in Peru. In preparation for backpacking in Peru, it is advisable to read more about the rich history of this majestic country in advance. This way you can experience and witness the trip even more intensely.

An ideal starting point to begin your trip is in Lima, the capital of Peru. As a backpacker, you don't necessarily need to spend days on the road, as there are also simply day hikes just a few hours' drive from the capital itself. The cost in Peru is relatively cheaper than in the Netherlands, and the average spending per day comes to just over 20 euros per day. In addition, the price of an overnight stay is very cheap. Indeed, from about 8 euros per night you already have a double room. It is not necessary to book everything in advance, because there is almost always room. Throughout the country there are several thousand routes you can follow. Some of these popular routes are the Colca Canyon route, the Canopy route, the Inca route and the Gringo route.

This popular Gringo itinerary is ideal for those who are still complete beginners in backpacking. This itinerary takes you from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon and shows you all the famous attractions of Peru. The trip duration depends entirely on the time you have available and what you want to see, but on average it will be between 2 and 4 weeks. The itinerary generally starts in Lima and then descends towards the south of the country. The places visited are Pisco, Paracas, Ica, Nazca, Arequipaen and Puno. Eventually, after Puno, you will join the Inca route via Cuzco and end the route in the hidden Inca city: Machu Picchu.

This Inca trail is very special. Through the 45 kilometers of trails you will go from Cuzco to Machu Picchu in three or four days. It is recommended that you stay one or two days in Cuzco before you go, so that you can get used to the low oxygen levels in the mountains. What is good to know is that every year during the month of February the Inca trail is closed for ecological recovery. In addition, it is advisable to make reservations well in advance because these famous tourist sites often have a daily limit. Nevertheless, it is definitely worth it, because one thing is certain: a visit to this area will open your eyes.

In the Netherlands, everyone has heard of the term "carnival. Either because you have celebrated it in one of the southern provinces of the Netherlands or because of the spectacular summer carnival in Rio de Janeiro. But carnival is not only known there. It is also exuberantly celebrated in Spain and the rest of Latin America. Around February, Carnaval de Oruro is the biggest annual event that takes place in Bolivia's folkloric capital, Oruro. Since 2001, Carnaval de Oruro has been listed on UNESCO's List of Masterpieces and Oral Intangible Heritage of Man.  

• Bolivia's biggest event and one of the largest carnival celebrations in Latin America.
• In 2014, the carnival took place between Feb. 28 and March 3.
  The Carnival of Oruro has a unique, religious nature.

Carnival is celebrated in many ways in Spain and Latin America, but the Carnaval de Oruro is different from other carnival events. This folkloric celebration is special because of its religious nature: the adoration of the Virgin (Holy Virgin) Morena (dark-colored) del Socavón (the mine shaft). Also called Virgin de la Candelaria, the guardian saint of the mine shaft.

The event officially begins 8 days before Ash Wednesday with the same devil dance every year, the "Diablada. Unlike Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, where a different theme is chosen each year.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday are the three main days of the carnival. Friday is the day the ch'alla ritual is performed. This ritual is very important for the miners of Bolivia. During this ritual, the Tío de la Mina, the mythological god of the mine, is honored and thanked for its protection. After this ritual, the miners celebrate a big party. Saturday is the day of pilgrimage and the parade "La Entrada," in which as many as 50 dance groups from the area participate and then present various Bolivian dances. The 'La Entrada' continues into the early hours, until the first rays of sunshine appear on Sunday. During these early morning hours, all the groups mingle with the crowd to greet the Virgin de Socavón.   

Carnival de Oruro is a popular attraction every year. Many visitors arrive from home and abroad. Accommodation prices rise during the event and bookings often fill up early. The city is equipped with benches and bleachers, and tickets can be purchased on the spot from various vendors. Day trips to Oruro are even organized from La Paz (the capital of Bolivia). An excursion to a ch'alla ritual is also very popular with tourists.

After this ritual, there is a grand celebration that involves lots of water and foam. Tourists are often targeted, so be prepared!

Spanish is a useful and fun language to learn, but who wants to take Spanish lessons in the Netherlands? These five locations will introduce you to a new environment and put the language to practical use.

Bolivia

Bolivia, the cheapest country in South America, is an adventurous option for mastering the fast-paced rhythms of the Spanish language. La Paz is not only the highest capital on the planet but also home to well-established Spanish schools.

Ecuador

This country may look small compared to its neighbors. Ecuador packs a wicked punch of culture, adventure and diversity. Spanish schools are thirteen in a dozen due to Ecuador's vibrant beachfront cities and large colonial towns.

Colombia

Where there was once a lot of cocaine dealing, there is now a phenomenal location to learn Spanish. The accent is not always easy to understand, but Spanish in Colombia has a unique sound. Many South Americans consider Colombian Spanish to be the most romantic form of Spanish in Latin America. Spanish schools are springing up like mushrooms all over the country. The country is slowly becoming a great destination for tourists because it is not as violent as it used to be. Don't be afraid of this country's reputation!

Guatemala

At the tail end of Mexio, Guatemala is one of the most beautiful regions in Central America. From ancient ruins of the Maya to oversized jungles leading up to the base of massive volcanoes, the country has amazing, diverse areas to explore. What makes the country even more appealing is that the Spanish dialect is very basic, slow and easy to understand. Adding to the fact that you do not have to be a linguistic expert to understand Spanish in Guatemala, it is also the cheapest country to learn the language. Three popular cities with great schools are San Pedro La Laguna, Antiqua and Quetzaltenango.

Learn Spanish in Spain 

Many people overlook Spain, even though Spain is a less expensive country in Western Europe. Schools to learn Spanish abound. While Spaniards use words and verb tenses exclusive to their country, it will absolutely give you the best background of the language.

Resources:
http://www.quito.com.ec/en/
http://www.zoover.nl/spanje
http://www.infoplease.com/country/guatemala.html

It’s May – spring is in full swing and nature has donned her finest splendor. Below you’ll find a panoramic peek at scenic, historic, relaxing, and spectacular gardens around the Spanish speaking world.

A nature reserve of about 130 islands that is home to unique animal species and is a feast for the eyes of volcano lovers. Together, the Galápagos Islands (Spanish: Islas Galápagos) are one large natural park with a special character and is located in the Pacific Ocean, 1,000 kilometers off the west coast of South America. The literal translation of Islas Galápagos is "Turtle Islands".

A protected natural area with a fragile ecosystem and yet home to over 25,000 people. The Galápagos Islands have their own special character. Created only a few million years ago and visited by Charles Darwin for his research to develop a new theory, the islands have a short but interesting history.

The group of up to 130 islands in total were created by a series of volcanic eruptions. There is a hot and dry climate. The archipelago belongs to the Latin American country of Ecuador and is considered a province of the country. There are 13 major islands, one of which (San Cristóbal) possesses the province's capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno. Furthermore,'Isla Isabela' is the largest island with 50% of the total area of the archipelago and has no less than 5 volcanoes. Other well-known large islands are Santa Cruz, Fernandina, San Salvador/Santiago,Floreana, Marchena, Española and Pinta. 

Fernandina is also best known for being in the news relatively often with eruptions of its active volcano. The total population of the islands is about 25,000 and the official language is Spanish. The Galápagos Islands are the perfect getaway for a vacation in Ecuador because not only are the islands themselves special, but they also have interesting sights. You really can't miss the capital Puerto Baquerizo Moreno for a unique experience in the city of a protected nature reserve. There is also the "Galápagos National Park" and you can visit the "Charles Darwin Research Station. A few islands are not accessible to tourists, such as Pinta, this island only allows researchers. The population lives mainly from the cultivation of agricultural products such as cotton, sugar cane, vegetables and fruits and from fishing. In addition, tourism brings a lot of income, for example, Santa Cruz is the island where many cruise ships have their departure and docking base and almost all residents work in the tourism sector.

The islands were discovered in 1535 by a Dominican bishop whose ship accidentally veered off course and ended up at the islands. Geologically and compared to other islands, the islands are only young; they were formed several million years ago by a series of eruptions of volcanoes. In 1835, some of the islands were visited by Charles Darwin. With his research ship, he spent considerable time on the islands to study biology and geology. The research on the Galápagos Islands, among others, eventually led to the famous theory of evolution. His findings are now a fundamental basis for the knowledge of animal species in places like the Galápagos Islands. Around 1960, the islands were considered a national park, and since 1978 they have even been on UNESCO's World Heritage List. In the late 1990s, a strange and flora-threatening problem appeared; a group of feral goats caused serious damage to the beautiful and unique flora and fauna of the islands of Isabella and Santiago. Removal of the more than 150,000 goats allowed nature to recover and left its unique character largely intact.

As mentioned earlier, the Galápagos Islands have a unique composition of flora and fauna. Having never been in contact with the mainland, they contain a number of special animal species. These species have been independently evaluated according to the climate and environment of the islands, making them unique. Some examples are the galápagos giant tortoise, the marine iguana, the galápagos albatross and the frigate bird. Of course, many more species live on the islands. Nature is protected as it is a fragile ecosystem. The landscape is made up of hundreds of volcanoes, the oldest of which are 4-5 million old, and these volcanoes provide an unprecedented fertile soil that allows unusual plant species to be found on these islands.

Cuzco, a sacred city in the Inca Empire

Cuzco, located in Peru on the west coast of South America. Located 3360 meters above sea level, Cuzco is the oldest city in the western hemisphere. Until the Spanish conquered Cuzco in the 16th century, it was an important city in the Inca Empire. Until the 16th century, Cuzco was the Inca capital of Tawantinsuyu. Since 1983, the old center of Cuzco has been on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

Cuzco is by no means the largest city in Peru. Cuzco has more than 300,000 inhabitants. The name Cuzco derives from the word "Quechua" which means navel, the navel of the world. Cuzco is also called the imperial city. From the 13th century, the Incas lived around Cuzco. Cuzco was the Inca capital of their empire. The Incas lived in Peru until the 16th century. The Inca empire expanded from northern Argentina to southern Colombia.

Cuzco is home to many attractions from the Inca Empire. For example, Plaza de Armas was the main square of the city. On this square you can find a beautiful cathedral and 2 churches, including Iglesia de Triunfo, the oldest church in Cuzco. The twelve-sided stone the Monastery of Santa Domingo and the Tambomachey are other important sights in Cuzco. Tambomachey is made of limestone and built by the Incas. In the Inca Empire, it had a religious function with water and earth. Today, water still flows through the Tambomachey. On June 24, the biggest festival of the year takes place in Cuzco, the Inti Raymi festival, the Feast of the Sun. This celebration includes many traditions and ceremonies from the Inca Empire.

The Inca trail

Near Cuzco lies the Sacred Valley. The Sacred Valley is ideal for a day trip from Cuzco. Besides being a beautiful setting for various activities, the Valley is also home to the remains of Inca villages. Also the Inca trail can be found here. The Inca Trail is a 33 kilometer trek that takes about four days to complete. It is the most famous hike in South America and is also in the top 5 hikes worldwide. The Inca trail was built by the Incas in the Sacred Valley. The Inca trail leads to Machu Picchu located just over 100km from Cuzco. Although Cuzco was the capital of the Inca Empire, today Machu Picchu is considered the most important city of the Inca Empire. When the Spanish conquered Peru in the 16th century, Machu Picchu was never found. This ensures that everything is the same as before, making it now one of the most important cities from the Inca Empire. The remains from the Inca Empire provide the most important information about how the Incas lived. The Incas could not write well, so apart from the remains from the Inca Empire, how the Incas lived is still a mystery.

The main rivers in Spain are the Duero, the Ebro, the Tagus, the Guadalquivir and the Guadiana. These many Spanish rivers flow as much as hundreds of kilometers through the country and generate a lot of energy. Most rivers in Spain are unnavigable.

In northern Spain, the Duero and the Ebro run; in central Spain, the Tagus, the Guadiana and the Júcar flow. In southern Spain, the Guadalquivir and Segura rivers run.

The Duero River

The Duero River flows together with the Tagus River from the central plateaus westward to Portugal. The Duero rises in the region of Castile and León and flows into Portugal. The name Duero also means "Golden River." This Spanish river has a length of 897 kilometers, making it one of the largest river basins in the Iberian Peninsula.

The Tagus

The Tagus flows into the Atlantic Ocean near Lisbon. This Spanish river is about 1,000 kilometers long and flows past Toledo, among other places. The Tagus is used to irrigate surrounding agricultural areas. Wine is grown along its banks.

The Ebro

At 900 kilometers in length, the Ebro is Spain's longest river and runs past Zaragoza. This. Spanish river is the only river that flows to the Mediterranean Sea.

The Guadalquivir River

The Guadalquivir is about 650 kilometers long and flows past Córdoba and Seville. This Spanish river empties into the Gulf of Seville and is navigable as far as Córdoba for ocean-going vessels.

The Guadiana

The Guadiana forms a border between Portugal and Spain and flows past the cities of Mérida and Badajoz. The unusual thing about the Guadiana is that this river suddenly disappears underground and only reappears after a few kilometers.

Other major Spanish rivers include the Júcar and the Segura. The Júcar empties into the Mediterranean Sea after 500 kilometers and flows through the provinces of Cuenca, Albacete and Valencia. The Segura is a slightly smaller river known for its floods and flows past Murcia, among others.

Most Spanish rivers have variable water supplies, this is mainly due to the many mountains and alternating rainwater. As a result, most rivers in Spain are unnavigable for navigation. Only the Guadalquivir from Seville is navigable downstream. The Duero and Ebro rivers usually have enough water but the differences in elevation also make them unusable for navigation.

Strong soil erosion is present in the rivers of Spain. As a result, they generally carry a lot of sediment, creating deltas. In the northeast in Galicia, Spanish rivers have wide estuaries.