Strictly speaking, Lencois Maranhenses is not an actual desert, however when you are there, walking among the smooth white dunes without any vegetation, you can't help it but feel like you are in some place like Sahara. Only the color of sand is a bit different. What is really strange is that this National Park is located in the tropical rain forest climate, surrounded by the sea from one side and by lush green woodlands from the other. Nevertheless, it's not this fact that attracts thousands of tourists to visit Lencois Maranhenses from Brazil and all over the world. During the rainy season, starting from February, the gaps between the dunes become filled with rainwater creating unusual, spotty landscape, especially amazing seen from an airplane.
Bird Park in Iguassu Falls (Parque Das Aves, Foz do Iguacu), Brazil
The Bird Park (Parque Das Aves in Portugese), located in the town of Foz do Iguacu, near the famous Iguacu Falls right on the border between the three nations: Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay is a great attraction itself. It's set within the 16 hectares (40 acres) area of sub-tropical rain forest and provides shelter for around a thousand birds (150 species) as well as butterflies and reptiles from both all South America and other exotic places. The park is privately owned and very well maintained. It was opened in 1994.
Ollantaytambo, Peru - The stop between Cuzco and Machu Picchu
Ollantaytambo, located at 2792 meters (9160 feet), lies in the picturesque Sacred Valley on the Patacancha river near the town of Urubamba, in between the capital city of the Incas - Cuzco and the Machu Picchu ruins. It's not as well known as the spectacular ancient city of Machu Picchu, but nonetheless worth visiting for those who want to learn more about the Inca Empire. The ruins, perched atop of nearby hills, give silent testimony of once advanced and highly organized civilization. Ollantaytambo is usually a stop for all tourists who come to see Machu Picchu, you should reserve at least one day for visiting, either on the way to Machu Picchu or while coming back to Cuzco.
Rio de Janeiro - The Wonderful City
Rio de Janeiro is known in Brazil as "Cidade Maravilhosa" - the wonderful city. Without any doubt it is wonderful. The introduction is probably unnecessary as Rio is one of the best known cities in the world. I had only three days to visit this city and for sure it wasn't enough. But anyway, I had a chance to take a glimpse of the most important places a visitor should see. And it was a great experience.
However, my first impression after arriving at Rio de Janeiro International Airport was a surprise that the terminal was so small. It reminded more of a domestic airport rather than international one. For such a famous place, I had expected something much bigger. There is one little coffee shop, and even in the departure terminal there is only a cafe - bar and a few shops with souvenirs at astronomical prices.
How to get to Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu, located 2400 meters above sea level, is without any doubts one of the most breathtaking tourist destinations. However, it is not very easily accessible, but nonetheless, worth the effort! First, quite a long trip awaits you from Cusco to Aguas Calientes.
Then, if you are fit enough you can walk and then climb the mountain with the ruins (quite steep and difficult, for about 1,5 hours) from the village of Aguas Calientes, which is basically the base for tourists visiting Machu Picchu (with the exception of the Sanctuary Lodge Hotel right beside the ruins, the only hotel at the site - 'only' about 700 USD per night).