The New Year's eruption of the Llaima volcano in Chile's Conguillío National Park has tourists fleeing for cooler pastures. The 10,250-foot-high mountain last erupted seven months ago.
About 150 tourists were hustled out of the area as the fireworks started. Early today, another 54 visitors and national park staff took off. Despite some impressive eruption images, though, things are dying down. Still, says one government official:
At this moment I would recommend against tourism in the area.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the warm weather is winding down and people are entering hibernation/holiday-bulk-up-mode in preparation. Meanwhile, down in the bottom half of the world, spring is just awakening. Which is why now is the perfect time to plan a South American bike trip. Why hunker down in a cubicle during the only light hours of the day when there's a world out there begging to be viewed at 20 mph? It's never too late, as we learned from cyclist Dale Blanchard above.
The advantage of biking South America is the obvious beauty of the continent and also the diversity of the train, past trekkers say. And anyone from the ambitious-but-unathletic to Lance Armstrong can find a suitable route.
The most popular trail starts out in southern Argentina and winds up through Bolivia and into Peru. Novices beware of some of the world's most dangerous roads on the way, we hear plummeting off the side of a cliff can really put a damper on one's quest for self-discovery.
Fall travel usually brings to mind images of those crazy leaf peepers, apple picking, pumpkin patches and foliage. But here's a little something different: backpacking in Angel Falls. This Venezuelan destination is among the tallest waterfalls in the world and stands more than 3,000 feet high. It's even considered one of the eight natural wonders of the world.
And the best way that we've found? The AngelEco hiking tours. The eight-day, seven-night adventure puts rugged outdoor enthusiasts face-to-face with mother nature. Guests will trek through jungles, grasslands and canyons in Canaima National Park, interact with members of the Pemon tribe, and even catch a glimpse of rare birds and wildlife.
Sure fall foliage is nice. But if you're looking for unmatched beauty and a bit of adventure this Fall, you're best bet may be Venezuela's Angel Falls.
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