With the new year comes the nostalgia of missing vacation travel. Actually, travel in general. Here in Argentina a few months ago tourism was reopened, but with the request for several special permits and laboratory tests to confirm that you are free of Coronavirus. 

This allowed several tourist sectors to reactivate their economy after so many months of desolation, however now the possibility of a return to a strict quarantine is being considered due to the increase in infections that have emerged in recent days.

Visit to Los Acantilados. 

That is why we travelers only have to remember the trips we made when it was possible, eager to make others soon. Today I want to share with you this trip to the cliffs of the city of Mar del Plata that I did in 2017 .

The city of Mar del Plata is for excellence the summer destination of the coast of Buenos Aires. In the center of the city, many tourists always accumulate due to its great popularity, but it is enough to go a few miles away from the center to find much quieter places.

My dear Grandma Norma.

"Los Acantilados" beach is located 9 miles from the city center, south of the Punta Mogotes Lighthouse. We went in winter, so that day it was quite cold.

 Los Acantilados out of season. 

From above, the view was incredible. To access the beach, you had to go down a staircase of approximately 20 meters. Easy to go down, not so easy to go up.

Once down, the beach was quiet with some rocks. Since it was winter, there weren't that many people around. Just some people surfing. They surprised me because the day was really cold and they were swimming in their wetsuits.

A quiet beach, without tourists.

We spent the afternoon there drinking "mate" (an infusion of yerba mate, which is drunk with a light bulb, shared by everyone present). It should be noted that since the pandemic began, we no longer share "mates" 

I would like to know the cliffs in the summer season. It must be beautiful to be swiming in the sea with those rocky views.

A nice view from the rocks.

 Note: This post has two peculiarities:

a) It was originally written during the COVID-19 pandemic (or rather, when it was just finishing its ravages in Argentina and the rest of the world)

b) It's a travel tour we took with others at the end of winter. I think it's clear to see how we're dressed.

With the first light of a new day, you watch as an ancient world comes to life as the sun rises over the Great Pyramid of Giza. This magical moment awakens your imagination as your private tour, led by a world-renowned Egyptologist, gives you clues about what is to come. Surrounded only by golden sand shifting in the wind, you visit the Giza Plateau, which rises on the outskirts of the bustling city of Cairo.

This is where your private entrance to ancient Egypt begins, guided by Archaeological Paths https://archaeologicalpaths.com.

Days later, sailing slowly down the world's longest river, the green strip bordering the Nile is brimming with archaeological sites where mysterious temples, eroded tombs, and mystical kingdoms hold secrets that will be revealed on a unique and incredible journey.

Archaeological Paths, the world's leading travel agency specializing in Egypt, organizes personalized experiences and offers its clients the best possible trip. Accompanied by renowned archaeologists, you will see discoveries that have not yet been made public, stay in historic hotels, taste local and international dishes, and satisfy your curiosity with personalized encounters in places you would not be able to access on your own. 

About the agency.

Archaeological Paths organizes luxury tours to the most historically attractive destinations in the world. The company offers behind-the-scenes access to sites off-limits to the general public and private entries to the most iconic ancient sites – experiences typically reserved for royalty and heads of state. Archaeological Paths  tours are attended by the most eminent authorities in the world of politics and science, including Dr. Zahi Hawass, the icon of Egyptology, and Dr. Mostafa Waziri, Egypt's Head of Antiquities. Archaeological Paths is personally recommended by Dr. Jehan Sadat, late First Lady of Egypt. The company sponsors archaeological research, excavations and restoration works across Egypt. 

Egypt is once again a favorite destination.

The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism reported that in 2023 alone, a record 14.9 million tourists visited Egypt. Considered one of the safest countries in Africa today, Gallup's law and order index ranks Egypt 14th in the world in terms of safety. Egypt's popularity continues to grow, as visitors are welcomed by friendly locals known for their Egyptian hospitality.

In 2024, tourism in Egypt was also very successful, receiving a record 15.7 million tourists and generating revenues of $14.1 billion. The country experienced a tourism boom, surpassing Morocco as Africa's most visited destination. By 2028, Egypt plans to attract 30 million tourists through a national strategy to improve infrastructure and the visitor experience. 

Royal Egypt Tours.

Archaeological Paths offers a variety of tours throughout Egypt, including a trio of exciting private tours for small groups called the “Royal Egypt Tour.” Through these tours, you can visit the land of the pharaohs on the company's flagship tour, which lasts 14 days and is limited to 27 people. If you want even more exclusivity, you can experience the private 14-day edition with a maximum of 18 people. For travelers with limited time, there is a 10-day version that offers the essence of the longer tours. Guided by three of today's leading Egyptologists, you will visit the Giza Plateau before the crowds arrive on a private excursion, stand alone between the paws of the Great Sphinx, out of reach of the general public who observe it from a distant viewing platform, enter the three chambers inside the Great Pyramid of Cheops with exclusive access to two of them that are closed to tourists, and then sail down the Nile on a fascinating luxury river cruise to make incredible discoveries on an itinerary tailor-made for royalty, world leaders, and celebrities.

Guests have exclusive access to sites closed to the public and immerse themselves in private visits outside normal hours to the most iconic ancient sites, accompanied by renowned Egyptologists such as Dr. Zahi Hawass. “You will visit many unique places that very few people get to see,” says Dr. Hawass, where guests have access to the latest archaeological finds, fascinating research, and information that goes beyond what is found in tourist guides.

Through these tours, you can embark on a journey through Egypt's fascinating history and discover the most iconic ancient sites at your own pace. Take full advantage of our direct cooperation with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and explore unique pyramids, tombs, and archaeological sites.

How about a private dinner in front of the Luxor Temple or the Great Pyramid? Have you considered visiting the Egyptian Museum in Cairo outside of regular hours for a night tour? Would you like to get to know modern Egypt with a visit to the presidential palaces in Cairo or Alexandria? Go even further and enter tombs in the Valley of the Kings that have never been opened to the public.

Thanks to Archaeological Paths, all these extraordinary experiences are now possible.

Other destinations to explore with Archaeological Paths.

In addition to these incredible tours exploring the wonders of ancient Egypt, Archaeological Paths offers unique tours in other destinations such as Armenia, Georgia, Turkey, and India.

The Ancient Wonders of the Caucasus, a 14-day journey through Armenia and Georgia.

This is an extraordinary 14-day journey with Archaeological Paths to delve into the ancient heart of the Caucasus and explore Armenia and Georgia, lands steeped in history, culture, and natural wonders, far from the usual tourist routes.

In Armenia, you can explore Zorats Karer, also known as the Armenian Stonehenge, an ancient astronomical observatory dating back to 7600 BC, and the impressive Tatev Monastery, perched on the edge of a spectacular gorge, accessible by the world's longest reversible cable car. Venture into the ancient cave city of Khndzoresk, where houses carved into the cliffs tell stories of a bygone era.

In Georgia, you will discover Prometheus Cave, an underground natural wonder, and be captivated by the country's rock-hewn cities. Georgia is also known as the cradle of viticulture, with an 8,000-year history of wine production that continues to thrive, offering you the opportunity to taste some of the world's finest wines.

Both countries boast breathtaking landscapes, from lush vegetation to spectacular mountain views, and are home to exquisite monasteries located in seemingly impossible places, offering panoramic views that linger in the memory.

The breathtaking natural landscapes of Turkey, the "Cradle of Civilization"

The adventure begins in the historic heart of Istanbul, from where you will travel to the legendary lands of Troy and the sacred biblical city of Ephesus, where you can glimpse the ancient Christian heritage.

The journey continues through the surreal, wind-sculpted landscapes of Cappadocia, a region adorned with rock-carved shrines and ancient underground cities. 

The exploration continues to the majestic Mount Nemrut, a place often hailed as the eighth wonder of the ancient world, where colossal divine statues eternally gaze out over the horizon. The highlight of the journey will be the impressive Göbekli Tepe, considered the world's first temple. Dating back 6,000 years before Stonehenge, this Neolithic masterpiece is considered the most important archaeological find of our era.

An unforgettable trip to India, a country of mysticism, vibrant colors, exotic flavors, and a rich historical tapestry.

This meticulously crafted itinerary begins in the historic city of Delhi, from where it continues to Agra, home to the resplendent Taj Mahal, an emblem of love carved in white marble. The journey then takes you to the spiritual soul of India, Varanasi, followed by a visit to the exquisite temples of Khajuraho, famous for their intricate carvings and architectural beauty.

Venturing into the majestic state of Rajasthan, the exploration extends to the impressive rock-cut caves of Ellora and Ajanta, famous World Heritage Sites that showcase India's artistic and spiritual depth. Adding a touch of adventure, the itinerary includes an exciting jeep expedition through Ranthambore National Park, one of India's premier wildlife sanctuaries, offering a unique opportunity to observe its rich fauna in its natural habitat.

Concluding remarks.

Archaeological Paths experiences offer exclusive access to places that are off-limits to the general public. From ancient tombs and temples and active archaeological sites to presidential palaces, visitors have special access to unique locations.

A highly qualified team with all the experience and potential to make your travels a dream come true.

I did this trip two years ago with a group of retirees. I must admit that they were very funny people and had a lot of energy, even more than I did sometimes. 

It was an 18-hour drive from Buenos Aires to Misiones and they only stopped laughing, singing and dancing on the bus when it was time to sleep. 

They perfectly applied for the phrase "youth is only an attitude of the soul."

My travel goals 9 of 23: Misiones and the Falls.

During this trip we visit the Iguazú Falls, located on the border between Argentina and Brazil. 

These falls are declared a World Heritage Site and are considered one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. They deserve their titles because they are absolutely wonderful and incredible .

You can visit the falls on both sides, the Argentine and the Brazilian side. The view from Argentina is more panoramic and you can see them from the front, while on the Brazilian side the view is from above.

The day of the visit to the Argentine side was dreamed of, the hot weather and rainbows everywhere. It was excellent. I couldn't believe where so much water came from hahahahaha. I was mesmerized watching him fall without stopping.

Iguazu Falls from the Brazilian side. 

But the day we went to the Brazilian side, the weather was very ugly, it was raining and it was gray.

The spectacular Devil's Throat.

From this side you could see from the top the so-called "Devil's Throat", which is the part where the water from the waterfalls begins to fall

Since I don't have a good photo of this day, I want to share a photo from the web so that you know what I am talking about.

This trip was really beautiful, the Iguazu falls are awesome and a landscape that I could always look at for how wonderful it is. I hope that one day you can meet them, you will not regret it .

Well, friends, I've reached my last post in my #travelgoal section (for now). So far, I've visited 9 of the 23 provinces!

All that's left is to wait for the pandemic to end and tourism to resume. I'm really looking forward to seeing what other landscapes my beautiful country has to offer!

We did this trip in the fall of last year after going to Bariloche, in Río Negro. To get there we did the so-called "Road of the Seven Lakes", on Route 40. This route crosses almost all of Argentina (before this trip I had no idea about this). If you want to see more images of Route 40 and its landscapes, you can visit @patagonian-nomad's in HIVE blog, who made a great trip traveling it . 

Neuquén the capital of southern Argentina.

On this journey I saw the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen. I just couldn't believe that those places were real and right before my eyes.

San Martin de los Andes.

San Martín de los Andes is a city that is located on the shores of Lake Nacar. It is a very quiet place, or so it seemed to us when we went. 

Everything was beautiful, but we were surprised by the respect for pedestrians they have. 

We actually put one foot on the street and the vehicles would stop and let you cross. Something never seen before in Buenos Aires .

La Islita, a small island with a unique history. 

Then we went to "La Islita". It was literally a little island. I have a very funny anecdote. 

Not wanting to ask anyone how to get there, we looked for the way on Google Maps and it threw us a route that said it lasted two hours on foot. 

As we were in good physical condition, we said "okay, two hours walking will not be a problem for us." 

So we set off and actually walked two hours there. We had a lot of fun on the way because we went through forests and laughed at the experience. 

When we finally got to "La Islita", we saw that there was a shorter way to get to the center of the city and it literally took 15 minutes to get back because it was much more direct. 

It was obviously a shortcut that didn't appear on the map. 

We couldn't believe it. Anyway, we had the anecdote to tell our friends . 

A beautiful place also in autumn. 

This place was really beautiful. 

As we went in Autumn there was no snow, but I would like to return to see what the city is like when it is covered in white.

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Facebook reminded me that two years ago I was happily enjoying the Oktoberfest celebration in Villa General Belgrano’s city. This fest takes place every year and 2018 was the first year that I went there. I hope I’ll go again. 

This trip was really improvised. One day I went to the bank to solve a doubt and there they told me that I had another bank account in which 

The Oktoberfest celebration in Villa General Belgrano’s city. 

I had approx 5000ARS from my scholarship. I didn’t remember that. It was a big surprise to me! 

On those days my friends wanted to go to the Oktoberfest so I joined them and I paid for the trip with that money.

The trip was organized by a young-people tourism company. So, all was a party since we took the bus to get there. I came with three friends but these days we know a lot of new people.

As you’ll imagine, in the “beer party” there are a lot of parties and a lot of beer. In those days the city of Villa General Belgrano turns in geman colours and people celebrating, drinking, dancing and drinking a bit more.

The city's beer district.

Despite the streets being full of people and music, the official celebration takes place in the “brewery estate” of the city. There are food trucks and beer, concerts and games as in an amusement park. People there are really happy. How could they not?

Córdoba’s province has precious mountainous landscapes. 

I already visited it before and it’s a beautiful place to take a rest. But I got to say to you if that is your plan, you shouldn’t go to Villa General Belgrano in times of Oktoberfest.

I visited the city of Bariloche in Rio Negro on two occasions. First, I am going to talk about my last visit, which was last year. 

We went to vacation, in the month of April. The city of Bariloche is a classic winter tourist destination. 

If they ask anyone which city they have to go to see snow, they will surely mention Bariloche. 

In it, is the "Cerro Catedral", which, in addition to being a mountain, houses the most important ski center in South America.

My travel goals 6 of 23: Rio Negro. 

However, by the time we took this trip it was just beginning of fall, so there was absolutely no snow. 

But we were able to enjoy the greenest and most beautiful landscapes of all. 

The city itself is beautiful, has many businesses and is very busy. Nearby is Lake Nahuel Huapi, with its icy waters and stone beaches. 

The city of Bariloche is a classic winter tourist destination.

We also went to Cerro Catedral, but of course there was no skiing.

We also visit Cerro Campanario, where you access using a chairlift. From the top of the hill you can enjoy truly incredible views and there is also a cafeteria there in case you want to enjoy a snack.

La mia gita di laurea (a long time ago).

Regarding my other visit to Bariloche, it is nothing less than the trip that I mentioned in my first post.

 It was the first time I made a trip away from home and it was for the school graduates trip, in August 2011. 

I was 17 years old, I was very young. On that occasion, most of my colleagues and I met snow for the first time. It was great.

And of course, on last year's trip I had to go to the door of the hotel where I had stayed on my graduate trip to send a photo to my friends with whom I had gone. 

We promised to repeat the ride one day.

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I made this trip to the city of Rosario with a group of students from my university in context of the "National Meeting of Women". 

This meeting is held once a year in different parts of Argentina. That year it was the turn to carry it out in the province of Santa Fe. 

My travel goals 5 of 23: visiting Santa Fe. 

This meeting lasted 3 days and in it different debate workshops are organized around problems related to women, such as the actual employment situation, legal, safe and free abortion, contraceptive methods,LGTB collective, the role of women in society, love relationships, etc. 

National Meeting of Women. 

And how can it be otherwise, one of those nights a great party is thrown! We had some very interesting days.

Regarding the city of Rosario, I visited the Monument to the Flag. This monument is approximately 70 m high and 18 m wide, and is located in the National Park of the Flag. 

Monument to the Flag. 

It is in this place, on the banks of the Paraná River, where General Manuel Belgrano raised the Argentine flag for the first time in 1812. 

Some very interesting architectural constructions can be seen around the monument.

I would like to return to Rosario city to continue visiting this city! It would be interesting to see the monument on a slightly calmer day, although I am not complaining because at least I was able to know it-

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