Mazatlan, the Malecon and the Lighthouse

Mazatlan, the Malecon and the LighthouseMazatlan is a coastal city in Mexico. The city retains the charm and traditions of old Mexico and is a place where one can relax in its wonderful beaches.

The city is the ideal place for those who are interested in the culture of Mexico. The city retains many traditions and today you can see the old structures and facades of colors that previously reigned in the region.

Mazatlan is one of the best tourist destinations for those who like water sports and fishing, especially because nowadays, there is no mass tourism and in other coastal cities, which gives it a certain charm to the city.

Even until the mid-twentieth century, many famous actors vacationing on these shores. Movie stars from around the world the likes of John Wayne, Gary Cooper or John Huston traveled to this city to go fishing. Even today this sport is one of the most popular cities.

The city, in the state of Sinaloa, is located in the Pacific Ocean. The city was founded in 1531. For many centuries, the port of Mazatlan was one of the most important of the region, as many boats from the mines of gold and silver passed through this city. Due to the large number of immigrants from Germany who decided to settle in this city during the 1800s, the city managed to create a curious mixture of both cultures that even today you can see reflected in the music band, which has clear Bavarian roots, and Pacific Brewery, founded in 1900.

El Faro de Mazatlan is one of the most recognized structures. The lighthouse dates from 1879 and part of the installation was made in Paris years earlier. Interestingly, due to curious lamp and Fresnel lens during its first years, many sailors thought that the lighthouse was actually a very bright star. Today, the lighthouse has been upgraded and can be seen 60 miles away, and is considered one of the highest natural lighthouses in the world. Near the lighthouse, on cliffs, the most daring, known as the divers, practice jumping into the water from the base of the lighthouse.

Known as the Pearl of the Pacific, this city has a lot of beaches, stresses the Malecon from Mazatlan, which has a length of 21 kilometers. In Old Mazatlan, which is located in the center of the city are some of the most iconic beaches, such as Olas Altas, Playa Norte, or Los Pinitos. In the Golden Zone are some of the best known beaches. Emphasize the Playa Gaviota, Playa Sabalos, and Silver Shrimp. In the New Mazatlan buildings are newer and there are the beaches Playa Bruja, north of Cerritos, and the beaches Dolphin or marble.

One of the most popular actors of the country, Pedro Infante was born in this coastal city. The actor and singer was one of the most important during the Golden Age of Mexican cinema.

The city has hosted a variety of historical characters through the years. The famous opera diva Angela Peralta died in Mazatlan, and one of the most famous theaters in the city is called the Teatro Angela Peralta in his honor. The theater is located in the Plaza Machado, next to the hotel where he died.

Stone Island, a peninsula that is part of the coast, is a good place to visit during a tour of a day. There are several boats that take tourists to the traditional island full of fishermen. The magnificent beaches, traditional restaurants and a variety of water sports such as horse riding and sports do not leave anyone indifferent.

Constitution Street is one of the most important streets of the city. There are a variety of colorful buildings, shops and restaurants. The street crosses the famous Plaza Machado. The charming Plaza Machado, full of fountains, is located in the historic city center. The center is full of squares, restaurants and terraces. While strolling through the streets one can see a variety of art galleries outside or visiting the craft markets are held once a week.

In the cultural sphere highlights the Teatro Angela Peralta, which is located in the Plaza Machado? The building dates from XIX century and has several concert halls, galleries and a conservatory. The Sinaloa Symphony is responsible for providing a variety of plays throughout the year.

Mazatlan is also known for their holidays, in particular highlights the Carnival, which takes place once a year after Easter. During the week of the carnival the streets are filled with music and people, and there are a variety of art works and theatrical productions outdoors.

Pneumonias are the traditional taxis in the city, reminiscent of a golf cart. The Port of Mazatlan is a place of great historical importance in the city. From this port, where ships unloaded before full of gold and silver, many ferries and cruise ships depart.

The beaches of the region and small islands like the Isle Diablo or White Rocks, which lie in the thing is full of marine life and exotic birds. Depending on the season, was able to observe lions, toucans and parrots.

A variety of tropical trees growing in the region, which is gives the city its own aroma. In the numerous beaches of the city you can enjoy activities such as horseback riding, watching the exotic birds, snorkel or tour the nearby islands on a ferry.

Kiribati, a Country of Atolls

Kiribati, a Country of AtollsKiribati is a small country made up of several islands in the Pacific Ocean. The country is known for its beaches, its nature only unaltered by man and by its traditional culture.

The Republic of Kiribati consists of a coral island and 32 atolls. The country lies on both sides of Ecuador and bordering the International Date Line Change Date. The country became independent in 1979 and 21 of the 33 islands are inhabited.

The country used to be on both sides of the International Date Line Change Date, until the government took the decision to change the line to the east. This step enabled the nation to be the first country to enter the third millennium, an event which attracted many tourists.

Caroline Island was the first to enter the new millennium, and it is now known as Millennium Island. Interestingly, Kiribati is the only country in the world is found in both hemispheres and both sides of 180th meridian.

The Gilbert Islands are the most populous areas of the country. However, many other islands are uninhabited islands, as most of the Phoenix Islands and some of the Line Islands.

One of the most famous islands is Kirimati Island or Christmas Island, known for its wide range of water sports offered. On Christmas Island also offers several cultural activities. The most common activities are fishing and bird watching, because the island still retains its nature. Other joint activities are diving and snorkeling.

Banaba Island belongs to the Gilbert Islands. This island is the country’s highest point, a hill just 81 meters in height.

The Phoenix Islands belong to this group of atolls. These beautiful islands are now known as the largest marine nature reserve in the world.

The capital is Tarawa. The natives, known as the I Kiribati, make up the bulk of the population. They even have their own language, Gilbertese, although English is the official language. Tarawa is famous for being the place where they held the Battle of Tarawa during World War II. There are several museums dedicated to the theme of the battle on the island. However, what stand out are its beautiful beaches.

Abaiang atoll is north of the main islands. The coral atoll is famous for its stunning lake that invites visitors to relax. A few meters from this atoll are the Bingham Canal, which connects the lagoon to the majestic Pacific Ocean.

In general, Kiribati culture is based around family values, the church and the sea. The music and dance form an important part of the country’s culture. There are several types of dance from the dance standing Kaimatoa you, to the dance of the hips, Te Buki. The country also has its own martial art power, which includes the disciplines of Nabakai, Nakara and many others.

Tourism forms an important part of life in Kiribati. Among the most popular activities include tours of the many gaps. The islands are also home to several museums, and excursions through the points that were made during the Second World War. For the more adventurous, tours are organized by plane, from where tourists can admire the beauty of the coral islands.

Petrozavodsk, the National Parks and the First Spa

Petrozavodsk, the National Parks and the First SpaIn the region of Karelia, full of lakes and impressive landscapes, nature is the true queen. There are few cities and a few islands, of which, Kizhi Island, is an outdoor museum.

The largest city in the region is the regional capital, the city of Petrozavodsk. The city lies on the banks of Lake Onega. This city is known for its buildings, built in the neoclassical architectural style.

Petrozavodsk is known for its squares and neoclassical buildings, stresses the Plaza Redonda, which dates from the eighteenth century but was rebuilt in the nineteenth century. One of the most important and famous is the Aleksander Nevsky Cathedral, which dates from 1832. Even today you can see where they built the first church in Petrozavodsk in 1703.

Other attractions include the statues and monuments around the city, such as granite and bronze statue of Peter I, 1832, and the statue of Derzhavin Gavrila, an eighteenth century poet. The statue of Kirov is one of the most majestic of the city.

The city lies along the Gulf of Petrozavodsk. The embankment has been remodeled and is now made of granite and marble from the region. It is decorated with various statues postmodernists, and many of the statues are gifts from sister cities around the world.

The history is very present in this city on the banks of Lake Onega. Even today you can see a statue of Lenin in one of the central squares, while one of the most important streets still bear the name of Karl Marx. This avenue is one of the main streets, ranging from the Kirov Square, known for having four theaters, almost to the lake. The street has a huge park on one side while on the other side are the best cafes and shops in the city.

This city has a great culture. Here is the Karelia Philharmonic Orchestra, founded in 1933. The Musical Theatre of Karelia, founded in 1955, is the most prestigious theater in the region, although another major theater is the theater Finnish National Theatre of Karelia. It also highlights the National Library of Karelia, which has a large collection of historical archives. One of the most important museums is the National Museum, which dates from 1871 and has large collections of artifacts and art from the region of Karelia and the rest of Russia and Finland, as well as a branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

Near the city is Martisialnye Vody, the country’s oldest spa. This spa was founded in 1714 by Peter I. The spa has its own museum that tells the story of the hot springs and place, although there are no remains of the Royal Palace that was here.

The region is famous for its natural landscape, barely big cities. There are two nature reserves, the National Park Vodlozhero of over 6,000 square kilometers and Paanajärvi National Park. Vodlozhero National Park and famous for the lake Vygozero. Paanajärvi National Park dating from 1992 and has a common border with another nature reserve, Oulanka National Park in Finland.

Astronomical Tourism in Chile

All passengers enjoys a starry night: watching the sky and see the stars. It’s an opportunity to be surprised at how tiny we are facing the vast universe.

Tourism astronomical independent of the season we meet, is in constant growth, and Chile is one of the best places to appreciate it.

The Region of Coquimbo, in Chile, is also known as the “Region Star” capable of providing a clean sky for astronomical observation. This allowed the proliferation of observatories in the area, in turn boosting its tourism edge. They can use large telescopes and all the instrumentation with which scientists have given life to these places.

Observatories
Some visitors will be fleeting: Certain sectors, in which astronomers are working every day, will be open to the public so that we know what it is.

For example, the International La Silla Observatory, located in La Higuera, we can make use of telescopes ready, every Saturday afternoon throughout the year (except June and July because of the weather conditions). The tours are free and are assisted by specialized guides.

Another interesting place to visit is the Inter-American Observatory Cerro Tololo, in the province of Elqui, at 2200 meters above sea level. Annually receives many visits from students in the investigative framework, and also welcomes travelers who want to learn about their facilities, on Saturday morning and afternoon.

Astronomical Observatories

On the other hand, there are other tourist character observatories have been created especially for the enthusiastic traveler can feel an expert overnight. For this it has adapted facilities and some even have a museum where you can learn more about the subject.

Pangue Observatory, in the Elqui Valley, has 30 degrees south latitude, allowing it to boast of one of the best views of the heavens that surround it. As in most of these establishments, visitors can use the computerized telescopes and enjoy tours and observing sessions.

For those who want to take pictures of what they see, you can visit the Observatory collowara in Churqui hilltop at 1300 meters above sea level. The premises have prepared a telescope to capture images. Other features include direct observation decks outdoors, and an auditorium where visitors can enjoy audiovisual material.


The astronomical map

It’s large number of observatories, both scientific and created for tourism that can be distributed over the region of Coquimbo, both the province and in Choapa of Limari, through the province of Elqui.

Beyond the wonders of the sky, the Coquimbo region has beautiful valleys, mountains, spas, and various attractions such as cultural centers, museums, exhibitions and churches. It also has several offers of accommodation and local cuisine.