The “Museo de Arqueología del Occidente, Lic. José Parres Arias” located on 16 de Septiembre Av. #889 in downtown Guadalajara, offers exhibitions from pre-Hispanic archeological sites, particularly from the Mexican states of Jalisco, Colima and Nayarit.

The first exhibition area is the Jalisco exhibition, which includes pre-Hispanic clay pieces for domestic use and ceremonial gatherings, as well as sculptures that represented important characters such as gods, as well as common people in their daily routines, executed using different kinds of clay and colors.

You will also see, along with coins used by the native “Los Toltecas” people, pieces of volcanic stone women used to grind corn and other artifacts used to process food. Corn was a very important and precious food in the mid-Americas, and was worshipped in ceremonies and represented by gods.

The Colima Exhibition shows an amazing collection of dog sculptures, vessels and pots, which were found in tombs in agricultural lands in the state of Colima. These sculptures are thought to have been used in religious or ceremonial gatherings, and some even say the natives thought these dogs represented guides for the soul of the dead into the underworld. But their real meaning remains uncertain.

Other clay sculptures represent the witches or “shamans” believed to govern native societies. One collection that really caught my eye were fantastic, 20-foot high figures in the shape of two bodies, attached at their backs, holding with their two heads a great serpent formed in an arc. Some say these figures represent day and night, life and death and rain and drought, since the natives worshipped gods who represented precious commodities such as rain and the sun.

Fauna and flora also played an important role for native societies, and were represented in figures of different colored clay. Plants, for example, were considered deities and certain of their characteristics were attributed to spirits, who could be very powerful and mysterious.

Another important sculpture is of the face of the God of the rain “Tlaloc”, with an expression of fright or even horror, that make it one of the most complex and monumental pieces in the museum.

One of the most interesting pieces is a red clay pot sculpture representing a man resting his head upon his forearms. While the character’s face is hidden because of his position, a close-up photograph shows the face was molded accurately and expresses pain.

The pottery pieces of Nayarit, consisting of pots, bottles and plates, are distinguished by the elegance of their painting and decoration.

Entrance fees are 5 pesos (39 cents $USD). The museum is open 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM and 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, and closed Saturdays.

By Bertha Leal
Walking through the doors of Cafe Havana is like walking through the doors of time and stepping into the Cuba we all love and remember.

Operated by owners Mauricio Aimone and Gabriel Mas and located on the corner of Calle de la Media Luna con Calle del Guerrero, right in the heart of Cartagena, Cafe Havana is known as “La Esquina del Movimiento” which roughly translates into The Street Corner of Dancing. It doesn’t fail to do its name justice. Plastered on the walls are the photos of some of the greatest legends of the Cuban music heritage like Benny More and Antonio Machin. Take it to the dance floor and dance the night away to the beats of a live band playing anything from jazz, to rumba, to salsa and the occasional sweet bolero for the romanticos.

After you’re done sweating up a storm on the dance floor make your way to the bar and let the guayabera-clad bartenders whip you up a freshly made mojito, garnished to perfection with sprigs of mint. The shelves are stocked with brands of rum, brandy, whisky, vodka, and beer. You must try their Cuba Libre which at only 15,000 pesos a pop you can afford to get two! With your chilled glass in hand close your eyes and lean back. In the palpable heat you can almost feel the breeze from the palm trees, the waves from El Malecon. Your body may be in Cartagena but your soul will be in Havana.

On any given night you never know who might just wander in. Regulars and locals can shake their hips along with some very prominent guests. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, was recently seen at the establishment. Pictures immortalizing her visit show a Hillary with her hair down, a thin film of sweat on her brow and hands high up in the air. It is a picture that so entirely captures the true spirit of the bar as a place where you leave your worries at the door and succumb to the rhythm of the bongos. And if it’s good enough for Hillary, it’s good enough for us. Take it as a high recommendation, you cannot leave Colombia before you visit Havana.

For more information on Café Havana you can visit their website cafehavanacartagena.com or call 57 314 5196745 for reservations.

By Duncan Tucker

Ever wondered where your hangovers come from? Well now you can find out first-hand on Jose Cuervo’s express train to the town of Tequila.

Billed as the only train that actually takes passengers to Tequila, one of Mexico’s fabled “pueblos magicos,” (magic towns) the Cuervo Express opened in February. It is not be confused with rival service, the Tequila Express, which for 14 years has been transporting tourists to the Herradura distillery in nearby Amatitan.

The leisurely 60-kilometer journey from Guadalajara to Tequila takes exactly two hours. Holding up to 395 passengers, the finely furnished seven-carriage train rumbles along at a gentle pace through the rugged Jalisco countryside, past volcanoes and row upon row of spiky blue agave plants. As much agave-based booze as you can handle (margaritas, shots, long drinks) is readily available throughout the return journey, along with delicious nibbles, including empanadas, tacos and tortas ahogadas.

Upon arrival in Tequila, guests are transferred by bus to the Jose Cuervo factory. Home of the iconic Cuervo raven, La Rojeña was founded in 1795, making it the oldest distillery in Latin America. The distillation process and the history of Casa Cuervo are explained at length on the factory tour, which also includes free samples of various tequilas in case anyone’s attention starts to wane.

The most potent spirit on offer is a 55-percent white tequila, which is so strong it must be watered down before it can be sold legally. The longer a tequila is aged in wooden barrels, the richer its flavor and the darker amber its color. The finest sample available is the Reserva de la Familiar, a limited edition añejo (aged tequila) made from hand-selected mature agaves. A bottle will set you back over 3,000 pesos (around $250 USD), but its smooth taste with hints of honey and vanilla makes it worth every centavo.

In a later tasting session guests are taught to appreciate the different smells and subtle flavors of white, gold and añejo tequila. Brewers such as Cuervo want tequila to enjoy the reputation it deserves as a fine drink comparable to Cognac or Scotch. The recommended way to consume tequila is not to down it with a smearing of salt and lime like an over-excited student on spring break, but to hold it in the mouth for five to ten seconds and absorb the rich flavors.

For those who prefer not to take their tequila straight, guests are offered a round of strawberry margaritas during a live show in the gardens of the Cuervo estate. Tribal music is blasted out as smoke wafts across a small stone amphitheater where men and women dance in Aztec-style costumes, symbolizing the ancient roots of Mexico’s fiery national drink. Agave cultivation dates back hundreds of years to when pre-Columbian civilizations brewed a sticky drink known as “pulque,” although tequila as we know it was born later when the Spanish introduced more advanced distilling techniques.

After this colorful history lesson, guests are treated to a flurry of mariachi music and traditional folkloric dancing, while enjoying a buffet of traditional Mexican cuisine. Then it’s back aboard the train, where there’s plenty more tequila for those still standing, or freshly brewed coffee for anyone that’s had one too many.

Ticket information:

At 1,290-1,700 pesos ($100 – $130 USD), the Jose Cuervo Express is a little more expensive than the Tequila Express, which costs 1,200 pesos. However, it promises a more upmarket experience, without such a relentless barrage of mariachi music throughout the day, and it is the only rail option for those who want to actually see the town of Tequila.

The train leaves from Guadalajara’s Estacion Ferrocarril on Avenida Washington, next to Parque Agua Azul. Friday evening tours leave the station at 7:30 p.m., returning early on Saturday at 2.30 a.m. On Saturdays and Sundays the Express leaves at 11:00 a.m. and returns at 8:00 p.m. Children and senior citizens travel at discounted prices.

For reservations or more information, visit http://www.josecuervoexpress.com/ or call free on 01-800-681-0442. Tickets can also be purchased in Guadalajara at the Jose Cuervo store on Avenida Vallarta #5005 or in the Hotel Camino Real on Mariano Otero.

Rio de Janeiro is probably not like the place where you live (unless you live in Rio de Janeiro). Here are some tips that should help you appear less conspicuous during your visit.

Greetings

Rio natives or inhabitants, known as Cariocas, are generally very kind and warm people. They’ll normally greet you first or they’ll pleasantly respond to your greeting. Men greet men with a firm handshake, introducing themselves saying, “prazer” (pleasure, pronunced prah-zeyr), followed by their name. You can reply “prazer” and your name.

Women typically kiss and will be kissed on both cheeks. In some cities other than Rio, it is common to exchange a third kiss (on the cheek, of course), for good luck or marriage (?!). In Sao Paulo one kiss will do. The initiation of a group gathering can be quite a lengthy process as each person is expected to kiss every other person at least twice. Once it’s over, don’t try to leave in a rush, as the ritual is repeated to conclude a gathering as well. You’ll also notice that Cariocas like to touch, hug and pat each other on the shoulder quite often-including the men. This is the world famous Carioca human warmth in action.

Other common greetings are “e aí, como vai?” for “how’s it going? (pronounced ee aiy ee, como vaiy), or “fala!”, literally “Speak!” used in place of “what’s up”. You’ll surely hear the ever-popular, all purpose “tudo bem?” and “tudo bom?”, literally “everything okay?”. If you’re greeted with “tudo bem?” just respond with a cool “tudo bom” or vice versa.

“Valeu”

Literally translates to “it was worth it”. It is generally used when thanking someone, and is generally used by the younger generation. A common example of when to use this word is when a vendor on the beach is trying to sell you something, and you’re not interested. A polite, “não obrigado” (if you’re a male) or “não obrigada” (if you’re a female), and “valeu”, lets the seller know that you’re not interested.

“Gringo”

This is how Cariocas will refer to you, a foreigner, whether they like you or not, either to your face or behind your back. It’s not meant in a derogatory way but rather as a form of identification (especially if they don’t know your name or can’t pronounce it).

Portuguese Slang

Rio is a slang-factory. You won’t notice the seasons changing, but slang expressions come and go quite often. When at work, the Carioca forces himself to use the language correctly, but when off duty, Cariocas like to let their tongue loose, as they say. When drinking, it is common to hear a lot of swearing.

About Women

Like many other Latin-American countries, Brazil has a rather ‘macho’ culture, but don’t let that deceive you! Brazilian women are known to be very strong and demanding and not easily pushed around! Beauty is a common attribute to a Carioca woman and Carioca males often show their appreciation with a long look or a kind comment. Both sexes can be a bit possessive and may not want you looking at “their property,” so always be careful and try to notice if their patroa or patrão (boss, as they call their companions) is around.

About Men

As with many Latin-American cultures, the men can be surprisingly forward, depending on where you have come from. While generalizations are dangerous, it’s pretty safe to say that if you’re blonde, you’re exotic here and will likely get an extra dose of attention from the men folk. It may be shocking at first to have someone blatantly stare at you or make comments as they pass by. This is not meant to be offensive, but is actually just an expression of appreciation. There is no need to be rude, but also no need to pursue them. It is fine to simply continue on with what you were doing. If you find that the line has been crossed, and you are truly uncomfortable, pop in to a nearby store or café and take refuge for a few minutes.

The kiss in Brazil has about the same weight as a handshake in the US so don’t be surprised if a guy asks to kiss you or if lips—or even tongues—collide suddenly as you’re dancing or walking side by side with someone you’ve very recently met. As with a handshake, you can move on with no fuss.

Promptness

If you are the type of person who needs to keep to a schedule, Rio is not the place for you. Virtually no event starts on time. No service personnel will ever see the fault in making you wait while they finish up gossiping on the phone. Even your friends aren’t immune. If you invite people for dinner, don’t expect to see anyone for at least two hours after the specified time (fashionably late). That’s just the way it goes.

Tipping

Tips at restaurants and bars are typically included in the tab and amount to 10%. Sometimes the tab will indicate ‘serviço não incluso’ which means that tips have not been included and you should leave a 10% tip for your server. Taxis fares are typically rounded up to the nearest Real, but no formal tip is required.

By Marnely Rodriguez-Murray

If you’ve ever had Ceviche, you know that the variations are so many that you could try one ever day of the month and not repeat the same recipe. Most Latin American countries have their unique creations, but where did this dish originate? Historians agree that there are many varieties, and that it originated in Peru.

Accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy, it can be spelled cebiche, ceviche, or seviche. This also relates to how different countries make ceviche, as well as spell it. Predominantly found in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and even the Philippines, Ceviche has become a staple in Central American Cuisine and slowly has seeped into North American culture. Below we’ll discover the variations normally used in this three Central American countries.

Peru: Known for their tart and spicy ceviche preparations, Peruvians normally accompany the raw fish with a side of pickled vegetables, onions for example are a good side. The crunch added by the pickled side bring a much needed texture to the dish, allowing the fish to still shine with it’s freshness.

Ecuador: One of the most notable additions in this version, is choclo or Andes corn kernels. Fresh corn is a welcome ingredient that brings added sweetness to the raw fish, as well as texture.

Chile: The one added ingredient that distinguishes this ceviche from any other is the use of a signature Chilean spice blend. It’ called Merken and is made from smoked goat’s horn peppers, coriander seeds, cumin, and other spice. This added spice adds heat and smoky flavor to the fish, without needing to cook it!

Tips for making Ceviche:

• Use the freshest fish available and remember you can also use fresh octopus, scallop and shrimp as variations in your ceviche. Talk to your fishmonger and see what he recommends.

• Buy seasonal citrus to add that acid that will help to slowly cook your raw fish. Limes are traditional, but you can use Meyer Lemons, Grapefruit, Cara Cara Oranges, or Tangerines. Each brings a different level of acidity, so you will have to adjust accordingly.

• Toss together only a few hours ahead of time, and on occasion, even a few minutes before is fine. Depending on the cut of the fish, as well as the fish itself, the preparation time varies.

• Watch the salt! Salt will only draw moisture out of your fish and render it rubbery, so add the salt tableside or allow the guests to season to their liking.

Sea Scallop Ceviche Recipe

Serves 6-8

Recipe by Chef Ric Orlando at the Martha’s Vineyard Food and Wine Festival

Ingredients:

1 pound raw sea scallops, sliced into coins

1 cup fresh lime juice

1 clove garlic, minced super fine

1 fresh jalapeno chile, sliced thinly

1 medium each: red, yellow or green pepper, de-ribbed and finely diced

1 small red onion, diced

1 ripe tomato, diced

1 tablespoon kosher salt

Cracked black pepper

¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

½ bunch cilantro with stems, chopped

Method:

1. Place the sliced scallops in a cool bowl and add lime juice and a little salt.

2. Allow to marinate for 30 to 40 minutes.

3. Add everything else to the bowl and toss well.

4. Cover with plastic wrap and store in refrigerator for as little as 4 hours and as long as 24 hours before serving.

5. Serve over greens with lime wedges.

Whether you’re visiting Peru, Ecuador, Chile or even in your hometown, order the ceviche and ask what makes it local to the area. You might be surprised with a visit around the kitchen, a special taste of their spices, or more! And since Peru is the country of origin, below are a few cevicherias that you must visit while in Lima:

Pez Amigo (Av. La Paz 1640, Miraflores; 445-9783)

Punto Azul (Calle San Martin 595, Miraflores; 445-8078)

La Mar (Av. La Mar 770, Miraflores; 421-3365)

Pescados Capitales (La Mar 1337, Miraflores; 421-8808)

The consumption of raw or undercooked seafood or shellfish may increase your risk of food borne illness. Be sure to obtain your fresh fish from a trusted source.

More than 70 additional hotels and 14,000 new jobs planned in the next five years

Heralding a “golden age of travel,” Marriott International plans to double the number of hotels in the Caribbean and Latin America within the next five years. Arne Sorenson, the new CEO of Marriott International, made the announcement at the Americas CEO Summit in Cartagena, Colombia, adding that the number of jobs at Marriott hotels in the region is expected to increase from 13,000 to 27,000 by the end of 2017.

The company also said it expects to double its presence in Colombia with the additions of Marriott hotels in both Cartagena and Cali.

This year’s hotel openings in the region showcase the company’s broad portfolio of top brands, including the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve in the Americas at Dorado Beach, Puerto Rico to the JW Marriott in Cusco, Peru and the Courtyard by Marriott at Mexico City Airport.

Currently, Marriott has 35 hotels signed and under development in the Caribbean and Latin America. These include The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, The Ritz-Carlton, Panama City (Panama), JW Marriott Cusco (Peru), Port-au-Prince Marriott Hotel (Haiti) and the Renaissance Santiago (Chile). By 2017, Marriott envisions its portfolio in the region rising to over 140 hotels and 30,000 rooms either opened or in the development pipeline.

“Latin America is booming, in terms of economic growth and political and institutional stability, which is creating a promising business climate,” said Sorenson. “The rising middle class throughout the region is eager to travel to new places and do business on the road. Worldwide, we’re seeing a golden age of travel, and Latin America is at the forefront. This, when combined with the strong performance and preference of our brands in the gateway markets, provides tremendous opportunity for Marriott’s world class brands and service.”

“This is an exciting time for hotel development in Latin America; the growing regional demand and broadening market, combined with the lack of consistent domestic hotel product and service, represents a large opportunity to develop upscale branded hotels as well as multi-unit moderate tier development platforms with local partners in the region,” said Laurent De Kousemaeker, chief development officer, Caribbean and Latin American Region, for Marriott International.

By Duncan Tucker

Any given Sunday in Guadalajara you will find that many of the city’s biggest streets are completely closed to car and truck traffic. No, this is not the result of roadblocks or narco-related disturbances; there is a much less sinister explanation.

From 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., several major avenues are closed so that local cyclists, joggers, skaters and pedestrians can enjoy them in what is known as La Via Recreactiva.

Cross Section of Society

Venture onto Guadalajara’s streets during La Via and you will encounter a wide cross-section of contemporary middle-class Mexico. Typical sights include parents walking the dog while their kids glide around on rollerblades, enamored couples strolling hand-in-hand, teenagers on skateboards, hipster students on bikes, and dedicated fitness freaks braving the midday sun.

La Via Recreactiva is a social initiative launched to help the city’s inhabitants reclaim public spaces, promote exercise and healthy living, and benefit the environment by cutting down on pollution caused by traffic. It was launched in September 2004 (inspired by La Ciclovea established in Bogota, Colombia in the 1970s), attracting a modest average of 10,000 users each week along a stretch of seven miles. It has since grown considerably in both scale and popularity, with the routes in Guadalajara having grown to a length of 15 miles. Routes have been extended into the neighboring municipalities of Tlaquepaque, Zapopan, Tonala and Tlajomulco de Zuniga, total more than 40 miles and attract more than 140,000 participants each week.

La Via also provides a fun way of taking in some of the city’s nicest zones and most famous landmarks. The route from Tlaquepaque to downtown Guadalajara takes participants past the bustling San Juan de Dios market, while the most central route along Avenida Juarez/Vallarta goes past the Ex-Convento del Carmen cultural center, through the trendy Chapultepec neighborhood, beneath Los Arcos, the giant arches that used to mark the entrance to the city, and around the iconic Minerva fountain.

The leafy Parque de la Revolucion on Avenida Juarez is a perfect place to take a break; while Chapultepec offers dozens of trendy cafes should you wish to stop for coffee or Sunday brunch. Along the way, you may also encounter cultural exhibitions, games and competitions organized for children, and local artisans selling their produce on street-side stalls.

Fun and Safe

La Via is organized with the help of hundreds of volunteers, policemen, firefighters, road workers, paramedics and inspectors. This enables foreigners to mingle in complete safety with the locals and experience a healthy slice of modern Mexican culture.

Such has been the success of La Via that Guadalajara has hosted workshops conducted by the World Health Organization with the aim of spreading similar recreational routes to other cities across the world. The first Thursday of every month also brings Tapatios (natives of Guadalajara) out on to the streets with their bikes in more of a grass-roots, citizen-based ride.

Routes and bicycle stations:

La Via Recreactiva takes place every Sunday from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., as well as Mondays if there is a national public holiday. Click here for a map of the routes in Guadalajara, or see this interactive map for complete routes in all of the metropolitan area municipalities.

For those without a bicycle, there are two official stations where you can borrow one: at 8 de Julio and Avenida Juarez in Guadalajara; and on Avenida Hidalgo near the intersection with Peña y Peña in Tlaquepaque. To secure a bike, you must leave identification with event officials. This will be returned when you bring back the bicycle.

Leave the diet and big breakfast back home… dive into delicious local dishes and drinks

By Marnely Rodriguez

Have another sip of caipirinha and bask in the Brazilian sun, because this is what Brazil is about: simple pleasures enjoyed in gorgeous surroundings. Brazil’s national drink, caipirihnas are made from cachaça (sugar cane rum), sugar, and lime. Sure, the traffic is intense and the heat at times unbearable, but it’s all worth it for one thing: the food. Home to the elusive white cacao, Acai berry and cashew fruit, Brazil is a culinary adventure waiting to be discovered.

An early morning walk; prepare to enjoy the sights but first head straight to a lanchonete, a typical deli/coffee shop offering traditional “cafezinho.” Brazilians take coffee seriously, so whenever you’re offered a cafezinho accept gracefully. In the family of espresso, it’s made by dissolving sugar in very hot water and stirring in fresh coffee grounds. This mixture is then strained and served in small cups.

If you’re not a coffee drinker, order an all-natural juice to accompany your Pão de queijo or cheese roll. When ordering juices, venture and try varieties you’ve never tasted because a typical lanchonete has more than 20 types of fresh fruits, including acerola, caju (cashew fruit), maracujá (passion fruit), and carambola (star fruit). Traditional Brazilian breakfasts are humble, consisting of a cafezinho or two, toasted bread, and fresh fruit.

Brazilian gastronomy is deeply rooted in how its multicultural history shaped the country and can be tasted in their traditional dishes. Borrowing from their African ancestors, Brazil creates feijoada, a thick and hearty stew of black beans and meats, including pork ribs, bone marrow, and chorizo to name a few. Served over white rice, it’s a typical lunch meal found everywhere at noon. Originating with the slaves, Feijoada was crafted from the scraps of meats, the offal and the odd bone thrown together as substance for them.

Enjoy your meals slowly, because eating on the run or “quickly grabbing a bite” is not Brazilian custom, so learning how to enjoy a two-hour meal is required.

After lunch and sightseeing, everyday snacks include kibes, a traditional Lebanese snack made of ground beef, wheat germ, onions and mint, all deep-fried to perfection. If kibes aren’t your style, grab a slice of pizza. Residents of Sao Paulo, called Paulistanos, swear that their pizza is one of the best in the world. A favorite of the locals is the “Portuguesa”: onions, ham, cheese and hard-boiled eggs.

Eat your way through any region of Brazil and you’ll probably develop a close understanding of why and how food products are made. In some establishments, you can experience first-hand how the kibe maker learned to make these snacks from his grandfather or how the bartender has a secret recipe handed down to her from her mother on making the perfect Caipirihna. This is what makes Brazilians so unique: passion and love for everything they do.

Dinnertime for Brazilians is regularly after 8pm and is for those adventurous eaters with a ravenous appetite. Head straight to a gaucho-inspired Churascaria (steakhouse) and indulge in delicious grass-fed beef. Gauchos, loosely related to North American cowboys, are known to make a mean steak, so order the house specialty and accompany it with one of the popular beers in Brazil, either Brahma or Skol. One drink you must try before leaving Brazil is Guarana, a non-alcoholic beverage made from the Guarana fruit. Brazil is known as the third largest consumer of soft-drinks in the world, so tasting a native soda is a must. Find one rich in caffeine to help bolster you for a night of exploring the city.

Whether you’re traveling to the diverse city of Sao Paulo, relaxing on the powdery-white beaches of Ipanema, or exploring the rich history of Salvador Bahia, you’ll find yourself discovering that culture and food in Brazil are one. Brazilian gastronomy is as vast as the country. In the Southeast, you’ll find yourself enjoying multicultural dishes such as sushi and pasta, all alongside traditional foods. Further north, including Rio and Bahia, you’ll feel the marked difference of the Afro-Bahian culture. Items such as plantains, coconut, and seafood are consumed massively all through the North Coast. And although you might not speak the language, you’ll learn this: You won’t ever go hungry for great food in Brazil!

This article originally appeared on our sister publication Sourcing Brazil

By Erica Sosa

Just north of Guadalajara sits a geographic wonder that some say rivals America’s Grand Canyon: the “Barranca de Huentitán” known also as “Barranca de Oblatos-Huentitanm” a canyon up to 1,700 feet deep carved by the Río Grande de Santiago.

Home to a wide variety of vegetation, it offers magnificent views as well as a great place to exercise, although you need to watch out for some steep and rocky paths. It draws about 5,000 visitors a week who come to hike into and out of the canyon, as well as for picnics along the riverbank.

Enchanting Pathways

The traditional stone path guides you to a beautiful scenic overlook about halfway to the bottom. Once there, you’ll be able to see the semi-abandoned villages of “Las Juntas” and “Arcediano”.

During my visit I encountered many people who come to the Barranca to exercise including an 80 year old man who showed us a new path which isn’t that steep, cautioning us to be careful not to run. However, most of the paths are very steep so tackle them only if you’re in good physical condition.

Self or Private Guided Tours

While there are no official guides, you can easily find a private guide who might charge about 200 pesos ($15USD) to help a small group of people discover some of the lesser-known paths. I’d also recommend an early morning visit, as at midday the sun can get harsh.

This is a trip for the adventuresome, due to the steep hill and the clambering up and down rocks. Make sure you are wearing light boots and comfortable clothing.

History at Every Turn

Its history is as interesting as the place itself, because during the time of the Spanish Conquest it was the scene of many battles between the natives of Huentitán and the Spaniards. It was also the scene of battles during the Mexican Revolution and the Cristero rebellion.

In 1995 a program called “Rescue of the Barranca Oblatos-Huentitán” was created in order to preserve the area for ecotourism, sports, environmental education and community development. It was declared a protected nature area in 1997 due to its biological diversity, which ranges from tropical deciduous forest to riverbank woods, rupicola and secondary vegetation.

Other Attractions

Nearby you can also find the University of Architecture and Design (CUAAD), the Guadalajara Zoo and Metropolitan Planetarium, as well as sports and recreational facilities for football, basketball, tennis, and running.

From the downtown area you can take the bus route 258D in the street Prisciliano Sanchez and the avenida 16 de Septiembre. If you’re in the “San Juan de Dios” area you should take the 603A bus route, which will leave you right at the entrance of the barranca.

This article originally appeared on our sister publication Global Delivery Report.

By Marnely Rodriguez

When first traveling to São Paulo, it can be a little overwhelming narrowing down the list of places to see, stay, and have a great meal. Here are just a few you-ought-to-know restaurants, hotels and museums that will make your visit more enjoyable, maybe even more productive. If the place you had in mind is closed or booked-up, just walk a little further. You’re bound to find something worth checking out.

Restaurant: D.O.M.

According to the San Pellegrino List of 2011, D.O.M. is the 7th best restaurant in the world, and among the world’s top 50 according to this other list. The use of Brazilian ingredients and traditional dishes, adapted with the newest technologies in the industry, makes D.O.M. a one-of-a-kind experience. A tasting menu of four or eight courses is recommended to enjoy the progression Chef Alex Atala will take you through. Chef Atala has developed (in partnership with local companies) new ways and methods, as well as re-introducing ingredients such as black rice, priprioca (root vegetable), and pupunha heart of palm. By all accounts, dining at D.O.M. is an experience not to be missed when in São Paulo. Closed on Sundays.

Restaurant: A Figueroa Rubaiyat

São Paulo has some great modern architecture, but nothing beats the majestic 130-year-old fig tree in the courtyard of A Figueroa Rubaiyat. With its romantic and intimate atmosphere, this restaurant is known for serving the best beef in town and catering to the needs of the financial elite. The place is owned by the same restaurateur as Las Lilas in Buenos Aires, and the beef comes from the owner’s cattle ranch. Its wine list, with over 800 bottles to choose from, is one of the best (if not the best) in the city. This restaurant also boasts an excellent buffet (specific days) as well as dessert tables.

Hotel: Augusta Park Suite

A great choice for the value offered, the Augusta Park Suites can serve as a change of pace. This is not your usual hotel, but a serviced apartment complex. There’s a kitchenette, living room, bathroom, and bedroom in each suite. Rates vary depending on the season. Close to Paulista Avenue, Banespa Building, Catedral da Sé, the Municipal Theatre of São Paulo, and the Museu do Ipiranga.

Hotel: Blue Tree Towers Faria Lima

Located in Vila Olímpia, home of many technology companies, Blue Tree Towers makes a convenient location for the visiting IT buyer and other business travelers. Some guest rooms have foldaway beds so you can change your bedroom into an office. Hotel facilities include: swimming pool, gym, business center, laundry services, and more. Rates start at $150.00 USD a night and can go up to as much as $390.00 USD, depending on the season. Right on the corner of Juscelino and Faria Lima, it’s a great location for close by meetings.

Museum: Fundação Ema Gordon Klabin

Benefactor Ema Gordon was a Brazilian businesswoman and art collector. Thanks to her more than 40 years of collecting, this museum houses around 1,500 pieces, with highlights such as important indigenous artists: Lasar Segall, Di Cavalcanti, Tarsila do Amaral, and Victor Brecheret. It’s a great afternoon tour, and if you’re lucky, you will be there on one of the museum’s musical afternoons (check dates).

Museum: Fundação Maria Luisa e Oscar Americano

To better understand Brazil, you need to view the national art, and here you’ll see everything from paintings to porcelain, furniture and metalwork. An extensive collection, with a tearoom on the bottom floor for those needing a little energy boost after all the viewing.

This article originally appeared on our sister publication Sourcing Brazil