Tag Archives: Chile

Top 5 Harshest Places to Live on Earth

We all find reasons to visit exotic places around the world. There are some places though that may strike your wanderlust despite being opposite of a dream-vacation-land.

In this blog post, I want to take you on a tour of the world’s top 5 harshest places that are impossible to explore for long because of the natural conditions.

Mother Nature births beautiful places in the different environment. Some of them are in the harshest environment. These sites are not only impossible but fatal to live in. If you are feeling particularly adventurous, venture out on your own free will.

Dallol, Ethiopia

Many times we think of shoving someone’s head in burning sulfur. Our anger is wrong! But did you know there is a place where you can do so? Dallol in Ethiopia is a volcanic site. The rugged terrain has sprawling volcanic lakes.

These hell-like lakes are not just any lakes; they are full of acid and sulfur.

So, if you want to go near it, then go at your own risk. The temperatures here reach an average of 35 degrees Celcius all the year round.

It is unfortunate to say that, Dallol is the hottest inhabited place on Earth! Yes, you read that right, it is inhabited. People who live here have no means of transportation, not even roads. You can travel on the hot volcanic terrain on a camelback.

Le Rinconada, Peru

After reading about the hottest inhabited place, let us move on to the highest inhabited place. Le Rinconada is in Peru. You can say it is a quaint town in the Peruvian Andes.

This little town is not so small after all. It has people flocking to it, because of the gold rush. Even at the height of 16,700 feet where people should suffocate for oxygen, people settle here. Talk about gold motivation! The highest spot on earth, where people live offers gold as bribe in place of oxygen.

 

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Atacama Desert, Chile

The wide expanse of wilderness spans across four countries, making it the largest non-polar desert. Atacama desert might cover Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina but it’s the part of Chile that is the harshest to live in.

The temperature here rises to 50 degree Celsius. And it hardly receives an annual rainfall of 0.51 Inches. With little to no water for hundreds and thousands of miles in Chilean Antofagasta, how is a man gonna survive? That remains the biggest question.

Oymakon, Russia

When we talk about extreme places, we see they are either bone-freezing cold or brain-melting hot! But there is a place in Russia that happens to experience both types of climates. Now, this is what extreme tourism is all about. Whether you believe it or not Oymakon is the coldest inhabited place on earth.

Temperature drops to a deathly low of -67.7 degrees Celsius. But after the tiring cold weather, residents of Oymakon are set to deal with the scorching hot summer. Two sides of the coin are just the same in Oymakon; the only difference is one is hot and another cold.

Death Valley, USA

The name assigned to this national park in California suits it perfectly. While we talked about the hottest, driest, and highest places on earth; Death Valley somehow must have smirked behind our back. It is a must-mention in the list of harshest places.

Where the Atacama Desert receives the lowest rainfall, Death Valley witnesses the hottest of temperatures. It is hard to live here for more than the twelve hours; you may die of dehydration.

Temperatures reach a high of 51 degrees Celsius, then how is any human supposed to survive here? Yes, Death Valley is a National Park in the US and hundreds of thousands of tourists do visit the park (only if for few hours).

 

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10 Best Wine Tour Destinations in the World

Wine tourism is the latest trend among travel lovers. Wineries that offer wine tasting and Vineyard tours are on a growth all around the world. They are a must-visit place for people who love to travel and explore the world.

Best Wine Tour Destinations

The wine tour is a journey you make through the valleys of wine making. It is not just the mere bottle with a label on it. It has so many things related to it, that you can’t help, but admire. Wine tours give you an idea about the surrounding, where it is made and people, who make it.

The wine tour is an enchanting experience and should be on everyone’s travel list. Here is our list of top ten wine tourism destinations in the world.

Tuscany, Italy

Being the most renowned wine region in the world, Tuscany is a trending destination for wine tours. The highlight of this region is Florence, which is the beginning spot for all wine tours. The city is famous for its red wine, such as Chianti and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

However, there are a couple of other interesting ideas of wine tours in Italy. Wine tours are trekking through fields or valleys, right? And how would you find an idea of a cruise?

Italy Wine Tours

In Italy, you will have the freedom to lounge on the deck and do onboard tastings, as well as do occasional stalls at harbors and visit the vineyards. These cruises are more expensive, than the rest of the tours, but believe us, you will love the 7-night cruise from Rome to Cannes.

Another wine tasting destination, Amalfi coast is known for its archaeological remains. In the areas of Paestum, Pompeii, and Herculaneum, you will discover many historical sites. And alongside, there is Campania, where you will study the ancient method of winemaking. By ancient, we mean four thousand years of wine making.

You can book this tour during August and September. Have a taste of wine made of the rare grape collection, and you will never forget this trip!

See it: To view this blog post as an animation, take a look at Tango Tours.

Napa Valley, California

Credit for 90% of wine production in the US goes to California, which is a home to over 1200 wineries. It is the classic example of sprawling vineyards.  Wine lovers from all over the world come here for wine tasting. A five-day tour here is a luxury, which is worth the money you spend on it.

A tour around the Dry Creek, Sonoma Valley, and Napa Valley is a brilliant way to find out more about the wine-making. And don’t worry about the accommodation, as hotels are multiple here. The most famous Californian wines are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Loire Valley, France

The valley, situated along the Loire River, is famous for its white wines. The region is divided into three sections, by grapes and wine produced:

a)   Upper Loire is known for Sauvignon Blanc

b)   Middle Loire for Chenin Blanc and Cabernet Franc   

c)   Lower Loire is dominated by Melon De Bourgogne

You can take a 7-day tour around the area, visiting beautiful nearby chateaux and vineyards.

Chenonceau, Vouvray, Bourgeuil are gorgeous places, which produce indulgent wine. A wine guide will take you on an incredible tour of the historical vineyards.

Mendoza, Argentina

Mendoza produces two-thirds of the entire wine production of Argentina. And you will also find various wine tasting tours here. The area offers some really amazing views, as it lies in the foothills of Andes Mountain Range.

Duero River Valley, Spain & Portugal

Spain is the world’s third-largest wine producer. Duero River stretches from Spain to Portugal, with multiple vineyards along its way. Red and white wines of the exceptional quality are produced here. Moreover, wine cruises are also widely available.

Another famous wine region of Spain is Andalusia. It offers one of the longest wine tours, and if you enjoy Sherry, this trip might become your favorite. La Mancha is the starting point, and you will move around the area, tasting some of the best wines.

You will also enjoy delicious meals of Andalusia on the way. Tapas and Iberico ham are the signature dishes in its gastronomy.

Central Otago Wine Region, New Zealand

New Zealand is the southernmost wine producing region of the world. 70% of the plantations in Queenstown are dedicated to Point Noir. Other 30% host Chardonnay, Reisling, Pinot Gris, and a few more kinds of grapes. The region also offers wine tours for every taste and budget.

Constantia Valley, South Africa

Constantia Valley in South Africa is a vineyard with the glorious history of winemaking since 1685. The region is breathtaking, due to the vicinity of Table Mountain National Park. Numerous travel agencies offer wine tasting tours here, along with great opportunities for shopping, due to its proximity to the city.

Barossa Valley, Australia

Barossa Valley is one of the oldest wine regions in Australia, which dates back to the 19th century. This region is known for its Shiraz grapes, which is used for making Penfolds Grange, the most famous wine in Australia. It is also a major tourist destination.

Chilean Wine Country, Chile

Chile is famous for its wine. Fourteen different valleys of the region, including Valle del Elqui and Valle de Limari, offer plenty of wine tours, suitable for every taste and budget. And the most famous Chilean wines, known all over the world, are Santa Carolina and Errazuriz.

Willamette Valley, United States

Willamette Valley is a gorgeous region in Oregon, surrounded by mountain ranges, is home to almost 500 wineries. Its most famous wine is Pinot Noir. Several exquisite wine tasting tours are available.

To learn more about these world’s best wine tour destinations, have a look at the Gifographic (animated Infographic) shared by Tango Tours.