6 Options For Contacting Home When Travelling Latin America - For eGeniuses And Technophobes Alike

So, the Latin America vacation plans are set. Tickets are booked, packing is done, dog has been left with the neighbours. All the vaccinations have been injected (ouch), visas are arranged and there’s no sign of political unrest on the television. What have you forgotten?

Oh, that’s right - you’re leaving Mum behind, and she’s worried that you’ll never come back. And all your friends keep asking you to let them know about your adventures. How are you going to keep everyone updated?

You may be escaping the country for a well-earned Latin America vacation, but you’ll probably still need to send word back home. Here are 6 options for keeping in contact when travelling, no matter if you’re a iWhiz or you have trouble finding the on-switch on a computer.

Low-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
Get confused working a microwave? These are for you...

1) Postcards
Ahhh, postcards; the classic option. Who really needs more than a couple of sentences to say that you’re still alive and wishing that the recipient was there? You should be able to find postcards all over the place on your travels, but you can always take some with you just in case. If you’re really organized, you can even pre-fill the addresses.

Another option is to get a couple of your travel photos printed as a postcard alternative - try taking the memory card of your digital camera to a printing shop, and then scribble a message and a sending address on the back with a postage stamp!

Remember that in most places it costs more to send something in an envelope; postcards are your cheapest option.

2) Pay phones/Call centres
A long time ago in a galaxy far away, people used landlines to talk to each other. Believe it or not, this still happens and you shouldn’t have too much trouble finding a payphone.

To get the best possible deal with land line calls, you should probably buy an international calling-card. Post offices, call centres or even your hotel will sell cards that give you a better rate when phoning home.

Medium-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
You’re not afraid of a couple of gadgets. Bring it on!

3) Cell phones
Most of us know how to work a cell phone these days, and probably have our own. You’ve got a couple of options for using it abroad; get an international talk plan from your current network provider, or pick up a SIM card in your destination country.

If you go down the talk-plan route, be wary of excessive call fees, and find out if you can get a tariff that allows you to call a limited selection of numbers for cheap. Also check out other network providers - now might be a good time to switch for a better deal.

To get a calling plan in your destination country, you’ll have much cheaper options for calls within the country that you’re visiting, and quite possibly when calling home. You can even use your current cell phone in some cases, but most likely you’ll need to get it unblocked. Ask your tour operator for advice on this, or any local vacation friends that you make.

Either way, text messaging will cost you a lot less than calls, so get those thumbs warmed up and practise communicating in 140 characters!

4) Email
If you don’t have an email account already, it’s easy and free to open one with companies like Hotmail, Yahoo or Gmail; a Google search will give you the link to get started.

Gather email addresses from friends and family to get your mailing list ready and send them all a test message before you leave to check that all the addresses work.

If you really want to make life easier for yourself, try making a group on your email program to avoid typing all the addresses in every time; the program help files should provide instructions on how to do this.

High-tech options for staying in contact while travelling
You’re reading this on the internet after running a search for it - these options should be no problem!

5) Blogging
Blogging is an alternative to email. Instead of sending a message to someone, you post stories, photos and videos on a unique page on the internet and your friends and family can visit it to see what you’re up to.

Here are the simplest options to get a travel blog set up. All these options are free. If you’d like to be handed a travel blogging program on a plate, try websites like Matador.com or Travelblog.org.

If you’d rather choose a more personal looking blog but don’t feel like writing an essay every time you post, Tumblr is an attractive, simple option for short posting. If you’d like the whole shebang for longer posting in an easy to setup format, try Blogger.

6) Skype
You want to make free calls to anyone anywhere in the world. So what’s stopping you?

Skype is a revolutionary program that allows users to make calls over the internet completely free between computers, or very cheaply to landlines or cell phones internationally. You’ll find the program installed in most computers in Internet cafes around the globe.

You can register for a free account on the website www.skype.com but to be able to make completely free calls the person that you want to contact must have a computer with the program installed as well. Clear, simple instructions are on Skype’s website to help get you started.

What do you think is the best way to stay in touch with friends and family from abroad? What are your experiences with these options? Are there any options missing from this list?

Author: Steve Mellor - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Volcano Hunting In Guatemala - Hot Stuff

If geography classes never used to excite you, Guatemala will change all that. Sitting on the boundary between two tectonic plates, the country is host to over 30 volcanoes of all shapes, sizes and states of activity. If you ever wanted to see what the inside of our planet is like and what happens when it decides to make an appearence, Guatemala is for you. From the thrill seeking adrenaline junkies that want to stand next to flowing lava to those wanting to see the lush tree-covered volcanic slopes rising above the gorgeous Lake Atitlan, there's something for everyone.

Active volcanoes - Bubbling Hot
If you want to feel like you're inside a National Geographic Channel episode, you couldn't go wrong with a visit to the following active volcanoes.

1) Pacaya
Pacaya is an active volcano located within easy reach, just 30 kilometers (20 miles) south of Guatemala City. A short hike brings visitors to the summit, where they can observe eruptions of ash and lava at close range. Some even return with stories of how walking over the upper slopes melted the soles of their shoes...

2) Fuego
Constantly spewing small ash clouds, this monstrous volcano's last major eruption occurred in 1974. To hike up barren slope is grueling, and most visitors will be content to admire Fuego's beauty from the safety of Antigua's cobblestone streets.

3) Santiaguito
The most dangerous volcano in Central America, Santiaguito first erupted on Volcano Santa Maria's southern flank in 1922. It constantly spews spectacular ash clouds and lava, and may be safely observed from nearby Santa Maria's summit. The hike to the top of Santa Maria takes about 4 hours and camping on the summit is recommended, to witness a spectacular nighttime lava show from Santiaguito below.

Dormant volcanoes - Keeping Us Guessing
They can't promise booming gas eruptions or spewing lava, but these volcanoes are just as impressive to visit.

1) Acatenango
Acatenango's last eruption was in 1972, so you can climb all the way to the summit without dodging lava flows. One of the most beautiful and varied hikes availble, you'll pass through entirely different ecosystems on the way to the summit. First farmland, then cloud forest followed by high alpine forest and finally the volcanic zone to the very summit.

2) Agua
Looming over the pretty colonial town of Antigua, a climb up this volcano is recommended for spectacular views. Hiking time is about 5 hours from Santa Maria de Jesus, or 2 hours from the end of road that climbs partway to the top.

3) Atitlan
The tallest of the three volcanoes dominating the stunning lake with which it shares its name, Atitlan's summit takes about 8 hours to reach; the reward is a breathtaking view of the world's most beautiful lake and Guatemala's Pacific coast.

Extinct volcanoes - Just Big Hills
Their glory days as unstoppable forces of nature may be gone, but the volcanoes left by ancient activity still have plenty to offer the visitor, especially in the way of flora and fauna left undisturbed by any activity.

1) San Pedro
Perhaps the most frequently photographed of all Guatemala's volcanoes, San Pedro's beautiful cone seems to rise from the waters of Lake Atitlan. The hike to the top takes about 4 hours, and while visitors will not get great views due heavy vegetation on the summit, the crater serves as refuge for rarely encountered species of plants and animals.

2) Toliman
One of the three volcanoes, along with Atitlan and San Pedro, that forms the natural dam holding in Lake Atitlan, Toliman has its own delights to offer. A small group of rare Horned Guans survives in the forest near the summit and hikers should plan on camping out for a good chance of sighting the birds.

3) Cerro de Oro
A smaller volcano on the south side of Lake Atitlan provides an interesting mix of geography and history, having once contained a Mayan fortress in its crater.

Getting to know the varied and spectacular geography of Guatemala will undoubtedly be an adventure, but that doesn't mean you should take unneccessary risks. If the lure of the active volcanoes should take your fancy, ensure that you book a tour with a reputable and responsible agency that provides you with a professional guide. This way you'll make sure that you will have nothing but incredible memories and photos of some of the most incredible and unique experiences that Latin America has to offer.

Author: Gary Sargent - Escaped to Peru / Escaped to Latin America

Tikal - Alternative Visits to The Famous Mayan Ruins in Guatemala

Anyone visiting the Classic Mayan ruins of Tikal will be impressed. Rising out of the dense jungle, the looming temples demonstrate the might of the ancient Mayans and demand respect from visitors, even thousands of years after their construction. If you're looking for alternative ways to be introduced to Tikal beyond a standard visit, you could try any of the following suggestions.

From A Galaxy Far, Far Away
Tikal was featured in the first Star Wars movie in 1977. If you keep a careful eye on things, you'll see a spaceship landing on the rebel planet of Yavin IV in dense jungle with impressive ancient towers rising out of the tree canopy that look a lot like...Tikal. To get the same view on the site, climb up to the top of Temple IV and look out over Temples I and II.

As a bird watcher
Tikal has an incredible array of bird-life, and even if you aren't a budding ornithologist you'll be impressed by the 410 species of bird that have been found on the site. Humans aren't the only tourists, with the North American Songbird paying a visit to Tikal to escape the cold winter months back at home. If birds aren't your thing, you could always stay alert for the wide range of other fauna, including howler monkeys, toucans, spider monkeys, falcons, coatis and (if you are very lucky) the occasional jaguar or cougar.

At full moon or at sunrise
If you can manage it, you can visit by 'unofficial' access to the site out of normal hours, either through tour operators or by trying independently. The noises of the jungle at night or the strange calls of the howler monkeys in early morning bring a strange ethereal feel to Tikal and you'll probably have the site to yourself. You certainly wont need to worry about the relentless attacks of mosquitoes that you get during the peak times for the site, and sunburn will not be a concern either. It probably wont be cheap, but you'll see a side of Tikal that few people have been lucky enough to experience.

As a conspiracy theorist
The Winter Solstice is at the end of the Mayan calendar, on December 4th. According to the Ancient Maya, their calendar finishes in the year 2012. At Mayan New Year, crowds of foreign and Guatemalan believers in Mayan religion and legend flood the steep steps and lofty platforms of Temple VI to welcome the new year in their colourful robes, counting down each year to what many people interpret as the end of the world. If you believe it or not, it's certainly an impressive spectacle.

In a time machine
Its not the most likely trip you'll ever take, but if you can get your hands on one you'll be able to visit the amazing milestones in the history of Tikal and the Maya. Choose from any point, from the first constructions raised on site in the 4th Century BC through the classic period between 200 and 900AD when the site flourished to its abandonment in the 10th Century AD, probably due to overpopulation and agrarian failure. It would certainly be an impressive time to show up, as Tikal was so important in the Classic Mayan Civilization that the collapse of the Mayan Empire shortly followed. The next stop could be the 'discovery' of Tikal hundreds of years later, bushwhacking through the jungle with tree-gum collector Abrosio Tut to stumble across the overgrown pyramids. You could pick any incredible historical period; after all, you've got a time machine!

For those unable to move freely through time, you can still get a sense of the rich history of Tikal through the guided tours that run all year round. As excavations have been conducted on the site since 1956, you'll have plenty of information on hand.

However you decide to discover this ancient jewel of the Mayan civilization, don't make it a missed opportunity. Guatemala is a country full of historical treasures and breath-taking landscapes that, incredibly, has managed to avoid mass tourism.

United Fruit Company in Guatemala - US Invasion For a Bunch of Bananas

Many people are aware of the 'Banana Republics' in the bad old days of Latin America; countries in which international corporations had so much power and influence that the government would be a puppet for foreign corporate interests. In 1954 the United States Army invaded Guatemala after what many believed was a decision made by a United States corporation; a key player behind one of the biggest Banana Republics in Central America.

One of the key culprits in meddling with Latin American government affairs in the first half of the 20th century was United Fruit Company. They were a US corporation founded in 1899 off the back of a railroad venture in Costa Rica. An important part of United Fruit Company's strategy was to gain control of the distribution of banana growing land. It did this through convincing governments that reserve land was needed to protect against the possibility of crop destruction from natural disasters or diseases. Because such huge percentages of land were owned by United Fruit Company, land ownership legislation was often breached and concessions were required from the government. This lead to political involvement, even though United Fruit Company was a foreign corporation operating overseas.

United Fruit Company
The 'Banana Republics' that grew from these situations often saw strong investment in infrastructure from corporations like United Fruit Company. Railroads, ports and transportation systems were put in place, and extensive employment was created. United Fruit Company also established many schools in the countries in which it operated. However, the Company often left vast tracts of land uncultivated and worked hard to block infrastructure development beyond its own operations, establishing its own network as a strong monopoly. Employment under United Fruit Company also wasn't much fun, testament to the extensive and often violent strikes that took place amongst its workforce over issues such as rates of pay and working conditions.

Guatemala
By the 1950's, things were looking promising for Guatemala. The dictator Jorge Ubico had been overthrown in 1944 and two administrations of democratically elected Presidents were leading Guatemala forwards. The President from the second administration, Jacobo Arbenz Guzman, was reforming the country extensively, including the permission of free expression, legalized unions, diverse political parties and basic socioeconomic reforms. One of these was a land reform aimed at reducing the suffering of the rural poor by redistributing unused land. The basis of this reform was that all such land would be purchased by the Government at the same value declared on the owners tax forms. The property could then be sold back to peasant cooperatives at low rates. Arbenz started by setting a strong personal example, selling his own land under the scheme.

Arbenz' land reform was ruffling a few feathers in United Fruit Company boardrooms. Of their 550,000 acres owned in Guatemala, 85% was uncultivated, which meant that the Company would lose a lot of leverage in Guatemala. Through the US Government, United Fruit Company asked for greater compensation than what was being offered by the Guatemalan Government.

The US invasion of Guatemala
In 1954, United Fruit Company's concerns were removed. United States fears of Communism taking root in Central America by a "domino effect" starting from Guatemala had caused the CIA to take action. Colonel Carlos Castillo Armas invaded from Honduras, overthrowing Guzman's administration. His forces were supported by US military troops, and trained, organized and equipped by the CIA through their covert program "PB Success".

Various arguments exist as to the level of involvement of United Fruit Company in the decision made by the US government to sponsor an invasion of a democratically elected government. Some historians point out that the land reforms had led to internal Guatemalan plotting against Arbenz from early 1954, and an overthrowing of the government was inevitable with or without US intervention. However, when you consider that the Director of the CIA at the time of Operation PB Success was Allan Dulles, a former President of United Fruit Company, and a board member at the time, evidence starts to build up in favour of corporate interests manipulating the US Government and international politics.

The aftermath
Following the coup, things went downhill fast for Guatemala. The country was plunged into 40 years of bloody civil war with a death toll up an estimated 150,000 victims. Despite the benefits of the nullified land reforms, things didn't go so well for United Fruit Company either. Stock value and profit margins declined and it was forced to sell off the last of its Guatemalan holdings in 1972.

Nothing changes
This fairly tragic tale of a country on the path to democratic reform thrown back decades by foreign commercial interests sets a cautionary note for the future. It's also fairly sobering to know that things haven't changed as much as we'd like, 60 years after the US invasion of Guatemala. In 2007, a large fruit company, Chiquita Brands International, was fined $25 million for for having paid "protection money" to the AUC, a right wing para-military organization in Colombia who are on the U.S. government's list of terrorist organizations. AUC "protection activities" included assassinating union leaders and threatening independent farmers to sell their land to Chiquita. Currently, Chiquita are being sued for having paid money to the FARC, a left wing group also on the United States' terrorist list for similar services, also in Colombia. Who are Chiquita Brands International? They were created from a renaming in 1984 of United Brands. One of the companies merged in 1970 to form United Brands was...United Fruit Company.

It seems that old habits die hard.

Ché Guevara - How Much Do You Really Know?

A good friend of mine from Argentina has a great Ché Guevara t-shirt. Beneath the iconic image of the revolutionary in bold letters are the words "No sé quien era, pero es la moda"; I don't know who he was, but it's fashionable.

El Ché has become the personification of rebellion and counter-culture, and you can find the world-famous photograph "Guerriero Heroico" printed on everything from posters to bikinis. Guevara no doubt would have despised the rampant consumerism built around his image having passionately pursued communist principles for most of his adult life.

We've all seen the photo, some have watched the movie and a few have even got the t-shirt, but how many of the following facts did you know about Ernesto Guevara?

1) Foreign Ché

Depite being instrumental in the Cuban revolution and poessing saint-like status amongst the Cuban population, Mr. Guevara was actually born in Rosario, Argentina. In reference to Che's "restless" nature, his father declared "the first thing to note is that in my son's veins flowed the blood of the Irish rebels", putting him about as far away from Cuban roots as a cup of Starbucks coffee. When you add to the mix that "Ché" comes from Argentinian slang meaning 'pal' or 'dude', you'll wonder why you ever thought our man was ever Cuban.

2)

Wheezy ChéFar from superhuman status, Guevara suffered from acute episodes of crippling asthma. In childhood, his fits were so frequent and violent that his family were forced to move from the damp coastal climate of San Isidro to the dry mountain region near Cordoba. His problems didn't stop him from being an athlete, enjoying swimming, soccer, golf and rugby. His asthma freqently incapacitated him on famous travels, documented in the 2004 film "The Motorcycle Diaries", and involment in active conflict in Latin America and Africa.

3)

Freebie ChéUpon capture in Bolivia, Ché was reputed to have shouted, "I am Ché Guevara, and I am worth more alive than dead!"He probably knew something we didn't, because Albert Korda, the photographer of the classic "Guerrillero Heroico" shot, never made a cent in royalties from his picture. Snapped at a memorial service, Albert was proud of the picture and hung it on his wall where it stayed until an Italian journalist asked if he could have it. Korda obliged, and the journalist dutifully used the image on a poster after Guevara's death, setting in motion the phenominal popularity that the photograph would eventually achieve.

4)

Sober ChéAlert Korda actually recieved $50,000 (which he donated to charity) as a result of a successful lawsuit with a British advetising agency who used Guevara's image to sell their vodka. He presumably saw this as the last straw following 40 years of happy-go-lucky abuse of his image because El Ché was a teetotaler; despite famously chugging on cigars for most of his life, he never touched a drink.

5)

No-votes ChéBefore we get all frothy about revolutionary spirit and the romance of rebellion, lets not forget that if we knew the full story about life under Guevara's administration, we probably wouldn't be voting him into a following term in office; during his tenure as Minister of Industry Cuba was forced to begin food rationing.

Don't expect much in the way of kissing babies and soft policies from Candidate Ché either; he stood out from his peers fighting Castro's cause in Cuba and was quickly promoted to comandante, where he enforced a zero tolerance policy toward deserters by sending execution squads to hunt them down. This was just a warm up for Guevara, and when he got into power he was appointed head of La Cabaña, a court in which he played judge, jury and executioner to purge Cuba of loyalists of the previous administration. Historians estimate that he did away with as many as 2000 people, and his activities earned him the cheery name of The Butcher of La Cabaña.

Love him or hate him, Ernesto Guevara's face isn't going anywhere; he'll be around on merchandise for a few years yet. It's always difficult to form opinions about a man how became famous as an image, a ghost associated with whatever people wanted to use him for, but hopefully these facts will have blown away a bit of the Cuban cigar smoke.