La Paz, Bolivias administrative capital, captivates with its dramatic geography, aromatic markets, bustling streets, and colorfully attired residents—making it one of the worlds most multisensory destinations. Weve curated this expert guide to fully engage your five senses (sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch) for an unforgettable immersive experience. Behold the Psychedelic New Andean Mansions of El Alto Aymara architect Freddy Mamanis New Andean designs are so vividly psychedelic they stun

Adventurers dreaming of trekking the iconic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in 2025 should start planning immediately—permits for this bucket-list hike are now available and sell out fast. The Peruvian government mandates permits for the Inca Trail, requiring travel with a licensed tour operator. Daily limits cap at 500 permits—300 for porters and guides, 200 for trekkers—to protect the trail and its fragile ecosystems. Tour operators typically handle permits for clients, but with limited spots, 202

Bored with the usual Halloween routine? All Hallows Eve isnt the only celebration for lovers of costumes, the supernatural, fireworks, and pure revelry. Discover five extraordinary Halloween alternatives from around the world, each offering unique twists on festive fun. 1. Fantasy Fest, Duval Street, Key West, Florida, USA Key Wests Fantasy Fest is one of the wildest pre-Halloween events in subtropical Florida. Launched in 1979 to boost tourism during a slow season, this 10-day extravaganza fea

Bolivia boasts an abundance of natural wonders, offering adventurers the chance to conquer towering peaks or blaze trails into uncharted lands. Dubbed the Tibet of South America, Bolivias landlocked landscapes are remarkably diverse. La Paz, the capital at 3,640m on the vast Andean Altiplano plateau, sees locals chewing or brewing coca leaves to combat altitude sickness. Yet, just hours away, you can raft jungle rivers, kayak the worlds highest lake, or soak in desert hot springs. The eastern fo

The world’s greenest cruise ship, Hurtigruten’s MS Roald Amundsen, has successfully completed its maiden voyage through the Northwest Passage—the first battery-hybrid powered vessel to achieve this legendary 3,000-nautical-mile journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Blending luxury cruising with cutting-edge research capabilities, the MS Roald Amundsen—named after Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, who first navigated the passage from 1903 to 1906—relies on advanced hybrid propulsion for unp

Sports are deeply woven into the fabric of Latin American cultures, from passionate soccer rivalries to high-flying wrestling spectacles. For true fans, nothing beats the electric atmosphere of live events. Discover five unmissable sporting experiences across the continent. 1. Boca Juniors vs. River Plate, Argentina Every soccer league has its clásico, but Argentinas Superclásico between Boca Juniors and River Plate stands above all for its raw intensity. Based just minutes apart in Buenos Aire

As a former Lonely Planet Destination Editor, I traded my desk for the open road to pursue travel writing firsthand. Far from corporate drudgery, my role involved commissioning expert guidebook authors—until I craved the adventures myself. Working nine to five In 2014, a LinkedIn post led me to my dream role as Lonely Planet Destination Editor. For four years, I oversaw South American editorial content, handpicking freelance writers for rigorous on-the-ground research. It was an ideal job in a

Latin America has produced some of the worlds most celebrated contemporary artists, including Fernando Botero and Frida Kahlo. While major cities like Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and São Paulo offer excellent starting points, true art enthusiasts will find deeper immersion in these seven under-the-radar destinations that pulse with creative energy. Valparaíso, Chile This historic seaport, 115km west of Santiago, draws artists with its kaleidoscopic murals covering entire city blocks. The vibrant

Climbing has exploded in popularity across the U.S. and globe. Indoor gyms dot nearly every state, the world watched in awe as Alex Honnold free-soloed El Capitan in 2017, and sport climbing debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021). Its no surprise that via ferratas—Italian for “iron paths”—are surging in appeal too. A via ferrata is a protected climbing route that makes mountain ascents accessible to all. Equipped with a helmet and harness linked to shock-absorbing ropes via carabiners

The rise of digital nomads has transformed travel, enabling remote workers to blend productivity with adventure. Selina, a leading hotel chain, excels in this space with co-working areas and vibrant social hubs. Popular in Brazil, Colombia, Greece, and Mexico, Selina operates over 60 properties worldwide in urban centers, beaches, mountains, and jungles. Beyond comfortable stays, Selina offers immersive activities. At its Montes de Oro site in Costa Rica, a 65-acre venue hosts yoga workshops, m

Although COVID-19 arrived late in South America, its effects are now rippling across the continent. Experienced Lonely Planet writers based there describe disrupted travel, strict lockdowns, and rising tensions. Here are their firsthand accounts from the early days of the pandemic. Mark Johanson in Santiago, Chile On March 18, Chile closed its borders to foreigners, stranding me in my adopted home with my Chilean partner. Visits to the U.S. are now impossible, leaving friends and family out o

Afro-Ecuadorians represent about 7-10% of the population, yet their profound contributions to Ecuadors cuisine, music, and traditions are undeniable. Facing systemic barriers like elevated poverty and crime rates, plus underdeveloped infrastructure that deters tourists, Afro-Ecuadorian communities are gaining recognition through grassroots efforts celebrating their pivotal historical role. Explore three premier destinations immersing you in this vibrant heritage. Esmeraldas In 1533, 23 enslaved

Imagine sharing road trip dreams with friends: a convertible cruise through the South of France, a jeep safari in Africa, or the legendary Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles. Top them all with the Pan-American Highway (PAH)—the ultimate adventure spanning 30,000 miles (48,000 km) from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina.This iconic route tests your vehicle, drops your jaw at stunning vistas, and fuels endless stories to impress fellow travelers. History of the Pan-A

Karen Catchpole and Eric Mohl were almost 14 years into their extraordinary overland road trip across the Americas when COVID-19 upended global travel. After meeting in New York City, the couple first embarked on a four-year backpacking odyssey through Asia. They then returned with a bold new goal: to explore North, Central, and South America by road, starting in 2006. To date, they have traversed 18 countries, including the USA, Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Brazil, Bolivi

Wes Andersons signature visual style—blending nostalgia, precise design, pastel palettes, symmetrical framing, and vintage details—has become globally iconic through his beloved films. Fans and travelers worldwide have photographed real-world spots evoking his cinematic worlds, now beautifully compiled in the book Accidentally Wes Anderson. Beyond celebrating Andersons aesthetic, the book serves as a travel atlas highlighting unique, visitable destinations. It features a foreword by the director

Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman fans are in for a treat: the duo has launched another thrilling motorcycle expedition. In partnership with Apple TV+, we spoke with Boorman about their latest series, Long Way Up, documenting their 13,000-mile journey across 13 countries and two continents—from Argentinas southern tip through Central America to Los Angeles—aboard prototype electric motorcycles.Their friendship sparked on the 1997 set of The Serpents Kiss, bonded by a mutual passion for motorbike

With growing global recognition of LGBTQ+ rights, these progressive, inclusive destinations warmly welcome LGBTQ+ travelers with vibrant communities, events, and safe spaces. 1. Copenhagen, Denmark Denmark pioneered equality by legalizing same-sex partnerships in 1989, the worlds first. Copenhagen, its charming capital, embodies this legacy with cobblestone streets and a relaxed vibe. Home to Europes oldest gay bar, Centralhjørnet (centennial in 2017), and the trendy Vesterbro district, Copen

Discover budget-friendly cultural gems in State College, Penn State, and Centre County. These museums and specialized libraries offer enriching experiences for $10 or less, revealing unique stories and artifacts from local history, art, science, and more. Penn State All-Sports Museum – Sports enthusiasts will enjoy this tribute to Penn States legendary athletes. Explore achievements in basketball, bowling, fencing, football, and beyond. Exhibits highlight traditions of sportsmanship,

Central Pennsylvanias State College is a haven for avid anglers. Known as one of Pennsylvanias top trout fishing destinations, the area features over 216 miles of trout waters. Beyond trout, perch, catfish, and bass thrive in local waterways. Whether fly fishing or casting from shore, discover the best spots in Centre County. Spring Creek Target wild brown trout at Spring Creek with waders and a fly rod. This catch-and-release stream ranks among Pennsylvanias densest trout habitats, just

Iconic of Pennsylvanias rugged Ridge and Valley province in the Appalachian Mountains, the 96,250-acre Rothrock State Forest offers adventure seekers stunning ridgelines, rhododendron-filled valleys, spruce-lined wetlands, and expansive mixed-oak forests. Just outside State College, this vast forest features over 100 miles of mountain biking trails and nearly 190 miles of scenic roads, establishing it as a premier global destination for riders of all levels. A Rich HistoryOver a cent