South America Archives - The Pin The Map Project

On Assignment in Cartagena’s Local Mercado de Bazurto

May 9, 2015 By Nikki 3 Comments

Regarded as a sort of “I dare you” destination, the Mercado de Bazurto is only 15 minutes east of Cartagena’s city center and offers an entirely different glimpse of the local culture and cuisine. So, when given the assignment to visit Cartagena’s local market on behalf of VICE Munchies, I was more than eager to check out the chaotic, bustling and bare bones Mercado de Bazurto.

Trending now

The Playa Blanca Cheat Sheet for Cartagena Beach Goers

May 8, 2015 By Nikki 4 Comments

Around 3pm, I will head to Playa Blanca to enjoy its white sand beaches and turquoise waters after the hoards of tourists leave. Like a well-kept secret, the way to enjoy Playa Blanca is to simply stay on the island. Here, I share my Playa Blanca cheat sheet to make the most of your visit.

The Ultimate Guide to Cartagena, Colombia

May 7, 2015 By Nikki 8 Comments

It’s evening in Cartagena and I wander out into the balmy night towards a humble looking plaza in Getsemani, just steps away from the Casa Santa Ana Hotel I am staying at. Up ahead, filmmaker Jeff Cerulli and I spot a crowd of people around the Plaza Trinidad; some sitting on the stone steps… [Read More]

Must Have Experiences to Enjoy in Buenos Aires

March 2, 2015 By Nikki 7 Comments

Blame it on the two cuba libres I had on arrival but from the beginning of my solo travels in Argentina I had fallen in love with Buenos Aires. When I navigated my way from the airport (seemingly located in the boondocks of Buenos Aires) to Palermo, I applauded my small success. When I… [Read More]

From Weapons to Wine in Chile

February 23, 2015 By Mehdy Ghannad 2 Comments

Guest contributor, Mehdy Ghannad of The Hostel Life, shares his incredible story of visiting Chile and making an unlikely (and controversial) acquaintance abroad. Read on!

Serendipitous Encounters & 24 Hours in Iguazú

September 11, 2014 By Nikki 1 Comment

Legend has it that a deity fell in love with a beautiful woman named Naipai who in turn fell in love with a mortal man by the name of Taroba. Together Naipai and Taroba fled in his canoe, which infuriated the God and drove him mad with jealousy and rage. Impassioned, the God deeply… [Read More]

Tips for Exchanging Money on the Argentine Black Market

September 10, 2014 By Nikki 6 Comments

Thoughts of a black market usually conjure up images of back alley deals and shady transactions but the unofficial currency exchange in Argentina has become widely accepted despite happening “under the table.” While exchanging dollars in Argentina was a seamless process, there are practical tips to keep in mind when navigating the Argentine black market and seeking the unofficial rate.

Snapshots from the Cobblestone Streets of Colonia, Uruguay

September 7, 2014 By Nikki Leave a Comment

Nestled on the banks of Rio de la Plata, Colonia is Uruguay’s oldest city. Complete with cobblestone streets and ivy-covered stone buildings-Colonia is a charming fusion of modern and antique.

A Photo Collection of Buenos Aires

September 5, 2014 By Nikki Leave a Comment

A collection of photographs from Buenos Aires that show off the music, passion, food and color of this lively South American city.

Local Eats with Parrilla Tour Buenos Aires

September 2, 2014 By Nikki 2 Comments

From family-owned establishments that have perfected the art of the Argentine empanada to a hole-in-the-wall parrilla with expertly grilled chorizo, Parrilla Tour Buenos Aires was a perfect introduction to the savory and exciting local epicurean culture of Buenos Aires.

Celebrating Colombia’s 2014 World Cup Performance

July 5, 2014 By Nikki 2 Comments

This year the FIFA World Cup tournament defied the odds as teams like the United States, Costa Rica and Colombia pushed out strong players such as Spain, Italy and Uruguay. While I was happy to see the United States rise from underdog and watch USA fans fall in love with futbol like never before, my heart was wrapped up in Colombia and the rising success of Los Cafeteros.

6 Reasons to Cheer for Colombia this World Cup

June 19, 2014 By Nikki 7 Comments

I’m surrounded by a sea of bright yellow jerseys, Aguila beers, and the smell of fresh arepas and simmering Sancocho. Everyone is watching the television, holding their breaths, eyes glued to the screen; all of a sudden the restaurant erupts into Spanish cheers and chants of “COL-OMB-IA! COL-OMB-IA!”

Your Guide to the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil

June 13, 2014 By Nikki 5 Comments

It’s time! Today at 4pm EST, Brazil will play Croatia in the first match of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Every four years countries from around the world shelf their political differences and step into the world of sports.

In Colombia without a Bed: Traveling to Isla Baru

April 17, 2014 By Nikki 6 Comments

Looking over at Alex, I could see his face reflecting the same mix of nerves and excitement bubbling within my chest as the reality of our situation began to dawn on us-we were in Colombia heading to an island with no idea of where we’d be spending that night.

48 Hours Earlier: From New York to the Mouth of a Colombian Volcano

February 28, 2014 By Nikki Leave a Comment

48 hours earlier we had been in New York and now we were sitting half naked in the middle of the Colombian jungle! That’s the beauty of travel, it takes you out of your comfort zone and far from where you started.