Favorite activities...

Every city you visit has a lot of activities to do. Either for fun, to relax or spend a great time with family or friends. I think the following, are some of my favorites so far. (so far! the more I travel, the more I know)

Paris: up to the top! One of my favorite cities to visit is Paris. Full of history, beautiful gardens, fun streets and of course, very romantic and glamorous. And the best way to see this metropolis from a different point, is from the world famous Eiffel Tower. The best time to visit it, is very earlier in the morning. You have 3 levels to enjoy, the first one is a restaurant, then 2 different floors with an observation deck each. I had an amazing time from the top floor, but I think the 2nd floor is the perfect point to see every corner of this gorgeous city. If you go to Paris and don't visit this tower, you didn't meet Paris. Another thing I love doing in this city, a tour by the Seine. My favorite, a boat that includes dinner. Local food, amazing view and a great ambience and experience.  (Acceso Total 29)

Tuscany: a tour. There are a lot of movies where you can take a look at many of the towns located at this Italian region. But I encourage you to visit and see for yourself those wonderful scenes. And the best way to do it, is by taking a Tuscany tour. I did it and it was awesome! In one day we got to visit historic Sienna, stroll by San Gimignano where we also had an delicious organic lunch with local wine, and finally, Pisa. Either if you rent a car and go by yourself or take a tour so you can listen to stories about the places you visit, the breathtaking view will make you come back another time. If you are going soon, please take me! :) (Acceso Total 29)

Orlando: Disney is also for grown ups! It doesn't matter what's your age, in Orlando Florida you will find lots of activities to do with family and friends. Variety of attractions, the best roller coasters, water parks, shopping and much more. I love going to Disney, and even when Epcot Center is not my favorite theme park, it's the perfect place to enjoy with friends Drinks around the world. Who said you couldn't go around the world in 1 day and enjoy delicious dishes, desserts and typical drinks from each country? A mexican margarita, later a beer in Germany, sake in Japan or wine in Italy. Every country has its speciality. Just remember to drink responsibly, don't drink and drive and you have to be 21 years old or older to drink in USA. And please, don't ride 'Test Track' or 'Mission: Space' after some drinks! (Acceso Total 29)

Wonderful Rome

We went back to Europe and the first stop this time was the wonderful city of Rome. I believe that the best way to get to know a city it's by walking by its historical streets. Everything is close enough, and besides, strolling by the city, you'll get to discover more details of it that you won't see it as well as riding a bus or in a taxi. So wear comfortable shoes, take it easy and enjoy. 

We stayed at a hotel very close to the Coliseum. From the hotel by Via dei Boschetto to the Coliseum was about 10 minutes -walking- and to the Piazza Navona, about 30 minutes passing by many different historical sites and famous spots. 

We only got day and a half to get to know everything we could. Our first afternoon wasn't as relaxing as we thought, since we had jet lag, and for me, it's really difficult to get some sleep on a flight. However, I was so excited to be in Italy that a couple of cappuccino helped me. And, come on, I was in Rome! :)


Even when I was very sleepy, and I was amazed to be in Italy; while we were getting closer to the hotel, what actually pinched me and let me know I wasn't dreaming, was the sight of the great Coliseum in front of me.


After we checked in, we walked to Fonatana di Trevi, passing by Palazzo Quirinale that now days is known as the President house. From the square in front of the Palazzo, you'll get to see part of the city and even the Pantheon. After walking by many vendors, souvenir stores, and alleys; we stroll to Scalinata della Trinita dei Monti at Piazza di Spagna. 138 steps that leads you to the church Trinita dei Monti. 

Close to the Spanish Steps is the most famous street thanks to its stores, including Prada, Coach and Tiffany. Walk by Via dei Condotti and enjoy the gorgeous designs. Maybe do some shopping! -don't forget to get me something! ;)-


By the end of the afternoon, we couldn't skip to enjoy a delicious gelato in the middle of the warm weather. I guess having a cappuccino during winter time will do just great! For me, either one works amazing at any time of the year.

By our second day, the first stop was Vatican City. We took a taxi from the hotel to the world famous Piazza San Pietro. It was going to be a really long walk, though. The feeling, that at least I got, while arriving to this amazing place was unique. It doesn't matter what's your believe, the architecture is breath taking. Remember to wear clothes that cover legs and shoulder so you can enter to the Vatican (and any other religious building in Italy).  And if you want to visit the museum and the Sistine Chapel, check the schedule before, since it's not always open. 

After spending the morning at Vatican City, we went to Piazza Navona. A very attractive hangout to enjoy a late afternoon while having dinner or just some wine at many of its cafes and restaurants. There are some vendors and artist with beautiful paints and draws by the fountain in the middle of the square. 


By that time, I ran out of battery of my video camera, so remember to bring extra battery or a cable to charge. While having lunch, my camera was charging. You don't want to miss anything!


Few steps away from the Piazza, you'll find The Pantheon. Free to enter and great history behind it. The only light coming through, is a hole -window- on top of the dome. If it rains, it will rain inside, but the water will run directly to the center of the Pantheon. Take a walk inside this amazing structure that means 'temple of all Gods', and feel part of history.

One of the sights you cannot miss while staying in Rome, is the ancient side of the city, the world famous Coliseum, Roman Forum and the Palatine. They have a special ticket that will get you to those three places. Walking through the same streets that the romans, centuries ago, used to walked by, makes you feel from that era. Naturally, just missing their clothes. The Coliseum used to be the place where the gladiators fought. They also used it for haunting and recreations of famous wars. Now days, at those ruins, you can visit a museum and different levels of the Coliseum. The Roman Forum, used to be the center of the old city, where a lot of business took place.

Another point of interest you might want to see, is Altare della Patria where the Monumento Nazionale a Vittorio Emanuelle II is located. I actually suggest you to walk from Piazza Venezia, right in front of Altare della Patria until you reach the Via dei Fori Imperiali, where the Roman Forum, the Palatine and at the end of the road, the great Coliseum are located.


We also visited Piazza Campo dei Fiori, which together with Piazza Navona, are the most famous squares in Rome. More cafes, restaurants and stores are waiting for you. 


One thing I loved from Rome, it reminded me of some cities in Venezuela (my country), at most of the squares we walked through, I saw people hanging out, very chill out, having few drinks. 


Check out AT29's video about this amazing city.  
Keep clean the city! :) 

Panama city, Panama.

Another city, more great places to see. 

We went to Panama city only for the weekend, and I wish I could go back for more days so I can visit other cities. 

During our first day, we took a taxi to go to Casco Antiguo, the old downtown. Although, it looks like its houses are getting fixed and improve, it's a nice place to take a walk and enjoy the history. In there, we visited San Jose Church, where you can appreciate a very big and antique gold altar in it. 

After San Jose Church, we took a walk by a long path by the Plaza de Francia (France Square) and in front of the bay, only for pedestrians from where you can see the beautiful Causeway Amador and part of Punta Paitilla, where part of the modern city is located. We also took the opportunity to get some souvenirs hand made by Panamanians. 

At the Casco Antiguo you can also find the Presidential House, Bolivar Square, the Cathedral, museums as the Panama History museum, theaters and lots of colonial history to walk by its streets. 

Another place where you can take a long walk and enjoy the nice weather, maybe ride a bike or capture beautiful pictures of the bay, it's at the Balboa Avenue. A long (and very new) way with a marine, parking spaces and gorgeous view to the sea and surrenders. 

We also went by taxi to the Causeway Amador. There, you can enjoy an afternoon at one of the many restaurants of the area. There's also a marine and various stores.

By the way, I found it very easy to catch a taxi anywhere. Just be careful with the rates, since they can tell you different prices, but still very affordable. 

Naturally, you cannot miss to visit the world famous Panama Canal. It's amazing to see how great it all works after 100 years. To know the whole history behind it, thanks to the museum and a video (they play it every 15 minutes both in English and Spanish). At the museum, they also have a small but nice aquarium. There's also a restaurant and a cafeteria where, at both places, you can enjoy a view to the ships passing through the Miraflores locks. Besides, while you are anywhere outside of the place, either at the top roof or at the main floor, a tour guide will tell you (both in English and Spanish) stories and history about the canal and how the locks work. And everybody at the place will treat you as a V.I.P for sure!

After doing some shopping and getting to know Panama City, we spent half day at the beach side of the country. This time (hopefully we'll be coming back soon for more), we went to Santa Clara. Located at the west to Panama City. We visited one of the beaches, where we enjoyed a delicious meal at the restaurant located at the sand and with a wonderful view of the beach. They will charge you about $5 (or less) per person to get inside the beach. Clear water and white sand, but use protection because the sun might be very strong. 

Don't miss AT29 video about Panama and our trip! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com (soon) and remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Cartagena de Indias, Colombia

Now this is my favorite spot to visit in Colombia!

Visiting Cartagena feels like going back in time, thanks to its architecture around the city, specially at the Old Cartagena Town.

During our first day, we visited Old Cartagena Town. But before entering by the main door, by the Clock Tower (La Torre del Reloj), and even when it was the middle of the day, very hot weather courtesy of the bright sun on top of us, we enjoyed a walk by the Convention Center, the Camellon de los Martires and the water front.

Few blocks away, there is a restaurant La Cocina de Socorro, very popular and a nice typical place to have sea food. Don't forget to try arroz con coco and patacones as side dishes. Yummy!

Old Cartagena town, it's a city surrended by a great wall where it used to be the main city years ago and now you can walk by its streets and enjoy every single minute of it.

By the end of the day, before sunset, take a ride by the old city in a coche (a horse-drawn carriage) while listening to some stories and history about the city. Just amazing! Later, watch the sunset at Cafe del mar listening to chill out music while having a drink. Nothing more relaxing than that!

To begin a nice night, enjoy a local beer or tropical drink at the many bars and cafe in the squares around the old town, like Santo Domingo square, with live typical music and dance every other time and vendors walking around.

By night, it's usually very windy, and most of the places are outdoors, so you might want to take something to cover yourself.

You don't need a car in Cartagena, there are taxis everywhere, cheep and easy to catch them.

During our second day, we took one taxi from the Hotel. The driver gave us a tour around the whole city of Cartagena and Manga, telling us everything we needed to know. It was fun, and we've got to know everything in the city as a private tour. So don't hesitated to ask a taxi from your hotel to give you a tour.

Weather is really hot, don't forget a hat and protection! Wear comfortable shoes since you're gonna be walking a lot. And take your bottle of water with you everywhere, although before entering to any of the sites, there are always vendors with water and even beers for refreshment. Just be careful they might charge you more of what the real price is.

On the 'taxi tour', first we went to Club de pezca a beautiful restaurant by the bay, great place to enjoy an early dinner. Then, we visited La Popa, an old monastery on top of the mountain, where you can glance the whole city from a different - and highest - view. You can see La Popa from anywhere in the city, a large white house on top of the mountain. Later, the taxi took us to Castillo San Felipe de Barajas. There are some tunnels underground, great spots for pictures, a shop on top of the castle and a nice view to the great wall.

On our way back to the old city, we passed by the statue of La India Catalina, a native woman that was sent away to learn Spanish so she can be a translator between the Indians and the Spanish colony.

Back in the old city, we made our last stop at Las bovedas. A place that used to be for prisoners and slaves back in the days, now you can buy variety of souvenirs for friends and family. Try at the local #23 where we got great presents for family and friends.

There are different places to visit and enjoy during your time at the Old Cartagena. Close to the Torre del reloj you'll find Colon Square, close to it the Hard Rock Cafe. By the Bolivar Square, take a tour at the Palacio de la Inquisicion. Other museums you can visit are The Gold museum which is free to enter; Naval Museum and The Modern Art Museum. We also went to Casa de San Pedro Claver, he was a protector of the slaves.

There are hundreds of stores where you can get gorgeous leather wallets or purses, or just a simple gift to take home.

One thing you may notice, the streets name change at every corner (inside the old city only), so it can be a little complicated if it's your first time visiting.

And remember to keep clean the places you visit! :)

Don't miss AT29's video about this gorgeous city! www.accesototal29.blogspot.com

Margarita Island

Every time I can, I visit Margarita Island in Nueva Esparta State, Venezuela.

Today, you can take a plane from different parts around the globe directly to this tropical island without stopping in Caracas.

From Anzoategui State, in Puerto la Cruz, you can go to Margarita by ferry in 3 or 4 hours (it all depends which Ferry, I recommend you to use the Express (3 hrs or less), it's cleaner, secure and faster.

I usually stay for 3-4 days and you can visit every corner of the island, plus the neighbors such as Cubagua and Coche. Naturally, you'll find lots of beaches and every one of them are different and perfect for every one. My favorite one is El Yaque (close to the airport and ferry port), although it's pretty windy but it's a great spot to practice sports such as Kite and Wind surf. From there, you can take a boat to Coche Island. At El Yaque, you can find small hotels but perfect to stay and relax, restaurants along the beach, a pizzeria, few stores. It's a small town that makes you fee away from everything. Even at night, especially during the weekends or holidays, a great party takes place by few deejays at the beach, so forget about shoes, join the party in your swimming suit! 

If you rent a car, however you can find a taxi everywhere (always try to get them from the hotel or a mall), take a trip around the island. I did it once and it was amazing to see a lot of the beaches, gorgeous views and great places to stop and take a picture. Remember how cheap the gas is in Venezuela!

Other beaches to visit, El Agua and Parguito, the party will begin at the beach during the highest season (specially during Holy week and carnival). There are very pleasant hotels by El Agua beach, plus restaurants in front of the beach, and little stores perfect to buy souvenirs for family and friends that are missing out the fun in Margarita Island!

Pampatar another place you can't miss to go. Restaurants where you can enjoy a fun time with friends or a romantic moment with that special one. Plus there's a fort where you can enjoy the gorgeous view to the bay.

Close to Pampatar, Sambil mall will invite you buy from its stores, from local to international brands. Remember Margarita is taxes free!

In Juan Griego, you'll find another fort on top of the hill, and take a walk around the stores in town. Since Margarita is located in the Caribbean sea, there are a lot of forts to visit, each one with different history.

Late in the afternoon, walk by 4 de Mayo and Santiago Mariño. Lots of stores, vendors by the sidewalk where you can find handicrafts and more from locals.

Naturally, Margarita not only brings you the best during the day, the night life is full of energy wherever you go! Visit the beautiful place of Kamy Beach (yes, right by the beach!). One of my favorite places to visit is an English pub 'The British Bulldog' at Centro Comercial Costa Azul. Live music every night with great local bands, in English or Spanish, it is a great place to hang out. If feel like going to a chill out place, I really like spending some time in Yaque Beach, where they have few lounges by the beach.

Remember to watch Acceso Total's video about Margarita and Coche Island! What are you waiting for to book your trip?? :)

Keep clean the beaches and places you visit!

Florida Keys

All you need is a car to drive from Miami and enjoy a great time in the Florida Keys!

If you have enough time, take it easy then! Drive early in the morning from Miami through the US1 south. Doesn't matter where you look, it's a breathtaking view.

The first Key to meet, Key Largo. Stop by the Bass Pro Shop and enjoy the beautiful scenery while shopping. In Key Largo you'll find John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, where you can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach, camp for the weekend, rent a boat or enjoy scuba diving in the first underwater park created in USA! Amazing things you can't find anywhere else, such as the Christ of the Abyss.

Keep going until Islamorada. Acceso Total 29's favorite place to visit is right there, Holiday Isle! Enjoy a yummy lunch in front of the ocean and don't forget to try the Pina Coladas and the famous Key Lime Pie! And why not renting a wave-runner? Feel closer to the clear waters!

Close to Holiday Isle, you'll find Theater of the Sea. Watch and swim with dolphins, sea lions, sting rays and more beautiful animals from the sea.

Next to visit, Marathon. Before crossing the famous 7 miles bridge, stop by the Dolphin Research Center and know more about those amazing and beautiful animals. And later enjoy the sun at Sombrero Beach. 


Take a walk at the entrance of the 7 miles bridge, wonderful place for pictures.

After the long bridge, you'll meet the Lower Keys where Bahia Honda State Park is located. More beautiful beaches to see and enjoy!

Drive carefully, you might see adorable Key Deers on the way to Key West!

Welcome to Key West! Even when it's a small city, you'll never get bored because there's always something to see and do! From bars, live music, excellent restaurants, rides by trolleys around the city or you might even rent a scooter and go around the key on your own!.

Get to know the Southernmost Point in USA, only 90 miles from Cuba!.

One thing I really want to do: take a tour to visit Dry Tortugas National Park.

What I love the most? By the end of the afternoon, take a walk by Duval Street. Party never stops there! However, before the party, enjoy the sunset with live entertainment and vendors by the dock!

I never have a bad time while visiting Key West! Love it! You won't regret of visiting!

Enjoy the road trip through the Florida Keys www.accesototal29.blogspot.com You can also check it out with English subtitles here


Keep it clean! ;)

South Florida

South Florida... my 2nd home... There's always something to do! From Miami Beach to Las Olas Blvd. in Ft. Lauderdale.

Take a walk by the famous street in South Beach (known by locals as SoBe): Ocean Dr. You will feel as walking at one of the Hollywood films (Scarface, The birdcage, Bad Boys, There's something about Mary...) Exotic cars, famous restaurants, Deco style hotels, stores open until 2am (some of them) and the most gorgeous and sexy people from around the globe in one place! If you're lucky enough, you might even walk into a celebrity or through a film set! How many have I seen?! Or take a picture next to Casablanca's car and Humphrey Bogart.

In South Beach, Collins and Washington Av. are very well known by its stores plus the awesome nightlife. You can find lots of restaurants, pubs, variety of night clubs as Mansion where you might even party with Paris Hilton, Matt Damon or Vin Diesel!

SoBe is so sexy and HOT that there's a World Erotic Art Museum in Washington Av.

Close to the South Miami Beach, in Downtown Miami take a walk at Bayside, a shopping mall, there's always a show at night by the marina. Remember Will Smith's video 'Miami' at the end of the song? There are restaurants, stores and bars in front of the bay. At Bayside, you can also enjoy a tour that'll take you to where celebrities live and around the famous canals, by the day or night. A very tourist spot!

Miami, melting pot of culture as I call it, you can find diverse restaurants where you can experience a latin breakfast, an Italian lunch and then a Greek dinner. All in one city, authentic Mexican, Spanish, Venezuelan, French, Turkish, Brazilian cuisine. You want it, you'll find it. 

Family time? Visit Miami Sea Aquarium in Key Biscayne or Miami Metro Zoo to the South by the US1.


Ft. Lauderdale is part of South Florida, another beautiful city to visit. If feel like driving while getting to know the area, I love going from South Beach driving north by A1A to Dania Beach. Gorgeous beaches along the way, stores, malls, and lots of bridges with a great view for amazing pictures. So roll the windows down and enjoy the time!

Live it up few hours by the beach in Ft. Lauderdale and across the street you'll find restaurants and stores. Then, get dress for the night and have dinner at Las Olas Blvd at any of the restaurants in the area. Very romantic too!

Only few minutes by car from Ft. Lauderdale beach, visit the Hard Rock Cafe & Casino in Hollywood. More than 20 restaurants, night clubs, bars and stores open until late.

Don't forget to get to know more about the Seminoles! From Miami, take the famous Calle 8 and go north until you reach to the Everglades. They have different spots where you can take a ride on an Air Boat, listen to the stories of the area, watch an alligator show and get to know more about their history!

And remember to keep clean the city and respect the nature. Also, check out Acceso Total 29's video about Miami Beach, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale (last 2, in Spanish only)

Gran Sabana

FINALLY!! I was waiting for that moment a long time ago! After 4 of my friends and I decided to go to Canaima National Park for a week, I couldn't wait any longer. I've seen pictures from friends and family and La Gran Sabana looked so gorgeous that I was dying to go there. But, naturally, being there is not the same as looking at a picture or even videos. The experience of driving through those beautiful views, looking at the Tepuys so close to me, breathing nature, it was something that I have to do again and again... and again! So, when are we going again?? :)

The trip was amazing, first because of crew (great friends) and of course the whole time that we spent in Bolivar State.

We drove for about 5 hours from Lecheria, Anzoategui to Puerto Ordaz, Bolivar. The only thing we needed to worry about, was getting the gas tank full every time we could. After El Tigre, Anzoategui; there were no gas station for a long time.

There is a very beautiful part on the way to Puerto Ordaz that we felt we were in Canada or something like it. For about 15 minutes, we drove through a Pine Forest. It was something that at least in Venezuela we haven't seen before. Neither of us! Just amazing!

We kept driving and arrived at Bolivar State. How did we know? We needed to pass by the Orinoco River and the newest bridge over the river made us stop and take pictures.

One thing I have to add, the roads in Bolivar state are in great conditions! *clap clap for another state in Venezuela!* Great for road trips!

We wanted to go to La Llovizna in Puerto Ordaz, so we can add it to our Acceso Total video, but we found out that the whole city needs its own video! So anytime soon we'll be visiting that city again.

From Puerto Ordaz to the entrance of La Gran Sabana it was going to be another 6 hours. So we decided to spend the night in Guasipati, only 3 hrs away from Puerto Ordaz. A small town. We didn't like the hotel where we spent the night, but of course, we weren't waiting for a 5 star resort. It was pretty messy and from 1-5 of cleanliness, maybe a 2 1/2. But I guess all the hotels by that area were going to be the same, besides it's just to spend the night. So, don't mind about it! Just lock yourself in by night!

Next morning, we find the only place where we can had breakfast and it was good! Yummy 'pastelitos' and passion fruit juice! ;) The name of the place Joy Full, can't miss it cuz it's on the route you've been for hours! :) 

Gotta keep going on the road!

After few hours we finally arrived at La Piedra de La Virgen where they welcomed us to La Gran Sabana! (well, it was just a sign that said so) The drive from there to our next stop is the worst! I mean, the road is not damage at all, but a LOT of curves in a very narrow way. Uh, another thing I have to add, there are a lot of security (National Guards) on the way, I guess that's a good thing.

Once we were over those curves, the view in front of us was delightful! We stopped at the Soldado Pionero. From there you can have a nice 1st look at one of the Tepuys (far view, but good). That stop is not of a big deal, but just the beginning of a great trip ahead! So keep your cameras with you all the way!

On the way to Santa Elena de Uairen (the last city before crossing to Brazil), there are a lot of amazing places to stop and enjoy nature! Falls, rivers, streams, and just the entire way made us keep the cameras out to take pictures and capture great clips. Seriously, do not miss any second!

Some of the spots where we took a walk or it's just great for a picture: Kama Meru, Rapidos de Kamoiran, Quebrada de Jaspe and Soroape. Of course, there are a lot more, but hopefully next trip I'll get to know more :) (I'm not kidding, when are we going?? :) hehe)

To cross everything to Santa Elena de Uairen, it's about 3 hours without stopping, but of course you will want to stop everywhere! Just remember to keep the gas tank full! (see below to know where we pump it and we were fine!)

In Santa Elena de Uairen, we stayed at Ruta Salvaje and they even have plans for different things you can do while visiting La Gran Sabana. We went rafting with them! So much fun! We walked inside a water fall, water was cold, but worthy! And we also did with them paragliding so we can have a better view to show you at Acceso Total! and well... it's always fun to do those kind of things!

And without a doubt, you can't stay in La Gran Sabana and forget to spend some time during the night watching the stars! I think we saw about 7 shooting stars :) and even the milky way was noticeable!

In less than 30 minutes from Santa Elena, we were visiting Brazil! Well, a very tiny spot of the country. We went to the border line and took some pics with both flags and then we had lunch at the small town in Brazil. It's not a big place and it's not beautiful, but at least we ate 'churrasco' and had 'caipirinhas'.

TIPS for gas:
This is very important if you're doing a road trip to Santa Elena de Uairen.
If coming from Puerto La Cruz, at El Tigre: full tank. There's nothing until you get to Puerto Ordaz.
Pump it again in Puerto Ordaz. Doesn't matter how much you have in the tank, do it!
At Km 88 (San Isidro) after El Dorado, Pump it again! it's the last one for the next 80km ahead (or so)
At Rapidos de Kamoiran they have a gas station, plus a small place to eat. This is the only place for gas on the road before Santa Elena. 
In Santa Elena, there are 2 gas station, it all depends on the car's tag to know which one to use. But ask first because usually (or at least during high season as we went) tourists can go first. 

Enjoy our 2 videos special about La Gran Sabana only at accesototal29.blogspot.com :)

Respect the nature and keep it clean!