San Francisco: The Perfect Vacation

If you are looking for an exciting, unique and fun-filled vacation, look no further than San Francisco.

It doesn't matter what you love to do, this city has it all. Stay in luxurious hotels, taste amazing food, see breathtaking sites and experience the many landmarks that this city boasts of.

One of the first things to do in San Francisco is to ride a cable car. Cable cars are not just a means of transportation for you; it is your destination for a very exciting experience. It provides amazing views of the bay and unique architecture of the city.

While seeing the bay from the cable car is an amazing experience, you will be even more astonished with a Bay Cruise. While many locations offer a cruise, it is worth paying more money for a cruise where people are not herded onto the ship like sheep. Be sure and pick a great boat that limits seating.

The amazing sights in San Francisco are nothing compared to the tastes of the city. No matter what your budget is, there are amazing restaurants in your price range that will offer unique dishes that you will never forget.

You will also want to reserve an entire day for China Town. This venue offers everything to do from amazing sights and architecture to great food, shopping, tours and nightlife. It is a must see.

If you have ever seen a movie or TV show filmed in San Francisco, then you have most likely seen Lombard Street which is famous for the steep hill and winding road. You must stop by to see such a unique and famous place.

If you enjoy nature then you will love Golden Gate State Park with a beautiful view of the bay. It also has playgrounds, conservatory, arboretum and a museum all offering excitement and fun.

You can't miss the icon of San Francisco, the Golden Gate Bridge. It is an impressive landmark that will provide you with memories that will never fade. Be sure and plan to spend time here as you will be pleasantly surprised by the time you will want to spend at this San Francisco classic destination.

The travel reviews all confirm the truth: San Francisco is a perfect travel destination. While many visitors boast of the amazing views, many speak more about the accommodations as many nice and affordable hotels lies in the city with Fairmont Heritage Place and Hotel Drisco receiving the most favorable reviews. The highest reviews speak of the "incomparable tastes" that the restaurants such as A16 and Bocadillos offer. All of this and more will make it the perfect vacation that you will never forget.  JeanPierre Prieur

Beaches in Mexico

When in Mexico, one must make it a priority to spend some quality time on at least one of the many beaches in Mexico. The Mexican coastlines and harbor areas have numerous stretches of beautiful beaches that are visited frequently by sun bathers, tourists, and any visitors seeking a great relaxing getaway.

Located on the Yucatan peninsula, Cancun is a very popular Mexican beach vacation destination. It is a resort town that is very popular among university students especially during the week of spring break. Offshore, there is Isla Mujeres a beautiful beach island. There is also Isla Holbox which is also a beautiful getaway resort.

The Pacific coast resort town of Acapulco also is a very popular resort. This resort attracts many rich and famous people and over the years has become overrun with tourists. There are man large hotels that line the beautiful beaches of Acapulco. Many travellers are attracted by a popular Acapulco activity, cliff diving. There are several locations for one to jump many metres off cliffs into beautiful clear blue waters.

Further south of Acapulco there is Puerto Escondido. This beach area is ideal for surfing and snorkeling. There are many different beaches in Mexico and some offer different activities because of geological and geographical factors. Some other notable beaches include: Ixtapa, Guerrero, Ensenada, Baja, San José del Cabo, Baja California Sur California, Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Playa Miramar. Cd. Madero, Tamaulipas, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Huatulco, Oaxaca, Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Guaymas, Sonora, Cabo San Lucas, Baja California Sur, Acapulco, Guerrero, Cancún, Quintana Roo, Puerto Escondido and Oaxaca.  Harry Preston

The Beaches of Puerto Vallarta

The beaches in and around Puerto Vallarta may be the most diverse in Mexico. Located at the midpoint of Banderas Bay, the area surrounding Puerto Vallarta boasts 34 miles of coastline, 26 of which are sandy beaches. Within the city, the beaches are elegant and pristine, bordered by restaurants and resorts.

Beaches to the north of the city tend to be longer and wider, with great opportunities for surfing and swimming. South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains topple into the sea in places, creating placid coves and intimate sandy pockets.

Playa Los Muertos is the most frequented beach in Puerto Vallarta. This sandy beach is long and wide with small waves perfect for swimming. Despite its popularity, there is usually plenty of room to spread out a towel and soak up rays. Los Muertos is a bustling place full of craft and food vendors; the beach itself is lined by numerous resorts, restaurants and bars. This is also a great place to ride a parasail and get a bird's eye view of the city. The beach has the added attraction of being on the edge of Viejo Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's beautiful old town.

Several other beautiful beaches lie in close proximity to the city's Hotel Zone. Playa El Saldo, also known as Marina Vallarta, primarily caters to hotel guests. However, the beach is wide and well-maintained, offering stunning views of the city and its mountainous backdrop. Playa Pelicanos is generally quiet, making it a great place to escape the beach crowds while remaining in the heart of the city. Playa Las Glorias is the name of the sandy stretch between Playa Pelicanos and Marina Vallarta. If you're staying in a hotel north of the primary Hotel Zone, you will find this excellent swimming beach outside your back door.

North of the city, the beach of Nuevo Vallarta offers a wider stretch of sand with fewer rocks than most beaches within Banderas Bay. As favorites of families, visitors to Playa Destiladeres and Playa Bucerias can expect mild waves (perfect for boogie-boarding or learning to surf), elegant white sand beaches and fresh seafood at charming palapa-shaded restaurants. To the North, Punta Mita, also known as Playa Anclote, is distinguished for its row of pleasant beach restaurants and gentle slope, making it a perfect beach for all ages. With consistently low, rolling waves, Punta Mita is also celebrated as an excellent place to learn to surf. 

There are even a few surfing schools that offer instruction to travelers. For those with more experience on the waves, the tiny community of Sayulita is the place of choice. A surfing mecca of international renown, the shoreline of this picturesque fishing village is home to abundant coves and beaches where surfers hunt perfect waves and day trippers relax in the sun. 

As Sayulita has developed over the past few years into a surfer's town with a bohemian feel, travelers will be treated to a refreshing, laid-back attitude. A few miles beyond the northern-most point of the bay are the beaches of San Francisco and San Pancho. Sporting a windswept and primitive feeling, with deeper, creamier sand and rougher waters than inside Banderas Bay, these beaches are ideal for travelers who want a taste of pristine nature and the open sea.

To the south of Puerto Vallarta lie such treasures as Playa Gemelas, Playa Garza Blanca, and Playa Punta Negra. Because both are slightly more difficult to access, you'll find beautiful beaches that are fairly secluded and scarcely used, with great rock outcroppings for snorkeling. In this area, you'll also find Playa Mismaloya, where John Huston's The Night of the Iguana was filmed in 1963, putting Puerto Vallarta on the international tourist map. With a rustic South Seas feel, Boca de Tomatlan is a small sandy cove at the jungle's edge three miles south of Mismaloya where the Tomatlan River meets the bay. Boca de Tomatlan is the last beach stop on the primary road heading south from Puerto Vallarta. It is another great site for swimming or snorkeling with a couple of lovely beach restaurants where you can sit under a palapa on the beach and enjoy fresh seafood.

To the south of Boca de Tomatlan are a number of quaint fishing villages, secluded beaches and peaceful coves. Playas Las Caletas and Las Animas are elegant, rock-lined stretches ideal for quiet relaxation. Quimixto, one of the largest fishing villages in the southern half of Banderas Bay, features a number of excellent restaurants and the best surf south of Puerto Vallarta. Near the southern-most point of the bay, Majahuitas and Yelapa allow visitors to feel completely removed from civilization. Bordered by lush jungles, these beaches are the definition of tropical privacy.  Justin Burch

How to Visit Astronomical Observatories In Chile

Renowned for its lush fields, excellent vineyards and beautiful, clear skies, the Elqui Valley in northern Chile is one of the favorite destinations among travelers looking for breathtaking nature and true experience. In this region, you'll find some of the world's best wines, as well as pisco distilleries, producing the national beverage. But what truly distinguishes the Elqui valley from other wine producing region or beautiful countryside is its extremely dry atmosphere which makes for some of the world's clearest skies and the ideal astronomical observation spot.

This is the reason why no less than 3 international observatories can be found in the Valley: La Silla, El Tololo and Las Campanas. Most of them were built by international organizations with large funding from Europe and the United States. All observatories can be visited on your Chile vacation, although none of them allow for observation through their telescopes. Visiting these immense laboratories of astronomical science and admiring their high tech equipment is still an unforgettable experience that will awake the inner child of anyone who has ever owned a telescope.

La Silla is owned by the organization European Southern Observatory (ESO), financed by a coalition of 8 European governments. The observatory is located at over 2,400 meters, about 150 kilometers from La Serena, the largest city in the area. The site can be visited on Saturdays only, except in July and August, and visitors are required to register in advance in Santiago, or through mail/email/phone to the direct reservation office of the observatory in La Serena. La Silla operates 3 major telescopes and several smaller ones. Be aware that procedures to visit the observatory are complex and can take a long time so make sure you plan your trip well in advance.

El Tololo observatory is owned by an association of US and Chilean universities, and until recently, was home to the largest telescope in the Southern Hemisphere, with a 4-meter wide diameter. It also possesses 6 other telescopes and a radio telescope. Located at 2,200 meters above sea level, the observatory can only be reached from La Serena with private transportation, about 87 kilometers away. Just like for La Silla, it's worth it to plan your visit to El Tololo well in advance and apply for a permit, although in the off-season, you may be able to be granted a visitor's permit the day before should there be any cancellations. Visits are only permitted on Saturdays from 9:00am to 13:00pm and free permits can be obtained by writing to their office in La Serena.

Third international observatory in Chile's Elqui Valley and highest one, at 2,500 meters, Las Campanas belongs to the famous Carnegie institute. With 5 telescopes, this is the smallest one of the three.

Visitors who are not willing to go through the lengthy and cumbersome processes to visit these observatories can travel to Mamalluca, a recent observatory specifically built for the public in the area, where you can actually look through the telescopes. Mamalluca is open daily for nocturnal visits (times depend on the season) and booking in advance is strongly recommended.  Hortense Soulier

Tips to Plan A Perfect Brazil Vacation

Planning a trip can be sometimes cumbersome as there are so many aspects to consider in order to ensure that everything goes smoothly during your vacation. You need to be well prepared to avoid any surprises as when the time comes to travel around the world, you surely do not want to find yourself with an expired passport, non-refundable flight, or a cancelled hotel reservation.

Brazil is an immense and wonderful country with lots to offer the traveler. Whether you are looking culture, history, beach scene or pristine nature, Brazil has it. The one minor problem is that you probably do not speak Portuguese, which can sometimes make things a bit more complicated while traveling. But don't worry, there's always a way to make things happen the right way. And this starts with planning your trip as best as you can before you actually board the plane and fly out to Rio de Janiero for your exciting Brazil vacation.

One of the first things you need to take care of to plan your trip to Brazil is to make sure you fulfill the visa requirements. You need a passport valid until 6 months after you enter the country. If you are a national of the United States, Canada or Australia, you will also need to pay a reciprocity fee to enter the country.

The money question is also an important one in planning your trip. Before you leave, make sure you let your bank know where you are going so they will not block your credit card thinking some kind of fraud happened. Debit and credit cards are the most convenient ways to pay and withdraw money in the country as you will easily find ATMs wherever you go. Make sure you know how much your bank or the ATM charges you to withdraw money internationally, and avoid bad surprises.

The currency used in Brazil is the Real (R$), with US$1 worth about R$1.56. The exchange rate can fluctuate but has been relatively stable in the past years. With the strengthening of the Real in recent years, Brazil has become an expensive travel destination, with the highest prices found in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Make sure you take this into account while deciding on your travel budget.

As you travel across the country, you might want to stay in touch with your loved ones who stayed at home, or be able to communicate within the country, for example to confirm hotel reservations and such. You can use your own cell phone if you have an international plan but be aware that prices are high. It is very difficult to buy a local SIM to use in your cell phone as you need a Brazilian social security number, but you can rent one for a specific period. Internet is widely spread across the country and you will have access in most hotels as well as in internet cafés found around most cities.  Hortense Soulier

Peru Travel: 3 Reasons to Visit Peru in 2011

Are you trying to plan your next vacation but don't know yet where you want to go? Latin America is easily accessible, relatively cheap, and home to extraordinary countries filled with history, amazing culture and congenial people. But where to go? Unless you actually plan on traveling for months at a time, there is no way you'll be able to see it all in one trip, so you have to pick a specific destination to start your explorations in South America. Read this guide and learn 3 reasons to choose to travel to Peru in the next months.

Whether you are a seasoned traveler or this is your first trip abroad, you should always be concerned about airport security and facilities as you travel. It may not seem like a priority, but you may end up staying for a while in airports as you travel around. Layovers and delays are always part of a trip. Well you need not worry about Peru's international airport in Lima, which has recently been declared the best in South America for the third consecutive year by Skytrax Research at the 2011 World Airport Awards held in Copenhagen. The Jorge Chavez airport is the gateway to Peru and is indeed very efficient, easy to navigate, with friendly services and plenty of opportunities for shopping and eating to keep you entertained as you wait for your next flight.

April is a particularly interesting month to be traveling in Peru, as the celebrations of Semana Santa (Holy Week) and Easter generally overtake the entire country and are truly a sight to behold. Make sure to make your reservations in advance as this time of year is generally busy. However, you are guaranteed to get a unique experience and real insights into the Peruvian culture. Processions, fairs, and other festivities characterize this period. Make sure to be in Peru on April 28th-30th to attend the 12th Peru Gift Show, an international handmade gift and home accessories held yearly, which includes hundreds of companies from Peru and abroad.

This year, Peru is celebrating the centennial of the re-discovery of Machu Picchu by Hiram Bingham in 1911. It is the perfect time to visit this newly appointed World Wonder and catch a glimpse of the Incas' extraordinary might and technological skills. Even the world-recognized magazine National Geographic invites you to explore the citadel, which is featured on the cover of its April issue.  Hortense Soulier

Machu Picchu Tours

Tourists have been taking Machu Picchu tours since shortly after Hiram Bingham made the "Old Peak" famous in 1911. Bingham was guided to the site by a young Quechan boy. There were people living there at the time, having found it after the Inca's abandonment.

Machu Picchu is located 2,430 meters above sea level, overlooking the Urubamba river in the Andes Mountains. It is near the town Aguas Calientes in the department of Cuzco and built by the Incas around 1460 AD. There are theories, but nobody knows exactly how the Incas constructed the site. Huge stones were used that had to be taken to the area over difficult mountainous terrain.

The stones fit so perfectly together that in some parts a knife blade can't fit between them. Machu Picchu is built to withstand earthquakes, as the stones move slightly when the ground shakes and then settle back into their original positions.

The Inca Pachacuti, founding father of the Inca Empire, probably built the citadel as a ceremonial center to worship the Sun God and as an observatory for the solstice sunrise. It also has an agricultural area. These slopes not only harvested crop, but also helped to defend the site from intruders. Machu Picchu is so located that any military attack would be very difficult to execute.

Machu Picchu is the most visited site in Peru, and one of the top tourist destinations in all of South America. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Historic Sanctuary and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. It is known for its superb architecture, ancient mysticism and breathtaking scenery. The ruins are a must see when visiting Peru.

One Day Machu Picchu Tours

There are several agencies in the city of Cuzco that offer day tours to Machu Picchu. Almost all of them follow the same basic structure. In the early morning you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the San Pedro train station. The train carries passengers up into the Andes Mountains over about three hours to the mountain town Aguas Calientes (Hot Waters).

The town offers some great views of the Andes Mountains that surround it, usually with low-hanging clouds that add to the town's mystical feel. There are cobbled streets that run uphill, slightly challenging one's physical fitness. Several residents still wear colorful traditional dress.

After a brief stop in Aguas Calientes your guide will then take you to a shuttle-bus that works it's way up the road to Machu Picchu. The entrance to Machu Picchu overlooks the site. Your guide will take you through the ruins, explaining the significance of each section. Most guides speak both English and Spanish very well.

After being briefed on the various sections of Machu Picchu you will be given the opportunity to explore it on your own. Some tourists that are up to the challenge will take the steep steps up to a high peak called Huayna Picchu. This is a demanding ascent, but one well worth the effort as you'll have a 360 degree view of the Department of Cuzco and Machu Picchu below.

After a few hours at Machu Picchu you will be taken back to Aguas Calientes by shuttle-bus where you'll have lunch. You will also be given some free time to browse the handicraft shops before returning to Cuzco by train, then taken back to your hotel.

The Inca Trail and Machu Picchu Tours

The Inca Trail was built by the Incas to make access to Machu Picchu easier. Along this route there are unforgettable views of the Andes and the Urubamba River below, a diversity of wildlife and also several Inca ruins.

It is now necessary to book a tour for the Inca Trail with an official travel agency who provides you with an official guide. There is a limit of 500 people per day who can hike the trail, so it is best to get reservations well in advance. Sometimes the Inca Trail is booked for an entire year.

Your tour agency will pick you up at your hotel and take you to the train station. You will stop at the 2-Day or 4-Day Inca Trail mark, whichever you have signed up for. Both Inca Trail treks are basically the same. The 4-Day trek takes more exertion, but you will also have the opportunity to see more ruins and awesome scenery.

Your guide should have almost everything you need with him like camping equipment, food and sometimes horses or donkeys. The agency should also give you a list of recommended things to take with you.

On the last night of the Inca Trail there is a hostel. Depending on what type of tour you are taking you might stay there for the night, or camp out again. In the morning the Inca Trail trek ends with a magnificent view of Machu Picchu below.

You will then have a full day to explore Machu Picchu with your guide and on your own. In the afternoon you will be taken to Aguas Calientes for lunch and to browse the handicraft stores. Afterwards you will return to Cuzco by train and be taken back to your hotel.

Alternative and Luxury Machu Picchu Tours

There are several other tours available besides the two most popular types as outlined above. One such tour offers a longer stay at Aguas Calientes. Instead of spending just a couple of hours there, this tour lets you stay the night to explore more of this unusual mountain town. The next morning you will be taken to Machu Picchu. In the afternoon you begin the return to Cuzco.

Luxury tours are also available. The luxury Hiram Bingham train goes to Aguas Calientes where you can stay at luxury hotels with gourmet food, spas, views and other amenities along with a personal tour guide. Your hotel may be in Aguas Calientes or at the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge located right next to the ruins.

Private tours give you the benefit of having your tour guide focus entirely on you and your party, allowing you to learn more about Incan and Peruvian history.

Other Machu Picchu tours take tourists by helicopter or small aircraft on a sight-seeing mission over the Andes Mountains to see the Urubamba River, ancient structures, and of course, the ancient citadel for spectacular views from above and an enjoyable ride.

Summary

A visit to Peru would not be complete without seeing Machu Picchu. When deciding on what type of tour is ideal for you, take into consideration your time, budget and what you would most like to do at Machu Picchu.

If you are taking a packaged tour to Cuzco, Peru then your visit to the ruins will already be covered. When going to Cuzco on your own you will find several agencies that offer a wide variety of Machu Picchu tours. Most agencies charge roughly the same as others, but it is best to check around.

When with limited budget and time, then the day tour will probably be best for you. If you have three to five days, are in reasonably good shape and have some extra money for your trip then the 2 or 4 day Inca Trail and Machu Picchu tour will be an excellent choice.

A luxury tour is perfect for those who like lots of comfort while still being able to experience Peruvian culture. These tours can get very expensive, but do offer pleasantries and alternatives that other tours do not.

Machu Picchu tours are highly recommended when you wish to visit this mysterious citadel. The guides are professional and the service is excellent, offering you, in this country rich with ancient history, an experience you will never forget.  Thomas C Carroll

Ecuador Tours

Ecuador offers a number of tour programs for tourists. Tourist promotions and information are handled by the ministry of tourism. A valid passport is required by everyone who wants to visit Ecuador.

 

 There are a variety of tours to Ecuador. The country offers scuba diving, whale watching, climbing, trekking, rafting, kayaking, and mountain biking. Tours are also offered to the Galapagos Islands. Other Ecuador tours include bird watching, water skiing, horse riding, fishing tours, jungle tours, and self adventure tours.

Ecuador offers a number of attractions to the tourists. Ecuador's tour options include visits to hot springs, national parks, museums, volcanoes, churches and beaches. Normally, 60-day or 90-day visa passes are issued to foreign nationals who intent to visit Ecuador. Though Ecuador is one of the smallest countries in South America, it is the most diverse. From Amazon rainforest to snow capped volcanoes, and tropical beaches to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador has a lot to offer.

The Galapagos Islands are a magnificent group of islands off the coast of Ecuador. The Islands are underwater volcanic formations. These islands are a paradise of unique flora and fauna. These beautiful islands are home to penguins, sea lions, iguanas and hundreds of other exotic species. The Amazon jungle-rainforest contains more than 20 percent of earth's vascular plant species. 

 One can learn about different cultures and lifestyles, and see how the local people use the rainforest's medicinal plants. One can also explore the varied wildlife, from the smallest of monkeys to the world's largest snake, the anaconda. The best of Ecuador's tours include bird watching, and the country has 15 percent of all known bird species. 

 

Quito, the capital of Ecuador, is a cultural center and a World Heritage Site. The largest seaport is Guayaquíl, which is also a gateway to beautiful beaches. A wide variety of adventure tours ranging from cycling to white water rafting are also offered.  Kent Pinkerton

Dakar Rally 2010

This year's 31st running of the Dakar Rally is being held in South America for the second year, instead of the traditional African route. The reason is - growing issecurity and possible terrorist attack concerns. This year's race began and will end in Buenos Aires, covering a looping 9,000 kilometers between Argentina and Chile over 14 stages. 362 Teams began the race with 176 motorcycles and quad bikes, 134 cars, and 52 trucks. The race is just over halfway completed now, the winners expected to cross the finish line on January 16th.
Below - several photographs from the first half of the rally.

Spain's Gerard Farres Guell kicks up sand with his Aprilia during the 4th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Fiambala, Argentina, and Copiapo, Chile on January 5, 2010. Spain's Marc Coma won the stage, France's David Casteu took the second place and France's Cyril Despres the third. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images) 

The Volkswagen Touareg of South African driver Giniel De Villers and co-driver Dirk Von Zitzewitz of Germany attends the symbolic start of the Dakar 2010 in Buenos Aires on January 1, 2010. (ALEJANDRO PAGNI/AFP/Getty Images)

Poland's Krzysztof Holowczyc in his Nissan passes race fans on a hillside during the Dakar 2010 between Colon and Cordoba, Argentina, on January 2, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Chile's Francisco Lopez Contardo guides his Aprilia through water during Stage 1 of the Dakar 2010 between Colon and Cordoba, Argentina, on January 2, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

People watch Nissan's Jean-Pierre Strugo and co-driver Yves Ferri, of France, splash their car through a river crossing during stage one of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Rio Cuarto, Argentina, Saturday, Jan. 2, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

France's Jean Claude Mazet falls from his KTM during the 2nd stage of the Dakar 2010 between Cordoba and La Rioja, Argentina, on January 3, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

 

Manuel Jamett of Chile climbs a rocky road on his Yamaha motorcycle during the sixth stage of the Dakar Rally 2010 from Antofagasta to Iquique January 7, 2010. (REUTERS/Jacky Naegelen)

 BMW's driver France's Stephane Peterhansel and co-driver Jean-Paul Cottret cross a valley during the seventh stage of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Russia's Leonid Novitskiy crosses dunes in his BMW during the 7th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, on January 8, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Volkswagen's Carlos Sainz and co-driver Lucas Cruz, of Spain, compete during stage six of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Antofagasta and Iquique, Chile, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

Helder Rodriguez of Portugal rides his Yamaha motorcycle during the eighth stage of the Dakar Rally from Antofasgasta to Copiapo, January 10, 2010. (REUTERS/Stringer/Pool)

  An aerial view shows the site where a Robinson 44 helicopter crashed in Fiambala, Catamarca province, January 4, 2010. The pilot, co-pilot and two reporters who were following the Dakar Rally sustained injuries when their helicopter crashed, local media reported. (REUTERS/Gendarmeria/Handout)

China's Wenmin Su rides his Jincheng past cheering onlookers during the 4th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Fiambala, Argentina, and Copiapo, Chile on January 5, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

The Dakar encampment is seen during stage five of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 in Antofagasta, Chile, Wednesday, Jan. 6, 2010. (AP Photo/Frederic Le Floc'h)

Foggy clouds cover part of the area where the 5th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Copiapo and Antofagasta, Chile, is taking place on January 6, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

Yamaha's rider Argentina's Alejandro Patronelli climbs a dune on his quad bike during the seventh stage of the Argentina-Chile Dakar Rally 2010 between Iquique and Antofagasta, Chile, Friday, Jan. 8, 2010. (AP Photo/Natacha Pisarenko)

South African Giniel De Villiers drives his Volkswagen during the 8th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile, on January 10, 2010. (NATACHA PISARENKO/AFP/Getty Images)

Italy's Silvia Giannetti falls from her KTM during the 5th stage of the Dakar 2010 between Copiapo and Antofagasta, Chile, on January 6, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

 

France's Cyril Despres crosses a wide plain his KTM during the 8th stage of the Dakar 2010, between Antofagasta and Copiapo, Chile, on January 10, 2010. (GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP/Getty Images)

SOURCE:
The Dakar Rally Official Website
Dakar 2010 at Wikipedia

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