text:
Lae

Lae is a city in the Huon Gulf region of Papua New Guinea. Lae is PNG's second city, after the capital Port Moresby and its main economic hub as most of the production from the country's Highlands area is exported through the city, transported along the Highlands Highway.

Understand
With no road connections between Port Moresby and much of the rest of the mainland, Lae's port is also the main way by which food from the Highlands (potatoes, sweet potatoes, cabbages, etc.) reaches the capital. Coastal shipping from Lae also offers a cheaper transport option for those who cannot afford to fly to Port Moresby. Known as the "gateway to the Highlands", this does Lae a disservice as it has much to offer in its own right.

In the 1920s, Lae was the busiest airport in the world - it was there that aviators in the gold mining industry first proved that it was commercially feasible to ship cargo (and not just people) by air. Lae was the last known stop of aviator Amelia Earhart on her attempted around-the-world air journey in 1937. She did not reach Howland Island, her next planned refuelling stop.

During World War II, Lae was a major base for Japanese troops.

By plane
Lae's airport is at Nadzab, about 40 km north of the city. This was a major US base towards the end of the war. It is served by:

 * Air Niugini has several daily flights from the capital Port Moresby, as well as connecting Lae with several other centers in PNG.
 * PNG Air has flights from Goroka, Mt. Hagen and Port Moresby and a wide range of other towns in the country. It also has flights to Brisbane and Cairns in Queensland.

By car
Lae can be reached by car from most cities in PNG's Highlands, via the Highlands Highway, and also from Madang on the north coast.

By boat
It is possible to get a berth on a coastal freighter from Port Moresby.

Get around
Take care when driving around Lae. Although the roads are improving, there are many pot holes.

It is advisable to leave a good space between yourself and the car in front of you so you can make a quick getaway if need be.

See

 * Lae War Cemetery. Contains 2,818 Commonwealth burials of the Second World War, 444 of them unidentified.
 * Morobe Show. This is held on the "weekend closest to the full moon in October". It is both an agricultural and industrial show as well as a cultural event that attracts many tourists, with emphasis on the culture of Morobe province.
 * The Rainforest Habitat. This is a self-funding display on 10 hectares at the Lae University of Technology and has a large collection of animals and birds, including a dozen of the 30 species of Bird of Paradise found in Papua New Guinea. The Habitat has around 80 Birds of Paradise, many on display in a 3,000-m² rainforest enclosure.
 * The Rainforest Habitat. This is a self-funding display on 10 hectares at the Lae University of Technology and has a large collection of animals and birds, including a dozen of the 30 species of Bird of Paradise found in Papua New Guinea. The Habitat has around 80 Birds of Paradise, many on display in a 3,000-m² rainforest enclosure.

Stay safe
Don't wander the streets of Lae alone, even in crowded shopping areas (crime). But for little or no money, a hotel guard may accompany a lone traveler for a short walk to go shopping or to the bank.

Go next

 * Umboi Island. Once a week, a small ship leaves Lae for Umboi (stopping for cargo at Finschhafen). Many Papua New Guineans use the two small ships that make this tripe; few foreign tourists use the ships as they are spartan and used partially for cargo. Nevertheless, this is the only regular way to get to Umboi Island, the claimed home of the legendary "ropen", said to be a pterodactyl.
 * Salamaua. Two hours south of Lae by boat, this was a popular weekend destination for the colonials in the pre-WWII era. They used to fly in to its small strip in their private planes. The area has some stunning beaches and good dives and quite a few Lae residents have weekend cottages there. Salamaua is just waiting for someone to build a hotel but for the time being you will either have to take a day trip or arrange for someone in the village to provide you with a bed.
 * Bulolo and Wau. A few hours drive to these pre-War Gold Rush towns, now major centers for the timber industry and starting point for several important treks.

title: Lae


text:
Laem Chabang

Laem Chabang is a seaside city on the Eastern Gulf Coast. It is Thailand's 19th largest city by population.

Understand
Laem Chabang has the busiest port in Thailand, and one of the busiest ports in the world. Larger cruise ships dock here instead of in Bangkok.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Laem Chabang


text:
Laem Sing

Laem Sing (แหลมสิงห์) is a beach in Phuket, 1 km south of Surin Beach.

Understand
The name means "Lion's Point". The beach is in a small, curving bay with rocky headlands at the foot of forest-fringed cliffs and is among Phuket's most beautiful spots. Look for signs indicating the path down to the beach.

In high season, the beach is cleaned. Out of high season, there may be a lot of debris on the beach.

Get in
Hire a taxi (or tuk-tuk if you are a firm negotiator). Most drivers will be familiar with the beach. If necessary, show them on your guidebook map. The standard price for the one-way trip seems to be 500 baht (high season), but you should always try to bargain. You will be dropped off along the side of the road where there's a sign pointing to a trail heading into the forest. A short but steep walk with occasional views through the foliage tease as you descend the hills above the beach. Mind your step. The trail is rocky and can be quite muddy after rain.

See
See the beach and get some tan. There isn't much else to look at here except maybe under water. Fortunately, it's a beautiful beach and it faces west so you get nice sunsets. Although the beach is full of rental sun chairs, for the moment it is now as crowded as some of the more popular beaches along the Phuket's west coast.

Do
Swim, lie on the beach, have a meal or a few beers at one of the four open-air restaurants on the beach. There are also rentals for speed boat with water skiing or wakeboarding, some jet skis, glass bottom canoes, and adventure diving trips as well as snorkeling. If you rent the snorkeling gear or have you own set with you, stay out of the right side (when facing the sea) of the beach where the boats and jet skis operate. Instead, swim to the tip of the left barrier rocks and despite of rather murky waters, you can see a good variety of fish in the shallow water. Watch out for the rip current when swimming back. For more colourful reefs and fish you may want to consider the adventure trip.

Buy
Food and drink from one of the restaurants on the beach, basic souvenirs from the few shops between the restaurants. There isn't much else to buy unless some hawkers come around.

Eat
There are four small open-air restaurants on the beach. The restaurant to the right (when facing the sea) is fantastic. Try the prawns in green curry or sweet chili sauce. They also have a selection of fresh seafood like lobster, king prawns, squid and various fish. Without doubt one of the best meals for your money in Thailand. Papa's Restaurant in the middle is not as memorable, but also well worth trying.

Drink
Singha beer. Served ice cold and very refreshing on a hot day. Also, the fruit shakes are very nice and you should definitely try the freshly squeezed fruit juices.

Sleep
Don't sleep on the beach. There's no accommodation. Let's hope it stays that way.

Go next
Walk up the path the way you came and there should be a taxi or a tuk-tuk waiting by the road. If not, one should come by very soon. Prices to Phuket town by taxi is around 500 baht (high season), so tuk-tuk should be negotiable and priced lower. If you arrive by taxi, you may want to arrange a pick-up with the same driver so you won't have to worry about finding your way back.
 * Surin, the next beach heading north, 1 km away
 * Kamala, the next beach heading south

title: Laem Sing


text:
Laem Yai

Laem Yai is a beach on the very northwest tip of the island of Ko Samui. If you're looking for a quiet, beautiful beach on otherwise hectic Ko Samui, this is it! It is beautiful at any time of day, however it is particularly noted as a place to watch the sun set over the ocean.

Get in
What makes this beach a hidden gem is the fact that it is relatively hard to find. You can use Google Maps for navigation, or follow these instructions:
 * From Nathon: Head 5 km north, then take a left just before the road rises steeply and turns east.
 * From Chaweng: Head west approximately 12 km along the northern ring road, take a right turn at the bottom of the hill when the road angles to the left.

Get around
Taxi from Chaweng: 600 baht. Recommend your own transport. Hire a motorbike or a 4 x 4.

See
Beautiful sunsets, shallow seas, and idyllic coconut palm-lined beaches await explorers.

Do
Walk along the beach, take a kayak out on the ocean, chill.

Eat
There is a minimart nearby for snacks.

Go next

 * Bang Rak
 * Bophut
 * Chaweng
 * Choeng Mon
 * Lamai
 * Mae Nam
 * Nathon
 * Samui South Coast

title: Laem Yai


text:
La Entrada

La Entrada is a town in the Copán Department of the Honduran Highlands.

Get in
Buses leave from the town of Copán Ruinas and from Santa Rosa de Copán

title: La Entrada


text:
Lafayette

There is more than one place called Lafayette, LaFayette, or La Fayette:

United States of America

 * La Fayette (Alabama) - A town in the state of Alabama.
 * La Fayette (Illinois) - A town in the state of Illinois.
 * Lafayette (California) - A town in the Bay Area of California.
 * Lafayette (Colorado) - A town in the state of Colorado.
 * LaFayette (Georgia) - A town in the state of Georgia.
 * Lafayette (Indiana) - A city in the state of Indiana.
 * Lafayette (Kentucky) - A town in the state of Kentucky.
 * Lafayette (Louisiana) - A town in the state of Louisiana.
 * Lafayette (Minnesota) - A town in the state of Minnesota.
 * Lafayette (New York) - A town in the state of New York.
 * Lafayette (Ohio) - A town in the state of Ohio.
 * Lafayette (Tennessee) - A town in the state of Tennessee.
 * Lafayette (Wisconsin) - A town in the state of Wisconsin.
 * West Lafayette (Indiana) - A town in the state of Indiana that is home to Purdue University.
 * West Lafayette (Ohio) - A town in the state of Ohio.

See also: Lafayette County

title: Lafayette


text:
Lafayette (California)

Lafayette is a city of 25,000 (2020) in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area in California. It is primarily a residential town located in the hills between Berkeley and Walnut Creek, although it does offer shopping and dining, and the Lafayette Reservoir is popular with hikers.

Lafayette is home to the wealthy set. The median age is 45, and the singles scene is non-existent. Nevertheless, Lafayette attracts a variety of people for a variety of reasons. Most people come for the quiet, private atmosphere.

Get in
You can reach Lafayette from other parts of the Bay Area by BART. The is located at 3601 Deer Hill Road.

Go next

 * Walnut Creek - Downtown Walnut Creek is perhaps Contra Costa County's best option for restaurants and bars. Shopaholics will also be more than satisfied with the variety of downtown boutiques.
 * Orinda - A mostly residential city, Orinda does offer a movie theater that is a throwback to the golden years of cinema.

title: Lafayette (California)


text:
LaFayette (Georgia)

LaFayette is a small town in north west Georgia, near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Get in
LaFayette is well connected with two major airports,Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport is just 30 miles away which is well connected to major cities and Atlanta is a major port of entry in US which is around 70 miles away.Paid taxi is available form Atlanta and Chattanooga airports. Also there is a bus service available form Chattanooga airport to LaFayette square which is run by Walker County. LaFayette is well connected by road through Highway I-24. If you are living in a nearby state car is the best way for traveling.

Get around
You have to have a car if you want to explore this place. You can rent a car form Hertz or Avis form any of the airports. It will be convenient if you bring your own.

See

 * Chickamauga Battlefield. Largest battlefield in America.
 * Cloudland Canyon State Park.

Eat

 * Twins Pizza is a local pizza spot that has some of the best pizza in the area.

title: LaFayette (Georgia)


text:
Lafayette (Indiana)

Lafayette is the county seat of Tippecanoe County, Central Indiana. It is located 2 hours southeast of Chicago and 1 hour northwest of Indianapolis. The Greater Lafayette metropolitan area consists of the cities of Lafayette and West Lafayette. The combined population is 97,000. Neighboring West Lafayette is home to Purdue University, a large, prestigious public university.

By train

 * Route stopping in Lafayette:
 * Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.
 * Cardinal operating three trips weekly between Chicago and New York City with stops in Dyer, Rensselaer, Lafayette, Crawfordsville, Indianapolis, Connersville, Cincinnati, Ashland, Huntington, Charleston, Hinton, White Sulphur Springs, Staunton, Charlottesville, Culpeper, Manassas, Alexandria, Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia, Trenton, and Newark.

By bus

 * Greyhound. From Chicago, 3.5 hours.
 * ExpressAirCoach shuttle bus from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, 3 hours, $50.
 * Lafayette Limo shuttle from Lafayette to the Indianapolis Airport, $27 one way, $50 round trip, around 1.5 hours.
 * Reindeer Shuttle shuttle from Lafayette to the Indianapolis and Chicago Airports, Indianapolis: $27 one way, $50 round trip, around 1.5 hours, free wi-fi on shuttle.
 * Suburban Express bus service between Purdue and the Chicago suburbs. Goes Purdue->Chicago on Friday, Chicago->Purdue on Sunday. $25 each way.

Get around

The area is divided by the Wabash River. To the east of the river is Lafayette and to the west is West Lafayette. Lafayette is broken down into several neighborhoods. Starting at the river and heading east is downtown. Here you will find numerous shops and restaurants as well as most of the museums and theaters. North of downtown is the Historical Centennial Neighborhood. South of downtown is the Ninth Street Hill Neighborhood. Most of the shopping and hotels are either downtown or along one of the main arteries. State Rd 26 runs east and west bisecting both cities. State Rd 52 curves around the East side of town and crosses the river into the Northern side of West Lafayette. On State Rd 52 near the Southeast side of town you will find the Tippecanoe Mall. Interstate 65 marks the eastern edge of Lafayette. From South to North there are 4 exits for Lafayette, St Rd 38, St Rd 26, St Rd 25, and St Rd 43 (for West Lafayette).

The John T. Myers Pedestrian Bridge connects downtown Lafayette with West Lafayette. Starting at the river and heading west into West Lafayette is the Levee area and Wabash Landing. This area is fairly new with several shops, a multiplex theater, a park, and an outdoor ice skating rink. Continue west up the hill on State Rd. 26 to the Chauncey Hill and Village area. There you will find most of the college bars and several restaurants. Continue west on Hwy. 26 to pass through the main campus of Purdue University. To the north and east of Purdue is the main residential area of West Lafayette.

 * Bus, There are 15 bus routes around the cities. Tickets are $1, 10 tokens for $7.50 (you can ask for one free transfer ticket), $28 for a calendar month pass, free for students and staff at Purdue. There is a free trolley bus going from downtown Lafayette to West Lafayette/Purdue and back every 15 minutes. Some bus lines do not run on weekends, in the summer, or anytime when classes are not in session; check schedules for details.  Lafayette and the surroundings areas are suburban and relatively spread out; a private automobile is recommended.

See

 * Go for a walk in the historic downtown, Main St. from 2nd to 9th St.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.
 * The Standard Oil station, 627 South St, one of only seven left, is a walk-by museum.

Do

 * Ice skating in the winter at Riverside Skating Center, 100 Tapawingo Dr, just east of Wabash Landing.
 * Go to a Purdue football game or other major sporting event.
 * Feast of the Hunter's Moon every fall
 * Colt World Series every August
 * Taste of Tippecanoe every June.

West Lafayette

 * Silver Dipper, River Market (corner of River Rd and State St). Hand-dipped ice cream and ice cream treats. Locally owned with a loyal customer base.
 * Silver Dipper, River Market (corner of River Rd and State St). Hand-dipped ice cream and ice cream treats. Locally owned with a loyal customer base.

Lafayette

 * Ben Hur Tavern, 1002 S 4th.
 * Biltmore Tap Room, 1202 S 4th.
 * 6th Street Dive, 827 N 6th. Craft beers, everybody just sort of seems to find room for another one.
 * Filling Station, 2603 Greenbush.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Filling Station, 2603 Greenbush.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Filling Station, 2603 Greenbush.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.
 * Linwood Tavern, 1244 N 14th.

Hotels

 * Tons of hotels on Route 26 near Interstate 65, budget-moderate priced: Holiday Inn Express, Best Western, Comfort Inn, Day's Inn, Red Roof Inn, etc.—pick your favorite chain. These are outside of comfortable walking distance from West Lafayette (and therefore Purdue University), but only about a 20-minute drive from the heart of campus. If you're driving into town anyway and don't need pedestrian access to campus or downtown West Lafayette, these are a good (and often cheaper) choice.

Internet access
All the public libraries have wired Internet computers available for use by anyone for limited time periods. Other locations offering Internet access include:

 * Vienna Espresso Bar & Bakery. Offers open wireless Internet access.
 * Union Building, (at Purdue). Requires a free temporary account.
 * Buffalo Wild Wings, (at Levee Plaza). Offers open wireless Internet access.
 * Panera Bread. Offers wired and splash wireless Internet access.
 * Barnes and Noble, (at Tippecanoe Mall). (note: there are only two power outlets in the whole building for your laptop. They are directly adjacent to the handicap access ramp. If you attempt to move a table there to use the outlets, they will ask you to leave.)
 * West Lafayette Public Library.
 * Tippecanoe County Public Library: all branches, login with a valid or guest library card.
 * Ivy Tech Branch of Tippecanoe County Public Library.

Cope

 * Tan and Laundry at Levee Plaza, just north of Wabash Landing

Go next

 * Turkey Run State Park
 * Shades State Park
 * Indiana Dunes National Park

title: Lafayette (Indiana)


text:
Lafayette (Louisiana)

Lafayette is a city in Louisiana. It's the unofficial capital of Acadiana or Cajun Country. This flourishing moderate sized city is home to the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Music and dancing is an integral part of community life. Several restaurants and dance halls thrive in the area and the city hosts several musical festivals throughout the year.

By car
& Lafayette is at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 49. I-10 runs through the northern part of Lafayette, linking the city with New Orleans (2½ hours east) and Houston (4 hours west). I-49 links Lafayette with Alexandria and Shreveport to the north.
 * US 167.svg to US 90.svg Going south of I-10, US Hwy 167 connects travelers to US Hwy 90 where it takes a southern turn and passes through New Iberia, Franklin, Morgan City, and the Houma – Bayou Cane – Thibodaux metropolitan area before reaching New Orleans. Going west of its junction with US Hwy 167, US Hwy 90 closely parallels I-10 through Scott, Rayne, Crawley, Jennings and Lake Charles to the Texas state line. Going north, US Hwy 167 becomes I-49.

Get around
While Lafayette does have a bus system that is accessible from most areas in town, driving by car is still the most popular way to get around the city. Most businesses have parking lots, and even in the Downtown area there is often plenty of parking on a normal day. The University of Louisiana at Lafayette is usually the only area where visitors encounter parking troubles, but while school is in session a shuttle bus links the center of campus with the massive parking lot at Cajun Field (near the Cajundome and Convention Center), providing a quick commute with frequent service. Bike lanes are becoming a growing trend on some major roads as well. There are taxis available.

Eat
Lafayette is a center for great Cajun cuisine (see the Acadiana article for an overview), but don't think Cajun food is all there is to eat here. Many different styles of food can be found here, and many have developed a Cajun flair. Lafayette is truly a food-oriented city, with more restaurants than cities with a much larger population. We talk about what to eat a lunch over breakfast, and what to eat for dinner over lunch; and we're rarely disappointed with the outcome.

 * Hub City Diner 1412 South College, +1 337 235-5683. Louisiana cooking in a diner atmosphere.
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Hub City Diner 1412 South College, +1 337 235-5683. Louisiana cooking in a diner atmosphere.
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Hub City Diner 1412 South College, +1 337 235-5683. Louisiana cooking in a diner atmosphere.
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Hub City Diner 1412 South College, +1 337 235-5683. Louisiana cooking in a diner atmosphere.
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!
 * Olde Tyme Grocery 218 W St Mary +1 337 235-8165. Great po-boy sandwiches. The atmosphere is basically a few tables in an old grocery building. Lots of character!

Drink
Downtown Lafayette Hosts live entertainment nightly with its variety of clubs and kind of resembles New Orleans' French Quarter on a smaller scale. The Strip on McKinley Street with its row of bars right next to The University of Louisiana is another popular venue. Where it used to the run of college students from The Keg to the McKinley Street Pub, the scene is now represented by new members like La Honda Discotheque and Freetown Boom Boom Room.

Most visitors to Lafayette are often surprised by another feature of the local drinking scene: drive-thru daiquiri stores. Open-container laws are seemingly disregarded as customers can purchase potent frozen drinks without leaving their car, and then simply drive-off. Exercise caution, though, as cops still consider these drinks to be open alcohol containers, as evident by the styrofoam-cupped drinks are often handed to customers with a piece of tape over the lid opening.

For you bar and club patrons, last call in Lafayette is at 2AM Monday through Saturday, and at midnight on Sunday nights.

title: Lafayette (Louisiana)


text:
Lafayette County

There is more than one place called Lafayette County:

Lafayette County is the name of five counties in the United States:

 * Lafayette County (Arkansas)
 * Lafayette County (Florida)
 * Lafayette County (Mississippi)
 * Lafayette County (Missouri)
 * Lafayette County (Wisconsin)

Also:
 * Lafayette Parish, Louisiana

title: Lafayette County


text:
Lagan

Lagan is a city in Kalmykia.

Understand
The town was founded in 1870 and has a population of around 15,000. It is located a few kilometers from the Caspian Sea.

Get in
Buses run twice daily from the Astrakhan' bus station. Morning and 4pm. Fares are 235 rubles. The bus takes 4 hours and runs on very bad roads. Of the distance of 120 kilometers about one third is unpaved.

It is recommended to take a private seat in a Lagan' taxi from the same Astrakhan' bus terminal. The taxis cost from 250 to 300 rub per person. You will have to wait until all four seats in the car are sold before departing.

Alternatively, one can take a bus or similar taxi to Liman. Price is RUR 150. From Liman one can arrange a taxi to Lagan.

Get around
One can walk around the entire city, from the center to the outskirts. Taxis, hitch-hiking and marshrutkas (hire buses) operate in the city.

See
The Buddhist sites and temples throughout the city.

Do NOT
Do NOT go to Lagan expecting to see the Caspian sea. The canal connecting the city to the sea is patrolled by Russian border guards 24 hours a day. You can walk along the canal for 10km, but with 7km to go before the Caspian, you will not be allowed to continue.

If you arrange for an outing on the sea with local residents and the border guards ahead of time, they may allow you to accompany a fishing boat.

title: Lagan


text:
Lagoa

Lagoa is a municipality in the Algarve region of southern Portugal. Lagoa is one of the most important tourist areas of the Algarve. There are various factors which have contributed to its popularity, namely the variety of offerings to visitors (the beauty of its beaches, modern tourist accommodation, its golf courses and cultural heritage), and the friendliness of its citizens.

Understand

The city of Lagoa (luh-GOH-uh, /ɫɐ.ˈgo.ɐ/) is not very spectacular, since it is inland. However, the nearby beaches, caves and nature sights are worth a few stops along the way between Albufeira and Portimao.

By bus
Lagoa is on the main route between Portimao and Albufeira/Faro and most buses will stop here.

Checkout the EVA bus schedule, or the maybe more intuitive/informative Algarve Bus website by an enthusiastic local.

By train
The nearest train station is, where also many buses pass by.

Get around
Mostly by bus, but there are enough trails along the cost to hike a large part of it.

See

 * (Warning... at least two tourists die each year from this surprisingly difficult swim.)Algarve Tourism website
 * Getting there/away: Buses from Lagos and Portimao go to nearby, from where it is 20 on foot. Otherwise regular buses from Lagoa go directly to Benagil Beach.

Heritage buildings have been renovated for cultural uses in the city, notably the Municipal Library and the Convento de São José (St. Joseph Convent) – the Cultural Centre of the City of Lagoa – where various shows and a variety of exhibitions take place. Similarly the Municipal Auditorium hosts numerous shows and other events each week. As well many cultural activities take place at the Parque Municipal de Fontes, north of Estombar, all year round, including theatre, dances, and traditional folk-songs.

Do

 * Each summer it hosts a large exhibition of craft products at the Parque de Feiras e Exposições de Lagoa (FATACIL, Fair and Exhibition Grounds of Lagoa).

Sleep
It is possible to stay closer to the beaches in different towns near Lagoa where the major hotels are located, such as Porches, Carvoeiro or Mexilhoeira da Carregação e Ferragudo.

title: Lagoa


text:
Lagoa do Carro

Lagoa do Carro is a city in Pernambuco, Brazil.

Small town located 61 km northwest of Recife, famous for the production of artisanal tapestry. It is close to the town of Tracunhaém, one of Brazil's most important ceramic art centers.

Get in
Fly to Guararapes-Gilberto Freyre International Airport (REC), in Recife.

From Recife, you can rent a car or take a bus from the TIP Bus Terminal.

Interstate highway BR-408 and state highway PE-090 (via Carpina) lead you to Lagoa do Carro.

Expresso 1002 serves the Recife-Lagoa do Carro route, with stops in-between. Tel: +55 81 3452-2796.

See

 * Tapestry art

Buy

 * Tapestry:

Go next

 * Tracunhaém, one of Brazil's most important ceramic art production centers.
 * Caruaru, another major ceramic art and handicraft production center in Brazil.
 * Recife, vibrant capital of Pernambuco state.
 * Olinda, beautiful colonial town in the Atlantic coast. UNESCO World Heritage Site.
 * Igarassu, colonial town, home to Brazil's oldest church and Latin America's largest collection of baroque art.
 * Porto de Galinhas, consistently voted Brazil's best beach.

title: Lagoa do Carro


text:
Lago Agrio

Lago Agrio or Nueva Loja is a city in the Amazon region of Ecuador.

It is the capital of the province of Sucumbios and was founded in the 1960s as a base camp by Texaco. This city is the entrance to the southern part of the Ecuadorian Amazonas Jungle

By bus
There are a lot of bus companies that make the route Quito-Lago Agrio and Baños-Lago Agrio
 * Transportes Occidental
 * Transportes Esmeraldas
 * Transportes Baños

Buy

 * La Favorita Super Market

Eat

 * Pizzeria de Merio

Sleep

 * Hotel de Mario
 * Hotel Selva Real. Av Quito 261 with Columbia St. Hot water, working internet, clean rooms and aircon. Double with private bathroom (and hot water) is $20.

Stay safe
Be careful in this area. The long running conflict in Colombia creates spillover along the northern border of Ecuador. Drug trafficking activities and general lawlessness in this area create plenty of opportunities for a tourist to find trouble. Activities in this area are best pursued through organized tours where the guides will likely know what areas to avoid. If you want to go alone, you should advise the embassy or somebody not travelling with you of your travel plans and return date.

Reserves

 * Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve

title: Lago Agrio


text:
La Gomera

La Gomera is the second smallest island of the Canary Islands. It is an undeveloped, unspoilt, beautiful island 40 minutes by fast ferry from Tenerife that is ideal for walkers.

Cities

Understand
There is a contrast between lush forests around the summit and in the national park with dry vegetation on the flanks of the island. It is of real interest to botanists for its variety of plant life and number of endemic species. It has a good climate all year round, especially in the south. La Gomera is one of two Canary Islands without direct tourist flights from mainland Europe, the other being El Hierro.

Talk
Spanish is the main language. English is widely understood in Valle Gran Rey, where German is easily the second language after Spanish. Most menus are printed in three languages.

It is famous for El Silbo - whistling language which was used to communicate across the deep valleys. The local council are trying to revive El Silbo; it is now a compulsory (and popular) subject in schools on the island.

By plane

Most people fly to Tenerife South (, Reina Sofia), then get a ferry from nearby Los Cristianos. Buses 451, 111 and 343 drive from Tenerife South Airport to. The ride costs €3.70 (April 2018). The buses stop by the roundabout close to the Los Cristianos bus station. From there you need to walk about down to the port where the ferries leave from.

By boat
By ferry from Los Cristianos in Tenerife to (or if operated, directly to Playa Santiago or Valle Gran Rey).

An advance day return costs around €80 for the 50- to 60-minute crossing.

Two ferry companies are providing service:

La Gomera is in the Atlantic. This means that even in moderate windy weather the waves may become pretty big. In that case the catamarans may not sail.

If the Benchi Express is operated, it is particularly vulnerable. In the event the Benchi Express cannot sail (though scheduled), Fred Olsen will drive you to or from Valle Gran Rey by bus. But, you need to be at the harbour 30 min earlier, and you sail on Olsen's big catamaran to or from San Sebastian.

By bus
There are regular bus services (4 or 5 per day, M–Sa; fewer on Su) to the main centres (Valle Gran Rey, Vallehermoso, Santiago) from the capital San Sebastian. Departures don't usually coincide with the ferry arrival times.

Journey time to Valle Gran Rey is around 1 hr 45 min. These buses are popular and it isn't always possible to get on especially at the port when boats come in. Buses returning to the tourist centres late in the afternoon tend to get full of walkers and likewise the ones heading into the mountains early in the mornings. Fares vary by distance, but are very reasonable. Drivers do not like to pick up or set down between stops for tourists even though you may see them do it for elderly locals. The public buses are a blue/turquoise colour and are run by Servicio Regular Gomera S.L. Tickets are purchased from the driver. There are many other private coaches darting about the island which will not stop for you. The timetables do change and tourist offices will have up-to-date versions. A reliable source should be the official website.

By car
Reputable car hire companies include CICAR or gomerarentacar.com. One of the companies that accept debit cards is Pluscar. Most companies have their office right next to the San Sebastian ferry terminal. Since the number of cars at the pier is limited (compared to, e.g., TFS airport), it's probably best to book upfront.

Petrol is relatively cheap - about 1/10 less than in mainland Spain. However, bear in mind that the roads are very winding indeed, so driving is slow - don't expect to go faster than 50 km/h most of the time. For example, air distance is only about 22 km across the island from San Sebastian to Valle Gran Rey, but the distance by road is over twice that, and it will take you an hour and a half to drive it. Many people combine walking with hitchhiking. Taxis are not prohibitively expensive especially if there are several of you sharing.

On foot
The preferred method for a lot of people coming here—see below.

Do

Hiking
Most visitors come for the top class hiking. There are many paths all over the island, from gentle strolls through the rain forest to all-day treks. Good signage makes self-guided walks simple.

Normal pre-cautions regarding walking on your own apply on La Gomera, too. Always make sure that somebody knows where you are heading and when you can be expected to return. Pack rain and windproof and warm clothing in your day-pack, even it is nice and sunny when you leave. Also, don't forget to take a phone and a flashlight with you, drinking water and something to eat. However, there are also many shorter walks (such as up one side of Valle Gran Rey and down the other) that need no more than sandals.

Hiking in heavy rain can be dangerous (as well as unpleasant) due to rock falls and landslides.

Organized
Several companies offer guided walks, which can be useful if you don't have transport or want to do a point to point walk. One of these companies is Timah. They offer guided walks at around €30 each (including the transportation to the starting point of the walk as well as the trip back) with English and German speaking guides.

Another company offering walks is Viajes Temocoda. Temocoda's walks are a little bit more expensive but lunch is included in the price.

Visit the tourist office in Valle Gran Rey (Calle Lepanto, s/n. La Playa) or the various travel agencies in Valle Gran Rey for information about other providers of walks. Agencies can usually make the booking for you, but at least Timah has an office in Valle Gran Rey (La Puntilla) and you can book your walk there as well.

Guided walks can be recommended not only because they include transportation and free you from the infrequent bus service, but the guides will tell you all sorts of interesting tidbits about the island.

Self-guided
A good map for trails (and even GPS navigation) is central:

Digital:
 * OpenStreetMap, which many mobile apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz use, provides highly detailed and complete maps of the island, including hiking trails.
 * Wikiloc, in addition, provides hundreds of possible downloadable trails by other hikers

Analog:
 * DWG
 * Kompass
 * Freydag & Berndt

Books:
 * The Landscapes of Southern Tenerife and La Gomera by Sunflower Books
 * Walk! La Gomera by DWG

Maps and guidebooks are readily available in San Sebastian and Valle Gran Rey.

Mountain biking
La Gomera is a good biking destination as it offers mountainous paved roads as well as single trails and dirt roads for the mountain bikers. In Valle Gran Rey there are three mountain bike tour operators and bike rentals available in the villages of La Playa, La Puntilla and Vueltas.

Be careful when riding down as the roads are steep and have tight bends. There are also two tunnels when coming down to Valle Gran Rey. The second and longer one can be circumvented by using the old road instead which goes by the mountainside. It starts on the right hand side of the tunnel entrance. However, extreme care is required as the railings on the old road are not in good condition (or missing altogether in places) and there are also big rocks and other debris on the road. When you drive in the tunnels make sure you have a headlight and a backlight (or at least a red reflector) so that cars can see you well ahead. Never ride without a well-fitting helmet.

Relaxing
The slow pace of life is contagious, the perfect antidote to stress. If you lack transport to Garojonay, walking in Valle Gran Rey (playa Del Ingles to beyond Vueltas) is easy and relaxing.

Beaches
There are beaches at the end of most valleys, of varying quality.

 * Valle Gran Rey has safe sandy beaches at Vueltas and El Charco (literally 'The Puddle'). There is a semi-nude beach (clothing is optional) called Playa del Ingles further down the road that goes along La Playa in Valle Gran Rey. However, it's rocky and very dangerous for swimming especially when the sea is rough.

 * San Sebastian has two good beaches.
 * Playa Santiago (as the name suggests) also has a beach.

 * There is a public pool at Playa de Vallehermoso (under renovation as of July 2021),

 * There is a sea swimming pool by the remains of the Embarcadero in Hermigua, and Playa la Caleta, near Hermigua, has a bar/restaurant on the beach (not operating as of July 2021).

 * If you don't mind the long, steep, winding drive, there is a lovely little beach at Alojera.

Flora
Fascinating sub-tropical vegetation abounds with the unique Laurisilva rainforest in the national park, Garajonay, which is situated on the highest part of La Gomera. Laurisilva has a very special property in that it makes clouds into rain: Due to the pressing upwards of the trade winds, there are often clouds on the top of La Gomera; but the leaves of the trees of Laurisilva have pores that catch the small drops from the clouds. The surplus water absorbed is secreted so that the trees are raining, which increases precipitation from 50-100%. Of the remaining Laurisilva is 50% growing on La Gomera, which makes Garajonay unique from a nature conservation point of view. Laurisilva has in earlier periods covered large areas surrounding the Middle Sea, but disappeared due to climate changes. The National Visitor Centre at Juego de Bolas, above Las Rosas, has a selection of native and endemic plants, as well as various artesanal artifacts. There are plenty fine walking paths in Garajonay and the surrounding landscape.

There is also a botanic garden of sorts near Vallehermoso. This could be excellent if better maintained, but has the air of somewhere abandoned.

Photography
La Gomera is so beautiful that photo opportunities are everywhere. Most main roads have clearly signed viewpoints, including parking for a short stop.

Diving
La Gomera is perfect for diving, and there are many people pursuing this passion. But there are no commercial diving schools. There is a dive club in San Sebastian (El Sebadal), and there is privately led dive base in the harbour of Valle Gran Rey.

Whale watching
Whale watching boat trips run from Valle Gran Rey with Excursiones Tina, Excursiones Yani or Oceano Gomera.

Eat
Restaurants:
 * Watercress soup with gofio (maize flour)
 * Palm honey (Miel de Palma), palm tree syrup is boiled up to produce this delicious liquid that features in many Gomeran dishes, especially desserts.
 * Mojo sauce comes in red or green - red is for meat and can be quite spicy, green for fish, based on garlic and coriander. Mojo in restaurants is usually home-made and quite variable, but always interesting. No burger chain uniformity here and all the better for it!
 * Papas arrugadas (literally wrinkly potatoes). Exquisite if done well with small, black potatoes, but price rises often mean that now cheaper potatoes are used. Eat with red or green mojo.

Drink
Excellent freshly prepared fruit juices and milkshakes are widely available. If you are feeling brave, try parra, the local firewater (similar to Italian grappa) or a Gomeron, which is parra mixed with palm honey.

Local wine was awarded DOC status in 2009. Try Garajonay white wine (Bodega Insular de La Gomera) or Rajadero (Bodega Altos de Chipude).

Great coffee, but remember that many locals take it with condensed milk (leche condensada). Try a leche y leche - an espresso with a squirt of condensed milk and a splash of hot milk — much better than it sounds!

Sleep
Most tourists head for Valle Gran Rey, with its stunning terraces and selection of bars and restaurants. These give a good balance between facilities and getting away from the stresses of western life. But the upper parts of this valley and all the beautiful rest of La Gomera remain unspoilt. There is also a push for more rural tourism, if you want to get completely away from things. However, it's worth remembering that the higher villages can be much cooler than the coast.

Accommodation in San Sebastian includes Villa Gomera (rooms and apartments available), Quintera apartments close to the seafront and the upmarket La Gomera Parador perched on the cliff-edge overlooking the harbour.

Playa Santiago has the Jardin Tecina complex, run by Fred Olsen, expensive, but worth a visit to see the impressive flora and the "James Bond" lift down to the beach. While Valle Gran Rey has the Hotel Gran Rey on the seafront and the Hotel Playa Calera in La Playa. The three villages, of which Valle Gran Rey is comprised, offer many private rooms. Walk around !

 * The official web of the Canary Islands: La Gomera Island has a nice system for locating hotels and offers in La Gomera.
 * Airbnb and similar
 * The official web of the Canary Islands: La Gomera Island has a nice system for locating hotels and offers in La Gomera.
 * Airbnb and similar

title: La Gomera


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Lago Puelo

Lago Puelo is a town in Chubut, Argentina.

Do

 * Do the beautiful and often neglected trail of 97 km between Lago Puelo and Lago Cholila in the south, which is a part of Greater Patagonia Trail, particularly GPT32. Consult a map like OpenStreetMap, which many mobile Apps like OsmAnd or Mapy.cz, to find the trail, camp sites and use them together with your GPS signal. Or just download the according GPX or KML files through Waymarked Trails for such trails on Openstreetmap. Best consult with the national park office in Lago Puelo regarding the conditions of the trail.

Go next

 * El Bolsón

title: Lago Puelo


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Lagorce

Lagorce is a little village in a relatively large commune, near Vallon Pont d'Arc in the Ardèche département, in the south of France.

By public transport
The way to Lagorce is long. It is far from major cities. You have to head for Vallon Pont d'Arc, which you can reach via a TER bus that runs around 4 times a day from Montelimar and Valence train stations, both of which have a TGV train service.

You can get a timetable for many bus routes in the region surrounding Lagorce from Ardeche Tourisme.

Additionally, there are routes via Alés and Avignon (via Bagnol sur Ceze).

From Avignon take the LR 15: AVIGNON - VALLON PONT D'ARC - RUOMS - AUBENAS.

From Vallon you can walk through the woody hills, or along the old way (Route Vieille de Lagorce) to Lagorce or you can hitch along the new road.

From Alés you need to go to Aubenas and return with the LR 15 from Aubenas back down to Vallon Pont d'Arc, but Alés has a train station that makes access from further afield good (Nimes, Carcassone, Montpellier, Marseilles - all of which have cheap flights), from which you can also hitch north up to Vallon.

From Alés take the LR 13: ALES - LES VANS - JOYEUSE - LARGENTIERE - AUBENAS

By car
Go to some road planner online and type in: Lagorce 07150, Ardeche.

Get around
Walk in the beautiful hills, following the Sentier Botanique in wild boar territory and enjoy fantastic views and local wildlife.

By public transport
There is no public transport inside Lagorce, it is just a little village perched on a cliff side, which looks a bit like a sleeping Stegosaurus, and in the Valley of Salastre, which leads to the Valley of Ibis, where there are fantastic pools in spring for swimming.

By canoe
Canoe is the best way to truly enjoy the beauty of the river. There are a lot of spots along the river where you can stop to enjoy the view or to swim. However, as this is a nature reservation area, there are only 2 sites designated for camping: "Gaud" or "Gournier", both can be reached by canoe.

By car
There are many great places to visit by car.

See

 *  Ma Magnanerie, a refurbished authentic silk farm. Shows visitors the full life cycle of the silkworm through all stages of development from egg to butterfly.
 * Sentier Botanique, which is several marked trails in the hills around Lagorce.

Do
Go for walks, hang out, meet some locals, old and young. Walk through Chadafaud, (Lagorce) in the medieval part of the village. Walk in the beautiful hills, following the Sentier_Botanique in wild boar territory and enjoy fantastic views and local wildlife, which is really great in Spring. April, May and June is the very best time to visit for that, when the Salastre still runs and acts as a breeding ground for zillions of frogs and you can hear the nightingales sing, watch the owls fly through the night. It is also nice to visit in autumn (late August to October), when the summer heat fades, and of course for the fully hot South of France experience, when the water is warm in the many rivers, come in the high season. The restaurants are full of Dutch, German, French, Italian and other tourists, as well as the locals.

Buy
The local grocery shop is run by a young, friendly couple.

The commune has been growing steadily in the last few years, due to the success of a local, organic cosmetics factory, Melvita, which is 5 km north of Lagorce in the direction of Aubenas (in Marquenoux), so especially in the season there are a few shops and also locals selling organically grown vegetables, honey and other things. Ask in the grocery shop for more information.

Eat
There are two restaurants, Le Tilleul and Le Cheval Blanc, both of which have bars.

Drink
See above. There are also two vineyards just across the valley, in Ibie.

Sleep
Cheval Blanc on the main street that runs through the village is a hotel. There are a few B&Bs, such as On the Rocks, in Chadafaud, the medieval part of the village, which sits on a cliff-side.

Camping
Following the Salastre river towards the Ibie will take you to Camping de l'Ibie, which is a collection of nice wooden huts, some with great views over vineyards and others with great views of wild hill sides. The campsite is itself on a hill and features a swimming pool at the very top. Spectacular spot for a swim.

Respect
Leave nothing but footprints....

Go next

 * Orgnac l'Aven
 * Montélimar
 * Vallon_Pont_d'Arc
 * Aubenas
 * Avignon
 * Alés

title: Lagorce


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Lagos City

Lagos (Yoruba: Èkó) is the most populous city in Nigeria, spreading out across two main islands and onto the mainland. It is the country's financial capital, and is famous throughout Africa for its music scene. Lagos has a vibrant nightlife. It is the centre of the Nigerian movie industry, often referred to as 'Nollywood'.

Districts
The main districts in Lagos State are the mainland, Greater Lagos and the Islands. Three major bridges join the island to the mainland. They are the Carter Bridge which starts from Iddo Island, the Eko Bridge (formerly called the Second Mainland Bridge), and the Third Mainland Bridge, which passes through densely populated mainland suburbs through Lagos lagoon.

There are two major urban islands of Lagos in Lagos Lagoon — Lagos Island and Victoria Island. These islands are separated from the mainland by the main channel draining the lagoon into the Atlantic ocean, which forms Lagos Harbour. The islands are separated from each other by creeks of varying sizes and are connected to Lagos Island by bridges.

Understand
With an estimated population of 8.8 million inhabitants in the city, or 16 million in the metropolitan area, Lagos ranks as the most populous city in Africa, after overtaking Cairo. Also known as Èkó in the Yoruba language, and affectionately called 'Lag', 'Gidi' or 'Las Gidi' as a form of slang-by the younger generation, it is a port and the most populous conurbation in Nigeria.

 * Formerly the capital of Nigeria, Lagos is a huge metropolis which originated on islands separated by creeks.
 * The city is the economic and financial capital of Nigeria.
 * Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira visited the area in 1472, naming the area around the city Lago de Curamo; indeed the present name is Portuguese for "lakes". Another explanation is that Lagos was named for Lagos, Portugal — a maritime town which at the time was the main centre of the Portuguese expeditions down the African coast and whose own name is derived from the Latin word Lacobriga.
 * From 1404 to 1889 it served as a major centre of the slave trade, ruled over by a Yoruba chief called the Oba of Lagos.
 * Lagos was the capital of Nigeria from 1914 up to 1991. The city was stripped of its status when the Federal Capital Territory was established at the purpose-built city of Abuja.

The city of Lagos lies in south-western Nigeria, on the Atlantic coast in the Gulf of Guinea, west of the Niger River delta. Most of the population live on the mainland, and most industries are located there too. Lagos is known for its music and night life which used to be in areas around Yaba and Surulere, but more night clubs have sprung on the island making the island especially Victoria Island, the main nightlife attraction.

 * Lagos State Government website

By plane
Lagos is close (about 100 km) to the border with Benin. Should you fly out of the International Airport in Lagos, arrive early, especially close to weekends and festive days, as the security has been beefed up significantly (you need to have your passport and ticket to enter the airport departure area) since the December 2009 liquid explosive incident where the terrorist started his journey from Murtala Muhammed International Airport.

Arrivals
For foreigners, the immigration process can be tedious and slow as there are two immigration officials at each desk (presumably to reduce corruption). Nigerians and the West African (ECOWAS) passport holders receive first priority. Families with young children and disabled people are normally also given priority. When filling in the arrival card for immigration you must have an address in Nigeria and a Nigerian contact number - they have been known to call this number to verify that you are expected.

After immigration you collect your bag at one of the baggage conveyors; check beside the start of the conveyor if you have fragile or oversized baggage.

If you are travelling with a multi-national corporation, you will often be met by the "Protocol Officers" in the luggage collection hall. These agents will ensure you meet with the official company drivers and get safe passage out of the airport.

After collecting your luggage you pass customs and agricultural inspections and there is a pretty good chance your bag will be searched for the usual contraband.

Then a health inspector will check your yellow fever card. This has been a soft spot for many travelers as there must be ten days between inoculation and travel and the officials denied entry to passengers (i.e. put back on the next plane out).

Finally, you must have your luggage tag from check-in as security will not allow you to leave the airport without producing this tag that corresponds to each bag.

Do not leave the airport if you have not made contact with your driver or pick-up as you are not allowed back into the airport after exiting.

Departures
Many international flights leave in the evenings and the airport becomes very congested after 5PM with long queues for check-in. Vehicular traffic in the airport is very heavy in the evenings. So plan to arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before your flight. The check-in process takes a long time if you are not in business class or priority check-in. Your baggage pre-weighed and if it is more than 23 kg per bag you will have to reduce the weight. Then you have your passport details checked by the ground crew.

Your bags are searched by agriculture, customs, and "antiquities" agents and any indigenous trinkets are likely to be confiscated; this is the bottle-neck in the check-in process.

Finally, you reach the check-in counter and receive your ticket and the departure card to be filled in for the immigration control.

At either end of the departures hall are new extensions that house immigration, security checks, and passport control. Hand in your departure card and proceed to the security checks. Since the Christmas bomber the checks are very thorough. New scanners and passport control counters have made this part of the departure process very easy (previously this could take two hours).

There are pay-access and Priority Pass lounges after passport control (after two hours in the security queue, you will want to use it if you have the time and US$50 to spare). Use Oasis or Skye Lounge, both of which are good, especially Oasis which is very nice even by 1st world standards. Gabfol lounge is free, but you pay for food and drinks.

Before boarding, there is a final passport check, yellow fever card, and boarding pass. Your hand luggage is opened and searched and you are frisked. Finally you board the plane.

By train
Rail services in Nigeria have been slow and unreliable for decades. However Nigerian Railway Corporation has opened a new higher-speed Lagos-Ibadan Railway between Lagos and Ibadan via Abeokuta, with a significant reduction in travel time. Work is ongoing to expand the line towards Kano, but it is unclear when further sections will be opened.

The old, and much slower, colonial railway has been rehabilitated in some parts and there are a few long-distance trains running. Most useful for tourists is the overnight sleeper from Kano via Kaduna, which operates a few times per week in each direction.

By bus
Several bus companies like Agofure God Is Good Motors, ABC Transport, Ifesinachi  and The Young Shall Grow offer daily services from almost all major cities around the country as well as international destinations in West Africa. While buses usually are quite comfortable, journey times are very long.

Get around
If traveling around Lagos, be sure to be accompanied by a tourist guide who is familiar with the routes. In Lagos, there are street signs on every single street corner making it easy to locate places and landmarks. With the city spending huge budgets on security, there has been a huge reduction in crime generally. For the most part, it's safe to move about during the day. If you are going out at night, be sure to go in groups, and stick to known routes.

If you are not on a tight budget, you should hire a car and driver, usually available from most of the major hotels and the airport. The price will be around ₦1,000-2,000 per hour, you will be expected to haggle. Talk to the drivers and find one you think will be able to communicate best with as they will be able to tell you things about the places you pass.

By bus
Lagos's Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines run in segregated lanes and thus run faster than private cars stuck in traffic. The buses are coloured red or blue.

The BRT is one of the three-pronged attacks the state has unleashed against the urban traffic congestion in Lagos. Buses can be an inexpensive and convenient option. Bus fares are relatively affordable and there are numerous routes being plied from the Mainland to the Islands.

The tickets for the BRT and the Lagbus can be purchased at the bus stops before boarding. Tickets range from ₦100-250 (2016). However, the ticket vendors are seldom available in the evening even though the buses ply till late at night. It makes good sense to purchase a ticket booklet or a couple of tickets in bulk beforehand since these don't contain a timestamp.

There are also smaller yellow buses (Danfo) that ply all routes from the mainland to the island and within mainland. For a newbie, the yellow bus system can be quite confusing and it makes good sense to approach a local for help. The local Nigerians will be more than happy to help an Oyinbo (white person). The fare is fixed and starts from ₦50 and increases by distance.

The BRT buses are faster, cleaner and more convenient. They carry hundreds of thousands of passengers on a weekly basis.

By car
The road network of Lagos for the most part is good, but sometimes traffic congestion and limited parking space especially during working hours is rife. Be sure to be on the lookout for road signs, in order to avoid entering one-way roads or streets. LASTMA (Lagos State Traffic Management Agency) is the body responsible for managing traffic in most of the traffic congestion areas. Make sure to follow traffic rules, and avoid driving in the BRT Bus lanes to avoid getting a fine or having your car impounded.

There exists car parks around in hotels, shopping malls, and some of them provide free and safe parking. But if parking in other areas around the city be ready to pay around ₦200 or more.

By taxi
One of the easiest ways to get around is by taxi. Taxis cost more than buses, typically. With the older taxi cabs it is expected to negotiate the price before you enter and pay on arrival. The cabs are relatively safe. The state has embarked on gradual replacement of rickety buses and taxi cabs with modern ones, fitted with good facilities to enhance comfort.

Through public-private partnerships, new cabs are being introduced regularly by licensed cab operators.

With fares as low as ₦500, depending on the distance, the new air-conditioned taxi cabs are already creating a new image for Lagos. Taxis can be found almost everywhere, and all the new cabs have numbers on them that you can call for a pick up. There are several cab companies servicing Lagos, using both metered and fixed fares,and they generally accept cash:

 * Uber — Retail unit no. 5. Second upper floor, Maryland Mall, 350/360 Ikorodu Road
 * Taxify — 9 Professor Gabriel Olusanya St, Lekki Phase 1
 * Uber — Retail unit no. 5. Second upper floor, Maryland Mall, 350/360 Ikorodu Road
 * Taxify — 9 Professor Gabriel Olusanya St, Lekki Phase 1
 * Taxify — 9 Professor Gabriel Olusanya St, Lekki Phase 1

By rented car
Renting a car is another alternative if you are going to be staying for a few days or longer. There are numerous car rental offices in the city, and therefore it is very easy to rent a car from your hotel or resort accommodation to drive around with for the duration of your stay. Avis is your best bet for this; either call or make use of their online services:

By ferry
Lagos Ferry Services Company runs scheduled routes between Lagos Island, Banana island, Mile 2 (Apapa axis) and the mainland. Modern ferries have been assigned to carry both passengers and cargo on the lagoon and on some creeks. The service charge is quite affordable for a tourist.

By rail
The first section of the long-awaited Lagos Rail Mass Transit opened in September 2023, connecting the Mainland to Marina on Lagos Island and cutting travel time for the 13-km journey to just 15 minutes. The fare for the trip is N375, payable only by Cowry Card.

There are ambitious expansion plans, including a line to the airport, but progress has been slow.

Motorbikes
For travelling short distances, you can use motorbike taxis called Okada. These motorbikes are quick, cheap and save a lot of walking but they are also very dangerous. Okada accidents are very common but safety equipment are now provided because the state government and in fact the Federal Road Safety Commission has mandated it. If you want to take the risk, you can safely halve their first price, and usually there are lots to choose from. Before you try and negotiate, confirm the fare from a local. If you have a Nigerian friend, let them negotiate for you as the quoted fare differs greatly for locals and foreigners (for obvious reasons). Choose an older driver as the younger ones are cowboys.

Safety Helmets are a must at all times for both the rider and passenger. Majority of times these are ill-fitting and sometimes even absent.

By law, Okadas are forbidden to ply after dark (7PM) for safety reasons. Avoid taking an Okada for long distances, while it's raining and in the night since majority of mainland is devoid of street lights.

Okadas and kekes (tuk tuks) were banned by the government in Lagos/Victoria Islands, Ikeja, Apapa, Yaba, and certain other Mainland districts of Lagos effective Feb of 2020 for safety reasons.

See

It is said that Lagos is for tourists like England is for food — bland and boring. It's a stereotype and not really true, but you have to put the effort in to see Lagos. There are also lots of markets to see, although doing so can be very tiring. They are usually safe during the day.

Beaches
There are over a dozen beaches in Lagos (Lekki, Alpha, Eleko, Akodo beaches to the east, and Tarkwa Bay, Ogogoro Island, Atlas Cove, Lighthouse beach, Ilashe Beach, Agaja Beach and Badagry beach to the west), making for a wide array to choose from. More beaches are found outside the city, in places like Badagry. Good for picnics and barbecues. Inside the city, Lekki is about as good as it gets.

LUFASI Nature Park
LUFASI Nature Park is an urban forest park on 20 hectares of land along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. The nature park comprises of a relaxation centre for adults, a play park and a football pitch for the young ones or young adults.

Buy
Unless you are in a supermarket or restaurant/bar with fixed prices, you will be expected to negotiate the price you pay for an item down to the lowest the vendor would sell. When you are stuck in traffic, expect to see hawkers selling anything from potatoes to drinks. Expect any brand names in these informal markets to be fake, and should you wish to purchase them aim for a very low price.

If you hold a Visa, MasterCard or Maestro credit/debit card you can withdraw cash in Naira from various ATMs around Lagos. Visa machines can be found at Standard Chartered Bank. MasterCard/Maestro machines are found in Ecobank and some Zenith Bank branches.

Foreign currency, U.S. dollars, pounds sterling, or euros can be exchanged in various places, usually near large hotels and the airport. These are not formal bureaux de change and you will need to negotiate the exchange rate. It is strongly recommended that you count your money in front of the exchanger, and don't be afraid to walk away if you are not happy with the deal. Be wary of your safety in money changing areas, and take care to make sure you are not followed when leaving them.

There are formal bureaux de change in the various banks, and you can rest assured about transacting with them, although their rates may be slightly higher or lower than the rates outside.

Some of the good places for shopping are the City Mall and the Lekki Art Market.

Eat
Sherlaton has outlets in two places. One in the mainland (Hotel Newcastle, Antony Village) and another in VI (Hotel Cumberland, Adeola Odeku St)

Drink
You can always find amazing places to chill with friends and family in Lagos, and these drinking spots are affordable.

Sleep
Lagos has some great hotels and many more are being built. There are many 4 star hotels for the price of a 3 star hotel. Try to get a hotel on Victoria Island.

Mid-range
Protea, a South African group, has three hotels in Lagos, all of acceptable standard but not cheap. The prices are reduced if you hold a group loyalty card, the ProKard.

Splurge
The Wheatbaker, owned by Legacy Hotels and Resorts, a South African hospitality chain, is on Lagos Island.

Stay safe
In general, Lagos has become a much safer place to visit than before, with the state spending huge budgets on security with police patrol cars, CCTV cameras (though this isn't always the case). etc. But beware of deals or businesses that sound too good to be true (especially e-mails soliciting your help), and do not openly flaunt your possessions, especially in public places.

While it is rare for a tourist to be a victim of a violent crime, it is still wise to stay safe and be alert, especially during late night outings. Stick to crowded streets and make sure to go out in groups as against going out alone.

Lagosians are generally nice and friendly people, most of whom will readily offer directions to you if you are lost.

Lagos still has its fair share of street beggars (both the old and young), people with psychological disorders, etc. If someone approaches Lagosians for money, what most of them do is ignore the person or continue to walk at a brisk pace.

There are police officers who are corrupt and inefficient so it is best that you stick to places and people you know and avoid going anywhere without a trusted guide if it is a first visit.

Connect
Nigeria has both GSM & CDMA Networks. Most of the International GSM Networks are served here on Roaming Partner Basis. Local pre-activated GSM (SIM) connection can be purchased at a very cheap rate. ₦200 for a SIM.

GSM/3G/ 4G 4G/LTE
 * 9Mobile Services: Calls, SMS, GPRS and some most advanced feature can be found only on this network.
 * Airtel: (formerly Zain or CelTel). Services: Calls, SMS & GPRS Services.
 * MTN: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
 * Glo: Services: Calls, SMS, DATA (Internet) & GPRS Services.
 * SWIFT: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
 * Spectranet: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
 * SMILE: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
 * Cyberspace Networks: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).
 * Vodafone: Services: DATA (Internet).
 * Express Wifi: Services: DATA (Internet).
 * Wifi.com.ng: Services: DATA (Internet).

Wifi Internet providers

Express Wifi: Services: Calls, SMS & DATA (Internet).

Retail unit no. 5. Second upper floor, Maryland Mall, 350/360 Ikorodu Road

In Nigeria SMS (Short Messaging Service) is known as "Text".

The networks in some parts of Lagos can be very erratic at times. On certain days you cannot make a phone call at all or you will not be able to recharge your phone for the most of the day making business very difficult at times. But its occasional and that is the reason if you want to stay for a long term, make sure that you have at least two phones or a dual SIM phone.

Embassies

 * 🇦🇷 Argentina
 * 🇦🇹 Austria
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * 🇨🇲 Cameroon
 * 🇨🇦 Canada
 * 🇹🇩 Chad
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇩🇰 Denmark
 * 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea
 * 🇪🇹 Ethiopia
 * 🇫🇮 Finland
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇮🇳 India
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇱🇧 Lebanon
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇴 Norway
 * Republic of Korea
 * 🇷🇺 Russia

 * 🇸🇳 Senegal
 * 🇷🇸 Serbia
 * 🇸🇬 Singapore
 * 🇿🇦 South Africa
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 USA

 * 🇻🇪 Venezuela

Go next

 * The ancient slave port of Badagry - also known as the 'Point of No Return'. This ancient town of Badagry was founded around 1425. Before its existence, people lived along the Coast of Gberefu and this area later gave birth to the town of Badagry. It is the second largest commercial town in Lagos State. It is an hour from Lagos and a half-hour from the Republic of Benin.
 * Tarkwa Bay on the southern coast
 * Go to the numerous towns in South East Nigeria
 * Ile Ife

title: Lagos City


text:
Lagos (disambiguation)

There is more than one place called Lagos:

Nigeria

 * Lagos City - The largest city in Nigeria.
 * Lagos State - A state and region of Nigeria surrounding Lagos.

Portugal

 * Lagos (Portugal) - A city in the Algarve.

title: Lagos (disambiguation)


text:
Lagos (Portugal)

 * Not to be confused with Lagos of Nigeria.

Lagos is a city of 31,000 people (2011) in the Algarve, in the south of Portugal. It is dominated by up to 50 metre high limestone and sandstone cliffs. The city is located at the mouth of the Bensafrim river, and has a beautiful old town with narrow streets and many pubs and restaurants.

Understand

The settlement history of the region around Lagos (LAH-goosh, /ˈɫa.guʃ/) goes back to the Neolithic Age. Evidence for this can be found in the numerous menhirs, such as the Menir da Cabeça do Rochedo.

In the 15th and 16th centuries, the port of Lagos was the starting point for numerous expeditions. A slave market developed in the city. The slaves were transported to Portugal from the Nigerian city of Lagos.

During an earthquake in 1755, the city was devastated by a huge tidal wave.

Today the small town of Lagos is a district town, the district of Lagos also includes the smaller towns of Bensafrim, Luz and Odiaxere. Typical for this "rocky Algarve" are strong waves and strong winds coming from the Atlantic from the west.

By plane
The nearest airport is Faro, about 75 km from Lagos. Or you fly to Lisbon.

By bus
Both intercity buses and regional buses go to the bus station. From several cities like Lisbon, Faro and Porto intercity buses operate to the town.

By train
To get to Lagos by train from Lisboa, take the train to Faro and get off in Tunes, a few stops before Faro. Then take the train to Lagos. The schedules are timed so that you only have to wait a few minutes.

By car
To get to Lagos from Faro – to where many fly in from all over Europe - you take the A22 and it's about a 1-hour drive (rather fast). You also can take the 125 west, the older road, that takes you through about half of the western Algarve. The 125 brings you closer to some of the interesting towns and villages of the Western Algarve. These include Albufeira, Carvoeiro, Ferragudo, Porches — with the famous Porches Pottery — Alvor, Praia da Rocha, and then Lagos.

From Sagres (pronounced Sagresh) almost the most Western point in the Algarve you take the 125 east and drive through Salema, Burgau and Luz (pronounced Loosh). These small towns are beach communities that are undergoing massive construction to house retirees from the UK and Germany and to a lesser extent from the rest of Europe. English is very common although the number of Americans is small. The drive takes about 30 minutes at reasonable speed.

Get around
Lagos is a small city; you can pretty much walk everywhere. Walk to the beautiful sandy golden beaches.

The schedules and prices of city buses are included in Google Maps. Tickets can be bought inside the bus. E-hailing is available by Bolt and Uber; other taxis are abundant.

A reasonable way to move along the main attractions is using the tourist hop-on/hop-off train, which completes round-trip around the city in about an hour. One ride is €4 and a day ticket €5 (Jan 2024).

See
There is a great variety of things to see; The city centre is sculpted with traditional architecture and colours from the region. Beaches vary in shape and style from long sandy beaches to almost private ones hidden by cliffs. Ponta da Piedade is a beautiful spot with a nice lighthouse from where you can make boat tours to the natural caves. The harbour in the morning is full of activity, if you like to wake up early don't miss it. Also the fish market is an interesting spot.

The old town and the small beaches around Lagos are worth seeing. You should also see the cliffs, either on foot from the cliff path or from the boat. The old fortress at the port entrance is also worth seeing. An exhibition is housed inside.

Do
Lagos has things to do for just about anyone, from the relaxing beaches to the exciting dolphin tours.

Beaches
There is the in Lagos (right across the main road) which is an absolutely beautiful location. Walking along Estr. da Ponta da Piedade a few hundred metres before the lighthouse (after passing a café and Camila beach on your left), find a concrete fencepost on your right decorated with a spray-painted eye, mouth, and two teeth. Enter the path it marks, which will take you to the edge of the cliff. A bit north (to your right) there is a cove accessible only by boat or by a rather narrow hidden mud slope with a rope pegged to the top. There are a number of beautiful, although perhaps dangerous, walks along the top of the cliffs.

Another fantastic beach is, just the other side of the Marina. It is a huge beach with a variety of beach bars to cool off in, and widely renowned as one of the best beaches in the Algarve.

Water activities
One of the more popular events in Lagos are the Dolphin Tours, with 3 companies offering tours to see dolphins. Whilst you might be unlucky and not see a dolphin, it's still worth it if you've ever wanted a ride on a high powered boat. All 3 of the companies are based in the Lagos Marina.

 * Sea kayaks can be rented during the summer from quite a few different locations.
 * Boat tours of the grottos leave from the harbour, and cost €10 per person. The grotto tours offered at the port are overpriced. If you go to the Farol da Ponta da Piedade lighthouse west of the city and then go down about 200 steps on the cliffs, so you come to a small pier where fishermen wait for passengers. For €20 per person you can take a 30-minute cave tour to Ponta da Piedade.

Vehicles
There are companies within Lagos that offer rentals of buggies and bikes, for a more exciting drive around town and a breathtaking way to take in the wonderful scenery of South West Portugal.

See Portimão for the Formula One racetrack to the north.

Buy
Southern Portugal is famous for its ceramics, and Lagos won't let you down. Ceramic dishes and tiles of all price ranges, styles, and colors are available. Some stores don't provide boxes for your goods, only newspaper wrapping, so ask before you buy, if it matters to you.

Portugal is also famous for its cork, in fact it's one of the largest cork producing countries on Earth. A short walk through almost any section of the town will reveal shops selling all kinds of cork products, from the usual coasters and placemats, right up to shoes, hats and handbags. Just as a note though, cork can be very expensive.

There is sometimes a small fair in front of the church near the harbor where unique clothing can be bought.

Eat
There are some wonderful family run operations in Lagos. Many of the restaurants are starving for business in the off peak time and will go way out of their way to make your visit to their restaurant a pleasurable experience. A regional speciality is chicken piri piri, barbecued chicken with the now famous piri piri sauce, truly delicious! Another local dish is the salted cod, which allegedly had 365 ways of being served, one for each day of the year. The sardines in the Algarve are of the best in the world and local people cook them on small barbecues on their doorsteps, creating a delicious smell which wafts through the streets!

Some restaurants get really busy that reservations are required several days in advance to get in when you want to. However, this generally applies to the best restaurants in Lagos and is a good sign of the restaurant's popularity, plus it ensures that you avoid disappointment.

Budget
All these are in the city center:

Drink
Lagos bars are quite fun, catering to the young back-packing crowds. Often one can find a Brit or American helping to serve drinks (for a little under the table wage). For a drink what packs a punch, try the traditional Algarve drink, Medronho, better known as fire water, another Algarve drink is the almond liqueur, delicious after a big meal!

Sleep
There is a large youth hostel in the centre of the city. However, if you arrive in Lagos by bus there will usually be people there asking if you need accommodation. These are generally cheap and small, and a great option. There is a campsite near where the N125 crosses Estr. da Ponta da Piedade

Connect
Lagos and most of the Algarve coast has 4G from all Portuguese carriers. The city center also largely has 5G coverage.

Go next
If you want to get away from the backpacking tourists, head to Vila do Bispo, an hour away by bus. From the Vila do Bispo bus stop it's about 5 km to the beach. It's not a bad walk, and there are hiking trails that head off into the hills if you're interested too. The beaches are gorgeous and seem to never end. Beaches are clothing optional, but most people are clothed.
 * Beaches of Salema and Luz, both outside the city.
 * Monchique town/spa(mountain).
 * City of Silves (moorish castle).
 * Portimão
 * Burgau, lovely example of a traditional fishing village and fantastic beach.
 * Lagos is the western terminus of the longest train itinerary possible in the world (provided the services aren't cancelled); see Portugal to Singapore by train for details.

title: Lagos (Portugal)


text:
La Goulette

La Goulette is located at the Mediterranean coast, some 10 km east of downtown Tunis.

Get in
By taxi, the town is 15 minutes from Tunis and costs 10 DT. There is a train station, 200 m from the town center.

La Goulette is also a port for cruise ships.

Eat

 * L'Aquarius, Grilled fresh fish, couscous, and steaks. Mains 12-15 DT.
 * La Sirene across from L'Avenir. Good and cheap fish. There is no menu: you choose a fish from the big marble counter at the next door fishmonger, pay by weight, and add 2 DT to have the fish prepared for you. You can have a salade tunisienne while the chef prepares the fish on the big coal-fired grill. No alcohol. A whole meal can be less than 10 DT.
 * Ma mie Lily just off Ave. Habib Bourguiba, on the street running from the Goulette Casino TGM stop. Small Tunisian-Jewish restaurant; delicious all-Mediterranean food; cozy atmosphere; open for dinner Saturday-Thursday. Mains around 15 DT.
 * Ma mie Lily just off Ave. Habib Bourguiba, on the street running from the Goulette Casino TGM stop. Small Tunisian-Jewish restaurant; delicious all-Mediterranean food; cozy atmosphere; open for dinner Saturday-Thursday. Mains around 15 DT.

Go next

 * Carthage
 * Sidi Bou Said

title: La Goulette


text:
La Grande

La Grande is a city in Eastern Oregon. La Grande's slogan is "The Hub of Northeast Oregon".

title: La Grande


text:
LaGrange (Georgia)

LaGrange is a city in Georgia's Classic Heartland located in West Georgia near the Alabama state line. The city is an old mill town that now serves as a gateway to Lake West Point.

By car
From the north or southwest I-85 passes just east of downtown LaGrange and there are 3 exits for the city.

From the south I-185 is the main thoroughfare leading from I-85 to Columbus, where it terminates.

By foot
Downtown LaGrange is fairly compact and easily travelled on foot, though sites in the rest of the city require a car.

Sleep

 * Quality Inn, 110 Jameson Dr. It's very modest but has a pool and free breakfast anyway. Tel: +1 706-882-8700.

title: LaGrange (Georgia)


text:
La Gran Sabana

La Gran Sabana is a region in the Bolívar State of South-east Venezuela.

Cities

 * , the largest town in the region, is 8 km from the Brazilian border. It is in the southeast of the area just outside Canaima National Park and has a population of about 25,000. It was established in the 1930s and is today the main supply town for the region's population, tourist industry and mining industry. It's a bit rough at the edges, but has a 'frontier' feel which is interesting, and often fun. There are plenty of tour operators who organize trips around the Gran Sabana and to Mount Roraima.
 * is a small town in the northwest corner of Canaima National Park. It's the main jumping off point for trip to Angel Falls. It is located around a beautiful lagoon fed by five waterfalls, and is worth spending a day or two enjoying.
 * El Dorado is a town on a main road into Gran Sabana and Brazil. Like several towns in the area, it was established as a mining town but has fallen on hard times. Still, it's worth having your photo taken by the sign which reads 'Bienvenidos a El Dorado' at the town's entrance.
 * Other villages in the region include San Francisco de Yuruani (close to the turn-off to Roraima Tepuy), Kavanayen, El Pauji, and Icabaru.

Other destinations

 * in Canaima National Park

Understand

 * All of the area known as the Gran Sabana is protected by Canaima National Park. Canaima is huge - roughly the size of Belgium or Maryland State. It ranks among the world's largest protected areas and is a World Heritage Site. The 'Gran Sabana' is a direct translation of 'tei pun' in the Pemon Indian tongue, and roughly extends over the southeastern section of the park, where most Pemon are concentrated in various villages that were established in the 1940s and 50s by Capuchin missionaries.

The Gran Sabana sits atop the Guyana (or Guiana) Shield, one of the world's oldest geological formations. It dates back to the Pre-Cambric era, over two billion years ago. The sedimentary rock is full of gold and diamonds and mining in the area has caused severe environmental damage over the last century. Although mining is prohibited inside the park, it takes place all around its borders. The sedimentary rock of the Shield here has eroded in such a way to create huge massifs with vertical cliffs which rise out of the plains and forests into the skies. These are known as 'tepuys' in Pemon, mountains.

The highest of these is Roraima ('Roroi-ma' in Pemon means 'big blue-green') at around 2,800 m (9,100 ft) tall. Its discovery by British explorers (who entered the region from ex-British Guyana to the northeast and east) and subsequent conquest in 1884 is thought to have inspired Arthur Conan Doyle to write The Lost World, published in 1912. He envisioned cavemen and prehistoric animals running amok atop the summit. Although far-fetched, the idea is a valid one: the tepuys are regarded as 'islands in time' by scientists since species have developed in complete isolation on top of them over millennia.

The largest tepuy is Auyan, to the northwest of the park. From its vertical flanks leaps the amazing Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. Although impressive, in fact, after the rains all the region's tepuys are threaded with waterfalls - a beautiful sight for any visitor.

Many of the tepuys are studded with enormous sink-holes, up to 304 m (1000 ft) wide and 304 m (1000 ft) deep, which are unique to the region. Like the tepuys themselves, each of these sink-holes are "islands" and have evolved species of amphibians and insects that are not found anywhere else.

Get in
A world apart from anywhere else in Venezuela, can be easily entered along the main highway (BR-174) which connects the Orinoco towns of Ciudad Bolivar and Ciudad Guayana (or Puerto Ordaz) (Bolivar State) to Brazil. Buses run this route regularly.

From these two towns (Ciudad Bolivar is more geared to tourism and so probably easier to arrange transportation) one can also fly into the Gran Sabana and Canaima National Park: in large planes to Canaima and Santa Elena de Uairen, and in six-seater small planes to the towns and missionary settlements: Canaima, Kamarata, Kavanayen, Wonken, El Pauji, Ikabaru and Santa Elena.

You can fly to the Orinoco towns from Caracas. There are no direct flights from Caracas to Santa Elena: you have to change. There are flights from Caracas and Margarita direct to Canaima, with Avior and LTA.

The airport in Ciudad Bolivar hosts the salvaged plane of Jimmie Angel, the maverick American pilot who was the first outsider to find Angel Falls in 1933.

There is an overland route from the Orinoco to Canaima village, but it's very much a 4-wheel drive affair and not often organized.

It is recommended you get supplies at the Orinoco, as some things may be difficult to get in La Gran Sabana - or more expensive.

Get around
The main road from Venezuela to Brazil cuts through the eastern sector of the park, giving access to various waterfalls, beauty spots and to Roraima Tepuy. From the town of Santa Elena de Uairen, 8 km from the Brazilian border, you can organize most tours of the region, or stock up on supplies. One can also rent cars (preferably high clearance) in Puerto Ordaz (Ciudad Guayana) or Ciudad Bolivar on the Orinoco and drive south along the highway. Some areas, such as Roraima Tepuy, are controlled by various indigenous groups and require travelers to hire a native guide in order to pass through them. These guides can be expensive but prices vary.

Two roads split from the main north-south highway, allowing one to penetrate other parts of the region. One heads to the mission of Kavanayen, via the lovely waterfalls of Chinak Meru. Another heads west from Santa Elena to the small and interesting village of El Pauji and on to the mining town of Icabaru.

Transport can be organized in Santa Elena to these places, or you can try hitch-hiking. You can also fly to many parts of the region by small, 6-seater planes. These flights are less than you might expect, about US$50-60 per leg, and offer an incredible way to see the Sabana. There are small airstrips at Santa Elena, El Pauji, Ikabaru, Wonken, Kavanayen, Kamarata and Canaima.

See

 * There are countless spectacular waterfalls everywhere in this region, including the famous Angel Falls.

Do
Exploring the Gran Sabana requires time, patience, decent walking boots and good waterproofs.

title: La Gran Sabana


text:
La Guaira

La Guaria is the capital of the state of La Guaira in Central Venezuela. This is the country's historic port of entry. It is located next to Maiquetia which hosts the airport which sees 90% of the international air traffic in Venezuela and is about 20 minutes drive when there is no traffic from the country capital of Caracas. In has no places to stay of note.

title: La Guaira


text:
La Guajira

La Guajira is a department in the Costa Norte region of Colombia.

Understand
The region was directly affected by the high concentration of neo-paramilitary and guerrilla groups during the insurgency period. The paramilitaries were notorious for massacres against the indigenous population. For 2014 travelling to the main tourist destination is possible. Check your foreign travel advice to get the latest information.

Cities

 * – the capital, with 167,000 inhabitants
 * – 124,000 inhabitants
 * – 118,000 inhabitants
 * – 118,000 inhabitants

Get in
The first big city after reaching Colombia from Venezuela is Riohacha. There are various buses from Maicao or Santa Marta everyday - price ranges from COP$12,000 to COP$18,000 for Riohacha to Santa Marta and COP$3,000 Maicao to Riohacha.

Stay safe
Much of this region was considered out of bounds for tourism in the past, due to the heavy presence of paramilitary groups and guerrillas. La Guajira was considered to be one of Colombia's most violent regions, with very high murder rates. Places like Cabo de La Vela, Riohacha and Palomino appear safe for tourism now, but instances of robbery are still common. The Foreign Office in the United Kingom advises against all essential travel to within 5 km of the Venezuelan border in the departments of La Guajira, César and Boyaca.

title: La Guajira


text:
Laguna

Laguna is a province in the Calabarzon region of the island of Luzon in the Philippines, wrapped around the large lake Laguna de Bay. It is one of the most progressive, historical and cultural provinces in the Philippines.

Regions
For travel purposes, we divide Laguna into three travel regions, all having one major hub to the other locations and distinctive flavors and geography.

Cities
With fast suburbanization brought by Manila's outward growth, most cities in Laguna are largely bedroom communities, and much of their history and culture have been lost into obscurity. If you want to see the real Laguna, head south and east.

 * - Provincial capital
 * - Now a large suburb of Manila, it was where Jose Rizal have his first education
 * -Hometown of Jose Rizal and a city of hot springs
 * - An out-of-the-way residential and industrial city, with some notable churches and
 * - Largest city in Laguna in terms of land mass. The "City of Seven Lakes".
 * - A growing residential and industrial suburb not far from Metro Manila. Home of the Sampaguita Festival and the Shrine of the Holy Sepulchre.
 * - A growing residential suburb and main gateway to Tagaytay, with an amusement park, malls,.

Municipalities

 * - resort town, home to the Caliraya Lake

 * - A small municipality overlooking Mount Banahaw. Known for its slippers.
 * - Suburb of Calamba. Home of hot springs, Mount Makiling, University of the Philippines Los Baños and the International Rice Research Institute

 * - Home to Pagsanjan Falls
 * - Home to Pagsanjan Falls

 * - Provincial capital.

Other destinations

 * - volcano with hot springs

Understand
Laguna also has its share of its historical contributions, such as the Laguna Copperplate Inscription dated back to 700 CE and the birthplace of Philippines' national hero, Jose Rizal. Most of the settlements in Laguna date back to the Spanish era, and provide a glimpse of its colonial past.

Laguna is also another frequented tourist destination not far from Metro Manila. Los Baños is abundant on hot spring resorts, and Calamba is another important location as Jose Rizal's hometown and also has its share of resorts. Pagsanjan, just east of the provincial capital in Santa Cruz, is home to the frequented Pagsanjan Falls.

The economy of Laguna is centered on the Laguna de Bay (also called Laguna Lake) and its rice paddies, but there have been shifts to an industrial and commercial economy. Biñan and Santa Rosa have become important industrial centers, but they remain bedroom communities near Metro Manila. With a number of motor vehicle factories, Laguna is nicknamed the "Detroit of the Philippines". The rest of the province relies on agriculture and tourism.

The local climate is generally characterized by frequent rain showers throughout the year, except for the northwestern corner, where there are dry and wet seasons. It is important to take account of the frequent changes in the weather when visiting most of Laguna.

Provincial government web site.

Talk
The primary language is Tagalog. The Tagalog dialect in Laguna is generally the same as in Manila, but with some influences from Batangas and Quezon dialects in terms of vocabulary. Most Laguna residents can speak English, especially in the urbanized regions.

By bus
DLTB Co, JAC LINER, LLI  and HM Transport have buses to major destinations in Laguna from Manila. From Batangas, JAPS operate a Batangas City-Calamba service via the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR). Most buses headed south pass through Laguna, with a stop in Calamba.

San Pedro and Biñan are served by city buses that follow the old Rte 1. Santa Rosa is served by premium buses from Makati and Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), and a service connecting the Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) with the Santa Rosa Integrated Terminal (SRIT). FOC Transport  has buses daily plies on eastern town part of Laguna Province via Lucena City-Tayabas City-Lucban-Infanta in Quezon Province.

EMBC Bus it plies daily bus trip to Mabitac and Siniloan Laguna Province EDSA Ortigas Avenue-Shaw Boulevard Mandaluyong City Metro Manila via Cainta-Baras-Tanay (East Manila Road) in Rizal Province.

Raymond Transport Inc from Sampaloc Manila it has been daily plies Cainta to Famy Laguna Province East Manila Road via Infanta-Real in Quezon Province similar route with own sister bus company MRR Transport Inc.

By car
From, Laguna is accessible by the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), which serves all the cities forming northwestern Laguna. An extension to Quezon Province will serve Alaminos and San Pablo to the southwest.

It is also possible to reach Laguna from Rizal via Rte 601, but it is a longer drive.

Rte 1, which also carries Asian Highway 26 (except in northwestern Laguna where it follows SLEx) runs across Laguna except for an interruption as it enters Santo Tomas, Batangas.

From Quezon Province, eastern Laguna is served by Rte 603 from Lucena.

Governor's Dr (420 65) and Santa Rosa-Tagaytay Rd (Rte 420) connect with Cavite.

Get around
Travel around the cities and towns using the jeepneys. Fares are cheap, but they can be very crowded. In inland areas, service can be scarce or the only available ones are unlicensed vehicles. Bus service is limited to the major locations.

In rural areas, use the tricycle, but it's sometimes tight, especially for foreigners. Beware of unscrupulous tricycle drivers who charge above the official or agreed fare.

Bringing a car can be another way to explore Laguna and avoiding hassles with local transport, but expect traffic jams, dangerous road conditions, and aggressive drivers. While Laguna has wide highways like the South Luzon Expressway and two major national roads, expect two-lane roads frequented by tricycles, motorcycles and pedestrians elsewhere.

See

 * Rizal Shrine (in Calamba) Historical Home of Filipino National Hero Dr. Jose P. Rizal

Heritage churches also abound, especially in the towns of southern and eastern Laguna.

Do

 * Bathing at the hot springs of Pansol, Calamba and Los Baños
 * Enchanted Kingdom (in Santa Rosa)
 * Mt Makiling
 * Pagsanjan Falls
 * Rafting on Sampaloc Lake (in San Pablo)
 * Wakeboarding at Republ1c Wake Park (in Nuvali, Calamba)

Eat

 *  Buko pies
 *  Suman
 *  Bibinka
 *  Pizza pies
 *  Filipino culinary dishes
 *  Asian  culinary dishes
 *  Street foods
 *  Espasol
 *  Pancit
 *  Spicy  foods
 *  Kesong  puti

Fruit

 *  Avocado
 *  Lanzonese
 *  Rambutan
 *  Banana
 *   Grapes

Drink

 *  Soft drinks
 *  Fruit juices

Sleep

 *  Luxury hotels
 *  Condo
 *  5 Star hotels
 *  Mansion

Stay safe
Petty crime is a major issue in the cities, but elsewhere, it is generally safe. Crime is not a problem in the tourist attractions when you use common sense. Beware of touts though, especially in tourist hotspots like Pagsanjan or Los Baños.

Severe weather is also an issue in Laguna. While the northwestern part of the province have wet and dry seasons, the rest remains rainy throughout the year, so, bring an umbrella whenever possible. Floods can be a problem when Laguna de Bay or any of the rivers that empty into it overflows. Typhoons are also another major risk.

Go next

 * Cavite - Most go there to visit the city of Tagaytay, but you can also have a glimpse of its rich historical heritage.
 * Batangas - Laguna's southern neighbor has beach resorts, the iconic Taal Volcano, historic cities and towns, and religious sites.
 * Quezon Province - Laguna's eastern neighbor has nature, culture, and history that should dispel common stereotypes of it being a forested backwater along the way to Bicol.

title: Laguna