The Atlanta Journal Constitution interviewed several leading travel experts and identified the hot travel picks for 2006. According to the Lonely Planet travel editor, Argentina was the number one pick and Colombia also ranked in the top ten:

No. 9, Colombia: “Now is the time to go. Colombia is still well off the gringo trail and you’ll only have to share the swaying wax palms and sweaty salsa clubs with a handful of hardy travellers (and crowds of friendly Colombians). It’s modern, vibrant and one of the best value places in South America.”

No. 1, Argentina: “This country is sizzling. It’s got fabulous culture, food, wine, countryside, outdoors (Patagonia anyone?); it’s welcoming to travelers, safe and still very affordable due to exchange rates. What more could anyone want?”

Bahia also was another South American destination mentioned by the travel experts in the article:

Brazil beaches near Salvador de Bahia. The Europeans discovered this great getaway decades ago. For North Americans, it’s a little difficult to get to, but worth the trip. These beaches are unspoiled and are more exotic than most beaches in the Caribbean. In addition, historic towns offer great excursions for learning about the history of the area.

Colombia has a bad reputation because of the international drug cartels (and the movies). Yet, Colombia is not as dangerous as its reputation. The larger cities of Bogota and Medellin are relatively safe places to visit. Of course, as with any city, travelers will want to be cautious. However, one should not avoid travel to Colombia. Cartegena is also one of the most beautiful cities in the western hemisphere.

People often think about driving the length of the Americas but their plans are derailed when they find out about the Darien Gap. Situated between Panama and Colombia the Darien Gap is a dangerous, jungle environment that has no roads. All guidebooks caution any potential traveler to avoid the area at all costs. Not only is the jungle an easy place to get lost but the Darien Gap is supposedly a favorite place for drug smugglers and other nefarious types hiding out from modern civilization.

Yet, a brave few have ventured through the Darien Gap. Darien Gap and Beyond is a new moblog focused on covering journeys by foot or other means through the Darien Gap. It has a number of photos of drawings used by Karl Bushby in his crossing of the Darien Gap.