Resalut. J - 5 pour Santiago. J'ai pas prévu d'itinéraire précis pour mon périple Chilo-Argentin, c'est un peu au jour le jour . Le leitmotiv est quand même la Patagonie et je compte m'y rendre en bus (TdP + El Calafate sont prévus). Comme je "descends" gentiment (j'ai 6 semaines de vacances...) pour remonter ensuite par l'Argentine, je suis à l'écoute de suggestions et plans. En ce qui concerne les refuges, de dois être un peu en retard pour réserver, non?
Ma question est axée surtout sur la Patagonie, y a-t-il un refuge/camping bien centré au TdP d'où l'on peut faire les excursions?
Salut,
Sur le trek du Torres del Paine tu as effectivement des refuges mais relativement chers et surtout réservés assez longtemps à l'avance. En revanche tu as plein de sites de camping, certains gratuits et d'autres non, où tu peux planter ta tente sans souci. Tu peux louer une tente à Puerto Natales.
Il n'y a pas vraiment de camping "central" aux Torres. Moi ce que j'avais fait et que je recommande : le trek qui fait tout le tour et est absolument superbe - mais ca prend minimum 6 jours donc il faut porter le sac à dos en conséquence (avec la tente et la bouffe etc). Il y a un circuit plus court, le "W", qui te permet je crois de passer 2 nuits de suite dans le même camping et donc de moins porter (tu laisses ta tente pour la journée). Sinon si tu préfères vraiment être basé au sec et au chaud et ne pas porter ton sac quand tu marches, tu peux rester dans une auberge à Puerto Natales et faire des excursions à la journée (attention ça te reviendra plus cher - et il y a des endroits que tu ne pourras pas voir).
Sinon en dehors des refuges des Torres, ce n'est pas trop la peine de réserver, tu peux tout improviser sur place.
J'espère que ça répond à ta question, n'hésite pas si tu as besoin de plus d'infos.
Et bon voyage !!
Estelle
merci bcp estelle, c'est sympa et clair! j'y vais donc le coeur léger et le camping ça va le faire. ptite dernière question, les 6 jours ça revient à combien si tu loues sur place tente, sac de couchage (bouffe)? as-tu été à el calafate/argentine?
Je ne me souviens plus exactement combien ça coûtait, mais relativement cher par rapport au reste de l'Amérique du Sud (même par rapport au reste de la Patagonie). Il faut compter le prix du bus pour aller jusqu'au parc (12 000 je crois) si tu vas les voir en direct tu éviteras de payer la commission de ton hébergement), le droit d'entrée dans le parc (20 000 ?), la location de matériel qui est relativement chère aussi (j'ai en tête 2500 par jour pour la tente mais à vérifier), et la bouffe idem. Certains campings sont payants, en théorie c'est ceux ou il ya des douches chaudes (mais des fois elles ne marchent pas). Clairement, les locaux profitent de l'engouement des touristes pour les faire dépenser un max (je trouve qu'ils ont raison et que de toute façon ça en vaut vraiment la peine, c'est tellement magnifique là-bas).
El Calafate, je n'ai pas du tout aimé. Le seul intérêt je pense c'est le Perito Moreno, bon moi j'ai pas eu de chance il pleuvait des cordes et il y avait un brouillard à couper au couteau donc en plus je n'ai rien vu. Mais j'ai trouvé la ville affreuse, on dirait Disneyland. En plus, deuxième pas de chance, mon auberge était immonde, super crade. Je devais y passer 2 nuits mais j'ai abrégé pour partir le plus vite possible ! Si tu veux voir des glaciers il y en a d'autres très beau partout en Patagonie (va marcher dans le parc Los Glaciares à El Chalten !!). Mais je connais des gens qui te diront qu'il ne faut surtout pas louper le Perito Moreno donc... A toi de voir !
Effectivement, les refuges sur tdp sont vraiment cher et si tu n'as pas réservé c'est quasi foutu. Il y a également des camping payant mais peu d'intérêt par rapport aux gratuits si ce n'est les distances entre.
Perso nous l'avons fait en 4 jours
1er :après midi, petit bus jusqu'au départ (commencement par les torres) et montée jusqu'au camping mirador.
2ème: Mirador, et marche jusqu'au camping italiano (un fameux chemin)
3ème jour: mirador au dessus et nous sommes monté entre les deux cornes plus haut (cette fois sans les gros sac)
4ème jour: camping grey
5ème jour matin: direction l'information.
nous n'avons pas pris le catamaran (18Euros par personnes, une folie) et avons marché vers l'information
en gros 100km en 4 jours (vu que deux demis)
Paysages extraordinaire
Pour la location de la tente cela va effectivement de 2500 pour une tente Doite (bof) a 6000 pour North face
Attention que certaines tentes bon marché percent avec la pluie.
La marche sur glacier au grey n'est pas intéressante (100Euros) bpc moins cher à El Chalten et moins touristique
IL y a moyen de descendre un peu sur la glace via le camping du glacier grey mais attention, c'est vraiment de l'escalade et c'est limite dangereux.(je peux le garantir)
El Calafate; idem, le seul intéret sont les glaces au parfum tramontana :) .Le camping Dos Los pinos est sympa et pas cher. pour le reste à part le Perito (et effectivement à choisir le grey est mieux de mon point de vue car tu le mérites, le périto, c'est un zoo)
Sinon, effectivement, El Chalten est un paradis pour treckeurs....
Bon voyage
"poser le pied hors de chez soi, c'est déjà voyager"
un grand merci pour le partage de vos expériences. la c'est plus j moins c'est h moins 10.. je ferai un feed back sur le même sujet, normal. saludos amigas y amigos.
Je te conseille franchement de descendre par la Carretera Austral Cerro Castillo - Cochrane - Tortel - Villa O Higgins, formidable, pas de touristes, gens accueillants. De Villa O Higgins, le mercredi et le samedi, possible d'aller en bateau, a pied et en minibus a El Chalten.
hola pocolo q tal, je suis kike de bayonne et je pars dans trois semaines en argentine pour un an .
j ai la sous les yeux le guide du routard et j ai hate d etre sur place afin de commencer l aventure
a ver q tal el rollo por alla ........
je te communique donc les bons petits plans sur la patagonie
A NE PAS MANQUER
assister a la naissance des icebergrs au large du PERITO MORENO,
l un des glaciers les plus dynamiques du monde .
faire un treking dans le PARQUE NACIONAL DEL TORRES DEL PAINE,
un parc chilien d une spectaculaire beaute .
randonner dans l epoustouflant MASSIF DU FITZ ROY, pres d el chalten,
dans le secteur nord du parque nacional los glaciares
ecouter les balaines franches australes s ebattre dans les eaux de la
RESERVA FAUNISTICA PENINSULA VALDES .
deguster des cotes d agneau en ecoutant des histoires de gauchos dans une ESTANCIAdes environs de rio gallegos
voila amigo j espere que tu y trouveras ton compte, si tu souhaites plus de rensaignement sur les logements n hesites pas a m appeler voici mon adresse
he ben merci avec toutes ces infos plus besoin de guide et je sais ce que j'ai a faire et voir quand j'y serais!
allez encore un peu de patience et se sera mon tour;-)))
feliz ano a todos
la question n'est pas de savoir quelle planete allons nous laisser ä nos enfants mais quels enfants allons nous laisser ä notre planete (pierre rabhi)
merci a tous je suis a mon 2 eme jr a santiago et les 33 degres ont fait passer ma creve rapido.
je vais donc "descendre" gentiment tout en bus plus au frais et vous ferai un petit check bientot.
tcho a tous je suis a temuco pour aller dans 2 jours a villarica/pucon puis puerto varras. je pense ensuite faire un tour sur chiloe et de la partir a chaiten pour la carrettera austral. question : une fois arrive a o higgins, quelles options pour rejoindre puerto natales (torres del paine) voire punta arenas d abord? merci y hasta luego
Vois www.villaohiggins.com pour continuer en bateau + marche a pied (23 km) + autre bateau (ou a pied) + minibus (ou a pied) pour El Chalten. De El Chalten a Calafate en bus, puis de Calafate a Puerto Natales en bus. C'est la seule solution pour continuer vers le Sud de Villa O Higgins. Sinon il faut remonter a Chile Chico ou a l'aeroport de Balmaceda.
un tout grand merci willemspie pour tes infos. je viens d'arriver a Castro sur Chiloe, puis j irai sur Chaiten. Il ne me reste plus que 3 semaines; je fonce.. A++++
Salut
Je descends aussi en Patagonie en février, et je voudrais le faire en bus, donc ton expérience m'intéresse.
J'attends ton feed back avec impatience...
Avec quelle compagnie fais tu la route, combien ça coûte, bref tous tes bons tuyaux !!
A très vite
Annabelle
"Le monde est un livre, et ceux qui ne voyagent pas n'en lisent qu'une page"
Augustin Saint
Ptain j'avais ecrit une page au moins et ca n'a pas passe, f...
Bon en resume de Santiago a Temuco no problemo y en a tt le temps et pour tout les prix. Ce que j'ai fait par la suite : Villarica a cote de Pucon sympa mais ne pas aller a la torres suiza, c'est un peu le glacier avant l heure.. j ai decide d aller sur Chiloe (CA VAUT LA PEINE) et pour cela j ai pris un bus qui partait de Loncoche a 1h de Villarica puis a 10h00 de Loncoche j'ai pris un bus pour 8000 clp pour Castro. Ensuite visite de Chiloe et depart pour Chaiten avec le ferry pour 17000 clp (7h, pas tjrs a l'heure, normalement le sam et dim a midi et le mercredi a 16h, avec Austral ferries, sinon partent du sud de Chiloe, Quelon). Puis de Chaiten je suis parti pour Coyaque a 11h (au lieu de 10 h) pour 17000 clp, mieux vaut prendre le bus de 8h, plus rapide et confortable, meme prix, Chaitur peuvent vous aider mais j aime pas trop leur methode...). Ensuite de Coyaque, je voulais me rendre a El Chalten en Argentine et suis donc parti a 7h du mat avec minibus (3500 clp) pour Puerto Ibanez. La il y a un ferry a 10h pour 2700 clp qui t amene a Chile Chico. Ensuite tu passes la frontiere pour 2000 clp avec minibus qui t amene a Los Antiguos. Les bus pour El Chalten partent a 9h les jours pairs et donc a 15h je n'avais d'autre choix que de prendre le bus pour Rio Gallegos puis El Calafate (138 pes. arg, 20h de bus mais confortable). Pour 188 pes. arg. j'aurais pu aller a El Chalten 4h30 plus tard mais j'ai decide de partir pour Pto Natales le 29 a 8h (50 pes. arg voire 35 avec autre compagnie). Vala vala a bientot et merci a tous. Et le basque, llegaste a Argentina? Zermoduz? Hasta pronto
Hello. La route est correcte, en cours d'asphaltage sur certains tronçons. Faut juste faire gaffe à son pare brise vu que la majorité de la route est en composée de terre et cailloux bulldozérizés; peux sont les conducteurs ralentissant lors du croisement d'un autre véhicule. Il y avait des vélos, des motos, des 4x4 et des voitures de tourisme plus classiques. Bien tout prévoir car malgré tout le monde que j'ai croisé (c'est l'été), il faut compter un peu que sur soi.
Je vais réaliser un rêve prochainement dont une partie se passe en Patagonie entre octobre et décembre 2026. Je voyagerai seule. Mon plan: - descendre en…
Voyager avec des enfants › Argentine / Chili · 14 replies
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Je pars très bientot en Patagonie et j'aurais besoin de votre avis sur mon itineraire. Pour info, nous sommes un jeune couple de trentenaire, nous avons…
Tous, je suis en train de planifier un voyage de quatre semaines en décembre. Je suis Suisse et aime beaucoup les randonnées. Je planifie de passer quelques…
Voici une proposition d'itinéraire élaborée par ami avec qui je pars prochainement en Argentine sachant que notre arrivée et départ de El Calafate sont fixes.…
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to southern Chile in November. Here's our tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, then a flight the next day to Balmaceda where we'll pick up a rental car to reach Coyhaique.
Day 3: Walk in the Coyhaique National Reserve, then continue to Puerto Chacabuco. Return to Coyhaique for the second night.
Day 4: Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo for a hike in the national park. Continue to Puerto Tranquilo and stay there for 3 nights.
Day 5: Boat tour on Laguna San Rafael.
Day 6: Day trip to Monte San Valentin Glacier.
Day 7: Excursion to the Marble Chapels, then drive to Puerto Guadal. We'll stay there for 3 nights.
Day 8: Walk along Lago Carrera and return to Puerto Guadal.
Day 9: Rio Baker Valley and, if possible, a glacier excursion.
Day 10: Drive to Cochrane and hike in Tamango National Reserve. We'll stay 2 nights in Cochrane.
Day 11: Walk in the Chacabuco Valley.
Day 12: Drive to Caleta Tortel. We'll stay there for 2 nights.
Day 13: Cruise in the Rio Baker delta.
Day 14: Return to Cochrane.
Day 15: Return to Balmaceda in two stages.
Day 16: Continue the return journey.
Day 17: Return the rental car and head back to Santiago.
After this, we're also planning to explore northern Santiago. I'll post about that part once I have a clearer idea of the route.
What do you think of this itinerary? Is it doable in 17 days?
Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations.
martine
Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?
Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):
29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá.
30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate.
01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva.
02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá.
03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento.
04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby?
05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones?
06/12: Flight to Medellín.
07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses?
08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé.
09/12: Return to Medellín.
10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park.
11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance.
12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think?
13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?).
14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao.
15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time.
16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach.
17/12: Return to France.
So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂
Hi there, I’ll be in Brazil from December 10th to the end of February.
I’ve sketched out a rough itinerary but I’m not sure how to arrange it—considering the climate, year-end holidays, and Carnival.
Basically, I’m thinking of the Amazon, the Northeast coast with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (but skipping Chapada Diamantina),
Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Ilha Grande—but no Rio visit.
Is this doable in 3 months?
Which direction should I take for this itinerary?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, does anyone know the agency Ventura Travel Agency (not ventura travel)? After lots of research and quotes, it’s the only one offering Uyuni at a reasonable price while meeting all the criteria: transfer to the border, private-room accommodation, and a very fair rate. Other agencies or guides either offer shared rooms, no border transfer, or prices that are way too high. But I’d love to hear some reviews about this agency. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then head toward Putre, Lauca, Salar de Surire, etc.
Which would be the better time to go, April or November?
Is an SUV enough?
Looking forward to your tips!
Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.
My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.
How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?
In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?
Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
Hi,
We’re heading to Buenos Aires for 3 days in November and would like to do a guided tour of a few neighborhoods. There are "free" tours, but none in French. Does anyone have a guide to recommend so we can really get to know the city beyond just the architecture?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m desperately looking for info on the schedules and routes of (shared) boats to visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
From what I’ve found, there’s a *combi* (bus) that leaves from Puno to go to Llachon. Where do you catch it? What are the schedules and frequency? Does it take about 1 hour?
Then in Llachon, you can take a boat to Amantani (45 min). Same question—where do you check for frequency and schedule?
After that, from Amantani, boats go to Taquile and then Uros. Do you have enough time to visit the islands between two boats? Frequency and schedule?
The goal is to do this tour independently (no agency) over 2 days. Thanks for any tips you might have!
I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.
I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.
Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.
After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.
The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.
I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋
Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.
If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help!
Martin
I was planning to go to Réunion and stay in half-board accommodation with non-professionals, but it seems that’s not really the custom there—or maybe my budget isn’t big enough.
So, since I’ve already traveled around Ecuador and Peru, I’m now looking at Argentina, especially for its mountains (like the ones in Réunion that tempted me, even though—frustratingly—I could only admire them from below).
I plan to get around by bus and don’t know in advance where I’ll sleep, so I won’t book ahead. If I like a place, I might stay for several days.
I know that in Chile, it’s easy to find half-board accommodation, but what about in Argentina?
I’d like to stay with locals in half-board without it being a professional setup. I’m not sure if this is common practice there. It’s up to me to find someone willing to host me.
What do you think?
What would be a fair price (keeping in mind that 40 to 50 € is the max I can spend on accommodation, breakfast, and dinner)?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Patagonia for three weeks in November, starting from Coyhaique in Chile.
We won’t have a car, and I’m struggling to find information about transportation options for a few parts of the itinerary we’d like to do:
1) From Perito Moreno (the town, near Los Antiguos), we’d like to travel down Ruta 40 to visit Perito Moreno National Park and then cross into Chile via the Paso Roballos (at the latitude of Bajo Caracoles) to reach the road to Cochrane. Without a car, it seems we’ll need to use private agencies to get to the national park—do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to cross into Chile via Paso Roballos (from Bajo Caracoles) without a rental car? That is, without having to go all the way down to El Chaltén or back up toward Perito Moreno/Los Antiguos, etc.?
2) The second stretch that seems a bit tricky (though still easier, in theory) is from Caleta Tortel to Villa O’Higgins on the Chilean side. Do we have to go back through Cochrane, or are there ways to get directly from Tortel to Villa O’Higgins?
3) Finally, we’d like to hike into Argentina (El Chaltén) from O’Higgins. Any recommendations for this? Do we need to go through an agency? What’s the estimated duration of the trek?
As you’ve probably gathered, we want to visit some off-the-beaten-path spots but don’t have a car, so we’re looking for the best possible compromises.
Thanks so much in advance for all your suggestions!
Thomas
Hi,
we’re planning a round trip from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, to Salta, Argentina, in two months. On the way there, we’ll take the northern route via Susques, Route 27, then 52. But for the return, we were thinking of taking the southern route via San Antonio de los Cobres, Route 51, then 23. Is it similar to the northern route in terms of road surface? How busy is it, and are there gas stations? Basically, should we be worried about doing it in an SUV that’s supposedly 4x4 but has regular road tires and no second spare wheel, obviously...
I’ve seen that we can stop over in San Antonio de los Cobres.
Thanks for your feedback.
Raf.
Hi,
we’ll be in Calama at the end of March 2026, and I’m looking for a reliable car rental there for a 7-day road trip to Salta, Argentina. But I’m struggling with the car rental agencies in Calama because the reviews can be scary. I saw Gyg, which has great ratings, but I’m a bit wary (5/5 from 59 reviews—either the guy’s amazing or it’s fake...), but I can’t find any recent reviews on VF in general.
For Punta Arenas, I booked with Dachelet and didn’t have any issues with email exchanges.
Thanks in advance.
Raf.
I’m planning the trip of my dreams for next November—Chile!
I’d love to get your thoughts on my potential itinerary. I know it’s a big investment in terms of both time and money, so every bit of feedback, suggestion, or info helps immensely. Thank you in advance!!
1-Flight to Santiago
2-Explore Santiago
3-Explore Santiago
4-Bus from STG to Valpo (2h) + visit Valparaíso + night in Viña
5-Visit Valparaíso + bus back to STG (2h)
6-Flight to Calama + bus to San Pedro + explore and acclimate in San Pedro + car rental in the afternoon (+Chaxa?)
7-(Very early) Valle del Arcoíris + Laguna Cejar + Valle de la Luna
Good evening,
We’d love to go in November to enjoy some beautiful beaches for about two weeks, preferably around Bahia, as November/December seems like a great time.
We’ve already traveled to Brazil several times and know the south of Rio as well as the region between São Luís and Fortaleza, and Chapada Diamantina...
What advice would you give us: the south with Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Barra Grande—or all four? Or maybe the north?
Thanks in advance for your help
Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I last posted!
First time in South America for me, my wife, and our 7-year-old son. I’ve put together this itinerary and would love to hear your thoughts:
Bogotá 28/07 – 30/07: Arrival. Which neighborhood and outings would you recommend?
Flight to
2 Filandia 30/07 – 03/08: (255 €). Waterfalls and horseback riding,
Cocora Valley,
Hiking,
Nearby villages.
Flight to
3 Tayrona 03/08 – 07/08: Hotel La Casablanca
Hike with Tierra Nevada and the Kogui village (any feedback?). Return by inner tube for the little one.
Short night hike.
Second hike to La Piscina, etc., return by 🐎.
4 Cartagena 07/08 – 10/08: Air-conditioned bus.
Staying in Getsemaní? Mangroves & the Castle, exploring the city.
5 Bogotá 10/08 – 12/08
Feel free to share your feedback!
Have a great day!
Hi,
During an upcoming trip to Peru, we’ll have one day to explore around Arequipa (excluding Colca Canyon) with a car and driver.
We’ve got a few options:
- Toro Muerto petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints at Querulpa
- Ruta del Sillar and Quebrada de Culebrillas
We’re a group of 6 friends with an average age of 70, all mobile, and we’re planning a trip to Peru in September/October 2026. Below is an idea of what we’re looking for: a French-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-star hotels or homestays with comfort.
Duration: 16 to 20 days on-site.
Visit the main sites with immersion in the culture and way of life.
Which francophone agency in Peru would you recommend? Thanks
Hi there!
I’m putting together my itinerary for Brazil, looking for beautiful natural spots with wildlife, flora, and great hikes...
I’ve come across the Cananeia / Super Agui / Ilha do Mel region and the PETAR / Intervales / Alto Ribeira area.
Has anyone here been to these places? If so, do you have any recommendations for accommodations and activities?
Thanks in advance!
Best,
Olivier 🌍
I’ll be in ARICA in northern Chile at the end of May 2026 and want to get to TACNA.
Are there taxis, buses, or collectivos that run the border crossing route?
After that, bus to AREQUIPA (Peru): any bus company you’d recommend?
Hi there,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Brazil, arriving in São Paulo—a couple plus a teen—and we’ll have a rental car.
We especially love nature: hiking, wildlife watching, birds, etc.
We’re planning to wrap up with a week around Paraty and Ilha Grande.
We’re not really into visiting big cities like São Paulo or Rio unless you think we’d be missing out big time.
So we’ve got 2 weeks to explore the south/southwest region of São Paulo.
What do you recommend?
National parks? Off-the-beaten-path nature spots? Iguazu Falls?
Hi there,
Do you have any recommendations for comfortable accommodation in Leyva and Barichara? We're also looking for a guide to explore the areas around these two towns (parks, waterfalls, etc.).
Thanks for your tips!
I visited Colombia in January 2016 and I’m heading back from August 6th to 17th with the same airline to see how things have changed. Starting August 18th, I’ll continue with independent exploration. I prefer slow travel and enjoying places at my own pace.
Any tips—especially for getting around or must-see spots—are welcome!
Thu Aug 06. Fly Montreal to Bogotá 20:55-04:05+1 Air Canada
Fri Aug 07. Bogotá
Sat Aug 08. Bogotá
Sun Aug 09. Bogotá
Mon Aug 10. Fly Bogotá to Medellín
Tue Aug 11. Medellín - Explore Guatapé
Wed Aug 12. Comuna 8 & Hill of Values - PM Fly to Pereira
Thu Aug 13. Montenegro
Fri Aug 14. Salento - Cocora Valley
Sat Aug 15. Fly to Cartagena
Sun Aug 16. Explore Cartagena
Mon Aug 17. Explore Cartagena
Tue Aug 18. Fly Cartagena to Cali 12:20-14:55 Latam
Wed Aug 19. Cali
Thu Aug 20. Cali
Fri Aug 21. Cali
Sat Aug 22. Bus Cali to Popayán 09:00-13:00
Sun Aug 23. Popayán
Mon Aug 24. Popayán
Tue Aug 25. Popayán - Day trip to Silvia (Market Day)
Wed Aug 26. Overland Popayán to Tierradentro by public transportation 4h, 100km
Thu Aug 27. Tierradentro
Fri Aug 28. Tierradentro
Sat Aug 29. Overland Tierradentro to Garzón via La Plata
Sun Aug 30. Bus Garzón to San Agustín 10:30-13:00
Mon Aug 31. San Agustín
Tue Sep 01. San Agustín
Wed Sep 02. San Agustín
Thu Sep 03. San Agustín
Fri Sep 04. Overland San Agustín to Tatacoa Desert via Neiva
Sat Sep 05. Tatacoa Desert
Sun Sep 06. Fly to Bogotá via Neiva 16:00-17:00 Latam
Mon Sep 07. Bogotá
Tue Sep 08. Fly Bogotá to Montreal 09:00-16:30 Air Canada
Hi there,
Three years ago during a trip to Java (no, I didn’t post in the wrong forum!), I came across the address of former miners who had switched to “tourism” and organized nighttime ascents of the Kawah Ijen volcano and descents into the crater.
So I was thinking—maybe there are miners on the salt flats too, either former or still active, who do the same thing. If you’ve had an experience like this, I’d love any tips you can share.
Thanks in advance.
Hi there, since there isn’t much recent info on how to get to MP, I’d love to know if there have been any improvements to the "route" to Hydroelectrica. Is it feasible to drive there in February? And is it still possible to walk all the way to Aguas Calientes? I think I read somewhere that it’s no longer allowed??
Do you think I can buy Machu Picchu entrance tickets last-minute at that time of year, given the weather?
A group of friends and I are heading to Brazil in March 2019 and we’d love to attend the Carnival parade. I could really use your help because I’m struggling to find reviews for online ticket sellers for Carnival.
I came across rio-carnival—is this a reliable agency?
Do you have other agencies to recommend or experiences to share?
Any advice is welcome.
Everything You Need to Know About Argentina’s Currency Exchange Maze (2026 Edition)
Hi fellow travelers,
Packing your bags for Buenos Aires? Watch out—here, money is a science almost as complex as the dance steps in a tango!
As of March 2026, the situation has shifted dramatically: the "Blue" (parallel) rate is now neck-and-neck with the official rate. To save you from losing your hard-earned euros in bureaucratic mazes or "disastrous" exchange rates, I’ve laced up my reporter boots and hit the famous Calle Florida for you.
In my latest video (and the accompanying article), I take you behind the scenes of currency exchange:
Arbolitos and Cuevas: Who are they, and can you still trust them?
The Rate Showdown: Why Banco Nación is currently the worst place for your savings.
Western Union: Why it’s often your best ally right now.
Cash or Card? The little secret to getting an instant 10–15% discount at restaurants or hotels.
The Bill Trap: Why your 500 € notes or stained dollars might stay in your wallet.
Argentina changes fast—*very* fast (by the end of March, today’s advice might already be old news!). So don’t leave without checking the market’s pulse.
