Je termine un petit voyage en Equateur qui m´a beaucoup plu malgré un temps variable, loin d´être idéal pour la haute montagne plus quelques petits désagréments.
Arnaque du taxi de l´aéroport ayant un compteur trafiqué.
Il vaut mieux négocier les prix avant la course ou, en cas d´abus, parler de faire venir un policier pour trancher le différend.
Je rappelle quelques ordres de grandeurs concernant les prix du taxi.
Aéroport de Quito- Zone Amazonas : 5 $
Aéroport-Centre historique: 7 $
Centre historique - Terminaux du nord: 6 à 8 $
Centre historique - Terminal de Quitumbe : 6 $
Centre historique- Amazonas : 2 $ max.
La course peut éventuellement être majorée de 1 ou 2 $ en cas de gros trafic.
D´une manière générale, le taxi c´est un peu à la tête du client donc n´hésitez pas à négocier en cas de prix excessif.
Par ailleurs, faites gaffe à vos affaires dans les bus: on a assisté à un vol en direct: Dans le bus pour Otavalo, des Autrichiens peu vigilants se sont fait tirer leur appareil photos. Le voleur est sorti du fond du bus, on lui a ouvert la porte et il s´est mis à courir devant un flic sans qu´il soit inquiété!
Sinon, l´Equateur quand on ne se fait pas avoir est bon marché, nettement mois cher que la Colombie où je vis.
En gros, c´est 25 % moins cher avec des pointes à moins 50 % pour le bus.
Le Pérou où j´ai voyagé en Août est également sensiblement plus cher que l´Equateur.
Bref ce pays est probablement un des moins chers d´Amérique Latine.
Dernière chose: à Latacunga: un hôtel à touristes à éviter, pourrave, très cher pour ce que c´est: Le Rodalú.
Effectivemrnt, je suis d'accord avec toi: gare aux taxi et leurs compteurs trafiqués! On nous a demandé 16 dollars du centre historique a quitumbe!!
Tjs se renseigner sur la valeur de la course avant, à l'hotel ou dans la rue!
Pour préciser les choses, j'étais déjà allé deux fois en Equateur
pour faire des ascensions de haute montagne, mais il y a longtemps.
Vu de l'extérieur, pour le voyageur, le pays a plutôt bien évolué: Quito est propre,
avec des rues en bon état, pas mal de boutiques pour les fringues, les articles de
randonnée et alpinisme, plutôt moins cher qu'en France.
Le US $ est aussi très commode.
Là, on a fait un tour de 15 jours qui devait être essentiellement axé sur la montagne
mais qui a été bouleversé à cause d'un mauvais temps exceptionnel en décembre.
On a sillonné Quito en long et en large, de la Carolina au centre historique, en visitant beaucoup d'églises et de places.
Entre autres, on a vu le musée de l'eau, 3 $, pas grand chose à apprendre mais une très jolie vue et un petit sentier
botanique agréable. On est allés au musée de l'or de la banque centrale gratuit et de très intéressante pièce archéologique
pour ceux qui connaissent un peu l'art précolombien.
On a pris le téléphérique et allés au sommet du Pinchincha, 4785 m.
8.50 $ A/R c'est assez cher, mais pouvoir se balader à plus de 4000 m avec un panorama splendide sur Quito, sur le Cotopaxi, le Cayambe, l'Antisana
et se retrouver assez rapidement en pleine montagne, c'est très chouette. Pour ceux que ça intéresse, j'ai écrit un petit topo avec très bientôt des photos. Attention pour accéder au sommet il faut avoir le pied montagnard.
Sinon, on est allés à Cotacachi, agréable bourgade, regorgeant d'articles en cuir généralement meilleur marché qu'à Quito.
La Laguna de Cuicocha est superbe et offre une chouette balade de quelques heures entre 3000 m et 3500 m max.
Pour y aller: Quito /Otavalo : 2 $ nombreux bus. Otavalo/Cotacachi: 0.25 $ Hôtel recommandé: El Arbolito, 30 $ la double et ça les vaut!
Vue imprenable depuis la terrasse sur les volcans Imbabura et Cotacachi, chambre moderne, spacieuse et confortable, très bon accueil.
On s'est rendu à la lagune de Quilotoa, autre belle lagune de Caldera, au milieu d'une merveilleuse campagne. Quito-Latacunga: 1.50 $, Latacunga-Quilotoa: 2 $. Hébergement rudimentaire mais propre et bon marché à partir de 5 $ la chambre ou 8 $ personne la 1/2 pension.
Je conseille vivement de faire la balade Quilotoa-Chugchilan: 3h à 6 h selon votre rythme et les tatonnements, car le chemin n'est pas balisé: heureusement les gens du coin vous aident volontiers. A Chugchilan, deux hébergements et resto confortables dont Mama Hilde.
De là, on peut continuer à randonner ou aller en bus à Sigchos puis revenir à Latacunga.
Enfin on a fait l'ascension de l'Iliniza norte par la VN: normalement c'est de l'alpinisme uniquement sur rocher et de niveau F.
Là, c'était une course 100 % neige et brouillard, nécessitant un certain niveau, surtout sans guide. De Chaupi au refuge A/R, on a surtout eu de la pluie, puis neige, vent et brouillard pour l'ascension. Cela dit, même avec ce temps pourri, la haute vallée des Ilinizas est très belle.
Au fait, au retour, le taxi du centre à l'aéroport n'a coûté que 5 $. Donc gaffe à ceux qui vous réclament allègrement 20 $ à cause du trafic!
16 $ pour Quitumbe c'est tres exagere, mais 6 $ par contre cela me semble tres improbable (peut etre a l'heure la plus creuse).
Aux heures de pointe, tous les terminaux de bus tres eloignes sont un gros probleme ! Les bus rapides (Metrobus, trolley, ...) sont bourres et quasi impossibles a prendre avec les bagages. Reste les bus ordinaires, cela prend tres longtemps, mais on est confortablement assis. Pour Carcelen, le bus 61 (indique SOLCA Eloy Alvaro Carcelen), le prendre en ville sur Mera. Pour Quitumbe, il y a un bus Disutran de/vers El Dorado, il passe juste devant L'Auberge Inn puis sur Patria le long du parc (tres tres lent). Ces bus ne coutent que 0,25 $.
A part quelques journees, le temps sur les montagnes a ete mauvais tout le temps depuis que je suis arrive a la fin novembre. Dans les guides ils conseillent Decembre Janvier pour grimper le Cotopaxi, par ex., mais je peux vous dire que les conditions sont tres penibles et les chances de reussir faibles. Du coup, moi j'y ai renonce. Meme les randonnees entre 3000 et 4500 metres sont dures.
mais 6 $ par contre cela me semble tres improbable
C'est tellement improbable que la semaine dernière, c'est ce que j'ai payé par deux fois: une fois sens Quitumbe-Centre l'autre fois dans l'autre sens.
Nous revenons d'un voyage en montagne en décembre et peut-être avons- nous été chanceux, mais durant les 4 jours au parc Cotopaxi, oui il a neigé et grêlé tous les jours mais à partir toujours de seulement 11 h30, et à cette heure tout le monde est descendu, les matins ont été superbes avec vue de tous les montagnes avoisinantes, ce fut un moment fort du voyage. Il y a seulement un seul matin où personne a atteint le sommet car il était tombé trop de neige. J'écris tout ceci car nous avons tellement hésités de partir à cette période et finalement nous ne regrettons rien, il y a tellement d'avantages , comme aucune réservation nécessaire. Nous avons les sentiers pour nous seuls.
En plus les 10 derniers jours à Otavallo , il a fait tellement beau, nous avons randonner jusqu'à l'épuisement , au Fuya Fuya 2 fois, 3 fois à Cuicocha avec une tentative du Cotacachi qui a même osé se montrer. L'Imbaburra était moyen mais nous avons connu de la pluie fine que la dernière heure.
Je ne sais pas si c'est de la chance mais nous reviendrons encore cette année en décembre .
On n'a pas eu cette chance là dans la région du Cotopaxi, par contre il est vrai qu'il a fait bien meilleur à Quito et vers Cotacachi.
Les guides avec lesquels j'ai parlé disent qu'ils ont un mois de novembre et de décembre pourri: en général, il fait bien meilleur.
Donc, pas de problème pour revenir en Décembre 2011!
Pour le Coto, vous étiez autonomes ou avec un guide?
Pour le Coto nous étions en individuel mais je ne le conseille pas pour ceux qui veulent atteindre le sommet à tout prix. Pour nous cela a fonctionné car tous les élements étaient bons, la piste était bien tracée, le vent calme, et nous n' avions pas l'objectif à tout prix du sommet mais nous avons pris le minimum de risques.
Nous avons fait un bivouac près du refuge, atteint le sommet trop tôt à 5 h donc pas de lever de soleil qu'on a plustôt vu en descendant.La descente avec le véhicule 4x4 qu'on avait loué a été plus périlleuse que la montée et descente du Coto, la route était abrupte , extrêmement glissante et défoncée à des endroits.
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.
I’ve seen some info about this route, but not nearly enough, so I thought I’d share what I did for anyone interested.
Cayenne - Saint-Georges: From Cayenne’s bus station, the TIG No. 8 bus goes to Saint-Georges. It’s a minibus run by a contractor you can call ahead to reserve a seat. I managed to get a spot the same day. It was parked on the other side of the river, across from the main bus stops. Price: 40 €, departures at 7 AM, 9 AM, 11 AM, and 3 PM except Sundays, depending on driver availability.
Saint-Georges - Oiapoque: Once in Saint-Georges, cross the river by canoe for 10 €. The canoe made a first stop on the opposite bank, then a second in the center of Oiapoque.
To enter Brazil, you’ll need to get your passport stamped. This can be done at the federal police station, less than 1 km from the dock, heading into Oiapoque.
Oiapoque - Macapá:
From Oiapoque, there are buses or taxis. Not knowing when the next bus would come, I didn’t want to wait, so I went back to the dock and took a 4x4, a kind of shared taxi, for 250 reals. I left around 4 PM and arrived at 2 AM in Macapá.
If I had to do it again, I’d take the bus—apparently, it has reclining seats and travels overnight to arrive the next morning.
Macapá - Santana
You need to get to Santana to take the ferry to Belém—tricky on a Sunday...
After waiting for a bus that was taking forever, I took a *carretera pirata* (unofficial taxi) on the advice of a local Brazilian. It took me to Santana for 10 reals (vs. 5 for the bus). The ride takes about 15 minutes from Macapá to Santana’s port. You can do this the same morning.
Santana - Belém
I bought tickets directly at the port when I arrived from one of the many agencies. I slept in a no-frills little hotel right by the port, run by a charming elderly couple, and boarded the next day at 9 AM. You’ll need a hammock to sleep if you’re not taking a cabin. The fare is 250 reals—it’s listed as 300, but they gave me a "discount" without me even asking. The trip takes 24 hours to Belém. There’s a small snack bar for those who didn’t have time to pack food.
