Bonjour,
je compte partir seule en Équateur du 7 mai au 5 juin... J'arrive à Quito et je repars de Quito.
1) Pensez-vous que la pluie risque de me gâcher mon voyage??
2) En considérant qu'il risque d'y avoir beaucoup de pluie, quel itinéraire me conseilleriez-vous selon le climat?
2a) Par exemple, je pense qu'il y aura beaucoup de plus à Quito début mai, donc je suis peut-être mieux de repartir de Quito dès mon arrivée, pour aller dans une autre ville... et de plutôt visiter Quito à la fin de mon voyage...?
2b) Suis-je mieux de me diriger tout d'abord vers la côte pacifique ouest ou plutôt vers le nord? Et ensuite...?? Bref, vos conseils seraient grandement appréciés!!!
Je ne sais pas si le mois de mai est propice à la pluie à Quito, mais en tout cas, je sais que tu peux avoir les 4 saisons en 1 jour..Sauf si il pleut trop fort, je commencerais d'abord par visiter Quito, normalement, il fait toujours bon la journée, il peut pleuvoir, mais ça ne dure pas, tu auras le soleil par la suite..Il fait par contre frais et cru la nuit, prévoir un bon pull! On a fait le téléphérique il y a 1 an de cela, c'était chouette, tu montes jusqu'à 4000 mètres, tu as un centre de la croix rouge au cas où si tu as un malaise avec l'altitude, normalement, tout se passe bien, sauf si tu fumes ou que tu prends de l'alcool, il ne faut pas courir non plus..Tu dois aller visiter la mitad del mundo aussi, cela vaut la peine y la plaza Grande, tu as aussi le zoo qui est très bien décoré, église de la Merced..
A ne pas manquer: Banos, Otavalo (pour son marché, il y a un lac aussi), Cuenca (ville coloniale), à la costa, tu as le choix mais tu trouveras difficilement de belles plages, par contre, la mer est chaude, faut pas hésiter à se baigner, se méfier des courants bien sûr..pedernales, j'apprécie, quasi pas de touristes, sécuritaires, hôtels bon marchés (5 dollars par nuit)..et tu manges bien aussi..Playa Canoa, San vicente (excursions à faire, isla corazon, etc..tu te déplaces facilement aussi en bus..attention à ton sac à dos dans le bus et se méfier des enfants qui ont vite fait de le balancer par la fenêtre du bus avant de partir pour ta destination..
Si tu fais l'amazonie, Coca, Vilcabamba (ce n'est plus l'amazonie)et bien sûr Les Galapagos, mais c'est plus cher, on a pas encore fait, c'est la troisième fois qu'on y va (ma femme étant équatorienne)..si tu veux visiter une finca typique, tu me dis quoi, ça peut se faire avec la famille sur place..
En mai tu es encore officiellement dans la saison de pluies jusqu'en juin et ceci dans les Andes ET sur la côte, donc ton option de commencer par ici ou par là ne tiens pas vraiment, te voilà donc condamnée au feeling...
Sache quand même que saison des pluies ne veut pas dire que c'est la mousson toute la journée, par contre les ennuis peuvent venir des routes parfois bloquées par de éboulis dus aux pluies.
Bonne continuation de préparatifs, et n'hésite pas à nous écrire,
Il faut voir au jour le jour, comme dit très bien albert, mais je vois pas pourquoi visiter Quito à la fin, de toute façon, si il pleut très fort à Quito, c'est encore plus dangereux de prendre un bus ou un avion pour aller ailleurs..et en général, ça ne dure pas plus de 3 heures..et encore, ça c'est beaucoup..
Mais pensez-vous que je devrais aller quand même en Équateur? C'est la seule période où je peux y aller (de début mai à début juin)... et j'ai vraiment envie d'aller en Équateur... mais j'ai peur que la pluie me gâche la vie là-bas... :(
Devrais-je penser à changer de destination, selon vous?
En toute camaraderie, si tu veux vraiment aller en Équateur, vas y et ne focalise pas sur UN des aspects du voyage, tu vas découvrir un nouveau pays, une nouvelle population, une nouvelle culture, de nouveaux paysages... c'est surtout ça les voyages et tant pis si le temps n'est pas toujours au beau fixe, de plus comme dit dans mon précédent post, il ne pleut pas à seaux toute la journée.
Je suis allé 5 fois en Équateur et par toutes les saisons, je n'en suis jamais revenu déçu.
Ca me fait plaisir de lire votre intérêt pour l’Equateur , c’est effectivement un petit pays accueillant et rich a explorer….merci Rici et Albert aussi pour les commentaires positives , J’ai vecu en Europe 3 ans et alors ca m’as donne la chance de connaître certains endroits aussi et d’admirer votre culture.
Julie , bienvenue en Equateur !!. régulièrement la période plus forte de pluies en Equateur comprend du décembre au mai , d’autre bout voila comme on sait maintenant il n’y a plus une prédiction exacte du aux conditions de réchauffement du planète globale, et cette année par contre a Quito c’est ensoleillé et chaud, il pleut pas (donc que c’est pas habituel) et dans la cote il y a des pluies qui finiront bientôt.
Je t’acconseille en fait faire un trajet avec des connexions de ton ticket d’avion , par exemple : aller : Canada- Quito , et pour le retour : Guayaquil- Canada , pour faire une route agréable en descendant l’Equateur et en plus le taux a payer pour la sortie de l’aéroport depuis Quito a l’extérieur c’est plus chère 50 dollars , par contre a Guayaquil 28 dollars .
Quito es définitivement une ville fantastique : colonial, il y a des églises avec des peintures et décoration de notre ancienne culture , parc, musées, théâtres, et spectacles merveilleux, le téléphérique (vue splendide de la ville), il ya toujours beaucoup des touristes., le téléphérique au niveau du volcan Pichinccha (vue intéressante de la ville), visiter a quelques kilomètres , prendre un bus pour aller a la « Mitad del Mundo ».
Apres si tu aimes les excursions : aller a Latacunga pour connaître a quelques km « laguna Quilotoa » , volcan Cotopaxi.
Sinon je t’acconseille sans faute aller a Banos une petite ville depuis la quelle tu peux faire des excursions pour regarder le volcan Tungurahua, la riviere Pastaza, plein des jolies chutes et cascades naturels impressionnantes il ya tres souvent des fetes , l’ambiance est très cool, et surtout beaucoup des tours proposees pour se deplacer a l’Amazonie : Puyo, Tena et plus et sinon faire des sports extremes kayak, treking, rafting , ou bien monter a cheval , velos, etc, apres si tu reviens de l’amazonie a banos tu continue la route en descendant poir aller au volcan Chimborazo (tres beau plein de la glace et la montagne plus haute de et dans la ville Riobamba faire le train rustique des touristes pour le tour « La Nariz del Diablo » .
Apres en descendant tu peux aller a connaître Cuenca c’est colonial, classique un petit peu comme Quito , et beaucoup des attractions !!!!!
Et continuer a gauche le trajet (un bus Cuenca –Guayaquil) tu peux aller finalement a Guayaquil, ville tres chaude, pittoresque et architecture moderne , , il y a des endroits sympas pour se promener le Malecon 2000, Parque de las Iguanas, Quartier Las Penas(plus ancien), Malecon 1900.
J’habite la , alors peut etre si tu passes on pourrait se voir pour sortir et j’ai aussi des amis qui iment bien accompagner les visiteurs.
Par rapport les plages (la majorité a cette epoque ne sont pas tres chaudes et pourtant jolies a regarder et profiter du paysage , la brise de la mer et faire du sport et tour sur petit bateaux
- Salinas : c’est une plage tres belle , la mer tres bleu et les ondes tres douces comme un piscine , l’architectures au bord de la mer style petit Miami beach.
- Montanita : pas loin de Puerto Lopez en descendant , probablement tu aimerais ce petite plage beaucoup comme les autres etrangers , il y a du concurs du surf et pendant la nuit concerts in live de reggae, et pour danser salsa, merengue .
-Puerto lopez, Puerto Cayo : sont tres seduissantes pour sa diversite des especes marines (baleines et des oiseaux ) a la mer il y a des tours en bateaux aux autres iles de la Plata( tres sympa !!), les baleines qui arrivent de l’Antartique pour se reposer c’est du juin-septembre (voir Parc National de Machalilla)
- Manta (c’est tres jolie et touristique , c’est un port important en Equateur , s’est bien desservi par avion, une architecture moderne renouvelle il y a quelques annees )
-Atacames : tres visitee et c’est chaude exceptionnellement tout l’année, ambiance tres vivant, les gens tres charmants et acueillants , dans la meme region il y a Tonsupa , Sua.
De rien..je suis heureuse de t'avoir encourage , il y a toujours des bons commentaires des etrangers qui arrivent pour connaitre l'Equateur . j'espere toi aussi...reste au courant pour des nouvelles ..
Statistiquement, le mois de mai ne devrait pas être mauvais dans aucune région.
Maintenant, comme on dit, faut voir.
L'hiver, il n'est pas tombé une goutte et maintenant qu'on en sort, il commence à y avoir l'averse journalière. Les météorologues disent que cette année, les saisons sont décalées.
Donc, le meilleur conseil à te donner, c'est d'arriver à Quito et de voir ce qui se passe.
bonjour,
je rentre aujourd hui de l equateur
d ici quelques jours je vais mettre notes et photos sur mon site
Nous n avons eu qu un peu de pluie en Amazonie 1/2 j ;t 1/2 j en bus en allant vers la cote alors que nous nous attendions a beaucoup d eau !!
Amérique du Sud › Équateur / Galapagos · 6 replies
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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.
