Bonjour, j'aimerais avoir des information sur l'île de margarita au vénézuela, les excursions qu'ils a faire, ce que l'on peut acheter, la température qu'il fait au mois de janvier et les plage de playa el agua.
il n'y a pas beaucoup d'excurssions à faire c'est une ile tres petite cool pour les fetes le soir et à ta place fais un tour à playa parquito il y a moins de touristes surtout des locaux et des surfurs
Je reviens tout juste de l'île Margarita et j'ai bien aimé mon voyage. J'étais à l'hôtel Flamingo. La bouffe est bien ordinaire...pas super. La plage est pas pire avec beaucoup de vagues... La propreté de la plage laisse un peu à désirer. Si tu as peur des chiens..c'est vraiment pas la place!!!!!!! La représentante de notre agence nous disait que c'était très dangeureux de se promener sur la plage... Mais je ne crois pas...C'est sûr qu'il ne faut pas s'éloigner un peu trop de notre hôtel ..des endroits où il fait noir. C'est comme ailleurs...tu vois!
Pour bien apprécier ton voyage, il faut absoluement faire des excursions... Los Roches vaut vraiment la peine. C'est dispendieux mais si tu veux voir de belles plages avec de l'eau turquoise, faire de la plongée.. c'est merveilleux.
Il y a aussi l'excursion Jeep Safari. À ne pas manquer. Tu te promènes en montagne avec les cactus et tu auras toujours des arrêts à différents endroits. C'est formidable comme excursion. Pour le prix c'est tout simplement très très intéressant. Il fait très chaud....mais tu auras des boissons pour toute la durée de ton excursion. Avec de la musique, il n'y a rien de mieux pour découvrir. Il va aussi t'amener dans des endroits un peu plus désert pour te baigner. C'est super.
Il y a aussi les chutes de l'ange à voir. Cette excursion est vraiment dispendieuse mais ça vaut la peine. Ne reste pas à la plage, tu le regretteras! Il y a tellement à faire.... Bon voyage!
j'avais été a isla margarita il y a 3 ans en novembre.Temperature de l'air et de l'eau tres agreables.Par contre ne pas esperer faire de la plongée car l'eau a oublié d'etre limpide.population tres accueillante et sites agreables à visiter. j'avais loué une voiture et durant les 7 jours de mon sejour je ne me suis pas ennuyé.la capitale de l'ile (dont le nom m'échappe) ne représente aucun interet.
la vie est peu chère surtout l'essence (8 cts € !)le rhum les cigarres...bref no somos muchos pero somos machos.J'allais oublier:des beaux bijoux en perles d'huitres à des prix dérisoires.
faire tres attention aux vetements de marque: sont pratiquement tous des imitations de muy mala calidad
il n'y a pas beaucoup d'excurssions à faire c'est une ile tres petite cool pour les fetes le soir et à ta place fais un tour à playa parquito il y a moins de touristes surtout des locaux et des surfurs
😊bonjour, je me prénome julie,
nouvelle sur ce site, je vais me familiariser. Je pars pour le venezuela demain. A margarita, porlamar. Ce n'étais pas dutout la destination envisagé, je voulais vraiment aller au mexique. Donc c'est tout ce qui restait de disponible de dernière minute. Y'a til quelqu'un qui pourrait me dire c'est c'est baignable a l'hotel lake plaza a porlamar. Moi je crois que je me suis vraiment fait avoir par mon agent de voyage! Est-ce que vous me conseiller de laisser mon kodak numérique a la maison meme si je le porte en tout temps sur moi????? J'aimerais vraiment savoir aussi, si je peux trouver des supers bons resto a porlamar pour y manger italien ou genre comme au québec un peu. Donner moi des conseils, je l'ai prend ce soir en note.
Est-ce que la playa el agua est belle? Je crois que c'est la plus près de porlamar.🤪 peut on si baigner??
J'y suis allée l'an dernier en février.J'ai logé au Portofino-Portobello et j'ai été malade 1 semaine sur 2. tout le monde était malade à l'hôtel. La bouffe laissait à désirer et nous avons entendu dire que l'eau était contaminée par un ancien dépotoir non loin de là!
pas grand chose à faire à part faire le tour de l'île en Jeep. par contre, il fait toujours beau et chaud!!
Tu es au centre-ville de Porlamar, il n'y a pas grand chose à voir. Il faudra que tu ailles du côté de la Playa El Aqua, Juan Griego et du côté de la mer des Caraibes. C'est beaucoup plus beau. Il y a des excursions en bateau, en jeep, à cheval etc.... plongée et j'en oublie. Du peux faire du catamaran, du sea-doo etc....
La seule chose qui est dommage c'est que tu sois au centre-ville et que tu devra te payer des taxis pour chaque sortie.
Non chrystine, je n'ai pas dutout aimé le motel lake plaza. Un vrai trou. Je reviens tout juste de cuba et même si la chaleur n'est pas aussi intenste, nous avons préféré de loin cuba. Nous avons bien mangé etc..et n'avons pas été malade dutout. au vénézuella nous avons tous été malade et si je regarde les autres réponses qui m'ont été envoyé les autres aussi ont tous été malade.
bonne chance. c'est que l'eau n'est pas potable et il déverse souvent les déchets dans des endroits interdits. Je ne veux pas te décourager mais j'ai tout fait pour ne pas être malade et je l'ai été quand meme.
bon voyage quand meme mais ne prend pas le lake plaza. un trou. et il faut prendre l'autobus 45 minutes pour aller a la plage. et la plage qui est près de l'hotel n'est pas baignable. c'est bon juste pour la marche. Si t'es obligé le vénézuella prend au moins le porto fino..............bye bye
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Vénézuela · 9 replies
Je pars pour ile margarita le 10 fevrier au dunes resorts cafais 12 fois que je vais a acapoulco mon agent de voyage ma propose cette nouvelle destination…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Vénézuela · 12 replies
Est-ce que quelqu'un est déjà aller avec un forfait tout inclus? Si oui, est-ce que l'expérience fut agréable? Je désire partir au soleil me reposer la…
J'aimerai connaître vos expériences sur l'île de Margarita. Qu'en pensez-vous? quels coins me conseillez-vous? Qu'y a-t-il à voir? Avez-vous des hôtels à me…
Hôtels en forfait tout-inclus › Vénézuela · 4 replies
Nous partons à l'hôtel DUNES sur Margarita pour 15 jours début avril. Qui y est allé récemment? Qu'en penser? Que faire comme excursions sur cette petite île…
Nous sommes un groupe de 4 jeunes hommes celibataires voulant passer deux semaines derniere semaine de fevrier premiere semainde de mars sur l ile margarita au…
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)?
Bonjour à tous,
Nous partons 3 semaines en Patagonie en novembre en partant a priori depuis Coyhaique au Chili.
Nous ne serons pas motorisés et j'ai beaucoup de mal à obtenir des informations sur les possibilités de transport en quelques endroits de l'itinéraire que nous souhaiterions réaliser :
1) De Perito-Moreno (la ville, près de Los Antiguos), nous aimerions descendre la ruta 40 pour visiter le parc national Perito Moreno et ensuite passer au Chili via le Paso Roballos (à la lattitude de Bajo Caracoles)pour rejoindre la route de Cochrane. Sans voiture, il semble que nous devions passer par des agences privées pour rejoindre le parc national Perito Moreno : avez vous des recommandations ou des suggestions à ce sujet ? Et quelqu'un sait-il s'il est possible de passer (sans loc de voiture) au Chili par le Paso Roballos (depuis Bajo Caracoles), c'est à dire sans devoir descendre jusqu'à El Chalten ni remonter vers Perito Moreno / Los Antiguos etc. ?
2) Le 2ème tronçon qui semble un peu compliqué (mais quand même plus facile a priori) c'est de Caleta Tortel à Villa O'Higgins côté chilien. Doit-on repasser obligatoirement par Cochrane ou bien y a-t-il des possibilités de rejoindre Villa O'Higgins directement depuis Tortel?
3) Enfin, nous souhaiterions rejoindre l'Argentine (El Chalten), à pied, depuis O'Higgins. Auriez vous des recommandations à ce sujet également ? Doit-on passer par une agence ? Durée estimée de l'excursion ?
Vous l'aurez compris, nous souhaitons tout à la fois accéder à des endroits assez peu fréquentés mais nous n'avons pas de voiture pour cela, nous cherchons donc les meilleurs compromis possibles.
Mille mercis d'avance pour toutes vos 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?
Nous partons entre amis au Brésil en Mars 2019 et nous souhaitons assister au défilé du carnaval.
J'aurais bien besoin de votre aide car j'ai du mal à trouver des avis sur les sites de vente en ligne pour les tickets du carnaval.
J'ai repéré rio-carnival, est-ce une agence fiable.
Avez-vous d'autres agences à conseiller ou expériences à partager?
Votre aide est la bienvenue.
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.
