nous préparons un voyage d'un bon mois dans les Andes + Buenos aires et Iguacu.
Le circuit prévisionnel est le suivant :
Salta, boucle Sud ( Cafayate, cachi, Salta) , montée vers La Quiaca, le tout en voiture de location que nous voudrions déposer à la frontière – possible d'après certains posts, avec Alamo ou ??? : à confirmer.
En train à Tupiza puis à Uyuni ; agence pour Le salar d'Uyuni, jusqu'à San pedro de Atacama.
Et de SPA à Salta.
Et nous cherchons une alternative au bus pour ce trajet : location de voiture avec ou sans chauffeur depuis SPA, rendue à Salta est ce possible ?
Si oui choisir paso de Jama ou de Sico ?
Dans le 2° cas , combiner avec Tolar Grande ?
J'ai grand besoin d'aide pour ce dernier tronçon, d'avis de routards qui ont déjà circulé dans le coin dernierement.
Nous sommes 4 , les parents et 2 ados de 15 et 17 ans.
Je ne vois pas trop la pertinence d'aller jusqu'à La Quiaca (avec abandon de voiture aléatoire) pour ensuite aller juqu'à Uyuni en train pour enfin espérer trouver un mode de locomotion pour retourner de SPA à Salta (véhicule pris à SPDA impossible à laisser à Salta).
Je me demande s'il ne serait pas plus simple d'envisager une boucle à partir de Salta en gardant ta voiture de location tout au long du voyage.
Cela donnerait : Salta - Quebrada de Humahuaca (Tilcara ? Iruya ?) puis Paso de Jama pour aller à SPDA. De là tu prends un TO pour le salar et Sud Lipez (tout en gardant ta voiture) et ensuite tu repars en voiuture vers Salta (via le Paso de Sico si tu veux ) en combinant avec Tolar Grande ( si tu veux) puis le sud de Salta. D'ailleurs, le circuit pourrait aussi se faire dans l'autre sens.
Dans ce cas, pas de frais d'abandon et pas de prise de tête avec une voiture pris dans un pays qu'on ne peut pas rendre ailleurs.
Je n'y avais pas pense, j'avoue.
Mais j adore voyager en train, plus qu en voiture ...
Et je laisse la voiture en plan à SPA pour
pendre le tour a Uyuni et Sud Lipez?
Me semble moins pertinent que de simplement prendre le bus a SPA.
Je dirais plutôt, vous laissez la voiture à SPA, le temps d'aller dans le salar et vous repartez de SPA pour la suite...
Il y a plein d'agences à SPA vous permettant de le faire.
Et je laisse la voiture en plan à SPA pour
pendre le tour a Uyuni et Sud Lipez?
Toutes les agences de SPA organisent ces circuits vers le salar d'Uyuni et le Sud Lipez depuis SPA (aller/retour), durée en principe 3 jours/2 nuits pour le circuit de base. Tu gardes la voiture pendant ce temps, garée dans la cour de ton hébergement que tu choisiras en fonction de ce critère (car impossible de la rendre à SPA si tu l'as prise à Salta).
Me semble moins pertinent que de simplement prendre le bus a SPA.
Ta question portait sur la recherche d'un véhicule entre SPA et Salta 😛... d'où ma réponse. Maintenant si tu préfères le bus... à toi de voir ! 😉
Mais dans ce cas, il te reste à résoudre le problème concernant le véhicule que tu comptes abandonner à La Quiaca 😕. Il faut savoir qu'aucun loueur n'a d'agence dans cette ville où laisser le véhicule. Quand les loueurs acceptent cette possibilité d'abandon (plutôt les petites agences locales que les grandes enseignes internationales), c'est en procédant de la manière suivante : ils envoient un chauffeur à la Quiaca (en bus). Il prend RV avec toi pour rendre le véhicule... mais pour le ramener à Salta, on te facture le service et le carburant.
J'habite à saint leu et je viens de rentrer du chili où je suis restée 47 jours si vous le souhaitez je peux vous donner des tuyaux sur la region de SPA mais je suis allée à Uyuni en circuit 4 jours en traversant le désert superbe mais attention au mal de l'altitude car zone à 4500m
J'ai très conscience du problème de l'altitude , mais après une semaine l'an dernier au bord et sur les iles du lac Titicaca à 4000 m, sans compter les passage du col de Patapampa ( 4910m ) j'ai déjà eu un avant goût ….
Et la boucle prévue était élaborée en fonction de cette problematique : par exemple de La Quiaca à Uyuni les altitudes tournent autour de 3600 m et vers le sud Lipez ça monte jusqu'à 4900 m, puis redescente à 2500 m : dans l'autre sens en peu de km du passe de 2500 à 4900 non ? Dur dur , car en matiere d'altitude , le maitre mot c'est de s'habituer doucement.
Je te rejoins tout à fait et c'est pour cela que nous avons construit notre circuit 2012 de cette manière...
même si toutes ces précautions peuvent ne pas suffire, comme tu peux le lire par ici... et donc modifier toute la suite prévue, comme une location de voiture pour la boucle sud !
Nous avions renoncé à la voiture pour la boucle nord de Salta à cause du coût de la remise à la frontière et au final nous avons pu faire sans, sans rien manquer de nos prévus.
Si tu parcours la prépa de ce voyage, tu verras que nous avions envisagé de louer une voiture à JuJuy, de circuler avec dans le secteur, de revenir la rendre et de prendre le bus pour La Quiaca. Nous y avons renoncé pour choisir de nous laisser transporter par des bus ou des remises tant c'est facile. Mais, cela pourrait être une option pour vous...
Ma question concerne effectivement la recherche d'une voiture entre SPA et Salta et je vois que tu es loin de répondre à ma question.😛
Louer une voiture pour 5 ou 6 jours sans l'utiliser me semble une idée très discutable😕
Et faire la route SPA – Uyuni 2 fois également🤪
Concernant le dépôt à la Quiaca , c'est bien ce que j'ai envisagé 😉; j'ai déjà procédé ainsi au Botswana.
Plusieurs personnes de VF sont passées par Alamo qui n'est pas vraiment une petite agence.
Il y a des agences sur SPA proposant des excursions vers l'Argentine, donc peut-être en voyant avec eux...
Tu trouveras des sites de présentation de SPA et de ses possibles en ma page sur les sites aidants à la prépa de notre voyage
Après, en termes de coûts, il faut calculer car laisser une voiture à SPA 4/5 jours ne va pas forcément vous coûter bcp plus cher qu'un transfert privé entre SPA et Salta.
Abandonne l'idée que tu pourras passer de l'Argentine/Chili/Bolivie avec une voiture de location.
Je crois que c'est impossible.
De Salta, tu peux en en effet louer un véhicule et le laisser à la Quiaca. Y a une agence en plein centre ville qui s'appelle NOA, justemment et en septembre 2012 c'est ce que nous avons fait.
Comme je l'ai dit ici, nous n'avons pas aimé le circuit Salta Cachi Cafayate.
De loin, j'ai préfèré Salta San Antonio de Los Cobres, le viadic de Polvorilla, Salinas Grandes et Purmarmaca, Pozuelos et La Quiaca.
De TUpiza, tu n'auras pas de soucis à trouver un TO pour Uyuni, le Sud Lipez et SPA
A SPA, tu prendras le bus pour Salta. C'est le plus simple. Via le Paso de Jama. Pas de possibilité de louer une voiture au Chili et la rendre en Argentine.
Choix du véhicule : evidemment un 4x4 est mieux surtout avec des ados et pour la tranquilité des parents. Mais c'est un question de budget...
Bon voyage.
Je partage ce que dit Krikri car le projet tel qu'il est ne me parait pas non plus très rationnel . De plus tout ce qui est " abandon" de véhicule en dehors du lieu de loc coûte très cher, souvent inutilement.
Tu peux faire ta boucle sud avec un véhicule de loc ( avec ou sans chauffeur- je peux te communiquer un contact si tu veux un 4x4 avec chauffeur mais en message privé et cela dépend aussi de la date )
Ensuite tu peux aller à la Quiaca evec le bus , en faisant des haltes là où tu le souhaites, puis jusqu'à Tupiza. Je ne sais pas par contre comment il est possible de faire entre Tupiza et Uyuni mais il y a surement des moyens en Bolivie, entre les 2. tu peux aussi avoir un véhicule avec chauffeur , ce qui te permet de passer les frontières sans problème ( même proposition que pour la boucle sud) A ce moment là, il est possible d'aller à SPA et redescendre à Salta par la quebrada del Toro mais en ayant fait auparavant Tolar Grande à partir de San Antonio de los Cobres
Je veux bien prendre plus de temps pour regarder ton programme avec plus de précisions mais il faut que tu me donnes le nombre de jours dont vous disposez et la période .
Nicole
Asso. Les Enfants d'Atacama (aide à la scolarisation dans les Andes Argentines- Prov. de Jujuy: San Juan de Quillaques; Puesto Sey et Huachichocana
Les sites pour jeter un oeil:
http://pagesperso-orange.fr/fal83http://brondy.free.fr
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Je remercie Marc Lamarre de m'avoir fait découvrir ce site et de m'avoir donné envie d'y aller grâce à son magnifique carnet. La laguna et le salar de Talar…
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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.
