nous partons au pérou en oct nov de cette année, voici notre itinéraire. dites moi ce que vous en pensez, s'il y a des choses a rajouter, a enlever, etc...
merc 28 oct: arrivée a lima a 7h. journée a lima. bus jusqu'a pisco (3h-3h30) en fin de journée (il y en a? parce qu'on voudrait eventuellement visiter un musée et un autre a la fin de notre sejour...). nuit a pisco
jeu 29 oct: visites des iles ballesta (depart a 8h) et/ou de la reserve naturelle de paracas.
bus de nuit jusqu'a arequipa
vend 30 oct et sam 31 oct: arequipa: visite de la ville et du monastere santa catalina. nuits a arequipa
dim 1er nov: bus juqu'au canyon del colca (4 a 5h jusqu'a chivay) nuit a cabanaconde
lun 2 nov: rando ds le canyon. nuit dans le canyon (a cabaconde ?)
mar 3 nov: bus jusqu'a arequipa (5 a 6h) puis jusqu'a puno (5h). nuit a puno (on ne pourra pas dormir a amantani ca me semble trop juste...??)
merc 4 nov: visite du lac titicaca puis bateau jusqu'a amantani où on passera la nuit(3h de bateau)
jeu 5 nov : bateau jusqu'a l'ile de taquilé où l'on dejeunera puis bateau jusqu'a puno ou juliaca (d'ou part le bus touristique stp?)
ven 6 nov: bus touristique jusqu'a sicuani qui s'arrete aux sites intéressants, visite de raqchi et des sources chaudes, nuit a sicuani
sam 7 nov: train jusqu'a cuzco où l'on passera 5 nuits, visites des différents sites. nous achèterons le boleto turistico (43 dollars) dès le premier site visité. visite du machu picchu le dimanche ou mardi (1h30 de train) il parait qu'il y moins de monde ces jours la...
merc 11 nov: cuzco - lima en avion (on laisse tomber le train des andes) car en bus ca a l'air galere et je voulais savoir s'il y avait des choses a voir ka tu a me conseiller?
on est un peu genés de zapper toute la region entre cuzco et lima on ne profitera pas du paysage non plus...qu'en pense tu? n'y a t il pas des choses a voir...??
jeu 12 nov: visite de lima soit jusqu'au 14 nov jour du depart
2 jours a lima ca suffit ?
ps: les iles ballesta ca vaut le coup ??
et sinon notre programme te semble t il réalisable et le plus judicieux?
merci beaucoup pour ta reponse si rapide et complète 🙂
Bonjour
je te propose des modifications de ton circuit:
merc 28 oct: arrivée a lima a 7h. journée et nuit a lima
Il est preferable de partir pour Pisco ou Paracas le soir et dormir sur place . Le depart pour les Ballestas se fait vers 08.00 heures le matin
jeu 29 oct: bus jusqu'a pisco (3h). visites des iles ballesta et/ou de la reserve naturelle de paracas. nuit a pisco
Tu peux prendre le bus de nuit . Le nombre d'agressions de nuit est infime pour les compagnies serieuses. Cela te fait gagner 1 journée et une nuit d'hotel)
vend 30 oct: bus jusqu'a arequipa (de nuit ca craint pas ?? des guides me le deconseillent... ca nous ferait gagner du temps...)
sam 31 oct: arequipa: visite de la ville et du monastere santa catalina. nuit a arequipa
dim 1er nov: bus juqu'au canyon del colca (4 a 5h jusqu'a chivay) nuit a chivay
Si tu fais la rando en bas du canyon, il est preferable d'aller à Cabanaconde, depart de la descente
lun 2 nov: rando ds le canyon nuit a chivay
Nuit au fond du canyon
mar 3 nov: bus jusqu'a arequipa (4 a 5h) puis train jusqu'a puno sinon 5h de bus. nuit a puno (il parait que le bus est plus rapide que le train !!??!! c vrai??)
Le train n'existe plus depuis pas mal de temps. Le bus c'est 5-6 heures
merc 4 nov: visite du lac titicaca et des iles taquilé (3h de bateau) nuit a puno
Tu as la possibilité de dormir sur Amantani et revenir sur Taquilé pour le dejeuner et ensuite Puno
jeu 5 nov: train jusqu'a sicuani, visite de raqchi et des sources chaudes, nuit a sicuani
Le train , Perurail ne fonctionne que 3 jours par semaine en novembre lundi, mercredi, samedi et coute très cher (220$). Il est preferable de prendre soit un bus local avec arret à Sicuani, comme tu le prevois, ou bien le bus touristique qui s'arrete plusieurs fois pour visiter les sites interressants et à Sicuani pour le lunch ( beaucoup moins onereux que le train)
ven 6 nov: train jusqu'a cuzco où l'on passera 5 nuits, visites des différents sites. nous achèterons le boleto turistico (20 dollars?) dès le premier site visité. visite du machu picchu le dimanche ou mardi (1h30 de train) il parait qu'il y moins de monde ces jours la...mais est on vraiment en pleine saison? apparemment c'est plutot d'avril a octobre...
le boleto turistico coute 130 soles ( 43$ environ), il ne permet pas de visiter les edifices religieux et s'achète dans l'office av del sol ( les entrées de sites sont souvent une simple personne avec un perforateur
merc 11 nov: cuzco - huancayo en avion, nuit a huancayo.
Il n'y a pas d'avion entre cuzco et Huancayo seulement le bus sur une mauvaise route de montagne entre Abancay et huancayo. Tu peux t'arreter à Huancavelica et prendre le train jusqu'a Huancayo qui fonctionne tous les jours
jeu 12 nov: huancayo - lima par le train des andes mais il parait qu'il circule que de mi-avril a octobre et une fois par semaine ?? donc s'il ne circule pas (dommmaaagggeeeuuu) nous prendrons l'avion cuzco- lima et passerons plus de temps a lima soit jusqu'au 14 nov jour du depart
Pas de chance , le train ne fonctionne pas le 12 Novembre ( a titre d'information les trains du 8 et du 22 nov de huancayo a lima fonctionne de nuit donc ne presente aucun interet
un grand merci d'avance pour vos reponses !! 🙂
😊une question pour finir: en octobre novembre au perou c'est bien l'été, non? alors pourquoi parlent t'ils toujours de haute saison entre avril et octobre comme pour le petit train des andes
La haute saison est la periode la plus touristique et n'a aucune liaison avec la periode climatique
Cinq nuits à Cuzco, c'est beaucoup trop car cela t'oblige à revenir tous les soirs à Cuzco ce qui est une grande perte de temps !
Voici ce que tu peux faire pour visiter Cuzco et sa région :
J 1 : visite de Cuzco. Nuit à Cuzco.
J2 : les quatre ruines autour de Cuzco + le site de Pisac. Nuit à Pisac.
J3 : départ de Pisac vers Ollantaytambo. Visite des ruines d'Ollantaytambo. Train en fin d'après-midi pour Aguas Calientes. Nuit à Aguas Calientes.
J4 : machu picchu. Train en fin de journée pour Ollantaytambo. Nuit à Ollantaytambo.
J5 : Ollantaytambo - Salinas de Maras - Moray - Chinchero puis retour en fin d'après-midi à Cuzco. Nuit à Cuzco.
Si tu décides d'aller sur le Titicaca, je te conseille de dormir sur Amantani. Le lendemain, tu visites Taquile puis tu reviens sur Puno.Visiter les îles dans la journée, c'est beaucoup trop court.
merci pour ta réponse le programme que tu me proposes pour cuzco et les alentours me convient c'est que nous n'avions pas encore bien décidé des détails il n'est pas evident de réaliser les distances et les temps de trajet !!
nous aurions voulu dormir a pisac pour faire le marché dominical penses tu qu'on peut faire sicuani pisac dans la journée?
revenant du canyon del colca nous irons dormir a puno et le lendemain nous irons a amantani ou nous passereons la nuit, le surlendemain nous irons sur taquilé pour dejeuner et le soir rejoindrons puno ou juliaca pour prendre le bus touristique jusqu'a sicuani : sait tu d'ou il part ? combien ca coute etc...
nous avons pensé prendre l'avion entre cuzco et lima car les moyens de transport st limités (et notre temps aussi !!) n y a t il rien qu on ne ratera ds cette region ???
ps: qd etes vous allés au pérou ?
auriez vous des liens ou adresses pour se loger, nous cherchons des gites chambres d'hotes ou auberges pour etre proches de la population mais tout en etant assures de la propreté et de la securite des lieux...
un grand merci a vous deux
a bientot de ta reponse j'espere...
clotilde
Je suis allée au Pérou en juillet dernier, un mois.
J'ai fait Andahuaylillas, Raqhi, Sicuani, La Raya et Pukara avec le bus touristique Inka Express qui part de Cuzco et qui arrive à Puno (ou inversement).
Pour rejoindre Lima, nous avions pris le vol Cuzco - Lima, rapide et correct au niveau tarif.
Concernant les logements, voici les adresses que je te recommande. Je ne voyage pas "à la routard" et ne cherche donc pas le moins cher mais le meilleur rapport/qualité avec un certain confort.
A Arequipa : Posada Nueva Espana (25 euros). Tenu par un français marié avec une péruvienne. Excellente adresse. Il organise aussi les excursions au canyon.
A Pisac : Pisac Inn (28 euros). Super également.
A Ollantaytambo : El Albergue Bed and Breakfast (40 euros). Très très bien et très pratique car il se trouve sur le quai de la gare (aucun bruit)
A Amantani : Kantuta Logde (25 euros). Propre mais très rustique comme tous les logements sur l'île qui n'ont ni eau ni électricité. Un super souvenir !
A Nazca : hôtel Oro viejo (32 euros). Très très bien lui aussi.
A Cuzco : Mosq'oywasi que je ne te recommande pas.
A Puno : La Hacienda (38, 5 euros). Super également.
Tous ces hôtels ont un site internet.
Le circuit que tu envisage est a peut pres celui que j'avais fait en juillet 2007 (sauf les îles ballestas et paracas, je les avait zappé).
Quelques petites remarques par rapport àc e que j'ai fait :
dim 1er nov: bus juqu'au canyon del colca (4 a 5h jusqu'a chivay) nuit a cabanaconde
lun 2 nov: rando ds le canyon. nuit dans le canyon (a cabaconde ?)
mar 3 nov: bus jusqu'a arequipa (5 a 6h) puis jusqu'a puno (5h). nuit a puno (on ne pourra pas dormir a amantani ca me semble trop juste...??)
Bus Arequipa - Cabanaconde : environ 6 heures
Le lundi 2 tu descend dans le canyon et tu dors dans le canyon (donc pas à Cabanaconde qui est le point de départ de la rando)
le 3 nov tu remonte à Cabanaconde, tu reprend le bus pour Arequipa, et oui il est possible de reprendre dnas la foulée le bus pour Puno. Reserve ton billet Arequipa - Puno avant de partir dans le canyon.
Il y a une bus toursitique qui fait Puno - Cusco.
J'ai aussi passé 5 nuits à Cusco, c'est quand même agréable de poser son gros sac uen fois pour toute pendant plusieurs jours. Depuis Cusco il est très facile de circuler dans la Vallée Sacrée.
J'ai mis tout le détail de mon voyage ici, si tu veux y jeter un coup d'oeil : http://voyageforum.com/v.f?post=1186089;#1186089
merci Carole pour toutes ces infos ca va beaucoup nous aider pour la préparation de notre voyage !!
j'ai une dernière question : nous prenons le bus de nuit entre pisco et arequipa l'as tu deja pris ? (ou quelqu'un que tu connais) j'ai entendu ou lu plusieurs témoignages d'agressions et de vol (et même plus...) ca m'inquiète...est ce vraiment risqué ?
j'espère que tu pourras me rassurer...
ciao
clotilde
Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?
How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?
If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.
It's decided—2027 will be Brazil, in the summer (unless you advise against it 😕). From what I’ve read, the weather’s okay, even if it’s a bit chilly for swimming. We’re going, as always, as a group of four, with our teens. 🙂
We’d be looking at a solid two weeks, at least 14 days on the ground. I’m planning way ahead to nail down an itinerary and book our flight tickets (the prices I’m seeing already are freaking me out…).
From my research, I’ve come across some classic routes: Rio/Iguazu/Paraty/Ilha Grande.
Roughly: 4 days in Rio, 2 in Iguazu, 2 in Paraty, and 3 on Ilha Verde. That’d leave us one more stop on the trip.
Since we like to end with a "chill" stop for the kids,
My questions:
- Is Ilha Verde worth it this time of year? I’ve read that swimming might not be an option—water’s too cold… So not ideal for a chill/relaxing destination?
- How should we round out the trip in the South? São Paulo? Another stop along the Costa Verde?
- Wouldn’t it make more sense to head up to the Northeast, where it’s warmer, like Salvador de Bahia?
But Salvador raises other questions:
- Are there flights from Iguazu to Salvador?
- And for the return to France, would we have to connect through Rio or São Paulo from Salvador?
- Any suggestions for places to stay around Salvador?
Thanks for your input—I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I go along. 😉
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’m looking for recent info on a boat trip with sleeping accommodations from Belém to Santarém. I don’t want a "luxury cruise for wealthy tourists"—just a bed with a minimum of comfort seems great to me🙂. I didn’t find any up-to-date details with Amazon Star. Do you have any companies, guides, or prices for this route to recommend?
I’d love to hear tips and feedback on this trip, especially since I’m traveling solo. I’d like to get a sense of what to expect and ensure some basic safety with transportation.
Thanks.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning 40 days in Uruguay and Argentina in February and March, trying to avoid as much rain as possible.
We’re thinking of starting in Buenos Aires, then heading to Bariloche, and from there flying to Córdoba, Mendoza, or Salta. Maybe by bus or renting a car to explore each region.
Do you have any suggestions or tips for us? We love picturesque, historic cities and landscapes. As seasoned travelers, we’re used to planning our trips ourselves.
Thanks in advance!
We’ve planned our road trip in Chile, and the only thing left is to book the TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.
Problem: the ferry that leaves Punta Arenas at 1 AM isn’t available for booking, no matter the day or month. All the other departures can be booked, though.
On top of that, Tabsa isn’t responding to any messages.
We’re planning to explore Peru’s main highlights and were wondering if anyone could share insights on the quality and comfort of overnight buses. If so, which bus company should we trust?
Hi,
My wife and I are heading to Brazil from November 6th to December 2nd. We’ll be stopping in São Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio, and Salvador de Bahia.
Could you recommend some nice, non-luxury places to stay in each of these spots?
Also, any suggestions for places to visit would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Marc
Hi there.
I already posted a message asking for advice about our upcoming trip to Chile.
Details: Getting around by bus or train.
Starting from Valparaiso, heading north, passing through cities and places to visit, then returning to Santiago via a different route.
Avoid the beaches...
Thanks
Hello,
my wife and I will be in Cusco for a week in March 2027.
I’d like to organize the visit to the site on our own, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
We’d leave Cusco on Day 1 to arrive at the site in the morning, then stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo, and on Day 2 return to Cusco while visiting the Sacred Valley.
Is this doable?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Rio between February 20 and March 15, 2027, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We’re thinking of one or two "escapes" from Rio—3-day trips to get away from the city (so not too far, max 3–4 hours by car or bus). We’re all ears for suggestions! We love beautiful nature and authentic experiences, not so much the touristy spots... even though those spots are often in beautiful places, we’d rather avoid them.
Thanks for your insights!
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip with my partner (no kids this time—thanks, Grandma!) for two weeks to celebrate her 40th birthday. I’ve been thinking about Chile. We’re looking at leaving around September 18, 2027, starting in the south and returning in early April.
Here’s what I had in mind:
8 nights in a van in the Lake District and the start of the Carretera Austral (up to the Chaitén area). We’re set to arrive in Puerto Montt around 2:00 PM. We don’t want to go too far south since we’re planning to explore the heart of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the kids when they’re older. The idea is to spend 3 nights discovering the lakes (up to Cochamó) and 3 nights in Pumalín Park. I’ve also added two transition nights.
7 nights in the Atacama to experience another side of Chile (San Pedro), taking a domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Calama in the early afternoon. We’ll depart for France in the early evening from Santiago.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for those planning to take a bus to another city, state, or destination from Salvador!
Starting January 20, 2026, the intercity bus station Rodoviária is changing its address!
The Rodoviária is leaving the Iguatemi area and will now be located in ÁGUAS CLARAS (about twenty kilometers from downtown Salvador).
A brand-new station (the most modern in Brazil) has just been set up there, accessible by car/taxi/Uber/metro.
Allow for much more transfer time (especially during rush hours), so leave early if you're heading to Chapada Diamantina or other Brazilian cities by bus.
Remember, there are also private transfers (even French-speaking ones) that can take you directly from your hotel in Salvador to your hotel in Chapada. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but you’ll save on transfer time and comfort.
Tropical greetings from Salvador,
@ivanbahiaguide
Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years already 😊 🇧🇷
Hello,
We’re thinking of spending 1 month in Chile, maybe doing a loop?
From 12/23 to 01/22.
What are the must-see sights, given we’re more interested in the country’s cultural side than the beaches?
Thanks
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 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.
