Nous voudrions louer une voiture pour notre voyage au Chili en septembre... J'ai fait qq essais sur hertz et avis histoire de voir les prix, et j'ai trouver par exemple deux semaines à 1600 US$!!!!
Qqun sait-il si ca sera moins cher de louer sur place? Et combien ca pourrait couter? histoire de voir si on oublie directement la solution voiture de location...
salut,
pareil je cherche egalement a louer un 4x4 au chili, sur escape c est interessant pis tu peux la prendre a une ville et la deposer dans une autre!
regarde la dessus :
voilou, par contre pour ce qui est de sortir du territoire et particulierement en bolivie.....c est pas possible! je cherche desesperement mais quenini🤪...
"Qui n'a pas quitté son pays est plein de préjugés."
"On voyage pour changer, non de lieu, mais d'idées."
"Le vrai voyage, c'est d’y aller. Une fois arrivé, le voyage est fini. Aujourd’hui les gens commencent par la fin."
Tu crois qu'il faut un 4X4 pour aller de village en village en général?
Notre idée est de faire San Pedro - Arica, et avoir l'occasion de visiter des villes ou villages sur notre chemin, en voiture car on a pas beaucoup de jours... Je ne sais pas si les routes sont très mauvaises dans la région?? Je pensais que ca passerait avec une voiture normale...(On compte toujours rester sur des routes)
Une autre ptite question, .. la région de SP de Atacama ca vaut la peine d'avoir une voiture?? J'ai vu que la valle de la luna on peut y aller facilement en louant une bici, mais les villages à l'est du Salar semblent un peu loin pour y aller en vélo et je ne sais pas si c'est bien connecté en bus??
nous rentrons du Chili, où nous avons "fouillé" tout le nord durant un mois....c'est spectaculaire et effectivement une voiture s'impose si votre souhait est d'aller de village en village. les routes et les pistes principales sont sans problèmes. c'est après que cela se corse, selon votre circuit. c'est pour cela que nous voulions un 4x4 mais aucun n'étaient disponibles dans les 4 agences locales et internationales.
Nous sommes donc partis avec une opel corsa!!! et oui...on l'a fait et elle a tenu le choc mais bien fatigant!!! pour les 2 semaines le prix de location nous est revenu environ à 475€ kilométrages illimités...nous avons fait 3000 km.
Partis de Calama, nous sommes remonté sur Iquique par la panam, en une grosse journée. au passage nous avons visité le village de Quillagua (il y a un petit musée de campagne tenue par une vieille dame qui vous ouvre les portes juste pour le plaisir de vous parler, de vous montrer les vestiges d'une histoire...).Iquique une grande ville, pour visiter les sites historiques de Santa Laura et Humberstone. puis nous sommes montés sur le parc d'Isluga où nous avons dormi à Colchane, village frontalier qui n'a pas réellement de charme. en passant en Bolivi pour la journée, nous avons trainé nos roues sur le salar de coipasa .
ensuite, étape vers Mamina avec une petite piste, c'est une boucle qui part de Panam paysages superbes, tantôt désert de sable, puis de roche sur lesquels on surblombe la vallée, puis on redescend dans des canyons...tres exitant!
l'étape qui restera gravée c'est Pica-Ollagüe mais je la déconseille en petite voiture...il faut un véhicule adapté 4x4 ou 4x2...on s'est retrouvé embarqué là dedans, il était difficile de faire demi tour mais on a prié très fort pour que la voiture tienne le coup.
piste entièrement défoncée, on s'y est ensablé...à presque 4500m d'altitude. De Pica à Pircas de Coposa, rn passant par le salar de HUasco (sublime), la route est goudronnée ou tout comme...soit belle! après ça se gâte...Pirca-Ujina-Ollagüe défoncée, 60 Km en 6 heure!!!
ensuite, Atacama. cete la vallée de la lune se fait en vélo....avec les centaines de touristes. par contre je conseille de ne pas passer à côté du Salar de Tara, direction la réserve Los Flamencos(proche de la frontière Argentine) ainsi que la lagune Miniques juste après Sacaire et si possible en fin de journée....en redescndant vers Atacama au couchant...la lumière donne au paysage une envie d'y rester....l'autonomie de la voiture le permet.
en partant d'Arica, tout au nord, il ne faut pas manquer le Salar du Surire et le lac Chungara, là nous n'avions pas la voiture, nous sommes partis avec un guide...ce n'est pas nécesssaire.
A l'aéroport, il y a toutes les grandes agences de location. ramener la voiture sur un autre point que le départ reveint plus chers.
les prix sont dégressifs selon la durée de la location bien sûr.
Voilà, j'ai été un peu longue mais les émotions sont encore toutes fraîches.
Compte tenu des distances et de la chaleur il me paraît difficile de visiter autour de San Pedro sans voiture: excepté pour la vallée de la Lune le vélo me paraît une solution pour sportifs très entraînés. Nous n'avons rencontré qu'une seule personne à vélo au cours de nos pérégrinations là bas.
Pour aller en altitude (geysers el Tatio, laguna Miniques, etc..) le 4*4 me paraît vraiment indispensable.
Pour ma part j'avais pré réservé sur le site web Hertz une voiture au départ de Calama car c'était moins cher que sur auto escape (il y a 2 ans)
En avant goût du voyage, quelques photos de cette région magnifique sur mon site http://mjpgouret.free.fr
'lut,
si tu loues à Santiago, essaie de demander les prix chez santaigo rentacar, ils ont une adresse net.
bien sûr, tu dois la rapporter au point de départ, car le rapatriement est aussi cher que tes 1660 billets
j'ai fait 6 fois le nord du pays et je m'en lasse pas.
nul besoin d'un 4x4
avec une voiture ordinaire, même petite tu t'en sors sin problemas; et si tu en as (des 'blèmes) ça fait partie de la mini aventure de cette grande et toujours belle promenade
j'ai fait le nord du Chili avec une toute vieille pick up propulsion, une plus jeune traction, un toute petite citroën, une chevrolet "chevette" et une toute petite suzuki.
je suis encore vivant et entier
ça m'est arrivé de m'ensabler aussi, et puis ...
au nord, si tu tu prends de l'essence de réserve, aussi n'oublies pas l'eau.
douglas
voilà d'autres infos: pour l'essence, nous n'avons pas eu de problèmes. certe les stations ne sont pas nombreuses mais en prévoyant un bidon de secours ça passe. le litre du super95 est en moyenne à 650 à 680 pesos et plus de 700 à St Pedro de Atacama.
nous sommes partis avec des Travellers Cèques en Dollars...grosses erreurs, nous avons beaucoup perdu au change....prenez des Euros!
bonne route
Pourrais-tu me parler du climat à cette époque :au nord? en patagonie?
merci
il lui suffisait de voir une carte pour se mettre à l'étudier avec passion, puis, invariablement, il commençait à projeter quelque nouveau voyage impossible, qui, parfois, se transformait en réalité. »
PAUL BOWLES : « Un Thé au Sahara »
Nous étions mi novembre dans le désert d'Atacama: ciel bleu permanent, soleil chaud dans la journée mais chaleur très sèche donc bien supportable pour de petites randonnées. Sur les bords du salr, la chaleur est cependant très forte, par contre en altitude vers les lagunes c'est très agréable pour marcher. Tôt le matin, il gèle en altitude.
Ensuite, nous sommes descendus vers Chiloe: temps évidemment beaucoup plus doux et pluvieux avec des rafales de vent; mais ça fait partie de l'ambiance de l'île et il y a beaucoup d'alternances de nuages et de soleil avec de puperbes lumières dès que les nuages se déchirent (comme en Islande ou en Norvège)
Fin novembre, début décembre en Patagonie: temps très variable, très venté fidèle à la réputation de la région. température aux alentours de 10°. Plusieurs types de temps au cours de la même journée: giboulées de neige suivies de larges éclaircies et ça recommence
C'est une région fascinante pour les amoureux de grands espaces
il lui suffisait de voir une carte pour se mettre à l'étudier avec passion, puis, invariablement, il commençait à projeter quelque nouveau voyage impossible, qui, parfois, se transformait en réalité. »
PAUL BOWLES : « Un Thé au Sahara »
je viens d'être en contact avec Escape, pas de possibilité de prendre une voiture à Santiago pour la remettre à Buenos aires, 3 semaines plus tard. Au mieux la rendre à Punta Arenas, moyennant 1100 USD supplémentaires, si, si...
je cherche donc toutes bonnes infos pour la location d'une voiture depuis santiago du chili pour un retour à buenos aires.
prendre la voiture à santiago et la rendre à Buenos Aires?
OUBLIE !!
on ne dispose pas assez d'argent pour payer le rapatriement et ça ne se fait tout simplement pas.
si jamais tu découvres une agence acceptant la remise à l'étranger (en Argentine, au Pérou, au Brésil) fais moi signe, ça m'intéresse.
et pour les locations je ne cesse de conseiller santiago rentacar. Ils sont super sympas et vont te chercher à l'aéroport sans supplément. Pris assez potables et voitures en ordre.
douglas
Lis un peu partout que si on loue une voiture au chili on ne peut sortir du pays, pour aller en argentine par ex, alors qu'il y a 2 semaines j'ai vu un couple…
Pour notre voyage en Patagonie mi-avril 2019, nous voulions louer une voiture à Punta Arenas pour 16 jours. Après plusieurs devis, nous avons opté pour une…
Connaissez-vous des loueurs de voitures pour 6 à 10 jours au chili (départ et retour à santiago) pas trop cher, les prix que je trouve sur internet sont…
Quelqu'un connait-il ce loueur de voiture présent au Chili et en Argentine. Je suis tombée sur son site par hasard mais je ne trouve aucune autre information.…
Quelqu'un peut-il me dire si il est possible de louer une voiture au Chili, pour quelques jours, et s'il est possible de se rendre en Argentine avec, et…
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.