J'arriverai à Lima le 31 très tard. J'ai réservé, pour le 1er sept. un guide privé qui nous promènera pendant 6 hrs au centre-ville, dans Miraflores, dans Barranco, dans Chorillos et Callao. (taxi-guide, nous faisons des arrêts photo et si jamais on veut arrêter qq part, il nous attends)
Ensuite, le 2, nous partons pour Arequipa, Puno, Cusco, MP et retour à LIma le 13 à 14h.
Nous repartons pour le Canada le 14 à 22h.
J'ai donc 1 1/2 jour de lousse pour faire des activités dans Lima, juste avant de repartir. Que me suggérez-vous? Qu'est-ce que je dois absolument voir?
Lima 'est pas notre coup de coeur du Pérou. Mais si tu dors à Miraflores et que tu vas au Musée de la Nation (Vraiment super, surtout l'expo sur le sentier lumineux au dernier étage), la journée et demi devrait bien se passer.
Le mur de l'or, jumelé au plus grand musée d'armes au monde ! Super intéressant, mais situé un tantinet à l'extérieur de Miraflores (environ 25 min. de taxi). Il vaut vraiment le détour je crois, mon copain et moi avons adoré !
À éviter : le musée de l'Inquisition...gratuit, mais il n'y a absolument rien à voir d'intéressant...ca ne vaut pas le détour quant à moi, ce n'est qu'un 20 min de perdu dans la journée...
Aussi, tu prends l'avion entre Cuzco et Lima ? Si oui, essaie de ne pas trop prévoir d'activités pour le 13 à Lima, car il y a souvent des retards sur les vols, puisque l'avion ne décolle qu'avec une bonne visibilité et qu'il y a souvent du brouillard sur Cuzco. Nous n'avons eu qu'une heure trente de retard, mais j'ai lu sur le forum une histoire ou plutôt que de partir à 10h, l'avion est parti à 16h...donc prévoir un peu de lousse dans l'horaire. Et puis honnêtement, nous avons apprécié avoir un après-midi de congé pour relaxer un peu et rattraper un peu le sommeil perdu au cours du voyage.
tu as bien fait de revenir sur Lima en avance pour garantir ton vol international.
Tu peux faire beaucoup de chose en 1 journée. Tout depend ce que tu aimes.
Si tu aimes les civilisations pre-incaïques, il y a les musées de la Nation, Larco herrera (Mochica principalement) , Musée de l'or et musée d'archeologie et d'anthropologie
Tu peux aussi voir Pachacamac, le site à la sortie sud de Lima et faire une ballade en remontant la vallée du Lurin ( a pied)
Le 14 tu as aussi le temps de faire les iles ballestas et Paracas sans te presser en partant en bus de Lima le 13 dans l'après midi et coucher à Paracas. Tu as des supers petits restaurants en bord de mer à San Andres. C'est un village de pecheurs, tu ne peux trouver plus frais.....de la mer dans ton assiette
Il faut 4 heures de bus entre Lima et Paracas
L'important pour toi est d'être à 20 heures à l'aeroport.
outres les musées dejà cités, le museo del banco central et le filatelico , tout les 2 gartuits et tres bien fait
Casa de Osambela Oquendo, superbe demeure qui se trouve Jr Conde de Superunda 298 et qui se visite gratuitement(on donne ce que l'on veut)visiste commentée par Lizardo(lizardo-retes25@hotmail.com)
et puis, simplement te balader ds les rues, les places et les parcs, les marchés...
et pourquoi ne pas en profiter pour aller te faire faire une coupe de cheveux avant de rentrer ? pour 20 soles tu peux avoir couleur et coupe!!
MMM
une journée et demi a Lima..
en plus de ce qu a ete sugerée avant.. je profiterais pour passer me coiffer .. je vais à une galerie dans le quartier chinois ( BARRIO CHINO ) oui il y a plein de stylistes... et je profiterai aussi pour manger dans le coin dans un Chifa. m'acheter des bijoux en argent et films . tout de bonne qualité pour deux fois rien .
dans la foulée une ballade a pied vers la Plaza Mayor
peut etre delà une montée au cerro san cristobal .. pour contempler la ville depuis le haut..
il y aussi le spectacle de l'eau et la lumiére .. ( circuito magico del agua) dans le parc de la reserve.
peut etre aussi je profiterais pour me regaler avec des plats du poisson et des fruits de mer en santa catalina ...
malheureusement ce n est pas encore l'ete sinon autre alternative aurait ete d' aller a la plage ( pas la plage de Lima biensure sinon autre 100 Km soit au nord ou sud de la ville)
Allez tout simplement vous assoire sur un banc de la Plaza San Martin ou la Plaza de Armas. Vous n'allez pas rester seule longtemps car nombreux seront ceux qui viendront à vos côtés pour entamer une conversation.
Le Pérou ce sont ses paysages, ses monuments, mais surtout ce sont ses habitants avec quii il est tellement facile d'entrer une relation. Lima est un paradis pour cela. Il est bien dommage que plus aucun touriste ne s'y arrête. Ils ne savent pas ce qu'ils manquent.
c'est bien vrai!!
ns sommes souvent les seuls touristes sur ces places(que ce soit au perou ou en equateur)
mais Chut, ne pas trop le dire, sinon ca va faire comme pour le chemin de santa teresa.....on te fera payer pour t'asseoir sur un banc😉
Salut,
Puisque tu as prévu d'aller faire un tour au Callao, débrouille-toi pour être en début d'après-midi à la Punta. C'est bien connu et c'est trés joli.
Et tu vas surtout en profiter pour manger du très bon poisson. Un seul plat est largement suffisant. Essaye donc la parihuela...
Buen viaje
PS: En ce qui me concerne, le musée que je préfère en début de voyage, c'est le musée national d'archéologie et anthropoplogie de Pueblo Libre: il te donne un cadre général de l'histoire des civilisations pré-incaiques qui se termine bien entendu par les Incas. Très pédagogique et très enrichissant.
En une journée à Lima, voici ce que j'ai fait :
Nous avons visité la Cathédrale (10 soles en 2007), la Plaza de Armas, le Museo San Francisco (5 soles en 2007) avec les catacombes. Apres déjeuner, nous avons pris un taxi pour le musée archeologique dans lequel nous avons passé l'apres midi entière tellement il est interressant (il faut dire que notre guide, en français, était vraiment une pasionnée!). L'entrée du musée était à 11 soles et la guide à 15 soles.
Sur la place Simon Bolivar (devant laquelle se trouve le musée) nous avons eu la chance de trouver une fête du Pisco ! Autant dire que nous en avons profité ! 😛
Et mon coup de coeur va au musée archéologique, et à l'ambiance sur la place Sinom Bolivar !
Perso j'ai pas trouvé Lima terrible. Le centre ville n'a rien d'extraordinaire et autour des bidonvilles s'étendent à perte de vue. 🤪
J'ai été trés déçu par le musée de la nacion, un grand batiment pratiquement vide, trés peu d'exposition à voir quand j'y étais. Par contre j'ai trouvé le musée de l'or à Miraflower intéressant et mon coup de coeur c'est le musée Larco. C'est là que j'ai vu les plus belles poteries précolombiennes (et je ne parle pas des poteries érotiques attrape touristes...), tout est trés bien expliqué et faire un tour dans leur énorme réserve est impressionnant !😮
effectivement, le musée de la nacion n'est pas terrible(meme au pt de vue architectural)c'est pourquoi je conseille celui del banco central , qui plus est, est gratuit
en regle general, je ne trouve pas les musées d'amerique du sud(ceux que je connais) tres bien fait, par contre nous ne sommes jms decus par ceux, municipaux ou del banco central qui la plupart du temps sont gratos, tu donnes ce que tu veux en sortant
L'amie avec qui je voyage déteste TOUS les musées au plus haut point (contrairement à moi qui travaille dans le milieu culturel), donc j'espère bien arriver à en visiter un. POur l'instant, j'hésite entre larco et banco central. Mais on verra rendus là-bas.
Elle aime plutôt tout ce que nous pouvons faire à l'extérieur, et de ce côté aussi, vous m'avez bien outillée.
Je suis péruvien et maintenant j'habite à Toulouse. La nourriture peruvienne est la meilleure de l'Amerique! donc je te conseille d' aller aux suivants restaurants:
La mar situé à Miraflores ou tu pourra gouter le ceviche et differents plats faits de poisson et fruit de mer!
Manos Morenas situé à Miraflores aussi!
cote historique, il y a de ruins à Miraflores nommé " Huaca pucllana" et pres de lima es situé le sactuaire de pachacamac!
Bonjour
A Barranco la nuit ... des bars et de la musique Puente de los Suspiros
et le jour pour voir les dernières maisons 1900 avant leur remplacement par
des tours luxueuses ....
Resto très agréable en fin de voyage : Mezze Café Av. Larco 1155 Miraflores
un peu chic mais si bon pour son ceviche ....
C B
Comme proposé par Los Niños précedemment Pachacamac c'est vraiment sympa à voir.
Sinon si comme moi les musées c'est pas trop ta tasse de thé je te propose d'aller sur le malecon de miraflores (près du parque del amor) pour faire une petite session de parapente, je pense que ça devrait te plaire ! Moi en tout cas j'ai adoré ;)
Florent : Tu as les coordonnées du resto que tu suggères?
Y4nn : Du parapente! Ce serait vraiment cool en tandem (j'veux pas me casser le cou juste avant de repartir!). C'était bien? Cher? Je trouverais facilement ou aller?
Oui tu trouveras sans probleme a côté du parque del amor tu ne peux pas les rater !
Le vol se fait avec un instructeur et toi assise devant en lui en contrebas, pour ce qui est du tarif je pense que c'était dans les 30$ mais je te jure que ça vaut le coup !
Si tu es tentée de le faire prend ton appareil photo pour prendre des vues aériennes de l'océan et de lima c'est terrible !!! Je l'ai fait en sortant d'un restaurant avec une amie on s'est bien marrés !!!
Si tu as une adresse mail je peux te montrer des vidéos et des photos que j'ai pris ;)
autre resto-traiteur très sympa et pas cher sur Miraflores; Vlady pres du paseo de la republica derriere le plazza vea de l'av.Arequipa, calle general Suarez par là, sinon, la Mar oui c'est très bien pour le chupe de camaron et plats de fruits de mer et poissons.
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.
I live in Quindío and I’ve seen a lot of worried questions since the August earthquake. Here’s an update for those planning a trip to the coffee region.
Tourist sites are operating normally: Salento, the Cocora Valley, Filandia, and Pereira Airport are open and welcoming travelers. The region needs visitors—coming here directly helps the locals.
A few tips to plan your stay:
• Airports: Pereira and Armenia, each about 1 hour from Salento.
• Where to stay: Salento for the vibe and proximity to Cocora, Filandia, or a *finca* near Quimbaya for more tranquility.
• Cocora: Easy to explore independently from Salento, with the Willys (local jeeps) leaving from the square. Go early to avoid crowds.
• La Carbonera: Less known, wilder, and home to the largest wax palm forest. The road is long—best done in a 4x4 or with a Willy driver.
• Coffee: Many small family-run *fincas* offer tours around Salento and Filandia.
• Hot springs: Santa Rosa de Cabal, on the way to Pereira.
• Duration: Plan at least 3 days to enjoy without rushing.
If you have any questions about the region, ask away—I’m happy to help.
Hi everyone! I’m heading to Colombia in January 2026 and have a few questions. In Salento, which is better to do—Cocora Valley or Carbonera Valley? After that, I want to fly from Medellín to Rincón del Mar. Is there an airport in Tolú? I can’t find any info. Thanks in advance, and *buen viajé* to all! Kristian
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! 🙂
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 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.
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
