Je vous explique mon probleme... on compte partir au Perou a 2 dans 15 jours, mais nous n'avons pas eu le temps de faire les reservation jusqu a present a part les billets d avion. nous comptons faire lima/nasca/arequipa/lac titicaca/cusco et machu picchu en bus et sac a dos. nous avons passe tout le week end a essayer de faire nos reservation mais a part le train jusqu au machu depuis ollantaytambo on a pas pu reserver nos transports en bus hotel ou excursion.
pensez vous que l'on puisse tout faire au jour le jour sur place (booker les hotel, bus et excursions) ou y a t il des choses a booker a tout prix avant le depart (on compte reserver le vol retour cusco lima).
Je sais bien que la situation parrait un peu absurde, mais voila ou on en est avec un aller retour pour Lima dans 15 jours et pas grand chose d autre....Merci pour vos conseils
Je viens de passer un mois au Pérou, je n'avais réservé que pour mon aller retour Paris-Lima et une nuit à Arequipa vu que j'avais eu les coordonnées d'une auberge de jeunesse qui me semblait vraiment très chouette. Pour le reste j'ai tout fait sur place. Je réservais au plus tard la veille pour mes logement et trajet de bus (et souvent j'attendais le moment même) et je n'ai vraiment eu aucun problème. Pour les excursions, je n'en ai fait que 2 plus un trek et tout a été réservé la veille (ou le jour même pour les iles du titicaca, via les iliens).
Nous sommes partis en septembre dernier sans avoir effectué de réservations au préalable.
Aout est peut-être un peu plus fréquenté?
Dès nos arrivées à Aréquipa, Puno ou Cusco, on s'arrangeait pour réserver nos billets de bus pour repartir.
Soit environ 2 ou 3 jours avant de repartir.
En arrivant sur place, tu trouveras suffisament de rabateurs pour te proposer une excursion, un hôtel ou
même des massages à Cusco !!!
Pense à acheter ton billet d'entrée pour le Machu à Cusco pour éviter l'attente à Agua-Calientes.
Au contraire, cela te permet, en visitant les villes, de mettre les nombreuses petites agences en concurrence..
Même un taxi peut t'emmener faire un tour de la Ville (il vaut mieux le faire à pied), mais plutôt les environs.
A noter, qu'à Arequipa, j'ai vu une "police touristique".. Je ne sais pas si cela existe beaucoup ailleurs. Mais c'est toujours utile à savoir.. A l'OT d'Arequipa, sur la plaza de Armas, tu peux aussi avoir la surprise de rencontrer un français qui fait son stage, et te donner des renseignements précieux..
Je te parle d'Arequipa, car je l'ai trouvée superbe avec son Misti (pas si gris) qui trône majestueusement et que l'on voit de partout..
J'y retournerai un jour, c'est sûr, car j'ai envie de prendre le temps de visiter la région.
Je viens d' aller sur ton blog.Vraiment bien fait avec pas mal d' infos pratiques.J'aurais bien aimé(mais il y' a tellement de choses )que tu indiques les endroits ou tu as dormi, certains prix(excu sur les iles en autres).
Je pars dans 17 jours au pérou, pour 23 jours avec à peu près le mème trajet, (j'inclu ballestras, le survol de nazca, et le chemin de l' incas en 4 jours).
Ton voyage a été riche en découverte et rencontre.
Encore bravo pour ce beau blog, qui m' as fait vivre ton voyage, en m' imaginant mon voyage.
Si tu peux donner qq infos, d' ordres pratiques, prix, endroit ou chose dont tu aurais zappé avec le recul, merci de tes réponses.
Enfin dernière question(qui peux paraitre conne, mais bon)quel est le prix à négocier pour un bonnetpéruvien (une fourchette).
IL n'y a pas besoin de reserver. Vous vous présenter dans les agences de tourisme situées à plaza mayor de chaque ville qui organisent des mini circuits à bien meilleurs prix que de l'étranger (prix péruvien). Il faut juste comparer avec l'agence voisine pour faire baisser le prix. Ils essayent de vendre plus cher aux touristes non péruviens. Pour le bus pas besoin non plus mais il faut voyager de jour et ne pas prendre soyouz la plus mortelle. Pour les hotels non plus. Je vous conseille de faire Lima au final. Vous y trouverez les prix les plus faibles. Les souvenirs en province sont au mieux au double du prix de Lima. Pour le shopping Lima est idéal
Tout d'abord merci, ça fait toujours plaisir de recevoir un feed back positif sur le blog.
Pour les aspects pratiques ça devrait venir... les récits qui sont sur le blog ont été rédigés de là bas et donc c'était surtout basé sur le vécu. Je finis de charger les albums photos et puis je m'y attele normalement.
Tu as déjà réservé pour le chemin de l'inca? Sinon tu ne pourras pas le faire... mais le Salkantay vaut vraiment le coup si tu dois choisir une alternative.
Pour les logements:
Aréquipa: Arequipay backpackers http://www.arequipaybackpackers.com/ (20 soles la nuit en dortoir si je me souviens bien) Je recommande vraiment!!!
Canyon del colca: Cabanaconde: La maison des français (10 soles, seule) - Dans le fond du canyon j'ai dormi à San Juan, je ne me souviens pas du nom de l'endroit mais je dois pouvoir retrouver dans les prospectus que j'ai, sinon c'est facile de trouver où loger là, c'était vide partout (10 soles aussi je pense)
Puno: El manzano (20 soles en chambre seule), je peux essayer de chercher l'adresse si elle t'intéresse (c'est dans le lonely que j'ai perdu... mais peut être aussi dans un autre guide que j'ai)
Cuzco: Hospedaje Emmanuel (cuesta Siete cuartones, 15 soles après négociation, chambre seule) Certaines chambres sont un peu bruyantes... mais prix faible pour Cuzco
Ayacucho: Hospedaje tres mascara (dans la rue du même nom, un peu moins de 20 soles je crois, je ne me rappelle plus) Je recommande également, très bon accueil
Lima: Barranco's Backpacker: 30 soles en dortoir, très bien http://www.barrancobackpackers.com/
Les prix indiqués sont toujours avec salle de bain commune, si tu veux une salle de bain privée c'est un peu plus chèr.
Il me semble que j'ai toujours eu de l'eau bien chaude à Ayacucho et Lima... aux autres endroit plus souvent tiède.
Bonjour a tous et vraiment merci bcp pour vos reponses et conseils, me voila rassure avant le depart!
je n'ai pas pu reserver le chemin de l inca, j ai vu l alternative salkantay, mais 5 jour ca fait beaucoup sur 2 semaines, si on veux avoir le temps de visiter le reste c est pas evident...
maintenant, l avantage de partir en sac a dos et de ne rien reserver c est qu on pourra faire a l inspiration, l essentiel, c etait vraiment de savoir que l'on pourrait toujours trouver un toit pour dormir, meme en pleinne periode touristique.
Donc merci encore pour votre reactivite!
Je vous en diraitsi ca s est aussi bien passe que ca dans quelques semaines ;-)
Si tu n'as pas 5 jours mais que tu en as 4 (ce qui est la durée du chemin de l'inca) et que tu aimes le vélo il existe aussi qqch comme "le jungle trail" où tu fais une partie à vélo et une partie à pied pour rejoindre le machu pichu. (je ne connais pas les proportions vélo/marche, ne l'ayant pas fait... mais tu trouveras partout des agences pour te renseigner (et si tu est curieux tu peux aller voir une idée là, c'est l'agence où j'avais réservé pour le Salkantay... mais n'ayant pas assez de monde ils m'ont envoyé avec une agence d'amis à eux http://www.lizexplorer.com/jungle5.htm)
Merci Angelique de tes réponses.Ces adresses me seront trés utiles.J'essairai de m'y rendre, car d' aprés tes impressions cela n' a pas l' air trpo mal.
Est ce que l' hotel de cuzco se trouve bien prés de l' église santa teresa ?
En èspérant lire la suite de ton blog avant mon départ, merci de tes réponses
Oui il se trouve effectivement pas loin de cette Eglise.
Les hôtels ne sont pas trop mal... mais tout dépend évidement du niveau de confort que tu souhaites. Il m'est quand même arrivé de prendre une douche froide et souvent des douches tièdasses, ça c'est à toi de voir. Ceux que je recommande le plus vivement sont ceux d'Aréquipa (une très chouette ambiance backpacker et un bon, petit dej avec jus d'orange pressé, pain et banane... si tu y vas remets mon bonjour à Chris, Claire et Christina qui devraient encore être là et sont tout 3 dans le même dortoir, celui que j'occupais aussi), celui d'Ayacucho et celui de Lima (à nouveau l'air d'une très bonne ambiance backpacker mais pas eu vraiment le temps d'en profiter).
Beaux souvenirs que j'ai retrouvés sur ton site !!
La route Ayacucho - Abancay a été le terme involontaire de notre voyage et la rencontre d'une
très sympathique "toubib" avec qui nous correspondons encore.
Prochain retour au Pérou à l'étude pour poursuivre le périple commencé !!
C B
Bonjour, également entain de préparer mon voyage, je ne réserve aucun transport, je ferai tout sur place à partir des terminaux terrestres.
pour cusco, je vais réserver par mail au gite aquarelacuscohostel.com: hébergement : 18 € en chambre double et petit déj = 1.10 € le diner par personne
à Lma, je réserve par mail à Homeperu, en plein centre pour 20 €/2 personnes et ils disposent d'une agence sur place qui peut t'effectuer toutes tes réservations.
à pisco, j'ai également une famille, qui t'héberge en demi pension te fait visiter les iles ballestas et la réserve de paracas pour un package de 58 €/2 personnes :ballestastravelpisco@hotmail.com
à PUNO/ eL Manzano lodge qui te prépare si tu veux ton escapade sur le titicaca la nuit en pt déj: 11 €/2 pers
et à AREQUIPA/ hÖTEL Posado de sancho dans les mêmes prix
Pour le canion de colca, on m'a indique l'agence Colonial Tours, 106 rue Santa Catalina à AREQUIPA qui organise l'excursion sur 2 j en minibus à prix corrects
voilà ce que j'ai préparé
comme tu pars avant moi, peux tu au retour me faire part de tes impressions sur tout cela
bon voyage et à bientôt de te lire
GI
je pars pour le PEROU le 7 septembre prochain soit dans un mois !!!!!
Cependant je suis un peu inquiète faut il réserver maintenant le train pour le MATCHU PITCHU ou peut-on tout faire depuis CUSCO a notre arriver ?
Merci
Karen
Je n'ai pas pris le train pour y aller, je suis passée par un trek, je suppose qu'on peut très bien réserver de là... mais avec une petite recherche tu dois pouvoir trouver la réponse aisément sur le forum, je sais que la question revient souvent. Pour le retour normalement on le faisait en train (mais c'est l'agence du trek qui réservait... mais il y avait grève donc on a marché le long des rails jusqu'à la centrale hydroélectrique afin d'y prendre un minibus qu'on a fait venir)
La plupart des infos sur mon parcours se trouvent dans mon blog. Si tu as d'autres questions je peux y répondre.
ok merci beaucoup, biensur on parle beaucoup du sujet sur le site mais j'ai plus ou moins les deux versions !
Je pense qu'on verra directement là-bas !! On a déjà beaucoup de chance de partir peut-etre nous suivra t elle là-bas !!!!
Karen
un bueños dias de arepiqua ou je me trouve au backpackers.effectivement bon et agreable endroit pour se poser.tu asle bonjour d evelyne la receptionniste.je pars vers puno ce matin.
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 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.
