I’ll be traveling to Peru in August 2025. Unfortunately, I only have 12 days to visit this amazing country. I’m torn between doing a fast-paced trip where I see every sight but don’t really soak it all in, or going for a lighter itinerary that lets me enjoy the moment more.
Right now, I’ve narrowed it down to three options and I’d love to hear your thoughts on which one to pick.
Option 1
August 14, 2025
Flight Canada – Lima
Visit Lima
Stay in Lima
August 15, 2025
Flight Lima – Cusco
Visit Cusco
Stay in Cusco
August 16, 2025
Visit Humantay Lake
Stay in Cusco
August 17, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 18, 2025
Visit Machu Picchu
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 19, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Cusco
August 20, 2025
Visit Rainbow Mountains
Stay in Cusco
August 21, 2025
Flight Cusco – Lima
Bus Lima to Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
August 22, 2025
Visit Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
August 23, 2025
Visit Paracas
Stay in Huacachina
August 24, 2025
Bus Huacachina – Lima
Visit Lima
Stay in Lima
August 25, 2025
Flight Lima – Canada
Option 2
August 14, 2025
Flight Canada – Lima
Bus Lima – Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
August 15, 2025
Visit Huacachina
Bus Huacachina – Arequipa
Overnight bus
August 16, 2025
Visit Arequipa
Stay in Arequipa
August 17, 2025
Colca Canyon
Transfer Arequipa – Puno
Stay in Puno
August 18, 2025
Visit Lake Titicaca
Bus Puno – Cusco (7:00 AM)
Overnight bus
August 19, 2025
Visit Humantay Lake
Stay in Cusco
August 20, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 21, 2025
Visit Machu Picchu
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 22, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Cusco
August 23, 2025
Visit Rainbow Mountains
Stay in Cusco
August 24, 2025
Flight Cusco – Lima
Visit Lima
Stay in Lima
August 25, 2025
Flight Lima – Canada
Option 3
August 14, 2025
Flight Canada – Lima
Bus Lima – Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
August 15, 2025
Visit Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
August 16, 2025
Visit Paracas
Stay in Paracas
August 17, 2025
Bus Paracas – Lima
Flight Lima – Cusco
Stay in Cusco
August 18, 2025
Visit Cusco
Stay in Cusco
August 19, 2025
Visit Humantay Lake
Stay in Cusco
August 20, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 21, 2025
Visit Machu Picchu
Stay in Ollantaytambo
August 22, 2025
Visit Sacred Valley
Stay in Cusco
August 23, 2025
Visit Rainbow Mountains
Stay in Cusco
August 24, 2025
Flight Cusco – Lima
Visit Lima
Stay in Lima
August 25, 2025
Flight Lima – Canada
12 days with 10 days on-site means you’ll have to make some choices.
You seem to be prioritizing Huacachina, which I’m not familiar with.
On paper, why not!
But over 10 days, is it really a good idea to go to Peru for 3 days in sand dunes that you can see elsewhere in the world?
Personally, I’d focus on the must-sees:
- Machu Picchu (obviously)
- The Sacred Valley (right next to it)
- Cusco (as the starting point for the two above)
- And Lake Titicaca
And I’d build my 10 days around these highlights (which you won’t find anywhere else).
I’d skip Lima (the gray city) since it doesn’t offer much.
I’d have to give up Nazca because it’s also a must-see (but it’s far).
And I’d regret missing Colca and Arequipa, which would’ve needed 3 extra days (though Misti is stunning on the way to see the condors of Colca).
In short:
Day 1: Flight to Lima + Flight to Juliaca (Night in Puno)
Days 2-3: Lake Titicaca (Uros, Amantani (1 night), Taquile) and 1 night in Puno after the boat ride
Day 4: Transfer to Cusco (via Palcoyo, which is more on the route) – Night in Cusco
Day 5: Cusco city – Night in Cusco
Day 6: Sacred Valley with a driver: Pisac + Ollantaytambo + Maras salt mines + Moray – Night in Cusco
Days 7-8: Trek to Machu Picchu (1 night on the trek and 1 night in Aguas Calientes)
Day 9: Machu Picchu (8:00 AM to 12:00 PM on-site – Circuit #2) and return by the 3:00 PM train – Night in Cusco
Day 10: Cusco city – Night in Cusco
Day 11: Early morning departure to Vinicunca, then rest – Night in Cusco
Day 12: Return flight Cusco – Lima – Home
Thanks for the info :)
I’ve decided to focus on Huacachina and Cusco instead.
I’ve actually wanted to go to Bolivia for a while, but I never find flights at a good price. I realized that my logical option next time will be to arrive in Lima, take a domestic flight to Juliaca, visit Lake Titicaca, and cross into Bolivia.
So, the only thing I’ll really miss is the Canyon, but I’d rather enjoy the trip than try to see everything and end up seeing nothing. I’d happily skip Lima, but I’m keeping a day just in case I have any flight issues.
Here’s where I’m at right now:
D1 (August 14)
Flight from Canada to Lima (9:30 AM)
Explore Lima
Stay in Lima
D2 (August 15)
Flight from Lima to Cusco (8:40 AM – 10:05 AM)
Explore Cusco
Stay in Cusco
D3 (August 16)
Visit Humantay Lake
Stay in Cusco
D4 (August 17)
Explore the Sacred Valley
(Pisac – Ollantaytambo)
Stay in Ollantaytambo
D5 (August 18)
Visit Machu Picchu
Stay in Ollantaytambo
D6 (August 19)
Explore the Sacred Valley
(Maras – Moray – Chinchero)
Stay in Cusco
D7 (August 20)
Visit Rainbow Mountain or Palcoyo
Stay in Cusco
D8 (August 21)
Flight from Cusco to Lima (7:55 AM – 9:25 AM)
Transport from Lima to Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
D9 (August 22)
Explore Huacachina
Stay in Huacachina
D10 (August 23)
Transport from Huacachina to Paracas
Explore Paracas
Stay in Paracas
D11 (August 24)
Transport from Paracas to Lima
Explore Lima
Stay in Lima
D12 (August 25)
Flight from Lima to Montreal (6:00 AM)
- Days 4/5/6: visit the Sacred Valley BEFORE Machu Picchu. You can return to Cusco after Pisac and continue exploring Cusco (there’s a lot to see, including Q'enqo, Sqsaywaman, and the Cristo Blanco). Then visit Maras, Moray, and Chinchero, and stay overnight in Ollantaytambo.
Once you’ve seen Machu Picchu, the other sites might seem less extraordinary.
In August, book Machu Picchu + the train VERY quickly.
- Day 8: Cusco/Lima flight + transfer to Huacachina: Be careful with flights from Cusco—they often leave 1 or 2 hours late (especially in the morning) due to fog in the valley.
Also, for the Lima airport/bus station transfer, check that there are afternoon buses to Huacachina (it’s over a 5-hour trip).
Great idea to spend some time in Lima—I really liked the city. Stay near Plaza de Armas; it’s less touristy than Miraflores.
On my profile, there’s a little travel journal of my trip there, even if it’s a bit dated now 😉
Hi there.
I’d go with option 2 because of the altitude.
It’s better to stop first in Arequipa, which is at 2,300 m, rather than heading straight to Cusco at around 3,500 m.
That way, you’ll likely avoid altitude sickness.
Gérard
Ouch.
You land at 0m, Cusco is at 3,300m minimum.
It’s important to acclimatize around 2,200m before going higher.
That’s asking for trouble.
I’m a mountaineer—I know what I’m talking about.
Many people go through Arequipa for good reason.
Up to you.
For altitude, drink coca mate, though the effectiveness of this drink is debatable.
Otherwise, ask for sorochi pills in Lima.
But still, take them with caution.
Sorry, but I don’t agree with you.
Acclimatization should happen naturally.
As a mountaineer, I think you need to respect the stages.
Last year, above 4,000m, I had to rescue someone who had just arrived from Lima.
Do as you see fit.
To be honest, I arrived by plane around 10:00 PM the night before in Quito, spent the night there, then took the bus early the next morning to my hostel. Borrowed a bike and rode up Cotopaxi... Halfway there, my head felt like it was going to explode. I went back to the hotel, had some coca tea, and they explained that people usually go up by bike in a pick-up truck and then ride down. So the next day, I tried it again—went up in a pick-up taxi, left my bike at the refuge at the top, hiked up to the snow on foot, and then rode down on the bike!
That’s why I thought about spending two days in Cusco to rest and hydrate before heading to Machu Picchu, which is at a lower altitude.
I would’ve loved to visit Arequipa, but the 12-hour overnight bus ride didn’t appeal to me, unfortunately.
Actually, I already landed in Quito at 2,800 m, and the next day I climbed Cotopaxi at 5,000 m.
I think arriving at 3,000 m in Cusco, spending 2 relaxed days there before heading to Machu Picchu at 2,500 m shouldn’t be too bad!
Hey,
There shouldn’t be any issues since you’re not prone to AMS, and after your hike to Lake Humantay, you’ll descend to sleep in Cusco anyway...
Personally, I’d spend more time in the mountains (around Cusco), maybe Puno and Lake Titicaca, and skip Ica/Huacachina (meh), Paracas, etc.—basically that whole coast, which I didn’t find all that great.
If you’d had more time, I would’ve suggested (instead of the Pacific coast) heading to the Cordillera Blanca (Huaraz, Caraz).
PS: I’d skip Lima too (didn’t like it)—one day is enough!
Personally, I’d spend more time in the mountains (around Cuzco), maybe even Puno and Lake Titicaca, and skip Ica/Huacachina (meh), Paracas, etc.—basically that whole coast I didn’t find all that great.
If you’d had more time, I would’ve suggested (instead of the Pacific coast) heading to the Cordillera Blanca (Huaraz, Caraz).
PS: I’d skip Lima too (didn’t like it)—one day is enough!
I was tempted to give the same advice, but given the profile pic, not sure it’d be taken ;)
For Lima, I disagree—I really liked the city (no need to stay a week, though, we’re on the same page...)
For Lima, I beg to differ—I really liked the city (though there’s no need to stay a week, we agree on that...)
First off, I’m not really a big city person... The first time I visited, I found the city sad and gray; I must’ve been in the wrong neighborhood 😕
I passed through again in 2009 on a quick stopover from Bolivia, and it had (in my opinion) gotten a facelift! Much cleaner and more modern than before. (Prices had gone up too, just like the rest of Peru!)
Whether you visit or not, if you’ve got time, sure; if you’re short on time, there are better places to see...
Ps: I’d skip Lima too (I didn’t like it)—1 day is enough!
Even if Lima doesn’t seem like a charming city at first glance, it’d be a shame to skip the colonial architecture in the center (keep in mind it was a viceroyalty city) and the excellent museums like the archaeology one.
Aw, my girlfriend really wanted to go to Huacachina :s
We had to make some choices, and since I’m planning to go to Bolivia in the next few years, I figured I’d skip Lake Titicaca this year—it’s easier for me to find a flight ticket from Montreal to Lima.
So, my next trip would be Lima-Arequipa-Colca Valley-Lake Titicaca, then cross overland into Bolivia.
Yeah, Huaraz looks amazing, but I’d need at least a minimum of 3 days there.
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. 😉
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 😊 🇧🇷
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 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.
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,
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!
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 was wondering—I’m planning to go to Brazil on December 25th (until around mid-February) and land in São Paulo or Rio (since those are the only two southern destinations you can fly into from Europe). I’d maybe like to start in the south of the country—is it worth going there? If so, where should I begin: Florianópolis, Porto Alegre, or somewhere else before heading north?
Okay, I saw Iguaçu Falls in January 2024, so I’m skipping that stop during my trip. What route would you recommend to see the best destinations? I’m skipping the Amazon because of the rain—I only want to stay in dry, sunny regions.
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 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
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.
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.
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
