je souhaiterais passer quelques jours dans la partie amazonienne du perou.
quel est le meilleur endroit? iquitos? le parc de Manu (mais pour ce que j'ai vu lodges abominablement chers), ou autre?
où est il possible de prendre des bateaux de ligne reguliere pour naviguer sur l'amazone?
si certains d'entre vous ont quelques endroits et lodges ou agences de guide à me conseiller?
je voudrais grosso modo consacrer 7 ou 8 jours a me balader dans cette partie du perou
Décidemment on dirait que ton voyage a des points communs avec le nôtre !
Donc, l'Amazonie.
Nous, on n'avait pas envie des lodges et des trucs d'agence qu'on te propose à Iquitos.
Dans le Lonely Planet on a trouvé les coordonnées de l'association des guides du village de Lagunas qui t'emmènent en pleine forêt dans la réserve Pacaya-Samiria. On est partis à quatre avec un guide (il s'appelle Kleber Saldana) et son assistant pendant quatre jours en pirogue pour beaucoup moins cher que les agences et c'était super (notre blog : www.histoiresdevoir.canalblog.com).
Tu trouveras leur téléphone dans le LP Pérou ou aux bureaux de la réserve Pacaya Samiria à Iquitos.
Lagunas se trouve à deux ou trois jours de bateau d'Iquitos, mais à seulement douze heures de Yurimaguas.
Oublie pas la crème anti-moustiques et les vaccinations.
Fais un beau voyage.
merci pour les infos
en fait ce que je souhaite faire, c'est aller à Huaraz du 7 au 12 aout pour faire un trek du 8 au 12. honnetement je prefererais reserver un trak sur place plutot que de reserver a l'avance pour savoir ou je mets les pieds en esperant ne pas rester bloqué deux jours a attendre. (car je fais ça avec deux autres personnes qui doivent imperativement rentrer à lima pour le 13 au matin)
L'idée est d'aller ensuite de Huaraz jusqu'à Iquitos sans prendre l'avion. Pour cela je dispose de 12 jours.
si tu es allé par là, peux tu me dire si le planning suivant est tenable?
jour 1: Huaraz/chiclayo en bus (je n'ai pas trouvé d'horaire sur LP mais il me semble qu'en changeant à chimbote c'est faisable en une journée)
jour 2: chiclayo/chachapoya en bus (semble prendre une douzaine d'heures)
jour 3: chachapoya/tarapoto (environ 6 heures de bus d'apres ce que j'ai vu)
jour 4: se reposer peut etre a tarapoto et dans ses environs
jour 5: tarapoto/yurimaguas (environ 6 heures de bus)
jour 6: bateau yurimaguas/lagunas
jour 7: visite de la reserve de pacaya samiria
jour 8: visite de la reserve de pacaya samiria
jour 9: bateau lagunas/iquitos
jour 10: bateau lagunas/iquitos
jour 11:visite d'iquitos
jour 12: visite d'iquitos
jour 13: avion iquitos/lima
est ce que c'est possible tout ça? à l'écrire, j'ai l'impression que c'est un peu chargé. dans LP, ils disent que le bateau prend un jour et deux nuits de yurimaguas à iquitos mais j'ai l'impression que c'est aleatoire et que c'est difficile de savoir quand on arrive.
Quel parcours aviez vous fait et en combien de jours?
notre idée serait de pouvoir dans le délai de 13 jours aller de huaraz à la reserve et iquitos. Comme il ne semble pas y avoir d'avion pour aller par exemplle de chiclayo a tarapoto ou yurimaguas, ça a l'ai compliqué.
j'oubliais.... au vue de mes recherches j'ai l'impression que vouloir aller de huaraz à chiclayo directement est assez galere... quelqu'un l'a t il deja essayé. Ou vaut il mieux revenir à lima et se prendre simplement un vol lima chiclayo?
derniere question: quels sont les vaccins indispensables si l'on fait un tour dans la jungle (dans le parc national par exemple )?
Pacaya Samiria est effectivement super. Par contre il faut faire au moins 3 jours dans la réserve pour que cela vaille vraiment le coups (et 4 c'est mieux).
Pour ce qui est du trajet:
Pour ce qui est de Huaraz Chiclayo, tu seras peut être obligé de faire un changement à Trujillo ou Chimbote.
A moins de vouloir visiter Kuelap, je te conseille de faire un Chiclayo-Tarapoto direct (Movil Tour est la meilleure compagnie sur ce trajet et la plus rapide, tu peux faire le trajet de nuit en environ 12/14 heures).
Les environs de tarapoto sont sympas mais si tu es préssé par le temps.......
Tarapoto-Yurimaguas se fait en 03h30 environ en taxi collectif, le seul inconnu étant l'heure de départ (le taxi part quand il a ses 4 passagers) je te conseille d'arriver assez tot au Paradero. Si tu arrive assez tot et que tu as un peu de chance tu pourras prendre un bateau le jour même pour Lagunas (ils partent normalement entre 15h00 et 21h00.....sauf quand ils ne partent que le lendemain....) et y arriver le lendemain matin trés tot.
Donc si tu as de la chance et que tu peux tout enchainer, tu peux faire le trajet de Chiclayo à Lagunas en 1 nuit + 1 journée + 1 nuit.
Aprés tu reviens de la réserve généralement en début d'aprés midi et si tu as de la chance tu peux choper un bateau dans la nuit ou au petit matin.
Pour raccourcir le trajet arréte toi à Nauta au lieu d'Iquitos et de là tu termines en taxi ou combi (1 heure) jusqu'a Iquitos. Tu gagnes environ 8 heures.
Pour la visite de la réserve, tu peux appeler 1 ou 2 jours avant pour essayer de réserver pour éviter de perdre une journée à lagunas avant de pouvoir partir...
J'ai déjà laissé plusieurs messages sur le site avec le téléphone de Kleber Saldana et celui de son Beau frere Gamaniel qui sont 2 des meilleurs guides. Le frere de Kleber, Edinson est bien aussi.
oui, j'ai fait le tour de la plupart des messages que tu as posté sur le sujet mais je n'ai pas trouvé les coordonnées du guide que tu mentionnes. Peux tu me les communiquer?
je ne pensais pas que tarapoto /yurimaguas se faisait aussi rapidement. Peut etre les durées de 8h environ que j'avaius trouvées concernait le bus.
chiclayo/tarapoto direct, c'est une idée bien qu'on loupe les paysages (mais c'est souvent le cas au perou où je suis deja allé deux fois car c'est desormais le pays de ma belle famille!) cela dit apres 12 à 14 de bus, je pense que je ferai une halte de 24h a tarapoto (ne pouvant jamais dormir ni meme me reposer dans les transoprts).
En restant un jour a tarapoto, quel site sympa (j'ai lu qu'il y avait des endroits pour se baigner dans les environs) pourrais je visiter en un jour?
Tous les bateaux s'arretent à Nauta? (en tout cas c'est une bonne idée ).
Sur le chemin, je pense que je m'arreterai aussi 1 ou deux jours a trujillo qui m'a l'air interessant.
sinon, pour les vaccins? j'ai celui de la fievre jaune. Faut il refaire celui de l'hepatite A et B? faut il prévoir des antipaludeens style lariam?
tel de Kleber SALDANA (65) 40.10.09 et celui de Gamaniel VALLES (65) 40.10.07.
La route Tarapoto-Yurimaguas étaient trés mauvaise d'où des trajets en bus trés long. Ils en ont refait la majeure partie ce qui rends les trajets plus rapides et les taxis sont bien sur plus rapides que les bus.
A tarapoto, tu peux aller à la cataracta de l'Ahuashiyacu. La laguna azul, ça fait loin pour une journée reposante. Pour te baigner tu as aussi des récréos dans le quartier de Morales. En fait Pour visiter des trucs sympas facilement, je trouve qu'il y a plus de chose vers Moyobamba (environ 02h00 avant d'arriver à Tarapoto par la Carretera Marginale) mais celà te ferais perdre un peu trops de temps je pense.
Tous les bateaux s'arrétent.....partout. En fait c'est la principale source de lenteur des bateaux, c'est qu'ils s'arrétent dés que quelqu'un fait signe de s'arréter sur la rive ou que quelqu'un veut descendre.....
Pour ls vaccins, fiévre jaune, hépatites, tétanos et Typhoide conseillés. Pour les antipaludéens, c'est une question de choix. Perso je ne prends rien. La maladie met au moins une semaine à se manifester et quand tu restes que 3 ou 4 jours en forêt (avec maxi 2 jours de bateau en plus) tu seras arrivé dans une grande ville avec un hopital avant qu'elle se manifeste. Et j'évite ainsi les effets secondaires du Lariam. (Autreement prends de la Malorone, mais c'est cher de l'ordre de 3 euros par jour si les prix n'ont pas changés.....
A trujillo, chan can et les Huacas sont effectivement sympa et Huancayo aussi.
merci pour les infos! c'est bon a savoir qu'ils ont refait la route et que maintenant c'est plus rapide.
pour les antipalus....je les avais pris lors de precedents voyages en birmanie et vietnam et effectivement je me suis demandé si le touriste de base que je suis prenait tant de risques en restant seulement quelques jours sur place.
Cela dit, est ce que la zone du parc de pacaya samira est endemique ou pas?
je n'ai pas trouvé de carte des zones endemiques au perou. Je sais que dans la plupart des pays, ce sont finalement les zones assez reculées ou les touristes n'iront quasiment pas.
une derniere question : combien de temps faut il compter entre lagunas et iquitos en bateau?
j'avais lu Deux jours (deux nuits?) avec le raccourci que tu indiques qui fait gagner 8h, combien cela fait il au final environ?
Salut
J'arrive "après la bataille" et je ne peux que souscrire à toutes les infos et opinions de Bernrd05. En particulier sur le fait qu'il te faut passer au moins trois et plutôt quatre jours à Pacaya Samiria et que Kleber est effectivement un très bon guide. Ne néglige pas les vaccinations; pour le palu, nous on a pris de la malarone.
Dans l'ensemble, en douze jours, ça sera un peu serré, mais faisable.
Nous avons fait le parcours dans l'autre sens et en passant par Chachapoyas, Celendin et Cajamarca, puis Trujillo et enfin Huaraz. Mais on a pris notre temps : trois ou quatre semaines d'Iquitos à Huaraz.
Pour l'endémisme du Palu, je ne sais pas vraiment.
Pour la durée du trajet c'est toujours trés variable, suivant les arrêts du bateau, mais de l'ordre de 30/36 heures je pense.
au fait, comment cela se fait il que tu connaisses aussi bien le perou? tu as quelques activités professionnelles là bas? En ce qui me concerne, j'y suis allé une premiere fois il y a deux ans à l'occasion de laquelle j'ai fait le parcours du touriste de base. Et puis comme j'y ai rencontré ma femme, je retourne m'y marier et cette année, partir à la découverte du nord que j'espere, au vu des commentaires de ce forum, beaucoup interessant que le sud.
J'étais au Pérou au mois de mars.
Nous ne voulions pas prendre une agence pour voir la jungle. Nous sommes partis en bus et en camion sur la route du parc Manu en s'arrêtant dans différents villages où les touristes ne vont jamais. Arrivé au dernier village accessible par la route, nous avons trouvé un étudiant en tourisme qui nous a emmené une journée dans la jungle.
Certes, c'était qu'une journée mais les autres moments passés dans les villages perdus étaient magnifiques. C'est dans ces moiments là que tu peux vraiment rencontrer les gens.
Tout cela nous a pris 6 jours.
Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?
How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?
If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.
It's decided—2027 will be Brazil, in the summer (unless you advise against it 😕). From what I’ve read, the weather’s okay, even if it’s a bit chilly for swimming. We’re going, as always, as a group of four, with our teens. 🙂
We’d be looking at a solid two weeks, at least 14 days on the ground. I’m planning way ahead to nail down an itinerary and book our flight tickets (the prices I’m seeing already are freaking me out…).
From my research, I’ve come across some classic routes: Rio/Iguazu/Paraty/Ilha Grande.
Roughly: 4 days in Rio, 2 in Iguazu, 2 in Paraty, and 3 on Ilha Verde. That’d leave us one more stop on the trip.
Since we like to end with a "chill" stop for the kids,
My questions:
- Is Ilha Verde worth it this time of year? I’ve read that swimming might not be an option—water’s too cold… So not ideal for a chill/relaxing destination?
- How should we round out the trip in the South? São Paulo? Another stop along the Costa Verde?
- Wouldn’t it make more sense to head up to the Northeast, where it’s warmer, like Salvador de Bahia?
But Salvador raises other questions:
- Are there flights from Iguazu to Salvador?
- And for the return to France, would we have to connect through Rio or São Paulo from Salvador?
- Any suggestions for places to stay around Salvador?
Thanks for your input—I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I go along. 😉
Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?
Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):
29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá.
30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate.
01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva.
02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá.
03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento.
04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby?
05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones?
06/12: Flight to Medellín.
07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses?
08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé.
09/12: Return to Medellín.
10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park.
11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance.
12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think?
13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?).
14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao.
15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time.
16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach.
17/12: Return to France.
So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂
Hi there, I’m looking for recent info on a boat trip with sleeping accommodations from Belém to Santarém. I don’t want a "luxury cruise for wealthy tourists"—just a bed with a minimum of comfort seems great to me🙂. I didn’t find any up-to-date details with Amazon Star. Do you have any companies, guides, or prices for this route to recommend?
I’d love to hear tips and feedback on this trip, especially since I’m traveling solo. I’d like to get a sense of what to expect and ensure some basic safety with transportation.
Thanks.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning 40 days in Uruguay and Argentina in February and March, trying to avoid as much rain as possible.
We’re thinking of starting in Buenos Aires, then heading to Bariloche, and from there flying to Córdoba, Mendoza, or Salta. Maybe by bus or renting a car to explore each region.
Do you have any suggestions or tips for us? We love picturesque, historic cities and landscapes. As seasoned travelers, we’re used to planning our trips ourselves.
Thanks in advance!
We’ve planned our road trip in Chile, and the only thing left is to book the TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.
Problem: the ferry that leaves Punta Arenas at 1 AM isn’t available for booking, no matter the day or month. All the other departures can be booked, though.
On top of that, Tabsa isn’t responding to any messages.
We’re planning to explore Peru’s main highlights and were wondering if anyone could share insights on the quality and comfort of overnight buses. If so, which bus company should we trust?
Hi,
My wife and I are heading to Brazil from November 6th to December 2nd. We’ll be stopping in São Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio, and Salvador de Bahia.
Could you recommend some nice, non-luxury places to stay in each of these spots?
Also, any suggestions for places to visit would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Marc
Hi there.
I already posted a message asking for advice about our upcoming trip to Chile.
Details: Getting around by bus or train.
Starting from Valparaiso, heading north, passing through cities and places to visit, then returning to Santiago via a different route.
Avoid the beaches...
Thanks
Hello,
my wife and I will be in Cusco for a week in March 2027.
I’d like to organize the visit to the site on our own, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
We’d leave Cusco on Day 1 to arrive at the site in the morning, then stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo, and on Day 2 return to Cusco while visiting the Sacred Valley.
Is this doable?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Rio between February 20 and March 15, 2027, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We’re thinking of one or two "escapes" from Rio—3-day trips to get away from the city (so not too far, max 3–4 hours by car or bus). We’re all ears for suggestions! We love beautiful nature and authentic experiences, not so much the touristy spots... even though those spots are often in beautiful places, we’d rather avoid them.
Thanks for your insights!
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip with my partner (no kids this time—thanks, Grandma!) for two weeks to celebrate her 40th birthday. I’ve been thinking about Chile. We’re looking at leaving around September 18, 2027, starting in the south and returning in early April.
Here’s what I had in mind:
8 nights in a van in the Lake District and the start of the Carretera Austral (up to the Chaitén area). We’re set to arrive in Puerto Montt around 2:00 PM. We don’t want to go too far south since we’re planning to explore the heart of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the kids when they’re older. The idea is to spend 3 nights discovering the lakes (up to Cochamó) and 3 nights in Pumalín Park. I’ve also added two transition nights.
7 nights in the Atacama to experience another side of Chile (San Pedro), taking a domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Calama in the early afternoon. We’ll depart for France in the early evening from Santiago.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for those planning to take a bus to another city, state, or destination from Salvador!
Starting January 20, 2026, the intercity bus station Rodoviária is changing its address!
The Rodoviária is leaving the Iguatemi area and will now be located in ÁGUAS CLARAS (about twenty kilometers from downtown Salvador).
A brand-new station (the most modern in Brazil) has just been set up there, accessible by car/taxi/Uber/metro.
Allow for much more transfer time (especially during rush hours), so leave early if you're heading to Chapada Diamantina or other Brazilian cities by bus.
Remember, there are also private transfers (even French-speaking ones) that can take you directly from your hotel in Salvador to your hotel in Chapada. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but you’ll save on transfer time and comfort.
Tropical greetings from Salvador,
@ivanbahiaguide
Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years already 😊 🇧🇷
Hello,
We’re thinking of spending 1 month in Chile, maybe doing a loop?
From 12/23 to 01/22.
What are the must-see sights, given we’re more interested in the country’s cultural side than the beaches?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to southern Chile in November. Here's our tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, then a flight the next day to Balmaceda where we'll pick up a rental car to reach Coyhaique.
Day 3: Walk in the Coyhaique National Reserve, then continue to Puerto Chacabuco. Return to Coyhaique for the second night.
Day 4: Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo for a hike in the national park. Continue to Puerto Tranquilo and stay there for 3 nights.
Day 5: Boat tour on Laguna San Rafael.
Day 6: Day trip to Monte San Valentin Glacier.
Day 7: Excursion to the Marble Chapels, then drive to Puerto Guadal. We'll stay there for 3 nights.
Day 8: Walk along Lago Carrera and return to Puerto Guadal.
Day 9: Rio Baker Valley and, if possible, a glacier excursion.
Day 10: Drive to Cochrane and hike in Tamango National Reserve. We'll stay 2 nights in Cochrane.
Day 11: Walk in the Chacabuco Valley.
Day 12: Drive to Caleta Tortel. We'll stay there for 2 nights.
Day 13: Cruise in the Rio Baker delta.
Day 14: Return to Cochrane.
Day 15: Return to Balmaceda in two stages.
Day 16: Continue the return journey.
Day 17: Return the rental car and head back to Santiago.
After this, we're also planning to explore northern Santiago. I'll post about that part once I have a clearer idea of the route.
What do you think of this itinerary? Is it doable in 17 days?
Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations.
martine
Hi there, I’ll be in Brazil from December 10th to the end of February.
I’ve sketched out a rough itinerary but I’m not sure how to arrange it—considering the climate, year-end holidays, and Carnival.
Basically, I’m thinking of the Amazon, the Northeast coast with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (but skipping Chapada Diamantina),
Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Ilha Grande—but no Rio visit.
Is this doable in 3 months?
Which direction should I take for this itinerary?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, does anyone know the agency Ventura Travel Agency (not ventura travel)? After lots of research and quotes, it’s the only one offering Uyuni at a reasonable price while meeting all the criteria: transfer to the border, private-room accommodation, and a very fair rate. Other agencies or guides either offer shared rooms, no border transfer, or prices that are way too high. But I’d love to hear some reviews about this agency. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then head toward Putre, Lauca, Salar de Surire, etc.
Which would be the better time to go, April or November?
Is an SUV enough?
Looking forward to your tips!
Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.
My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.
How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?
In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?
Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
Hi,
We’re heading to Buenos Aires for 3 days in November and would like to do a guided tour of a few neighborhoods. There are "free" tours, but none in French. Does anyone have a guide to recommend so we can really get to know the city beyond just the architecture?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m desperately looking for info on the schedules and routes of (shared) boats to visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
From what I’ve found, there’s a *combi* (bus) that leaves from Puno to go to Llachon. Where do you catch it? What are the schedules and frequency? Does it take about 1 hour?
Then in Llachon, you can take a boat to Amantani (45 min). Same question—where do you check for frequency and schedule?
After that, from Amantani, boats go to Taquile and then Uros. Do you have enough time to visit the islands between two boats? Frequency and schedule?
The goal is to do this tour independently (no agency) over 2 days. Thanks for any tips you might have!
I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.
I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.
Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.
After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.
The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.
I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋
Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.
If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help!
Martin
I was planning to go to Réunion and stay in half-board accommodation with non-professionals, but it seems that’s not really the custom there—or maybe my budget isn’t big enough.
So, since I’ve already traveled around Ecuador and Peru, I’m now looking at Argentina, especially for its mountains (like the ones in Réunion that tempted me, even though—frustratingly—I could only admire them from below).
I plan to get around by bus and don’t know in advance where I’ll sleep, so I won’t book ahead. If I like a place, I might stay for several days.
I know that in Chile, it’s easy to find half-board accommodation, but what about in Argentina?
I’d like to stay with locals in half-board without it being a professional setup. I’m not sure if this is common practice there. It’s up to me to find someone willing to host me.
What do you think?
What would be a fair price (keeping in mind that 40 to 50 € is the max I can spend on accommodation, breakfast, and dinner)?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Patagonia for three weeks in November, starting from Coyhaique in Chile.
We won’t have a car, and I’m struggling to find information about transportation options for a few parts of the itinerary we’d like to do:
1) From Perito Moreno (the town, near Los Antiguos), we’d like to travel down Ruta 40 to visit Perito Moreno National Park and then cross into Chile via the Paso Roballos (at the latitude of Bajo Caracoles) to reach the road to Cochrane. Without a car, it seems we’ll need to use private agencies to get to the national park—do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to cross into Chile via Paso Roballos (from Bajo Caracoles) without a rental car? That is, without having to go all the way down to El Chaltén or back up toward Perito Moreno/Los Antiguos, etc.?
2) The second stretch that seems a bit tricky (though still easier, in theory) is from Caleta Tortel to Villa O’Higgins on the Chilean side. Do we have to go back through Cochrane, or are there ways to get directly from Tortel to Villa O’Higgins?
3) Finally, we’d like to hike into Argentina (El Chaltén) from O’Higgins. Any recommendations for this? Do we need to go through an agency? What’s the estimated duration of the trek?
As you’ve probably gathered, we want to visit some off-the-beaten-path spots but don’t have a car, so we’re looking for the best possible compromises.
Thanks so much in advance for all your suggestions!
Thomas
Hi,
we’re planning a round trip from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, to Salta, Argentina, in two months. On the way there, we’ll take the northern route via Susques, Route 27, then 52. But for the return, we were thinking of taking the southern route via San Antonio de los Cobres, Route 51, then 23. Is it similar to the northern route in terms of road surface? How busy is it, and are there gas stations? Basically, should we be worried about doing it in an SUV that’s supposedly 4x4 but has regular road tires and no second spare wheel, obviously...
I’ve seen that we can stop over in San Antonio de los Cobres.
Thanks for your feedback.
Raf.
Hi,
we’ll be in Calama at the end of March 2026, and I’m looking for a reliable car rental there for a 7-day road trip to Salta, Argentina. But I’m struggling with the car rental agencies in Calama because the reviews can be scary. I saw Gyg, which has great ratings, but I’m a bit wary (5/5 from 59 reviews—either the guy’s amazing or it’s fake...), but I can’t find any recent reviews on VF in general.
For Punta Arenas, I booked with Dachelet and didn’t have any issues with email exchanges.
Thanks in advance.
Raf.
