Bonjour a tous et merci de m eclairer si vous avez ete confrontes a mon probleme. Je souhaiterais aller au Galapagos dans les jours qui viennent et c est evidemment assez cher, bien qu il semble qu on soit encore en saison basse et que la crise ait fait baisser les departs. J ai vu sur ce forum qu il etait possible de reduire le budget en achetant une croisiere directement en equateur ou je me trouve actuellement.
Je compte bien aller voir les agences de Quito sur le conseil de divers colistiers, mais je suis aussi assez tentee par me debrouiller directement a puerto Ayora.
Dans ce cas, j ai quand meme quelques apprehensions: est il facile de trouver des vols peu de tps avant le depart? peut on acheter independamment l aller et le retour, pcq, par definition, je ne saurais pas quand je reviendrai pusique je m expose a chercher une croisiere qqs jours a puerto ayora? une fois sur place, vaut il mieux passer par une agence ou directement par le capitaine? trouve-t-on des croisieres avec une reduction substantielle? si vous vez des ex de prix, je suis preneuse.
Et apres la croisiere, qqs jours a Santa Cruz ou Isabela? J ai vu que sur les forums on etait plutot fan d Isabela, mais j ai egalement entendu dire que c etait beaucoup plus cher, tout payant, etc...
Hola,
Ca n'a rien à voir (désolé) mais j'ai appris que le train Riobamba - Alausi ne circulait plus. Peux tu te renseigner vu que tu es sur place?
Merci bcp.
Bon viaje !
J'ai une experience semblable mais cela date de 2004 et je ne sais pas si c'est encore valable ajd. Pour les vols, je l'ai achete a l'aeroport de Guayaquil juste 2 heures avant le depart. Tu peux acheter le retour et changer la date quand tu veux. Les qgences vendent des croisieres derniere minute mais tres peu de choix, et peut etre attente. J'ai paye 100 $ de moins que ceux qui avaient achete la croisiere a Quito.
les touristes sont prioritaires sur les vols qui vont sur les iles puisqu'ils payent plus cher que les colons donc pas de problème pour trouver un vol au dernier moment tu dois acheter aller retour obligatoire mais tu peux changer ta date de retour sans problème à l'agence de la tame a puerto ayora,
ne t'inquiète pas trop bien des bateaux ne sont pas complets et ils sont heureux de completer avec les personnes qui arrivent en free lance comme toi.
isabella est une vraie perle, santa cruz est un peu plus pourrie maintenant qu'il y a tant de monde mais tu te trompes un peu en pensant que c seulement à isabella que tout se paie malheureusement sur toutes les galapagos il n'y a plus que l'air du temps qui soit gratuit !!!
j'ai bcp d'amis la bas contact moi si tu veux une ou deux adresses.
Bonjour,
nous sommes actuellement, ma copine et moi, aux Galapagos, nous sommes arrivés hier á Santa Cruz. Demain, nous nous renseignons auprés de la direction du parc pour savoir si nous pouvons camper. Au cas oú ce serait impossible, peux tu nous donner quelques contacts?...Tu as l'air de connaïtre du monde...Nous faisons le tour des iles sans croisieres ni tours et sans trop d'argent...Ce qui est un peu compliqué..On est à la recherche de bons tuyaus!
Merci beaucoup!
A+
bonjour a tous, je reponds a pernichet et a moi meme pusique je suis maintenant en mesuer de le faire puisque je suis revenue des iles enchantees.
d abord, si vous avez l occasion et les sous pour y aller, je ne saurais que trop vous engager a y aller. ce sera un de mes meilleures souvenris de voyage. enfin un "petit paradis" qui en est vraiment un. c est tres preserve, tres beau, les animaux pullulent et cohabitent etrangement avec les hommes.
billets Quito-Santa Cruz /Santa Cristobal-Quito: 330AR
nous sommes donc partis avec une croisiere de 5 jours dans un premier tps: on a finalement trouve un derniere minute mais quand meme quelques 5 jours avant en prenant les deux dernieres places (dc attention peut etre aux dernieres minutes de la veille:possible je pense mais pas grand choix) a Quito a 650 dollars dans un bateau eco/touriste (ca varie selon les agences), le New Flamingo. Je dirais que c est un bon economique, cad vendu dans les agences serieuses, dt le service est bon, qui ne change pas son itineraire au dernier moment et qui assure les arrieres en cas de pb (ce qui n est pas le cas de la plupart des ecos si j ai bien compris). C est un petit bateau (10personnes) dc ca bouge. Pilules obligatoires. J ai ete une fois malade sinon ca va, on peut dormir. Le bateau navigue la nuit mais pas toute la nuit. Bouffe excellente. Equipage sympa. Bon guide sans etre exceptionnel. Trajet super (1.North Seymour pour les fregates avec leurs poches rouges et les fous a pattes bleus en pleine nidation le tout en quantite astronomique 2. Plaza tres beaux paysages et iguanes en supopulation 3 Santa Fe: iguanes de terre en pleine forme et lions de mer les moins farouches qu on ait vus car un seul debarquement par semaine. Snrokelimg memorable avec eux. 4 Espanola: l ile des oiseaux: les fous a pattes bleus et nazca. albatros. des ceremonies amueuses passionantes. L ile est vraiment superbe) Floreana: flamands roses et plage idyllique avec sa pop de lions de mer. Snorkeling a La corona del diablo ou l on peut voir quantite de poissons tropicaux, tortues, lions de mer et requins avec de tres beaux fonds 5. Centre d interpretation de Santa Cruz.
Je ne conseillerais que trop de prendre au moins 5 jours ne serait ce que pcq le bateau ira ds les iles du sud qui sont les plus interessantes niveaux faune (quoique Genovesa qit l air super). Je crois que les paysages es iles nord sont egalement tres beaux.
5 jours nous auront suffi car la promiscuite et l ambiance de groupe n est pas ce qu on prefere.
On es ensuite reste a Santa Cruz. Tous les hotels petits budgets (25$ la chambre etaient pleins). On est donc restes au Flamingo (20$ la ch avec possibilite de cuisiner). Pas cher mais pas terrible du tout.
On voulait voir des requins marteaux donc on a plonge. C est cher: entre 120 et 150 les 2 plongees (2 obligatoires). Le prix est cense representer le serieux de l agence. certaines nous otn paru plus serieuses que d autres effectivement (Subaqua et Iguana) mais tout est relatif. Pour une plongee a Gordon rocks consideree intermediare difficile en raison des forts courants, on ne nous jamais demande notre carte de niveau. Tout est une question de confiance...On a choisi Macarron pcq elle etait moins chere et que le type etait sympa et siratit ce jour la a Gordon. Il fait bien une premiere immersion pour verifier qu on a les reflexes elementaires du plongeur mais ne suiavit ensuite pas sa palanquee de 5 personnes. En tout cas, la plongee valait le coup: banc de requins marteau, requin des galapagos, lions de mer et beaux fonds, mais du courant et une visibilite pas excellente. Pas tres facile donc.
Puerto Ayora est globalement tres moche, grosse station balneaire. On n a pas trop aime. Seule balade gratuite et sympa: Tortuga bay. Belle magrove au fond ou on peut nager en snorkeling avec des tortues et des bancs de raie. Iguanes marins sur la plage.
On a donc vite quitte Santa Cruz pour Isabela. Coup de foudre. Village tranquille avec ses rues en sable. Pleins de balades a pied dans les environs de Puerto Villamil au mileiu des mangroves en direction de Puerto de Lagrimas. Aucune excursion ou guide necessaire. Demandez en revanche au Bureau du parc des galap la brochure en autoguidage. Snorkeling gratuit a 10mn a Concha Perla ou on peut voir dse tortues a foison, des raies, des iguanes sous l eau et pleisn de gros poissons tropicaux. Centre d interpretations avec enormes tortues de terre plus sympa que Santa Cruz.On a fait une excursion au volcan Sierra Negra deuxieme plus grand du monde. Tres beau. Compter en 35 et 45$ selon l agence et si vous prnez des chevaux ou pas. Une autre excursion aux Tintoreras, maginfique ile tres proche ou l on voit les petits requins tres ditinctement depuis la terre mais aussi des pingouins des lions de mer et des iguanes. Visite en genarle couplee avec un snorkeling. Pour nous ce fut a Loberia grande ou on avu un requin, des lions de mer, des torues et des raies. Compter 25$ avec une agence ou 10$ avec un pecheur que vous allez voir sur le port.
On a fait confiance a ce forum pour le logement ou tout le monde vantait le san Vicente comme un hotel tres sympa et bon marche. Quand on a appele et qu on nous a dit que la chambre etait a 40 dollars, on a dechante. On en a parle avec la gence de la croisiere (Unforgettable) qui nuos a dit que c etait malheureusment les prix mais qu on pouvait prendre un package. Pour 200 dollars, nous avons eu 5 nuits a l hotel, 2 jkours entiers d excursion, les repas de 3 jours. Interessant pour cet hotel qui pratique des prix eleves mais on s en serait tire a moins sur place. San vicente est confortbale (mais on avait une chambre chere avec clim et tv) mais c est devenu une usine a groupes et le pesronnel est excecrable. Si vous allez a Isabela, debrouillez vous tout seul. Nous avions des amis qui logeaient a la Posada de caminante, 05 2529 407-070 ou 091845067 et aveint une chambre spacieuse avec sdb et coin cuisine plus acces a une petite terrasse ds le jardin pour 20$ pour deux. Bcp plus sympa a mon avis que le SV.
On est alles ensuite a San Cristobal. Ambiance port de peche bien sympa. C est effectivement le royaume des lions de mer. Balades possibles ds le coin du centre d interpretation (excellent). Snorkeling notamment a las Tijeretas au milieu d une crique volcanique et d une eau tres claire. Pleins de lions de mer qui nagent avec vous, de beaux poissons...
On a trouve une auberge sympa. Nathaly s guesthouse www.hospedajenathaly.com. Tres propre, sympa, jardin avec hamac mais pas possble de cusiiner pour 20$ pour 2. Vraiment facile de mager bon marche a Puerto Baquerizo.
Tous les trajets interiles coutent 30 dollars. Attention aux agences qui font payer plus.
Ce furent 13 jours merveilleux. Pour ceux qui sont vraiment raides mais pas assez pour se refuser a y aller, je conseillerais peut etre de ne pas prendre de croisiere et de rester a Isabela ou vous vivrez pour quasiment le meme prix qu a quito en vous debrouillant bien.
A ma connaissance on ne peut pas camper ds les villes.
Nous cherchons des idées pour l'année prochaine, la période où vous êtes partis était-elle la bonne ?
Etant sujette au mal de mer, je ne sais pas si j'aurai le courage de prendre 5 jours de croisière, déjà quand je vais plonger un jour , je suis obligé de mettre de patchs, alors plusieurs jours ...
Bonjour j'ai v uton message et tu parle que tu as des amis aux elentours des iles Galapagos... Moi je suis intérese d'avoir des coontacts la bas pour uun voyage de 1 mois peut etre poiurras tu me dire le meilleure temps pour y aller.. Merci
SALUT gc75.
Merci pour tes explications, mais pourrais tu me dire si c'est possible de faires toutes les visites que tu mentionne en solo c'est à dire sans guide. Et pour le snorkling ?? comment ca ce passe ?? on part en janvier et je n'ai pas envie de faire une croisière.
Je confirme: tout peut se gérer au dernier moment sur place : sauf les croisières plongée, qu'il faut payer à une agence de Quito (on en a eu une 5 jours avant de partir, 2 fois moins cher que si on était passé par la France). Si c'est cela qui t'intéresse, je peux te donner quelques infos.
Isabella, comme ailleurs: tout se paye. On ne peut rien y visiter dans la nature sans guide, même qd on est bon marcheur. frustrant. Mais les plages sont magnifiques et en septembre, c'était bcp plus tranquille que santa cruz.
salut, intérréssé par qqles tuyau sur place
voila l'histoire une petite famille qui voudrait en prendre plein les yeux et le coeur
mais bien sur un petit coup de pouce pour faciliter la vie sur place serait le bien venu
je te remercie par avance pascal isabellle , margot , jeanne
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.
