Je pars 4 semaines en août en Bolivie. J'arrive et je repars de Santa Cruz. Le Lonely n'étant plus très à jour, j'aimerai savoir si l'un(e) d'entre vous a déjà visité ce pays et les conseils que vous pouvez me donner. De La Paz, il y a beaucoup de possiblités d'excursions, mais quid des autres villes ?
De Santa Cruz, à part les missions jésuites, qu'y a t-il d'autre à voir ou à faire : possibilité de faire des randos ? Pour gagner du temps dans les transports, est-il intéressant de prendre un bolleto ?
Enfin, tous les plans, toutes vos expériences seront bonnes à partager.
J'étais en Bolivie en octobre dernier je suis resté 3 jours à Santacruz, la ville n'a aucun intéret et je ne peux pas te parler des environs ;on pouvait pas sortir de la ville à cause des événements politiques (barrages routiers par les "campesinos") et je n'ai pas pu visiter le nord (lac titicaca, cordilleres réal) pour les mêmes raisons.Par contre tu dois absolument aller dans le sud pour faire le salar de uyuni et le sud lipez, des paysages à couper le souffle. Les villes de Sucré et de Potosi méritent aussi qu'on s'y arette ainsi que La Paz.Par contre je pense pas qu'un boleto soit vraiment nécessaire malgré les distances ; les bus sont bien pratiques surtout ceux de nuit pour les longues distances.
Hola,
j'étais en Bolivie l'été dernier, et je suis arrivée de santa Cruz et repartie d La paz. De Santa C, je suis allée dans l e petit village de Samaipata poss de rando dans le parc Amboro, site El fuerte. Coin tranquille mais surtiut stratégik pour se rendre à Vallegrande puis la Higuera sur les traces du Che galère pour y aller mais grande émotion de rencontrer des personnes accueillantes dans ce petit village. Puis Sucre pein de trucs à voir, hyper agréable, petit crochet par Tarabuco...
Bolivie magnifique pays. Pays ds lekel g fait le + de rencontres... Fantastique
Faire absolument la descente en vtt aux alentours de La paz jusqu'à Coroico
J'ai une autre question : y a t-il des agences qui organise des treks au départ de Santa Cruz et de Sucre ? Je pense que oui, mais j'aimerai bien m'en assurer. Dans les différents guides, seules les agences situées à La Paz sont mentionnées. Notre iténéraire est le suivant : SantaCruz, Sucre, Tarabucco, Potosi, le Salar, La Paz et de là, un trek de 6 jours jusqu'à Coroico.
Galère pour aller à Higuera : ça veut dire combien de temps aller-retour. Car notre problème sera le temps qui passe très vite....et l'avion qui n'attend pas.
Je suis partie en Bolivie durant un mois, en octobre, je me suis rendue à la Higuera (quelle émotion !!!). Nous étions deux filles, nous sommes parties de Vallegrande à 7h00 du matin, et avons fait le trajet vallegrande Pucara à l'arrière d'un camion (ça vaut vraiment la peine, je te le conseille), de Pucara (qui est un tout petit village), nous avons pris contact avec un habitant qui possédait une voiture (il n'y a que 3 personnes qui en possèdent là-bas) et qui nous a emmené à la Higuera, nous y avons passé l'après-midi en compagnie d'un viejecito qui nous a raconté ses souvenirs d'enfance et de l'arrestation du Che. Le retour Pucara-Vallegrande fût un peu difficile car les horaires des bus sont très aléatoires (en somme le bus qui devait nous ramener ce jour-là, n'est finalement pas passé), mais nous avons eu la chance qu'un camion qui passait par là nous ramène. Ce fût une magnifique expérience, je te conseille vivement de ne pas passer à côté.
J'ai passé 6 mois en Bolivie l'année passée. Je faisais du bénévolat dans deux centres pour efants. Je vivais à Tarija, dans le sud.
Dans cette région, il y a des petites "escapades" d'un week end ou d'une journée à réaliser: San Lorenzo, Villamontes, Padcaya, Chaguaya, se baigner dans les chutes d'eau envirronentes, la réserve de Sama et les lagunes de Tajzara, le chemin de l'Inca (ne pas faire lorsqu'il pleut!!!)...
Je me suis rendue à Trinidad (amazonie bolivienne), où il n 'y avait pas beaucoup de topuristes. Etant seule, cela me posait un problème pour former un groupe pour les excursions. Je me suis alors dirigée vers Rurrenabaque (tjrs en amazonie bolivienne). Là, ça grouille de touristes et d'agences de voyages. Les tours classiques proposés sont 3 jours dans la pampa et 3 jours dans la jungle. J'ai fait les deux. A faire mais très touristique. Même les animaux le savent!!!! Je te conseille la résidence Jisèle.
J'ai passé deux jours à Santa Cruz. La ville ne m'attirait pas du tout.
A La Paz, j'ai visité dezs musés, Tiahuanaco (site inca), Chullumani (petit village, où mon amie et moi, avons participé à la récolte des feuilles de coca. Et, bien sur, le lac Titicaca, Copacabana, l'Isla del Sol.
Quelques jours, également, à Cochabamba avec son immense marché.
Sucre. Je m'y suis rendue le jour de la fête du département, le 25 mai. Il parrait que le marché de Tarabuco (non loin de Sucre) est fantastique. A Sucre, nous avons visité des musés (don celui du textile).
Potosi, ville chargée d'histoire, est bien différentes des autres villes. C'est une ville minière où l'on rencontre beaucoup de travailleurs. Une visite de la mine s'impose. Y règne une athmosphère particulière que j'ai appréciée énormément.
Le Salar de Uyni et sa région... SUPERBE!!!! A faire absolument. Le "voyage" classique: 4 jours dans la région en jeep. On peut voir le salar, l'ile de cactus, les lagunes et leurs flamants... Attention, il faut très froid. Haute altitude: -+4800 mètres!
Voilà.
Je te souhaite un voyage aussi fascinant que le mien...
coucou moi je suis en bolivie actuelement donc si as des question a poser je suis la je vit en bolvie depuis 6 mois et je reste encore 6 mois pour du benevolat donc je suis a ta dispostion ok
😠je pense que tu te trompe moi je suis ici depuis 7 mois et je bosse tout les jours avec des enfants abandonnee et je peut te dire que c'est pas facile tout les jours mais sa t'apporte pliens de choses en soie et je vit ds une famille bolviennes modeste et j'adore se que je fait aider les autres est quelques choses de super voila
Facile d'offrir ces services plusieurs semaines du côté de Sucre? ne voulait pas dire que c'était facile, je me doute que c'est dur et tu as toute mon admiration.
La question signifiait en fait : est-il facile de pouvoir faire du bénévolat comme toi à Sucre? Ya -t'il des démarches spécifiques à faire depuis l'Europe ou peut-on le faire en arrivant là-bas? Je suis en fait intéressé pour marcher sur tes pas.
si tu veux en faire depuis l'europe pas de sousi voicis une adresse ou tu peut trouver et demander totu les reisegnement que tu veux www.volontariat.org et l¡organisme s'appelle icye es c¡est super je t'assure
sinon tu peut aussi venir seule mais alors tu dois te debrouiller seule
salut!
nous sommes deux amies qui souhaitons partir en Amérique latine en aout cette année. On a vu ton message, et nous nous sommes demandé si vous étiez parties avec une association? si vous aviez d'autres contacts pour nous aider?
Voilà, merci d'avance.
A bientôt
Caroline et juliette
salut,
Puisque tu es sur place j'ai qq ??? à te poser. Je compte retourner en Bolivie cet été visiter le Chili et repartir de Buenos Aires en 2 mois. Mais j'ai envie de faire une pose en Bolivie pour 1 mois pour du bénévolat. J'ai consulté qq sites mais autant demander à qq sur place.
Donc si tu as des infos ça m'interresse de savoir ce que tu fais exactement......
Merci
Je me suis rendue en Bolivie l'année passée pour 6 mois de bénévolat dans deux insitutions pour enfants. Je suis partie avec AFS (afs.org).
Je vivais dans une famille d'accueil à Tarija (dans le sud). Je travaillais dans un centre pour enfants des rues: "El Refugio" et dans un foyer pour enfants abandonnés, orphelints... "Hogar Melvin Jones".
Je suis allé en Bolivie l'an dernier. J'y ai effectué du bénévolat dans le Chapare, entre Cochabamba et Santa Cruz, ça a été une de mes plus belles expériences. Tout comme on te l'a déjà conseillé, le salar de uyuni et le sud lipez, sont supers. Les villes de Sucré et de Potosi méritent un arrêt. Le musé de la Coca à La Paz est très instructif et original. Les Boletos ne sont pas nécessaires. Des agences sont là pour la vente de billets. Renseignent toi auprès des locaux pour connaître les tarifs des billets de bus, car souvent le prix est fixé à la tête du client et n'hésite à montrer à la personne qui te vend le billet que tu connais le prix. Les voyages en bus sont bien car tu peux les effectuer de nuit.
Bon voyage et n'hésite pas si tu as des questions.
Je suis déjà passé par la bolivie et il faut absoluement que tu passe par la isla del sol tu y parviens depuis copacabana de bolivia. Cette ile est MAGNIFIQUE et Copacabana est un endroi de rencontre génial si tu peux vas y pendant la première semaine d'aout c'est la fiesta de la luna et tu pourras participer à des rituels un peu bizarre mais hyper enrichissant. Pendant cette semaine la c'est la MONSTRE BAMBOULE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Je vais partir en Bolivie avec ICYE pour un an à partir de aoùt prochain!comme toi...
Pourrais tu répondre à ce message, j'ai quelques questions à te poser, et puis j'aimerais bien que tu me raconte un peu ton année.
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.
I live in Quindío and I’ve seen a lot of worried questions since the August earthquake. Here’s an update for those planning a trip to the coffee region.
Tourist sites are operating normally: Salento, the Cocora Valley, Filandia, and Pereira Airport are open and welcoming travelers. The region needs visitors—coming here directly helps the locals.
A few tips to plan your stay:
• Airports: Pereira and Armenia, each about 1 hour from Salento.
• Where to stay: Salento for the vibe and proximity to Cocora, Filandia, or a *finca* near Quimbaya for more tranquility.
• Cocora: Easy to explore independently from Salento, with the Willys (local jeeps) leaving from the square. Go early to avoid crowds.
• La Carbonera: Less known, wilder, and home to the largest wax palm forest. The road is long—best done in a 4x4 or with a Willy driver.
• Coffee: Many small family-run *fincas* offer tours around Salento and Filandia.
• Hot springs: Santa Rosa de Cabal, on the way to Pereira.
• Duration: Plan at least 3 days to enjoy without rushing.
If you have any questions about the region, ask away—I’m happy to help.
Hi everyone! I’m heading to Colombia in January 2026 and have a few questions. In Salento, which is better to do—Cocora Valley or Carbonera Valley? After that, I want to fly from Medellín to Rincón del Mar. Is there an airport in Tolú? I can’t find any info. Thanks in advance, and *buen viajé* to all! Kristian
Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?
How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?
If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.
Hi everyone,
We’re planning 40 days in Uruguay and Argentina in February and March, trying to avoid as much rain as possible.
We’re thinking of starting in Buenos Aires, then heading to Bariloche, and from there flying to Córdoba, Mendoza, or Salta. Maybe by bus or renting a car to explore each region.
Do you have any suggestions or tips for us? We love picturesque, historic cities and landscapes. As seasoned travelers, we’re used to planning our trips ourselves.
Thanks in advance!
We’ve planned our road trip in Chile, and the only thing left is to book the TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.
Problem: the ferry that leaves Punta Arenas at 1 AM isn’t available for booking, no matter the day or month. All the other departures can be booked, though.
On top of that, Tabsa isn’t responding to any messages.
We’re planning to explore Peru’s main highlights and were wondering if anyone could share insights on the quality and comfort of overnight buses. If so, which bus company should we trust?
Hi,
My wife and I are heading to Brazil from November 6th to December 2nd. We’ll be stopping in São Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio, and Salvador de Bahia.
Could you recommend some nice, non-luxury places to stay in each of these spots?
Also, any suggestions for places to visit would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Marc
Hi there.
I already posted a message asking for advice about our upcoming trip to Chile.
Details: Getting around by bus or train.
Starting from Valparaiso, heading north, passing through cities and places to visit, then returning to Santiago via a different route.
Avoid the beaches...
Thanks
Hello,
my wife and I will be in Cusco for a week in March 2027.
I’d like to organize the visit to the site on our own, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
We’d leave Cusco on Day 1 to arrive at the site in the morning, then stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo, and on Day 2 return to Cusco while visiting the Sacred Valley.
Is this doable?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Rio between February 20 and March 15, 2027, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We’re thinking of one or two "escapes" from Rio—3-day trips to get away from the city (so not too far, max 3–4 hours by car or bus). We’re all ears for suggestions! We love beautiful nature and authentic experiences, not so much the touristy spots... even though those spots are often in beautiful places, we’d rather avoid them.
Thanks for your insights!
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip with my partner (no kids this time—thanks, Grandma!) for two weeks to celebrate her 40th birthday. I’ve been thinking about Chile. We’re looking at leaving around September 18, 2027, starting in the south and returning in early April.
Here’s what I had in mind:
8 nights in a van in the Lake District and the start of the Carretera Austral (up to the Chaitén area). We’re set to arrive in Puerto Montt around 2:00 PM. We don’t want to go too far south since we’re planning to explore the heart of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the kids when they’re older. The idea is to spend 3 nights discovering the lakes (up to Cochamó) and 3 nights in Pumalín Park. I’ve also added two transition nights.
7 nights in the Atacama to experience another side of Chile (San Pedro), taking a domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Calama in the early afternoon. We’ll depart for France in the early evening from Santiago.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for those planning to take a bus to another city, state, or destination from Salvador!
Starting January 20, 2026, the intercity bus station Rodoviária is changing its address!
The Rodoviária is leaving the Iguatemi area and will now be located in ÁGUAS CLARAS (about twenty kilometers from downtown Salvador).
A brand-new station (the most modern in Brazil) has just been set up there, accessible by car/taxi/Uber/metro.
Allow for much more transfer time (especially during rush hours), so leave early if you're heading to Chapada Diamantina or other Brazilian cities by bus.
Remember, there are also private transfers (even French-speaking ones) that can take you directly from your hotel in Salvador to your hotel in Chapada. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but you’ll save on transfer time and comfort.
Tropical greetings from Salvador,
@ivanbahiaguide
Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years already 😊 🇧🇷
Hello,
We’re thinking of spending 1 month in Chile, maybe doing a loop?
From 12/23 to 01/22.
What are the must-see sights, given we’re more interested in the country’s cultural side than the beaches?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to southern Chile in November. Here's our tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, then a flight the next day to Balmaceda where we'll pick up a rental car to reach Coyhaique.
Day 3: Walk in the Coyhaique National Reserve, then continue to Puerto Chacabuco. Return to Coyhaique for the second night.
Day 4: Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo for a hike in the national park. Continue to Puerto Tranquilo and stay there for 3 nights.
Day 5: Boat tour on Laguna San Rafael.
Day 6: Day trip to Monte San Valentin Glacier.
Day 7: Excursion to the Marble Chapels, then drive to Puerto Guadal. We'll stay there for 3 nights.
Day 8: Walk along Lago Carrera and return to Puerto Guadal.
Day 9: Rio Baker Valley and, if possible, a glacier excursion.
Day 10: Drive to Cochrane and hike in Tamango National Reserve. We'll stay 2 nights in Cochrane.
Day 11: Walk in the Chacabuco Valley.
Day 12: Drive to Caleta Tortel. We'll stay there for 2 nights.
Day 13: Cruise in the Rio Baker delta.
Day 14: Return to Cochrane.
Day 15: Return to Balmaceda in two stages.
Day 16: Continue the return journey.
Day 17: Return the rental car and head back to Santiago.
After this, we're also planning to explore northern Santiago. I'll post about that part once I have a clearer idea of the route.
What do you think of this itinerary? Is it doable in 17 days?
Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations.
martine
Hi there, I’ll be in Brazil from December 10th to the end of February.
I’ve sketched out a rough itinerary but I’m not sure how to arrange it—considering the climate, year-end holidays, and Carnival.
Basically, I’m thinking of the Amazon, the Northeast coast with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (but skipping Chapada Diamantina),
Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Ilha Grande—but no Rio visit.
Is this doable in 3 months?
Which direction should I take for this itinerary?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, does anyone know the agency Ventura Travel Agency (not ventura travel)? After lots of research and quotes, it’s the only one offering Uyuni at a reasonable price while meeting all the criteria: transfer to the border, private-room accommodation, and a very fair rate. Other agencies or guides either offer shared rooms, no border transfer, or prices that are way too high. But I’d love to hear some reviews about this agency. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then head toward Putre, Lauca, Salar de Surire, etc.
Which would be the better time to go, April or November?
Is an SUV enough?
Looking forward to your tips!
Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.
My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.
How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?
In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?
Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
Hi,
We’re heading to Buenos Aires for 3 days in November and would like to do a guided tour of a few neighborhoods. There are "free" tours, but none in French. Does anyone have a guide to recommend so we can really get to know the city beyond just the architecture?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m desperately looking for info on the schedules and routes of (shared) boats to visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
From what I’ve found, there’s a *combi* (bus) that leaves from Puno to go to Llachon. Where do you catch it? What are the schedules and frequency? Does it take about 1 hour?
Then in Llachon, you can take a boat to Amantani (45 min). Same question—where do you check for frequency and schedule?
After that, from Amantani, boats go to Taquile and then Uros. Do you have enough time to visit the islands between two boats? Frequency and schedule?
The goal is to do this tour independently (no agency) over 2 days. Thanks for any tips you might have!
I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.
I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.
Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.
After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.
The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.
I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋
Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.
If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help!
Martin
I was planning to go to Réunion and stay in half-board accommodation with non-professionals, but it seems that’s not really the custom there—or maybe my budget isn’t big enough.
So, since I’ve already traveled around Ecuador and Peru, I’m now looking at Argentina, especially for its mountains (like the ones in Réunion that tempted me, even though—frustratingly—I could only admire them from below).
I plan to get around by bus and don’t know in advance where I’ll sleep, so I won’t book ahead. If I like a place, I might stay for several days.
I know that in Chile, it’s easy to find half-board accommodation, but what about in Argentina?
I’d like to stay with locals in half-board without it being a professional setup. I’m not sure if this is common practice there. It’s up to me to find someone willing to host me.
What do you think?
What would be a fair price (keeping in mind that 40 to 50 € is the max I can spend on accommodation, breakfast, and dinner)?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Patagonia for three weeks in November, starting from Coyhaique in Chile.
We won’t have a car, and I’m struggling to find information about transportation options for a few parts of the itinerary we’d like to do:
1) From Perito Moreno (the town, near Los Antiguos), we’d like to travel down Ruta 40 to visit Perito Moreno National Park and then cross into Chile via the Paso Roballos (at the latitude of Bajo Caracoles) to reach the road to Cochrane. Without a car, it seems we’ll need to use private agencies to get to the national park—do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to cross into Chile via Paso Roballos (from Bajo Caracoles) without a rental car? That is, without having to go all the way down to El Chaltén or back up toward Perito Moreno/Los Antiguos, etc.?
2) The second stretch that seems a bit tricky (though still easier, in theory) is from Caleta Tortel to Villa O’Higgins on the Chilean side. Do we have to go back through Cochrane, or are there ways to get directly from Tortel to Villa O’Higgins?
3) Finally, we’d like to hike into Argentina (El Chaltén) from O’Higgins. Any recommendations for this? Do we need to go through an agency? What’s the estimated duration of the trek?
As you’ve probably gathered, we want to visit some off-the-beaten-path spots but don’t have a car, so we’re looking for the best possible compromises.
Thanks so much in advance for all your suggestions!
Thomas
