Avec ma femme, nous allons passer 6 semaines en Argentine (2013) en mode sac à dos.
Nous partons avec l'envie de prendre notre temps, de rencontrer les argentins, prendre des photos, bref faire un voyage proche de l'habitant.
Nous n'aurons pas un gros budget, environ 2000 euros pour 2 pendant 6 semaines. Nous aimerions avoir des idées de parcours en fonction de la météo. Tout en bus si possible.😉
Pour les itinéraires, vous pouvez parcourir les carnets, cela vous donnera des idées.
Après un choix d'itinéraire est surtout lié aux envies personnelles, aux objectifs en son voyage, aux activités envisagées...
Pour le budget, cela veut dire de l'ordre de 50 euros par jour, à deux. Cela va être compliqué à moins de camper, de couchsurfer, de faire du stop...
:)
Je suis actuellement en Argentine, seule, et je peux te dire que ca coute cher!
Et janvier et fevrier seront la haute saison ici, ce sera l'ete.
Le pays est super bien organise au niveau des transports, vous n'avez qu'a regarder un peu les possibilites avec le site web de aerolineas argentina (avion) et de bus (ne me rappelle pas le site web, mais il est dans un post quelque part).
La patagonie coute plus cher, mai ce serait triste de la passer, c'est vraiment tres beau.
Mais oui, je crois que vous devriez penser serieuement au camping, a cuisiner vous meme, etc.
Oui, l'Argentine est très cher pour le moment. Dans "La Nacion", un journal Argentin, il y avait cette semaine un article, qui disait que les prix des aliments dans un supermarché argentin étaient plus élevés que à Londres ou à New York! Et le bus est aussi relativement cher, p.ex. pour Buenos Aires - Iguazu il faut calculer pas loin de 100 Euro par personne pour un aller simple. En plus tout est encore plus cher en janvier - février parce que c'est la saison haute pour les argentins.
La patagonie est très beau, mais très loin (côut de transport) et encore plus cher que le reste du pays. La région de Salta est relativement bon marché et en prenant son temps, il y a moyen de passer plusieurs semaines. Le côté de misiones n'est pas très cher non plus, sauf les entrées dans les parcs à Iguazu, mais ça vaut franchement la peine!
Point de vue météo, dans le nord il fait très chaud en janvier-février et en plus on annonce l'arrivée du phénomène "el Niño", ce qui signifie beaucoup de pluie pour certaines régions.
Une idé serai epeut être de prendre un billet d'avion Canada - Foz do Iguazu, puis passer à Salta et repartir via Buenos Aires, au lieu de faire Buenos Aires - Salta - Buenos Aires. Mais il faut voir si les canadiens n'ont pas besoin de visa pour rentrer au Brésil.
bonjour, j'y suis en ce moment. Pour résumer, janvier-février est très courru surtout le sud et les plages.
En revanche je ne trouve le reste du pays pas très cher, bien moins qu'en Europe. Il y a d'abords des hostels (dortoirs) pas mal. ensuite on trouve des chambres doubles à 200 peso la nuit et on peut manger pas cher dans les vraies gargotes. par ailleurs, en insistant et faisant plusieurs agences on peut avoir 20 % de rabais avec les bus. Bus de nuit = 1 nuit d'hotel en moins. Donc 50 euros c'est jouable, mais faut limer.
Surtout , il faut partir avec des $ US et changer un max dans les grandes villes auprès des changeurs (éviter les banques) où le cours actuel est de 6,2-6,3 peso pour 1 USD. (au lieu de 4,7) Ceci est le "cours parallèle" dont ont trouve le cours dans le journal. Attention change impossible le week.-end. Ce que tu payes avec la carte de crédit est facturé au cours officiel !
Bien sur avec ce budget je recommande plutot Mendoza, El Bolson, Salta, Cafayate, Tucuman. Evitez Mar del Plata, etc car il y a du monde et c'est très chaud. Pour la Terre de feu on peut descendre en bus mais c'est long. N'oubliez pas que la plus belle partie , les Torres del Paine , sont au Chili et la-bas c'est beaucoup plus cher
Perso 50 euros/jour/2 pers, cela est largement jouable, nous l'avons fait avec moins, sur la même période, donc haute saison, tous les argentins en vacances... donc ne t'inquiete pas tu vas les cotoyer pas de soucis avec cela.. pour nous la formule a été, STOP-Camping-repas fait soi même
Voici le lien vers notre périple Argentin avant de bifurquer vers le Chili:http://www.elgringotrail.com/blog/?p=3184
Je n'ai pas encore mis le budget à jour pour cette partie, mais je le ferai avant la fin de l'année, donc si cela t'intéresse surveille sur le forum ou je publie aussi l'article ou notre blog 😊
vous allez vous régaler dans tous les sens du terme...
bon voyage
Il y a toujours une inflation de l'ordre de 30 % par an, soit de 0,5% par semaine. Le voyage de Fabinuk en Argentine date de janvier 2012, ce qui fait que l’Argentine était moins chère a cette époque ( -20 à - 25% par rapport à aujourd'hui).
Les augmentations sont constantes est ininterrompues. Exemple cette semaine, les taxis de Buenos Aires : +12%
2000 euros au cours parallèle (disons 7 pour aller plus vite ) = 14.000 ARS sur 6 semaines, soit 167 ARS par pers par jour.
Si vous restez sur Buenos Aires c'est jouable. Mais ce sont les déplacements qui coûtent très chers.
1 ARS = 2 km en bus, comme vous êtes deux, voila donc un calcul facile pour vous deux 1 km = 1 ARS en bus.
14.000 km c'est pour un pays gigantesque comme l'Argentine, chose faisable. C'est a dire que vos 2.000 euros peuvent être avalés uniquement dans vos déplacement en bus.
Il faut donc comme tu l'as dit uniquement viser une seule région et s'en tenir !
Buenos Aires et la sierra de Cordoba, ou
Buenos Aires et le NEA, ou
Buenos Aires et le NOA.
Compte 2 semaines sur Buenos Aires et ses environs (budget 700 euros)
4 semaines dans la sierra de Cordoba ou dans la province de Salta/Jujuy/Tucuman (budget 1400 euros)
Je viens de tomber sur cette discussion alors j'en profite.
Il me semble compliqué d'estimer un budget journalier en Argentine, mais peut être pourras-tu me renseigner Herge, toi qui semble bien connaitre le pays ? A combien estimerais - tu, le budget journalier (repas+logement auberge ou hôtel et déplacement) par jour ?
Je traverse l'argentine pour rejoindre le Brésil... donc max de distance lol
En couple pour l'Argentine (je ne parle pas de la Patagonie), il faut au moins 1.000 ARS par jour (donc pour deux). Au taux parallèle ça fait dans les 150 euros par jour. En mode "je me me déplace beaucoup"
Ah quand même ! 75 euros /personne !! Nous sommes loin des budgets estimés sur les différents supports...
Bon je crois que je vais supprimer l'Argentine de mon TDM. C'est carrément disproportionné vis à vis du cours de la vie sur place pour les locaux ...
Merci pour les renseignements.
(Si en plus c'est en "comptant" sur le change parallèle qui n'est pas légal, c'est encore pire).
Autre question qui me taraude depuis que je te lis. J'ai été faire un tour sur ton site. Dessus tu dis qu'il ne faut pas changer dans la rue et ici tu nous expliques qu'il faut utiliser ce système. Quelque chose à du m'échapper ou je n'ai probablement pas compris. Si tu peux m'apporter plus de précisions, je t'en remercie, ça servira à tous.
Bonjour à tous ,
J'ai suivi tous les comme depuis nos chers canadiens avec leur 2000 Euros pour 2 Personnes..
Mon avis ..Il est vrai que l'Argentine représente 5 fois la France + ou -...Je seul petit conseil gratuit que j'aurai à donner et toi Hergé tu le dis sur ton site , se contenter de faire et visiter région par région , c'est déjà beaucoup en distance et en temps.
..
Moi avec Annie nous partons également pour 6 semaine mais avec un minimun de 2000 Euro chacun..Notre avion est déjà payé...
Voici notre trajet en résumé..
arrivé Au chute D'iguzu, ensuite dir Corrientes, ensuite SALTA,
à SALTA nous referons un point..
Nous ne prendrons que les bus et la méthode démerde , auto stop , ou voir avec certains locaux qui nous proposerons des trajets et visites..
Ensuite dir Iruya par la ruta 9 et voir tous ce qui est a visiter entre les 2..
Apres Direction SUSQUES...
Apres sUSQUES , vous verrons sur place si nous pouvons dormir chez l'habitant ???
Ensuite San antonio de los Cobres , SALTA , CAFAYATE , dir MENDOZA toujours en visitant ce qu'il y a a voir entre chaque ville et village ...
à chaque fois nous ferons un point ...
Un point sur notre temps , les itinéraires, l'argent qu'il nous reste , bref ...Tout se pense et se prépare..
Enfin , le clou su cpectacle je pense , MEnDOZA >> Santiago du chili par la cordilière ( Ruta 7 )...
Là aussi nous essayerons de faire du stop avec les chauffeurs de poid lours ou si non le bus..
Ensuite retour en France , les boules...
je voudrai rajouter que de partir de fin fevrier jusqu'a Avril est une des meilleurs saisons ..Vos sortez des pluies et vous rentrer en hiver..Moins de chance pour avoir de la pluie et super chaus et les congés se terminent fin février....ça c'est interressant de le souligner...
J'ai la chance d'avoir comme voisin , un couple Argentin qui y vont régulièrement et nous suivont de près leurs conseils à tous nivaux....
Eux nous ont bien dis , en ne prenant que le bus De la région de Jujuy à mendoza , plus les chutes d'iguazu , nos 2000 euros chacun nous suffiront...
bien sur , nous n'irons pas tous les soirs dans des hotels à 40 ou 50 Euro la nuit et voir plus ... nous comptons une moyenne de 20 a 30 euro les hotel avec ^petit dejeuner sans parler des héberges..Ils y en a beaucoup...On trouve des lit entre 6 et 10 euro par perssonne..
Si j'ai un conseil , rayonnez sur un seul secteur , l'argentine est tellement grande --rien que le nord oest , ya de quoi en prendre pein les yeux et tre tres pres des habitants
Alors je pense qu'avec 2000 EURO POUR 2, vous pouvez vous en sortir........Ou écourter le voyage si vous pouvez ..Evitez les long trajets en bus et certains sont couteux.......
Je pense en avoir assez dis ....mais nous partons confiant avec nos 2000 euros par perssonnes....
Un budget dépend, en effet, du style des dépenses, du nombre de déplacements et de leurs distances, de la catégorie des bus, des modes de nourriture, du choix des hébergements...
Avec notre base de 200 euros par jour pour les deux, nous étions en mode confort et nous sommes offerts des excursions plutôt onéreuses: Esteros del Ibera, Salar d'Uyuni en véhicule privé... Si on enlève ces extras et quelques hôtels conforts plus, nous aurions pu faire un voyage du même style avec un budget d'environ 150 euros par jour à deux. Donc, avec du stop, du couchsurfing et en comptant bien...
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
