Ce pays magnifique regorge deja de sites inoubliables, mais pour ceux qui ont le temps et/ou qui aiment sortir du "gringo trail", voici deux recommandations.
- Ocaña, dans l'etat de Norte de Santander. Une ville historique (y fut signee la derniere constitution de la Gran Colombia chere a Bolivar), ou l'on peut admirer quelques eglises ou places interessantes. Avant toute chose, elle constitue une base pratique pour visiter deux sites voisins. D'une part le magnifique petit village colonial de La Playa (de Belen), d'un blanc immacule et d'un calme sublime en semaine. D'autre part le "site naturel unique" de Los Estoraques, ou l'erosion a sculpte la roche en d'interessantes falaises et tours minerales laissant apparaitre les couches sedimentaires. Une tres belle sortie a la journee pour ces deux sites, distants de 500 metres. En milieu/fin d'apres-midi, assurez vous de grimper au cimetierre, accessible depuis la place centrale de La Playa, pour de superbes vues sur Los Estoraques et toute la region. La lumiere en fin de journee est magique ! Pour s'y rendre, prendre un taxi colectivo depuis le marche de Ocaña, en lui-meme interessant pour le chaos colore qui y regne. En ville, on peut par exemple loger au Sueño de Primavera et au Hotel Ocaña Imperial, tous deux proposant de belles chambres confortables a 20 000 pesos la chambre simple, excellent rapport qualite-prix (pour un routard, c'est meme carrement le luxe !). On accede a Ocaña depuis la ville de Aguachica, sur la route nationale entre Bogota et Sta Martha.
- Mocoa, la perle meconnue du sud, le secret le mieux garde de Colombie. Une region sublime, accessible depuis San Agustin (via Pitalito) ou par Pasto. Des montagnes envahies d'une vegetation luxuriante, des sentiers dans une foret tropicale magnifique, une orgie de cascades toutes plus belles les unes que les autres, des bassins de baignade ou coule une eau pure et rafraichissante, et pour finir une auberge confortable, abordable et geree par un Belge gentil et competent, installee dans un jardin tropical de toute beaute. Un endroit dont on ne veut pas partir ! Ca s'appelle Casa del Rio, et c'est au bord d'une riviere, a 2 km a la sortie de Mocoa, accessible en pick-up (camionetta) ou en taxi. Je mise sur ce coin de paradis, qui a court terme va devenir l'un des coins les plus courus du pays chez les routards, a n'en pas douter.
Dans ces deux endroits, absolument ZERO touriste etranger, une population comme toujours accueillante et authentique, et des bons souvenirs a la pelle. On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
C'est pour cela que quand on a découvert un endroit superbe et pas fréquenté on n'en parle pas sur un forum!
On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
C'est pour cela que quand on a découvert un endroit superbe et pas fréquenté on n'en parle pas sur un forum!
Je me suis en effet pose la question, mais j'avais aussi envie que tout un chacun puisse avoir vent de ces lieux, partager mon enthousiasme. Je comprends aussi ton point de vue, du coup.
j'ai pris note de ces deux lieux, si lors de mon trip j'ai la possibilité de m'y rendre je n'hésiterai pas a vous faire part de mes commentaires, en tout cas un grand merci pour cela
Nous nous apprêtons à rejoindre Mocoa dans un ou deux jours, avec notre moutard de presque trois ans.
Penses-tu qu'il y a des risques de Paludisme ? Je veux dire sérieux, parce que nous avons parcouru la côte, en zone paraît-il dangereuse, et nous n'avons n'avons aucun souci.
On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
moi ça me fait toujours sourire ce genre de remarque ; et toi tu n'est pas un gringo peut-être ?
Et puis ta remarque est imbécile la Colombie n'est pas du tout un pays touristique.
On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
moi ça me fait toujours sourire ce genre de remarque ; et toi tu n'est pas un gringo peut-être ?
Et puis ta remarque est imbécile la Colombie n'est pas du tout un pays touristique.
Alors d'une, non je ne suis pas un gringo a proprement parler, puisqu'a la base ce terme designe les americains (meme si recemment il a ete elargi).
Ensuite, je ne vois pas en quoi ta deplaisante remarque serait pertinente. On peut etre un gringo et etre respectueux des us et coutumes locaux. Je ne vois pas en quoi ca serait incompatible.
Et pour finir tu serais gentil de respecter quelques regles pourtant elementaires de politesse et eviter de qualifier mes commentaires - pourtant moderes - "d'imbeciles".
Je peux en outre te donner un contre-exemple : meme si la Colombie n'est pas touristique, on peut croiser a Medellin et Bogota de nombreux occidentaux qui viennent la pour s'en mettre plein le nez de coke...
As-tu une contribution plus constructive a faire que ces commentaires acides et sans utilite ? Tu t'ennuies devant ton ecran, peut etre ?
Alors d'une, non je ne suis pas un gringo a proprement parler, puisqu'a la base ce terme designe les americains (meme si recemment il a ete elargi).
1 - on a l'impression que tu fais preuve de beaucoup d'arrogance mais c'est mon impression...😛
tu connais mal l'Amérique latine un occidental fût-il européen ou américain bref un blanc sera toujours un "gringo"
Et pour finir tu serais gentil de respecter quelques regles pourtant elementaires de politesse et eviter de qualifier mes commentaires - pourtant moderes - "d'imbeciles".
Ah la vache...encore un de ces guerriers du clavier a deux balles...😕
Dis, tu veux bien me lacher la grappe, ou c'est trop te demander ?
Concernant ma pretendue arrogance, oui c'est effectivement ton impression, comme tu le dis. Je ne vois pas en quoi ma reponse serait arrogante.
Te rends tu compte qu'a la base tu t'immisces dans cette discussion non pas pour apporter un commentaire constructif mais pour me casser du sucre sur le dos et faire ton malin, gentiment planque derriere ton ecran ? Tu te rends compte egalement que nous echangeons a present sur tout autre chose et ainsi "polluons" le forum ?
Une preuve d'intelligence de ta part serait de passer a autre chose, tu ne crois pas ?
Ou tu preferes continuer a faire l'enfant ?
salut ok c'est parfaitement compris mais merci de ne pas mépriser les gens qui vont en Asie du SE la prochaine fois 😉
Toi et moi on ne roule pas sur l'or.
Bon voyage à tous ceux qui vont en Colombie
salut ok c'est parfaitement compris mais merci de ne pas mépriser les gens qui vont en Asie du SE la prochaine fois 😉
Loin de moi cette idee, et si tu relis correctement mon message tu verras que je fais reference a certaines personnes et pas aux voyageurs qui vont en Asie du SE dans leur ensemble.
Et pour info j'y ai voyage pendant 2 1/2 ans recemment, alors ca serait malvenu de ma part. 🙂
SupertrampA, desole mais de mon cote je ne vois pas, la tout de suite.
Le camping sauvage ne me parait pas une option tres sure, de premier abord.
Pour ce qui est de loger chez les habitants, je ne me souviens pas vraiment avoir vu de reseau organise, mais les Colombiens sont tellement sympas que ca ne devrait pas etre un probleme. A toi de te faire des amis de ces gens "adorablissimes", ou de tenter le couchsurfing, qui je crois marche plutot bien dans ce pays. 😉
Ce pays magnifique regorge deja de sites inoubliables, mais pour ceux qui ont le temps et/ou qui aiment sortir du "gringo trail", voici deux recommandations.
- Ocaña, dans l'etat de Norte de Santander. Une ville historique (y fut signee la derniere constitution de la Gran Colombia chere a Bolivar), ou l'on peut admirer quelques eglises ou places interessantes. Avant toute chose, elle constitue une base pratique pour visiter deux sites voisins. D'une part le magnifique petit village colonial de La Playa (de Belen), d'un blanc immacule et d'un calme sublime en semaine. D'autre part le "site naturel unique" de Los Estoraques, ou l'erosion a sculpte la roche en d'interessantes falaises et tours minerales laissant apparaitre les couches sedimentaires. Une tres belle sortie a la journee pour ces deux sites, distants de 500 metres. En milieu/fin d'apres-midi, assurez vous de grimper au cimetierre, accessible depuis la place centrale de La Playa, pour de superbes vues sur Los Estoraques et toute la region. La lumiere en fin de journee est magique ! Pour s'y rendre, prendre un taxi colectivo depuis le marche de Ocaña, en lui-meme interessant pour le chaos colore qui y regne. En ville, on peut par exemple loger au Sueño de Primavera et au Hotel Ocaña Imperial, tous deux proposant de belles chambres confortables a 20 000 pesos la chambre simple, excellent rapport qualite-prix (pour un routard, c'est meme carrement le luxe !). On accede a Ocaña depuis la ville de Aguachica, sur la route nationale entre Bogota et Sta Martha.
- Mocoa, la perle meconnue du sud, le secret le mieux garde de Colombie. Une region sublime, accessible depuis San Agustin (via Pitalito) ou par Pasto. Des montagnes envahies d'une vegetation luxuriante, des sentiers dans une foret tropicale magnifique, une orgie de cascades toutes plus belles les unes que les autres, des bassins de baignade ou coule une eau pure et rafraichissante, et pour finir une auberge confortable, abordable et geree par un Belge gentil et competent, installee dans un jardin tropical de toute beaute. Un endroit dont on ne veut pas partir ! Ca s'appelle Casa del Rio, et c'est au bord d'une riviere, a 2 km a la sortie de Mocoa, accessible en pick-up (camionetta) ou en taxi. Je mise sur ce coin de paradis, qui a court terme va devenir l'un des coins les plus courus du pays chez les routards, a n'en pas douter.
Dans ces deux endroits, absolument ZERO touriste etranger, une population comme toujours accueillante et authentique, et des bons souvenirs a la pelle. On espere juste que certaines categories de (souvent jeunes) routards qui font tristement parler d'eux en Amerique du Sud ou en Asie du Sud-Est ne viendront pas trop pourrir ces coins magiques...
bonjour,
je pensais relier Mompox depuis San Gil. J'ai envisagé une croisière en passant par Bucaramanga puis bus jusque Barranmerja bateau jusque El Banco. Sais-tu si depuis Ocana on peut rejoindre Mompox "facilement" ?
Ouh là, ça commence à dater tout ça ! Désolé je ne peux pas te répondre...A priori je dirais non, car de toute façon Mompos n'est pas d'un accès très facile (hormis depuis Medellin). Enfin, ça c'était y'a cinq ans, depuis peut être que les choses ont changé...
Hi, I'd love to know where we can observe wildlife, birds, and nature in Colombia... Like going on a hike without a guide, immersing ourselves in the forest,…
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
