I fell in love with South America. So different from Europe, intoxicating and exciting, I found backpacking in South America to be easier and safer than I had anticipated. Of course, keep your wits about you, but be prepared for the adventure of a lifetime!
I didn’t make it to Patagonia when I briefly visited Argentina, so it is still firmly on my bucket list! Hiking in Patagonia is an incredible adventure which I definitely want to do one day, so I asked Mila from Travel Belles to share her tips and advice for some of the best hikes in Patagonia. Patagonia offers trekkers a wonderfully diverse landscape to explore, which is why it has become such a popular hiking destination. Offering a variety of day…
Peru is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. The Inca Citadel at Machu Picchu has graced the cover of countless South American guidebooks and travel magazines, and this iconic UNESCO site is certainly a worthy entry in the New Modern Wonders of the World. However, the altitude at Machu Picchu and the rest of the Andean region of Peru is high enough to cause problems for many visitors to Cusco and Machu Picchu. After spending several months…
Ah, South America! The fourth largest continent in the world comprised of twelve sovereign states, replete with ethnic, linguistic and geographical diversity. Whether this be your first backpacking trip, or you are already a seasoned traveller in other parts of the world, it’s always useful to read up on a few tips and tricks to consider before you get out there. See what we have in store for you as you get geared up for an adventure of a lifetime…
What would you do with £5000 to spend on travel? Hmmmm what would I do with £5000? I am thrilled to say that I have been shortlisted in the Affordable Travel category of the Post Office Travel Blogger Awards 2018, and the prize is up to £5000 from Post Office Travel Insurance to spend on adventures abroad! The only thing I have to do is say what I would spend the money on. And get you lovely people to vote…
I travelled to Brazil in 2016 and was in Rio de Janeiro for Carnival, which was incredible although we did have a couple of unnerving experiences. I haven’t written much about Brazil or Rio yet, so I asked Yvonne from Now in Rio to share her thoughts on a question that is often asked about Brazil’s buzzing city – Is Rio safe for tourists? Favelas. Drugs. Violence. Guns. This is the most common image of Rio that the media chooses…
Ecuador might be small, but it certainly packs a punch. As any backpacking Ecuador travel guide will tell you, Ecuador has one of the highest biodiversities for any country in the world and is a mecca for nature lovers who come to visit the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon, and the Andean region of Ecuador. Indigenous culture is still strong in several regions of Ecuador too, and the Otavalo market is one of the best in South America. I’ve brought together…
Peru is a magical destination, deserving of its place on anyone’s bucket list. Most people come to see one of the new wonders of the world – Machu Picchu – but Peru is much more than Machu Picchu. Backpacking Peru is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, so prepare yourself for one hell of a ride with this backpackers’ Peru guide. I’ll give you the low-down on how to get around, where to go, what to eat and much more, so you’ll be…
Colombia is my favourite country in South America. After spending nearly three months here I fell in love with the people, food, dramatic scenery and cute colonial towns. Even twenty years ago, Colombia was a no-go area for most travellers, but since the dark shadow of Pablo Escobar has lifted, Colombia has been recovering, and is now one of the hottest destinations for backpackers and holidaymakers from all over the world. Backpacking Colombia is a treat for any discerning traveller,…
A sprawling city, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. At 3640 metres above sea level, it really does take your breath away! Technically the constitutional capital remains Sucre but holds the seat of government so they still manage to claim the top spot. I came to spend a day and night in La Paz before starting my overland tour from La Paz to Cusco. After spending a few blissful days of relaxation at Colibri Camping, I…
Cotopaxi National Park was on my list of places to visit in Ecuador, but sadly when I visited the park was closed as Cotopaxi volcano was erupting! I will have to save it for the next time I visit. Until then, I asked Eran Hayoun from Gulliver’s Expeditions to share his favourite ways to experience Cotopaxi National Park. Perhaps the most famous volcano in Ecuador, Cotopaxi Volcano is one of the highest active volcanoes in the world. Recognizable by its…