Crossing an international border in South America is, on the whole, very easy. A little too easy in fact. I have crossed 14 international borders in South America since I arrived last August, and once you know how it works the first time, the rest of the crossings should be a doddle. There are still […]
Have you ever been to a place so beautiful, so pure and untainted by tourism that you wanted to keep it for yourself? I have. It’s called Guadalupe, Santander in Colombia. It really is Colombia off the beaten path; a little piece of paradise away from the tourist hoards. Come and discover the natural plunge […]
Rio de Janeiro is on many a traveller’s bucket list. Spectacular beaches, the iconic statue of Christ, magnificent views from Sugarloaf Mountain, and who could forget the biggest party on Earth, Carnival! If you are lucky enough to visit Rio, you are in for a treat! And while you are in Brazil, why not extend […]
Travelling by bus in South America can be a great way to get around cheaply and easily. Long distance buses in South America are usually (not always!) fairly comfortable with reclining seats and air con, and some even include drinks, snacks and films to watch. Others of course are more basic, but all are incredibly […]
Salento is a pretty Colombian town, colourful and friendly, and slap-bang in Colombia’s coffee region. Horse riding in Salento is the perfect way to explore the area, and there are various options on offer. My friend Jen and I chose to visit a nearby coffee plantation and waterfall – around five hours in total. […]
Sadly, Venezuela is no longer on the agenda for most travellers, backpackers and tourists, due to the problems in the country and worries about safety. Now officially the most dangerous country in the world (that isn’t at war), most people choose to stay away. Even Venezuelans who can leave are fleeing in their hundreds, but […]
A short drive across the border between Ecuador and Colombia lies the town of Ipiales. The town itself is no different from a hundred other little towns, except for the nearby church that was built across a river valley. El Santuario de las Lajas is one of the world’s most beautiful churches, and definitely worth […]
After having my passport and laptop stolen in Ecuador, I was definitely ready to leave that country, and was eager to continue my journey. I had been looking forward to backpacking in Colombia, after hearing so much from friends and fellow travellers, but was nervous to see if I would have any problems entering Colombia […]
Pisac wasn’t quite the “Andean Shangri-La” that Lonely Planet painted it out to be, but is definitely worth a visit! After the hustle and bustle of Cusco, I wanted to escape for a while. My hostel ‘Hospedaje Chaska Pisac’ promised great things, it had a gym, meditation room and only 2 beds in the 3 […]
I had already been to Ecuador back in November, and had visited Quito, Mindo, Latacunga, the Quilatoa Lake, Guayaquil, and, of course, the Galapagos Islands. But I had left Ecuador suddenly, and there was just one thing left on my “must-do” list: The Swing at the End of the World. I had seen pictures of this […]