Prepare for The Jungle in 8 Steps

The idea of visiting a jungle is quite enchanting, isn’t it? But perhaps a rainforest-run is… I don’t know… a bit daunting? Well, it doesn’t have to be.

If you’ve never been on an excursion through the rainforest, the days leading up to your jungle journey can be anxiety-ridden. It’s natural to be nervous before embarking on an experience completely foreign to you. To put your mind at ease, use the days before your trip to prepare. Every trip to the jungle is a different experience and adventure. It is impossible to predict exactly what you will do, see and even need. But if you follow the steps laid out here, you will surely be among the more savvy, ready-for-anything explorers. Continue reading “Prepare for The Jungle in 8 Steps”

25 Photos That Will Make You Book A Flight To South America.

I am not sure why, but South America often feels like the forgotten continent amongst travelers. So before you run off to Thailand, France, or Iceland, I want to make a case for South America.

I could talk at you until we’re both snoring, but I can’t do proper justice to this continent with words. So, take a moment to be inspired by a few wonders of the Latin Continent. Continue reading “25 Photos That Will Make You Book A Flight To South America.”

Tarzan Leaves The Jungle

This one is overdue. What do a gas stove, a wooden pepper grinder, a temperature nob in a shower, and a surf board have in common? Continue reading “Tarzan Leaves The Jungle”

Ceremonies Of The Amazon

Anyone who visits the jungle in Rurrenabaque, Bolivia has the chance to participate in a native ritual ceremony.  The indigenous Tacana traditionally practice these ceremonies twice a week, on Tuesday’s and Fridays, and additionally for special occasions and events. Many jungle adventure tours will be sure to include the ceremony in your experience even if your tour does not fall on those days.

These ceremonies are about giving back to Pacha Mama (Mother Earth) for the abundance of resources and life she provides.  They are also an opportunity for the native people to ask for her protection from dangers, providence of food, and general well-being. Continue reading “Ceremonies Of The Amazon”

¡Jungle Crafts!

By now you know that I have spent a good bit of time exploring the Amazon rainforest.  One of many things that fascinates me about Amazon culture is the impressive knowledge of the jungle’s natural resources.

Indigenous communities throughout the Amazon have learned over centuries how to utilize the rainforest for survival.  These cultures rely almost entirely on plants and plant materials for survival.  The plants provide them with food, medicine and materials for shelter and clothing.   Continue reading “¡Jungle Crafts!”

Butterflies of the Amazon

I apologize for the serious content of this post.  Haha, no I don’t!  It’s butterflies.  And they are just delightful.  My latest video has been described as “joyful”. Continue reading “Butterflies of the Amazon”

A Modern Day Tarzan Story

Meet Miguel.  Born and raised in the heart of the Bolivian Amazon, this Native Bolivian Indian knows how to live off the land completely.  He puts everyone on survivalist reality TV shows to shame.  Although he did not grow up in one of the “uncontacted” communities that have received recent attention in the Amazon jungle, he comes from a primitive tribe in the same region, likely with close genetic relationships.  This community lives a natural lifestyle without modern amenities.   Continue reading “A Modern Day Tarzan Story”

Copacabana & Isla Del Sol, Bolivia

This was an incredible way to say goodbye to Bolivia after an incredible 3 months (4 if you count last year).  I love this country beyond words! For my the final leg of my Bolivian journey, I visited Copacabana and Isla Del Sol.   Continue reading “Copacabana & Isla Del Sol, Bolivia”

Rurre, Bolivia – Return to the Jungle

When I was preparing for my second big South American adventure, many people asked me if I planned to revisit anywhere I had already been.  For the most part, I was only interested in seeing new things.  But there was one place I  absolutely had my heart set on to revisit: Rurrenabaque, Bolivia.  From the moment I left this town last year, I knew I hadn’t had enough.  I needed more of the charming small town, more of the beautiful local people, and more of the Amazon. Continue reading “Rurre, Bolivia – Return to the Jungle”

At the Bolivia/Argentina Border, Again.

La frontera… Otra vez.  So my second “first impression” of Bolivia was equally as strange and frustrating as my first. Continue reading “At the Bolivia/Argentina Border, Again.”