Colombia is famed for its beaches, interesting cities, and rainforest. But many people don’t know that central Colombia is home to a small desert known as Tatacoa, too. Honestly, there’s a piece of me that doesn’t want to tell you all about this place. It’s lack of popularity is part of its peaceful charm. Continue reading “Tatacoa Desert ~ A well-kept secret of Colombia”
So you are in Ecuador and want to see the Amazon? A number of companies offer immersive jungle excursions in Cuyabeno Reserve, and I recommend the experience. However, the planning part of this can be a bit confusing. So this post is about what you can expect from your Cuyabeno jungle adventure and how to plan it out in the least confusing and exhausting way possible! Continue reading “Cuyabeno Wildlife Reserve ~ Visiting the Jungle of Ecuador”
Many long-term travelers choose to skip the spectacular Islands of Galapagos for one unfortunate reason: the cost. I myself debating saving this destination for “later in life” as it’s own separate trip. Ultimately, I realized I couldn’t spend nearly 2 years exploring the South American continent without visiting the Galapagos. I am very glad I didn’t skip over these Islands on my adventure. And I learned that you don’t have to break the bank in order to visit. Continue reading “10 Ways to Have a Blast in The Galapagos ~ On A Budget”
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”
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!”
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”
You thought I was done exploring the Amazon? Think again.
When I initially decided to visit the Southern jungle in Peru, I was a bit confused as to how to go about it. Continue reading “Puerto Maldonado and Tambopata, The Jungle of Southern Peru”
I’m ready to share my latest youtube video. My last video introduced Miguel, a.k.a Chapa, an indigenous Tacana jungle boy from the Amazon in Bolivia. I am working on a series of videos that offer a peak into jungle life of the native people who live there.
In this video Miguel answers a few questions about what life is like in the indigenous communities. He mentions how life is different “in the city”. But, “the city” which he refers to is actually a very small town. Continue reading “A Conversation About Jungle Life”
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”