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”
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!”
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”
Arequipa was my “Welcome to Peru” city. I had heard from repeated backpackers that the city center was really lovely, and that the nearby Colca Canyon was something that shouldn’t be missed on a good tour of Peru. So of course, I headed straight there. Continue reading “Arequipa & Colca Canyon, Peru”
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”
The Pampas – another difficult post for narrowing down photos to share. I have a hard time weeding through the wild-life photos. Continue reading “The Pampas”
I do not even know how to begin this post. It has been a week since my 3 days in the jungle – and I feel like I haven’t fully left it. This was undoubtedly one of the top highlights of my travels. And I will definitely be returning for more. Continue reading “The Jungle – The Bolivian Amazon”
From Sucre (click to read about my time in the city), it is possible to venture out of the city to visit breathtaking mountainscapes. I debated between hiking to see dinosaur footprints, or rock paintings. I opted for the rock-painting hike, but I would have done both if I had more time. Continue reading “Pumamachay and Incamachay”