Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria infamously ruled the streets of Medellín, Colombia, until his death in 1993. For many long grueling years, Colombians lived in constant terror from violence caused by the drug cartels. The drug-lord’s international fame has increased in recent years thanks to Netflix original series, Narcos. However, today, Medellín is reviving and thriving. Continue reading “True Stories of Pablo Escobar and a Cop Who Fought Against Him.”
This place is a little out of the way from the typical beach resorts where most who vacation in Colombia go. But if you head to the southwest of Colombia there are incredible treasures in store. San Augustín’s stunning landscapes and Archeological parks were among the most memorable stops along my two month Colombian adventure.
If you love traveling to lesser-known off-the-beaten-path places and have an affinity for history and ancient mysteries, then San Augstín should definitely be on your list of adventures. Continue reading “Visiting San Augustín, Colombia”
Mocoa is a day-hiker’s dream. This lush landscape is streaming with trails waiting to be explored in the mountainous jungle terrain of Colombia’s Amazon. I’ve given Mocoa a little nickname, “jungle-lite”. I gave it the name because I think this is the perfect place for someone to visit who might be a little nervous about diving deep into the wild, but has the curiosity to sense the jungle. The day hikes around Mocoa are a great way to dip your toes into The Amazon and get a feel for it without going “full on Tarzan”. You will surely see colorful butterflies, interesting plant-life, and stunning waterfalls. But beware, It is highly likely you will leave ready for more jungle. Continue reading “Mocoa, Colombia ~ Jungle-lite”
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”
You may know by know that I am quite enamored with the rainforest. Iquitos, Peru is another launching point to the Amazon. The main reason to visit Iquitos is preparation before a jungle excursion and rest afterwards. Iquitos boasts that it is the world’s largest city inaccessible by car. Continue reading “Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru”
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!”
Paracas is located on the shores in the Ica provence south of Lima. The bay waters are peaceful and the Humbolt Current runs just a little ways offshore all the way up to the Galapagos Islands in Equador. The current stirs up nutrients attracting wild sea life in great variety. A short boat trip away, Peru’s famous Ballestas Islands, popularly referred to as “The Little Galapagos”, rest along this current. The islands are home to sea lions, penguins, pelicans, sharks, dolphins, whales, turtles and a hundred other bird species. Not to mention, this place is a fisherman’s dream come true. Continue reading “Paracas – Peru’s “Little Galopagos””
Moving right on along in my South American adventure… I stopped at a respite for a couple days of absolute joy in the sandy dunes of Huacachina, Peru. As the blog title suggests, Huacachina is a real-life, actual desert oasis. The small lake surrounded by mountains of sand as far as the eye can see, attracts people looking for a short and fun getaway. Continue reading “A Desert Oasis – Huacachina, Peru”
Two millennia before the Inca would exist to create Machu Picchu in Eastern Peru, the Nazca people ruled the deserts 197 miles (317 km) to the West. The region is scattered with ruins, leaving behind clues to this ancient civilization. Continue reading “Nazca, Peru”