Tag: wander

How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Travel Hacks

You’ve heard the stories, read the memoirs, and seen the movies. They make it look and sound easy to “transcend”. To become enlightened by travel. Let’s be honest, you will still be you upon your return home. With that said, travel can be a transformative experience. But it comes in subtle and unexpected ways. If you are traveling on a journey of personal growth, there are some basic principles you can keep in mind to help gain the meaningful experiences you seek.

Continue reading “How to Have The Most Meaningful Travel Experiences” →

Medellín ~ 6 Ways To Have A Blast In Today’s Greatest Latin American City

by Rach Rob, posted in Colombia, South America

Pronounced Med-ay-een, Medellín is (in my humble opinion), today’s greatest Latin American city.

When I talk about how much I enjoyed Medellín, I often get surprised reactions. “Isn’t it very unsafe?” People still associate this vibrant city with its dark drug trafficking days under the rule of Pablo Escobar. Until recently, this city was considered a dangerous place. But big changes are happening in Medellín! For several years now, the city has a thriving flow of tourists. Sadly, parts of the city are still living in extreme poverty, and the effects of the past are still quite visible. But the energy and revitalization are hard to deny. I highly recommend a visit. Be part of what helps turn around the no-longer-relevant reputation, and help Medellin spark it’s economy with your visit. I promise, you will have a blast! Continue reading “Medellín ~ 6 Ways To Have A Blast In Today’s Greatest Latin American City” →

Tatacoa Desert ~ A well-kept secret of Colombia

by Rach Rob, posted in Colombia, South America

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” →

There Are Some Crazy-Ass Backpackers Out There.

by Rach Rob, posted in A Personal Journey, Collaborations

“Stupid tourists”. Ever wonder why locals everywhere make fun of tourists?  Wonder no more. Continue reading “There Are Some Crazy-Ass Backpackers Out There.” →

Tarzan Leaves The Jungle

by Rach Rob, posted in Chapa Chico, South America

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” →

Mancora, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

This blog post is about my final week in Peru, spent on the beach in Mancora.  This post is long overdue, as many of you know.  I am currently in Ecuador, and look forward to posting about my new adventures soon.

Mancora is on the coast in the far north of Peru, close to the Ecuadorian border.  When asking around amongst locals and travelers alike about the Peruvian beaches, mostly the reaction was underwhelming.  With one exception.  Mancora.

When people described Mancora the words “the best” always came up.  The best beaches in Peru.  The best sunsets you will ever see. Or simply, Mancora is the best. Continue reading “Mancora, Peru” →

Ceremonies Of The Amazon

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, South America

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” →

Amazon Junlge – Iquitos, Peru

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

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” →

¡Jungle Crafts!

by Rach Rob, posted in Bolivia, Peru, South America

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 – Peru’s “Little Galopagos”

by Rach Rob, posted in Peru, South America

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”” →