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.”
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”
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”
This post is really outside of my comfort zone of things I am willing to publicize online. But it feels necessary and slightly overdue. I know this is too long for most of you to read entirely, but I’ve said what I needed to say. I genuinely hope this is all completely irrelevant to my readers. But if it’s not, and you are wanderlusting with grief, this one’s for you.
Traveling the world is a long journey. Grieving is also a long journey. So why not navigate through them together? Unfortunately, I have experience traveling with grief. And that is what this post is all about.
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”
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””