All about our mega vacation
“I have never seen such utter disregard for human life”. This was the first thing we read when trying to prepare ourselves for bus rides in Bolivia. That remark was followed by pages of examples of (severe) accidents, speeding or flat out drunk drivers and not to mention the poor state of the busses. Since we didn’t budget on flying our way through Bolivia, we tried to come prepared. Don’t rely on chance or even the lucky charms in the picture to get from A to B.
Don’t get me wrong, the following is definitely not a complaint about the discomforts of traveling. We were just thinking that we only posted positive stories of our travels. That’s why I’d like to share a bit of the other side of traveling in South America.
We’ve seen and done great things within the last three months. That’s why we call ourselves lucky that we just had three minor setbacks during our stay in South America untill now (knock on wood).
Because of a lack of wifi, we missed a good offer on our tent, meaning we are still carrying it around. And stuff you carry on your back, you might as well use. So while booking a tour to the famous Uyuni salt flats, Thomas casually informed about camping options, eager to start a new adventure.
Because of a lack of wifi, we missed a good offer on our tent, meaning we are still carrying it around. And stuff you carry on your back, you might as well use. So while booking a tour to the famous Uyuni salt flats, Thomas casually informed about camping options, eager to start a new adventure.
Exactly 2 months after starting our journey in South America, we crossed the border into Bolivia, where we just had an unpredicted adventure at the salt flats of Uyuni! But we will post about that next week.
We have shared our experiences through blogposts and pictures, but we have seen and done much more in Chile (and Argentina).
After some time in AirBnBs and a hostel, we were missing our own little home away from home: our tent. So when we left Valparaiso, we had our mind set on visiting national park Pan de Azucar. Mainly because of the day hikes into the desert you can undertake right from your tent at the beach.
When we had our goodbye party, our family and friends brought many gifts that we could use on our trip. We received so many helpful things that we were also given the advice to get out of our comfort zone every once in a while.
After our 4-day hike in Cerro Castillo I was so glad to be done with steep declines, that I was doubting to join activities we were planning with Berend that included steep heights. Thus I was reconsidering the glacier hike, which was one of two reasons to go to Puerto Rio Tranquilo. The tour agency that organizes the hike convinced me to join because the tour would mostly be flat.
…And we definitely found it. We had one thing on the wish list for Patagonia: a multiday hike with our own gear. Torres del Paine was the obvious choice but due to its populairity, we couldn’t book the campsites. As a suitable replacement,we went for something a little more off the beaten track. The Cerro Castillo hike came up and we decided to go for it.
We are currently on our way to cerro castillo where we will do a tough 4 day trek with our backpacks. It will probably be astonishing but also mentally and physically challenging.
We’ve been quite active since we started our trip. Mostly because we’ve been walking a lot. Still, apart from our 4 day hike, I doubt our activities will keep me in my current shape.
Ingelse around the globe 