Despite the title our Galapagos trip was worth every dollar. We forgot we were backpackers for eight days of heaven on our luxury catamaran (Queen of Galapagos), taking in all the sights, sounds and experiences. What an amazing place…it really is like being in a different world. Our whole trip was brilliant from start to finish …fantastic crew, guide and group, stunning beaches, wildlife posing for your pictures everywhere you look, plus phenomenal marine life. Where in the world can you swim with playful sea lions, watch a dozen turtles gently glide through the water, spo [View Full Entry]

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This was one the highlights of our whole trip (there have been many though), I have always wanted to do the Inca Trek and have now fulfilled this dream. We did the trek with SAS and would highly recommend them. Due to the popularity of the trip we booked it way back in March for a trip at the beginning of August. Our group (16 of us, plus two guides and 20 porters - oh and not forgetting most important person: the chef!) were all amazing. Day One (easy, according to SAS!) After our briefing the night before we had to [View Full Entry]

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It was a quick turn around from our Pampas trip; a nights rest then back on another boat to head into the Bolivian jungle. We travelled with a company called Chalalan Ecolodge. They are fairly expensive compared to the other tours on offer, but worth it. All the profits go directly to the community and Chalalan has provided employment for the Tacana villagers since 1995, all the staff take great pride in their jobs which reflects in the service provided. Chalalan Ecolodge is situated deep in the Madidi jungle. It took eight hours to finally arrive at our destination, then it [View Full Entry]

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Our adventure started as soon as we tried to board our 18hr bus journey from La Paz to Rurrenbaque, we were told to go to the office around the corner due to a slight problem with our tickets. After 5 mins of confusion we were advised that there were only two seats available! However, there were four of us gringos wanting to get on this bus….mmmm slight problemo! I thought that’s it we’re not getting on this bus, but surprisingly after a few more phone calls we received new tickets and told to board the bus. All was ok, that was [View Full Entry]

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We´ve just been on a 3 day trip across the Bolivian Salt flats. The journey started from San Pedro (Chile) and finished in Uyuni (Bolivia). After researching several companies that offer this excursion, we decided to go with Cordillera Traveller. We'd heard a lot of horror stories about drunk drivers and really dodgy jeeps so we wanted to take our time and choose carefully. We made the right choice; what an amazing experience! There were 8 of us in total, four in each jeep. There´s normally 6 per jeep, so we were lucky and had lots of space. Our group consisted [View Full Entry]

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Had a fantastic birthday treat from Ads, he took me to a stargazing place called Elqui Domos. Situated in the Elqui valley, 4kms from a small village called Pisco Elqui. It was an adventure getting to the place! We made it to Pisco Elqui and waited for a connecting bus that went by Elqui Domos. We waited and waited and waited some more. Three hours later we were still waiting! We tried to contact the place with no success! Time to use our back up plan, we had a phone number for a local taxi man. However, due to our lack [View Full Entry]

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Where do I start...maybe by explaining my title. I was recently informed by the Australian embassy that I needed to supply more information for my visa application, otherwise they would not process it any further. So after being told I couldn´t wait until I return from my travels, I had to get on with sorting out things out. This included having a medical, which I happen to have on my Birthday!! Not quite how I planned my Birthday would be in SA! I do have one thing to say, the medical service here in Chile is super efficient. Managed to sort [View Full Entry]

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Well, I said we wouldn´t be doing anymore hiking for a while, couldn´t resist trekking up a Volcano. What an experience! Took us 3 1/2 hours to get up and 2 1/2 hours to walk/slide down. We had to don on some serious equipment for the last hour or so of the trek, crampons, helmets and all. It was hard going, and I thought at one stage that's it NO more hiking for me, gas from the mouth of the volcano was making it hard to breath, plus I had a killer headache. Once at the top the views were so [View Full Entry]

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Before I go on there is a big gap in my blog, which I will update later on. For those of you who have been receiving Ads blog you will be right up to date. Strange title I know but it´s so true, it will all become clear. We have just got back from doing a 5 day trek around Torres Del Paine National Park (Chile). Here´s further info on the park for those of you interested: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torres_del_Paine_National_Park Met a lovely couple in Ushuaia, Jamie & Alexis and we ended up doing this trek with them. So the four of [View Full Entry]

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After an 18hr bus journey from BA, we arrived at Puerto Iguazu (28.3.09). Now before I carry on, I have to tell you about the buses in Argentina. super plush is the only way to describe them (well this one was). I´m talking big seats that recline almost vertically, movies, dinner & breakfast served to you plus drinks including vino. It was better than the hostel we stayed in and only cost £30, not bad so while the budget allows it this is the way to travel. Saying this I´m really looking forward to travelling on the chicken buses, though not [View Full Entry]

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