The Moreno Glacier was going to be hard to beat but nevertheless we went on in search of natural wonders and new cultures, Chile did not disappoint. The drive from El Calafate to Puerto Natales was pretty hairy, over mountains on a snow covered road, at night and in a very small bus. In true South American fashion nothing fazed the driver and we arrived safe and sound to a very cold and quiet Natales. Searching for a hostel was not so easy - most were closed as this was the low season. Eventually we came across Magallania - run by a very laid back guy. It comprised a few bunks, lounge, kitchen and dirty shower. We only stayed one night but the guy was so nice we felt a little bit bad so made up ... read more

It all started with our first big bus journey to Puerto Madryn from Buenos Aires, a total of about 16 hours. We were pretty impressed with the buses, much better than National Express, we went 1st class which meant huge leather seats, a 3 course dinner (served by the onboard host) and brekkie - not bad! Puerto Madryn is a favorite seaside haunt for the Argentinans but as it was winter the promenade was not that busy. We took a stroll along the seafront and watched the fisherman trying to catch their tea on the pier. The main reason for going to Puerto Madryn was to visit the National Park based along the Peninsula Valdes and for the pinnacle of the trip: a southern right whale-watching trip. We didn't think we were going to be able ... read more

Well you could not do one side of Iguassu Falls and not the other so we hopped on a bus and headed into Argentina. This side of the falls, we think, were more impressive as you can walk across a bridge that ends at a viewing platform where you are sooo close to the thunderous falls - all in all, pretty impressive! The Argentinian side of the national park seemed to have a much better layout with lots of different walks you can do where you see various different falls, there is also a little train that you can take, plus no stupid anteaters that attack you! We also saw some cool wildlilfe - a toucan and a very lazy crocodile who was bathing itself in the sun. Unfortunately we did not get to go on ... read more

This is the first leg of our South America trip and what a great place to start! We arrived to Rio in the pouring rain and were a little bit annoyed, especially as our taxi had not shown up at the airport! Never mind - we eventually got to our hostel in Botafogo and went straight to bed. Getting back into the swing of travelling was going to take a few days - especially as we appeared to be the oldest around - even older then the owner of the hostel! Rio is a great place and even though we spent 5 busy days there we only just touched the surface. The weather improved after day one and even though this was winter it was still boiling hot! Day one we walked and walked - Rio ... read more

A few pictures from my time in Bosnia!... read more