South America 2022

A 33-day adventure by Lucie Read more

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Trip start
June 26, 2022
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Day 1
Sunday, June 26, 2022 at 7:00 PM
⛅ 19 °C
Altitude: 12 m
England Heathrow Terminal 3 51.467739, -0.4587851°28’4” N 0°27’32” W
Ready to go!
June 26, 2022 in England ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Excited to get on my way! 😁
TravelerWoo hoo and so the adventure begins
6/30/22Reply
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Day 2
Monday, June 27, 2022 at 3:00 AM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 2,584 m
Colombia La Colina 4.723179, -74.05874°43’23” N 74°3’31” W
Arrived in Colombia
June 27, 2022 in Colombia ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
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Day 2
Monday, June 27, 2022 at 7:15 AM
⛅ 9 °C
Altitude: 2,609 m
Colombia El Laguito 4.737735, -74.0814834°44’16” N 74°4’53” W
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Stuck in Bogota aiport!
June 27, 2022 in Colombia ⋅ ⛅ 9 °C
I should have caught the 7.15 am plane to Guayaquil Ecuador which would arrive within 2 hours for me to collect my luggage and check in for San Cristobal, Galapagos. Unfortunately it was delayed until 1.30pm so it was a lot of time in Bogota airport! Luckily my travel insurance gives a free lounge voucher when delayed so I snuck in a quick nap!Read more
Traveler better than the floor!
6/28/22Reply
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Day 2
Monday, June 27, 2022 at 10:38 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Ecuador Parque Centenario de Guayaquil -2.188783, -79.891252°11’20” S 79°53’29” W
2
Made it to Guayaquil!
June 27, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
The plane was delayed again but finally got here about 5pm. The airline moved my Galapagos ticket to tomorrow and have actually sorted a nice hotel (with a spa), including dinner, breakfast and transfers. Not the Galapagos (yet) but not bad!Read more
Travelerfabulous , looks wonderful 😀
6/28/22Reply
Travelerwow!
6/28/22Reply
Traveler that looks lovely what is it?
6/28/22Reply
Travelerthe top is banana and it kind of tatsed like BBQ banana with brandy
6/28/22Reply
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Day 3
Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 12:58 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 89 m
Ecuador Puerto Baquerizo Moreno -0.909489, -89.5891550°54’34” S 89°35’21” W
GOT TO THE GALAPAGOS
June 28, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
A day late but I have finally landed in San Cristobal. Had an interesting journey here, the plane couldn't have parked closer to the tiny airport and there a lot of restrictions but rightly so! There's no single use plastic allowed on the islands which is wonderful. Due to the current protests in Ecuador blocking off the only road we had to walk part of the way but my hosts are very lovely people and very helpful. Have a taxi coming in one hour to take me to las tortugas! 🐢Read more
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Day 3
Tuesday, June 28, 2022 at 11:10 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 2 m
Ecuador Puerto Chino -0.926301, -89.4301540°55’35” S 89°25’49” W
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1 2
The day I fell in love with Galapagos
June 28, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
Possibly the best day of my life. I met giant tortoise; I met baby giant tortoise; I paddled in the Pacific ocean with sea lions; I watched a blue footed booby preen itself on a rock; I saw a pelican hunting in the ocean; I saw a Cucuve bird; and at the very end of the day a giant bird landed on my balcony to say hello. I ate so much fresh fruit from my amazing guide, Alfredo (he does think I'm insane after I cried at a tortoise and didn't notice the sea lions for a full minute thinking they were rocks!) I have so many more pictures and videos to upload than my WiFi will currently allow but if anyone ever tells you the Galapagos isn't the best place in the world, they're lying.Read more
Traveler just Wow!
6/29/22Reply
Travelerit such an amazing place!
6/29/22Reply
TravelerOMG! I am crying just watching and looking at these amazing photos. your host looks a lovely man and I am so glad you are having an amazing time just 2 days in xx
6/29/22Reply
TravelerAlfredo and his wife are lovely 👌 can't do enough, so glad I'm staying an extra night. it's so beautiful here, the sun isn't out or anything but in terms of nature it's astounding xx
6/29/22Reply
Travelerthat's lovely friends for life xx
6/29/22Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 9:51 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Ecuador Punta Malamocco -0.895955, -89.6092040°53’45” S 89°36’33” W
Day 2: part 1
June 29, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
I started my day in the most perfect way I'd never imagined, I had my morning coffee on the beach, surrounded by sealions. I don't think I could ever get used to their presence, it's fascinating to me. I then walked through town to the Centro de interpretación which includes a museum all about the history of the Galapagos, the problems it now faces and the possible solutions. I then began a hike and took in more of the flora of the island. The animals get a lot of the attention here (and rightly so) but there also some beautiful plants and breathtaking scenery.Read more
Travelerwhat an experience x
6/30/22Reply
Travelerit all looks so amazing 😍
6/30/22Reply
They even look like you! [Kev]
6/30/22Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:00 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 2 m
Ecuador Cerro Tijeretas -0.881781, -89.5978820°52’54” S 89°35’52” W
Day 2: Part 2
June 29, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
My hike continued and at this point I'll confess to not being entirely sure what I'd got myself in for. Although only a few km from the Centre, much of the terrain was rocky and with the intense heat and my dwindling water bottle I considered turning back. I can't tell you how glad I am that I didn't! Awaiting me at the end was the beautiful Playa Baquerizo, a small quiet beach, only accesible by the hike, in which you could swim with the sealions. I didn't get many good photos of this so you'll have to trust me that it was an incredible experience. For a while I just sat in the water and let the ocean wash over me, refreshing me for the hike back. When I got back I found more of my new pals in many different (and unexpected) places.Read more
Travelerthe sea lions look so friendly & relaxed 😌 xx
6/30/22Reply
TravelerI am loving the sea lions looks like they are all content and will sleep anywhere 😍😴xx
6/30/22Reply
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Day 4
Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 10:09 PM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 20 m
Ecuador Bahía Baquerizo Moreno -0.9, -89.6090340°54’0” S 89°36’33” W
An evening in San Cristobal
June 29, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
I rounded out my last day in San Cristobal with a delicious dinner on the beachfront, watching the sunset, with sealions in sight of course! The food was amazing, I had the ceviche, tofu 'El Junco' (a local lake and the only freshwater on the islands) curry and the chocolate dessert. I also had the best Caipirinha I've had since I was in Brazil 10 years ago! Tomorrow morning, I leave for the island of Santa Cruz.Read more
Travelersounds amazing xx
6/30/22Reply
TravelerIt all looks fantastic the food looks great enjoy. Stay safe xx
6/30/22Reply
Travelercan't wait to see what is next xx
6/30/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 12:12 PM
☁️ 22 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.743873, -90.3114940°44’38” S 90°18’41” W
I made it to Sant Cruz!
June 30, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C
After what felt like an age on a boat this morning but was in reality only a few hours, I reached my second stop in the Galapagos, Isla Sant Cruz. I'll try to describe the boat journey to you and then I'd like to forget all about it. A tiny water taxi takes you to the ferry. This ferry is also small and we are in the middle of the Pacific so you can imagine how it went. I didn't get many videos when we got into the middle of the ocean and the waves were really bad as I was otherwise engaged (despite wearing sickness bands and taking cyclizine) so you'll have to trust me on how choppy it was. After two hours I arrived and walked the short distance to my new hotel, along the way I saw a group of women preparing the days catch, surrounded by pelicans. I've also added some photos of my accomodation here (complete with hair dressing station!) as it's so pretty and happily this place has breakfast included. Speaking of which, I need to refuel after that journey...Read more
Traveleromg so glad you made it safely the boat trip looked awful, nice room to relax in. Have you got to do the return trip?
6/30/22Reply
Great adventure [Esther]
7/1/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 1:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.760044, -90.3327080°45’36” S 90°19’58” W
Day 1 in Santa Cruz: The hike
June 30, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Sorry for the delay in posting! I've been so busy and my connection has not been great. Although most places in the Galapagos have WiFi the signal is not strong enough to share this many photos. After surviving the ferry journey and checking into my hotel in Sant Cruz, I took the advice of my lovely host, Rocio, and began the hike to Playa Tortuga. I stopped for a coffee and patacones con queso (fried plantain with cheese) in a cute little cafe. I hired a snorkel set from town on my way in the hopes of seeing some exciting marine life. The walk was nice, this one was well paved and only about 2.5km each way, with a beautiful view across the city of Puerto Ayora at the beginning. I then put on my snorkel and got in the ocean...Read more
Travelerlooks like you are having an anazing time so far take care xx
7/2/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 4:00 PM
☁️ 23 °C
Altitude: Sea level
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.763513, -90.3432120°45’49” S 90°20’36” W
Day 1 in Santa Cruz: The Swim
June 30, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ☁️ 23 °C
The water was lovely and not as cold as you often hear of it being. Unfortunately, this particular day it wasn't clear enough to see much under the water and I didn't get much footage in the ocean. However, around the underwater thicket you can see pictured, were sharks! I hadn't noticed at first as I had my snorkel on but a kind soul pointed out to me that I was swimming amongst them. They are not dangerous to humans and it felt amazing as you could clearly see them passing by, in and out of the bush.
Unfortunately I didn't get any footage but it was definitely an experience I will remember. I then left the ocean and began the walk back. Again, amongst a lot of wildlife. As you can see from the video, there was a heron, marine iguanas and a seal lion all within metres of each other! I was then lucky enough to see a pelican hunting for fish in the ocean. I watched someone throw him an already dead fish but he turned his nose up - clearly wanted a fresh tea that afternoon! I continued my walk and...Read more
Travelerthose waves look very big good job you was not on a boat 😘 xx
7/2/22Reply
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Day 5
Thursday, June 30, 2022 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 11 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.763311, -90.3402940°45’48” S 90°20’25” W
Day 1 in Santa Cruz: The Booby
June 30, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
As I walked back along this gorgeous beach, I continued to see a lot of wildlife, including the very inquisitive (and surprisingly fast) marine iguana in the video. I had to move quickly so as not to get too close; the rule in the Galapagos is to always keep 6ft from the wildlife - it's their home, not ours and to leave everything as you found it. Leave only your footprints in the sand. I then saw another path off to the side (pictured with prickly pear cacti either side), I wondered what was down there and boy am I glad I did! I came across another blue footed booby, sat on a rock. I spent some time watching him and managed to capture some good footage. It was amazing to be so close to such a rare creature! I think this is a place that you could never really get used to. I then walked back to my apartment and being very tired from the boat and the day, had a quiet evening in.Read more
Traveleryou can always manage to find a book shop 😂
7/2/22Reply
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00 AM
⛅ 20 °C
Altitude: 615 m
Ecuador Isla Santa Cruz -0.625236, -90.3841640°37’31” S 90°23’3” W
Los Gemelos
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C
My second day in Santa Cruz started well with a lovely cooked breakfast from my host, Rocio. I had a tour booked into he Highlands to see some more tortoise and on the way my guide, William, asked if I would like to stop as Los Gemelos. I said yes and, not really sure what to expect, I followed his direction to the entry point and followed the trail around. It was an outstanding sight! You can see that it was quite windy and a little wet, that's because the climate on the Galapagos varies depending on where you are. While the beaches and surrounding areas can be quite arid; the Highlands are full of vegetation and nearly constant mist like rain. Los Gemelos are two craters formed by unstable ground left by underground magma activity in the middle of a forest of Scalesia. As the sign says, 'Even apparent destruction can great beauty.'Read more
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 11:00 AM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 413 m
Ecuador Isla Santa Cruz -0.653435, -90.4057140°39’12” S 90°24’21” W
Lava Tunnels
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
William then asked if I wanted to stop at the lava tunnels on my way to the tortoise and of course I said yes. He then pointed at the entrance and said he'd meet me at the exit 😳 It was a little daunting walking through alone but a spectacular sight! You can see the tiny gap I had to crawl through in between two planks of wood midway through and I'll be honest I did think about turning back. I'm glad I pushed on because it was a fascinating experience.Read more
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 419 m
Ecuador Isla Santa Cruz -0.653437, -90.4049460°39’12” S 90°24’18” W
Las tortugas!
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Next up on my tour was the big one, the moment I had been waiting for, El Chato Reserva. It was indescribable, the feeling of being so close to these majestic animals. On the drive in we came across a tortoise just sat in the middle of the road. There are many signs in that part of the island to be careful of tortoise when on the road. I was grouped with a really nice American-Polish family who graciously took lots of photos of me with the tortoise too. At the start our lovely guide, Juan, showed us the passion fruit and guava that grows organically on the land and encouraged us to pick some up, open with our hands and enjoy the fruits. He did warn us not to touch the poisoned apples though, they're dangerous to humans but for tortoise work as a laxative after their big feeds. Juan was so informative and made the tour a wonderful experience with his extensive knowledge. I have so many more photos and videos than I can upload but it was definitely one of the best experiences of my life. At the end Polina and I got into old tortoise shells ourselves and had a good laugh trying to squeeze in.Read more
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 2:00 PM
⛅ 23 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.740626, -90.3036710°44’26” S 90°18’13” W
Darwin Research Centre
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C
Next up was the Darwin Research Centre which I have been looking forward to visiting for months due to their tortoise breeding program. Our guide for la ruta de la tortuga was Rubén who had extensive knowledge on the animals and the current breeding programs going on. He first shared a lot of the history of the island and the centre with us and then we toured the breeding itself. Ruben explained that the tortoise are bred there and kept there until they are able to be released into the wild at 5 years old. The larger tortoises you can see were pets (it was possible to have a giant tortoise in your garden in the Galapagos up until the 1950's) and so are now too used to captivity. The smallest babies you can see are just 6 months old! I was then able to tour the fascinating exhibition hall, which shared information all about the centre, it's aims and it's programs at lesuire. A fascinating experience!Read more
TravelerWow what an experience xx
7/3/22Reply
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 5:00 PM
⛅ 22 °C
Altitude: 7 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.743176, -90.3052180°44’35” S 90°18’19” W
1
The Beach
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C
Finally, as it was my last day in the Galapagos I wanted to have one last swim in the ocean. I went straight to the beach near the the research centre (having to hop over a pile of iguanas on my way) and had my last dip in this lovely part of the world. I also met a police officer who told me that there is very little crime on the Galapagos and their focus is on protecting the animals (at least I think that's what he said we were speaking in Spanish...) And I began to wonder if the met do transfers to paradise...Read more
Traveler Wow !!!!!
7/3/22Reply
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Day 6
Friday, July 1, 2022 at 8:00 PM
⛅ 21 °C
Altitude: 6 m
Ecuador Puerto Ayora -0.743872, -90.3113030°44’38” S 90°18’41” W
Last evening in the Galapagos
July 1, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C
For my last evening in the Galapagos I went out to eat at a restaurant I had heard was really good for vegetarian food, which is difficult to find out here. On my way I came across a group doing a public performance of traditional Ecuadorian dance in the public square and they were gorgeous!Read more
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Day 7
Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 12:00 PM
⛅ 25 °C
Altitude: 33 m
Ecuador Baltra Island -0.465497, -90.2746020°27’56” S 90°16’29” W
Arrived in Baltra
July 2, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C
It was now time to say goodbye to my lovely host Rocio and eat another of her muy delicioso breakfasts! To get to the airport I had to get a taxi to the other side of the island, then another boat (luckily this one was calm and only took 10 minutes) and then finally a bus. I'm so sad to be leaving the Galapagos (don't think the sealions wanted me to board the boat either) and I think it has overtaken Rio as my favourite place on earth but the silver lining at least is that I am now on my way to see mi amiga Tiana and learn more about yoga from her in the Peruvian jungle...Read more
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Day 7
Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 3:00 PM
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 14 m
Ecuador José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport -2.14786, -79.8833922°8’52” S 79°53’0” W
Back in Guayaquil
July 2, 2022 in Ecuador ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
I have landed in Guayaquil and am now waiting for my flight on to Lima. I was lucky enough to get upgraded on the flight so I am at least well fed and a little rested. 🙂
TravelerWell done Lucie , you can’t beat an upgrade . So glad you’re having a good time . Go girl !!!!!!!
7/3/22Reply
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Day 7
Saturday, July 2, 2022 at 10:13 PM
☁️ 15 °C
Altitude: 47 m
Peru Jorge Chávez International Airport -12.023811, -77.102712°1’26” S 77°6’10” W
Arrived in Peru!
July 2, 2022 in Peru ⋅ ☁️ 15 °C
Landed in Lima for the night, have a good hotel near the airport so tomorrow I will be off to the jungle for 2 weeks of yoga. It will be intense so you may not hear much from me on here for a while. Thank you for following my journey so far and I will see you soon!Read more
Everything is sooo fascinating. [Esther]
7/3/22Reply
TravelerHave a wonderful time xx
7/3/22Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, July 3, 2022 at 11:15 AM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 260 m
Peru Tarapoto -6.509741, -76.3689736°30’35” S 76°22’8” W
1
Arrived in Tarapoto
July 3, 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
After a lovely breakfast, accompanied by a very cute cat I set off for the jungle for my yoga teacher training! On the short flight from Lima to Tarapoto you could see the scenery change from mountains to lush jungle.Read more
Traveler haha lovely 😍 it's a Tipsy Pepsi cat 🐈
7/4/22Reply
The writing above the door is brilliant. It fits you to a tee. [Esther]
7/4/22Reply
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Day 8
Sunday, July 3, 2022 at 3:15 PM
⛅ 29 °C
Altitude: 818 m
Peru Moyobamba -6.025885, -76.9644666°1’33” S 76°57’52” W
Arrived in the jungle!
July 3, 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C
Another 2 hour car journey made it nearly 2 days of travelling in total but I have arrived at Kantu Garden Lodge to begin my yoga teacher training! It looks beautiful and with the rain is currently very peaceful here. I'm excited to see what the next two weeks have in store...Read more
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Day 12
Thursday, July 7, 2022
⛅ 27 °C
Altitude: 829 m
Peru Tingana -5.912884, -77.149365°54’46” S 77°8’58” W
Tingana Eco Reserve
July 7, 2022 in Peru ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C
The course is super intense which is why you haven't heard much from me! Most days are a 5.45am start and a 9pm finish with no break time. I'm taking advantage of an hour break today to share the excursion we recently went on! We travelled to Tingana eco reserve which felt really exclusive and an adventure as we had to get a taxi for about an hour and then a motorised boat down the river for another hour. When we got there we had a delicious breakfast before a silent canoe ride by our guides who pointed out so many animals along the way (including lots of monkeys!) We stopped to have a swing on this jungle rope swing which was terrifying but amazing before doing some yoga on the top deck of the reserve. Because we got a taxi, a boat and then a canoe you really did feel like Paddington Bear in deepest, darkest Peru! Such an experience.Read more
TravelerWow, that's a damn long day
8/3/22Reply
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