Mendoza is one of the great wine capitals in the world, known for its Malbecs and variety of bodegas (vineyards). But I will not be praising this city, as I was really disappointed. Maybe because I’ve visited Bordeaux and other wine regions, I was biased but Mendoza really didn’t hold to my expectations. The city... Continue Reading →
The Cataratas del Iguazu (Spanish) or Cataratas do Iguaçu (Brazilian) (Iguazu Falls) stretch for almost 3km and vary in height between 60 and 82m with 80% of the 275 waterfalls falling on the Argentinian side. Besides these facts, the view and experience are just... breathtaking! I have never experienced such an incredible act of nature.... Continue Reading →
Argentinian cuisine is the reflection of its culture and history: a mix between local and immigrants' flavors. Alfajores: sort of cookie filled with dulce de leche. But it's a way of life here and every city has its own specialty! I do recommend the ones covered in glazed sugar. Asado: the beef is so incredible... Continue Reading →
Córdoba is a university city, young and dynamic and as such has a happening nightlife scene. A legend is said that the city was named as a gift for the wife's founder, as she was from Córdoba (Spain). People of Córdoba, Cordobesas, are known as fun-loving cuarteto dancers (cumbia) and I can say I've seen... Continue Reading →
Cafayate, a few hours south of Salta, is well known for its vineyards and torrontés grapes. From Salta, you can easily take a day tour visiting the vineyards and the Quebrada de las Conchas (about 700 pesos for the day tour including the guide). People say there are 360 days of sun in Cafayate, which... Continue Reading →
First big city I've visited in Argentina and wasn't disappointed! It has a population of about 620 000 inhabitants, which makes it the second most populated city in the northwest of the country. Nicknamed Salta la Linda (Salta the beautiful) because we believe the name comes from Quechua meaning "beautiful", it has become a major tourist destination... Continue Reading →
Humahuaca gets its name from an Indian tribe called the omaguacas. The word means "sacred river" or "river that always will remain". The small village is a main gateway to the viewpoint of its surrondings, and essentially the Serranías del Hornocal (Hornocal range of mountains), although you can also make the day trip from other cities such... Continue Reading →
It’s fair to say that Bolivia is not a famous for its culinary skills as many of its dishes focus around potatoes and rice. But there are a few local dishes that still are worth trying: Api: hot drink made of ground corn (sometimes purple), pineapple, water, cinnamon and sugar. Buñuelos: deep fried dough that comes... Continue Reading →
Anyone travelling to Bolivia is, for good reason, going to make a tour in the iconic Salt Flats and visit the surreal landscape of desert and colored lagoons of the National Park Eduardo Avaroa Reserve. Starting a Salar de Uyuni tour in Tupiza is a great alternative to starting it in Uyuni. Tupiza operators are generally better, have good... Continue Reading →
Surrounded by rugged scenery, cactus filled valleys and dramatic red rock canyons, Tupiza is a spectacular Wild West environment. The legend is that Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid met their faithful end at the hands of the Bolivian army near Tupiza, concluding their notorious string of bank robbery raids. Altitude here is 2,950m above sea-level, so... Continue Reading →
Sucre is Bolivia’s most beautiful city (so far) and the symbolic heart of the nation as it was here that independence was proclaimed. A glorious ensemble of white colonial buildings with cozy interior patios. The city was declared a Unesco World Heritage site in 1991. Also, I actually learned that it's Bolivia's capital! I always... Continue Reading →
Cochabamba is one of Bolivia's boom cities! Considered as the gastronomical capital of the country, it's also very colorful and nice to visit, even though there isn't much to see. Christo de la Concordia: This immense Christ statue standing atop Cerro de San Pedro is the second largest of its kind in the world (44cm... Continue Reading →
I only had time to spend one night and a morning in La Paz so I haven't seen it all but I was actually surprised. Everyone told me it was horrible but it's not that bad! Yes, it’s a human jungle we’re chaos is king but it still has some perks and I think that... Continue Reading →
The day tour to the islands (Isla del Sol and Isla de la Luna) costs about 35 bolivianos. You can buy your ticket directly at the port or in your hotel. You can also buy a one way ticket to Isla del Sol and spend the night. Departure is 8:30am or 1:30pm. You will start... Continue Reading →
Copacabana is a very small village on the coast of Lake Titicaca. It’s quite touristy but very peaceful. You should stay 2 days at the most, one to discover the islands and one to just relax in the sun. To be completely honest, after visiting the islands on the Peruvian side, I was a bit... Continue Reading →
There isn’t much to do in Puno and, to be honest, the city is quite ugly... But you should still go there for one reason: the islands! You have a few you can visit and you can even stay a night on some of them, but I chose to do a day trip to Uros... Continue Reading →
Three hours from Arequipa is the Cañón del Colca (Colca Canyon) with amazing trekking possibilities. At 4,160 meters, Colca is the second deepest canyon in the world, only surpassed by its big Peruvian brother, Cotahuasi. You’ll find incredible scenery, invigorating mountain air, giant condors and volcanic hot springs. I chose to do the 2 day trek with... Continue Reading →
Pretty cityscapes aside, Arequipa has played a fundamental role in Peru’s gastronomic renaissance with its classic spicy dishes such as rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy red peppers) or chupe de camarones (prawn chowder), best enjoyed in one of the picanterías restaurants. Pasta Canteen These pasta are delicious! For 16 soles, you get to choose what kind of pasta you want,... Continue Reading →
Peru is probably best known for the incredible Inca city of Machu Picchu, the Amazon rainforest, and its capital Lima, but there is so much more on offer in Peru. Just a short flight, or a 18 hours bus ride away from Lima, is Peru’s second city, Arequipa. With only about one million habitants, it's a lot... Continue Reading →
Banana's Adventure hostel was a very good experience! To be honest, I had had a couple of hard days and I really needed a nice place to relax. I'm happy I went at this hostel, it was perfect! Very clean, people working there were very nice and effective, and the place is very nice, especially... Continue Reading →
Just meets World 