Goodbye, South America!
We spent almost two years – or to be exact 685 days – travelling around South America. We drove a lot and consumed a lot. Here an overview of the distance covered, diesel consumed and many other interesting facts.
South America – what is dangerous?
We have visited almost every country in South America – and the ones that everyone warned us about were the ones we liked best. Here’s a reflection on what safety can be.
Places of the Future IV – Amazon’s Birds
In the Colombian border region of Putumayo, Yolima and her family are fighting for their small forest. A visit to Amazon’s Birds – a place of the future in the centre of a conflict zone.
Places of the Future III – Sinchi Warmi
Another place with a future. Here, indigenous women came together to protect their tradition and nature through tourism, and to create an income. And it’s a place where you find rainbows at night.
Ever Heard of the Big Five of South America?
Obviously we had to make our very own South American Big Five’s list. A safari through the entire southern continent. Hours and even days looking for an animal and, suddenly, it’s there. A real adventure.
Places of the Future II – Maquipucuna reserve
This is another place where wild animals have a future: Maquipucuna. They even attracted Andean bears back to the area – unintentionally.
Places of the Future I – Projects worth the journey
Places of the Future is dedicated to the people and projects that impressed us during our travels. First up is Sumak Kawsay in Situ with their 300-year project. There are many more to come, because, fortunately, the world is full of beautiful examples.
Looking for the spectacled bear, the only bear in South America
We’ve been looking for him on our entire trip along the Andes mountain range. Finally, we’ve seen it: the spectacled bear.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip to the Galapagos
How about visiting the islands that inspired Darwin’s theory of evolution? It’s an unforgettable experience, because of the animals.
Is tourism overpriced?
Tourism is one of the most important industries in the world – with all its up and downsides. Especially in regions such as South America, the impact on the economy, environment and society is clearly noticeable. But what does it really mean to be a traveller when prices are rising, experiences are becoming a commodity and the reality of the locals is often in stark contrast to what is on offer to tourists?
In this article, we share our personal experiences from several South American countries and show why there is often much more behind a simple journey than beautiful landscapes and exotic adventures.