A small recap

Hola,

It has been a while since my last post in January. The ordinary life has started and I'm working 40 hours a week. It's a big change compared with my previous lifestyle in Latin America. Although I don't mind the daily routine, the urge to travel is reviving. Quickly I gave in and decided to go on a road trip through Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Norway! Together whit a good friend we'll be driving an old Volvo 440 trough some beautiful Scandinavian countries, devouring more than 5000 kilometers, making bonfires on deserted islands and hiking with camping gear along breathtaking fjords. I can't wait! Moreover, we also made plans to go to Asia this winter, which is uncharted territory for me.

The reason I'm writing this is because I've noticed that everyday still many people visit my blog. About a third of them are from the Netherlands, the other two-third consists out of different countries from around the globe. For example: Argentina, Brazil, United States, Russia, Germany, South Africa, UK, Colombia, Spain, Japan and so on. It has come to my ears that in might be difficult to get a quick overview of my trip and my friends start to moan when I try to show them my photo collection of 1500 photos. Therefore I decided to make a short overview of my favorite countries, my favorite places per country and in the end my most beautiful pictures. I'm writing this in English so that my foreign visitors are also able to read this without a shabby translation by Google translate. Hopefully this way I will be able to reach a broader audience and make more people fall in love with the beautiful countries and amazing people of Latin America and all the places I'll visit next!

I'll start with my favorite countries. I enjoyed every country, but if I could only visit a few of them I would go for the following list:

·         Patagonia (the southern part of Argentina and Chile)

·         Bolivia

·         Peru

If my list could be longer I would add these countries:

·         Colombia

·         Costa Rica

·         Nicaragua

·         Honduras

·         Guatemala

·         Mexico

I was stunned by the amazing and drop dead gorgeous national parks in Patagonia, Bolivia and Peru. Patagonia is a lot more expensive than Bolivia and Peru (there is a big difference between the level of development between these countries) and the scenery differs considerably. Patagonia mainly consists out of a rugged, arid, rocky landscape with snow upon the high peaks. The weather is highly unpredictable, but this very southern tip of land has a vibe like no other place I've ever been before. It's perfect for hiking and someday I'll return (It's not only the scenery, I also ate the local blueberries and according to the legend a higher force will seduce you to come back after eating them). 

Bolivia and Peru are something different. These countries are still very pure and they haven't been swamped by tourists yet. Okay, you will see tourist, but when you avoid the high season (June/October, I was there in April) you will find yourself often surrounded only by locals. And these locals are so friendly and helpful. One thing is certain, they are not shy and they will try to interrogate you every time you try to relax in one of the old shabby chickenbusses driven by a crazy racing driver! I like this, it's really easy to connect with them and it gives an extra dimension to your trip. Of course, this only holds is you speak Spanish. The friendly and open attitude is less in the more developed countries such as Argentina and Chile. Don't get me wrong, the people from Argentina and Chile are wonderful, but the people of Bolivia and Peru were extraordinary! This attitude combined with places such as Uyuni, the silver mines of Potosi, Huayna Potosi, the jungle of Rurrenabaque, Colca Canyon, Machu Picchu and Huaraz made it an experience I'll remember for a considerable time!

Beside these jaw dropping beautiful places, don't forget to visit to following places:

Argentina: Buenos Aires, Iguazu Falls, El Calafate and El Chalten.

Chile: Puerto Natales and San Pedro de Atacama.

Bolivia: The national park between San Pedro de Atacama and Uyuni (by 4x4 car), the salt flats of Uyuni, Tupiza, the silver mines of Potosi, Sucre, Huayna Potosi, La Paz and the jungle of Rurrenabaque.

Peru: Colca Canyon, Cusco, Machu Picchu, Huaraz and in the summer Huanchaco for surfing.

Ecuador: Montanita for surfing, Quilotoa and Mindo.

Colombia: Salento, San Gil, National park Tayrona and Cartagena

Panama: San Blas islands and Panama City.

Costa Rica: National Park Corcovado and Monteverde.

Nicaragua: San Juan del Sur for surfing, Isla de Ometepe, Leon and Esteli.

Curacao: The beaches and the underwater reefs (go scuba diving).

Honduras: Comayagua, Lago de Yojoa and Copan Ruinas.

Guatemala: Lago de Atitlan, Lanquin and Flores.

Mexico: Palenque, Merida (cenotes and Mayan ruins), Oaxaca (Sierra Norte) and Mexico City.

The Pictures will follow soon!