Two Backpackers » South America

Photo of the Day: Salt Flats In Black And White

Aracely — Wed, 08 Sep 2024 12:00:16 +0000

During our exploration of Northern Argentina we visited Salinas Grandes. These are the largest Salt Flats in Argentina. After driving out into the middle of the flats you get an amazing panoramic view of the area. The contrast in colors between the blinding white salt and the rich blue sky is incredible and best captured in this black and white photo.

Black & White Photo of Salinas Grandes in Argentina

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Photo of the Day: Religious Cross Atop Isla del Sol

Jason — Tue, 07 Sep 2024 12:00:57 +0000

Situated on the Bolivian side of the lake with regular boat links to the Bolivian town of Copacabana, Isla del Sol (“Island of the sun”) is one of the lake’s largest islands. Geographically, the terrain is harsh; it is a rocky, hilly island. There are no motor vehicles or paved roads on the island. The main economic activity of the approximately 800 families on the island is farming, with fishing and tourism augmenting the subsistence economy. There are over 180 ruins on the island. Most of these date to the Inca period circa the 15th century AD. – Wikipedia

We walked across the island in 3 hours capturing some of the most beautiful ocean island views we have ever seen. We went off trail and climbed to the top of nearby hill to get a close up glimpse of this religious cross.

A Religious Cross Rests High on Isla del Sol in Lake Titicaca

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Photo of the Day: Mountains in Jujuy Province of Argentina

Aracely — Mon, 06 Sep 2024 15:00:57 +0000

These colorful mountains rest in the Jujuy province of Northwest Argentina which borders Chile and Bolivia. As part of our tour from Salta, we visited several towns in Jujuy, including Purmamarca. Purmamarca is most famous for it’s Hill of Seven Colors (Cerro de los Siete Colores), which describes the mountains surrounding the town that glow in many colors. A small trail, about 40 minutes long allows you to walk around the town on a elevated route for some spectacular photos.

Colorful Mountain Range During Drive in Jujuy Province of Argentina

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Photo of the Day: Rock Formations in Northwest Argentina

Aracely — Sun, 05 Sep 2024 15:00:57 +0000

Northern Argentina, the region of Salta, has an unlimited number of naturally formed landscapes perfect for site seeing. If you are looking for things to do in Cafayate or Salta, rent a car. It’s the best way to explore these rock formations, salt flats, small villages, wineries and more.

Rock Formations Near Cafayate, Argentina

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Photo of the Day: Mountains at Dusk in Northwest Argentina

Aracely — Fri, 03 Sep 2024 12:00:57 +0000

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta. We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta. On the drive from Cachi to Cafayate, the sun was settling and we took this beautiful photo of a blanket of white clouds being held back by glowing red mountains with the moon already shining.

Red Mountains at Dusk in Near Cafayate, Argentina

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Photo of the Day: Yellow Daisy in Northwest Argentina

Aracely — Thu, 02 Sep 2024 12:00:57 +0000

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta. We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta. Unexpectedly, we followed a typical festival sign that had us driving off onto a dirt and gravel road for several kilometers. We arrived to a gaucho harvest festival, where children and adults displayed traditional gaucho dancing while serving some typical pampas food.

Yellow Daisy Against Northwest Argentina Pampas and Mountains

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Photo of the Day: Gaucho Festival in Northwest Argentina

Aracely — Wed, 01 Sep 2024 12:00:57 +0000

Northern Argentina is the less traveled, but much to share region surrounding the province of Salta. We explored this region by renting a vehicle for 7 days, beginning southwest to the city of Salta. Unexpectedly, we followed a typical festival sign that had us driving off onto a dirt and gravel road for several kilometers. We arrived to a gaucho harvest festival, where children and adults displayed traditional gaucho dancing while serving some typical pampas food.

Locals Dancing at the Gaucho Festival in Northwest Argentina

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Photo of the Day: Iguazú Waterfalls in Argentina

Aracely — Tue, 31 Aug 2024 14:15:57 +0000

The Iguazú National Park is a national park of Argentina, located in the Iguazú Department, in the north of the province of Misiones, Argentine Mesopotamia. It has an area of 550 km2 (212 sq mi). The park was created in 1934 and it contains one of the greatest natural beauties of Argentina, the Iguazu Falls, surrounded by the subtropical jungle. Across the Iguazu River lies its Brazilian counterpart (Iguaçu National Park). Both sites were declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO, in 1984 and 1986. – Wikipedia

Cataratas del Iguazú are waterfalls of the Iguazu River located on the border of the Brazilian state of Paraná and the Argentine province of Misiones. The falls divide the river into the upper and lower Iguazu. The Iguazu River starts at the city of Curitiba and runs for the most part of the course entirely in brazilian territory, and in a little part at the end bordering Brazil and Argentina. – Wikipedia
See photos from the Brazil side.

Devil

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Photo of the Day: Magellanic Penguin On Peninsula Valdez

Aracely — Sun, 29 Aug 2024 13:01:24 +0000

Magellanic penguins dot the Argentina Patagonia landscape along the coast. Peninsula Valdez offers a myriad of sea life viewing opportunities including sea lions, elephant seals, penguins and if you are lucky, killer whales (orcas). As we drove our rented vehicle down the east coast of the peninsula from Punta Norte, we pulled off the side of the road at a penguin mirador (lookout). Signs detailed the penguins migrating and eating behaviors and also explained why they were currently shedding their fur.

Magellanic Penguin On Peninsula Valdez in Argentina

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Photo of the Day: A Good Luck Sunset

Jason — Sat, 28 Aug 2024 12:00:00 +0000

San Pedro de Atacama is a Chilean town and commune in El Loa Province, Antofagasta Region. It is located east of Antofagasta, some 106 km (60 mi) southeast of Calama and the Chuquicamata copper mine, overlooking the Licancabur volcano. There are various activities for tourist and adventurers in the San Pedro de Atacama area: trekking, climbing, archaeological sightings, exploration tours in natural landscapes and even sand boarding in the desert. Because of its altitude, a brief period of acclimatization may be required.

Valle de la Luna (“Valley of the Moon”), a moon-like landscape with ruins of old Chilean salt mines, and worker huts. Valle de la Muerte (Death Valley): a valley where gigantic dunes and rocks abound. – Wikipedia

Discover San Pedro de Atacama

Stack of Rocks Symbolizing Good Luck in San Pedro de Atacama Desert

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Photo of the Day: Nature in Torres del Paine Patagonia

Aracely — Thu, 26 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

Torres del Paine National Park (Parque Nacional Torres del Paine) is a national park encompassing a mountains, glacier, lake, and river-rich areas in southern Chilean Patagonia. The national park (598.593,02 acres) is a popular hiking destination in Chile. There are clearly marked paths and many refugios which provide shelter and basic services. Views are breathtaking. Hikers can opt for a day trip to see the towers, walk the popular “W” route in about five days, or trek the full circle in 8–9 days. It is a national park and thus hikers are not allowed to stray from the paths. Camping is only allowed at specified campsites and wood fires are prohibited throughout the park. – Wikipedia

Torres Del Paine, Chile Circuit Trek

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Photo of the Day: A Train Cemetery in Bolivia

Jason — Wed, 25 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

One of the major tourist attractions of the area is an antique train cemetery. It is located 3 km outside Uyuni and is connected to it by the old train tracks. The town served in the past as a distribution hub for the trains carrying minerals on their way to the Pacific Ocean ports. The train lines were built by British engineers who arrived near the end of the 19th century and formed a sizable community in Uyuni. The engineers were invited by British-sponsored Antofagasta and Bolivia Railway Companies, which is now Ferrocarril de Antofagasta a Bolivia. The rail construction started in 1888 and ended in 1892. It was encouraged by the then Bolivian President Aniceto Arce, who believed Bolivia would flourish with a good transport system, but it was also constantly sabotaged by the local Aymara indigenous Indians who saw it as an intrusion into their lives. The trains were mostly used by the mining companies. In the 1940s, the mining industry collapsed, partly due to the mineral depletion. Many trains were abandoned thereby producing the train cemetery. – Wikipedia

F´d Up Economics of Tourism in Uyuni Bolivia

El Cementerio de Trenes en Bolivia

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Photo of the Day: Shining Shoes in Ecuador’s Plazas

Jason — Tue, 24 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

Shining shoes in Ecuador’s cities is a common tradition that is still maintained today. While visiting Plaza de La Independencia in Quito, we appreciated the moment of these two older guys conversing as the shoes were shined. Unfortunately, you will also see young boys and girls shining shoes for money as well.

Top List of Things To Do in Quito, Ecuador

Shoe Shining Tradition in Ecuador's Cities

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Discover Quito Ecuador

Jason — Mon, 23 Aug 2024 21:32:35 +0000

Quito is the capital city of Ecuador and stands 2,800 m (9,186 ft) above sea level, making Quito the second-highest capital city in the world behind La Paz in Bolivia. Its official, less popular name is San Francisco de Quito.

Quito, Ecuador

Quito is most often visited for it’s proximity to the celebrated middle of the world, equator line (La Mitad del Mundo). In addition, Quito’s old city (Centro Histórico), also boasts the most exquisite Spanish colonial architecture that attracts photographers from around the world. Cathedrals dot the landscape and the Andes mountains wrap the city valley. Looking off into the distance at the 45 m (148 ft) tall aluminum monument of a madonna that stands overlooking the city from a hilltop, I felt I was in a special place.

What To Do In Quito

La Mitad del Mundo

A 30 meter (100 ft) tall monument and museum marking the equator. Ride an elevator to the base of the monument for spectacular views of the park marking the 4 direction points.

La Mitad del Mundo

Museo de Sitio Intiñan

The real equator line lies only 240 meters (10 minute walk) from the celebrated monument of La Mitad del Mundo. The landscape still represents a small indigenous village, whom discovered the point over a hundred years ago, before GPS. Participate in fun experiments which can only be done on the real equator line.

Museo de Sitio Intiñan

Plaza de La Independencia

Plaza Grande is the city’s central square, surrounded by administrative buildings, museums, tourist offices and one of the oldest cathedrals in South America.

Plaza de La Independencia

Basilica del Voto National

Located in the historic center of Quito, this basilica is a must see attraction. It is the largest Neogothic Basilica in the Americas, but still remains unfinished today. The highlight is climbing to the highest point of the church’s tower, if you dare to climb steep ladders inside and spiral ladders outside. You will be rewarded with some incredible views.

Jason at the Basilica del Voto National

Volcano Pichincha

Quito is surrounded by volcanoes, some of them snow-capped and visible from the city on a clear day. The closest volcano to the city is Pichincha, located to the west. Access the volcano via Teleferico (cable car) for cityscape views. Looking for a day hike? Continue on foot for 3 hours climbing to the top of Rucu Pichincha summit at 4680 m (15,354 ft). Hike at your own risk and bring warm clothes.

Volcano Rucu Pichincha

La Mariscal

Also known as Gringolandia, this trendy neighborhood of bars and posh restaurants caters to both Quiteños and western tourists. You can party 24 hours near Plaza Foch, where tables and chairs spill into the streets busy with taxis trying to catch a fare. There are also an unlimited number of travel agencies located here.

La Mariscal, Also Known as Gringolandia

La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

The Church of the Society of Jesus, known as La Compañía is also just a few blocks from the main plaza in the historic center. The church has a Latin Cross design and south nave. The gold leaf interior is what blows your mind. Pay an entrance fee to see the most artistic skilled work in all of Quito’s churches.

La Iglesia de la Compañía de Jesús

Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco

Church and Monastery of St. Francis known as El San Francisco, is a colonial styled church and monastery located in the garment district of the historic center. A beautiful open plaza rests in front of the church. Dine at the touristy outside restaurant and watch the pigeons circle the plaza.

Iglesia y Monasterio de San Francisco

Parque Metropolitano

The Metropolitano Guanguiltagua Park is the largest city park in all of South America. Away from the city center, enjoy long walks, jogging and biking.

Parque El Ejido

Dividing the old and new city is El Ejido Park. On the weekends the park is crowded with visitors shopping for art, jewelry and crafts. Children pedal gokarts while adults enjoy the sun and entertainment of the bustling park. On Sundays, Avenida Amazonas is open only to pedestrians. Rent a bike and ride down the street leading to El Ejido Park.

Parque El Ejido

Museo del Banco Central

The Central Bank Museum is the best museum in Quito, displaying artifacts from all of Ecuador’s regions and cultures, including pre-Inca. Enjoy classic and modern art from Ecuador for a small entrance fee.

Museo del Banco Central

Parque Itchimbia

The Itchimbia Park overlooks the city on the Itchimbia hill and is home to a glass museum with varying exhibits.

Parque Itchimbia Museum

Before heading up to the top of Itchimbia, enjoy eating at Café Mosaico with the most incredible dinning view in all of Quito.

En el Itchimbia, Café Mosaico

View the entire Quito, Ecuador photo gallery.

Things To Know

Transportation in a cab, if it doesn’t have a meter, involves negotiating for all your rides. Ask the hotel or hostel you are staying at what it should costs to visit certain areas in order to obtain a fair price. The trolley is the cheapest fare in town, but protect your belongings during the crowded rush hour.

Pickpocketing and robbery stories are often heard when in Quito. Be aware of your surroundings, save your photos often, strap cameras across your chest and don’t carry much money. If you plan on staying out late enjoying the bars and clubs around Plaza Fosch, find a partner when walking home and avoid dark side streets.

The bus pollution can be overwhelming considering the city lies in a valley, trapped by the Andes mountain range.

Quito is also a great place for settling down and taking some Spanish lessons. I took classes for a month at the Cristóbal Colón Spanish School.

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Photo of the Day: Putre Chile Mountains

Aracely — Sun, 22 Aug 2024 13:00:16 +0000

Putre is a Chilean town and commune, capital of the Parinacota Province in the Arica-Parinacota Region. It is located 130 km (78 miles) east of Arica, at an altitude of 3500 metres (11,400 feet). The town is backdropped by Taapaca volcanic complex.
Putre is on the edge of the Lauca National Park, and is popular with visitors to the National Park wishing to acclimatise to the altitude. – Wikipedia

Drive From Arica to Putre, Chile

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Photo of the Day: Isla Del Sol, Lake Titicaca

Jason — Sat, 21 Aug 2024 12:00:16 +0000

Isla del Sol (Island of the Sun) is an island in the southern part of Lake Titicaca. It is part of the modern Plurinational State of Bolivia. Geographically, the terrain is harsh; it is a rocky, hilly island. There are no motor vehicles or paved roads on the island. The main economic activity of the approximately 800 families on the island is farming, with fishing and tourism augmenting the subsistence economy. Of the several villages, Yumani and Cha’llapampa are the largest. There are over 80 ruins on the island. – Wikipedia

Isla del Sol on Lake Titicaca

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Photo of the Day: Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia

Jason — Sun, 15 Aug 2024 14:00:16 +0000

The Perito Moreno Glacier is a glacier located in the Los Glaciares National Park in the south west of Santa Cruz province, Argentina. It is one of the most important tourist attractions in the Argentine Patagonia. This icefield is the world’s third largest reserve of fresh water. The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of only three Patagonian glaciers that is growing. Scientist have no idea why. The terminus of the Perito Moreno Glacier is 5 kilometres (3 mi) wide, with an average height of 74 m (240 ft) above the surface of the water of Lake Argentino, in Argentina. It has a total ice depth of 170 metres (558 ft). – Wikipedia

Perito Moreno Glacier

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Photo of the Day: Inti Raymi Festival in Cusco

Jason — Sat, 14 Aug 2024 17:01:16 +0000

Our visit to Cusco, Peru was greater than expected when we discovered that the Inti Raymi Festival was being held all week. Everyday in the street the people would practice leading up the big event on the weekend. Bands, costumes and dancing lit up the entire plaza.

Inti Raymi, Festival of the Sun Festival in Cusco

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Photo of the Day: Sunrise Over Salt Flats in Bolivia

Jason — Fri, 13 Aug 2024 12:01:16 +0000

During our Tupiza to Uyuni Bolivia Salt Flats 4-day tour we witnessed incredible and varying scenery, such as this sunrise over the salt flats early the last morning. The white ground creates a very unique glow which is hard to experience elsewhere. If the clouds are clear enough, it may be the best sunrise you will ever experience.

Sun Rising At Uyuni Salt Flats in Bolivia

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10 Weird Things From Latin America

Jason — Thu, 12 Aug 2024 13:00:18 +0000

One of my favorite things about traveling is being humored by things that seem strange or awkward to me. We’ve traveled extensively through Central and South America and noticed many different customs, products and behaviors that don’t exist in the United States. Each individual country does have distinct cultural norms when compared to their neighbors, however, we were still able to observe some common weird things across them all.

Throw Toilet Paper in Waste Bin

List of 10 Weird Things in Latin America

1. Don’t Throw Toilet Paper in the Toilet

No matter where you are in Central or South America, toilet paper is thrown in the trash can or waste bin. This is a challenge initially for those traveling from the United States. Sometimes, subconsciously you inevitably throw it in the toilet, but be aware it can cause a toilet to blow up. It’s not their practice to dispose of toilet paper this way and their plumbing is not built to handle it. Every hostel you visit will kindly remind you on the stall door.

2. Liquids are Sold in Plastic Bags

The first time I saw someone with a plastic bag full of water hanging from their mouth I did a double take. Bottled water is available, but it’s cheaper to buy your fluids in plastic bags. Street vendors will sell all different types of juices and even full meals of chicken and rice in clear plastic bags. These bags are similar to those your Mom used to put your lunch sandwiches in. Yogurt is also usually a liquid and sold in plastic bags.

Milk (Leche) Sold in a Plastic Bag

3. Streets are Named After Dates

This can be very confusing when following a map and conversing about it to your travel partner. “Where do we turn?” “9th of October.” “I asked where do we turn at?” The dates are usually significant to the region, such as independence day and other holidays.

Calle 9 de Octubre in Quito, Ecuador

4. Unfinished Buildings

Iron rods stick out of the flat roofs of many buildings. To a foreigner it looks like they just never finished the next floor up, however they are planning for the future. We are more concerned with the appearance of buildings. They are more concerned with the cost of the building. It may look ugly, but if they decide to build another story, the cement floor is already complete and the vertical iron rods are ready for cement.

What Appears To Be An Unfinished Building in Quito, Ecuador

5. Money Change is Rare & Precious

When using a cash machine, it usually dispenses large bills, however it is nearly impossible to pay with large bills. This has been a common theme throughout all of Central and South America. You will find yourself making purchases in order to obtain smaller bills and exact change, but be aware, the retailer usually has a secret stash of change.

6. American School Buses Have a Second Life

You have probably seen our Chicken Bus video, if not take a look. Old American school buses, usually tricked out with creative custom add-ons, are the main mode of transportation in many Central American countries. It gets very crowded and you won’t be buying any tickets to get on these buses. Hop on when it passes by and you will most likely have a two hour experience that you will remember for a lifetime. Don’t worry about not having any snacks or drinks with you, street vendors will jump on selling the strangest things.

Chicken Bus from Antigua, Guatemala

7. Paying To Use Bathrooms

Public bathrooms are never free. We usually have to pay a US quarter to use them and sometimes you have to pay extra for toilet paper. The worst part is that they are far from clean or hygienic.

8. Security Guards Carrying Shotguns

Security Guards stand outside banks, museums, clothing stores, gas stations and sometimes even restaurants and they carry big menacing shotguns. This can be a bit intimidating at first, but it’s a safety precaution and quite normal.

Security Guard in Colombia

Axion Dish Soap

9. Dish Soap is a Paste

To some this may not seem so different, but when all you’re life you’ve only seen liquid dish soap from a Palmolive bottle, seeing a tub of paste with a sponge lying in it catches your attention.

10. Tuk-Tuk and Motorbikes

Many taxis in the small towns and villages drive tuk-tuks or motorbikes with carts. It was quite exciting for us to catch our first ride in Guatemala. Tuk-tuks are cheap and quick, moving in and out of traffic. Negotiate you price ahead of time, as would with any taxi.

Tuk-tuk Taxi in Panajachel, Guatemala

And many more! Please add things that appear strange to you from Latin America in the comments below.

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