south america
Between its wonderous mountain ranges, remote islands and the world's biggest rainforest, your first trip to South America likely won't be your last.
Evergreen and Grey. Top Story - April 2019.
Surrounded by irregularly stacked houses made mostly of reddish-orange cinder blocks topped with makeshift roofs, the more affluent areas of Caracas are always reminded that poverty is just a breath away. With creatively wired electricity, these houses, known as ranchos, twinkle like stars, and their orange glow greeted my arrival to Venezuela in 2001. Though it was one of the most beautiful sights I had ever seen, I was too scared to appreciate it at the time.
By Evergreen & Grey5 years ago in Wander
Why Peru Should Be Your Next Travel Destination
As my degree at university came to an end, I was facing one of the biggest decisions of my life—"what next?" I always knew that I wanted to start a successful career as soon as possible but I also had this burning desire to see the world. After a spontaneous decision to visit Spain, and then an upcoming trip around The United States on the horizon, I never even considered Peru until one of my housemates casually mentioned volunteering abroad. That tiny comment sparked an idea which soon became a reality. After a quick Google search of programs abroad, one in Peru caught my eye. I just couldn't get it out of my head. So it was decided, I was going to Peru for two months.
By Erin Trenchard6 years ago in Wander
I Had No Option Other Than to Survive Without Oxygen
After several weeks in South America traveling south through the mighty Andes mountains, I arrived in the capital of Bolivia, La Paz. Flushed with the cumulative success of hiking Peru’s Colca Canyon, Salkantay Pass, and Macchu Pichu, I had booked a two day expedition with a fellow backpacker, to climb the country’s fifth highest mountain, Huayna Potosi at 6088m, in the Bolivian Cordillera Real.
By Phil Thornett6 years ago in Wander
The Time the Atacama Desert Took the Best of Me
The Atacama desert is the driest desert in the world. Yes, that’s righ, this beautiful landscape has never seen a glimpse of rain. It sits just at the top of the beautiful country of Chile. The park has a quaint town within the desert and is a couple hours away from the closest airport. The altitude is close to 12,000 feet in elevation, which is not at all what I am used to. I was fortunate enough to go on this trip with some friends from my school while we spent the whole semester in Chile.
By Abby Feenstra7 years ago in Wander
Machu Picchu by Rail
A few years ago, when I was at university, I was always a little intrigued about the charity adventures they organised to Machu Picchu via the Inca trails. However, horse riding always took over and, along with working and university commitments, I was sadly never able to go. In 2017, I finally had the opportunity to travel around South America for a few months. There was no way I was passing up the opportunity to visit such an incredible place.
By Sophia Garner7 years ago in Wander
Best Places to Visit in Costa Rica on Vacation
Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries located in Central America. Through their stunning beaches, interesting landmarks, and amazing volcanoes, this is easily one of the best places to vacation. With so much to do, just a couple of days won't even scratch the surface of what really consists of this great country. Oh, and we couldn't forget about their mouthwatering, delectable foods.
By George Nekilan7 years ago in Wander
Forget Iceland, Go to Cartagena
Caribbean beaches, timeless cobblestone streets, divine food, and an indescribable passion for life, fun, and visitors makes Cartagena an unforgettable trip. I visited for the first time last July with my girlfriend (who grew up there). Here are my impressions, recollections, and recommendations.
By Nathan Esme7 years ago in Wander
Let Us Learn: 32 Things My Solo Travels Taught Me
After I graduated high school, I made the decision to take a gap year to travel, gain clarity for my future, and learn more about the world around me. I had never stepped out of my comfort zone to such an extreme before. I was a straight A student, I followed all of the rules, and I was on track to go straight to college on a full tuition scholarship, because that’s the track that society has set in place for high school graduates. Taking a gap year is normal in other countries, but in America it’s rather unconventional, and yet so important. I learned more about myself in four months than I had in four years of high school, and I returned home more changed than I could have ever imagined. As I sat in a coffee shop in Cusco, Peru on my last day in South America, I reflected on all of the people I had met, the times I had been forced into, situations outside of my comfort zone, and what it looked like for me to return home and interact with people whom I hadn’t spoken to in months. I began writing a list of everything I had learned, and everything I wanted to continue learning in the coming months and years.
By Aria Levin7 years ago in Wander
The Man Who Never Returned
Into the darkest untamed jungles of Amazon went Percy Fawcett, the man who never returned. The Enigma of Col. Percy Fawcett has fascinated the media and explorers ever since he vanished in the Amazon rain forest some 90 years ago. He was considered the greatest explorer of his day. Like Amelia Earhart a decade later, both leave a lasting legacy of mystery surrounding their disappearances. To first find out what motivated Percy Fawcett to undertake such perilous journeys only to vanish without a trace is to closely identify with the man himself.
By Dr. Williams7 years ago in Wander