Of all the cities we’ve visited in the past six weeks Valparaiso is by far our favourite. The majority of people we met before arriving informed us that two or three days would be plenty. We ended up spending a week in Valpo, as it’s affectionately called, and could’ve stayed even longer. Having said that…
Time to indulge, backpacker style. Starting with the 17 hour bus ride from Bariloche. The buses in Argentina are amazing compared with those we’ve caught in Europe and Asia. We traveled with CATA Int. and upgraded to a cama seat. Good decision. A guy in our hostel asked the ticket office what the difference was…
Set against a stunning backdrop of lakes and mountains Bariloche is a beautiful place to spend a few days. And when National Geographic names a hike here as being one of the best views in the world you promptly add it to your ‘to do list’. After catching a bus out of town we started…
For the past few weeks we’ve heard mixed reviews regarding Buenos Aires. And while I wouldn’t go as far as to call it the Paris of South America as some people do, it is vibrant and we loved it! As with travel in any big city the people you meet can make or break your…
Like a lot of people, we used Lima as a gateway to Cusco. Driving from the airport two things were obvious: the people here love a chat and this city has a major traffic problem. It gives Kathmandu a run for its money and the locals seem convinced that beeping their horn will make some…
First up: laundry Thankfully there is no shortage of places to get your dirty clothes washed in Cusco. And for $2 a kilo with a same day turnaround why wouldn’t you take up the offer. That afternoon our clothes were delivered back to our hostel so nicely flat packed that we almost felt bad putting…
At 4.30 am we dragged our weary bodies from the comfy bed and made our way through the streets of Aguas Caliente. Two became three and then five as others popped out of nearby alleys to join us on our journey to Machu Picchu. Then they all turned right towards the bus station- those cheating…
If you had asked me on day two of our Salkantay Trek whether I would trek again you would have been met with a resounding ‘hell no’- the generous family and friends that had paid for us to trek in Nepal next year as a wedding gift would just have to be disappointed. Don’t worry,…
Niall and I have been travelling together for nine years now. During that time we’ve developed little habits and routines that we fall into without thinking- from the way we pack our backpacks to our pre-flight beer ritual or daily game of afternoon cards (usually rummy). Sitting in an airport together (currently sydney) feels familar.…
Awakening the senses. Meeting people; exchanging stories. Good food. Learning about other cultures. Walking. Challenging comfort zones. Being humbled & reminded of just how lucky we are. Exploring. Discovering little quirks and similarities. Taking in amazing sights. Freedom. These are just a few of the things we love about traveling…
BB Travel Tales 