1.Country, check! Region, check! Latest news, check!
Before you go out in the open, check with other travelers and locals if the current situation is safe. In some countries, hitchhiking is an absolute no go! In some countries foreigners are equal to dollars and if they`ll haven`t robbed you before you reached your final destination, they`ll demand you to pay. When the country/region you`re traveling in is considered `safe` for hitchhikers, always check the latest news. If robberies or human trafficking have been occurred in the last couple of weeks, it might be wise to spend some extra dollars on a bus. 

2. Find yourself a `partner in crime`
Hitchhiking is a lot safer and more fun when you`re not alone. Especially female travelers (I`m sorry `feministas`, but it`s simply true) should think twice before they`ll go hitchhiking alone. Even besides safety, waiting 7 hours in the middle of nowhere is a lot more enjoyable when you have more than your backpack to talk to. 

3. Go to the right spot
Ask around where the traffic is leaving in the right direction. Best spots are outside of town, before the onramp, roundabout or at a parking spot (the maximum speed of the traffic should be maximum 60km/h).
Be visible, nobody will see you if you stand behind a turn or a traffic sign. The sooner they see you, the more time they have to think about taking you, the more likely you`ll be picked up.
Check on the map, if there is any on- or off-ramps close by, you want to filter out as much traffic as possible. So it might be worth it to walk the extra kilometers instead of missing out on a lot of cars entering the route a bit further. Make sure your potential transport has space to pull over the car safely behind you.
For long distances: main service stations are also a good way to go. Ask what time the truck drivers are leaving. Make friends, ask around and off you go!
 
5. You can only make a first impression once
Alright, you`re traveling, not the best time to spend some energy on personal hygiene and looks. However, you can only make a first impression once. It will be hard to find somebody who is willing to take you when you smell like you-know-what. You don`t have to prom-ready, but make sure you got yourself freshened up, you`re cloths and backpack are free of mud and dirt from that last hike and put on a smile. Nobody likes a grumpy face, even if you`ve been waiting for 7 hours. Every car passing is a new change.
 
6.A sign or not?
When one thinks of a hitchhikers, one thinks `thumbs up` and a typical carbon sign with a some marker or pen scribbling with the next destination on it. However a sign is not always beneficial. Especially traveling long distances, every couple of kilometers is something. Especially when you`ll pass some onramps, the change will be bigger somebody will pass that can bring you to the same destination. Just practice and see what works best for you in which situation.
 
7. Be patient
You`ll never know when a car will stop, where it will take you and who you`re going to meet. This is the fun of hitchhiking. Just be patience, enjoy the scenery, do some meditation, play a game of `celebrity heads` or `I spy with my little eye`.
Sometimes a hundred cars will pass, before you`ll be picked up. Don`t lose hope, keep the good vibes and make the best of the moment.

8. You`re never obliged to get in a car!
You found yourself a car that is willing to take you, but the moment he/she lowers the window, flashbacks from Cruella Devil, `I know what you did last summer` and `saw` are popping up in your head. Stay polite, ask the person where he/she is going and thank him/her for the offer. Decline `as you`re going the other way` or `looking for a ride that can bring you further`. Never feel obliged to get in the car, your safety is more important than a potential insult. The person will get over it and you`ll will find yourself somebody else to take you.
If you followed my advice and got yourself a body, make up a code word. In case one of you don`t trust the person, just say the magic word and keep on looking further.
 
9. Get dropped off at a good spot
In case a car can`t bring you to your final destination, make sure you get dropped off at a spot where you`ll be able to hitchhike further. Abandoned cross points with one car passing every two hours, is probably not the best situation to be in.
 
10. Make friends by being one
Your backpacks are in the trunk, you parked your butt on the backseat and off you go! For some hitchhikers this is the moment to catch up with some sleep, finally prepare lunch or open up a beer to celebrate. No! No! No! You`re driver is not a bus company. Remember you are a guest, so behave like one. Start a conversation, show some interest and make friends. Offer some of your biscuits. If you`re really hungry, ask if it is ok for them if you eat or drink something and always offer them a bit of your food or drink. Keep the car or truck as clean as possible. Don`t worry, if you`re hitchhike is for multiple hours, you don`t have to be a fulltime entertainment and with some you`ll be able to fit a little power nap. But always try to make the hitchhike a nice experience for everybody.
 
11. The hitchhiker`s code
​You got up early, walked 3 kilometers from the other side of town to get to `that perfect roundabout` and there you see them: Another couple (of friends) trying to get a ride. Don`t be grumpy, they`re fellow travelers. Just pass, say hello, ask how they`re doing and maybe share some food and drinks. Always walk a bit further up the road to make it clear you`re not traveling together. If a car passes you`re early bird friends and stops for you. Explain that they were first. Maybe there is even space for all 4 of you. If the car doesn`t want to take them for whatever reason, just shout an apology and that you tried to give them the ride. Never, ever, `steal` a ride from somebody else. You`re in this together.
In case you are the early bird and a car stops for you, check if there might be space for your new friends as well. Create good karma, create good vibes. It will always come back to you one way or the other.
 
Alright you`re ready for take-off! Enjoy the ride. Stay safe and make lots of friends. Hitchhiking will make the travel sometimes even more memorable than the destination. What is your next stop gonna be?

You`ve got it all sorted; you picked your destination, booked your flight ticket, arranged your visas and you started to say goodbye to your family and friends. You got to the stage that only one more thing has to be done: You need to pack! A wrecking activity for most travelers. Just breath in and out. With these 10 items you`re sorted for your trip. 

​1. A backpack
What more can I say, a cyclist without a bicycle, a soccer player without a football, a painter without paint. A backpacker, needs a backpack! Everybody with an IQ enough to understand an episode of Sesame Street will get that point. However, spend time and money on finding the right one. There is nothing more annoying than a backpack that doesn`t fit well or a zipper that breaks on the moment you have to get into the bus. I`m already enjoying my Mrs. Jack Wolfskin for 9 years now and never had a problem. Other recommendable brands are Nomad or Kathmandu. Yes they are on the expensive side, but they go way longer than other brands, making them cheaper at the end. Plus a comfortable backpack saves you money on taxis, as you`ll be comfortable to walk for miles.
Last remark: you`re more likely to buy a backpack that is too big, than to small. I stuffed my backpack up to 20k at the start of my trip. A true burden for your body and mind. To my opinion max. 13k is the way to go.

2. A head torch
I know, you will not find them on the fashion items of this summer in Vogue. But waking up in a dorm, because somebody is turning the light on in order to read the last chapter of Harry Potter or looking for a napkin to blow their nose is, mildly speaking, annoying. Plus you may find yourself in towns or national parks where there is no electricity (during the night). A head torch will keep your hands free to look in your back, hold your book or make notes while going on a night walk.

3. Good footwear
Don`t make the same mistake as me, by buying new footwear the day before departure. Plus cheap is not always better. Make sure the footwear is of good fit, not causing any blisters. Good material that will survive and support you on different type of terrain and climates. Is waterproof, plus easily to clean. My previous hiking boots were from ecco and my loyal companions for 10 years. Plus if I could marry my tevasandals I would!. Good hiking sandals will not make you win a pageant, but they will keep your feet nice and airy on warm climate hike. Plus crossing a river or a mud pool, no worries. While the rest of the group has to take of their shoes and socks, dry and put the gear back on, you can just walk through. At the end of the day just wearing them underneath the shower will prevent you from getting a fungus infection on your toenails and cleans out your sandals in the meantime. Put them to dry overnight and enjoy fresh footwear that smells like your favorite shampoo.

4. Earplugs
Good night rest is essential to make the most out of your travels and enjoy it to the fullest. Nothing is more annoying than having the feeling that the whole Amazon is axed to the ground by mister world champion snoring sleeping in the dorm bed next to you. Or a couple rather replaying the notebook in the bunk underneath you than in the usual showers.

5. Your favorite medicines
Can you start a museum of the antibiotic packages you used for the tons of bladder infections you had? Can`t sleep with a blocked nose? Think what medicines you use regularly and pack them. Forget about the ‘what if.. ?’ medicines. Believe it or not, they`re pharmacy’s in other countries as well.

6. Tampons
Yes, gentleman, that counts for you too. Tampons are multi-use wonders. Forgot your earplugs and there is a party going on downstairs. Fluff off a tampon and turn them into earplugs. Hiking and feeling a blister coming up. A ripped apart tampon will provide a soft patch in your shoes of sandals. A big wound? A tampon is designed to absorb blood, plus with the plastic package around them, they’ll stay sterile in your backpack and are more compact then general bandages. Last, but not least. Tampons will make you the best Firestarter the world has ever known. Rip them apart and you’ll be amazed by how much fiber is inside. The fiber combined with the air between will lit flame like no tomorrow.

7. A pocket knife
​You don`t have to be on survival mode to enjoy the comfort of having a pocketknife. Cutting fruit during a hike. Making your own sandwiches in the bus. It safes you time and money to be able to take and prepare your own food on the road. Plus you’ll be amazed how many food packages are sealed bulletproof or cans who don`t have an opening lid.

8. Hand sanitizer
Going to India, this is a number one to take. Personal hygiene is very important. Enjoying an 8 hour bus ride while trying to prevent yourself from shitting your pants or vomiting in a plastic bag is not fun! Listen to your mum, disinfect your hands before eating.

9. A map or guidebook
Know where you are going. Whether it is in a city or on a 6 hour bus ride. In general people will try to make money of you, bringing you to another place, selling you a bus ticket to another town or won`t wake you up at your destination. By knowing where you are going you can prevent yourself from driving to Amsterdam instead of your romantic Paris. Plus by lack of a direct bus, it will help you determine an alternative route.
A good guidebook will provide indications of prices for transport or accommodation, avoiding you to get ripped off.

10. Gut feeling
Your gut is even wiser than master Yoda. Use the force. If you don`t trust a certain person or situation. Step out of it, even if it will cost you time, energy and/or money to find an alternative. At the end it will be in your favorite.

​When you think of Galapagos, you think of Charles Darwin, endless wildlife, islands, swimming with sea lions, epic diving, but also an absolute crack in your travel budget. Don`t stress out, just follow the next steps and you`ll get yourself an amazing time on these epic islands without going bankrupt. The following is a great way to do Galapagos on a cheap budget.

Don`t book ahead
So here you are, you got your guidebooks ready, binoculars around the neck and already dreaming away with all the old diaries of Charles Darwin. You go on the internet and are ready to book yourself a cruise. Don`t!!! Cruises sold on the internet or cruise + commission + commission + commission = very, very expensive. Get yourself to Quito or to (preferably) Guayaquil. In some cases you might find yourself a 10 day cruise for less than a 1000 dollars, in that case, consider booking it. Check recommendations of the company beforehand as qualities and comfort of the cruises vary immensely. Keep in mind that almost all cruises do not include flights and park fees.
 
Basic expensive
Whether you decide to do a cruise, do free camping or stay in hostels there are three expenses that are inevitable for every traveler:

1. Your flight ticket: flight tickets are around 400 dollars return. Flight from and to Guayaquil are mostly cheaper than to Quito.
2. Immigration control card: 20 dollars. You pay for this card on the airports of Guayaquil or Quito, before you check-in for your flight to the islands.
3. Park entry fee: 100 dollars. This entry fee needs to be payed once you arrive on the island. Make sure you have this with you, cash on hand. Cards are not accepted. Students should take their international student card and pay only 25 dollars. Save this receipt with all care! You have to show it again when you leave the islands. In case of loss, you need to pay again.

​Ready for take off
You checked for possible last-minute deals and didn`t find one. All you have to do now is book a one-way ticket to the islands. There is no mandatory for you to buy a return flight. Just make sure you don`t spend more than the permitted time you are allowed to stay in Ecuador. For most countries this is 90 days. There are two airports on the Galapagos, one on Santa Cruz (Baltra) and one on San Cristobal. Those with more than 6 days time to spend on the islands I recommend to fly to Isla Santa Cruz and fly back from Isla de San Cristobal. Those with less than 6 days time, go to San Cristobal and enjoy your time there. This island offers everything you would expect from Galapagos and most activities are for free.
 
Arrived on the island and now?
Alright, trusting you followed my advice in flying in by Santa Cruz. You pay your entry to National Park in the main hall (don`t worry they`ll make sure you don`t leave without paying it). Once you got your passport stamped (optional), paid your fees and got your luggage, you can walk to the free bus which will be waiting outside. The bus brings you to the Itabaca Channel. Take a ferry across ($1). On the other side of the channel you can choose to take a taxi ($20, up to 4 people) or a bus ($2). The bus will drive you in 90 minutes across the island to the town Puerto Ayora.
Go to the tons of tourists offices and see if you can get a good deal for a cruise. Some of them might need to fill up a space for cruise leaving that night. Anything less than $100 a day, including food and drinks might be worth it. Don`t forget to bargain.
 
If you didn`t find yourself a cruise, or just want to explore the islands on your own. Find yourself a nice hostel. In most hostels you can find a decent (private) room for $15 per night, per person. Ask around, or jump in a cafè with WiFi to check out latest deals on booking.com or Airbnb. Those who don`t feel like walking, taxis take you to any destination inside town for a $1.
 
Those with a tent can ask at the tourist information for current campsites and fees.

Start exploring
You got yourself an accommodation, maybe even already a good night sleep and you`re ready to go and explore. There is plenty of free activities on the island.
A nice start of point is the Darwin Centre. The center is really close to town, so no taxi needed. In the center you can gain some information about the history of the islands, the wildlife and you can spot your first giant tortoises in the breeding center. A good starter for your further explorations around the island.
Want to see an amazing beach, catch some waves or go for a snorkel. Take a walk to Tortuga Beach. The entrance to the park is at the end of town. From the entrance it`s about 30 minute walk to the beach. Enjoy the beach or set foot to Tortuga bay. Here you can go snorkeling in the mangroves and spot baby sharks or beautiful sea iguanas. Left your snorkel back home? Snorkels can be rented at most offices for $3 a day.
A nice walk/snorkel activity is going to las Grietas; a volcanic cliff formation, partly under water. Take a water taxi from the harbour (70 cents one-way). Enjoy the walk around the national park and cool down while snorkeling through this impressive little corridor of crystal clear water.

The most popular paid excursions on and around the island are:

• Visiting the highland tortoises in El Chato incl. a stopover at the sink holes. A taxi will cost around $35 for a roundtrip. Entry to the tortoises’ sanctuary is $3, including free organic coffee.
• Do a day tour to Bartalome (around $75, depending on your bargaining skills, looks, if you`re a girl and charm). We had an amazing day here by swimming with sea lions, saw sea turtles mating and spotted sharks.
• Dive, dive, dive baby!

As for all (free) activities on the islands, make sure you go early to spot the most wildlife and have the place for yourself.

​Time for some island hopping
So you`ve done all you wanted to do on the island and the travel bugs are tickling again. It`s time to have a move on. Santa Cruz is like the central station of the Galapagos Islands. All the ferries leave and arrive from here. There are 3 more islands you can explore on your own:

1. Isla Isabela, to the west. The biggest island of the archipel and a must see for everybody who like quite, remote places and/or volcanoe fanatics.
2. Isla Florena, to the south, the smallest habited island. Apart from that there is no ATM I have no further information about this island.
3. Isla de San Cristobal, to the east. As you could say in Spanish `Lo mas`, the best. A lot of wildlife, national parks, free activities and end your day in one of the nice bars or restaurants in town.

All ferries leave from the harbor in town and cost around $30 one way. Tickets can be bought at most offices. Take pills against motion sickness and try to get a seat in the back, in the open air. Believe it or not, but the seats inside the boat are like a rollercoaster. Most people get motion sick when the sea is rough, because you can`t see the horizon. On top of that it can gets steaming hot.

​Isla Isabela
Stack up with cash, there are no ATMS on this tranquillo island! Nice chilled out vibes there are plenty though, as well as national parks and completely deserted beaches.
Again you`ll be able to find a hostel here for $15 per person for a room. Check tourist information for recent campsites and prices.
 
Isabella is full of activities and the good news: a lot of them are for free!
 
Take your snorkel, or hire one for $3 and go snorkeling at beach next to the harbour. You`ll might have to share your beach chair with a sea lion, but they rule over all the islands, so you`ll be very likely used to them by now. Get a tan, go spot fishing penguins or play with some sea lion pups in the water. Another option close is a small wooden path on the other side of the road, leading to a mangrove forest. Here you can spot sea turtles, sea lions, penguins, sharks, rays and many more.
 
Rent a bike and bike along the coast to the wall of tears. Stop at the tortoise breeding center on the way to spot some super tiny and super big ones. Continue your way and spot them with dozens in the wild. On your way back stop at the several spots on the beach and try to do some snorkeling. Some people have spot some epic wildlife over here.
Prices of bike rentals vary a lot. Keep in mind that you get what you pay for. Nothing is more annoying than having your nice day cut off by a broken chain.
 
Do a day tour to the volcanoes Seria Negra and Seria Chico. Tours are around $30.
 
One of the most popular tours on the island, is a tour to Los Tunneles (around $85). This tour will take you snorkeling to a mangrove forest further out town and then to the magical volcanic rock formation of Los Tunneles. Most of the time you can spot the famous Blue-footed booby here.
Depending the season wales and orca`s can also be spotted around the island.

Isla de San Cristobal
The island that has it all. Bars, national parks, great hiking, wildlife, great surf, you name it. If you`re lucky the owner of hostel Fragatas Home is looking for new guests in the harbour. A bit out of town, but your own kitchen and bathroom for $15 per person. The owner speaks perfect English and is more than happy to drop you of at some highlights on the island. Snorkels are free for rent.
The number of activities on the islands are endless and again, most of them for free.
Beach La Loberia is a $3 taxi ride out of town. But you can walk it as if it is not too hot. The walk along the seaside is nice. A lot of Iguanas and if you`re lucky some frigate birds as well. At the beach there is a small, but playful sea lion colony. Bird and nature lovers could consider continuing walking along the coast, following the path over the rocks. No matter what season, this path will always be quite. Surf fanatics may try to catch some waves along the coast. Be warned, the rocks and the strong current make this spot non-suitable for beginners. Even if you consider yourself as an advances wave catcher, always go with a local to make sure you go out on the safe spots.
Behind the university is an information center. Here you`ll not only find some interesting facts about the island, but it`s also a starting point of kilometers of trails leading to quite beaches and epic bays and snorkeling spots. A selfie with the massive statue of Charles Darwin is of course another must-do around here.
The most popular day tour, by far, is a tour to Kicker rock. A giant splitted rock formation in the middle of the ocean. If you`re lucky you might spot the elegant hammerhead shark here. Both snorkeling as diving can be done here.  
The mainland can be discovered by a highland tortoise tour. Those want to do it independently can get a taxi to drive them to the lake where you can spot frigatebirds. From there you can go to the Tortoise sanctuary and finish the day with a chill out moment on a secluded beach. With a bit of negotiation you should be able to find a taxi who takes you to all 3 locations for $50.  
​                                                             
Don`t forget
Most wildlife is underneath the water. This means capturing most of your amazing experiences will need to be captured with waterproof equipment. If you`re not one of the lucky owner of a GoPro or descent waterproof camera, buy a waterproof case for your camera or cellphone. I bought a waterproof zip lock bag for my phone and it worked pretty good. Definitely worth the $5 on Ebay. But whether you choose for a cheaper or more expensive option, mark my words, don`t go to Galapagos without being able to take some epic shots under water.
 
Still not a suitable budget?
For those who still think they can`t afford the journey. Consider making a trip to Islas Balletas in Peru, also known as the poor man`s Galapagos. Less well known, less expensive, but still a lot of wildlife to see. A boat tour around the islands takes about 1.5 hours. Be prepared for rough seas and no cover on the boat.

​Colombia, a country that has it all: stunning beaches, tropical islands, mountain tops covered with snow, romantic colonial cities, colorful street art, good food and all this topped op with the cheerful rhythm of Salsa! This country has well overcome its dark history off drugs and the resulted wars among the concurring cartels. The only thing left is to beat the image, don`t hesitate, this upcoming, safe country is attracting more and more travelers with his extensive hospitality and smile.

​Bogota
Most international flights arrive in Bogota. Although this city will not show you the most charming site of Colombia, it`s definitely worth staying here for a day or two.
​
To do
1. Combine overcoming your jetlag with a gravity tour. The best graffiti tour in town is organized by `Bogota graffiti tour` (http://bogotagraffiti.com/). Done by artists themselves or gallery owners who are close befriended with the artists. The tour explains about different styles, artists and meanings of the paintings. Especially those continuing south, this is a must! Most artists are from South America and you`ll recognize their work, style and messages along the way. Definitely give an extra indebt dimension during your travel. Sign up on their website a day before and leave a tip at the end between COP$20.000 – 30.000.

2. Always fascinated by the shiny metal? The gold museum combines explaining techniques of mining cold and purifying it, with national history. Good time spent for the curious souls among us. Those who can overcome their hangover on Sunday get in for free. Tue-Sat COP$3000. Open Tue-Sat 9am- 6pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

3. Step into the footsteps of the old pelgrims and visit Bogota`s highest tourist attraction `Cerro de Monserrate`. This 3,152 m. high mountain has not only a church, restaurants, cafeteria, souvenir shops and other touristic facilities. It also gives a stunning view over the city. Sportive travelers can climb up by foot (1500 steps, 60-90 min). Go either in a group during the week or in the weekend when hordes of other citizens keep an eye out on each other. The chills among us, don`t worry, you can take the cable car (telefèrico) up. Leaves from Monserrate station. Roundtrip Mon-Sat COP$15,400, Sun COP$9000. Open Mon-Sat 6:30am-midnight, Sun 630am-6:30pm.P.S. In need of any electronics? Laptops, cellphones, cameras, GoPro etc. All can be bought for bargain prices at the several-city-blocks-big electronic mall San Andresito. Open every day from 9am-6pm. Catch a bus from Calle 19 or direct your taxi to Carrera 38 btwn Calles 8 & 9.

Sleep
Best stories and reviews heard about Alegria`s hostel, Cranky Croc and Casa Platypus. Demand is high, so might be worth making a reservation.

Amazon
Colombia is one of the cheapest places to visit the green oasis around the Amazon river. Leticia is the `big apple` to start you mosquito buzzing adventure.

Getting there
Unfortunately no main roads go there, and guerilla groups make it unsafe to travel there on the maze of dirt roads. Flights leave twice a day from Bogota, one by COPA airlines and one by LAN. Check the internet for the most economical price. For overland crossings from Ecuador, Peru and Brazil, scroll down.

Best place to stay
Apart from a dazzling amount tours and travel packages, Leticia doesn`t have much to offer, unless you like the sight of bad maintained buildings, crazy scooter drivers, street dogs and all of this topped up with a descent amount of well spread trash. As flights arrive in the morning I firmly recommend to take a taxi to the dock and buy a boat ticket to Puerto Nariño. The ticket office can be found within a small shopping mall. Just ask around for it and people will point you in the right direction. Tickets are COP$30.000 and the boat leaves 3 times a day (around 7am, 11am and 4pm, but it`s Colombia so times change regularly) and takes around 2,5 hours, depending on how many times the captain stops on the way to get some extra passengers in order to make some money to put in his own pocket. Make sure you got enough cash on you before you leave with the boat, as there are no ATM`s in Puerto Nariño.
Puerto Nariño is lovely little eco-village. Good atmosphere, clean and cute little houses raises high above the ground on their high pawls to protect them from the floods in rainy season. Stock up with latest supplies in food and walk 20 min to `Alto del Aguila`. Pretty straight forward walk, but again ask regally for the way. For the chills, don`t worry, you can also take a water taxi there (5 min). Ask around on the dock and negotiate the price.
`Alto del Aguila` is a true little paradise, within a paradise. The owner is an eccentric, cheerful and extremely hospitable holy man, which lasts in many travelers memory forever. Together with his monkey`s, dogs, cats and parrots (of which one woman-heel-biting) it forms a cozy and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy feeding the parrots and monkey`s every afternoon. Keep pots and pans closed in the kitchen as monkey`s may try to bugler into the common area. You can choose between a private cabin or a dorm (around COP$20.000). There is a laundry machine which is free for use. There is no internet. Cheap excursion (around COP$20.000 as well) can be arranged to spot grey and pink river dolphins, go piranha fishing or do jungle walks.

Crossing to Peru, Ecuador and Brazil
For anybody who has a romantic image of a cruise through the Amazon river, wake-up! Amazon crossings are (apart from the fast boat between Santa Rosa and Iquitos) far from luxurious, uncomfortable and unreliable when it comes to departing- and travel time. To summarize, every traveler experiencing an Amazon crossing (including myself) describe it as a true, intense and unforgettable experience which they`ll never do again. But hey, it gives the good stories at the end. For a more detailed description of this journey check out my travel diary `Row, row, row your boat`.

• Brazil: Get your exit stamp of Colombia on the airport of Leticia. Your entry stamp of Brazil can be gained at the Policia Federal (Av. Amizade 26) in Tabatinga (8am-6pm). Take a boat to Manaus from Porto Fluvial. Boat leaves twice a week on Wednesday and Saturday at 2pm. R$170 when you bring your own hammock (single travelers should consider bringing a travel lock), or R$800 to R$1000 for two passengers in a double cabin. Food is included, but bring heaps of snacks and bottled water. Trip takes 3 days, 4 nights. Please notice that it is South America, so departure dates, prices and travel time can change with the minute! A fast boat (Rapida Puma) leaves from Porto Bras in Tabatinga at 8am on Fridays. R$450, 30 hours.
• Peru: Get your exit stamp of Colombia on the airport of Leticia. Stack up with cash and change what you need to Peruvian Sol. Take a watertaxi to Santa Rosa. In Santa Rosa stamp into Peru at the migration office (town is really small and basically consists of one street, just ask the way). Negotiate some hostel prices as you pass them (all of them don`t have WiFi) and do the same with boat tickets. Once you got your stamp, you can go back to the best value you found. Golfinho and Transtur both run modern, fast boats to Iquitos (12 hours), which depart at 4am from Santa Rosa running Tue-Sun. Tickets should cost around $70 and can be purchased in Dollars, Colombian Pesos or Sol (just check the current rate to see which currency will give you the best value). From Iquitos take an airplane (recommended) or take the bus to Nauta. `Collectivos` depart regally and take you to Nauta in about 1,5-2 hours. Negotiate the price. In Nauta take a taxi to the dock. Here you find a ticket office for a `fast` boat to Yurimaguas leaving daily at 6am. The trip costs around $40 and officially takes around 16 hours, includes meals, drinks and a night at a hostel to stop for the night. In reality you`ll be happy if they serve lunch at 17:00 on the first day, no other meals and the journey lasts in total about 22 hours (excl. the stop over for the night). Please notice that it is South America, so departure dates, prices and travel time can change with the minute!
• Ecuador: For sure it is possible to make it from Leticia to Ecuador through the Amazon. Those who have time and adventure on their site, it might be a fun and interesting experience. The route takes around 2 weeks, so I decided to travel via Peru which is much quicker. Ask around in Leticia and Santa Rosa. Especially the guys working on the fast boats from Santa Rosa to Iquitos can tell you more about the current situation. Otherwise, blogs are your best friend ;).

Zipaquira
A cute laid back little town, 50 km north of Bogota. Although many tourist only make a daytrip here to the beautiful underground Salt cathedral (COP$20,000) it`s definitely worth hanging around for at least a night before making your way to the more touristic Villa de Leyva. The main square has some cosy cafes, bars and restaurants to hang out with locals. Also hostel Zipaquira is definitely worth chilling out for a bit (Calle 2 nr. 6-30), this museum-alike-hostel has privates and dorms. A spacious covered patio and somewhat chaotic kitchen. A bit hard to find as there are is no sign above the door. Look for a big wooden door, covered with a gravity painting, next to a small shop.
Buses from Bogota to Zipaquira leave regally.

Villa de Leyva
Take a bus from Zipaquira (around 3h) or directly from Bogota (around 4h). This highly touristic, but stunning Colonial town is a true retreat. Walk on cobble stone streets along white houses, covered in colorful flowers while enjoying lovely chocolates or find yourself a bike- or horse tour. Please note that prices in this town are high for Colombian standards, so budgeteers should consider only staying here for only a day or 2. 

El Cocuy
This not so well known national park is more than worth the hassle and picturesque drive to get there. Beautiful trails along snow top peaks on an average altitude of 3000m. Hiking for days without crossing any other person, this is definitely a must-go for every outdoor traveler.

Get there
From Villa de Leyva take the bus to Tunja. In Tunja the bus to El Cocuy passes through twice a day, once in the morning, once in the afternoon/evening (note: it is Colombia, so no guarantees on bus departures). Coming from Medellin take a bus to Bucaramanga, there switch buses to Capitanejo. Sometimes you are lucky and a direct bus from Capitanejo leaves to El Cocuy, sometimes you`ll have to take one or two local buses. People are very helpful here, so for sure you`ll find your way.

Getting organized
Once in El Cocuy, you`ll have to stay the night. The cheapest way to get into the park is by the lechero (milktruck), which leaves at 5am from the main square. You`ll find several Hostels and Hotels for varied prices. We stayed in a hostel on Calle 7 (coming from the square, first one on your left side). A very simple and rustic accommodation, but cheap (COP$12,000), good meals (COP$6000 incl. soup and drink), hot showers, and surprisingly good WiFi. After dumping your luggage in a room, go to the Nacional Park office to register on Calle 8, nr. 4-74. Foreigners pay COP$36,500. Don`t let them fool you for signing up for a mandatory insurance. If you are insured for hiking and mountaineering abroad, you only have to show them approval of your own insurance.
Once all the paper work is done, you can go and find yourself accommodation in the park. There are several offices where you can book a lodge in the national park or buy or rent mountain- and camping gear. Although camping is allowed in El Cocuy and can be a nice adventure, keep in mind that the weather is extreme in the National Park. It`s stone freezing cold during the night strengthened with strong winds and no hot water to warm yourself up in the morning. Plus if you need to hire your gear at the office, it won`t safe you that much money at the end either. My advice; reconsider.
Refugios (mountain lodges) are a bit more expensive, but worth the comfort. There is no hot showers, but the owners don`t mind you boiling water on the stove and using it to bath. Refugios on the borders of the park are less expensive, but will also give you an extra 3-4 hours of walking a day to get to the highlights.
If you stay in refugios, you don`t need to bring your sleeping bag. They provide warm blankets. The rest of your stuff you can leave behind at the tourist office where you booked your refugio or rent your camping gear. There are no shops or ATM`s in the national park, but if you (hitch) hike through La Capilla during your stay you can fill up with simple supplies like bread, canned food, some cookies, etc. Water can be found in the streams or waterfalls and is extremely suitable for drinking. We also boiled the water from the tap and used this to drink, was all good.

Getting into the park
In the morning be ready at the plaza at 5am. A milk truck (COP$10.000) will leave from here between 5am and 6 am. Ask locals which one goes to the park, as there are several. Ask the driver to drop you of at the entry of the park. Dress up warm, including gloves and a beany. Once the truck gets in the mountain it`s pretty chill.
To get a good idea of the national park, spend at least two nights in Ecorefugio de montaña `Sisuma`. From here you can visit the tree lagoons and the next day get your feet in the snow around the top of `El pan de Azucar`. Single travelers should consider hiring a guide to do this last track. Once explored the area, make your way back to the entry of the park by foot and head to La `Capilla` to take a milk truck to a cross point in the direction of `Parada Sierra Nevada` and walk the last 4 kilometers. Those who want to safe themselves an 18 kilometer hike, can also walk to cabaña `Guaicani`. The owner has a jeep and for around COP$50,000 he`s more than happy to give you a hitchhike.
`Sierra Nevada` is owned by a farmer’s couple. The kitchen is massive and free of use (although it`s definitely worth asking the lady of the house what meal she has to offer as she is a great cook). The rooms have warm blankets and private bathrooms. No WiFi. Don`t feel shy to light up the fireplace in the dining area to warm yourself up after a long hike.
From the farm you can hike to `Laguna de los verdes` or challenge your calves and climb up to one of the highest points in the park `ItaU`wa Blanco` (5330m). Again single explores should consider taking a guide on the last hike.  
Once the calves are sore and supplies are running out, walk to the cross point down the road in the early morning to take a milk truck to Guican, from here a bus leaves to El Cocuy. 

Medellin
Although some travelers will be a bit disappointed once arriving in Medellin by the lack of ancient architecture, be warned! Its lovely people, numerous bars, restaurants, tours and good vibes will soon put you under its spell. Many travelers take at least one or two weeks before they`re able to leave with a broken heart.

Sleep
Hostel `Casa Kiwi` is a good base to start exploring the town. It`s a bit more expensive than the rest, but you get what you pay for. Close to the major bars and restaurants, pubic-hair-free bathrooms, disinfected-clean, extremely well equipped kitchen with sharp knives! Tv-room, rooftop terrace with swimming pool and several hangout areas with hammocks. Great vibes and great crew.

To do
1. Absolute musts are the free walking tour by Real City Walking Tours. The `chico` who runs this tour company, named Pablo coincidently, is probably the most passionate and enthusiastic guide you`ll ever get. Reserve your place at http://www.realcitytours.com/
2. Dive into the history of sex, drugs and Pablo by `Paisa Road` (http://paisaroad.com/tour-pablo-escobar) Visit historical sites like Pablo`s grave while learning more about the heavy consequences on this country of powdering your noise.
3.Take a metro cable up to `Parque Arvi`. While the cable car pulls you up the mountain, the view over the city is stunning. Once the car makes his way over the hilltop, you`ll feel miles away from civilization while gliding the last piece of the track over treetops. Once on top you can enjoy great hikes through the park or enjoy homemade food on the little market.

Hablas Español?
Get your travels to the next level and learn or improve your Spanish. Lauren, a Medellin local, is your best bet here. She speaks fluent English and is well known by travelers as someone who teaches in a very simple and effective manner. You can contact her on whatsapp +57 317 501 1970. Private lessons at the time of writing are COP$35.000 per hour.

Minca
This green `Mekka` is true must for every Colombian traveler. Take a `collective` (shared taxi) from Santa Marta and take some time to relax at `Casa Loma` or `San Souci`. Pick a hammock, take a book, go for a hike, spot some birds, the world is yours.

Cartagena
Immerge into the romantic vibes of the old colonial times. Very touristic, yes, and higher prices, but definitely worth spending a couple of days. Take a walking tour, roam around the cobble stone street, visit the fort and get some good cocktails and beers.
​Those wishing to powder their nose, be warned! Drug dealers in Cartagena don`t f$&k around. Regally, drug dealers blow `magic dust` in the eyes of their costumers, take them to an ATM and let them empty their bank accounts. Big groups are simply threatened with a knife of gun to do the same. Believe me, Cartagena is a super safe city. Even for a woman it`s no problem walking out at night. But appealing to `the dark side of the force`, is asking for trouble.

Sleeping
It`s definitely worth checking out the hotels as well. Hostels are often overpriced and full. A good hotel is `Marlin` a couple of buildings from hostel Mamallena in Calle 30. For the same price as a dorm in a hostel, you`ll get a private room here (if shared with another person), including private bathroom and communal kitchen. Good WiFi.

Casa en El Aqua
It`s all in the name; house in the water. This slice of paradise in the middle of the Caribbean is spreading word throughout Colombia. Blow up the floating cushion, grab a bear and float around on the rhythm of some Ibiza tunes. An absolute must is the plankton tour in the night, where they take you to the mangroves to swim among the Alumni plankton. Welcome to a live version of Avatar!
As availability is tight, it is recommended to book ahead. No WiFi.
Direct boats are leaving from Cartagena or ask around for current bus schedules. 

Capurgana
Local chicos with afro`s playing domino`s the whole day, fishing boats parked on the beach, blue sea, white beaches embraced by coral reefs and surrounded by the ever green mountain peaks of the Darien gap. A highly popular destinations among Colombians, but surprisingly unknown among backpackers. Most travelers use this place only as a stop over to and from the San Blas islands. But if you load up with cash (there is no ATM`s in town) and immerge into this reggaeton-laid-back town, you`ll love it. Sip a juice on the beach, go the Natural swimming pools and order the best platanos with tuna and lemonade you`ll ever had. Take a hike through the jungle to `En Cielo` and enjoy a refreshing dip underneath the waterfall.

Sleep
1. Enjoy the buzzy, chilled out vibes at hostel La Bohemia (https://www.facebook.com/labohemianaturalhostal). The owners organize cheap tours into the Darien and to indigenous Guna villages. Often meals are cooked together and on regular basis parties are organized in the local reggae bar. No WiFi here people, talk and socialize with each other!
2. Food and nature lovers should definitely try to get a room into `Cabinas Darius` (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Caba%C3%B1a-Darius-Capurgana/282157711816320). The owner Nery cooks amazing healthy meals with fresh ingredients. Sit back in one of the hammocks and enjoy the iguanas, parrots and monkey`s jumping along the garden. Rooms are all privates with private bathroom. No WiFi.

Getting there
The best way to get into the oasis alike town is taking a bus to Necocli. And take boat from there in the morning to Capurgana. Don`t let people confuse you by saying you have to go to Turbo. The boats leaving from Turbo are unsafe, more expensive and very slow.

San Blas Islands
Although these islands are part of Panama and not Colombia, it`s definitely worth making a little sidestep in your trip. An archipelago of 365 perfect coconut islands is a true paradise. A popular way to travel through the island is making a 4 or 5 day trip to Panama City. There is mainly 3 ways to do this;

1. By Sailboat, leaving from Cartagena (around $500 to $800). Tours last 5 days, of which 2 on open sea. Quality of these tours vary tremendously, so check blogs and reviews to make a good pick. Best stories I heard were from `Blue Sailing` (http://www.bluesailing.net/). Be warned for `Captains` selling cheap tours on their own boats. Food on these tours is often scare and the captain tents to sip too often on a rum bottle.
2. Best backpackers option is by far is the motor boat tour of 4 days by `San Blas adventures` (http://sanblasadventures.com/) leaving from Capurgana. Boats and accommodations are owned by indigenous people, getting most of the income of the tours back into local society. The tour and transport is rustic, but great fun. Get ready for blue seas, rum and an unlimited lobster night! Tours cost $375, probably the best money you`ll spend in your entire trip!
3. Those with time on their side and a good level of Spanish could visit the islands on your own. Get an exit stamp at the migration office in Capurgana. Take a boat to Puerto Obaldia. Get stamped in Panama and ask around for a boat to Armila. This is the first Guna village (indigenous people of the San Blas islands) on the main land. Hang around town for a couple of days. Ask around for accommodation and transport to the next island, for example Isla de Pino. From here, make your way island hopping to Panama city.

Note: Going independent can be great fun, however… please notice that private transport from one island to another is not cheap (around $100). Plus most islands with accommodation on them are not the most esthetic ones as they are often fully built with huts and lacking trash systems making it not the cleanest places to stay.
 
Tip: Whether going independent or on a tour to the islands. You`ll make friends for life by bringing a soccer ball, balloons, pens, etc. for the children. Trust me, these simple tools will turn your trip in an even more unforgettable experience.
 
Direct travel between Colombia and Panama
Those who decided to skip the San Blas islands, are you really sure? You`ll definitely going to miss out on a major highlight of your trip. If you’re still sure you want to skip it; there is three ways to go:

1. Fly, those who book their flights smart, can fly really cheap between Panama and Colombia. There is direct flights between Panama City and Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena. Cheapest flight is definitely taking a boat from Capurgana (stamp your passport at the migration office in town) to Puerto Obaldia (stamp into Panama here). Walk to the airport and catch your airplane to Panama City.
2. Ferry, during dry season (November till the end of April) there is a ferry running between Panama City and Cartagena. For current prices and time schedules check out http://www.ferrypanamacartagena.com/
3. (Cargo)Boat, an uncomfortable and long way of traveling, but cheap. From Colombia, take a boat from Capurgana (get your exit stamp here) to Puerto Obaldia (get your entry stamp here). And ask around for a (cargo) boat to Panama. It might take you a couple of days to get a boat. Be prepared, Puerto Obaldia has no more charm than any other border town. Most boats will take a 12 hour journey to Carti. From here take a hitch hike or jeep to Panama City (around $25). Please notice that there is no place to sleep in Carti, unless you bring a tent. Departing from Panama, take a jeep from Panama city to Carti and do the trip described above the other way around. Single female travelers should definitely not pick this type of travels!

​Whether you want to stretch your hips on the dancefloor, enjoy the music in HavanaClub, drink a mojito, hike through breathtaking national parks, do birdwatching or just chill out on amazing beaches; Cuba has it all! Prepare yourself wisely and enjoy this hidden pearl in the middle of the Caribbean sea.

Two currencies
Despite the communistic regime, Cuba is not a cheap destination. There are two currencies in the country; Moneo Nacional (or peso) and the Cuban Dollar. The currency of the Cuban Dollar is about equal to the American cousin and is the currency used by tourists and tourist related organizations. Officially you’re not allowed to use Moneo Nacional and, as the CUC is of much greater value, locals are very happy to help the government maintain this law. However, use the desire of the locals to obtain CUC wisely and you`ll be able to change CUC into Moneo Nacional at exchange offices or with the owners of the Casa Particular you`re staying. It will open up a new world, instead of paying $1-2 for a slice of pizza, you`ll pay $0.20.
 
Cash is the way to go
Getting cash from the bank is a patience requiring, time consuming activity in Cuba. Unless you enjoy waiting in line for a couple of hours and going through a process of filling in forms and letting them check your passport over and over again, take cash! There are no ATM`s in the whole of Cuba and on cashing in or paying with credit card, large commissions are calculated.
However if you do run out of money, go in the early hours and to banks in small towns or in outer suburbs.
 Make sure you`re not dependent of the internet for banking. Internet is hard to find in Cuba, and if it`s there, it`s slow expensive and most websites will be blocked, including PayPal! Make sure you`ve got your payments done and enough credit on your account.

 A brief guide on how to realize long term travels, both financially and mentally.

"How does she do it?" This is a question I regularly hear people asking when I tell them I`m already on the road for a year. Popular presumptions are that I worked as an escort, smuggle drugs, or just married a millionaire and now enjoy live receiving the alimentation every month. Neither of that is true, nor the fact that I won the lottery or earned tons of money with working as a model (on the contrary). So how do you do it? Well I`ve got some good news for you, if I can save enough money for a 1.5 year sabbatical with an average monthly income of $1,200, so can you! If I can manage with a backpack after suffering from a burn-out and depression, so can you!