Copacabana (Lake Titicaca), Bolivia

After our history lesson at Machu Picchu and overly ambitious shopping trips in Cusco, it was time to hit the road again towards Lake Titicaca (cue the giggles). The lake is not only the largest in South America but it is the highest navigable body of water in the WORLD ;) At 3,800+ meters above sea level and 8,300+km2, this massive body of water spans across both Peru and Bolivia. It was a tough choice but we ultimately decided to head towards the Bolivian side (Copacabana) instead of Puno. If you want to check out the famous reed islands (man made islands), then head to the Peruvian side. The Bolivian is supposedly the more "scenic" side with amazing trails and a "livelier" town.

Summary
Days spent: 3 nights, 4 days
Type of Lodging: Loft Hotel
Name of Lodging: Onkel Inn Torres de Copacabana
Activities: A lot of lake gazing, a makeshift floating island/fishing village & access to Isla del Sol

Copacabana was a nice temporary getaway from the chaos of the major cities. There is not too much to do in the town but most people use Copacabana as the gateway for Isla Del Sol. Since our group only did a 1 day trek of Isla Del Sol, our overall stay felt a bit extended but gauge based on your own plans :) Overall, I would recommend the town as a rest stop if you are trying to make our way from Peru to Bolivia (or vice versa). Although it is the "nicer" side of Lake Titicaca, there is really not too much to do in Copacabana. Click HERE to read more about our trip and reviews.

Machu Picchu, Peru 2014

We started our morning "trek", and by trek I mean bus ride, towards Machu Picchu at 6AM. Some of our hostel mates started their actual hike at 4AM .. unbelievable. The road up is not at all accommodating to hikers let alone huge buses using the narrow roads as two lanes. When in South America! We wanted to get up there early to avoid the herds of tourists (despite being one ourselves), which was definitely worthwhile as the serene view of the landscape paired with the rolling fog was absolutely breath taking.

We were there for a total of 5-6 hours and went through so many weather changes (cold foggy morning to blistering hot weather). Be prepared to dress accordingly! 

The first view upon entering is such a stunner. It's still so hard to believe they were able to accomplish so much in the 15th century. The level of detail is truly amazing. 

Of course, the iconic post card snapshot. Definitely recommend taking a few minutes here and soaking it all in. The perfect recipe for peace of mind. 

Adios!
Summary
Days spent: 1 nights, 1 day
Type of Lodging: Hostel
Name of Lodging: Super Tramp Hostel
Activities: Sight seeing and good eats & cheap massages in the town of Aguas Caliente

Aguas Caliente was not nearly as bad as what people made it out to be. Although super overpriced, it still has its charm. Bargain for EVERYTHING (even the menu). Massages were also super cheap (although not very good but how can you complain for a $5 "massage"). There are extra sights to check out while there, such as a local waterfall or an extra hike adjacent to the Machu Picchu mountain, but most people do not allow time for this as they are only in town for the main attraction. The bus station to purchase and board the buses up are just around the corner from the train station (slight left & across the bridge). Last but not least, make sure you buy your entrance tickets well in advance! You do not want to travel so far just to find out all tickets have been sold out. Click HERE to read more about our South America trip and reviews.

Cusco, Peru 2014

From 40+ degrees Colombian beach weather, it was a very different scene upon landing in Cusco, Peru at 3400m elevation. The South American vibrancy remained intact with all the colourful textiles, silver and markets. We made Cusco our home before making our way to Machu Picchu to get acclimatized to the extreme elevation. With all the amazing food, shopping and sights it was difficult to leave! 

among the Andes mountain range

hours spent finding that perfect set of silver

the outskirts of Cusco enroute to Aguas Caliente (base of Machu Picchu)

Peruvian locals are not the most photogenic ;)

the colours of a peruvian market..love love love!

Extremely terrifying and agile Peruvian ladies..
do not take a photo if you are not prepared for a scolding!

Goodnight Plaza des Armes!

Parque Tayrona, Colombia 2014

The next Colombian city was Santa Marta which lies only 230km away to the north east from Cartagena. However, with Colombian traffic, flooding highways and the condition of our van being a tad questionable, it took nearly 6 hours to get there. Unfortunately, our misfortune did not stop there with our quest to Parque Tayrona taking a few turns for the worst with an illegal driver and road closures. Nonetheless, we finally arrived at our destination and spent the night enjoying one of South America's loveliest coastlines. 

We stayed at one of the "larger" campgrounds - El Cabo

At El Cabo, you have the option to stay in tents or hammocks. As a huge hammock lover, the choice was a no brainer. 

We had friends of all sorts visiting us throughout our stay ;)

A bit of exploring to start off the morning :D

Look at that clear blue waters!

So what was to be a 1 hour drive + 2 hour hike to the campground took a slight delay with our driver from Santa Marta being illegal and his car being impounded. After 2-3 hours stuck on a closed highway, we finally arrived at the entrance nearing dusk. With only an hour left before dark, we had no choice but to wander the jungle by horse. It was actually pretty awesome so we did it again the next morning ;)

A quick glimpse of Santa Marta

Summary
Days spent: 2 nights, 2 days
Type of Lodging: Hostel
Name of Lodging: La Brisa Loca
Activities: Parque Tayrona

There isn't too much to do in Santa Marta as most people travel here to get to Parque Tayrona. Hoping your trip to the national park will take only 30 minutes as oppose to 8 hours. Allow for extra days in Parque Tayrona as you may want to checkout other islands accessible only from there via boat. Click HERE to read more about our trip and reviews.

Cartagena, Colombia 2014

It was about time to conquer a new continent so luckily, I had some awesome coworkers who were also down for an epic adventure in South America - a whole new world with chaos and beauty at every step of the way. The first step on the South America tour was Cartagena on the north coast of Colombia in the Caribbean region: beach, heat and Colombian flair all in one little city! Read about our overall south america trip HERE. 

A beautiful colonial walled city with colours everywhere

Cartagena's Clock Tower (entrance into the walled city)

Gladly getting lost while wandering around the walled city

Cartagena, after the storm, gives the city such a dramatic glow

  

Just a few moments later, the sun finally makes an appearance

Peace & Quiet (a rarity) while taking a morning stroll

Colombian Fruit Ladies working hard as the bread winners from the neighboring village

Playa Blanca -  a beautiful beach 45 minutes from the city

In search for some naranjas for some much needed Vitamin C

Summary
Days spent: 3 nights, 3.5 days
Type of Lodging: Hostel
Name of Lodging: Media Luna Hostel
Activities: Beach bums, lots of Dancing & soaking in the Colonial architecture 

Cartagena is a beautiful city with all its amazing colonial architecture in the old city. Beautiful beaches such as Playa Blanca are only a 45 minute drive away. At night, the strong latino flavour of the city comes alive (Marc Anthony's Vivir Mi Vida will forever remind me of this place). Just remember to stay safe as there are scams and crooked cops at every turn. Click HERE to read more about our trip and reviews.

Koh Samui, Thailand 2012

Getting away from the bustle of Bangkok, we jetted over to Koh Samui. Most people just stick to Chaweng beach but I strongly suggest renting a scooter and driving to the many other great areas the island has to offer. Unfortunately, most of our trip was underwater or in other non-photo friendly environments.Nonetheless, here is a small preview:

Chaweng Beach

Watching the sun set in the East.

Absolutely heartwarming & heartbreaking at the same time. Having watched a lifetime worth of elephant documentaries & youtube clips on baby elephants, watching the real thing in person is a dream come true. However, knowing the conditions these little guys face in captivity just breaks my heart.

Grabbing dinner and watching the sunset along Bo Phut in the North - magical

a time lapse of the sunset in Bo Phut

a time lapse of the sunset in Bo Phut

a time lapse of the sunset in Bo Phut

a time lapse of the sunset in Bo Phut - goodnight!

Hanoi, Vietnam 2012

Considering that within the first 10 minutes of landing, the border guard attempted to scam me into paying for another visa.. me & Hanoi were not off to a good start. I have never been to a place where "chaotic organization" would make more sense. It takes a while to get accustomed to the locals' mannerism, traffic's flow and overall atmosphere that is Hanoi. But your trip would not be complete without tackling this crazy jungle.

mobile vietnamese shops on the go

Hanoi's famous Hoan Kiem Lake

Drinking some Vietnamese coffee while watching the insane traffic unfold beneath us....

the perk of living near the lake is that you get to visit the sight during the day & night

Vietnam - Loud & Proud!

since we didn't get to make our way to Ho-Chi-Minh, this will have to do for now!

a day's venture to Ha Long Bay

Be careful of the tour operator as your trip's experience will heavily depend on it. Also, it may be a better experience to do the 2D/1N option :)

A glimpse of the serene outskirts of Hanoi