Hola world explorers, Looking for some recommendations for a 3-week-trip across either:
1. South America
2. Central America
3. Anywhere you'd think is great (trying to stay away from Asia and Europe)… See more

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We had a great time just backpacking Nicaragua last year! Would highly recommend!!

Hey Miranda, can you let me know some places you visited?
would love to hear more

Samantha sure! We spent a little bit of time in Grenada-you really only need a few days there to see everything but it's a really lovely city! I think we went to San Juan Del Sur after- it's definitely a party town with lots of tourists but it's a really fun place to go. We stayed at an Eco lodge (something with turtle In it I think) and they organized surfing and other tours through the hostel. We spent most of our time on the island Ometepe, which was amazing. We stayed at a really hippy Eco resort one night called el Zipilote which is very cool if you're looking for an isolated zen retreat. It's so rustic (think bamboo hut in the middle of the jungle) but they offered yoga, horseback rising, soap making etc. You can also volunteer on the resort to do farm work and stuff. We would have loved to stay longer but we were at the end of our trip and still wanted to meet people so we moved over to another place on the island called Little Morgans. Hands down the best hostel I've stayed at-they have their own guide who runs volcano treks up Concepcion which is a huge active volcano. I highly recommend doing one of those hikes (so hard, but really worth it!)

Claire Harkness

Awesome thanks!

Mary Bronze

Cartagena and Bogota are both amazing and safe for savvy travellers.

Hi Azra could you say more about these two cities plssss my fiancé and I planning to go there by the end of December. It’s safe? Do we need a vacation package? Or simple book hotel? Suggestions pls. Thanks

I recommend staying at an all inclusive in Cartagena. They have multiple which offer shuttles to the old town so even if they seem far out, you can easily get to the city and back (20 min). The hotels I stayed at were Las Americas and Estelar Grand Playa Manazillo

From there, after spending a few days exploring the old town, enjoying the beach and doing day trips to the rosario islands (you can plan it with your hotel or independently down at the docks (cheaper), take on Bogota. Here I'd recommend staying near the old town so you can walk around the rolling slopes of the old buildings (try the regional favorite potato and chicken stew) and also be close enough to take the cable car up Monserrat to view the city from the mountain

Both cities are safe. As long as you keep your wits about you. Most of the locals are harmless. Obvious tourist scams like taxi drivers upping the fare are to be expected just make sure you agree on a price beforehand. Both cities use uber too which is best getting around. As a solo female, I didn't have any problems exploring on my own. The men are a little forward in their cat calls and stares but they don't invade personal space and its a cultural difference (the ladies there lavish in the attention). Definitely expect mosquitos and lots of sunburn in Cartagena as its the carribean coast. Bogota is fairly chilly. Think New York in Spring

Azra thanks so much for the details.
Going to be making a decision between Colombia or Brazil, hopefully this week

Cuzco. Do the inca trail best experience ever

Do central AND South America. So much awesomeness in both. Personally, I could do Brazil for months in its own.

I don't think we will have time to do both unfortunately!

I'd say central America for 3 weeks then. It's pretty expensive to fly around sth America but much easier around central America to get to country to country. Costa Rica is BEAUTIFUL!!

NEW ZEALAND. I have an itinerary I can share if you're interested.

Thanks Laura, the friend i am going with JUST did New Zealand but it's on my bucket list for sure.

Ooohhh, I'd like that itinerary

Eli I'll DM you

Hi Laura, I would love that itinerary as well!!

3 weeks just in Colombia. I just finished Ecuador and Colombia and now travelling through Chile and Colombia could easily be 4-5 weeks on its own. So many beautiful places. Start in Cartagena and travel the north coast, then Medellin, Jardín, Guatape, etc . It’s safe, and beautiful! Everyone really trying to change the perceptions and helping out tourists

Lima and Macchu Picchu

Look into g adventures, they do lots of tours around there

Start off in Cusco and do the 4 day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. Followed by a trip to Rainbow Mountain (still in Peru) and Lima.
Take a flight to Bolivia and do a 4 day tour to see the Salt Flats, pink lake, and pink flamingos. It's truly one of the most breathtaking sceneries I've ever seen.
Also, if you have time, go to Chile and do the 5 day trek to Patagonia!

Best way to explore The Andes

You have to tell us more of what you're looking for on an ideal trip. Otherwise, I'd say 3 weeks in Mexico is one hell of a trip.

Relaxing, adventure and drinking are pretty much what I’m looking for haha

South Africa!

Did South Africa last December and it was amazing. Breathtaking views and wildlife too. I'd go back for sure and it's summertime there

Thanks so much for the referral- do you mind letting me know a bit more about your trip. Would love to hear what areas you traveled to!

Samantha I just got back last week and honestly it's the best place ever and our dollar goes pretty far there.

Samantha Sam! +1 on South Africa or Tanzania trip. Two best trips of my life. I can give you all the details you need on either.

Emma! Going to be making a decision hopefully this week so I’ll let ya know

Dave love the pic!

Samantha Happy to chat! (While I eat your baked goods
)

Emma yes!! Haha

Australia!

Peru. Peru. Peru.

I also got a bucket list, which I check every time I see a good deal here = ]
South America:
- Peru (Cuzco, Paracas, Arequipa): I've just had a 2 week trip there about a month ago, and could give you all the advice;
- Brazil (Florianopolis): lived there 3 years, best spot in the country;
- Chile: great for trekking/mountaneering, haven't visited yet, but Torres del Paine is a must.
Central America:
- Costa Rica, or islands (I heard from people who visited all of them that Caymans are the best).
OTHERS:
- Japan: cheap airbnbs and very safe and fun experience... wi-fi friendly and an unique country overall (have visited last year, could give advice on Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto - my fav);
- New Zealand: for the outdoors and adventure seekers (so I heard);
- Tahiti: Bora Bora is a dream place (so I heard);
- Easter Island (technically South America, but not quite... a unique experience, more for the history buffs, if you're close by).

Thanks so much!

we're planning a trip to Peru next year and would love to know what's the best time to go and things to do out there? should we get a travel package or just get individual tours?airbnb/hotels= which is cheaper?

not to mention we'll be travelling with a toddler

We're heading to Egypt and Jordan next year!!! Looks like it will be amazing... You could tack on Morroco, dubai or Israel. Prices for various tours are not too bad! Of course Africa would be amazing but not sure your budget.

Costa Rica, awesome

Costa Rica! Small county so you will have a lot options, from both oceans to volcanos, rainforest, etc.

we just came back from 3 weeks trip... first at Los Angeles (Anaheim & Carlsbad) for a.week, then Kona Hawaii for a week, last stop Honolulu Hawaii.

North coast of colombia - Google Tayrona national park

If you’re looking to do some backpacking but don’t want to go alone or want a unreal experience! I highly recommend Free and Easy Traveller ! Shoot me a message if you want more details. I also have a promo code if you’re interested. They have trips to all of the above places. Ranging 10 days to 40+

Can you please send me that info too? Sounds wonderful.

Hey!! Can I have info on that as well please?

South America you get more for your money!

3 weeks is awesome for Peru and Bolivia--Flights to Lima are cheap --then catch a flight to MP as in photo then make your way from there

We spent 2 weeks in Chile and Peru recently. In Chile must see Atacama ( back in time ). Add Bolivia to your trip. We love South America.....Colombia (Cartagena ) was in 2016. Lots of history and very safe.

Honduras - Utila - Bay Island college of diving
Belize - Caye Caulker

Peru! We just came back earlier this year and cannot recommend the wonderful country enough. I can't wait to go back. You should do that photo some justice and revel in the beauty of Machu Picchu in person

Hey! Not sure if you're still checking but I highly recommend doing Central America. Start with Panama, making your way to Costa Rica, and flying out from Nicaragua (basically 1 country per week). My friend and I essentially took local buses all the way from Costa Rica - Nicaragua - Honduras - El Salvador & felt pretty safe about it, even meeting a few solo female backpackers along the way. It's fairly easy to get around, cheap food + transpo, & was definitely eye-opening for us both. Happy to answer questions if you're considering it

On my bucket list is a cruise around South America. You could hit so many places. While you're sleeping you're heading to the next awesome place. Efficient use of time. No packing and unpacking. This sounds great to me https://www.cruisecompete.com/.../zaandam_cruises...
Or, 3 weeks in Hamilton would be nice too