Huaraz (Laguna Churup, Rataquenua, Laguna Paron)

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru March 01 to March 23, 2021

Machu Picchu (2,430masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

South America Day 37 (Huascaran Best Day-Hike 1): Laguna Chukup (4,465masl) and its Mirador (4,535masl) with 7km difficult back trail and 800m elevation gain

South America Day 38 (Lockdown Trek): 13km circuit trail to Mirador de Rataquenua and Pukaventana (3,422masl)

South America Day 39 (Huascaran Best Day-Hike 2): Laguna Paron (4,200masl), Huascaran National Park's most beautiful lake surrounded by Peru's highest mountains Nevado Huandoy (6,356masl), Chacraraju (6,112masl) and Artesonraju (6,025masl)

Day 36: Mar. 12, 2021 Fri / Lima Transit 

1000H ETD Hostel; taxi to airport 6; baggage 184 :(

1305H ETD Cusco; flight 715

1440H ETA Lima; bus to Plaza Norte 2; snacks 16; Gran Terminal Terrestre Rapid PCR Test 35

1930H ETD Lima; overnight bus 54

TOTAL: S311

Day 37: Mar. 13, 2021 Sat / Huaraz 1

0400H ETA Huaraz; walk to Hostel 

0830H Breakfast 10; walk to Pitec Terminal

0900H ETD Huaraz; hitchhike 20; snacks 6

1000H ETA Pitec (3,700masl)

1300H Laguna Churup and Mirador (2,535masl)

1530H ETD Churup trailhead; hitchhike gratis

1630H ETA Huaraz; late lunch 13; Money Exchange 100 USD = 370 PEN (3.70)

K2 Peru Adventures day tour 50; Snacks and miscellaneous 66; dinner 10; Aldos Guesthouse

TOTAL: S175

Day 38: Mar. 14, 2021 Sun / Huaraz 2

Huaraz Sunday Lockdown; lunch 13

1530H walk to Rataquenua / Pukaventana 

1930H Aldos Guesthouse; dinner 11

TOTAL: S24

Day 39: Mar. 15, 2021 Mon / Huaraz 3

0830H ETD Hostel; van pick up; snacks 4; Laguna Paron (4,200masl); entrance fee 5

1800H ETA Huaraz; dinner 13; Mountaineering snacks 47; Aldos Guesthouse 

TOTAL: S69

Day 40: Mar. 16, 2021 Tue / Huaraz 4 Nationwide Transportation Strike / raining

Day 41: Mar. 17, 2021 Wed / Huaraz 5 Nationwide Transportation Strike / raining 

Day 42: Mar. 18, 2021 Thu / Huaraz 6 Nationwide Transportation Strike / raining

Day 43: Mar. 19, 2021 Fri / Huaraz 7 Nationwide Transportation Strike / raining

Huaraz (Laguna Churup, Rataquenua, Laguna Paron)

Machu Picchu (2,430masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru  March 01 to March 23, 2021

Cusco (Downtown, Sacred Valley Hike, Rainbow Mountain)

South America Day 35 (Peru's signature landmark): 16km hike from Aguas Calientes to Machu Picchu Archeological Site to Hidrolectrica for 6 hours with 600m elevation gain. I consider Machu Picchu as the most rewarding to visit among the Seven Wonders. After completing the Seven Continents last 2019, another mission accomplished for all the Seven Wonders of the World ... Taj Mahal (2012), Great Wall (2013), Colesseum (2013), Petra (2014), Christ the Redeemer (2018) , Chichen Itza (2020) and Machu Picchu (2021)

MACHU PICCHU, PERU (Mar. 2021)

- train from Cusco to Aguas Caliente and bus from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu is expensive but time-saving and very convenient

- Entrance fee is S152 (42 USD), Machu Picchu and Wayna Picchu mountains are closed

- I bought tickets on arrival in Aguas Caliente (Centro Cultural opens 5 am-8pm, beside Virgen del Carmen Church) as I'm not sure if the transportation and roads are ok. It was off peak also, we are only less than 10 visitors during the chosen schedule. 

- If in case you are sure of the transportation you have, book your ticket online via this link https://www.machupicchu.gob.pe/. 

Day 34: Mar. 10, 2021 Wed / Cusco 5

0700H ETD Hostel; walk to Quillabamba terminal

0730H ETD Cusco; collective 40; breakfast 13

1200H ETD Santa Maria; collective 10

1300H ETD Santa Teresa; collective 5

1330H ETA Hidroelectrica; 11km hike

1630H ETA Aguas Calientes; walk to ticket office; Machu Picchu Walk-in Ticket 8-9am 152; Walk to Hostel; dinner 15

TOTAL: S152 (42 USD) + S83 (23 USD) 

Day 35: Tue 11, 2021 Thu / Cusco 6

0530H ETD Aguas Calientes; 16km hike

0720H Machu Picchu Archeological Site

0900H ETD Machu Picchu Archeological Site; hike

1200H Hydro; lunch 10; collective 5

1300H ETD Santa Teresa; collective 10

1400H ETD Santa Maria; collective 40

1900H ETA Cusco; walk to hostel; dinner 15

TOTAL: S80 (22 USD) 

1. This trip was almost canceled due to sudden transportation strike, some landslides on the main road and derailed train along the trail (between Hidrolectrica and Aguas Caliente). 

2. Some travel agencies offer colectivo van direct transportation from Cusco to Hidrolectrica, this was my plan A. Unfortunately 5 minutes before the agreed pick-up, the trip was canceled because of that sudden transportation strike. 

3. 16km hike from Aguas Caliente to Machu Picchu Archeological Site to Hidrolectrica for 6 hours with 600m elevation gain. 

4. In my opinion, Machu Picchu is the hardest and most expensive and yet the most rewarding to visit among the Seven Wonders (of course if you hike it).

5. My last one to complete the Seven Wonders of the World.

Machu Picchu (2,430masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

Cusco (Centro, Sacred Valley Hike, Rainbow Mountain)

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru March 01 to March 23, 2021

Arequipa (Centro, Countryside Tour, Canteras de Sillar)

South America Day 31 (Sacred Valley DIY Trek): 21km Budget Self-guided Hike to Moray Archaeological Zone (3,476masl), Salinas de Maras (2,920masl) and Ollantaytambo Ruins (2,886masl)

South America Day 32 (Sacred Valley DIY Trek): 14km Budget Self-guided Hike from Pisac (2,970masl) to Maska (3,280masl) and Quello (3,475masl)

South America Day 33: the 2nd most visited tourist spot in Cusco... Montaña Vinicunca (5,036masl) aka Rainbow Mountain. Take high altitudes seriously and the view is better upclose. Rapid visit to the Red Valley (5,045masl), blown away by the mixture of red color shades and astonishingly lush green patches of grass

Day 30: Mar. 06, 2021 Sat / Cusco 1

0700H Breakfast and hostel check-out; bus 1

0800H ETD Arequipa; bus 62; lunch 11

1900H ETA Cusco; walk to hostel; dinner; Secret Garden Hostel 5 nights 60; dinner 17

TOTAL: S151

Day 31: Mar. 07, 2021 Sun / Cusco 2

0700H ETD Cusco; colectivo 10

0800H ETA Ramal de Maras; walk to Moray

1030H Moray Archaeological Zone (3,476masl)

1300H Salinas de Maras (2,920masl)

1415H ETD Media Luna; colectivo 4

1445H Ollantaytambo Ruins (2,886masl); lunch 34

1700H ETD Ollantaytambo; colectivo 15

1830H ETA Cusco; essentials 10; Secret Garden Hostel

TOTAL: S73

Day 32: Mar. 08, 2021 Mon / Cusco 3

0700H ETD Cusco; colectivo 4; breakfast 6

0730H Pisac (2,970masl); hike to ruins

0900H Maska (3,280masl)

1000H Quello (3,475masl)

1200H ETA Pisac; lunch 5

1230H ETD Pisac; colectivo 5

1330H ETA Cusco; walk to centro; snacks 10; Rainbow Mountain day tour 70; Secret Garden Hostel; dinner 13

TOTAL: S113

Day 33: Mar. 09, 2021 Tue / Cusco 4

0500H ETD Cusco; hostel picked up

0630H Breakfast; Vinicunca entrance fee 10

0800H Carpark arrival (4,600masl); trek start

0930H Vinicunca, Rainbow Mountain (5,036masl)

1130H Red Valley (5,045masl)

1300H ETD Carpark; lunch

1700H ETA Cusco; tip 30; dinner 26; Secret Garden Hostel

TOTAL: S66

 Cusco (Centro, Sacred Valley Hike, Rainbow Mountain)

Arequipa (Centro, Countryside Tour, Canteras de Sillar)

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru March 01 to March 23, 2021

Colca Canyon (3,287masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

South America Day 29: My very first city / countryside bus tour after 11 years of world backpacking. Afternoon trip to Ruta del Sillar (solidified volcanic ash) and Quebrada de Culebrillas (natural ignimbrite rocks) #peru 

How to Go: I took the city / countryside bus tour that costs S35 excluding admission fees, from 9am to 2pm. No transportation information searched on the net. Same also with Ruta de Sillar, trip costs S25 excluding the S5 admission fee. 

Day 28: Mar. 04, 2021 Thu / Arequipa 1

0630H ETD Cabanaconde; colectivo 8

0830H Colectivo to Arequipa 20

1200H ETA Arequipa; lunch 6; Short City Walk Tour (Centro); Booking Ruta del Sillar / City Countryside tour 60; Money Exchange 500 USD = 1,830 PEN (3.66); Way Kap Hostel; laundry 12; dinner 25

TOTAL: S131

Day 29: Mar. 05, 2021 Fri / Arequipa 2

0900H to 1400H City / Countryside Tour; Plaza de Yanahuara; snacks 6

Carmen Alto Mirador; entrance 5; souvenirs 104; Fabrica Incalpaca; La Mansión de Fundador

Molino de Sabandia; tip 10; lunch 8

1400H to 1800H Canteras de Sillar Tour; Quebrada de Anashuayco; entrance 5; Quebrada de Culebrillas; tip 10

Way Kap Hostel; dinner 15

TOTAL: S163

Arequipa (Centro, Countryside Tour, Canteras de Sillar)

Colca Canyon (3,287masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru March 01 to March 23, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Peru Summary and Itinerary

South America Day 27 (World's 2nd deepest canyon at 3,400m, almost twice the depth of Grand Canyon): Mga Kababayan, turn up! Self-guided solo very challenging day hike in Colca Canyon with 22km loop trail completed on 11 hours with 1,300m elevation drop 

COLCA CANYON, PERU (Mar. 2021)

- World's 2nd deepest Canyon at around 3,400masl, almost twice as deep of Grand Canyon

- I did this trek on self-guided solo day-hike on loop trail completed on 11 hours with 22km distance

- I did this trek on reverse loop and usually offered as 3D/2N or 2D/1N by travel tours.

Trip Description (Mar. 2021): Cabanaconde, Colca Canyon and other nearby tourists destinations, relax self-guided walk day visit

How to Go: Regular departures from Arequipa Bus Terminal and the colectivo vans beside the terminal. For Colca Canyon, earliest bus leaves 4am while the colectivo for Chivay then Cabanaconde (leaves as soon as it's full) fare costs S30 for 6 hours travel. 

Day 25: Mar. 01, 2021 Mon / Lima Transit 

1020H ETD Asuncion UTC -0300H; flight 1324; LATAM flight ticket 236 USD

1305H ETA Santiago UTC -0400H; 7 hours transit

2045H ETD Santiago; flight 2376

2230H ETA Lima UTC -0500H; 8 hours transit

TOTAL: S0 + 236 USD

Day 26: Mar. 02, 2021 Tue / Cabanaconde 1

0655H ETD Lima; flight 2105

0826H ETA Arequipa; bus #28 to Centro 1; Money Exchange 120 USD = 415 PEN (3.51)

Way Kap Hostel 4 nights 68; breakfast 6; Bus to Arequipa Bus Terminal 1; lunch 6

1300H Bus to Chivay 20

1730H Bus to Cabanaconde 20; Villa Pastor Hostel 25; dinner / pack snacks 30

TOTAL: S177

Day 27: Mar. 03, 2021 Wed / Cabanaconde 2

0600H ETD Hostel (3,287masl); walk to trailhead 

1000H Oasis (2,183masl); slippery, steep, foggy;Got lost for almost an hour, trails with bushes

1130H San Juan (2,391masl); open area, smooth; Altitude sickness felt; dizziness, stomachache

1700H Sports ground (3,487masl); steep, long walk; Walk to Cabanaconde; dinner 18; Hotel La Posada 1 night 30

TOTAL: S48

1. If you missed the 4am bus in Arequipa bus terminal bound to Cabanaconde, better to take any colectivo nearby outside the terminal. Colectivo fare costs S20 for 4 hours travel from Arequipa to Chivay, and S20 for 1.5 hours travel from Chivay to Cabanaconde. 

2. Elevation of Arequipa is 2,335masl, Chivay is 3,600 and Cabanaconde is 3,287masl. While travel from Arequipa to Chivay, highest elevation reached was around 4,658masl. Expect to experience altitude sickness. 

3. Bring lots of water. I brought 4.5 liter (2.5li in my backpack bladder and 2li in plastic bottle I carried).

4. I did this hike on reverse loop starting from Cabanaconde's Valle del Fuego then to Oasis, San Juan then back to Cabanaconde Sports Ground. Normal loop starts from Cabanaconde Sports Ground.

5. I've read that there's a national park fee that costs around S70 (20 USD) and usually local authorities will force you to pay in Chivay. I did not pay anything on my hike since no one asked me to pay. 

6. The trail is descend-ascend (3x) with breathtaking views of the canyon. Elevation drop from Cabanaconde to Oasis is around 1,000m while from San Juan Bridge to highest point is 1,300m.

7. Do not underestimate canyon hiking especially if you are hiking alone. In my honest opinion, I prefer mountain hiking than canyon. On my record, I consider Colca Canyon hiking is slightly harder than Acatenango Mountain hike (due to its 3x descend-ascend) and Paricutin Volcano hike (due to altitude sickness). 

Colca Canyon (3,287masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

March 01 to March 23, 2021

My  125th country visited on my journey beyond # lakbay100 , 93rd solo backpacking trip , 8th country in South America  and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Peru served also as the 12th country on my  2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip , t he new normal of traveling. 

Peru is a country in South America, situated on the western side of that continent, facing the South Pacific Ocean and straddling part of the Andes mountain range that runs the length of South America. Peru is bordered by Ecuador and Colombia to the north, Brazil and Bolivia to the east, and Chile to the south. Peru is a country that has a diversity and wealth not common in the world. The main attractions are their archaeological patrimony of pre-Columbian cultures and the hub of the Inca's empire, their gastronomy, their colonial architecture (it has imposing colonial constructions) and their natural resources (a paradise for ecological tourism). The Peruvian economy is healthy and strong with a high level of human development and an upper middle income level. Also, tourism to Peru is growing faster than any other country in South America.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Peru

23 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Peru

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Paraguay

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

February 26, 2021 to February 28, 2021

My 124th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 7th country in South America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Paraguay served also as the 11th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Paraguay is a landlocked country in South America bordering Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. The country is very wealthy in natural resources despite its small size, but unfortunately it has endured decades of political instability, leading it to be one of the poorest and least developed countries in South America. Colonized for 3 centuries by the Spanish, since the 1500s, Paraguay has managed to keep a lot of its indigenous character and identity. Nowadays, the mestizos (Spanish + Amerindian) account for more than 80% of the country's 7 million inhabitants and Guarani is, side by side with Spanish, the country's official language.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Paraguay

PARAGUAY TOURIST VISA APPLICATION IN LA PAZ, BOLIVIA (February 2021) 

Address: 2nd floor, Pedro Salazar 351, La Paz, Bolivia (any colectivo van that pass Kantutani, San Jorge, San Miguel)

Requirements: (1) 2 pieces passport size color photo, (2) Color photocopy of passport information page, (3) Color photocopy of credit card, (4) Latest 3 months statement of bank account, (5) Color photocopy of Bolivia entry stamp

Fee payment: 65 USD to be paid in Banco Union (walk-in) once approved. Provide your whatsapp number to officer for quick feedback within 24 hours. 

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Paraguay

Copacabana (Lake Titicaca, Horca del Inca Mirador, Islas Flotantes)

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia February 17, 2021 to February 26, 2021

La Paz (Mi Teleferico, Tiwanaku, Valle de la Luna, Canyon de Palca)

South America Day 21: Short Hike to Horca del Inca Mirador (4,034masl) overlooking the famous Lake Titicaca (3,843masl) and Copacabana town (3,875masl). Food trip in Islas Flotantes (Floating Restaurant) on our ferry ride to Isla del Sol. Ferry joyride in Lake Titicaca going to Isla del Sol

Trip Description (Feb. 2021): Copacabana, Isla del Sol and other nearby tourists destinations, relax self-guided walk day visit

How to Go: Regular departures from La Paz Terminal and colectivo terminal near Cementerio. Fare costs B35 for 4 hours travel (including terminal fee and ferry fare). 

Day 21: Feb. 25, 2021 Thu / Copacabana

0600H ETD Hostel; breakfast 20

0630H ETD La Paz; bus 35

1030H ETA Copacabana; Horca del Inca Mirador (4,034masl) 10; Islas Flotantes lunch 40

Return ferry to Isla del Sol 70; entrance 5; snacks 30

1720H ETD Copacabana; bus 25

2100H ETA La Paz; dinner 18; The Rooftop Hostel

TOTAL: B253

Copacabana (Lake Titicaca, Horca del Inca Mirador, Islas Flotantes)

La Paz (Mi Teleferico, Tiwanaku, Valle de la Luna, Canyon de Palca)

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia February 17, 2021 to February 26, 2021

Uyuni Salt Flat Day Tip

Trip Description (Feb. 2021): La Paz (Valle de la Luna, Valle de las Animas, Canyon de Palca), Tiwanaku and other nearby tourists destinations, relax self-guided walk day visit

How to Go: For Valle de la Luna, take bus #902 in front of Basilica de San Francisco for B3 fare with 20 minutes travel. For Valle de las Animas and Canyon de Palca, take bus #965 for B3 fare with 30 minutes travel. For Tiwanaku, colectivo terminal is located near Cementerio for B20 fare with 1.5 hour travel. 

Day 18: Feb. 22, 2021 Mon / La Paz

0730H Mi Teleferico; card with charge 30; Money Exchange 100 USD = B695 (6.95)

0815H Jalsuri Stn; breakfast 23

0900H PARAGUAY VISA APPLICATION

1030H bus #902 to Valle de la Luna 3

1200H bus #992 to main road 3; bus #965 2; Valle de la Luna / Valle de las Animas; snacks 13

1430H bus #965 to centro 3; Centro walk; haircut 30; dinner 23; The Rooftop Hostel

TOTAL: B130

Day 19: Feb. 23, 2021 Tue / La Paz

0600H ETD Hostel; walk to colectivo terminal

0630H ETD La Paz; colectivo to Desaguadero 20

0730H Laja Border Checkpoint bribe 100

0800H ETD Laja; colectivo to Tiwanaku 10

0830H ETA Tiwanaku junction; walk to town; Tiwanaku Archeological Park 100; breakfast 7

1000H ETD Tiwanaku; colectivo to La Paz

1130H ETA La Paz; colectivo 14; Teleferico; PARAGUAY VISA CLAIM 65 USD; Money Exchange 35 USD = B240 (6.85)

Lunch 23; Teleferico card charge 10; snacks 27; Mi Teleferico sunset joyride; The Rooftop Hostel

TOTAL: B311

Day 20: Feb. 24, 2021 Wed / La Paz

0800H ETD Hostel; breakfast 14; Money Exchange 50 USD = B347 (6.95); Colectivo to San Miguel 3

0900H 17TH PCR TEST; RESCATA Bolivia 450; Colectivo to Uni bus # 965 3

1100H Canyon de Palca

1330H Colectivo to La Paz bus # 965 3; lunch 24

Mi Teleferico joyride; card charge 10; snacks 26; The Rooftop Hostel

TOTAL: B533

La Paz (Mi Teleferico, Tiwanaku, Valle de la Luna, Canyon de Palca)

Uyuni Salt Flat Day Tip, Bolivia's signature landmark

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia February 17, 2021 to February 26, 2021

Sta. Cruz, Sucre and Potosi Day Trips

South America Day 16 (World's largest Salt Flat): Day Trip to Bolivia's signature landmark, Salar de Uyuni (3,663masl)

Trip Description (Feb. 2021): Uyuni (3,623masl), Train Cemetery (3,650masl), Salar de Uyuni (3,663masl), Monumento el Dakar, Plaza de las Banderas, Incahausi Island, Reflection field and other nearby tourists destinations, relax self-guided walk day visit

How to Go: Regular departures from La Paz preferably on night bus and from Potosi with 4 hours travel for B33 fare. Then, lots of travel agency in the Uyuni Centro, a day trip (1030H to 1900H) costs B200 with lunch included. 

Day 15: Feb. 19, 2021 Fri / Sucre & Potosi

1930H ETA Uyuni; Ripley's Tour Uyuni day trip 200

Hostel Arco Iris 70; dinner 20; souvenirs 40

TOTAL: B359

Day 16: Feb. 20, 2021 Sat / Uyuni

1030H Uyuni Salt Flat day tour; tip 20

Train Cemetery (3,650masl), Salar de Uyuni (3,663masl), Monumento el Dakar, Plaza de las Banderas, Incahausi Island, Reflection field

1900H ETA Uyuni; dinner 20

2100H ETD Uyuni; night bus 50

TOTAL: B90

Day 17: Feb. 21, 2021 Sun / Cochabamba

0100H ETA Oruro; bus 40

0700H ETA Cochabamba; luggage 9; breakfast 18; Centro; Cristo de la Concordia hike (2,840masl)

1100H ETD Cochabamba; bus 43; lunch 37

1930H ETA La Paz; walk to hostel; dinner 27; The Rooftop Hostel 200

TOTAL: B374

Uyuni Salt Flat Day Tip, Bolivia's signature landmark

Sta. Cruz, Sucre and Potosi Day Trips

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia February 17, 2021 to February 26, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Bolivia Summary and Itinerary

Day 13: Feb. 17, 2021 Wed / Santa Cruz

1600H ETD Bogota UTC -0500H; flight AV8382; Avianca flight ticket 567 USD

2110H ETA Sta. Cruz UTC -0400H; Uber 50; Money Exchange 100 USD = B685 (6.85)

Mi Bella Santa Cruz hostel 120; dinner 27

TOTAL: B197 + 567 USD

Day 14: Feb. 18, 2021 Thu / Santa Cruz

0630H ETD Hostel; breakfast 9; Walk to Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal for bus inquiry 

Walk to Sta. Cruz Cathedral Clock Tower 3; lunch 33; Walk to Calle Espana; bus #21 2; refreshments 28

1145H Parque Regional Lomas de Arena 20

1530H ETD Parque; bus #21 2; back to hostel; Walk to Sta. Cruz Bus Terminal; dinner 44; Money Exchange 100 USD = B692 (6.92)

1830H ETD Santa Cruz; night bus 83

TOTAL: B222

Day 15: Feb. 19, 2021 Fri / Sucre & Potosi

0730H ETA Sucre; breakfast 13; Centro Histórico Walk tour

1000H ETD Sucre; bus 23

1300H ETA Potosi; bus to Ex Terminal 1.5; Centro Histórico Walk tour; lunch 29; bus 1.5

1530H ETD Potosi; bus 31

1930H ETA Uyuni; Ripley's Tour Uyuni day trip 200; Hostel Arco Iris 70; dinner 20; souvenirs 40

TOTAL: B359

Sta. Cruz, Sucre and Potosi Day Trips

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

February 17, 2021 to February 26, 2021

My 123rd country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 6th country in South America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Bolivia served also as the 10th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Bolivia is a beautiful, geographically diverse, multiethnic, and democratic country in the heart of South America. It is surrounded by Brazil to the northeast, Peru to the northwest, Chile to the southwest, Argentina and Paraguay to the south. It shares with Peru control of Lake Titicaca (Lago Titicaca), the world's highest navigable lake (elevation 3,805m). Sometimes referred to as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is one of the most "remote" countries in the western hemisphere; except for the navigable Paraguay River stretching to the distant Atlantic, Bolivia and Paraguay are the only two landlocked nations in the Americas. It is also the most indigenous country in the Americas, with 60% of its population being of pure Native American ancestry.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Bolivia

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Bolivia

Bogota (Zipaquira, La Chorrera, Cerro Monserrate, Laguna Guatavita)

13 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Colombia February 04, 2021 to February 17, 2021

Medellin (Sta. Fe de Antioquia, La Piedra del Peñol, Communa 13)

Day 06: Feb. 10, 2021 Wed / Bogota 

0530H ETA Bogota Salitre; bus to hostel 2,000

Hostal Chorro De Quevedo 113,000; TransMilenio Card + charge 20,000; breakfast 9,000; Money Exchange 100 USD = $333,000 (3,330)

0930H ETD Universidad Stn; bus #B74 to Virrey; ECUADOR VISA APPLICATION 1st; PARAGUAY VISA APPLICATION 2nd

1300H ETD Virrey; bus #B25 to Portal Norte

1330H ETD Portal Norte; bus 6,000; lunch 9,000; Zipaquira Salt Mine 60,000; Zipaquira centro short tour; snacks 4,000

1745H ETD Zipaquira; bus 6,000

1845H ETA Portal Norte; bus #J74 to Unibersidades

1930H ETA Bogota Centro; Hostal Chorro De Quevedo

TOTAL: $229,000

Day 07: Feb. 11, 2021 Thu / Bogota

0630H ETD Hostel; walk to TRASORIENTE terminal

0710H ETD Bogota; van 9,000; breakfast 10,000

0845H ETA La Chorrera junction

1100H La Chorrera Waterfall (2,540masl) 

1130H ETD La Chorrera Waterfall; lunch 11,000

1400H ETA Main Road; van 8,000

1530H ETA Bogota; early dinner 20,000; Hostal Chorro De Quevedo

TOTAL: $58,000

Day 08: Feb. 12, 2021 Fri / Bogota

0630H ETD Hostel; Bogota Centro walk trip

0700H Cerro Monserrate trailhead (2,650masl)

0815H Cerro Monserrate 3,152masl; Summit sightseeing (450m gain, 1,605 steps); Breakfast 11,000; souvenir 6,000

0930H ETA Cerro Monserrate trailhead; National Museum of Colombia 3,000; lunch 10,000; Iglesia de San Francisco / Museo del Oro

Money Exchange 100 USD = $328,000 (3,280); Museo de Botero (free entrance)

Santuario del El Carmen / Barrio Egipto Alto; Hostal Chorro De Quevedo; dinner ramen 22,000

TOTAL: $52,000

Day 09: Feb. 13, 2021 Sat / Bogota

0700H ETD Hostel; breakfast 5,000

0730H ETD Universidades; bus D24 at Av39 & B13; Transmilenio to Portal Norte Station; Walk to Terminal Satellite del Norte

0900H ETD Bogota; bus 10,000

1020H ETA Laguna Guatavita junction; van 4,000 

1040H ETA Laguna Guatavita 19,000; snacks 8,000

1300H ETD Laguna Guatavita; van 4,000

1330H ETD Laguna Guatavita junction; bus 10,000

1500H ETA Bogota; bus to hostel; Hostal Chorro De Quevedo; dinner 17,000

TOTAL: $77,000

Day 10: Feb. 14, 2021 Sun / Bogota

0600H ETD Hostel; Buscard recharge 6,000

0620H ETD Universidades; bus 1 at Eldordo & 16-14

0700H 16TH PCR TEST; Laboratorio SYNLAB 280,000

0730H Bus 16-14 to El Dorado; bus 1 to Salitre

0900H ETD Bogota; bus 30,000; breakfast 9,000

1230H ETA Guaduas; short town visit

1430H ETD Guaduas; van 30,000

1900H ETA Bogota; bus #305B to Centro; Hostal Chorro De Quevedo 23,000 130 USD

TOTAL: $378,000 + 130 USD CASH

Day 11: Feb. 15, 2021 Mon / Bogota 

0600H REMIND STATUS ECUADOR EMBASSY

0700H Breakfast 7,000; lunch 15,000

1300H ETD Hostel; TransMilenio to Airport 1, 16-14; Ticket bought 2 hours before flight via BDO MC

Failed to check-in, received email not charged

1600H back to hostel; Unibersidades Stn 10,000; Money Exchange 50 USD = $163,000 (3,270)

Hostal Chorro De Quevedo 45,000; snacks 10,000

TOTAL: $87,000

Day 12: Feb. 16, 2021 Tue / Bogota

0615H ETD Universidades; bus D24 at Av39 & B13; Transmilenio to Portal Norte Station; Walk to Terminal Satellite del Norte; breakfast 8,000

0800H ETD Bogota; bus 30,000

1000H ETA Tunja; van to Villa de Leyva 10,000

1130H ETA Villa de Leyva; lunch 13,000; Villa de Leyva walk tour

1500H ETD Villa de Leyva; bus 35,000

1830H ETA Bogota; Unibersidades Stn; snacks 4,000; REACTIVATE ECUADOR VISA IN LA PAZ

Hostal Chorro De Quevedo

TOTAL: $100,000

Day 13: Feb. 17, 2021 Wed / Bogota

1230H ETD Hostel; TransMilenio to Airport 1, 16-14; Breakfast 8,000; lunch 23,000

1600H ETD Bogota UTC -0500H; flight AV8382

2110H ETA Sta. Cruz UTC -0400H

TOTAL: $31,000

Bogota (Zipaquira, La Chorrera, Cerro Monserrate, Laguna Guatavita)

Medellin (Sta. Fe de Antioquia, La Piedra del Peñol, Communa 13)

13 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Colombia February 04, 2021 to February 17, 2021

Cartagena (Centro, San Basilio de Palenque, Playa Blanca)

South America Day 04: Morning trip to Colombia's signature landmark and one of the World's largest stand-alone monolithic rock with 740 steps one-way to the top, La Piedra del Peñol (2,137masl)

How to Go to La Piedra del Peñol (2,137masl): Most of the bus departures are located in Caribe Terminal de Norte. For Santa Fe de Antioquia, there's an every hour departure with almost 2 hours travel for $13,000 fare. For La Piedra del Peñol, there's an every hour departure with 2 hours travel for $16,000 fare. For Communa 13, just take San Javier metro station and walk around 1.3km from there. 

Day 03: Feb. 07, 2021 Sun / Medellin

0530H ETD Hostel; taxi to airport 10,000; Viva Air Colombia Flight 41 USD

0759H ETD Cartagena

0913H ETA Medellin; Airport bus 13,000; 1000H ETA Caribe Terminal (Window 13-19); Bus Ticket 13,000; breakfast 8,000

1030H ETD Medellin

1200H ETA Santa Fe de Antioquia; Santa Fe town walk; lunch 17,000; Punta Colgante de Occidente 20,000

1500H ETD Santa Fe de Antioquia; bus 13,000

1700H ETA Medellin; metro to hostel 20,000; Joseph el Paisa Hostel 2 nights 34,000

TOTAL: $148,000 + 41 USD

Day 04: Feb. 08, 2021 Mon / Medellin

0745H ETD Hostel; metro to Caribe

0800H ETA Caribe Terminal (Window 9) 16,000

0830H ETD Medellin; breakfast 5,000

1030H ETA La Piedra del Peñol; Entrance fee 20,000

1230H ETD La Piedra del Peñol; walk to Guatapé; Money Exchange 100 USD = $325,000 (3,250)

Town walk; lunch 13,000

1500H ETD Guatape; bus 16,000

1700H ETA Medellin; dinner 10,000; Joseph el Paisa Hostel

TOTAL: $80,000

Day 05: Feb. 09, 2021 Tue / Medellin

0800H ETD Hostel; metrocable in San Javier; Breakfast 10,000; metrocard recharge 8,000

Communa 13 walk tour; lunch 10,000; snacks 6,000

2000H ETD Medellin; night bus 85,000

TOTAL: $119,000

Medellin (Sta. Fe de Antioquia, La Piedra del Peñol, Communa 13)

Cartagena (Centro, San Basilio de Palenque, Playa Blanca)

13 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Colombia February 04, 2021 to February 17, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Colombia Summary and Itinerary

Day 00: Feb. 04, 2021 Thu / Panama City to Cartagena Flight

1839H ETD Panama UTC -0500H; Wingo Airline flight 90 USD 

1946H ETA Cartagena UTC -0500H; Money Exchange 20 USD = 54,000 (2,700)

Taxi to Hostel 15,000; Dinner / Snacks 30,000; Hostel Colonial 3 nights 18 USD; Money Exchange 100 USD = $325,000 (3,250)

TOTAL: $45,000 + 18 USD + 90 USD

Day 01: Feb. 05, 2021 Fri / Cartagena

0700H ETD Hostel; walk to Centro bus

0730H ETD Centro; metrobus 2,500

0815H ETA Cartagena Terminal; Bus queries

0900H ETD Cartagena; bus 12,000

1045H ETA San Basilio de Palenque; Town stroll photo-ops; snacks 5,000

1230H ETD San Basilio de Palenque; bus 12,000

1400H ETA Cartagena; metrobus 2,500

1445H ETA Centro; lunch 12,000

1600H ETD Centro; Calle 30 and Carrera 17; 2,500

1700H ETA Pascaballos; mototaxi 20,000; Playa Blanca sunset sightseeing

1830H ETD Pascaballos; bus 2,500

2000H ETA Cartagena; night snacks 11,000; Hostel Colonial

TOTAL: $82,000

Day 02: Feb. 06, 2021 Sat / Cartagena

Cartagena morning walk; brunch 15,000; Bocagrande afternoon walk; snacks 5,000

Hostel Colonial; dinner 23,000

TOTAL: $43,000

Cartagena (Centro, San Basilio de Palenque, Playa Blanca)

13 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Colombia

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

February 04, 2021 to February 17, 2021

My 122nd country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 5th country in South America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Colombia served also as the 9th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Colombia is the only country in South America with coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea as well as the country with the world's second most biodiversity. Lying to the south of Panama, Colombia controls the land access between Central and South America. With Panama to the north, Colombia is surrounded by Venezuela to the east, Brazil to the southeast, and Ecuador and Peru to the south west. The country was named in honor of Christopher Columbus, following the Italian version of his name (Cristoforo Colombo). Although Columbus never actually set foot on the current Colombian territory, in his fourth voyage he visited Panama, which was part of Colombia until 1903.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Colombia

13 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Colombia

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

February 04, 2021 to May 08, 2021

Philippine passport holders are visa upon arrival with visa fee gratis for these 3 countries (Colombia, Bolivia, Peru), eligible for visa application on arrival in Guyana and need to apply visa before travel in Paraguay and Ecuador. I already visited Brazil (2018), Argentina (2019), Chile (2020) and Uruguay (2020). Despite the strict entry immigration requirements and danger of Covid19 pandemic challenge, I visited them all successfully as a Filipino Solo Backpacker on budget DIY basis using Philippine passport only. 

South America is the wilder of the Americas, and a continent of superlatives. The world's biggest rainforest and the largest river (Amazon), the highest mountain range outside Asia (the Andes), remote islands (Galapagos Islands, Easter Island and Fernando de Noronha), heavenly beaches (such as in Brazil's Northeastern region), wide deserts (Atacama), icy landscapes (Patagonia & Tierra del Fuego), the world's tallest waterfall (the 979m Angel Falls, in Venezuela) and one of the largest (Iguaçu Falls, Argentina and Brazil), as well as several other breathtaking natural attractions. Besides, the work of man has also left rare gems on the continent: ruins of ancient civilizations (Machu Picchu and other Inca cities; the Moais in Easter Island) share the continent with world-class metropolises (São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, Caracas, Santiago, Lima and Rio de Janeiro), outstanding modern architecture (Brasilia), European architecture (Buenos Aires), the oldest rock paintings in the Americas (at the Serra da Capivara), strong African heritage (in Salvador, Rio and Montevideo), genuine indigenous (Belém, Manaus, Cuzco, Lima, La Paz), charming cities built in the Andes (Caracas, Medellín, Quito, Santiago de Chile) and Eastern culture (São Paulo's enormous Japanese community), mingled with the fingerprints of Iberian colonizers. Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city and some of its biggest festivities, such as Rio's Carnival and Belem's Cirio de Nazaré, the Tango World Championship, and the Vendimia festival in Argentina, are also part of this incredibly diverse and attractive continent.

https://wikitravel.org/en/South_America

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Panama

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 30 to Febuary 04, 2021

My 121st country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 11th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Panama served also as the eight country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Panama is a country in Central America with coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, with Colombia (and South America) to the southeast and Costa Rica (and North America) to the northwest. It's strategically located on the isthmus that forms the land bridge connecting North and South America and controls the Panama Canal that links the North Atlantic Ocean via the Caribbean Sea with the North Pacific Ocean, one of the most important shipping routes in the world.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Panama

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Panama

Visiting the Costa Rica's Top 3 Highest Volcanoes

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Costa Rica January 25 to January 30, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in Costa Rica Summary and Itinerary

HIGHEST VOLCANOES OF COSTA RICA (Jan. 2021)

 - Famous volcano day hikes near San Jose, all visited on budget DIY day-hike. 

- Irazu Volcano (3,432masl) is Costa Rica's highest volcano and the easiest to visit as there is a direct transportation near to the crater, almost no hiking needed but with the highest altitude gain of 2,200m from where the bus terminal located in the city

- Turrialba Volcano (3,340masl) is Costa Rica's 2nd highest volcano, the most expensive to visit and the most active that's why hiking trail is not always open to public. 

- Barva Volcano (2,906masl) is Costa Rica's 3rd highest volcano and the most challenging among these three due to 16km back trail distance and 700m altitude gain with limited bus departures

Jan. 26, 2021 Tue (Turrialba Volcano, 2nd highest)

1000H ETD San Jose; bus 1,545

1200H ETD Turrialba; bus to Sta. Cruz 800

1300H ETA Turrialba Volcano junction; taxi 20,000; Turrialba Volcano Viewpoint (close trail) 

1515H ETD Turrialba Volcano; bus 1,370

1700H ETD Cartago; bus 670

1730H ETA San Jose

TOTAL: 24,385 CRC (40 USD) 

Jan. 27, 2021 Wed (Barva Volcano, 3rd highest) 

0515H ETD San Jose; bus 585

0600H ETA Heredia Market; walk to Ave 4 / Calle 1

0625H ETD Heredia; bus #433 710

0700H ETA Sacramento junction bus (1,900masl)

Barva Volcano Entrance (close trail) (2,618masl)

1300H ETD Sacramento; bus #433 710

1415H ETD Heredia; bus 455

1500H ETA San Jose

TOTAL: 2,460 CRC (4 USD)

Jan. 28, 2021 Thu (Irazu Volcano, the highest)

Irazu Entrance ticket reservation 17 USD (cc) 

Walk to Sabana Estadio for Irazu Volcano day trip; 0800H ETD San Jose; bus 2,600 (1,150masl)

0930H ETA Irazu Volcano (3,200masl)

1000H Irazu Reservation Ticket checked; Irazu Volcano (3,432masl) Crater walk

1230H ETD Irazu Volcano; 2,000

1430H ETA San Jose

TOTAL: 4,600 CRC + 17 USD = 25 USD

Note:

1. These Volcano day trips are the EASIEST to navigate among the Volcano Dayhike Series that I've done in Central America (Guatemala dayhikes has the hardest).

2. These Volcano day trips are the MOST EXPENSIVE to navigate among the Volcano Dayhike Series I've done in Central America (Guatemala dayhikes has the cheapest).

3. Irazu Volcano bus departures from San Jose is only 0800H daily and return at 1230H. Entrance ticket reservation required via https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/

4. Turrialba Volcano hiking trail is an easy trek if in case open to public. Reservations required for entrance via https://serviciosenlinea.sinac.go.cr/

5. Barva Volcano has an easy trail also with 8km distance walking from the Sacramento junction bus stop to the entrance, it's hard to hitchhike as cars are very seldom. 

Visiting the Costa Rica's Top 3 Highest Volcanoes

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Costa Rica

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 25 to January 30, 2021

My 120th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 10th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Costa Rica served also as the seventh country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Costa Rica became a popular nature travel destination, and its main competitive advantage is its well-established system of national parks and protected areas, covering around 23.4% of the country's land area, the largest in the world as a percentage of the country's territory, and home to a rich variety of flora and fauna, in a country that has only 0.03% of the world's landmass, but that is estimated to contain 5% of the world's biodiversity. The country also has plenty of world renowned beaches, both in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, within short travel distances between both coasts both by air and land, and also several active volcanoes that can be visited with safety.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Costa_Rica

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Costa Rica

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Nicaragua

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 20 to January 25, 2021

My 119th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 9th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Nicaragua served also as the sixth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Nicaragua has coastlines on both the Caribbean Sea, in the east, and the North Pacific Ocean, in the west, and has Costa Rica to the southeast and Honduras to the northwest. Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America with an area of 130,373km² and contains the largest freshwater body in Central America, Lago de Nicaragua (Lake Nicaragua) or Cocibolca. Roughly one quarter of the nation's population lives in the Nicaraguan capital, making it the second largest city and metropolitan area in Central America.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Nicaragua

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Nicaragua

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Honduras

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 17 to January 20, 2021

My 118th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 8th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Honduras served also as the fifth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Honduras is the second biggest and second most populous country in Central America. It has colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), ancient Maya ruins (Copan), natural parks (Moskitia), and a Pacific and Caribbean coastline and the Bay Islands, with great beaches and coral reefs where snorkelling and diving are exceptional by any standard. The country is bordered by Guatemala to the northwest, El Salvador to the south and Nicaragua to the southeast and has one of the worlds highest murder rates due mostly to rampant gangs.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Honduras

3 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Honduras

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in El Salvador January 12 to January 17, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in El Salvador Summary and Itinerary

CERRO VERDE VOLCANOES, EL SALVADOR (Jan. 2021) 

- Izalco Volcano (1,950masl) is El Salvador's 4th highest volcano with 662m elevation gain, 7km back trail distance for 4 hours

- Santa Ana Volcano (2,381masl) is El Salvador's highest and most active volcano with 467m elevation gain, 7km back trail distance for 3 hours

- Famous volcano day hikes near Santa Ana Town, both are guide-required and budget DIY day-hike

Itinerary:

Jan. 13, 2021 Wed (Izalco Volcano) 

0715H Volcano Bus Station; Cerro Verde ticket 0.90

0740H ETD Santa Ana; bus #248 to Cerro Verde

0920H ETA Cerro Verde Park; park fee 1.50; guide 5

1100H start trekking with police/guide (required); Trail 1st part; continuous descent, forest

Trail 2nd part; continuous ascent, open area, steep; Summit Assault; lose rocks, very steep

1300H ETA Volcán de Izalco summit; rest / photo

1330H ETD Summit (back trail) 

1530H ETA Trailhead; Volcán de Izalco (1,950masl) 4th highest

1600H ETD Cerro Verde Park; bus to Sta. Ana 0.90

1730H ETA Sta. Ana

TOTAL: $8.30

Jan. 14, 2021 Thu (Santa Ana Volcano) 

0715H Volcano Bus Station; Cerro Verde ticket 0.90

0740H ETD Santa Ana; bus #248 to Cerro Verde

0900H ETA Santa Ana Trailhead; park fee 6; guide 2

0930H start trekking with guide (required); Trail 1st part; continuous ascent, forest

Trail 2nd part; open area, dusty; Summit Assault; smooth ascent, windy

1100H ETA Volcán de Sta. Ana summit; rest / photo; Santa Ana Volcano (2,381masl) highest

El Salvador’s highest and most active volcano

1200H ETD Summit; back trail

1300H ETA Trailhead; bus to Santa Ana 0.90; Hostal Casa Verde

TOTAL: $9.80

Note:

1. The DIY budget transportation per above itinerary is just easy to find as the destinations are regular to locals and can be found in Maps.Me.

2. As per standard, both can be hiked on separate day. As discussed with the guide, both can be hiked at the same day starting 0700H to 1500H, from Santa Ana Volcano to Cerro Verde to Izalco Volcano for $10 each trekker with mnimum 4 persons in a group. Unfortunately, no public transportation to bring you early that time.

3. Izalco Volcano hike has difficult trail than Santa Ana while Santa Ana Volcano has the better summit view than Izalco.

4. Even though the hike requires police / guide escort, the trail looks very safe as this was my first time with police and guide required to think that these volcanoes are the smallest on my Bulkan-serye challenge and Santa Ana town has very relaxing ambiance. 

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in El Salvador

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 12 to January 17, 2021

My 117th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 7th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. El Salvador served also as the fourth country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

El Salvador is a country in Central America and, geographically, is part of continental North America. It is bordered on the southwest by the Pacific Ocean, and lies between Guatemala and Honduras. El Salvador covers an area of about 21,040 square kilometres (the smallest country in Central America), although it is the most densely populated. El Salvador is home to more than 6,500,000 people. It is divided into 14 sections called Departments. It has 25 volcanoes, 14 lakes, and three large cities and is divided in to East, Central and West with the the capital San Salvador in the central region, Santa Ana in the west and San Miguel the largest city in the east.

https://wikitravel.org/en/El_Salvador

Izalco and Santa Ana Volcano Day Hikes

Acatenango Volcano (3,976masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guatemala January 04 to January 12, 2021

Tajumulco Volcano (4,230masl) Self-guided Solo Budget DIY Day Hike

ACATENANGO VOLCANO, GUATEMALA (Jan. 2021) 

- Central America's toughest dayhike with highest altitude gain

- Central America's 3rd highest mountain at 3,976masl

- Self-guided solo budget DIY day hike (difficult back trail) with 1,576m elevation gain and 14km back trail distance for 9 hours

- I hiked just 2 days after the Central America's highest day-hike summit success 

Itinerary: Jan. 09, 2020 Saturday 

0600H ETD Antigua; bus to Paramos Q5

0700H ETD Paramos; colectivo to Yepocapa Q20

0730H ETA Acatenango trailhead (2,400masl)

0830H Registration Q50; breakfast Q20; Trail 1st part; open area, muddy, slippery

Trail 2nd part; mossy forest, very cold, slippery; Summit Assault; lose rocks, very steep, very cold

1330H ETA Acatenango Summit (3,976masl)

Central America and Guatemala 3rd highest peak; Fuego Volcano eruption sightseeing; photo-ops

1430H ETD Summit; trail back

1700H ETA La Soledad Acatenango bus stop

1800H ETD La Soledad; bus to Paramos Q10

1900H ETD Paramos; bus to Antigua Q5

Total: Q110 (16 USD)

How to Go: From Antigua bus terminal, regular bus departure to Paramos for Q5 fare with almost 30 minutes travel time. Then in Paramos park, take colectivo to Yepocapa and ask to drop-off in Acatenango trailhead (sendero) before La Soledad for Q20 fare with around 30 minutes travel time. Registration fee costs Q50, with around 5 shelters and one of them is selling breakfast. 

Note:

1. Acatenango Volcano is one of the most rewarding volcano to day-hike in Central America because of the following; 

A. The challenge going up - continuous ascend from trailhead, hard to recover even if resting

B. Highest elevation gain - a whooping almost 1,600m altitude within 7km trail distance

C. Knee-wrecking summit assault - very steep slope on a soft trail with lose stones and some parts with almost vertical crawling required

D. Breathtaking summit scenery - awesome view of other stratovolcanoes especially the Fuego Volcano, one of the World's most active volcano.

E. Nonstop going down - literally running due to steep slippery trail

2. The DIY budget transportation per above itinerary is not that easy as the frequency of the colectivo / bus departures are minimal. 

3. The whole Acatenango trail is seen on offline maps.me

Acatenango Volcano (3,976masl) Self-guided Solo Budget Day Hike