2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

living my dream as Solo Backpacker during Covid-19 Pandemic, the #newnormal of tourism
November 26, 2020 to June 19, 2021 (205 days)

"Live a life to inspire, live a life with sense of accomplishment, live a life you will remember" - Mang Andoy

Coronavirus has changed the way we travel, this pandemic has brought significant challenges to global travel industry. My Covid-19 travel adventure begun from the moment it was gradually spreading from Asia. My first pandemic journey (January to February 2020) was in Chile, Uruguay, United States and Philippines. Surprisingly, the itinerary I created on this trip was my first around the World, 360 degrees tour (circumnavigated the Earth from Middle East to America back to Asia). Then, while most of the countries worldwide was on the beginning of 1st wave, my second pandemic journey (September to October 2020) was in Philippines, United States, Dominican Republic, Haiti and Ukraine. Like most of other employees worldwide, I lost my beloved job also due to huge effect to aviation industry (business re-structuring). Even so, I am forever grateful and proud of my four years in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Finally, while the surge of the 1st wave continuous, my third pandemic journey (November 2020 to June 2021) was this Latin America trip. Based on this, I traveled to 23 countries across 4 continents with more than 25 sets of Covid-19 Test (mostly nasal swab PCR) ALL NEGATIVE RESULT.

Despite the challenge of #newnormal, I accomplished my itinerary beyond my expectation. I just finished seven months of solo backpacking to these wonderful countries of American Continent (Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021) with Covid19 vaccine Sinopharm (Aug. 2020 in Abu Dhabi, UAE) and J&J  Janssen (May 2021 in Boston, US). Another proud bucket list achievement; having a Philippine passport on a tight budget, all first time visits traveled from United States down to South America, language barrier, currency exchange, changing airport/land border entry/exit requirements, sudden flight cancellations and of course, the pandemic protocol on tourism and transportation.

Some of my top accomplishment on this journey are Completed the World's Seven New Wonders, all-DIY budget solo hikes (World's youngest volcano, Central America highest peaks and some Ecuador's top mountain), visited every country's signature landmarks, elusive Ecuador visa application using my mobile phone only, pandemic travel techniques and having all negative result for more than 25 sets of Covid-19 PCR Nasal Swab Test.

205 days, 15 countries, 20 Covid19 Tests.

Traveled from Abu Dhabi to Mexico then Central America, South America, United States and Manila. 

MARAMING SALAMAT, MUCHAS GRACIAS, THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!! 

MEXICO, BELIZE, GUATEMALA, EL SALVADOR, HONDURAS, NICARAGUA, COSTA RICA, PANAMA, COLOMBIA, BOLIVIA, PARAGUAY, PERU, ECUADOR, GUYANA AND UNITED STATES #opentheeconomy #newnormal #pandemictraveling #goodvibes #lakbay100 #mexico #belize #guatemala #elsalvador #honduras #nicaragua #costarica #panama #colombia #bolivia #paraguay #peru #ecuador #guyana #unitedstates #philippines #northamerica #centralamerica #southamerica #america #pinoytraveler #backpacking #bucketlist 

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

My Covid19 Test (PCR Nasal/Antigen) Summary (2020-2021)

ALL NEGATIVE RESULT (August 2020 to June 2021)

I had 29 set of Covid19 Test (PCR Nasal Swab result within 24 hours), traveled to 23 countries across 4 continents within 11 months, ALL NEGATIVE RESULT. I have 2 Covid19 Vaccines both WHO approved; Sinopharm (2-shots Aug. 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) and J&J Janssen (one-shot May 2021 in Boston, United States). 

As what the Abu Dhabi Public Health Center says, "Covid19 will not disappear unless we fight. We hope you choose to vaccinate to break the infection chain and be a part of victory against this pandemic".

1st PCR Nasal Swab UAE (Aug. 2020) 1st Country

2nd PCR Nasal Swab UAE (Aug. 2020) 1st Country

3rd PCR Nasal Swab UAE (Sep. 2020) 1st Country

4th PCR Nasal Swab UAE (Sep. 2020) 1st Country

5th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab PHILIPPINES (Sep. 2020) 2nd Country

6th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab PHILIPPINES (Oct. 2020) 2nd Country

7th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab UKRAINE (Oct. 2020) 5th Country (3rd is HAITI, 4th is DOM REP)

8th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab UAE (Oct. 2020) 6th Country

9th PCR Nasal Swab UAE (Nov. 2020) 6th Country

10th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab MEXICO (Dec. 2020) 7th Country

11th PCR Nasal Swab BELIZE (Dec. 2020) 8th Country

12th PCR Nasal Swab GUATEMALA (Jan. 2021) 9th Country

13th Antigen Blood EL SALVADOR (Jan. 2021) 10th Country

14th PCR Nasal Swab HONDURAS (Jan. 2021) 11th Country (12th is EL SALVADOR)

15th PCR Nasal Swab COSTA RICA (Jan. 2021) 13th Country

16th PCR Nasal Swab PANAMA (Feb. 2021) 14th Country

17th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab COLOMBIA (Feb. 2021) 15th Country

18th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab BOLIVIA (Feb. 2021) 16th Country

19th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab PARAGUAY (Feb. 2021) 17th Country

20th Antigen Nasal Swab PERU (Mar. 2021) 18th Country

21st PCR Nasal/Oral Swab PERU (Mar. 2021) 18th Country

22nd PCR Nasal/Oral Swab ECUADOR (May 2021) 19th Country

23rd Antigen Nasal Swab GUYANA (May 2021) 20th Country

24th PCR Nasal Swab US (May 2021) 21st Country

25th PCR Nasal Swab US (May 2021) 21st Country

26th PCR Nasal Swab US (May 2021) 21st Country

27th PCR Nasal Swab US (May 2021) 21st Country

28th PCR Nasal Swab ECUADOR (Jun. 2021) 22nd Country

29th PCR Nasal/Oral Swab PHILIPPINES (Jun. 2021) 23rd Country

My Covid19 Test (PCR Nasal/Antigen) Summary (2020-2021)

PGE Zoom Call Guest: Pandemic Travel Tips in Peru and Ecuador

Date: April 24, 2021 Saturday; Present location - Ecuador (UTC -0500H)

TOPIC: Latin America (Peru / Ecuador) - Pinoy Solo Backpacker Tips during Pandemic (Mar-May 2021) #pandemictraveling #newnormal 

I will discuss: 

- based on my actual experience and as Pinoy Solo Backpacker w/ Phil. passport only

- with very limited Spanish language knowledge and as Budgetarian (budget-conscious) traveler

- on DIY Solo difficult dayhike (average hiker) and on purely leisure travel, all expenses from savings 

PROGRAM:

My Strong Advise... Peru and Ecuador must be on the TOP of your BUCKET LIST and hiking is a must here. 

I. My America Continent Itinerary (6 months) - Nov. 2020 to May 2021 Pandemic Adventures

II. Pandemic Travel Tips (Entry Requirements) - Covid19 related protocols

III. Peru Highlights (Budget DIY Solo Hiking) - strictest local travel advisory

IV. Ecuador Highlights (Budget DIY Solo Hiking) - my most hard-to-get E-Visa here

V. Reasons why Peru and Ecuador is a must 

PGE Zoom Call Guest: Pandemic Travel Tips in Peru and Ecuador

22 Days Revisiting Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

May 24 to June 15, 2021

I revisited Ecuador due to (1) my homeland flight was re-scheduled a month after, (2) Ecuador cost of tourist living is very budget friendly with awesome colonial architecture and nature landscapes and (3) my multiple entry 3 months tourist visa is still valid. 

America Pandemic Adventures Day 186 (Ecuador revisited): Ingapirca (Inca Wall) Archeological Ruins, Ecuador's mini-version of Machu Picchu, located at 3,160masl with admission fee of 2 USD. There's also an Inca Trail with 2-3 days hike heading to this place

America Pandemic Adventures Day 188 (Ecuador revisited): Cajas National Park Route #2, Difficult circuit trail Day Hike to Cerro San Luis (4,264masl) with 6km trail and 414m elevation gain

America Pandemic Adventures Day 202: My 28th Covid19 Test (PCR Nasal Swab for $45, result less than 24 hours), traveled to 22 countries across 4 continents within 10 months, ALL NEGATIVE RESULT. I have 2 Covid19 Vaccines both WHO approved; Sinopharm (2-shots Aug. 2020) and J&J (one-shot May 2021). 

America Pandemic Adventures Day 205 (The Final Days): Homeland flight, from UTC -0700H to UTC +0800H with 15 hours flight. My last Philippine Airlines flight was year 2005. This trip served as the most expensive flight ticket I ever had, purchased only just day before. Uwing-uwi na si Mang Andoy. #livealifeyouwillremember

America Pandemic Adventures Day 205 (The Final Days): Homeland flight, from UTC -0700H to UTC +0800H with 15 hours flight. It's my first time to be with group of Pinoys after 7 months. Uwing-uwi na si Mang Andoy. MARAMING SALAMAT AMERIKA SA PITONG BUWANG PAGALA-GALA (Nov. 2020 to Jun. 2021)  #livealifeyouwillremember

22 Days Revisiting Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador

Pandemic Travel Tips in Solo Backpacking the United States

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

May 08 to May 24, 2021

Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in United States Itinerary

United States served also as the 15th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

My Covid19 Preparation: Sinopharm Covid19 Vaccinated (2-shots) since Aug. 2020. http://www.theviewingdeck.com/2020/09/covid-19-phase-iii-inactivated-trial.html

Visa: Philippine passport holders need to apply before travel, I have US B2 Visa (2019-2029). http://www.theviewingdeck.com/2019/06/how-to-apply-for-united-states-b-2.html

Country of Origin: Guyana / Arrival Airport: Miami, Florida 

Departure Airport: New York, New York / Country of Next Destination: Philippines (Homeland)

Airport Immigration Issues: After two hours of long queueing in Immigration lane, I was assigned on a Lady Officer with tough interrogation. Knowing that I came from Guyana and Ecuador on a holiday vacation only as a Philippine passport obviously gave her a doubt on my capability to do so. Her interrogation ended by inserting a yellow slip with comment "intensive" and endorsed to another Lady Officer to bring me to their office. Inside I saw a lot of stranded passengers which are heavily interrogated. Again, same set of questions were provided. This experience was exactly the same when I arrived in Tel Aviv Airport, Israel last 2013 (Solo Backpacker also). In a matter of around 10 minutes I was given again a yellow slip but this time it has an authorize to enter remark. Even though I'm used to this kind of treatment, I still feel bad and sad while walking for the next assigned boarding gate.  

Places Visited: Miami (Florida), Washington DC, Alexandria (Virginia), Wilmington (Delaware), Baltimore (Maryland), Trenton (New Jersey), Philadelphia (Pennsylvania), Boston (Massachusetts), New Haven (Connecticut) and NYC, Niagara (New York)

1. If you are Philippine passport holder, ensure that there's at least 3 to 4 hours transit in between arrival coming from international flight going to domestic flight. In my case, I did not make the flight to Buffalo, New York coming from Miami due to more than 2 hours queueing in Immigration. You should have a Plan B of your alternate destination in case of re-booking. My plan B was going to Washington DC. 

2. In my opinion, aside of long queueing, be prepared of the Immigration Officer "intensive interrogation" especially if traveling alone, traveling for so long, country of origin is not a usual destination and don't have any US resident friends/relatives.

3. For cheapest fare, book Greyhound (bus) and Amtrak (train) trip in advance, much better if its almost a month before the intended trip date. The closer the date, the expensive fare you will get. Greyhound has a reasonable fare than Amtrak but Amtrak has a lot of destination and departures available. 

4. Failed to visit Niagara Falls on initial part of the plan before the outbound flight due to flight offload experience courtesy of American Airlines, Miami to Charlotte transit then Buffalo. Despite my flight ticket was a regular fare, they gave priority to other passengers unfortunately. I'm mad because; (1) it's my dream to see the Niagara Falls, (2) wasted flight from MIA to BUF, (3) my Greyhound overnight bus booking worth $82 was wasted also, (4) I need to book for hotel in Washington DC because I arrived early, (5) destroyed my mood to travel. I filed an email complaint, AA just gave me 10,000 bonus miles instead of the refund I requested. 

5. Philippine government suspended all flights coming from UAE from May 15 to 31 (due to Covid19 India variant) , declared only just 2 days before my flight departure (May 16). My outbound flight is transit in Abu Dhabi, UAE. As such, I bought new flights (QF, 5J) for a whooping 1,200 USD just to get home in soonest. My credit card limit was max-out  

6. FREE Covid19 Vaccine and PCR Test (I saved $100 per test) anywhere in United States, especially in New York City Manhattan its everywhere. I took my another vaccine, Janssen in CVS Pharmacy (Boston branch). My previous Covid19 vaccine (Sinopharm) is not documented since it was for volunteer purpose although it was done as standard two-shot. I took three sets of PCR Test (Nasal Swab) in Manhattan's CityMD, LabQ and Metropolitan Drugstore with 1-2 days result processing. No out of pocket cost for all of those. 

7. On airport arrival, United States requires Negative Covid19 Test (Antigen/PCR) only within 72 hours validity.

8. On airport departure, my next destination Philippines transit to Doha and Hongkong requires only Negative Covid19 Test (PCR) within 72 hours validity. United States provides FREE Covid19 PCR Test with 1-2 days result (physical passport is always required as identification).

Pandemic Travel Tips in Solo Backpacking the United States 

16 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in United States

2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip

May 08 to May 24, 2021

Day 164: May 08, 2021 Sat / United States 0

American Airlines flight tickets 395 USD

Greyhound May 09 Buffalo to DC 80 USD

Amtrak May 10 Washington to Philadel 37 USD

Amtrak May 11 Philadel, Wilmington, Balti 53 USD

Greyhound May 12 Philadelphia to Boston 42 USD

Greyhound May 14 Boston, New Haven, NY 40 USD

Duo Housing 1 night 30 USD pd

Philadelphia Apple Hostel 2 nights 75 USD pd

Boston Homestel 1 night 54 USD pd

Central Park West Hostel 2 nights 95 USD

1504H ETD Georgetown UTC -0400H; flight AA1512

1945H ETA Miami UTC -0400H; 10hr transit

More than 2 hours long queueing; flight re-sked

IO Intensive Query, brought inside their office 

TOTAL: $XX + 826 USD

Day 165: May 09, 2021 Sun / United States 01

0615H ETD Miami; flight AA373 OFFLOADED; Dunkin Donuts breakfast 7

0850H ETD Miami; flight AA2878

1127H ETA Washington DC; metro to hostel 10; Walk to Union Station for MARC train query

McDo snacks 8; metro to King St Old Town; Alexandria, Virginia Walk 3 hours; metro charge 2.5

1600H Washington DC National Mall; US Capitol, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Building, Washington Monument, White House, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial 

WASHINGTON DC MAGNET (8) 3 ✓ ;Refreshments 3; dinner 11; Duo Housing 1 night $30 (cc) 

TOTAL: $44.5

Day 166: May 10, 2021 Mon / United States 02 

1100H Check out hostel; metro charge 4.5; Pentagon City walk; McDo lunch 8

VIRGINIA MAGNET (9) 5.5 ✓

1705H ETD Washington DC; Amtrak 2 hours

1900H ETA Philadelphia; walk to hostel; McDo 7; Metro 2.5; walk to hostel; Penn's Landing; dinner 3.5

Apple Hostel 2 nights $75 (cc) 

TOTAL: $31

Day 167: May 11, 2021 Tue / United States 03

0615H Breakfast 2.5; metro 2.5

0740H ETD Philadelphia; Amtrak 0.5 hour 

0759H ETA Wilmington; Wilmington, Delaware 3 hours; DELAWARE MAGNET (10) 5 ✓

1132H ETD Wilmington; Amtrak 1 hour 

1221H ETA Baltimore; McDo lunch 6.5; Baltimore, Maryland 5 hours; MARYLAND MAGNET (11) 4 ✓

1748H ETD Baltimore; Amtrak 1 hour 

1900H ETA Philadelphia; metro 2.5; Apple Hostel; dinner 6.5

TOTAL: $29.5

Day 168: May 12, 2021 Wed / United States 04

0900H Breakfast 3.5; Hostel Check-out; metro 5.5; Trenton, New Jersey 5 hours; McDo lunch 6

NEW JERSEY MAGNET (12) 4 ✓

1500H ETD Trenton; metro 5.5; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 5 hours; snacks 5

PENNSYLVANIA MAGNET (13) 4.5 ✓; BOOK J&J COVID19 VACCINE (passport to bring) 

2345H ETD Philadelphia; Greyhound 12.5 hours

TOTAL: $34

Day 169: May 13, 2021 Thu / United States 05

1220H ETA Boston; metro to hostel 2.5; Dunkin Donuts breakfast 6

Boston Homestel; metro to Harvard 2.5; Boston, Massachusetts 7 hours; lunch 8

MASSACHUSETTS MAGNET (14) 7.5 ✓; 1700H PASSPORT / YELLOWCARD / CVS COVAX J&J 

Boston Homestel 1 night $52; metro 2.5; dinner 9

TOTAL: $38

Day 170: May 14, 2021 Fri / United States 06

0800H ETD Hostel; metro 2.5

0900H ETD Boston; Greyhound 3.5 hours 

1220H ETA New Haven; Dunkin Donuts snacks 7.5; New Haven, Connecticut 4 hours 

CONNECTICUT MAGNET (15) 4 ✓

1655H ETD New Haven; Greyhound 2.5 hours 

1920H ETA New York; Jollibee dinner 9.5; metro 3; Central Park West Hostel 2 nights 95 USD

FLIGHTS FROM UAE SUSPENDED MAY 15-31  

TOTAL: $26.5

Day 171: May 15, 2021 Sat / United States 07

Greyhound Bus NYC to BUF 65 USD; Greyhound Bus BUF to BRA 55 USD

Statue City Cruises 24 USD; McDo lunch 7.5; Central Park Walk; snacks 5

New York, New York 12 hours ; NEW YORK MAGNET (16) 3.5 ✓

Central Park West Hostel; McDo dinner 8.5

TOTAL: $24.5 + 144 USD

Day 172: May 16, 2021 Sun / United States 08

1100H Hostel Checkout (leave backpack); metro 3; Dunkin Donuts breakfast 4.5

1200H Statue City Cruises to Liberty / Ellis Island

1400H Back to Battery Park; Biryani lunch 7; Manhattan random walks; souvenirs 6

Champion shirt 26; dinner 13; walk to bus station 

TOTAL: $59.5 

Day 173: May 17, 2021 Mon / United States 09

0115H ETD New York; Greyhound 9 hours

1015H ETA Buffalo; bus #40 2

1200H Niagara Falls; walk to hostel; lunch 15; Niagara Falls Afternoon Trip; snacks 4.5

Gorge View Hostel 1 night 29 USD; dinner 11

TOTAL: $32.5 + 29 USD

Day 174: May 18, 2021 Tue / United States 10

Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel 3 nights 126 USD

1100H Hostel check-out; bus #40 2

1200H Buffalo walk tour; snacks 5

1730H ETD Buffalo; Greyhound 9 hours 

TOTAL: $7 + 948 USD

Day 175: May 19, 2021 Wed / United States 11

Cebu Pacific flight 325 USD

0200H ETA New York; Dunkin Donuts breakfast 7; Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel 3 nights 

1000H 24TH COVID19 TEST (PCR); CityMD FOC

Manhattan random walk; Jollibee lunch 9.5; Central Park walk; snacks 3; dinner 8.5

TOTAL: $28 + 325 USD

Day 176: May 20, 2021 Thu / United States 12

Breakfast 5; lunch 6; dinner 10.5; Central Park random walk; Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel

TOTAL: $21.5

Day 177: May 21, 2021 Fri / United States 13

1030H 25TH COVID19 TEST (PCR); CTS FOC; Breakfast 6; metro to Brooklyn 3; lunch 11

WTC 9/11 Memorial, Brooklyn Bridge

1630H 26TH COVID19 TEST (PCR); LabQ FOC

Central Park random walk; dinner 8.5; Jazz on Columbus Circle Hostel

TOTAL: $28.5

Day 178: May 22, 2021 Sat / United States 14

1100H Hostel check-out; breakfast 5.5

1200H 27TH COVID19 TEST (PCR); MetroDrug FOC; Central Park random walk; lunch 12

1430H ETD Manhattan; metro line C to airport 3

1600H ETA Howard Beach JFK Airport; airtrain 8

1630H ETA New York JFK Airport; OFFLOADED DUE TO HKIA TRANSIT ISSUE  

TOTAL: $28.5

Day 179: May 23, 2021 Sun / United States 15

BA-Cozy AirBnB Cancelation Charges 58 USD; Metrocard recharge 20; McDonald's breakfast 9

NJ Train to Newark 30.5; Dunkin Donuts snacks 7.5

1530H ETD Manhattan; metro to airport

1700H ETA JFK Airport; failed check-in again; CHANGE FLIGHT DATE BY STAFF TRAVEL ONLY  

TOTAL: $67 + 58 USD

Day 180: May 24, 2021 Mon / United States 16

1300H ETD New York UTC -0400H; flight 1501; Breakfast 4; lunch 8.5

1602H ETA Fort Lauderdale; 3 hours transit 

1928H ETD Fort Lauderdale; flight 1255

2253H ETA Guayaquil UTC -0500H

TOTAL: $12.5

GRAND TOTAL: $534 (May 24) / CREDIT CARD: $1,518 (May 23)

16 Days Pandemic Summer Solo Trip in United States

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guyana

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

May 04, 2021 to May 08, 2021

My 127th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 10th country in South America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Guyana served also as the 14th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Guyana is a country in north-eastern South America. It has an Atlantic Ocean coastline in the northeast, and lies between Suriname to the east and Venezuela to the west, with Brazil to the south. It is now the third-smallest country in South America after Suriname and Uruguay. The name Guyana (from Arawak Wayana) means "Land of many waters." It is related to the name Uruguay: River of the colorful birds, another country in South America.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Guyana

GUYANA TOURIST VISA APPLICATION ON ARRIVAL IN GEORGETOWN AIRPORT (May 2021) 

Requirements: (1) 2 pieces passport size color photo, (2) Color photocopy of passport information page, (3) confirm hotel booking, (4) fly-out ticket (5) paid exact 25 USD cash

5 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guyana

41 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador

93 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in South America

March 24 to May 04, 2021

My 126th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 9th country in South America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Ecuador served also as the 13th country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Ecuador is a country in Northwestern South America, with a Pacific Ocean coastline, lying on the Equator between Colombia, to the northeast, and Peru, to the south and east. Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. Ecuador has over one hundred different types of hummingbirds and thousands of orchid varieties. The Galapagos Islands are justly famed for their wildlife. Ecuador’s official tourism organization is launching the second phase of its “All You Need Is Ecuador” campaign, in 2015 the first-ever foreign-sponsored Super Bowl ad was launched, at a cost of $3.8 million. 

https://wikitravel.org/en/Ecuador

ECUADOR E-VISA APPLICATION IN LIMA, PERU APPLIED ONLINE (March 2021) 

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) Authenticated Police Clearance from Home Country

Fee payment: Application Processing Fee (Mar. 11) 50 USD, Visa Fee (Mar. 17) 400 USD

41 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Ecuador

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

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

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

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

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

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guatemala

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

January 04 to January 12, 2021

My 116th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 6th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Guatemala served also as the third country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Guatemala is a small country in the Central America region. It has borders to Mexico in the north/northwest, to Belize in the northeast, to Honduras in the southeast, to El Salvador in the south. It has a Pacific coastline to the southwest, and a tiny piece of Caribbean coastline to the east. Guatemala has a rich and distinctive culture from the long mix of elements from Spain and the native Maya people. This diverse history and the natural beauty of the land have created a destination rich in interesting and scenic sites.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Guatemala

8 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Guatemala

9 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Belize

40 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Central America

December 27, 2020 to January 04, 2021

My 115th country visited on my journey beyond #lakbay100, 93rd solo backpacking trip, 5th country in North America and of course, usual budget do-it-yourself itinerary from arrival to departure. Belize served also as the second country on my 2020-2021 America Pandemic Adventures Filipino Solo Trip, the new normal of traveling.

Belize, formerly the colony of British Honduras, is the only country in Central America without a coastline on the Pacific Ocean (only the Caribbean Sea to its east), and the only one in the region with English as its official language. With a long Caribbean coast, Belize is a culturally diverse and mixed race country with one foot in Latin America and the other in the Caribbean. There is the creole/ (Afro-European mixture) population as well as the native Maya people and the Mestizos that tend to live in the north and northwest of the country Spanish is often spoken. In the south east along the Caribbean coast live the Garifuna (Black Caribs) an Afro-Amerindian culture. World class attractions include exploring the lush jungles with exotic plants and animals, deep sea fishing, swimming, snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean sea with its attractive reefs, and visiting the Mayan ruins.

https://wikitravel.org/en/Belize

9 Days Pandemic Rainy Solo Trip in Belize