South America 1
Time to explore South America before heading to central America
Matadeiro Hike - Stunning!
The Matadeiro hike begins at Matadeiro Beach and takes around 3 hours to reach Lagoinha Beach at a relaxed pace with breaks. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking coastal views. At Lagoinha Beach, a stunning river invites you for a refreshing swim.....an absolute dream. From there, you can either hike back or take a water taxi to Pantano do Sul, a charming little fishing village. The hike is somewhat challenging but well worth it for the incredible scenery along the coast. Water taxi costs around 10-15€\person
Mocambique beach - A clean beach with cr
Great neighborhood leads into a beautiful forest before entering a tranquile beach (not many people), places to make fire, and crazy waves, which leads to good surfing skills. Birds are everywhere, even eagles and some I couldn't identify but were nice to observe.
DAY 4 of HITCHHIKING TO ANTARCTICA
The first day we actually catches a ride. Before that we had no luck. But it seems now luck is on our side. We split up and I made 800 km with 4 different drivers. Amazing.
Hitchhiking Day 3
Stop over at a bis terminal to catch another ride more south
6 March 2025 - 07:10
7 March 2025 - 13:51
Day 4 of hitchhiking to Antarctica.
10 March 2025 - 07:50
Rio Grande - taking a break from hitchhiking through couch surfing
Tolhuin! 200km De USHUAIA
I arrived in Tolhuin, where I stayed with a family who were also gauchos, which took me with their horses through the Patagonien forests. It was spectacular. This was via Couchsurfing. I am on my way to Ushuaia nearly. End of the world is coming:) head an amazing horse riding experience!
Ushuaia- The End Of The World
I scored a last-minute spot on an expedition ship to Antarctica 😱 After weeks of contacting agents (even back in Brazil), multiple last-minute cancellations popped up. I jumped on the very last spot at a huge discount—leaving in just 2 hours for a two-week adventure!
After 2-3 days at sea, we’ll spend 4-5 days on land, getting up close with the wildlife. No clue what to expect—had zero time to prepare. But of course, I’m taking you all along. Get ready for icy content ❄️🐧
Oh, and all meals included—after weeks of barely eating, that alone feels like a win. Also, fun fact—I lost 3kg hitchhiking. 😅
Day 1 - Antarctic
Day 1: Visiting the End of the World – For Real!
No, I’m not talking about Ushuaia or Puerto Williams—those are basically the suburbs compared to where I’m headed. I mean the real end of the world: Antarctica. This is going to be an adventure, no doubt about it. And the best part? You’re coming along for the ride!
Get ready for front-row seats to what an Antarctic expedition is really like. We’ll probably see whales, penguins, and other incredible marine life, step foot on remote, icy landscapes, and experience the raw power of nature.
But let’s talk about my first challenge: the safety briefing. Should be easy, right? Wrong. I confidently strutted to Deck 5 instead of Deck 3, which is not where I was supposed to be. But hey, that’s why they do test runs.... 😅
After that minor embarrassment, I got my expedition-issued rubber boots, for which I am happy to receive them for free as the rest of my outfit is donated. Then, exhaustion kicked in. A little socializing in the lounge, and I called it an early night—because tomorrow’s sunrise is waiting for me!!!!
Before we get to the fun part, we need to survive Drake Passage—aka the ocean’s ultimate “Are you seasick yet?” test. This legendary stretch of water between South America and Antarctica is known for some of the most unpredictable and violent seas on the planet. Winds can reach over 100 km/h, and waves? They can hit 10+ meters we are about 5-6, as I crossed the Atlantic hitchhiking that should not bother me too much to be honest.... Some call it Drake Shake (when it’s rough), and some call it Drake Lake (when it’s unusually calm). Fingers crossed for the latter, but let's be real—I’m in for a rollercoaster ride :D
So far, first impressions of the ship, the crew, and my new cabinmates are great. I can already tell this is going to be one of the craziest experiences of my life.
Day 2 Antarctica
On day 2 of my Antarctica expedition, we passed through what was probably the worst part of the famous Drake Passage, known for its violent and rough seas, and enjoyed a stunning sunrise in the morning.
Did you know that less than 1% of humanity has ever visited Antarctica? And despite its frozen landscape, Antarctica is actually the driest continent on Earth, with some areas receiving less annual precipitation than the Sahara Desert. I consider myself incredibly grateful and privileged to be on this cruise.
While many people were seasick—leaving the amazing food here untouched or rushing off to puke—I was eating double portions. After weeks of hitchhiking and barely having proper food, this feels like heaven just as my bed or a hot shower. Plus, after crossing the Atlantic on a 12m sailboat in sometimes even worse conditions, I feel like a seasoned pirate. No seasickness at all!
In the afternoon, we were finally allowed to be outside on deck, where we enjoyed some sunshine and spotted wildlife. Each day, the expedition team keeps track of all the animals we see, marking them on a list and giving us a recap in the evening about what we’ve spotted and what to expect the next day.
And the highlight? We spotted our first iceberg during sunset—absolutely amazing! Seeing it slowly drift in the golden light, I was reminded that around 90% of an iceberg’s mass is hidden beneath the surface.
As if that wasn’t magical enough, the nearly full moon rose later in the evening, casting a beautiful glow over the icy waters. A perfect way to end the day!
Day 3
On day three of my Antarctic expedition, we visited Deception Island, a volcanic bay where I saw jumping penguins for the first time in my life. The island features a large, water-filled caldera called Port Foster, which we entered through the spectacularly narrow Neptune’s Bellows. A powerful storm had pushed our boat faster than expected overnight—and was still shoving us around on deck. As they say, every cloud has a silver lining—this storm led us to an unexpected gem. Thank you, Neptune!
We also spotted sea lions and seals. Once a whaling station and later a research outpost, much of the island was abandoned after volcanic eruptions in the 1960s.
Fun Fact: Deception Island has extreme microclimates—air near volcanic areas can hit 40°C (104°F), and water temperatures can reach 70°C (158°F). Not what you'd expect in Antarctica, right?
To prepare for tomorrow’s first continental landing, we cleaned and inspected our gear to avoid introducing alien species to Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. We also had a zodiac briefing covering potential dangers, from falling icebergs creating tsunamis to sudden weather shifts. We were reminded: This is not a cruise; this is an ocean expedition in one of the most remote, hostile places on Earth.
I can’t wait to set foot on my sixth continent tomorrow!
Day 4 - Antarctic Continental Landing
Day 5 - Paradise Bay
Day 6 - Zodiac Cruise - Seals
Day8
Celestial Loft - Hide Out
The place I chose for having a 2 weeks break and organise myself. If you ever visit Florianópolis I suggest you to go there. Beach is nearby, hiking trails and the mountains as well. They have a bike for you. Great internet, friendly hosts cozy atmosphere and prices are cheap compared to the rest of the island. Outdoor Gym and safe neighborhood....perfect!
Laguna Margot
Laguna Margot hike is a quiet, lesser-known hike near Ushuaia, about 4 km round trip. The trail leads through forest and meadows to a scenic alpine lake below rugged peaks. It’s often empty, especially on weekdays—perfect for a peaceful escape. Trail can be muddy and unmarked, so go prepared.
Path to Esmeralda
The hike to Laguna Esmeralda is about 9 km round trip and takes roughly 3 to 4 hours, depending on your pace.
The trail starts around 20 km outside of Ushuaia and is relatively flat but can get very muddy, especially in the forest section.
You'll walk through lenga forests, peat bogs, and open valleys with great mountain views.
At the end, you reach the glacial lagoon, which has a striking turquoise-green color due to the minerals from the melting glacier.
It's a popular trail but still feels peaceful, especially if you go early in the morning.
Laguna Esmeralda
Camping at Laguna Esmeralda is allowed and makes for an incredible overnight experience.
There are a few flat spots near the lagoon where you can set up a tent, but be prepared for cold temperatures, strong winds, and damp ground—especially at night.
There are no facilities, so pack out everything and bring plenty of warm layers.
If you go on a weekday, especially outside peak season, there’s a good chance you’ll have the place almost to yourself.
Waking up to the silence of the valley and the still, turquoise water surrounded by mountains is something else—no crowds, just nature at its rawest.
The Pan-American Trail
Just a few kilometers from Ushuaia’s city center, the trail to El Martial Glacier offers sweeping views over the Beagle Channel. The hike starts around 250 meters above sea level and follows a ski trail and rocky path up to about 1,050 meters.
Rio GALLEGO
Calafate
Watch out for the sign
Calafate YYP Our Best Friend
Wifi - coffe- hitchhiking opportunities...a dream
El Chalten - Hike To The Glacier
Great spot to camp
Laguna Tomb
We hiked up to Laguna Capri early in the morning, just me and two Brazilian hitchhiking friends I met on the road. The trail wasn’t too hard, and the views got better with every step. Great place to camp as well!!
When we reached the lake, Fitz Roy was hiding behind clouds, but the water was still and icy clear. Obviously, we couldn’t resist — we stripped down and jumped in for a cold plunge.
Freezing. Refreshing. Absolutely worth it.
The El Chalten Glacier Lookout
Beautiful Glacier and hike
Day 6 of hitchhiking to Bolivia 🇧🇴
Sleeping in a boulder place near el chalten
Platerium Abandoned
Just a random place but worth a visit! Beware of the owners...its private...dont spend too much time.
El Chalten City
Bariloche - Mountain Dreams
I chilled at the beach and soaked in the great mountain view
Hitchhiking To Neuquén
Hitchhiking from Bariloche to Neuquen was spectacular
HITCHHIKING BIG
Day 11 of my transamerican Zero impact journey was a hitchhikers dream . I had in total 5 drivers and made 1250 km. From 7 in rhe morning until 4 am the next day.
Mt first driver randomly asked if he could take me. Best guy. He took me to the city of san rafael from where I hitchhijed to the outskirts where I got picked up by an absolut legend in the oldest car I,ve ever seen, where I had to support driving sometimes myselve. Such a fun ride. I had not even unpacked my hitchhiking sign when andres picked me up, who defin2won the prize for the best mate cup and drove me until San juan where he invited me to dinner which was a catastrophe for my carbkn footprint but I took it starving as I was. It was dark already and just in case I put my next destination on the cardboard and i couldn't believ it as a trucker offered me to take me as close as possible theough the night another 5 hours. Once arriving, Exhausted from these 20 hours of hitchhiking I set up my tent next to a another truck and passed out.
La Rioja - Made A New Friend
Day 12 of my transamerican journey hitchhiking through Argentina I ended up again wirh the police and with a new lovely partner which I was so close from adopting. But lets start from the beginning, i woke up rather late with the sun in a town called patquia and started hitchhiking. It was a tough 4 hours in the sun until someone took me to a police checkpoint...
finally a couple took me to la rioja, who loved just as much techno as myselve, once we arrived these kind souls gifted me a cake for dinner, I wanted to sleep at the gas station but was send away which left me a bit desperate at that time of the night so I decided to go back to a police checkpoint we had passed earlier and asked If i could sleep there. Now I wasnt alone this lovely and really playful dog was by my side giving me some company while we looked at the full moon and of course i shared the cake with him.
Salta
Just passing through and staying a night
The Villazon
Small and cute border town where I found shelter in a church as I was left without money..
Uyuni - Base Before Crossing Salt Lake
Uyuni…
Time to acclimatize and sort out a vehicle to cross the Salar.
This dusty little town at 3,650 meters above sea level may not look like much at first glance, but it’s the main gateway to one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth: the Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.
Most travelers come here to organize multi-day jeep tours, but if you’re up for an adventure, you can also rent a bike or vehicle and go independently—just be prepared and know your route.
Uyuni itself has a frontier feel. The air is thin, the nights are cold, and the altitude kicks in quickly—so taking a day or two to acclimatize isn’t a bad idea. It’s also a good moment to stock up on food, fuel, and gear before heading into the vast white desert.
And yes… if you stand still long enough, you might actually hear the salt crackle under the sun.
Ecolodge Coqueza
Salt Lake - Heading to Pescadores Island
Peace
Big city vibes in Bolivia
Rurrenabaque
Before entering the jungle
Trekking In The Jungle
Hiked through dense jungle the whole day and ate what we found.
Camp In The Jungle
We made a camp out of bamboo sticks and a plastic blanket.
Rio Tiuchi Survival In The Jungle
Rainy Business
Camp On A River Bank
We catched cat fish and had a great dinner with lots of mosquitos 😀
Deep Jungle Camp
Catched some fish today...and had a great sunset and dinner
Rurrenabaque Jungle - Outbound
Camping In Medellín Mountains
Survived a thunderstorm in the mountains of Medellín...nature's beauty and power felt fully 😀
Medellin
Diving into this lively city!!! Love it
Ilegal Crossing To Panam And Its Okay
Just walked over and back not even unnoticed....but they send me back to get my papers straight 😀
Puerto Obaldia - Thunderstorm
Arrived with a small boat had dinner wirh a new french friend, camped and got surprised by a thunderstorm at night