Into The Arms Of America - Page 3 of 21 - Tips for budget travel in Central America and South America by blogger and journalist Bas Timmers

Colombia

Quick guide to Bogota

on February 12, 2021March 30, 2021 by Bas Bogota, Colombia

Bogota may have been relatively free of drug violence (the cartels were in Medellin and Cali), but it had its fair share of violent problems as well. Just like Medellin it is slowly recovering, though is not as far in that process. (there is also another article with more photos ... View Post

El Salvador

Itineraries for El Salvador

on August 15, 2020October 5, 2020 by Bas

The name 'El Salvador' immediately invokes memories of civil war and violence with older people. Americans connect it to drug gangs, their fears stoked up by racist Donald Trump. In reality, El Salvador is an extreme mix of natural beauty, pristine beaches, a vibrant culture on one side and poverty ... View Post

Ecuador

Quick guide to Ecuador

on January 6, 2021May 4, 2021 by Bas

If you only have two to three weeks for your holiday, go to Ecuador. This one has it all: Andean highlands, cloud forests and Pacific coast. All combined in a compact package, with relatively short distances. Ready to roll? CONTENTS General introduction Food and drinks Highlights Getting there and getting ... View Post

The farmer working the land, descent on day 1 Quilotoa loop

Ecuador

Quilotoa Loop: the long way is the best way

on January 18, 2021March 30, 2021 by Bas Quilotoa, Ecuador

During every hike there is this point of no return. You’re too far along the road to go back to base. You’re too tired to think clearly. You’re definitely regretting what you are doing. And you are wondering how much longer you can go on before hopefully reaching the destination. ... View Post

Ecuador Stories from the road

Cajas national park: a treasure hidden in open sight

on May 12, 2021January 10, 2021 by Bas Cuenca, Ecuador

The first compact disc I bought was in 1987. It was a saturday afternoon, dad was super proud of the new CD player he had just bought for his family. So we went to one of the two record stores in the small Dutch city we were living nearby. And ... View Post

Ecuador

Quick guide to Cuenca

on May 6, 2021January 29, 2021 by Bas Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca seems to be everyone's darling, especially amongst the countless expats living here. Whether that reputation is justified is another story. But the laidback city, with its colonial architecture, is definitely a good place to spend a couple of days. Then again, personally I have seen more beautiful places than ... View Post