South America - Complete

My time in South America has come to an end. My first 3 months of traveling have been an unforgettable experience. People ask what the most memorable experience has been so far. I have to say - the people I met. It seemed that in every country I visited, there were people welcoming me - a complete stranger in most cases - with open arms.

It was my first stop, not in South America but El Salvador was quite the eye opener. A country still rebuilding after a devastating civil war, has come a long way, but still has a long hard journey ahead. Beaches, volcanoes, 'pupusarias' and coffee plantations all dominate the beautiful landscape of this tiny country. The people are extremely welcoming and take great pride in being El Salvadorian. Poetry and art museums are helping to shape the slowly growing but fairly popular art scene. Anita and Ivannia were amazing hosts and I felt so welcome with Marcella and her family in Santa Ana.

Peru was my second destination and probably one of the most memorable. Not all of Peru but Machu Picchu was unforgettable. An place everyone should visit. My 2 weeks in Lima allowed me to take a Spanish course, have Christmas dinner with complete strangers and have a really good New Years party at the hostel. Cuzco, the Salkantay Trail hike to Machu Picchu - amazing! The 11 people on the tour made the trip what it was. Mateus, Daniel, Marcos and Agustina are great people. I hope to stay in touch with them all.

Next, I traveled south to Chile. Before I even entered the country, I was taken in by some of the most generous people in the world. A mom and 3 boys invited me, a total stranger, into their home and took care of me like a brother.

Argentina I definitely want to visit again. I stayed in Buenos Aires the majority of my time in this country. My dad and uncle arrived two days after I did and made my stay a great one. I was lifted up from the backpacker lifestyle into the luxury of great restaurants, swimming pools and king-size beds. Thanks Dad!! The trip to Iguazu Falls was absolutely unforgettable as well. Another highlight for sure! It was so nice to experience the boat tour with my dad and uncle. I think I can speak for them both but it the boat trip was definitely the best part!

A quick few days in Uruguay followed. I took a boat trip from BA to Punta Del Este where I enjoyed the sun and beach! One night in Montevideo followed with a flight to Sao Paulo the next day.

If I could only come back to one country in South America, I think it would have to be Brazil. The country has it all - beautiful people, great food, remarkable landscapes, the best beaches and perfect weather. Although the crime in Brazil is very high, I never experienced any. There were, however, two hostels robbed while I was staying in Rio de Janeiro. Sao Paulo was my first stop in Brazil. Once again, the people made my time here what it was. Laura, Rinaldo and Gabriel treated me life family, opening their home to me. Rio de Janeiro was next. I stayed with Marcia for a few nights and then was invited to stay with Mateus and Anne. They showed me around Rio and explained what it was like to be a real 'Carioca'
Buzios - a small beach town still holds it's small town roots. No huge developments, apartment buildings, etc. I stayed there for a few nights and definitely want to return. Some of the most beautiful beaches around!