Papayatours

A national park as wild as its landscapes and its weather! There are so many hiking itineraries and the trails are well maintained. Just be careful to book your campsites several months in advance if you want to do the W trek or the O trek, as spots go fast. All of this requires a bit of planning, but the place is definitely worth it, the scenery is sublime. Highly recommended for all lovers of nature and wide open spaces.

To be able to enjoy this magnificent place while avoiding the tourist crowds, I really recommend choosing the first time slot of the day for your ticket. In fact, this way it is possible to be among the first to arrive and watch the sunrise over the site. Early in the morning, the mist gradually lifts, slowly revealing the ruins, which gives a magical character to this place. You do have to book early to get tickets for this time, since those are the first to sell out. You also have to be ready to get up early, as the first entry to Machu Picchu is at 6 in the morning.

Cusco is often considered just a stopover city on the way to Machu Picchu, which is a real shame. In fact, the old Inca capital has a lot to offer, especially with its amazing architecture. It was rebuilt by the Spanish conquistadors on top of Inca ruins. The mix of the two eras has a lot of charm. It is true that this city has become more and more touristy over the years, but the crowds are mainly concentrated where the main tourist attractions are. It is therefore quite easy to escape them by getting lost in the city's many side streets. However, you have to be careful about the altitude when planning your trip. The city sits at 3,360 meters (about 11,000 feet), so you need to plan for s…

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This obelisk, standing tall between Avenida Corrientes and 9 de Julio, isn't interesting because of its beauty, but rather for its symbolic significance. It was put in place during the construction of 9 de Julio, that massive avenue that crosses Buenos Aires, and was positioned at the intersection of very important arteries for the city. Because of this, you can see the obelisk from very far away, and just like the Eiffel Tower (on its own scale), it is a true landmark in the vastness of the city. This spot is also a famous gathering point for Argentines, whether it is for protests or to celebrate a soccer match result. If you ever find yourself near the obelisk, do not hesitate to walk up A…

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Rising to an altitude of 5,900 meters, the Cotopaxi volcano and its national park are without a doubt one of the must-see spots in Ecuador. This park is particularly well laid out and easy to access. You just need to register when you arrive, and then you can head out for a day of hiking. The trails are well marked and offer a wide range of difficulty levels.

Considered the economic capital of Ecuador, Guayaquil is the main fishing port, as well as the most populous city in the country. If you have the chance to spend a few days in this city, the walk along the Malecon will give you a glimpse of the main points of interest, and the public gardens are particularly pretty. The traditional Las Peñas neighborhood, the historic district of the city, is also very pleasant. This old fishing neighborhood is now one of the wealthiest in the city, which does not stop it from having a lot of character with its small colorful houses.

Baños has something for everyone. If you are into extreme thrills, the city has a ton to offer, like whitewater sports, mountain biking, bungee jumping, and more. If you are not really into that kind of thing, Baños is still worth a visit because this small town is located at the foot of a volcano and offers plenty of hiking opportunities. Also, the town is known in the region for its thermal baths, so do not hesitate to go check them out.

Cuenca is considered by many to be the most beautiful city in Ecuador. Situated at an altitude of 2,500 meters, Cuenca will surprise more than a few people thanks to its magnificent city center, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Once there, you can visit Panama hat factories (which actually originated in Ecuador), visit museums, and see the beautiful colonial churches of the city. We also recommend that you go visit the colorful stalls at the city markets, especially those at the famous flower market. You can also easily get to Cajas National Park, which will allow you to get a good dose of nature and discover landscapes typical of the region, between lakes and mountains.

Quito is a rapidly expanding city of 3.2 million people that has still managed to keep its old-world charm. In fact, Quito is primarily known for being a colonial city, with its magnificent historic downtown, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. What also makes Quito so beautiful is that the city is surrounded by numerous peaks, which provide a panoramic view of the city and serve as the starting point for many hikes. Additionally, plenty of day trips can be taken from Quito, including a visit to the stunning Cotopaxi National Park or taking a drive along the Avenue of the Volcanoes.

Buenos Aires offers a great diversity of architecture and vibes. Between the Puerto Madero neighborhood, the height of modernity, the historic San Telmo neighborhood, the Palermo neighborhood and its parks, the upscale residential neighborhood of Recoleta, and the hustle and bustle of the Microcentro... This city is made up of a thousand different atmospheres and will, under no circumstances, leave you indifferent.

The Casa Rosada, or the equivalent of the Argentine Elysée Palace, can be visited!!! By connecting to the Buenos Aires city website, you will find the place where they offer tours of the Casa Rosada quite easily. Heads up, the tours are only possible on Sundays and must be booked at least 3 weeks in advance. Your visit to the Casa Rosada will be guided, and as a result, it is in Spanish... In any case, even if you do not understand all the explanations, this visit remains very interesting (and free). The presidential palace features several wings from different eras and it is impressive to stand within the walls where events that shaped the history of Argentina took place...