Traveling to Brazil has become even easier than ever before. As of November 2017, the Brazilian Government started to implement an electronic visa application process for tourists who wish to travel to Brazil. This is great considering you no longer have to visit an embassy to get your visa. This visa allows you to stay for a maximum of 90 days per visit making any trip to Brazil possible. The Brazil eVisa will be valid for 2 (two) years and will allow you to enter the country multiple times. However, applying can be a pain so I’m going to share the easiest and best way to get your Brazil eVisa.

How to get the Brazil eVisa

The Government of Brazil has appointed VFS to manage online visa applications. They charge a fee of $45 but they don’t make the process especially easy. To apply you will need:

– A color copy of your passport information page including your signature.
– A color passport photo.
– Your credit card

VFS is not especially user-friendly, and getting the right quality for your documents can be a major pain point. This is why I usually recommend travelers to use iVisa. They take the stress out of the application, and what’s best, they will refund your fees in the unlikely event of application visa refusal (something that VFS will not do). iVisa has years of experience in delivering visas to travelers from all around the world traveling to countries as diverse as China, Egypt and of course Brazil.

This eVisa will be delivered to you by email within 2-7 business days depending on the required speed you need. Once you have the PDF visa, It is also recommendable to print it, so have a printer ready. A couple of advantages by iVisa is that it has 24×7 chat support and they make it easy to apply from your phone, which is really important when it comes to taking valid photos for your application.

You should print your visa as soon as you receive it to have it ready when you travel. I recommend that you apply at least seven days before your arrival to Brazil to avoid any delays.

Apply here for your Brazil eVisa.

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If you go to Peru, you will most definitely be spending some time in Cusco. It’s the gateway to Machu PIcchu and the Inca Trail, and anything else you might want to do in the Southern Andes.

Besides being a tourist hub, Cusco is actually really charming and lovely. I spent 2 weeks in this city, and loved wandering the pretty cobblestone streets, looking at the colorful blue ornate doors, and discovering cute cafes and restaurants.

So don’t overlook this charming city on your trip through Peru. Find out the best things to do, eat, drink, and where to stay in this city in the Southern Andes!

Cusco City Guide:

What to Do, Eat, Drink and Where to Stay in Cusco

What to Do:

Sacsayhuaman

Sacsayhuaman is the most famous ruin in Cusco city, and the center of the most powerful kingdom during Inca times. It’s perched on the top of the mountain overlooking the city, and is only a few minutes from the city center.

You can walk up to this ruin through a wide and gradually sloped stone pathway. Be sure to bring water though and take your time – at this elevation, any walking can be a challenge! Or if you’re feeling tired, you can take a taxi to the ruins.

Once inside the ruins, be sure to check out the mirador, or viewpoint overlooking the city. There will be plenty of signs directing you to overlook. This is a great place to take photos of Cusco from above.

Then continue through and see the large ruin site. There are lots of ruins to climb and explore, and you’ll be amazed at the huge stones they carved and moved to build their city!

Cristo Blanco

Cristo Blanco is another site that overlooks the city. It’s actually only a few minutes walk from Sacsayhuaman, so you can combine the two sites if you have time.

Cristo Blanco is a huge statue of Jesus that has a great viewpoint of the city below.

Plaza de las Armas

The Plaza de las Armas is the central square of the city of Cusco. This is where all the action is, so it’s a great place for people watching! There are also often popup tents, events or parades here.

You’ll find the cathedral, a church, and government buildings around the square. They’re all picturesque so sit down and enjoy the view!

Wander San Blas

The San Blas neighborhood is the bohemian, artistic neighborhood in Cusco. It’s full of cute cafes, yoga studios, healthy restaurants, and colorful doors. Wander this neighborhood on the side of the mountain and duck into stores and cafes as you go.

Visit the Markets

I always love visiting local markets when traveling – it’s a great look into everyday local life!

The biggest market in Cusco is San Pedro. This local market has everything from produce, artisan products, to electronics!

There are also lots of small artisan markets scattered throughout the Centro. These are great places to do your shopping for textiles or other goods that you might want to bring home.

Convento La Merced

This gorgeous convent isn’t much talked about, but it’s well worth a visit! It’s a huge old convent with a large central courtyard with greens and flowers. There are also lots of rooms with big paintings and artifacts. Head upstairs to see the courtyard from above, and enjoy the pretty archways.

Where to Eat:

Mr. Soup

This soup restaurant was so good, we went twice! They have lots of varieties of soups from traditional Peruvian soups to Japanese to Thai to Italian. We tried 4 different varieties and they were all delcious!

Inkazuela

This is a super delicious restaurant to have a nice dinner while staying in Cusco. Their specialities are their stews and they are super great!

La Sangucheria 154

This is another restaurant that was so good, we went back twice! It’s pretty casual and is great for a lunch of salad and sandwiches. They also serve freshly made juices that were delicious.

Los Perros

This is an expat restaurant that serves delicious food. It’s casual and is called a “couch bar” so it’s filled with comfy couches to eat your meal.

We had the burger and the fries and it was sooo good and the portions were huge.

Restaurante Qori Sara

If you want a good traditional meal, this is a great place in the centro! We went here for our very first meal upon arrival in Cusco and it’s still one of my favorite traditional meals I had.

It’s a casual cafe, but super busy at lunchtime so you know it’s good! There was still a table for us, so we sat towards the back and ordered the menu of the day. This is a typical lunch option in Peru – it just means that they have 2 or 3 options for you to pick for your entree. You’ll also be served a small starter, a soup, a drink, and sometimes a dessert. It’s a great deal and a great way to try eating like a Peruvian.

The portions are huge, and there are many courses so pace yourself! If you’re not starving, you can probably share one between two people. We had one menu del dia each and couldn’t finish it all.

Where to Drink:

Cholos Craft Beer

This is a great craft beer bar that serves their own craft beer as well as other local favorities. It’s in a great location between the centro and San Blas, and has a great casual atmosphere so we found ourselves stopping here 3 times during our 2 week stay to enjoy a beer and use their fast wifi.

Norton’s Rat Tavern

Despite the strange name, this bar has an amazing location so is a great place to hang out. They are right on the Plaza de las Armas in the middle of the centro and upstairs. You can snag a seat at the balcony outside and have a perfect view of the central square below. Great for people watching! They also have craft beer.

Pachapapa

This cute restaurant also has a front bar area. We tried a couple of their Pisco Sour cocktails (the most famous drink in Peru) and they were delicious and fresh. The atmosphere is also great to relax with a happy hour drink.

Where to Stay:

There are tons of options of places to stay in Cusco since it’s such a tourist-heavy place.

Airbnb

We stayed in an Airbnb since we would be in Cusco for a bit of an extended period (2 weeks). It was a great choice for us – we had a large house to ourselves with a kitchen, living room, 2 bedrooms, right in the middle of the Centro for the equivalent of $35 USD (with weekly discount). There are lots of great options on Airbnb if you prefer a homey experience.

*Use this sign-up link to get $20 off your first booking.

Splurge – Belmond Hotel Monasterio

If you prefer to stay in a hotel, the Belmond Hotel Monasterio is a gorgeous boutique hotel in a former monastery in the Centro of Cusco. It has great reviews, beautiful grounds, and charming decor.

Mid-range – Hotel Arqueologo Exclusive Selection

The Hotel Arquelogo Exclusive Selection is a great midrange choice. It’s on the hill between the Centro and San Blas, so the location is ideal and a little quieter. It’s well designed, charming, and a good value for the price.

Budget – Amaru Hostal

If you need a more affordable option, Amaru Hostal has great reviews and is charming and colorful. It’s located in the San Blas neighborhood, so you’ll have a more residential feel and be surrounded by the artsy cafes and cute streets.

So if you’re going through Cusco during your Peru trip, be sure to spend a couple extra days in charming Cusco! It’s a good idea to acclimate to the high elevation here, but you will also find no shortage of things to do, great things to eat, and pretty corners to explore.

Pin Cusco city guide for Later!

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Peru is the most complicated destination I’ve ever had to pack for – so I want to help you avoid the stress with some tips on what to pack for Peru! This country has hot coastal beaches, wet Amazon rainforest, a mostly temperate capital city, and very cold destinations in the Andean highlands.

That’s not to mention the specific gear you need for the many amazing treks and camping opportunities in the mountains. So how do you fit it all in one suitcase? You have to be strategic! Here are my top tips for your Peru packing list.

Peru Packing Tips

My trip was a bit tricky since I travel full-time, I only always have the same things in my suitcase. I knew I didn’t have all the necessary things since I don’t often visit places that are cold enough for winter gear. But I had done my research and knew it was possible to buy a lot of things in Cusco or even rent gear. So know this is an option for you if for some reason you can’t bring everything with you, or if you end up forgetting something.

Also, if you just don’t have the space to bring a big item like a down jacket, you can rent this for the days that you need them from one of the many trekking shops in Cusco. I did this since I don’t have room in my suitcase to constantly travel with a down jacket, and it worked out great.

I stayed in Peru for 7 weeks, but I always have about a week’s worth of clothing with me. Then I do laundry at the end of each week. No matter the length of your trip, I recommend you bring clothing for 7 days. It’s really easy to do laundry anywhere in the country.

In Cusco, you’ll find several laundromats on every block since trekking is so common in this region and tourists end up with sweaty/dirty clothing! You can drop it off and pick it back up later in the day: cleaned, folded, and ready to go.

Peru Packing List: Shoes & Socks

City Boots

You’ll want these for walking around Lima and Cusco and can pair them with a dress if you want to “dress up” a bit. Lucky Brand makes some really nice black booties.

Good Athletic Shoes or Hiking Boots

One question I had before I went was – would my athletic shoes be sufficient for some of the difficult treks I’d be doing? I had booked tours to hike the Inca Trail for 2 days as well as the 2-day hike to Rainbow Mountain. My tour company advised that many people, the co-owner included, do these hikes regularly in athletic shoes and think they are sufficient.

I did both hikes in my athletic shoes and it was 100% fine. I was comfortable, didn’t feel unstable, and my feet weren’t sore afterward. Just make sure they have good treads on the bottom, are broken in, and give good support. If you have really weak ankles or are trekking during a rainy season, waterproof hiking boots might be more comfortable for you.

Read More: Best Travel Shoes

Teva Athletic Sandals

You only really need these if you’re heading to any of the hot areas like the northern beaches or the Amazon, or maybe Lima in their summer (January-February).

SHOP SHOES BELOW

3 good pairs of long wool hiking socks

Do not underestimate the importance of good socks when heading to Peru! They make a huge difference in comfort. Remember that it’s quite cold in the highlands and warm socks will be a lifesaver.

Be sure to have 3 pairs of long warm socks – preferably wool. You’ll want to wear this on cold weather treks and to bed every single night. REI always has a great selection.

4 pairs of regular socks

You might want to wear this around the city, or on warmer weather treks like the Inca Trail, etc. You can just get any old pair of Target or somewhere.

Peru Packing List: Bottoms

Jeans

Even if you are a dress kinda girl, you’ll be mostly wearing pants and activewear while traveling in Peru. Jeans will be handy for city walks or anytime you’re not hiking. Topshop Jamie jeans are always a favorite.

Athletic Pants

1 other pair of pants – either athletic pants or some comfortable fabric pants to wear on treks and layer thermal leggings underneath for especially cold places or camping in the mountains. Athleta makes some nice joggers that are also good for layering.

A Pair of Leggings

Leggings will be your best friends on this trip! Pack at least one good pair. Girlfriend has some fantastic leggings.

Thermal Leggings

Absolutely bring a pair of thermal leggings. You will want to wear this on especially cold treks like hiking in the Ausangate range. You might also wear them to bed every night in the highlands. Definitely get the UNIQLO Heattech ones.

Shorts

1 pair ONLY if you’re heading to beaches or the Amazon. You absolutely won’t need them otherwise. You can’t go wrong with Levi’s.

SHOP BOTTOMS BELOW

What to Pack for Peru: Tops

4 T-shirts

Make these shirts a mix of comfy t-shirts that can be worn layered on treks, to bed, or around the city. Always a fan of Everlane T-shirts as well as ASOS T-shirts.

1 or 2 Dresses

You might want to bring 1 or 2 dresses for a change of pace, going out in Cusco, or strolling the streets in Lima. But you really don’t need more than 1 or 2! You will most likely be dressing in active clothing for most of the trip.

Uniqlo Heattech Thermal long sleeve shirt

This is an important one! Having a warm base layer under your other layers will make you much more comfortable when hiking, camping, or sleeping in Cusco. I used a Uniqlo heat tech shirt and it worked wonderfully. It’s so small and thin, but really keeps you so much warmer and is easy to layer.

1 Hoodie

Having a warm hoodie is important in the chilly highlands. You’ll want to layer this with t-shirts and your thermal long sleeve shirt when it gets especially cold. This can also be nice to throw on as a light jacket in temperate places like Lima.

A Down Jacket

A down jacket will make you so much more comfortable during the Peruvian winter, and on highland treks. I did most of my trip without one since I don’t want to travel with one all the time. But I knew I absolutely needed one for my Rainbow Mountain overnight trek (where temperatures can get down to 10 degrees F at night!). So I rented one from a trekking shop in Cusco for the 2 days for $6 a day. It was totally worth it!

Rain jacket – and/or poncho

These are more must-haves. Even if you’re traveling in dry season, the weather in the mountains can be unpredictable. Don’t be caught out in the open on a trek without some protection.

Pack a lightweight rain jacket – it won’t take up much space and will keep you comfortable in a storm. Also consider bringing a big rain poncho to put overtop yourself and your backpack. This will keep you extra dry and keep your things from getting wet while you’re trekking. If you don’t have one to bring with you, you can find these for cheap in any tourist area.

Accessories to Pack for Peru

A pair of gloves

Gloves will make you much more comfortable while hiking. I wore a versatile pair that was fingerless but had a mitten flap that folded over. This made it easy for me to take pictures, but then pull the flap over when I needed extra warmth.

Scarf

A scarf will be a welcome layer when doing high altitude hikes or even in Cusco in the evening.

Warm beanie

A must-have for warmth when trekking or even at night in Cusco.

Baseball hat/hat with brim

This is super important for any hikes. The sun is strong at this altitude! Can also come in handy if you’re lounging on a beach.

Other Things to Pack for Peru

Bathing suit

This is probably only necessary if you’re heading to the beaches, but there are also some hot springs in the highlands that you might want to visit after a difficult trek!

Read More: My Favorite Bikinis for Travel

Camera

You’ll definitely want proof of all the beautiful places you go! Whether it’s your phone, or something more substantial, be sure to pack this. I like to travel with a [easyazon_link identifier=”B01DOKHS8E” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Lumix mirrorless camera[/easyazon_link] – it’s fairly small and lightweight, but takes great photos.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B073FHBNGY” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Portable charger powerpack for phone[/easyazon_link]

A portable charger like this one by [easyazon_link identifier=”B01JM2VEII” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Cheero[/easyazon_link]is always a lifesaver for me when traveling, but even more so when doing overnight treks or long tour days. My phone will run out of battery fast when I’m taking a lot of photos, or if you’re camping in the wilderness, you won’t be able to recharge overnight unless you have one of these with you.

Read More: The Best Travel Gadgets

Toiletries to Pack for Peru

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0051SZB14″ locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Moisturizing lotion[/easyazon_link]

It’s very very dry in the highlands. You’ll want to use more lotion than normal!

[easyazon_link identifier=”B0054NFYDG” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Insect repellent[/easyazon_link]

Some of the highlands like Cusco are too high in elevation for bugs, but Machu Picchu is lower, and has lots of mosquitos. You’ll also find mosquitos in the Amazon and on the beaches.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B004XGPMFA” locale=”US” tag=”Hipinhee-20″]Sunscreen[/easyazon_link]

The sun is strong! You’ll want to make sure to apply sunscreen often when you’re out on treks or tours.

Read More: 18 Travel Beauty Hacks You Need to Try

What NOT to Pack for Peru

The last suggestion is actually what NOT to pack. You’ll want to be sure to leave extra empty space in your suitcase before you arrive in Peru because this country has some of the most beautiful textiles in the world! You’ll be tempted to buy lots of alpaca sweaters, knit hats, colorful blankets, and other beautiful things. Do yourself a favor and leave yourself room to pick up things as you go.

And that’s it! Everything you want to know on what to pack for Peru for any length of time.

For more packing posts:

• Where to Buy Stylish Travel Clothes
• 17 of the Best Travel Packing Hacks
• How to Use the KonMari Method to Pack Efficiently

Pin for Later!

The post What to Pack for Peru (and What NOT to Pack) appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

As someone with two left feet, the Salsa Capital of the World seems like the last place I’d want to live. But with its energetic people and colorful culture, Cali made me fall in love. I’ve lived here for the past year and just can’t seem to leave.

Unfortunately, Cali is often underrated and overlooked as a travel destination because of its violent past. But the city is outgrowing its old reputation and is now an exciting and beautiful place to visit while in Colombia. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Cali, Colombia!

How to Get There – Cali Colombia

Cali has its own a irport- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)- which can be reached by domestic flights from other cities in Colombia and by international flights from Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi into the city for $50,000 COP or call an Uber for about the same price.

On land, Cali can be reached by bus from other major cities, like Bogotá and Medellín, but the trips are between 10 and 25 hours. I recommend flying with a budget airline instead, like Viva Colombia, which will only take 30 minutes to 2 hours and isn’t much more expensive.

Weather in Cali Colombia

Cali is super hot- at least coming from a person who’s used to four seasons and a brutal winter! The average temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, but the nights are a little cooler and refreshing.

It usually rains a lot between February and May, so come prepared with some clothes for the rain if you’re visiting during this time.

Safety in Cali Colombia

Cali has a reputation for being a dangerous city, but times are changing. While you do need to be a little more aware than in other places, there’s no need to worry! As a woman living alone here, I can assure you that it’s not as dangerous as people make it out to be.

Colombians love to use the expression no da papaya (don’t give papaya), which is their way of saying “Don’t make yourself a target”.

If you’re walking around with your typical foreigner outfit, talking on your iPhone, and not paying attention to your things, your chances of being robbed are about 1000% higher.

You can look nice, but try not to be overly flashy and always try to be aware of what’s going on around you. Use your judgment. If someone starts talking to you and you feel uncomfortable just walk away or to an area with more people. If you’re walking alone at night, stick to busier streets.

Petty theft is the biggest safety concern in Cali, but it’s incredibly easy to reduce the chances of it happening to you just by taking some simple precautions.

Where to Stay in Cali Colombia

There are several different neighborhoods in Cali and options for all types of budgets.

Most of the hostels are located in the neighborhood San Antonio. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in the city and I always recommend it to travelers. You can find a hostel for between $20,000 COP and $40,000 COP per night. Other neighborhoods with hostels include Parque del Perro and Granada.

If you have a mid-range budget there are plenty of AirBnBs and mid-range hotels throughout the city, priced anywhere from $45,000 COP to $100,000 COP per night. The North, South, and West are all great places to stay in the city.

If you’re looking to splurge, you can stay in some of the luxury hotels located in upscale neighborhoods like El Peñon, Santa Monica, or Ciudad Jardin. The most popular luxury hotels in the city are the Intercontinental in El Peñon and the Spiwak Hotel in Santa Monica.

Avoid staying in or visiting the East or center of the city unless you’re with someone who knows the area well. The areas around the Mio Station “Centro” and around El Bulevar are exceptions, but it’s best to visit during the day and be extra careful with your belongings. Some great places to go out are located in the center and it’s perfectly safe to take a taxi or an Uber there.

How to Get Around Cali Colombia

If you’re on a budget, Cali’s public bus system is called the Mio. It’s not so bad if you just have to take it every now and again. But if you need to travel a lot, it’s a nightmare.

If you can, I recommend taking Uber. It’s cheaper than taxi and the service is much better. It’s technically illegal, but tolerated. The only difference is that someone in your group should sit in the front with the driver and if the car is stopped by the Transit Police you should say that the driver is someone you know personally.

You can go from the North to the South of the city for about $15,000 COP. I almost never spend more than $11,000 COP, so it’s super affordable!

The Best Places to Eat in Cali Colombia

Cali has a huge selection of food- you can find anything from street food to satisfy your late-night cravings to upscale Peruvian and Argentinian restaurants.

The most typical street foods in the city are mazorca (a type of corn on the cob), obleas (two wafers filled with caramel, coconut, peanuts, and more), empanadas, arepas (a sort of corn pancake, usually with cheese), and other fried foods. I also recommend trying the fresh fruit from vendors on the street. Mango Biche- green mango with lime and salt- is a personal favorite!

Cholado and champús are two things you should definitely try when you visit. Cholado is crushed ice with fruit juice, fruit, condensed milk, and sometimes more ingredients. You can buy it in El Bulevar and other parks in the city. Champús is a drink made with corn, lulo (a local fruit), pineapple, and more and you can also buy it in parks throughout the city.

Typical Colombian food is available throughout Cali. My favorite places are Chocolate in San Antonio, El Buen Alimento (for vegetarian food) in San Antonio, and Pizzeria El Balcón on the way to Cristo Rey (this restaurant also has one of the best views of Cali).

The fanciest restaurants in Cali are generally Peruvian, Argentinian, or Italian restaurants. You can find these in the neighborhoods El Peñon, Ciudad Jardin, and Granada.

I’m also a huge fan of brunch and am happy to say that, after a long search, I have discovered a place with brunch and amazing Bloody Marys: Gringo Restaurant in El Peñon.

Some of my favorite places in Cali Colombia are:

San Antonio Park. It’s a nice park with a beautiful view of the city and is a great place to go at night with friends and grab a bite to eat or something to drink.

Cristo Rey, which is a giant statue of Jesus. But the real attraction is the view of Cali. Go around 4 P.M. and watch the city light up. Tip: Go during the week because on the weekends it’s overcrowded with locals.

El Gato is a really cool place to go if you’re into art. The story behind it is that the giant cat statue is “El Gato” and all of the smaller cats are his girlfriends competing for his attention. Each of the girlfriend cats was painted by a local artist and has its own personality description.

Kilometro 18 is the highest point between Cali and Buenaventura. It’s located just outside of the city and it’s a great place to go to escape Cali’s heat. It’s popular for groups of friends to come here to enjoy the cold and eat some typical Colombian food.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there are places just outside of the city which are popular for hiking and/or mountain biking. For example, Pico de Loro (a mountain around 2,800 meters high or about 9,000 feet) and Charco Escondido

There are also plenty of large malls around the city for shopping. The most popular are Chipichape, Pacific Mall, and Jardín Plaza. El Único is a popular outlet mall.

Cali is especially known for its nightlife. Caleños love a good party. Some great clubs that I can personally recommend are La Terraza, La Pérgola, La Purga, and Cafe Mi Tierra.

Experiencing the salsa culture is half the fun of Cali! Salsa dancing is what defines Cali and it’s what the locals are most proud of. I can guarantee that almost every person you meet will ask ¿y has bailado salsa?.

There are several great salsa schools in San Antonio- and some even offer free classes on certain days (like Salsa Pura does on Fridays). You’ll have no trouble finding a club that plays salsa music, although it might be almost impossible to find one that doesn’t. La Topa Tolondra, located on the Avenida 5, is a great place for foreigners to go and practice their moves- or even just watch the locals in their natural element!

On your next visit to Colombia, give Cali a chance and let it surprise you!

Pin this Cali Colombia guide for later:

The author of this piece is Brittany, who is originally from the US, but has been living in Cali Colombia while she works as a travel writer at her blog Leaving Gringolandia. You can connect with her there or catch her on Facebook.

The post Cali, Colombia: Your Local Guide to the World’s Salsa Capital appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

The secret’s obviously out: Colombia is the trendy place to visit. Never mind the history, the corrupt politics, or the drug cartels. They may still persist but savvy travelers are now looking beyond the stereotypes and on to Colombia’s deserted coastlines, rainbow-hued plazas, dance-crazed locals, and of course, its damn fine coffee. If you want adventure on Colombian coast, look no further.

Inevitably, most backpackers hit up the extraordinary Caribbean coast, basing themselves in the gringo hotspots of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Both cities offer plenty in terms of history, culinary surprises, and luxury accommodation.

But for some real excitement, reach beyond the cities and check off these five epic adventures:

(Via Cartagena)

Budget-friendly restaurant: Caffé Lunático (15,000 peso lunch special)

Splurge: Restaurante Interno (staffed by a woman’s prison!)

Budget-friendly hotel: El Genoves hostel

Splurge: Allure Chocolate Hotel

1. Dive into a mud volcano

Fancy a therapeutic mud bath? How about one inside a natural mud volcano? Although the Colombian coast is actually home to a few of these volcanoes, Volcán de Lodo El Totumo is the most accessible, via a half-day trip from Cartagena. The mud pit isn’t huge— about 15 feet in diameter— and depending on the time of the day, you might have around 20 people sharing your gritty bath (hand check!) Regardless, revel in the sensation of feeling weightless. Or being able to paint your friends’ faces with the mud’s skin-renewing minerals. Post mud, a local lady will treat you to a very thorough and shameless rinse, necessary for those hidden crannies. Pro tip: bring your own GoPro or waterproof camera and avoid paying the photographers hanging around at the top (though they’ll say you have to pay, you don’t).

2. Try Subwinging at Casa en el Agua

It’s a retreat to end all retreats, a hostel atop its own island, stranded amongst the San Bernardo islands. Most hostel guests are content swimming, chowing down on seafood, or simply lounging around while taking advantage of the numerous happy hours. But for something a bit more active, try Subwinging. You hold on to a flat board with wings, as a small boat pulls you along. Tilt the wings to dive under the water or twist them to spin like a gleeful dolphin, like this. To add a bit of luxury to your Casa experience, opt for the El Nido Amor (love nest) private suite instead of one of the wind-prone hammocks. Booking is only available 30 days ahead of time and tends to sells out fast; it’s quite the popular place! Pro-tip: bring lots of cash (no credit cards accepted) and seriously don’t plan to leave or arrive on Sundays as there are no boats that connect to Cartagena that day. The alternative is rather unpleasant.

(Via Santa Marta)

Budget-friendly restaurant: Lulo Cafe Bar

Splurge: Ouzo Restaurante

Budget-friendly hotel: Drop Bear Hostel (once a drug cartel mansion)

Splurge: Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa

3. Motorcycle along the coast to Riohacha

You don’t have to be a hefty tattooed man to embrace the freedom of a motorcycle. Adrenaline Addicts, run out of the Drop Bear hostel mentioned above, offers motorcycle tours spanning one to seven days depending on your interests. If you have never ridden a motorcycle, no worries! A quick intro lesson and you’re off (so as long as you know how to drive manual. Otherwise, you’ll have to opt for the scooter). Once you clear the city limits of Santa Marta, it’s smooth cruising from there. Race past small villages and make stops along popular beach destinations like Costeño and Palomino (check out La Frontera for their epic banana and guava pizza!) For the ultimate adventure, sign up for the 5-day ride which takes you all the way out toward Riohacha, famous for sand sports. Pro-tip: bring face wipes to keep your face clean and pad your butt with a good pair of pants.

https://youtu.be/UzetSnJhQXM

4. Trek the arduous Ciudad Perdida

For ultimate thigh punishment, push yourself to trek the 45-kilometer Ciudad Perdida. This four-day jaunt and major bucket list endeavor leads you to the Lost City, a massive archeological structure abandoned at the end of the 16th century. Think pre-Machu Picchu without the hoards of tourists or easy access. Travelers must join a tour group (Magic Tour and Expotur are popular), all of which offer complete room and board, the room being bunk beds or hammocks in established mountain huts. As you hike, soak in the bird calls, the indigenous sites, and vastness of the Sierra Nevadas. The Lost City itself resembles a tiered cake platter, one supporting a history full of mystery, gold, drugs, and looting. Pro-tip: keep your legs and feet covered the whole time— during the hike itself and even when you sleep— or risk mosquito hell.

5. Discover the world’s largest hammock in Minca

Minca is located about 30 minutes from Santa Marta, a cool mountain escape renowned for its coffee plantations and panoramic views. These days, however, backpackers make the journey via bus and motorbike to visit Casa Elemento. It is here that the proclaimed “world’s biggest hammock” is situated, high above the treetops. The hammock itself has seen better days, and users need to watch their step or else risk falling through a few of the oversized holes. However, the Instagram opportunities are worth it. Though most visitors choose to also sleep at Elemento, you can visit on a day pass for a cool 20,000 pesos. This also secures you a cocktail to enjoy whilst hammocking. Pro-tip: for a more exclusive experience, sleep at Casas Viejas, where you can step away from the crowds but still hike to the hammock in less than two hours.

Tam is an American travel writer and educator, who worked in Colombia for a year. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @fresh.coffee.stains or read her blog http://freshcoffeestains.com.

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The following is a guest post by Fleur Rollet-Manus about how to have the best time at Rio! This guide to Rio Carnival will hopefully help you plan your trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Guide to Rio Carnival

Glitter clung to every part of my body, my eyelashes were stuck together and the smell of dancing, intertwined bodies with sweat glistened skin hung heavy in the air. Nobody else in my hostel dorm stirred.

This was the morning after the night before, Carnival (Carnaval in Portuguese) had claimed us as it’s victims and carried us into the early hours.

I’d danced the soles off of my Havaianas, clinked caipirinha glasses with newfound friends into dawn and filled my ears with the sound of samba.

I’m now reliving my time in Rio de Janerio to bring you my crazy guide to Rio Carnival, the most famous and celebrated festival on Earth!

Taking place over five electrically charged days, forty days before Easter, Rio de Janerio Carnival attracts over 500,000 tourists per year and is known as the carnival capital of the world.

The party officially gets under way in the laid-back beach city on Friday and finishes on Fat Tuesday, just before Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

In all its grandeur, Carnival is an act of farewell to the pleasure of flesh and now engulfs the whole month of February.

Carnival for the Ultimate Partier

Prepare to have gravity-defying feather headdresses, extravagant beaded costumes, and rhythmic percussion bands encircle you with their contagious energy in the highlight of the festivities, the Rio Samba Parade in the Sambodromo.

It is the most OTT party on the planet and it will leave you completely mesmerized. The best samba schools from across the city battle it out in front of a panel of judges, sequins flashing, smiles brimming and hips swinging.

Time to take the party outside, Brazilian style. Street parties take place all over Rio, but there isn’t a party like a Lapa street party. Vendors line the central nightlife spot with free flowing cachaça, samba music floating hazily from the surrounding bars.

To get a true sense of the flavor of Brazil, you can’t leave without courageously throwing back a few caipirinha’s, Brazil’s signature cachaça cocktail. After the after party, try Rei do Limão Caipirinha, which is just near the Lapa steps. The small, inconspicuous takeaway bar takes the art of caipirinha creation seriously, making sure to keep spirits high as you dance your way into a new day.

After the after party, try Rei do Limão Caipirinha, which is just near the Lapa steps. The small, inconspicuous takeaway bar takes the art of caipirinha creation seriously, making sure to keep spirits high as you dance your way into a new day.

For something more civilized, make a reservation at Bar Astor, a glamorous bar in Ipanema with panoramic views. An ideal spot to enjoy your last night, reminiscing on the culture, the glitter and the glam that carnival encircles around you.

Where to Sleep At Rio Carnival

Tired, weary, hung-over, Carnival will test even the most religious partygoers.

Take a much-needed forty winks in neighboring Santa Teresa. Santa Teresa is filled with talented street art, modern art galleries and quirky cafés. Whilst the allure of the legendary glitz and glamour of Copacabana is tempting, save yourself several Reals (the official currency of Brazil, although US dollars are also widely accepted) and check into to Alma De Santa Guest House and leave with a whole host of global travelling companions at this bohemian inspired pousada (Brazillian guest house).

Alternatively, check out Airbnb for apartments in friendly neighbourhoods such as Flamengo or Botafogo, often equipped with hammocks, neighbours that will welcome you with samba blaring from 80’s radios and freshly baked pão de queijo (cheese bread).

What to see and do in Rio

Step away from the street parties and readily welcome a little R n R. Join the throngs of bikini-clad, bronzed Brazilian bodies and head to the beach.

Kick back with a revitalizing açai bowl before embarking on a football or volleyball tournament with the locals (I lost, epically, every time I was challenged).

Copacabana, Leblon and Ipanema all provide the ideal spot for snap-worthy #NoFilter sunsets framed by towering palm trees however, it’s Arpoador beach that really steals the show.

Hangout with fishermen, cute couples and other budding photographers on a rock that juts over the water providing an unrivaled spot to have an evening picnic watching the sunset.

Travelers Tip: on a Sunday the roads adjacent to Copacabana beach are shut off from traffic and instead are overrun with scantily-clag skateboarders, rollerbladers and runners. Brazil has no shortage of beautiful people and it is safe to say I resembled Bambi as opposed to a Brazilian- blading expert…

Visit the 3 most iconic sites in Rio

A visit to Rio de Janerio wouldn’t be complete without visiting three of the most iconic sights in Brazil. Head out early in the morning, after you’ve finished your super-food, staple açai bowl breakfast of course, and check out the notorious Christ the Redeemer statue. The panoramic views from the top make battling with other selfie-loving tourists completely worth it.

Also, the location for Pharell’s ‘Happy’ music video, The Selarón Steps, nicknamed the Lapa steps, are one of Rio’s most visited attractions. 125 meters of intricate mosaic tiles constructed by Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón who claimed it as “my tribute to the Brazilian people”. The steps embody the freedom and passion of the city with their video patterns and patriotic murals.

Finally, I opted to step aboard the Sugarloaf Mountain cable car just before sunset and I wasn’t disappointed. Rio comes alive at night and as a kaleidoscope of orange, yellows, and pinks are replaced by the navy night sky and twinkling lights litter the mountainside, you see it as a truly beautiful, captivating city.

Secret Suggestion: A five hour bus journey and you’ll reach the waterside town of Paraty, a hidden gem in the Rio de Janerio state. Locals paddleboard out to the fisherman to haggle over todays catch, men argue over chess games for hours and children chase kites through the streets. It’s a tranquil time warp peppered with authentic colonial buildings and cobbled streets, the perfect contrast to the notorious debauchery of carnival!

This post is from Fleur Rollet-Manus. Travelling is her favorite form of education. She continually seeks to submerge herself in other cultures, marveling at the wonders of the world and being in complete awe of her surroundings. She is a fully-fledged traveling addict and avid passport stamp collector. You’ll often find her with an overstuffed backpack, swapping stories with other travelers over a cocktail or two and blogging for the Huffington Post. You can find my Huffington Post author’s page here.

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The post Your Crazy Party Guide to Rio Carnival | Rio de Janeiro Brazil appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Santa Marta

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Santa Marta.

I’m Gemma from Two Scots Abroad. 5”2 ½, Scottish with a love for all things vintage and thrift store so luxury isn’t always my bag but we struck it lucky last year in Santa Marta, Colombia! I’m travelling with my fiancé, Craig; we’re on an 18 month career break to travel the Americas and Europe.

What makes Santa Marta a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Santa Marta is sunny! It’s typically where Colombians go on holiday and other backpackers suggested we skipped it but I’m glad we went with gut instinct and spent some time there because it is the gateway to paradise!

What is the best boutique hotel in Santa Marta?

La Calzada del Santo is just lovely. We stayed on the top floor of the boutique hotel, our room door practically opened onto the rooftop pool. There were hammocks to relax on whilst taking in the views of the city. The owner, Rita, is just a doll, she treats everyone with warmth and her staff are extremely friendly. The hotel is very modern, exposed red brick in the hotel room, TV, speedy Wi-Fi. Breakfast of colourful fruit and eggs is served every morning.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta can be used a springboard to the beaches of Colombia. Within an hour by bus, you can reach Costeño Beach for those who like to surf and do yoga or just swing on a hammock on the beach. A short journey after Costeño is Palomino where you can tube down the river. Most notably and not to be missed is a trip to Tayrona National Park.

It’s tough to beat Tayrona National Park, take the minibus to the entrance as it’s about a tour hour walk from there. The walk is along the coastal beaches and through the palm trees laden with coconuts – watch out for the cheeky monkeys in the trees!

Santa Marta has a beach and a marina with some bars. Costeño Beach is very chilled out, go swing on a hammock all day then sit by the fire at night.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Santa Marta and what are their best dishes?

I’d recommend heading to Careera 3 in Santa Marta, especially at the weekend. This cute cobbled lane is decorated with lanterns. There are a few restaurants and bars to choose from which serve intentional and local cuisine. And cocktails obviously!

Let’s talk desserts in Santa Marta– what place makes the best?

Pop in for some Froyo at Carambolo.

Time for a great sunset view in Santa Marta… where would you go?

The best sunset we saw in this area was at Minca in the Sierra Nevada Mountains – again another short bus ride from Santa Marta. We stayed at Casa Loma which is basically a big tree house with an outside cocktail lounge, happy hour starts just in time for the sun going down!

To end the night with a cocktail, what’s your go-to choice?

A trip to Minca in the mountains is on the cards for this, watch the views of the sun setting at Casa Loma’s makeshift cocktail bar!

Two Scots Abroad (Gemma and Craig) have downed tools as teacher and tradesman and are traveling the Americas and Europe on an 18 month career break. They are currently living in Vancouver after four months of fast paced travel in South America and Cuba. Join them in 2016 as they ski in B.C, surf in Nicaragua, and party in Ibiza! Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post Luxury Guide to Santa Marta appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Cochabamba

Tell us a little about yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Cochabamba.

Hi! My name is Hanne, a twenty something travel junkie from Norway. I have visited over 50 countries, and love to write about it in my blog Places People Stories.

The last three years I have been living in Cochabamba, Bolivia. In this city it is easy to enjoy life, and I have gotten the habit to eat delicious food at nice restaurants several times a week while enjoying a cocktail or glass of wine. I also love going to the spa/sauna, which there are many of here. Furthermore, I like to escape and stay at the best hotels in the city, at least once a month. Due to living in this city for a long time, and the lifestyle I have here, I consider myself as an expert in luxury travel here in Cochabamba.

What makes Cochabamba a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Cochabamba, is not a very well-known destination, and therefore maybe not the most obvious destination if you look for glamor. However, here you can get a lot of luxury for little money, and there are many opportunities. Cochabamba is also called the food capital of Bolivia, and it is in this city you find all the best restaurants.

The city is also surrounded by beautiful enormous mountains. And what can possible be nicer than driving up there at night, having a glass of wine looking down at the beautiful lights of the city!?

What 5 star hotel is the best in your town? 

That must be Gran Hotel Cochabamba. Whenever I am there I really feel like a queen. The hotel has everything! Comfortable big rooms, good service, great food, gym and spa. My favorite is the temperate pool, which lights so beautifully up in the night.

A stay at Gran Hotel Cochabamba, is like being in the countryside in the city due to the big gardens. It has an elegant style, and they have preserved the original marble, and decorations from 1940. Other parts are more modern, but still have that elegant style.

The location of the hotel is also the best you can find. It is right with the best shopping area, museums, nigh-clubs and restaurant area in town.

The hotel have hosted many celebrities. Bob Dylan, and Michael Jackson, are just two worth to mention. And a stay here will for sure make you feel like a famous person as well!

A double room for two people cost 117 USD per night. However, I would recommend to pay a bit extra to get a bigger room. If you really would like glamour and luxury I recommend the presidential suite. That is the biggest and nicest room I have ever had on my travels. 

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler? 

Hiking in the beautiful and gigantic mountains or up to the Jesus statue, which is even bigger than the one in Rio de Janeiro. Cochabamba is also a perfect location to try paragliding, due to the big mountains.

Cochabamba also have the biggest outdoor marked in South America, here you can find everything, and it is a big experience walking around in “La Cancha”. 

Where are the best hang outs during the day? 

There are many awesome cafes to hang out on during the day. My favorite is Casa Blanca, which is located a few blocks from the main square, 24 de Septiembre, and one block from one from the beautiful El Prado. Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee, cake, read a book, use internet, or just have a good time with your friends. 

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Cochabamba and what are their best dishes?

Hmm, this is a bit hard, as Cochabamba have so many great restaurants. However, I think it must be Paprika. It is one of the most fancy restaurants in the city. The fondue is my favorite dish, and the garlic bread they give while waiting for the food is the best ever tasted. The service is outstanding. 

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

The brownie with ice-cream at Tuesday is the best dessert I have tried in Cochabamba, so far.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers? Are there designers we should make sure to meet?

The best and most trendy shopping spot is Quero Quero. Here you can find everything from designer clothes to brand clothes. The most well know designer is Edita Vojikova. She designs beautiful clothes, I especially love her dresses.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Cochabamba?

Seriously, they are everywhere, and I have never gone wrong. They are all pretty good, as long as you do not go to the cheapest. Nails, hair and make-up they will do it all well. I do not have a favorite, and try out new salon and spas all the time.

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Up with the Jesus statue. Here you have a gorgeous view of the whole city and the sunset. Believe me, here you can sit for hours, it is view that you will never get tired.

Now that the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot. Oasis, is one of my favorite place to go for an evening drink. However, in the area around the main square (city center) there are many good bars, and just walking around you have a ton to choose between.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

Mandarina, is the fanciest club. Remember to dress well, if not you will feel out of place. Be prepared for Latin music, and having a good time.

The post Luxury Guide to Cochabamba appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Medellin

Tell us a little about Medellin and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel there. 

I’ve been living in Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city for the last 7 months and I absolutely love it here. One of the reasons is because you can live in an amazing city for the fraction of the cost of living in London as everything is so much cheaper here. Being a writer for Medellin Living, the city’s expat website, I have reviewed bars, restaurants, shopping centres and things to do in the city so I guess you could say that I know my way around a cocktail bar or two.

Editors note: Lisa just wrote an e-book and I wanted to share that with you. It’s the female’s guide to solo travel. 

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What makes Medellin a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

There are swanky hotels, rooftop bars, a revolving restaurant, casinos and more shopping malls than you can shop at. Medellin is fast becoming the fashion capital of Colombia and it’s evident in the locals (the Paisas) style and heels seem to go with everything so this city is pretty glamourous. This city has amazing views and there are so many rooftop bars with stunning views.

What boutique hotel would you recommend to your friends that are stopping through?

If they have money (and I mean a lot), I would definitely recommend The Art Hotel. It is is a creative blend of style, architecture and modern art and is amazing, and tucked away in a side street so it feel like a secret place.

But the rooms are very expensive so if you can’t afford to stay there, you can just buy a cocktail in its boutique wine bar instead. There’s a quaint little courtyard for a taste of tranquility amongst outdoor living and is the perfect setting for a Cosmopolitan which is a fraction of the cost of a room.

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What about 5 Star, of them all, which is the best in your town?

The Diez Hotel is just gorgeous. It’s located in the El Poblado area of Medellin, and you feel as though you are immersed in forest surroundings amongst green textured walls and a bamboo decor. The whole theme of the hotel is natural elements and cit ombines the senses of landscapes and ambience for the perfect relaxation experience. The rooms all have the same natural elements and my favourite part of this hotel is the outdoor spa area with a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. It’s really close to the main nightlife area with restaurants and bars but with a lobby bar and a Sushi restaurant on the ground floor, you don’t even need to leave the building. I love this place!

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

Every Sunday there is a boat trip to the stunning lake area of Guatape which is just two hours outside the city. It has a bay to rival that of the Rio Harbour and you can climb the Penol Rock for spectacular views of the bay. Plus, ladies go free! Can’t get more glamorous than that. If you’re feeling really adventurous then you can paraglide across the city from the mountains surrounding the valley. I definitely recommend taking the Medellin city tour to learn more about the city.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

Colombians love to hang out and there are so many places to hang out including numerous coffee shops and parks. You’ll often see older men sat in local parks playing cards, musical instruments or just chatting. Because this city is always a warm temperature, people sit Al Fresco and enjoy the sunshine. Parque Poblado is one of the best parks to hang out in. It’s in the centre of Poblado and is surrounded by handicraft sellers and bars and restaurants, and you’ll find locals and tourists there at night, listening to some live music and having a drink before partying in one of the local bars.

The best hang outs during the day are Ciudad del Rio with cafes and an ice-cream parlour. Then there’s Parque Poblado and Parque Berrio, opposite Plaza Botero with the big statues that just have to be seen.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Medellin and what are their best dishes?

Sinko does great Italian food. It’s sophisticated with multiple seating areas, whether you choose to relax on the outdoor terrace or inside on the leather sofas with a giant screen. They have special nights dedicated to salsa with DJ sets including sunset parties. Whether you choose a pizza or the fish and chips (my personal favourite), the food here won’t disappoint. The cocktails are great too!

For breathtaking views of the city, Tony Roma’s is situated on the top floor of the Hotel Dann Carlton. World famous for their BBQ ribs, the restaurant is the only revolving bar in Medellín offering a 360 degree panoramic view of the skyline. Elegant and oozing sophistication, you rotate your way around to the sounds of live piano music. Plus if you visit on a Tuesday you get 30% discount with your Visa card too!

Woka Lounge offers great sushi and Thai chicken dishes as well as their own Woka specials. It’s an amazing setting too and feels like a magical forest hidden high up in the city with tall trees and glass floors. A curved path lights up all the way to the giant bar with bubbling water underneath. Meaning reflection of the moon, Woka is just amazing.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

There’s a chain restaurant called crepes and waffles which do the most divine nutella waffle with ice-cream. It just melts in your mouth. It has the best ice-cream I have come across in the city and you can also buy it to take out.

Me Late Chocolate is in Oviedo, and offers gorgeous chocolate delights for breakfast and during the day. It’s a boutique chocolate shop and the Volcan de Chocolate is to die for.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

The barrio of Laureles has some of the best boutique shopping you’ll find in the city. There’s a choice of unique shops from multi-brand fashion to expensive designer jewellery with some cute cafes and restaurants for when you need a break from shopping. With footwear, clothing, designer bags, jewellery, house accessories, and paintings to furnish your apartment, La Tienda Imaginario is a place for the imagination with unusual items perfect for great souvenirs too. For Colombian brands visit Origen to get your hands on the local fashion, or try Make A Wish for high quality garments with nice designs.

In La Zona Rosa in El Poblado, you’ll find boutiques with unique designs along Vía Primavera, one of my favourite areas of the city, known for its choice of gastronomy and creative designs. There are a range of shops here and you can easily spend an afternoon browsing each one whilst stopping for a coffee in Medellín’s best coffee shops. It’s easy to find Colombian designs here and Galería Diseño has a wide range of items from over 40 independent designers.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Medellin?

Medellin is known for its stunning women and plastic surgery is really popular here. Some locals even go as far as getting a butt job!

You’ll find the best salons in the shopping malls. In Santa Fe, there are hair salons to pamper you hair on the top floor. Hotel Park 10 has a great day spa with treatments from a Cleopatra spa to a chocolate spa! They also offer different massages and even ultrasound.

The Dies Hotel has a lovely spa looking out at the mountains with a steam room, sauna and a jacuzzi. They offer a Secrets of The Amazon treatment for the full body which includes body peeling and a relaxation massage.

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Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Because Medellin is in a valley, if you’re staying in one of the hotels on a high floor then you’re nearly almost guaranteed a great sunset (if you’re facing the right way of course).

Pueblito Paisa is a cute little mock-up of a Colombian town which sits on top of Nutibarra Hill in the city with a panoramic view of the city, or you can hop in a car and drive up the valley to the best viewpoint where they also sell beers and street food as you watch the sun set.

Now the the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Parque Lleras is the most popular hang out in the evening. There are so many bars to choose from whether you just want to listen to live salsa music,   dance to reggaeton or have a frozen cocktail in a Buddha bar. Crossover bars are really popular and offer each genre of music to dance too. Santa Fe has the more sophisticated bars and a really cool one called Mixology Molecular Bar with liquid nitrogen cocktails. There’s also the Delaire Skylounge on top of the shopping centre for some pre-evening drinks before heading to nightclub just inside.

People here drink Aguadiente so you just buy a bottle with glasses of water and a shot glass each and drink the night away before hitting a salsa club.

Envy @ Charlee

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

It depends what type of music you like. The Mansion Club is for those who love trance and house music. There are clubs which offer crossover music – a mix of everything from salsa and bachata to electronic music (house music). Barrio Colombia is where the fancy clubs are at. make you way to Cameo Teatro Club if you want to look good amongst the illuminating light show.

Envy at Charlee is just stunning. It’s the best rooftop bar with amazing views of the city and a pool that’s illuminated at night. It is so swanky that it even has glow in the dark menus so that you can order in the mood lighting.

The post A Luxury Guide to Medellin appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Buenos Aires

Tell us a little about Buenos Aires and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel there.

Because of Argentina’s volatile economic system, the American dollar (typically) goes extremely far. This means that you can live like a queen on very little. When I lived in Buenos Aires for a year as a study abroad student, I lived it up. I ate at fantastic restaurants that foodies everywhere would die for, went out to the most exclusive bars with my Argentine and expat friends, and enjoyed spa services – nails and waxing alike – at ridiculously low prices.

This is a “bougie on a budget” traveler’s heaven (as long as the exchange rate and inflation are working in your favor when you go).

What makes Buenos Aires a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Imagine waking up to medialunas (croissants) and coffee at a quaint, European coffee shop situated in an ivy-covered garden. Spend your day walking around exquisite neoclassical French architecture through the neighborhood of Recoleta. Stop for lunch at a patio in trendy Palermo and spend your dollars at the many luxury high-fashion boutique shops, like Maria Cher. Enjoy the juiciest steak of your life at La Cabrera with a glass of Malbec. Dance the night away at the socialite river-front club Asia de Cuba on Puerto Madero. If that’s not glamorous, I don’t know what is.

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Of all of the 5 star, which is the best in your town?

There are many 5-stars in Buenos Aires, as very few cities does luxury like Buenos Aires. But, the most famous for design lovers of the world is the Faena Hotel. Even if you’re not able to stay at this 5-star, head here for a cocktail in the all-white room and wander to admire this work of art.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

Buenos Aires is a big city, so you can find almost anything here. For our travelers who want to see what makes Buenos Aires so special, go to the San Telmo festival on Sunday. It’s full of street art, great food and incredible people watching. Or, head to the famous Recoleta cemetery – the most expensive property in the world, to hang out with some dead rich people.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

Buenos Aires is definitely a café and park-culture type of city. You can spend the day people-watching and sipping yerba mate in the parks. Or you can take a coffee with a friend at one of the many – MANY- coffee shops in the city.  The city is brimming with festivals on the weekends. On Saturdays, the main parks in Recoleta and Palermo are the places to be while the San Telmo Sunday festival (in my humble opinion) is the best in the world.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Buenos Aires and what are their best dishes?

There are so many “best restaurants in Buenos Aires” that it’s hard to pick!. Go to La Cabrera and order the lomo. Head to Il Ballo del Mattone and gorge on any of the homemade pastas.  Mix it up from the Italian influence and scarf some Mediterranean at the famous Sarkis or sushi at Nikkai. Finally, for a truly authentic, gourmet and unique Argentine experience, go to Café San Juan in San Telmo.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

Buenos Aires is a GELATO heaven. Since about 75% of the city’s residents (portenos) are of Italian descent, you can find this Italian specialty on every corner. Volta, Persicco and Freddo are all BsAs staples for gelato. You also cannot leave the city without eating alfajores – sugar cookies with dulce de leche (a caramel-esque sauce) in the middle. You can get them at any bakery!

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

While Alto Palermo, the major mall in Buenos Aires, carries every designer, I’m not much of a mall person. I’d rather wander a small neighborhood and go in and out of boutiques while sitting for a coffee or glass of wine in between. Go to Palermo Soho and shop around at the best – Maria Cher, Jasmin Chebar, Las Pepas. Do not leave Buenos Aires without a colorful leather jacket from Las Pepas and make sure you stop in Plaza Dorrego to have a snack and to pop into the up-and-coming indoor designer markets surrounding the plaza. 

Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

The sunsets over the river front in the Puerto Madero neighborhood are magical. Take a stroll down the boardwalk around sunset and make sure to admire the incredible “Puente de Mujer” or the Woman’s Bridge. There are endless restaurants with outdoor patios for you to relax with a cocktail while watching the sun go down. If you have the time, take a little trip to romantic cobblestoned Colonia, Uruguay for the sunset.

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Now the the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Buenos Aires comes alive at night. A normal dinner-time reservation is no earlier than 8:00p (that’s the early bird special) and most twenty-something’s are eating at around 10:00p. An 11:00p reservation is not uncommon. That being said, bars don’t really open up until 12:00p and clubs don’t get going until 2:00p. You can rage until the early hours. There were many mornings at 6:00a where I’d begin to see the sunrise from the bar windows and immediately jump in a cab home to get to bed! One of my favorite places to get started at is Milion in Recoleta. Nested in an old mansion, the cocktails are divine and makes you feel like you’re at a Gatsby-style house party.

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

There is a true club culture in Buenos Aires. If you like to dance until the wee hours, you have many options. I did love the upscale Asia de Cuba just a little too much and spent my life’s savings on champagne and tequila at this hotspot. Word of advice? Go with an Argentine or don’t open your mouth (if you don’t speak Spanish) when you’re trying to get in. They try to keep this place tailored to upscale locals! If you’re really feeling like a wild night – go to Club 69 at Niceto Club on Thursdays.

Read more: Want more to see and do in Argentina? Travel to Patagonia!

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