Iguazu Falls (Brazil + Helicopter Ride)

Following my much anticipated reunification with Brett Young, we started Day 1 of South America, Episode 2, by heading to the legendary Iguazu Falls. I had heard from many people that I should expect one of the most beautiful places in the world. We were not disappointed.

For an overview of the Argentinian side, check out this post.

Asunción

After sleeping in a different bed for 15 straight days, I finally reached a temporary home base. I settled down in Asunción, Paraguay, where the people speak both Spanish and the native Guarani. The money is also quite entertaining. I had a few $100,000 bills upon my departure from the airport.

An Afternoon in Santa Cruz

My route from Uyuni, Bolivia, to Asuncion, Paraguay, may be the least efficient route ever taken. It may have been faster to walk. A four-leg flight extravaganza resulted in a twelve-hour layover in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. After some internal debate, I decided to put my backpack in a locker, leave the airport, and take a look around.

The Highest Desert in the World

After touring the salt flats and having our fun with pictures, we started our tour of volcanoes and lagoons in the highest desert in the world. We slept at 4,400 meters and reached a maximum of 5,000. It was cold. Very cold.

The Salt Flats

I arrived in Uyuni, Bolivia, Friday morning after another night bus. After taking a day to recover, I set off to visit the salt flats. I decided to take alternative transportation. As avocados were currently all taken, I elected to ride a banana.

Lit Llamas and Stolen Skulls

I had only one day in La Paz, so naturally I took a tour of the witch markets. We also took a ride on the local teleférico (cable car) and visited the official city cemetery. It was one of the most interesting and unusual tours I’ve ever taken.

Lake Titicaca

After embarking upon my first night bus experience (little sleep was had), I arrived in Puno, Peru at 5am. The instant coffee at breakfast was well-received. At 6am I left on a boat tour of the floating islands in the massive Lake Titicaca.

Kissing the Sky: The Sakantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Yesterday I finished the Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. Our route was filled with hills, diverse landscapes, and gorgeous views. This was no doubt one of the best experience I have ever had.

The City of the Incas

A few days ago I took the quick flight from Lima to Cusco, going from sea level to 3,400 meters (a bit over 11,000 feet). Cusco was the capital of the Incan empire and is the gateway to Machu Picchu.

Shakedowns and Sunsets

Yesterday I found myself being shaken down by security in the Quito airport. After some debate in the hostel the day earlier, I had decided to try bring my coca leaves with me to Peru. After I was ushered into a windowless room by two security agents, I decided that perhaps I had made a mistake.