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Rosie Kay Travel Expert

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Uyuni Salt Flats
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I have always been passionate about traveling, having been to destinations in Europe, Africa and Asia, and when my post-university backpacking trip was derailed by the pandemic, I was eager to set off again. After working in recruitment for several years while dreaming of adventure, I decided to quit my job and embark on a yearlong journey—a decision that turned out to be the best of my life!

Following extensive research, I was captivated by the wonders of Latin America. I aspired to experience diverse landscapes and ecosystems, hike in iconic locations, immerse myself in cultures different from my own, and learn about ancient history. Armed with my rusty GCSE Spanish and a backpack full of clothes for every season, I set off on my adventure and never looked back. I am grateful that I now get to share this phenomenal continent with others, designing itineraries with a ‘backpack’ of first-hand knowledge!

How long were you travelling around South America and where did you visit on your trip?

I spent a year traveling around Latin America, starting in Colombia, which remains one of my favourite countries. I then flew to Brazil for the famous Rio de Janeiro carnival and continued to Iguazu Falls, crossing into Argentina. After exploring Argentine and Chilean Patagonia, I ventured through northern Argentina to the Atacama Desert and crossed the Bolivian border. I roamed Bolivia from Uyuni to Lake Titicaca, where I crossed into Peru. I explored much of Peru, including Machu Picchu and the Amazon, before flying back to the UK for a short break to repack my bag for Central America.

Arriving in Mexico City, I journeyed down through Mexico to Oaxaca and then west to the Yucatán Peninsula, crossing the border into Belize. After an incredible time in Belize, an underrated country that truly surprised me, I spent the remainder of my trip in Guatemala, where I hiked an active volcano to commemorate an amazing journey.

Additionally, I have travelled through Costa Rica on a previous trip and fell in love with its biodiversity and appreciation for conservation.

What Is Your Top

Travel Tip:

Plan ahead… but not too much. Although it’s important to have an itinerary, and popular excursions booked in advance, my best travel experiences have come from meeting local people, or fellow travellers who can offer off the beaten track recommendations. Whether it’s local restaurants, cultural experiences or even just a fantastic viewpoint unbeknown to the masses, having flexibility in your itinerary leads to authentic experiences.

Packing Tip:

Buy some packing cubes! When you are on the road and visiting multiple locations, repacking can become tedious. I use packing cubes to separate my clothing, from tops and bottoms to cold and warm weather. This isn’t only helpful for Latin America’s varied climates and keeping organised, it does mean you can fit a few extra items in the bag. If you really want to push the boat out, like me, you can sort your laundry colours in the cubes before returning home to do the dreaded post-holiday washing!

What Are Your 10 Must-See Destinations?

Medellin, Tayrona, Salento – Colombia

Rio de Janeiro, Paraty, Iguazu – Brazil

Mendoza, Ushuaia, Buenos Aires – Argentina

Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine, Santiago – Chile

La Paz, Uyuni, Sucre – Bolivia

Cusco, Iquitos, Paracas – Peru

Oaxaca, Palenque, San Cristobal – Mexico

The Cayes, San Ignacio – Belize

Lake Atitlan, Antigua, Tikal – Guatemala

Arenal, Monteverde, Santa Teresa – Costa Rica

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My Destination Highlights

coffee

Coffee Region (Zona Cafetera)

Salento offers a perfect blend of adventure, stunning scenery, vibrant colonial architecture, and world-renowned coffee. Disney's Oscar winning film Encanto was inspired by Salento, and wandering through its colourful, cobblestone streets makes you feel like the main character! I chose to ride a horse through the jungle and visit a local coffee plantation to understand why Colombia is a world leader in coffee production. In the evening, I played Tejo, a traditional Colombian sport that involves throwing the Tejo at a dynamite target. This explosive game pairs well with local beer, which the locals consider essential. A highlight of my stay was the Cocora Valley, where 60-meter wax palm trees tower over you as you hike through the cloud forest's rolling hills. The valley is teeming with wildlife, including the Andean Condor, toucans, parrots, bears, and pumas (though the latter two are harder to spot).
Antigua

Antigua and the highlands

Antigua is a stunning colonial town, nestled between volcanoes and brimming with vibrancy. I fell in love with the cobblestone streets and colourful buildings. But hiking an active volcano was never something I thought I would do until I discovered how accessible Volcán de Fuego is from the city! This challenging two-day hike reaches an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. In the late afternoon, after a steep climb up Volcán de Acatenango, I was rewarded with a front-row view of Volcán de Fuego erupting. The volcano erupts every 20 minutes, and during the day, you can see large clouds of smoke rising from the summit. The real spectacle, however, is at night when ruby red lava spouts out and trickles down the side. As if that wasn't enough, I opted for the additional hike to Volcán de Fuego itself, which offered an even better view of the eruptions and the bragging rights that come with climbing an active volcano! However, I didn't feel like bragging when I returned to camp, as the second hike certainly tested me to my limits.
Uyuni salt flats

Uyuni salt flats

Not originally part of my itinerary, Bolivia was highly recommended by fellow travellers as a must-visit destination. Home to the world's largest salt flats, spanning over 10,000 square kilometers and situated at 3,656 meters above sea level, the views of the Andes reflecting against the crystal white ground are simply breathtaking. I chose a three-day tour from Uyuni, which included visits to a rustic train cemetery, steaming geysers, and natural hot springs. It was also a fantastic way to cross from Bolivia into Chile's Atacama Desert—one of the most beautiful land crossings I experienced! One evening, I enjoyed a glass of wine in the middle of the flats and witnessed my first ever moonrise, which coincided with the sunset, before retiring to my bed, where only the mattress, pillows, and linens were not made of salt! When I returned to Uyuni, I stayed in a converted train carriage (as the city is rooted in its historical significance as a railway hub) and explored the local Sunday market, selling everything from shoe laces to live animals!
Oaxaca

Oaxaca

Although I enjoyed the Riviera Maya's coastal beauty, my favourite beach destination in Mexico was Puerto Escondido. With its dusty roads, authentic Mexican restaurants, and vibrant nightlife, I could have easily settled there for the foreseeable future! I spent countless hours lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, and watching surfers navigate the waves. Every day, I visited 'Punta Cakes,' a small dessert stand run by a European expat from his home, where I savoured the best cheesecake I've ever had. ​​I also visited the Vive Mar Turtle Camp, who conserve the ecosystems and protect over 27 km of coastline, providing a safe habitat for sea turtles. But the highlight of my stay was undoubtedly the breathtaking sunsets. No words can truly capture their beauty!
Cusco

Cusco

As an ancient history enthusiast, I eagerly anticipated visiting Machu Picchu. However, during my trek there, I came to truly appreciate the classic saying: "It's not about the destination; it's about the journey." The Salkantay trek, which can easily be accessed from Cusco, takes you through diverse environments, from the Andean highlands to tropical valleys, passing through small, remote communities and picturesque natural settings. The experience is not only visually stunning but also culturally enriching, offering interactions with Quechua-speaking residents who maintain their ancestral lifestyle. Their hospitality and warmth greatly enhance the trek, providing a deeper connection to the region's history and culture. My guide also shared personal stories of his spiritual experiences, such as visiting Shamans and his connection to Inca culture. One night, I stayed in a glass dome nestled in the mountainside under the Salkantay mountain. The combination of the star-filled sky view, the personal stories shared, and a sense of pilgrimage led to my own self-realisations. This was truly a life-changing experience.

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