Planning this trip has been very different than the last trip I planned. In 2006 I went to Southeast Asia for 6 weeks with a friend of mine. We had everything planned out – how many days we would spend in each town on our route, booked flights between countries, key sights to see along the way, etc. We had an awesome trip and I wouldn’t exchange it for the world.
This time around, I am a little less concerned with making a schedule. Part of this is because I have 3 months to move around, as opposed to 6 weeks last time. Another difference is that for South America I will be on my own! I can go where I want, whether it’s planned or decided on a whim if I so choose. I’m still hoping to have company at least part of the the time, but I don’t want to bank on it.
That being said, there are 4 things I already know for sure:
- Flying into Quito, Ecuador on September 18, 2014
- Start acclimatizing to high altitude in Cuzco, Peru by October 25 (the latest)
- Hiking Machu Picchu October 29-November 1 (3 nights, 4 days)
- Volunteering at Senda Verde Animal Sanctuary November 12-25!
- Flying out of Lima, Peru on December 18, 2014
The research I’ve done so has me leaning towards a route similar to this one:
As I continue to read more travel guides and adventure blogs, I’ll be adding to my Bucket Lists (divided by country, of course) and building my itinerary. If you want to check those out, click below:
ECUADOR BUCKET LIST
PERU BUCKET LIST
BOLIVIA BUCKET LIST
The Adventures of ALi! 
Have fun and be safe. Remember….no falling in love and check your luggage : oh yeah phone home:). … Miss you already. Take care of yourself baby girl xoxo
Ali, you are amazing! I cannot wait to read about your adventures and see all your pictures. I can just imagine the potential for jump shots!
And I agree with your mom, no falling in love – unless it’s a handsome South American man who is willing to move to Canada…with his equally handsome brother 😉
Miss you already!!