There is a famous quote that says, “You learn more from failure than from success. Don’t let it stop you. Failure builds character.” Boy does this ring true for us! In this day and age of polished Instagram photos and amazing stories on blogs and other platforms, we often only see the positive side to a story. But there are many benefits of failure. In fact, when chasing the numerous items on our bucket list we have found that failure is good. That is because in all the stupid mistakes we have made chasing various bucket list items something remarkable happened. We Learned! 

So grab your first aid kit & get ready to laugh as we share how failure leads to success by highlighting the many bloopers we have had chasing items on our bucket list. Hopefully, by admitting our faults, mistakes, and failures you too will learn so you can avoid these pitfalls as well.

Our Travel Failures that led to Success

When it comes to tackling travel bucket list items, preparation is always key! But everyone prepares differently. For example, we are more outliners. We like to have a good idea of where we are going and what we like to do but we don’t detail every aspect of our travel. Don’t get us wrong, we love the freedom of not being scheduled. But by being a bit loosey-goosey it has created a few problems while traveling. However, each time our failure led to success because we learned and improved. So what kind of travel fails have we had? Let’s dive into it.

Grab your first aid kit & get ready to laugh as we share how failure leads to success by highlighting the many bloopers we have had chasing the items on the Bucket List Project! #Failure #NeverGiveUp #AlwaysLearning
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1) We have chosen some lousy destinations

The Fail:

For those of you who know us, you know we love exploring great literary spots around the world. So we were very excited to see and hang out at The Petit Poucet in Casablanca. For those who don’t know this cafe was once where Saint-Exupéry, the French author of The Little Prince used to spend time between mail flights across the Sahara drinking with Albert Camus. But now no one there seems to care or honor that history.

We were also pretty disappointed when we visited Barranquilla! Don’t get us wrong, if you show up to this large city during Carnival you will witness one of Colombia’s most important folkloric celebrations, and one of the biggest carnivals in the world according to UNESCO. But when we arrived there was NOTHING happening in the massive city. Even our hotel hosts wondered why on earth we were visiting their city in April.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

While these destinations were a complete disappointment they didn’t take away from our travel experiences. I mean to be fair, nothing could disappoint us about Casablanca since that is where we got engaged. But, when the main reason for visiting is a bust, you can either rue in disappointment or adapt. So for us, we learned to adapt and find something else to do which led to some fun experiences.

2) We have not packed well

The Fail: 

Nowadays we try to be minimalists when packing but it was not always this way. If you have read our review on the one bag travel system by Journey System then you saw us toting around a gigantic suitcase across all of the United Kingdom. See we thought that if we packed all of our gear together in 1 large suitcase it would not only be easier but save us tons of money on bag fees. But though it may have saved us a few dollars it was an absolute nightmare to drag around the old cobblestone roads of Scotland and England.

We have also failed to pack properly for the weather. For example, driving into Jaisalmer during the Rickshaw Run, we were freezing. This is because we had forgotten to pack warm clothes. So as we raced to the finish line, we were wearing everything we had packed, just to stay warm.

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

After nearly throwing out my back carrying around tons of clothes, we knew something had to change. We realized that though we want to be prepared for different weather issues and certain events, we need to learn to pack better so we can be prepared without extra items. So first we learned about ways to pack for the different environments we were possibly visiting. Then, we discovered the Journey System minimalist backpack and other bags which would allow us to carry all of our gear better and more efficiently.

3) ERIC often forgets to put on Sunscreen

The Fail: 

Perhaps one of the biggest travel fails that I have is getting sunburned while traveling. Likely, this is because growing up, I rarely got sunburned and never developed a good habit of lathering up. There is also something to be said about always backpacking outdoors, hiking in open areas with no real protection. But to be honest, there is no excuse for not taking better care of my skin. 

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

Now, I like my tan complexion. But to be honest, as I am getting older, this constant abuse of my skin and especially my face is worrisome. Plus, we all know that sunburns can lead to serious issues. In fact, according to the National Cancer Institute, 33,000 adults get sunburned every year so bad that they require emergency room visits. Plus, these burns can lead to future skin cancer or worse, melanoma, which is the deadliest form of skin cancer. So, to prevent future damage, I have become an avid user of Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Travel Pack.

4) We have not planned well for ground transportation

The Fail: 

Perhaps one of the biggest travel fails we have is forgetting to plan out our ground transportation. I know this sounds silly. But more often than not, we have arrived at our destination airport with no clue how to get to our hotel. If you can imagine, we are sitting by the luggage carousel when suddenly we realize we have no idea if this city has Uber, a Metro, or a bus system.

This lack of planning also rears its ugly head when we go adventuring. For example, there have been several times when we spent the day at the beaches near Santa Marta or ended up exploring The Great Buddha sitting atop Nakkerd Hill in Phuket and realized we had no clue how to get back to our home base. In most cases, it was a bit nerve-racking.

How this Failure Leads to Success: 

We have made this mistake so often now, you might think that I love to fail. But, with each situation, we have followed a few simple steps to find success. First, we relax. There is no reason to panic or stress out because that just makes the situation worse. Secondly, we have learned to ask for help. Inevitably, people are good and will help you find a way back home. Now of course you should always be cautious and safe. But, we have learned by asking for help that often there may be options like a metro, taxis, Uber, tuk-tuks, collectivos, or even the occasional farm truck that will be glad to give you a ride to your destination.

Hot Tip: We truly feel that most places in the world are safe. However, as in any place you travel please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. We also strongly recommend that you consider getting Travel Insurance from World Nomads. It is a simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe while participating in any wild adventure.

Adventure Experience Failures that led to Success

Perhaps the easiest bucket list category to experience failure is your Adventure Activities & Experiences list. This is because more often than not, many of these items rely on physical ability which we may just not have. Now that doesn’t give you a pass to not give it the old college try. But, you need to be prepared because your goal may require a lot of training, effort, practice, and ultimately a little luck.  So is failure good when you strike out attempting an adventure activity or experience? We think so.

1) Eric can’t seem to Kiteboard

The Fail:

I remember the first time I saw kiteboarders cruising around Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It was back in the late 1990s and an outfit known as XL Kites had a van parked on the bay with a group learning how to float their kites. I was immediately awestruck and knew I had to try it. So, my mom bought me lessons and I learned the basics of launching and body dragging. But when it came to putting the board on my feet and actually surfing, I FAILED. I pretty much dragged around the bay face first, drinking up all the saltwater Florida had to offer. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

Of course, the scenario above was my first time so that was okay. I mean sports like that are not easy to learn. But I had to make some hard decisions and clarify my commitment to Kiteboarding. So a few months later, I took my savings and bought a board, a Cabrinha Switchblade kite, and a full rig set up. With my new gear, I would practice in Lake Pontchartrain, & the beaches of Gulfport. Often I would return to the XL Kites gang in Fort Walton and ask for help. To further my skills (or at least try to) I even spent a week in Tobago with the Radical Sports Tobago Kiteboarding School.

Now, I have to be honest, I still can’t stand on the board and kite at the same time. Even the guys at Radical Sports Tobago were a bit confused by my lack of ability. Though they were impressed by how much of the Caribbean Sea I could drink without drowning. But through all of this failure, my dream didn’t fade. Maybe it is because I love watching the graceful soaring of other kiteboarders or maybe it is because I am stubborn. But I know that hopefully with continued practice, I will succeed.

2) We can’t catch the Northern Lights

The Fail:

Have you ever felt like Eeyore with a raincloud overhead? I am not going to lie, I feel like that every time I go hunting the Northern Lights! Not because seeing the Aurora Borealis is depressing in any way. No, the fail comes in that even if the forecast of the location & intensity of the aurora is supposed to be perfect, by the time I get out there, a sudden stream of clouds appears. REALLY. This has happened to me in my attempt to see the Northern Lights in Iceland, Alaska, Northern Wyoming, & other places.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

In order for this failure to lead to success, I had to first accept that the weather is out of my control. It seems pretty obvious but that doesn’t mean I can’t hedge my bets to find success. So in order to increase my odds of seeing the Northern Lights, I learned to research better by visiting sites like NOAA’s Space Weather Prediction Center or the Aurora Hunter. So, with a little luck, planning, and a whole lot of patience, we will finally witness the magical display of lights, someday.

3) We have had run-ins with the law

The Fail:

When we sign up for different activities or adventures around the world, in no way do we ever attempt anything illegal. But that doesn’t mean we haven’t had issues with law enforcement or security forces. For example, while taking on the wild adventure of driving a tuk-tuk across India, Darcee actually got us stopped by the Indian Police! At first, we assumed they thought we stole the tuk-tuk or maybe Darcee was speeding (if that is even possible in that glorified lawnmower). But in reality, he just wanted to say hi and see if we had a $1.00 U.S. bill since had never seen one ever.

Now in Liechtenstein, things were a little different. Essentially the Swiss Guard came down on Eric after he accidentally tried to illegally re-enter the Schatzkammer which is the Princes of Liechtenstein’s Private Collection of treasures. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

When it comes to your failures, we truly hope that none of them require the assistance of law enforcement. But if they do, we have learned to always approach the situation respectfully and even with some positivity. For example, with all the things to do in Liechtenstein, being surrounded by armed guards shouldn’t be high on anyone’s list. But, accidents happen. So by being calm, respectful, and most importantly, apologetic, all was forgiven within moments.

4) We have bitten off more than we could chew

The Fail:

I vividly remember staring at the distance sign at the start of my pilgrimage along the Camino de Santiago from St. Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. For those who don’t use the metric system, 790 kilometers is roughly 491 miles. Wait, what? That is like walking from New Orleans to Epcot Center in Orlando, Florida but with mountains in the middle! Plus, I was doing it alone and only had a guidebook and painted arrows on random walls and rocks to guide me. The start of the pilgrimage definitely filled me with a bit of doubt.

Another time I felt a bit overwhelmed is in preparation for our Climbing Devil’s Tower for ALS. I mean what kind of crazy person volunteers to climb 867 feet (265 m) from base to summit, with a summit 5,112 feet above sea level? I know it is for an amazing cause but I am not as young as I used to be.

How this Failure Leads to Success:  

Well with the Camino, I realized that my only way home was from Portugal, so no matter what, I had to head that direction. It was then that I realized that if I started to walk and either struggled, decided I didn’t like it, or flat out failed, that was okay. This is because I knew that I could always stop and catch a train or another way back. Now I know that this type of “safety net” thought seems a bit like a way out. But to be honest, sometimes people just need to know there are alternatives or a plan B to make them feel comfortable. 

Another thing I have learned that has lead to success is how to gather your support team. When you are taking on a bucket list item that seems a bit overwhelming, you have to stop and look for help. Inevitably, there are others walking that same trail or climbing that same mountain that share similar fears, challenges, or concerns. It is in those moments that you can find strength to accomplish your goals by doing it together! In many of our successes, we have made great friends who won with us!

Personal Growth Failures that lead to Success

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale, author of The Power of Positive Thinking, once shared, “Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you’ll land among the stars.” I personally love this quote because sometimes it is often hard to relay the benefits of failure to those who only see one final goal. Don’t get me wrong, when it comes to pursuing your bucket list dreams, we want you to keep your eyes on the big prize. But there are so many great and positive side effects to failure especially with items on your personal growth bucket list. Let’s explore a few of our failures that lead to success.

1) I still can’t see my 6 pack abs

The Fail:

I can still remember the feeling of ripping my “fat boy” pants in the parking lot getting out of my car. See back in 2009, I was FAT! I was always husky but that summer as seen in the pic above on the left, I maxed out my 5’8″ frame to a weight of 245lbs. So, rather than buying new suit pants for my job, the year before I had gone to Walmart and bought a pair of those cheaply made black slacks with the elastic band. I mean I didn’t want to buy new expensive pants when I already had some and I could “easily” lose the weight. But I hadn’t. So one day, as I was getting out of my car to visit a client, my cheap Walmart pants tore at the elastic band because I pushed them to the max. It was too much and at the moment, #5) See my 6 Pack was added to my Personal Growth Bucket List.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Now I will be honest, I thought I would have had a 6 pack by now. I mean that was 11 years ago. But I barely have some details of a 4 pack at times – usually near the summer months. However, that is okay because even though I have yet to get shredded, I still found great success.

You see, in this pursuit for the ideal physique, I still lost nearly 90lbs and have maintained that 157lb weight for over 10 years. Now, it wasn’t easy and I learned that there isn’t 1 way that works for everyone. In fact, I probably have tried about 5 different eating lifestyles and over 45 different workout plans. But I never lost commitment to my goal and my health.

2) I still can’t fluently speak Spanish

The Fail:

So I don’t have many regrets about the choices I have made. But one of the biggest regrets I do have is not studying Spanish more as a kid. My mom tried to get me to learn and initially spoke to me in Spanish. But as I became a stubborn teen, I gave up on it and even rebelled by taking French in high school. However, in my pursuit to learn more about my Cuban heritage and travel more, I have attempted many of the best ways to learn Spanish. The only problem is that I am still nowhere near being fluent enough to have a conversation with my Grandmother.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

So, yes I am still a very long way from fluent conversational Spanish with my Cuban family. But, in this failure, I have had some success. For example, I have learned enough to easily tackle basic travel situations. I have long term traveled to Spain, Colombia, Peru and even parts of Morocco and successfully navigated situations speaking Spanish. Plus, in attempting various ways to learn Spanish, I also discovered better ways of learning subjects overall. That way when I take on future personal growth items, I can find the right resources to help me learn.

Failures in Louisiana that led to Success

In Louisiana, we like to say “laissez les bon temps rouler” which means “let the good times roll.” But we have missed the pirogue a few times by not paying attention. Now don’t get me wrong, we don’t take things too seriously or often live by a schedule down here in the Bayou State. But our lack of organization has led to a few failures. So grab your Mom ‘n ‘em and check out some of our major faux pas while chasing our Louisiana Bucket List!

1) We missed the fais-do-do

The Fail:

For those of you who don’t know a fais-do-do (pronounced fay DOUGH DOUGH) is basically a fun Cajun dance party. In general the best ones are based around food, music, and dancing and are found in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. So when looking for the best fais-do-do, the infamous Cafe Des Amis topped the list. We kept saying that we were going to take the drive over for a fun weekend. I mean it was barely 3 hours away. But sadly due to our hemming and hawing, we missed our chance and it closed in early 2018.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Cafe Des Amis WAS world-famous for their Saturday Morning Zydeco Breakfast. Visitors were greeted with spicy bloody mary’s and rich Cajun cuisine like eggs with crawfish étouffée. However, the real highlight was when the  Zydeco band started to play encouraging everyone to dance! So, when we realized that we missed our chance it was a big disappointment. But that didn’t deter us. Instead, we asked around, did a little research, and discovered there is a new kid in town, Buck and Johnny’s, that is offering zydeco music, dancing, and a world famous Zydeco Breakfast.

2) We’ve been a wee bit too close to some gators

The Fail:

It a very popular bucket list item to take a swamp tour, visit an alligator farm, or see them in the wild at Rip’s Rookery in New Iberia. So of course, there have been several times where I wanted to show my Wyoming girlfriend, now wife, some true Louisiana gators. But one of the first times I did this we kind of got a bit too close. While walking the lap around Rip’s Rookery on Jefferson Island we came upon several gators sunbathing. By that time, we had already walked all the way around the island and we weren’t sure we should go back. Needless to say, we RAN by them as fast as humanly possible!

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Outside of improving my time in the 40-yard dash, getting too close to alligators made me learn better safety protocols. So we turned to the Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries website. According to LDWF, most alligators, if left alone, will move on and are generally not a threat to people. However, they do recommend that if you have a close encounter with an alligator, like we did, back away slowly. 

My Failure to Make Amends that led to Success

Asking for forgiveness is HARD! I have often said that my Making Amends Bucket List is easily the hardest list I have created. Perhaps because means I have to not only reach out to those I have hurt but then admit my faults to them. So how can someone fail when trying to say they are sorry? 

1) I haven’t even tried yet

The Fail:

When it comes to making amends, I am a Failure! Why? Because, even though I think about the various people on the list that I have wronged, I have yet to take action. At one point, I tried to find one of the people on my list. But it was a struggle to connect with them and thus I just stopped trying.

How this Failure Leads to Success:

To be honest, it is hard to find success here. Now let me clarify that success will not be measured by obtaining forgiveness from those whom I hurt. Rather, success comes in admitting my faults to the person whom I hurt. Also, when I share here, it not only humbles me but reminds me that I need to try harder. So hopefully my failure leads to success by recommitting myself to try again. 

My Failure to Help Others that led to Success

They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. But can you actually be a failure when you help others? Maybe. Now don’t get me wrong there is no better way to leave your mark on the world than by finding ways to help others. Plus, there are even studies that helping others can even help you live longer. However, sometimes you might do a bit more harm than good if you don’t plan properly or try to cut corners. 

1) Our Little Library made us ashamed of our-SHELVES

The Fail:

I am not a good carpenter! Not that it is beyond my skill set but I neither have the tools nor the patience to build something with my hands. But that didn’t stop me from wanting to build a Little Library to put out in front of my house. Of course in typical fashion, I had dreams of grandeur of the coolest looking little library packed with books where people would stop by to pick up or share. But rather than buying an official kit from the Little Free Library association, I came up with a “genius” idea to use an old wine crate! Of course, I had great intentions and it all started out great. But having it in New Orleans where it rains all the time or is humid most other days, it all became a big problem. Instead of helping my community with a fun book exchange, my cutting corners lead to a moldy science experiment!  

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Unless the goal was to spread black mold or test the relative breakdown rates of paperback novels, then it is pretty obvious that my little library was a bust. But throughout the whole process, I learned a lot about how to do it better the next time. I realized that if I wanted to create a unique little library for my Irish Channel neighborhood, then I need to figure out how to deal with environmental factors. It also reminded me that there are no short cuts when trying to do something right! Now, this doesn’t mean you can’t do it differently or better, but you have to do it right. Otherwise, you might be sending someone home with a book that even Dr. Who can’t fix.

2) I took my best friend on a Death March

The Fail:

One of my favorite Helping Others Bucket List items is by far #103) Fulfill 1 Bucket List Item for Anyone who helps me with 1 of mine! It is such an amazing feeling when someone gets to tick off a dream item because of your efforts. So, when my best friend Brian shared that he always dreamed of summitting Mt. Whitney and then backpacking the Pacific Crest Trail, I jumped at the chance to make his dream come true. But there was one problem, Brian was a beginner backpacker and not 100% ready for the physical demands of the trail. Don’t get me wrong, he trained. But with all my personal hiking experience I should have directed him better when we planned out our trek. Instead of starting at a pace of 8-10 miles each day, and then slowly working upwards, we planned most days at 15 or more. This wouldn’t have been too bad except that we had to cross over a million peaks of the Sierra Nevada from the Whitney Portal. 

How this Failure Leads to Success:

Luckily we took care of summitting Mount Whitney by day 2. So at least we were able to succeed at standing at the highest point above sea level in the lower 48 states. But by day 5, Brian was done and I was pretty beat up as well. It was a pretty humbling as we sat at the Twin Lakes about 23 miles from Lone Pine. But in that moment of humility, we learned that when life throws us obstacles we can easily change course. Even though we hadn’t made it to Mammoth Lakes we could still enjoy the moment. Instead, we relaxed, met some friends who let us fly fish with them, and recovered in some of the most beautiful parts of California. 

My Failure to keep this post short leads to Success

If you made it this far, congrats! You survived another session with little Eric-Talks-A-Lot! But hopefully, you had a great laugh as we shared our different types of failure. I am sure by reading all the bloopers we have had chasing the many items on the Bucket List Project, you realize that we obviously Love to Fail! But, also, I hope you learned that there are many benefits to failure and that it isn’t always a bad thing.

So now it is your turn! Do you think failure leads to success? Have you ever botched something so bad but still found success? What are some of the best bucket list fails you have ever seen or experienced? Share with us in the comments below and maybe help someone who may be dealing with a similar failure.

Don’t forget to Pin this to your favorite Personal Growth Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, the “How My Failure Leads to Success” contains a few affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post How my Failure Leads to Success appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

Are you dreaming of an amazing bucket list trip to South America? Of course, you are! Who wouldn’t want to dive into the rich culture, eat unbelievable food, or explore the different cities? Plus, where else can you trek the world’s driest desert, then walk amid beautiful tropical rainforests, and wrap it up by exploring the ancient civilizations of the Incas? But for a Continent with 12 amazing yet unique countries, is it easy to travel South America on a Budget?

The answer is YES!

Now, don’t get us wrong, there is no guaranteed blanket strategy that will cover all 12 of the countries in South America. For example, Peru, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Bolivia tend to be quite easy on a travel budget. While traveling to Argentina, Brazil or Chile might require you to focus a bit better on your budget. Either way, we have found that using these 10 money-saving tips are best for anyone traveling South America on a Budget!

#1 Manage your money wisely

Whenever you ask a travel “pro” for their best piece of advice on how to budget for travel, they are probably going to mention avoiding fees! Perhaps the horrible exchange rate fees at the airport are the easiest to avoid if you know they are outrageous. But the one that often gets us is the painful ATM fees every time you make a cash withdrawal. These tend to be the costliest as you can sometimes get hit with 3 separate fees:

1. The Foreign ATM transaction fee from the machine you are using.
2. The Exchange Rate transaction fee from your own bank.
3. The Foreign ATM transaction fee from your own bank. (We hate this one the MOST!)

Don’t get us wrong, we understand that some fees are unavoidable. But there is no reason to lose money because your bank isn’t travel friendly.

To prevent this extra cost, look into banks that offer no international fees on purchases or withdrawals.  We have also found that some of the best Credit Unions and Banks that will even refund any ATM fees that you acquire in South America. So do your research and find that perfect travel-friendly Bank Account for traveling South America on a Budget.

Looking for a way to travel South America on a Budget? Then discover 10 travel tips for the best ways to travel South America cheap while still having fun! #TravelTips #SouthAmerica #BudgetTravel #TravelHacks
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#2 Find better flights to budget travel in South America

There is no doubt that round trip flights to any of the 12 countries in South America can often be one of your biggest expenses. That is why it is key to research and use the right tools to find cheap flights before booking your plane tickets. For us, when we booked flights to Peru or Colombia, we found great prices on flights at Kiwi that saved us a lot of money for food and fun!

However, just using the right search tool isn’t the only factor to save money while traveling in South America. Remember to be flexible on what days you fly and if possible, try booking early. We have often seen that about 7 weeks or 54 days prior to your trip tends to be the lowest price. But if you see a great deal from the Dollar Flight Club or other notification services that help you save money don’t be afraid to snag it right away.

#3 Consider traveling South America during the Off-Season

For those of you who know Eric, you know he loves to travel in the off-season. This is because he hates the cold and is often trying to chase 365 days of summer and sun around the globe. That is why traveling during the off-season or shoulder season to South America is great. Since their warmer months are the opposite of those who live in the northern hemisphere, you can collect all the Vitamin D you need.

But traveling to South America during the off-season also offers other benefits. For one, you can often find better deals on flights and accommodations since there is more supply and less demand. Also, there are fewer people everywhere. So now you don’t have to fight a horde of people to take that perfect shot at Machu Picchu or deal with their noise while you are South American Hunting.

#4 Book Cheaper Accommodations

After flights, where you stay in South America may be the costliest factor on your budget for traveling South America. But it doesn’t have to be costly, if you are willing to explore alternatives to a typical hotel. For example, most countries in South America have Airbnbs and many of them are beautiful. For example, you can book the Romantic Cabana Airbnb in Colombia pictured above for a mere $40 a night! To save a little extra on your next Airbnb, check out sites that offer promo codes and coupons like the Airbnb section of Capitol One Shopping.

Another alternative to overpriced hotel chains is booking a night in a hostel in South America. Now before you start rolling your eyes at the idea of some dormitory-style accommodation for smelly backpackers, hostels are actually a lot of fun. First of all, they can offer some of the cheapest ways to travel South America and more often than not, hostels have large private nice rooms at a fraction of the cost. Plus, we have found that in our travels around South America, hostels often provide fun environments to meet new people and other amenities to liven up your adventure.

#5 Book your activities ahead of time

So, this is often one of the few tips for traveling South America we failed to follow, and it ended up costing us extra. But, booking bucket list activities ahead of time can save a lot of time and money for anyone on a budget. Now, we often do research before heading to one of the 12 countries in South America with major tour companies. Plus, it reduces the stress of haggling with local tour operators in a language you might not be comfortable speaking.

One of the first places we now check is Get Your Guides. With over 800 different excursions and adventures, we find that they often offer some of the best deals that save us money. But if you can’t find what you are looking for there, then Viator is another option with almost 22,000 organized tours throughout South America.

#6 Use local transportation to get around

Now let us start by saying that in no way do we recommend hitchhiking around South America. Of course, people do it, but you always need to stay safe. With that said, there is no reason why you can’t take local trains, metros, or even ride the bus in any of the countries in South America. In fact, there are all types of buses that are actually quite nice to ride in most of the countries and they tend to be some of the cheapest ways to travel South America.

For example, Eric booked a comfortable air-conditioned double-decker bus on Bookaway from Lima to Cusco in Peru for less than $40 and it was awesome. Not only was the bus extremely comfortable but it had wi-fi, reclining seats to sleep, and they fed him 2 meals along the trip. Plus, what better way to see the country you are traveling than through a giant bus window!

#7 Save money like a local and eat like a King

Being from New Orleans, we don’t just eat to live but we LIVE TO EAT! So, wherever we travel, trying the local cuisine is usually pretty high on our list. But of course, if you are trying to save money while traveling South America, then choosing what and where to eat can often be a struggle. That is why we follow a few tips to save money on food:

1. The first thing we do is ask the locals. One of the best parts of staying in Airbnbs or even hostels is that people are always willing to share their favorite secret spots! Plus, they may even want to join you which adds to an amazing experience.
2. Explore Street Food. Now, we don’t want you to get sick. So do some scouting of local vendors. But ultimately, don’t be afraid of street food. If you watch where others are eating you are bound to come across some amazing traditional foods at street-stalls. Plus, it ends up only costing just a few dollars so you can sample different bites.
3. Hit up the local grocery store. This is probably one of our favorite things to do! It is so cool to just stroll around a grocery store seeing what different foods and produce are local that you may have never seen before. Plus, it is a great way to save money if you use it to stock up on snacks or even breakfast foods.
4. Fill up on Menu Del Dia. In most Latin American countries, many restaurants will have a special on Almuerzo (lunch) or have a Menu Del Dia which is basically the special of the day. These pre-fixed menus are often a bargain but are still packed with tons of local flavor and will leave you full.

#8 Explore the area for free

If you do your research or ask around, you are bound to find tons of local activities, festivals, or even museums that offer free admission. This is especially true of the beautiful churches throughout South America. Whether you are of the same faith or not, most churches will allow you to enter and walk the grounds for free as long as you are respectful.

Another way to find free activities in your area is to check with the front desk or your Airbnb host. Often, these locals know of all kinds of concerts or small festivals going on nearby. If they don’t know you can always check a hotel or local hostel. In general, even if we aren’t staying there, we go in and ask for a map from the concierge or person working at the front desk. Then, we just ask for recommendations on the best free tourist attractions in the area.

Lastly, check online. With sites like FreeTour.com you can simply book a free walking tour with a local guide in the city. Now, to be clear, these local tour guides often work on tips, but they are a great way to discover where you are in South America.

#9 Be willing to haggle

Not going to lie, souvenirs are neat to look at, but it is rare that we buy any. Though recently, we have been collecting things we can use as ornaments for our Christmas tree. With that said, it can be hard to save money traveling in South America if you are spending tons on souvenirs. That is why we recommend you haggle.

Now for most people, haggling can be a bit uncomfortable. Plus, in some of the more developed countries like Argentina or Brazil, it isn’t always common. But it never hurts to ask especially when dealing with street vendors or in open markets. You might not talk them down half price, but a dollar saved is a dollar earned for food or fun!

#10 Know the cost of a Big Mac

Okay, I can feel you staring at us blankly wondering why on earth would anyone ever want to travel to South America just to eat a McDonald’s Big Mac. Well, we do love two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, pickles, onions on a sesame seed bun as much as the next guy. But, we would never want you to skip out on any of those amazing local dishes.

However, one of the best ways to budget travel in South America is to use the Big Mac Index. Created in 1986 for fun by The Economist magazine, the Big Mac Index is a tool to help travelers understand the relationship between your own country’s dollar versus the relative value of a dollar in the country you are visiting.

Therefore, before you travel, you should check out The Big Mac Index Converter to help you better understand how much your dollar can actually buy there.

To check it out, just plug in the cost of a Big Mac in your own country in the Big Mac Index Converter. It is pretty self-explanatory. But let’s give you an example:

At the time of publishing, a Big Mac in the United States averages about $5.50, and let’s say we are traveling to Peru.  As you can see when you enter the price of a Big Mac in the U.S. into the Big Mac Index Converter here, it gives you all kinds of information. But the point I like is the actual purchasing power and the real market value. Basically, if you have $5.50 USD then you can buy anything that in the exchange rate is worth about $3.41 USD. So, your money is worth more…Cha-Ching!

Disclosure: This post, “Budget Travel in South America”, is a sponsored post. However, All opinions expressed below are our own. Also, this post may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post Budget Travel in South America appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

While walking the streets of the walled city of Cartagena, you can easily get lost in it’s vibrant colors. Couple that with the amazing food, great museums, and lively music, you could easily stay in this area forever. But that would be a mistake. Whether you explore the world’s third-largest barrier reef that makes up Islas del Rosario National Park or you swim in the Totumo Mud Volcano there is plenty to do outside of the city! However, just a 10 minute stroll outside the city walls, you can discover one of the best kept secrets to exploring Cartagena street art: the neighborhood of Getsemani.

Walking around Getsemani, you'll see some the most amazing displays of Cartagena street art! See why exploring Cartagena Street art needs to be on your bucket list! #CartagenaStreetArt #CartagenaGraffiti #GetsemaniStreetArt
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A Brief History of Getsemani 

The neighborhood of Getsemani has had a rocky evolution. Originally, the Spanish invasion pushed out the indigenous tribes from Cartagena and all surrounding regions. Getsemani became the local barrio for African Slaves of those in the walled city next door. In the early 1800s, a free man of color, Pedro Romero, led his “Lanceros de Gestemani” against the Spanish, becoming a hero of Cartagena’s independence movement.

Sadly, after independence was obtained, Getsemani fell into a dismal state. It developed a reputation as a neighborhood of drugs, violence, crime, and prostitution. Though less than a 5 minute walk from the famous walled city, every traveler to Cartagena was warned that Getsemani was an unsafe place to explore.

Luckily, that all changed at the turn of the 21st century. As Cartagena opened it’s doors to tourism, a sort of cultural renaissance slowly came to Getsemani. Suddenly, the old remnant run down buildings were being converted to hostels, shops, and restaurants. Plaza de la Trinidad became a center for local musicians, street performers, and artists to share their talents.

This rebirth and revitalization all came to a head around December 2013. Getsemani became a vivid graffiti scene of protests toward the gentrification and increasing tourism of the area. Rather than discourage the Cartagena street art, an International Festival of Urban Art was held on the Streets of Getsemani. For this event, both local and international street artists were invited to share murals featuring everything from animals to events important to the people of Cartagena. The result was one of the most amazing and largest displays of street art in the world. Thankfully, it preserved and easy to explore.

Note: Below are some of the amazing murals and pieces of Cartagena street art we found. Some of the images are thumb nails. Feel free to click on them to see the images in full view!

Exploring Cartagena Street Art in Plaza de la Trinidad

There is no doubt that any visitor to the neighborhood of Getsemani will end up at Plaza de la Trinidad! Here you will find amazing street food, cheap drinks, and plenty of opportunity to people watch as you are entertained by the local musicians and artists. But, if it is Cartagena street art you are looking to explore, then look for the Black Bird known as “Maria Mulata” behind the statue of Pedro Romero.

Yurika MDC created the mural based on of a local legend. According to the story, there were once colorful birds called Maria Mulatas that loved to sing in Cartagena. One day a horrible fire broke out and engulfed the city in flames. The colorful birds flew into the fire ravaged area and with their long beaks scooped up the locals and flew them to safety. Sadly, by flying back and forth through the smoke and soot, the Maria Mulatas lost their colorful feathers and were blackened forever. It is said that on bright days, locals can still see the brilliant colors in the bird’s black plumage.

Getsemani street art on social issues

Just because Cartagena embraced the street art scene doesn’t mean that protests toward the gentrification and increasing tourism stopped. This is evident when Peruvian artist, El Decertor, created his giant mural titled, “Defender Lo Que Nos Queda.” This large mural showcases the struggle of the locals from Getsemani who are working to preserve the identity and memory of their community.

Another Peruvian artist known as Jade also chimed in on the gentrification of Getsemani. He created this mural of a lower class man holding the flag of Cartagena while protesting the sale and higher prices of housing in his home town.

Honoring Cartagena’s favorite sons

Whether it is a hero of Cartagena’s independence movement, their famed salsa singer, or great athletes, you are bound to find some of the cities favorite sons immortalized in the Cartagena street art.

Pedro Romero, hero of the independence movement

Famous salsa singer Joe Arroyo

The Boxers

One of Cartagena’s favorite sons is former two-time world middleweight champion boxer and Cartagena native, Rodrigo Valdez. This mural immortalizes his with epic rivalry with Carlos Monzón.

The strong women of Cartagena

When exploring Cartagena street art, many strong women of different backgrounds can also be seen. From a mural of the Smiling Afro-Colombian woman to the local model Ana Luisa Muñoz, the women of Cartagena are showcased with strength and confidence.

Immortalizing the Palanqueras

The palanqueras or fruit sellers, are one of the most iconic characters of Cartagena. You can see them walking around everywhere in their vibrant dresses usually balancing large bowls of fruit on their heads. Historically, these women would trek into Cartagena everyday loaded with fruit harvested from trees surrounding their native Palenque. With such a rich history and vibrant aesthetic, it is easy to see why they would be immortalized in Cartagena street art.

Remembering the indigenous people

Before the Spanish invasion of what is now Cartagena, the area was originally inhabited by the Calamari people that dominated the Caribbean coast. Throughout Getsemani you will find a number of murals that pay tribute to the original indigenous inhabitants.

The amazing animals

While strolling around, you are bound to see many beautiful depictions of animals in the Getsemani street art. Some are simply beautiful images, while others portray a more environmental warning to onlookers.

The doors of a barrio

American best-selling novelist Katherine Karen Dunn once said, “Behind every locked door on Skid Road are a thousand stories.” With such a seedy history as a neighborhood of drugs, violence, and prostitution, there must be crazy stories hidden within Getsemani. As you walk through the streets, make sure you also look at the doors to see some incredible street art hiding in plain sight.

How to find the amazing Cartagena street art

While wandering up and down the colorful streets of Getsemani, you will easily find plenty of murals and paintings. Calle de La Sierpe (The Street of the Serpent) is a great spot to begin your tour as most of the street is covered with large murals. From there, simply stroll the areas of Getsemani around Plaza de la Trinidad, Plaza del Pozo, and any of the adjoining side streets.

If you prefer a more organized walking tour of the Getsemani street art there are several available. These tours are great because they allow you to check out the city’s diverse street art scene and you meet with local artists at their studios.

• Getsemaní Neighbourhood Tour in Cartagena – This tour is an extremely popular 2-hour guided tour of Gestemani. Not only will you discover the amazing Getsemani street art, but you will also meet the locals, learn the barrio’s history, play a game of ludo, and even get involved in a community art project.
• Cartagena Art Tour – This 3-hour exploration of Cartagena street art will take you into the Getsemani neighborhood. From there, you will meet with local artists at their studios, tour the newest galleries and check out the city’s diverse street art scene with a certified art historian guide.

As you can see, exploring Cartagena street art is another unique bucket list experience offered in Colombia! Have you ever explored the Cartagena street art scene? Is seeing all of the amazing murals in Getsemani on your Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin this to your Favorite Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, “Exploring Cartagena Street Art ”, may contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post Exploring Cartagena Street Art appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

There is no doubt Colombia is a great destination for bucket list travel, especially along the coast. From celebrating Carnival in Barranquilla to “discovering” Ciudad Perdida when you Tour Santa Marta, it is easy for any traveler to find adventure. However, one of the craziest and most unique bucket list experiences is to bathe in the Totumo Mud Volcano!

Colombia’s Mud Volcano

Just 45 minutes outside of Cartagena, at 49 feet high, lies the smallest volcano in Colombia, Volcan del Totumo. El Totumo, as it is known to locals, is an active volcano in the municipality of Santa Catalina. However, instead of spewing hot lava and ash, El Totumo contains dense, geothermally heated mud containing supposedly body-benefiting minerals. According to the welcome sign at the base of the Totumo Mud Volcano, this giant cauldron of mud contains all-natural ingredients including calcium, magnesium and aluminum, among others.

Legend has it that at one time, El Totumo was a work of the Devil and in fact spewed fire, lava, and ash. But a local priest fought to banish the Devil by sprinkling holy water into the fiery pit and it was turned into mud. Thus, the fabled birth of the Totumo Mud Volcano.

Discover how you can have one of the craziest and most unique bucket list experiences when you swim in the Totumo Mud Volcano! #TotumoMudVolcano #VolcanDelTotumo #VisitColombia
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Climbing to the top

When you arrive at El Totumo, local guides immediately direct you to take off your shoes and hand over your cameras. Don’t worry, your assigned guide will take care of your camera and take pictures of your experience. From there you climb up a rickety set of steps to the top of the mud volcano and a platform about 15 feet in diameter. At the top, the views of the valley and lake below are truly amazing! Once there you will wait in line with a bunch of other adventurous souls for your chance to climb into the pit.

Hot Tip: There is no protection from the sun at the top so make sure you wear plenty of sunscreen!

Getting in the Totumo Mud Volcano

When it is finally your time, you tell your guide which camera is yours and then proceed down the mud caked ladder into the pit. The mud is extremely dense so the first thing you notice is that you can’t sink. As you bob around through the crowd of other muddy bodies, make your way to one of the local “massage therapists” for the ultimate Totumo Mud Volcano experience.

Get ready to be handled

Once in the Totumo Mud Volcano, get ready to be groped. Inside the pit are several locals who are there to give you full body mud massage. They will coat your entire body with the mineral rich mud and massage your legs, back and scalp. It is wise to let them cover your face so as to not get any of the mud in your eyes.

After your massage there is plenty of time to relax and take it all in. You will be allowed to bob around in the mud for as long as you want. But know that it does start to get a bit crowded and there will be legs and arms flailing all around you.

Hot Tip: Wear an old bathing suit or pair of shorts that you don’t want anymore. They will be ruined by the mud.

Escaping the pit

Once you are done, you will climb out of the pit on another muddy and slippery ladder. Take your time exiting because you don’t want to slip and fall back onto the throngs of other muddy bodies! When you exit, your guide will take a few more photos and then wipe off any excess mud drippings from your body. From here you will make your way back down to the base of Totumo via another set of rickety steps.

Hot Tip: Also, take heed to your trunks as they tend to be filled with mud and can easily slip off as you climb the ladder out. The last thing you want to share is your white buttocks with the crowd below! 

Getting cleaned off

Once you are at the base of Totumo Mud Volcano, grab your shoes and towel and head to the lake. Here, an old, local and quite aggressive woman will grab your hand, place a colored ribbon around your wrist and guide you into the water. Get Ready! She will douse you with water from her bucket as she works to clean the mud off of you with no concern for boundaries or personal space. Prepare for her to demand you take off your bathing suite so she can clean it in the water as you sit shamelessly beneath the surface.

Hot Tip: Bring an old pair of flip flops with you as the paved path to the lake is extremely, hot but your feet are caked in mud!

Finishing up

After your bath in the lake, you can claim your camera, change your clothes, and perhaps grab a beer or some food. Make sure you bring enough cash for tips. Everyone from the camera man to the ladies who washed you will approach you asking for a cash tip for their “services.”

Swimming in the Totumo Mud Volcano in Colombia is definitely a crazy and unique experience! Discover why you need to add this to your next trip to Colombia! #ElTotumo #TotumoMudVolcano #VisitColombia
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How to get to the Totumo Mud Volcano

From Cartagena: If there are several of you in your group, you can pay for a round trip cab to Volcan del Totumo. In general, it is about a 40-minute drive from Cartagena in the Santa Catalina district. You will need to pay the entrance fees along with your tips inside.

However, it is easier and probably a little safer to take part in one of the several Totumo Mud Volcano tour groups out of Cartagena. The tour groups generally pick you up at your hotel or a central location. They offer you round trip transportation, a nice lunch at a nearby Manzanillo Beach, and possibly a tour of the natural areas of the Santa Catalina district.

• Totumo Volcano Transportation from Cartagena Tour – After pickup from your Cartagena hotel, this tour will take you via air-conditioned bus to the Totumo Mud Volcano. Your guide will also provide great insights into the Bolivar region as you pass atmospheric mangroves and splendid seaside sights. (@$50.00 USD)
• The Mud Volcano from Cartagena Tour – On top of transporting you from your hotel to Volcan Del Totumo, this tour includes a stop at the Caribbean beach Manzanillo del Mar and a typical Colombian-style lunch for a relaxing tour at great value. (@$40.00 USD)
• Half-Day Tour to Totumo Mud Volcano from Cartagena – In addition to providing transportation to and from your Cartagena hotel, this tour includes a stop at Manzanillo Beach. (@$35.00 USD)

Explore nearby Cartagena

Let’s Get Muddy

As you can see, bathing in the Totumo Mud Volcano is one of the craziest and most unique bucket list experiences a person can have in Colombia! Have you ever swam in the Totumo Mud Volcano? Is it on your Bucket List? Let us know in the comments below!

Don’t forget to Pin the Totumo Mud Volcano to your Bucket List Board!

Disclosure: This post, “The Totumo Mud Volcano – A Bucket List Adventure”, does contain affiliate links. Using the links doesn’t cost you any extra, and it helps keep the site free, fun, and community supported! Eric & Darcee will never recommend a product that we don’t genuinely believe in, actually use ourselves, have researched, and trust. Please see the disclosure policy for more information.

The post The Totumo Mud Volcano – A Bucket List Adventure appeared first on The Bucket List Project.

In case you are a keen traveler, but don’t want to spend a few weeks in the usual tourist resort, you might get out there and explore what the world has to offer when it comes to cultural and ecosystem diversity. Some of the places are at risk of industrialization, while others are already on the path to destroy the natural beauty. Below you will find a few recommendations of five bucket list destinations to visit if you would like to get close to nature.

Travel is about making new friends & seeing more of the natural beauty around us, instead of being stuck in a hotel or on the beach. See 5 Destinations You Should Have On Your Bucket List! #bucketlistdestinations #bucketlisttravel
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1. India

When thinking about India, you will immediately think about pollution and big cities with tens of millions of people. There is, however, a rural side of the country where you can find wild animals living in their natural habitat. While monkeys and elephants, not to mention the Bengal Tiger have been pushed out of their environments, you can find plenty of wildlife reserves in India where you can still meet them.

2. Costa Rica

One of the favorite destinations of Americans, this country pays a lot of attention to ecotourism and preserving the living environment of species. While industrial deforestation can’t be stopped, there are several national parks and reserves where you can meet sloths, toucans, and howling monkeys. Plus, you could also take a trip to the canopy layer of the rainforest in Costa Rica, and you will be amazed by the biodiversity of the country.

3. Mexico

Mexico is not only a great cultural destination, but it also has some great forests with ancient ruins to explore. No matter if you are signing up for a tour with a local company or are looking to explore the forests and rural villages on your, Mexico will not disappoint you, that’s for sure. If you are interested in natural history, you need to check out the Sumidero Canyon National Park.

4. Cambodia

One of the Asian countries that you might not consider visiting, but should is Cambodia. There is a great biodiversity here, and you are likely to find plenty of remote villages and lower prices than in the rest of the continent. You might also want to learn about the islands, such as the one that was awarded as best ecotourism destination offering great programs and tours, educational visits, and stunning eco-friendly accommodation as well.

5. Colombia

There’s nothing like touring Santa Marta, Colombia. No matter if you are interested in the culture, the food, or the national parks, you are going to find everything at the same place. From stunning beaches to great scuba diving locations and hidden waterfalls, loads of adventures await travelers in Colombia. Be sure to check out the Tayrona National Park, where you can go on a hike. Or even spend the night under the stars.

Life and travel is about making new friends and seeing more of the natural beauty around us, instead of being stuck in a hotel or on the beach. Be sure to check out the destinations above and add some of them on your bucket list next time you are looking for inspiration.

Don’t forget to Pin These Bucket List Destinations to your Bucket List Board!

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Anthony Bourdain once said about Colombia, “It’s ludicrous this place exists and everybody doesn’t want to live here!” There is no doubt this is true as you witness the amazing colorful Street Art of Cartagena, explore the volatile history of Medellin, or release your inner foodie in Bogota! But when you tour Santa Marta, Colombia, you will realize, here you can have it all!

Founded in 1525 by Rodrigo de Bastidas, a Spanish conquistador, Santa Marta is the oldest remaining city in Colombia. With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, and proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why it has become a popular Colombian travel destination. Perhaps that is why when you tour Santa Marta you realize it is a bucket list destination!

Tour Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro

Once a sugar cane refinery and colonial house, La Quinta de San Pedro Alejandro is where Simon Bolivar died. Here you can take a tour of the beautiful grounds and learn the history of how the liberator of South America spent his last days. While walking around the gardens you will also be able to see different wildlife including monkeys, iguanas, and an array of beautiful birds. Skip the line and get your tickets ahead of time by buying them online here!

With its beautiful beaches, rich history, amazing food, & proximity to the Tairona Indian ruins in Tayrona National Park, it is easy to see why Santa Marta, Colombia needs to be on your bucket list! #VisitSantaMarta #VisitColombia
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Discover La Cathedral de Santa Marta

With a claim to be the oldest cathedral in all of South America, La Cathedral de Santa Marta is a beautiful example of colonial architecture. But besides being beautiful, it holds a major part of South American history. Until the mid 1800’s, it was home to the remains of Simon Bolivar. However, his descendants requested his remains be returned to Venezuela. Now all that remains in the cathedral are his heart and intestines.

Walk the Avenida Bastidas

Named after the cities founder, Rodrigo de Bastidas, taking a leisurely stroll down the Avenida Bastidas is must as you tour Santa Marta. Starting at the statue of Bastidas, you can walk the boardwalk along the coastline. Here, you will see the scenic views of El Morro island, eat amazing street food, and explore the many vendors selling their crafts. If you can time it right, visit is at sundown to watch the sun dipping into the Caribbean ocean.

Find treasure at the Museo de Oro

The Museo de Oro is a beautiful museum that holds a great collection of gold pieces from the Tairona tribe that still lives in the region. Not only will you see plenty of treasure, but you will learn the history of the area and local indigenous people! Also, did we mention that entrance is FREE!

Tour the beautiful beaches of Santa Marta

If you love soft sand beaches and clear water, then you will want to check out any of the multiple beaches in the area when you tour Santa Marta. If you want to hang out with the locals head to Bahia Concha. But if you want to find a quiet spot to relax Playa Blanca, is a perfect destination. Either way, going to the beach is a must when you tour Santa Marta. Just make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen when you hit any of the beaches of Santa Marta. It is quite easy to get sunburned despite beach cabanas or beautiful tropical trees nearby!

Scuba dive the amazing Caribbean

There is no doubt that exploring the underwater ecosystems along the Colombian coast needs to be added to the Santa Marta Experience. While scuba diving in Tayrona National Park, you will get to explore a stunning underwater ecosystem. This is because it’s full of outstanding corals, sponges, and colorful fish. Plus with the Scuba Diving Tour from Viator, it doesn’t matter if you are an old pro or a first timer. The only thing you need is knowing how to swim and to pack your bathing suit!

Hot Tip – There are plenty of places around Santa Marta to learn how to scuba dive & even get PADI Certified. However, we strongly recommend that you consider getting Scuba Diving Travel Insurance from World Nomads! It is simple and flexible insurance to keep you safe on your next dive trip.

Drink fresh made Colombian Coffee

There is no doubt that Colombian coffee is considered some of the best in the world! Therefore, if you are a lover of Java, then you are going to want to head 40 minutes outside of Santa Marta to Minca. Founded in 1892, La Victoria is one of the biggest and oldest coffee haciendas in northern Colombia. After drinking some of their amazing coffee, you can take a guided tour explaining the history of the plantation and how they make coffee.

Swim in the Hidden Waterfalls of Minca

If the idea of soaking in cascading waterfalls or swimming in natural pools is on your bucket list then you are going to want to “discover” the Pozo Azul waterfalls. This popular hangout for locals and tourists alike is outside of Minca about an hour from Santa Marta. To get to Pozo Azul you can either rent a moto taxi or hike in along an organized trail for about 45 minutes. However, if you decide to hike make sure you bring comfortable shoes that you don’t mind getting muddy. This is because you will be walking through areas of lush trees and rocks!

When you tour Santa Marta, Colombia, you can have it all! With its beautiful beaches and parks to its amazing food and art, it is easy to see why Santa Marta is a bucket list destination! #VisitSantaMarta #VisitColombia #TourSantaMarta
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Explore the street art around the Parque de Los Novios

Located close to the Historic Center of the city, Parque de Los Novios, is a popular destination for anyone wanting to discover great music, dancing, or street art! Translating to the “Park of Lovers”, this is a great spot to start your night. Enjoy the outdoor seating while listening to some of the local musicians on the central bandstand. Afterwards, take a stroll. Check out the different vendors selling their homemade crafts and souvenirs or explore all of the amazing graffiti street art!

Hot Tip: The Historic Center of Santa Marta is a safe place to walk around. But as in any place you travel please use common sense and stay to main areas while exploring. Also sometimes taking a guided city walking tour can help orient you with the best areas to see. In Santa Marta, check out the Santa Marta – The pearl of Colombian Caribbean or the Santa Marta Sightseeing Tour

Hike around Tayrona National Park

Located about 30 minutes outside of Santa Marta, Tayrona National Park is an outdoor paradise.  If you are an avid hiker, get ready. You will find some amazing hiking through the tallest coastal mountain range in the world. However, if you are looking to relax and disconnect, head to one of the park’s beautifully secluded beaches. Another cool option is to stay over night in the park so you can spend more time exploring it all. There are various options for you. You can stay in either a hammock, a tent, or a hotel all along the coast in the park. But no matter what you choose, make sure you bring plenty of sunscreen, water, and bug spray!

Hike to the Lost City of Colombia

Built some 650 years earlier than Machu Picchu, the indigenous Tayrona people built the prosperous city of Teyuna within the Sierra Nevada mountains. Then the Spanish invasion came pushing the Tayrona people further into the mountains and abandoning Teyuna forever. Now called La Ciudad Perdida (the Lost City), you can take a pre-booked 4-5 day trek. Here you can explore the ruins of the ancient Tayrona civilization through the Sierra Nevada mountain range.

• For 4 Days – The 4 Day Lost City Group Tour is probably one of your best options if you like small groups as the limit it to 12 people max. Plus it includes round-trip transportation from Santa Marta, lodging, meals, and entrance fees.
• For 5 Days – The 5-Day Lost City Trek gives you everything a 4 day tour plus allows you a little more time  passing through the indigenous community of Mutanshi along the way.

Tour Santa Marta & Eat like a King

Whether you consider yourself a discerning foodie or an adventurous street food connoisseur, you won’t be disappointed as you tour Santa Marta. Being next to the Caribbean sea ensures fresh seafood is widely available especially if you love ceviche, lobsters, or red snapper (aka: Pargo). From cafes to nicer dining options, here are a couple of options:

• For Breakfast: There is no doubt that when eating breakfast in Colombia, there better be an amazing cup of coffee right beside it. Therefore, you are going to want to head to Cafe’ Bonsai for some of the best coffee in Santa Marta. But don’t forget to try their sandwiches, freshly baked breads and cinnamon rolls. Then make sure you dive into one of their amazing milk shakes!
• For Lunch: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, La Canoa Cafe Cultural might be one of the best places for brunch or lunch. This is a hot spot for their delicious salads, burgers, soups, sandwiches, and seafood. Or if you are looking for something light, just stop by for a coffee and dessert.
• For Dinner: Hands down one of the best dinner experiences in all of Santa Marta has to be at Lulo! With their amazing cocktails, cool atmosphere, and their unbelievable selection of arepas, you might want to eat here every night! If possible, sit outside. That way you can watch all of the street performers as you sip on your cocktails made from fresh juices!

Other Santa Marta Tours

Where to stay when you Tour Santa Marta

There are plenty of places to stay in Santa Marta that will fit any traveler’s style and budget. Whether you are looking for an active hostel, a family owned guest house, or a quiet luxury hotel, you won’t be disappointed in your options.

• Budget: Whether you stay in one of the dorm beds or you get a private room, The Dreamer Hostel is probably one of the nicest hostels in all of South America! They have a great pool, fun bar, and delicious food made on site. One of the coolest features of The Dreamer is their tour desk that can offer tips on getting around the area and arrange tours to the mountains, the main beaches, and to the Lost City, as well as diving activities.
• Mid-Priced: If you are looking for convenience and a good price then check out the Hotel Suite Boutique El Cactus. This beautiful hotel is located near many great sites in the Historic Center of Santa Marta. But if you stay in, you can enjoy mountain views from your terrace or take a dip in their pool.
• Luxury: Located in Santa Marta’s historical center, Casa de Leda will offer you a spa, a terrace with a bar and an indoor pool. Built in the Colonial style, it has a modern décor that will provide you with a panoramic Cathedral view from a tranquil environment.

Book Your Stay to Tour Santa Marta Today

Have you ever wanted to tour Santa Marta? Have you already been? Which of the things to do in or around Santa Marta is your favorite? Have we left out other ways to tour Santa Marta that you would recommend? Let us know in the comments below!

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