Altitude sickness is well known by the mountaineering community, but for the average traveler/backpacker, it can hit you a little bit more off guard. The stereotypical image of a backpacker laying on a beach somewhere isn’t always too far off, but if you’re in South America and planning on heading up into the Andes (Bolivia, Peru, Chile, or Argentina) you need to be prepared.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
That being said, if you do head to Bolivia, particularly Uyuni or the capitol La Paz, I have a little bit of bad news too – Altitude Sickness.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
• Your best bet, when looking for a free ride, is to look for people sailing their sailboats alone. They could probably use the help and are the most likely to have a little extra space.
• If your traveling as a couple, get use to little or no privacy. That’s part of traveling on a small boat with other people. With that being said, save any arguments until your back on land. You don’t want to be stuck on a sailboat in the middle of the ocean with someone your trying to avoid.
• And of course, never get on a boat with anyone who you don’t feel comfortable with or how gives you a bad gut feeling. You don’t want to end up in the middle of the ocean and realize your captain is crazy.
If you know how to sail, let everyone know! Even if you’ve only been on a sailboat once or twice, mention it. Sailing is not the easiest thing in the world and a lot of times captains (especially those sailing alone) will invite you on board just for the extra help with keeping watch or pulling in the sails.
Never been sailing before? Don’t worry; I’m sure you have some skill worth mentioning. The ones at the top of the list: cooking (you would be shocked by how many sailors can’t cook to save their lives), language skills (Spanish in the Caribbean is always welcomed), mechanic (even if you have never worked on a boat, they will teach you), and any entertainment skills (sailing can be incredible boring when you are out in the middle of the ocean – guitar players seem to be the most popular).
Maybe you have your eyes set on going to the Bahamas but suddenly find yourself with a better offer to sail to Aruba. Take what you can get and enjoy the journey. Its also helpful to learn the Caribbean sailing schedules. Many sailors work around the rainy seasons, hurricane season, and high tourist seasons.
•Be flexible with finances as well. Some sailboat owners will be willing to take you along for just your help around the boat. Others will ask for you to contribute to gas and food. If anyone asks you to pay $100+ each/per day, they are looking to make a profit off of it… just say no thanks and keep looking.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
Don’t expect to dictate the schedule and sometime you wont even get a say in the destination. Hitchhiking on sailboats is all about going will the flow.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
If you can get someone to let you use their radio, politely introduce yourself and ask if anyone is looking for some extra (unpaid) help on their boat.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
• Just hang around the docks. Sailors are in general friendly folk and they love to chat about their boats. Don’t jump right in with “Can you give me a lift on your boat?” or you will come off as a bit creepy. Remember, these are their homes. Sometimes the docks will have a bulletin board where people post looking for help. You might start with washing a deck and end up with a ride.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
1) It can get a bit old and boring with the same old people so new faces are usually very welcomed.
2) Once you find your in, even if its not a free ride, you will be able to quickly make other connections and find possible rides.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
Thousands of expats and retirees have made a life out of sailing these waters full time. These are the people most likely to give you a free (or cheap) lift in exchange for some help on the boat or a share of the gas and food.
So, how can you actually get the chance to sail for free around the Caribbean?
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
Unfortunately, the trip is $400+ one-way and only lasts about 3-5 days. This is one of the only ways across the Darien Gap between Panama and Colombia so a lot of people end up forking out the money. I’m going to let you in on a few secrets though that might save you a bit of money and possible help you land a much longer, more exotic trip around the Caribbean.
Chelsea Schmidt (to be continued)
If you are traveling around Central America or the northern part of South America, you are going to be seeing a lot the Caribbean Sea. Warm, beautifully blue ocean stretched out for as far as the eye can see… looks pretty inviting doesn’t it?
Now if you’re traveling on a backpacker’s budget, you’re probably thinking that a sailboat ride around the Caribbean is way out of your budget but I have good news – it’s not!
Chelsea Schmidt
• Make sure you bring enough money for at least a few days of fun. There is only one ATM in town and it is doesn’t work or is out of money half the time.
• Stick around for the Saturday farmers market. This is when you can really see the eco, laid back lifestyle of the local population with organic produce, handicrafts, and musicians playing for tips.
Chelsea Schmidt
That being said, there is still a lively and fun nightlife scene when the small town’s bars and restaurants come to life with the beats of all the best latin music.
Chelsea Schmidt
Montezuma has more than great beaches though. The nearby Cabo Blanco Nature Preserve attracts eco-travelers and nature lovers year round. You can hike around the jungle, swim in the parks crystal clear rivers, and check out popular local spots like the nearby waterfalls.
Chelsea Schmidt
Playa Montezuma in town is a bit polluted and mainly used for the fishing boats. Further outside of town, at Playa Cocolito you can sign up for horseback riding on the beach or check out the famous and beautiful El Chorro waterfall as it pours into the sea.
Chelsea Schmidt
Chelsea Schmidt
I have found a few places that get close to my perfect paradise while traveling and Montezuma in Costa Rica is definitely near the top of the list. Chelsea Schmidt
• As a backpacker, you probably don’t have a huge budget to work with but a splurge on a nice hotel or dinner will be worth it in the long run. Traveling as a couple can put a lot of stress on a relationship and it’s good to take pause and be grateful you have someone to travel the world with.
• Though it might be slightly unethical, telling the hotel or restaurant you are on your honeymoon can often score you a free upgrade or bottle of wine.
Chelsea Schmidt
The prices in Patagonia, especially in the summer months, can be very high but on the positive side, it’s not every Valentine’s Day that you have the chance to tell your partner “te amo” from atop a glacier.
Chelsea Schmidt
