10 Weird Things From Latin America

One of my favorite things about traveling is being humored by things that seem strange or awkward to me. We’ve traveled extensively through Central and South America and noticed many different customs, products and behaviors that don’t exist in the United States. Each individual country does have distinct cultural norms when compared to their neighbors, however, we were still able to observe some common weird things across them all.
1. Don’t Throw Toilet Paper in the Toilet
No matter where you are in Central or South America, toilet paper is thrown in the trash can or waste bin. This is a challenge initially for those traveling from the United States. Sometimes, subconsciously you inevitably throw it in the toilet, but be aware it can cause a toilet to blow up. It’s not their practice to dispose of toilet paper this way and their plumbing is not built to handle it. Every hostel you visit will kindly remind you on the stall door.
Jason Castellani (to be continued)

Guatemala Tips 2 Be Smart Stay Safe

This article isn’t intended to persuade you to avoid Guatemala City, chicken buses or volcanoes that aren’t national parks. We are just suggesting alternatives if you want to play it safe. However, the best way to be safe is to be smart. Don’t carry things in pockets that can be easily pick pocketed. Try to make friends and travel in groups. Always be aware of your surroundings. These are things that Aracely and I do in every country we visit.

I think Guatemala is special. I know this because every time Aracely and I are asked about it, we light up and explain how much fun we had while traveling there.

Jason Castellani (to be continued)

Guatemala Tips 2 Volcanoes

There are many volcanoes to climb in Guatemala and some have had a history of bandit attacks. Bandits are looking to rob you and possibly harm you. It’s very easy to avoid such treks. Just listen to the advice from tour agencies and hike volcanoes that are national parks. The tour agencies are always trying to request the government convert more volcanoes into national parks, but it’s a slow process. Once a national park, rangers patrol the area for your safety.

Armed Guards
It may take some time getting used to seeing armed guards patrol everything from gas stations to jewelry stores. These aren’t your everyday mall cops, these guys all carry shotguns. It’s a bit intimidating, however that is what they are going for.

People
The people of Guatemala are kind, the country is explored by few and the adventures are endless. You won’t find roped walkways and concrete steps on your hike to Semuc Champey. You will find yourself saying, “This wouldn’t be legal in my country.” But, this is what makes it so exciting.
Jason Castellani (to be continued) 

Guatemala Tips

Antigua

is the backpacking mecca of Guatemala. All the amenities you are used to exist here including WiFi, bars, dance clubs, laundry facilities, cafes, fast food chains, restaurants and major banks. If you can’t find something ask another traveler or the Tourist Police. I think Antigua is the perfect place to get your feet wet as a backpacker.

Transportation

Antigua is usually the base camp for visiting other nearby attractions such as Lake Atitlan, Xela, Monterrico Beach, Semuc Champey or even Tikal. Tourists usually take shuttle buses around the country, but Chicken Buses (old American school buses) are available for the more daring. More daring in the sense that you really need to speak Spanish, be willing to travel slower and hope that you can figure out how to get from one destination to the other. The shuttle buses will take you directly to your destination, but it will be cramped.

Jason Castellani (to be continued)

Inca Trail 5. GENERAL ADVICE

• Bring our own daypack. Remember to pack camera, water, snacks, gloves and extra clothes as you won’t see the porters and your extra bag until night.
• Dress in layers. I wore base layers and loved it. It was easy to roll up the sleeves and breathe in these clothes. Highly recommended for trekking and other physical adventures.
• Be positive – as our guide said again and again. It will be hard, so you’ll need a positive attitude.
• Tips are expected. Be aware that the guide, cook and porters expect to be paid a tip each.
• Rent hiking poles. Your knees will thank you.
• Go with a well known tour company. Hiking the Inca Trail is a once in a lifetime experience, so you’d want it to be special. The most popular companies are Wayki Trek, Llama Path, Enigma and SAS Travel.
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Hiking The Inca Trail, 4 WHICH COMPANY TO CHOOSE

I went with Wayki Trek and really liked them. 

The only note I have was about day two. We got breakfast at 6am, walked uphill all day and didn’t get anything to eat before 3pm when we reached base camp.

Their explanation was that we’d get sick by eating in the altitude since we were walking up all day. But personally, I’d rather feel nauseate than hungry and disoriented when walking up a mountain in 30 degrees.  All the other groups got dinner halfway up.

This is the only less positive thing I have to say about Wayki, though. Apart from that, they were wonderful and they even put up a private toilet for us at the base camp. Overall, they were all very nice, considerate and hardworking people. I will highly recommend them, but make sure to ask them about meals on day two – or at least bring your own food or snacks.

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Hiking The Inca Trail 3 – What Did It Cost?

I went with Wayki Trek and really liked them.

They were professional, and our guide Jose was very attentive and fun.
Plus, the food was the best we had in Peru and Bolivia together.
I was quite surprised the chef was able to make such great meals. He certainly knew was he was doing!

Wayki trek

$565 - 4 days trek with everything included + train back to Cusco

Pers. porter - $65 For 8 kg. (Sleeping matress and bag takes up 3kg)

Tips - $55 In total. Porters, cook and guide are tipped seperately

Walk. sticks - $15 Rent two walking sticks. One is not enough

In total, I paid $700 for my 4 day Inca trail trek.

(to be continued)