Rosie Kay
Rosie embarked on a year-long backpacking trip across Latin America. She is excited to share her knowledge and experiences with others.
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.
PersonAL favourites:
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!
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
