Author: The Travelling Sloth
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Mendihuaca, Colombia Guide: The Quiet Beach Town near Tayrona
Mendihuaca is a small beach destination on Colombia’s Caribbean coast located between Santa Marta and Palomino, approximately 10 minutes from the main entrance of Tayrona National Park. It is best known for its surf-friendly beach, the point where the Mendihuaca River meets the Caribbean Sea, and its laid-back atmosphere. If you’re doing any research for…
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Best Birding Spots in Mindo, Ecuador for Birdwatchers and Photographers
Mindo is one of the best places for birdwatching in Ecuador, offering everything from hummingbird feeders and photography hides to cloud forest trails and rare target species. After exploring several reserves around town, these were the birding spots that impressed me most. One of the things I’ve come to love about Mindo is that there…
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Puerto López, Ecuador: The Complete Travel Guide
Puerto López may actually be a bit of a hidden gem. Depending on who you speak to… A small fishing town on Ecuador’s Pacific coast, surrounded by Machalilla National Park. But for travellers who actually make it here, it can be a nice addition to their Ecuadorian itinerary if they didn’t make it to Galapagos.…
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Exploring Isla Salango, Ecuador near Puerto López
Puerto Lopez isn’t as visited as many of its neighbours but for those who do visit, they end up doing the same things: whale watching, Los Frailes or a day trip to Isla de la Plata. Isla Salango barely gets mentioned. That’s probably because there isn’t a huge amount “to do” there compared to Isla…
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Southern Africa 4×4 Buyback Guide after 15000km and 9 countries
After 15,000km across nine countries, a Southern Africa 4×4 buyback can be one of the most cost-effective and flexible ways to overland the region. If you’re planning a long overland trip through Southern Africa, you’ve probably come across something called a 4×4 buyback scheme. At first glance, it sounds a bit strange – you’re not…
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San Andrés, Colombia Travel Guide: Everything to know Before Visiting
San Andres, Colombia has been described to me as either Colombia’s version of the Caribbean paradise or a popular holiday getaway frequented by locals and South Americans alike. After spending a week on the island, I can report back that both are true. The water is genuinely spectacular and some of the brightest shades of…
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Scuba Diving in San Andrés, Colombia: My Honest Experience
When I told other divers I was heading to San Andrés, Colombia, the reactions were surprisingly positive. “Apparently the diving is really good.” “The water is beautiful.” “You should definitely dive there.” And honestly, after hearing so much hype, I arrived expecting far more than I experienced underwater. To be clear – I didn’t hate…
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Birding in Mindo, Ecuador: Beginner’s Guide to the Cloud Forest
Birding in Mindo may be one of the best birding experiences you can have in South America. Have you heard that I identify as a birder now? Let’s not get that extreme but I have found a new appreciation for our feathered friends. It’s one of those things that hits you as soon as you…