The greatest freedom of traveling with your own vehicle is discovering wild, remote places and being able to set up camp there for a night… or longer, if it feels right! Being alone in the middle of nowhere. Turning a wild spot into your little “home.” Enjoying nature. Camping for free in the most beautiful places across the Americas. A road trip with your own vehicle means being free and self-sufficient. Having everything you need to camp out in the wild. And with that comes the incredible privilege of being able to stay where other tourists have to head back to their hotels at the end of the day. So, what are our most beautiful wild camps on the Pan-American Highway?

During our two-and-a-half-year road trip along the Pan-American Highway, we camped wild countless times. In every country we crossed, from Canada to Argentina, through El Salvador, Colombia, and Nicaragua. Between dreamy beaches, mountains, wind-swept plains, deserts, and tropical jungles, each country offered us incredible campsites. And every time, we felt incredibly lucky to call a little piece of the world “home,” even if just for a night, on the other side of the world.

And for the perfect wild campsites along the Pan-American Highway, what better than a rooftop tent? When nature is calm and silent, when the landscape is vast and stunning, when the weather is mild and the view takes your breath away, the rooftop tent is the ultimate choice. It allowed us to live in harmony with nature, to fully enjoy peaceful and gentle moments, to listen to the sounds of the night and feel the cool breeze softly rustling the canvas. What better feeling than sleeping with the windows open, soaking in the atmosphere of the place? And when the sun sets on the horizon, when the silence of night takes over, and you know there’s no one else for miles around, that’s when the magic truly happens.

So, after more than two years of road-tripping from Alaska to Patagonia (and from Patagonia back to Alaska), we’re excited to share with you the most beautiful wild camps on the Pan-American Highway!

Camping in the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia

Sleeping in the Salar de Uyuni, what an incredible experience! If we had to choose one of our most beautiful wild campsites along the Pan-American Highway, it would undoubtedly be our night in the Salar de Uyuni. On December 30th, after crossing part of the salt flats, we set up camp in the heart of the salt desert. Far from any civilization, so remote that we even took a shower at the back of the Jeep. The evening was warm, bathed in the glow of the setting sun. We spent the night in the profound silence of nature. A simply magical evening followed by a sun-drenched morning that we will always remember.

Camping at the edge of a canyon in the United States

The White Rim is the 4×4 trail that crosses the incredible Canyonlands National Park. It plunges into the heart of the American West, through landscapes straight out of a Western: deep canyons, whimsical rock formations, and arid desert. It’s long and technical, so we did it in two days. This way, we had the immense privilege of camping in Canyonlands Park (permit required!). Alone in the canyon, facing a breathtaking landscape, we spent a peaceful night in our rooftop tent, lulled by the profound silence of the place. As a bonus, we had an incredible starry sky.

Camping on a paradise beach in Costa Rica

Alright, let’s be honest, we’ve found many stunning wild camps on the Pan-American Highway, including paradise beaches in Central America 🌴. But to pick the most beautiful, let’s talk about Zapotillal Beach on the Nicoya Peninsula, Costa Rica. A bumpy, flooded track leads to a deserted beach. Our Jeep allows us to drive on the sand and set up camp away from it all. With the wheels in the sand, the rooftop tent unfolded facing the Pacific Ocean. A stunning sunset as the backdrop, crabs running between our bare feet. Swimming at any time of the day -and night- and nights with all windows open, lulled by the waves. In short, an incredible campsite we stayed at… well, we lost track of how many nights we spent there! 😁

Wild campsite in the heart of the American West

The Moab region in Utah is an overlanding paradise. We’ve passed through several times, and each time, we’ve found dream campsites. That evening, a 4×4 trail led us to a breathtaking view with the Colorado River deep down in the canyon. We decided: tonight, we’ll camp in the heart of the American West! Utah, in the middle of July, 38°C (100°F) in the shade, a blazing sun. There, completely alone, we took a refreshing shower facing the view, then ate dinner facing the view, did the dishes facing the view, brushed our teeth facing the view, watched the stunning sunset, and spent the last moments of daylight outside… facing the view. In short, an incredible landscape, a warm evening, and a gentle night… facing the view.

Camping in a riverbed in Alaska

Riverbeds are always among the most beautiful campsites we’ve had. And in Alaska, there are plenty of them! Near the small fishing port of Seward, on the stunning Kenai Peninsula, lies one of our favorite camping spots in Alaska. However, it’s a very well-known place among travelers. You have to be willing to venture a bit further along the river to find a more secluded spot. We spent several nights there, both on the way up and again on our return, when we came back to Alaska two years later. Whether with friends around a campfire or just the two of us, we always had wonderful evenings.

Camping at the southernmost point in the world in Patagonia

Ah, there are wild campsites along the Pan-American Highway that stand out more than others. And this one is undoubtedly a memorable one. At the southernmost tip of Argentina, beyond Ushuaia, there’s a track that leads to the southernmost point in the world accessible by road. That’s where we camped, in the hostile and wild lands of Patagonia. And because it was such a memorable milestone on our Pan-American journey, we popped open the champagne and toasted, facing the ocean! Then, to celebrate, we plunged into the Antarctic Ocean for a freezing but unforgettable swim. A campsite in Patagonia that will remain etched in our memories… and in our hearts.

Wild campsite with flamingos in the Sud Lípez region of Bolivia

The Sud Lípez is, in our opinion, one of the most beautiful regions in the Americas. Full of colors, textures, colorful lagoons, vicuñas, and flamingos, we spent a week exploring its rugged and dusty tracks. Camping in the Sud Lípez with complete autonomy is an incredible privilege, knowing that most tourists come on organized tours and only pass through. For days, we strung together dream campsites where we were completely alone in the world. The most beautiful, however, was probably the one we spent facing the Cañapa Lagoon. The weather was pleasant, the wind had – somewhat – calmed down, everything was peaceful, and there was no one else around except for dozens of flamingos fishing in the lagoon. We spent the evening and night lulled by their clucking, and we loved it!

Wild campsite facing the Pacific Ocean in Chile

Watching dolphins from the campsite? A dream! Chiloé Island in Chile is a wild land at the end of the world, where camping in nature is easy to do. In fact, several times, we camped by the beach, facing the vastness of the Pacific Ocean. While cooking or freshening up, we spent the evening and then the morning watching for dolphins that come to fish near the coast, sometimes very close to the shore! What an immense privilege to be able to camp facing the ocean!

Camping facing the mountains of the Great North in the Yukon

Is there a more beautiful place on Earth than the Great North of the Americas? Not sure! We fell in love with the Yukon and Alaska, vast and wild territories where Nature still reigns supreme. Up there, where there are so few dwellings, so few humans, and so few towns and villages, it’s easy to find incredible places to camp. Just explore a bit, take that small track off the main road, do a little off-roading, avoid the bears and moose that inhabit the area, and bam: a dream campsite at the end of the trail! This time, it was in the beautiful Kluane National Park in the Yukon.

Bonus: Our Worst Campsite on the Pan-American Highway

The reality of a road trip lasting over two years is that not every night is magical. Sometimes, what seems like a perfect evening can quickly turn into a nightmare. We spent a very hot evening beneath the coconut trees, ending with a final swim in the warm Caribbean waters. As the sun set, night fell on our beach. Everything seemed perfect for a peaceful night by the waves. But we hadn’t counted on the black flies—tiny biting insects that attacked relentlessly and managed to sneak through the mosquito net. The result: dozens of bites and a sleepless, suffocating night in the Caribbean humidity.

We spent 847 nights on the road. So when it comes to wild camps on the Pan-American Highway, we could name dozens! And without a doubt, even if comfort in a Jeep is pretty basic, this kind of setup, with a rooftop tent, is in our opinion the best way to fully enjoy wild camping in the heart of nature.

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The more explosive they are, the louder they roar, the more threatening they appear, the more beautiful they seem! Volcanoes have always fascinated us. So, during our two-and-a-half-year journey from Canada to Argentina, whenever a volcano was on our route, we absolutely had to take a closer look. Between exhausting ascents, deafening rumbles, columns of smoke, impressive eruptions, and lava lakes, the volcanoes of the Americas offered us spectacles we won’t soon forget. This is the very personal list of our 11 most beautiful volcanoes of the americas

1 – The Santa María Volcano, Guatemala

The hike to the viewpoint of Santa María is well earned! We left the village at night and walked in the darkness for several hours. But in the end, the effort was worth it. The Santa María was particularly active when we were there: an eruption every 45 minutes or so. And what eruptions! A thick cloud of smoke escapes from the crater before the deafening sound of the explosion reaches our ears. Exceptional!

The complete story of our ascent of Santa María is here!

2 – The Fuego Volcano, Guatemala

The Fuego is one of the most active volcanoes in the world. To observe it up close, we took a two-day, one-night excursion on the neighboring volcano, Acatenango. After a day of climbing, we reached the base camp, from where the view of Fuego is breathtaking. There, we watched in awe and fascination as clouds of smoke regularly escaped from the Fuego crater, followed by jets of lava once night fell. A breathtaking spectacle that we will never forget.

The complete story of our crazy excursion to the Fuego volcano is here!

3 – The Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador

All the beauty of the Santa Ana volcano is revealed after a 1.5-hour ascent on a very easy trail, with a mandatory guide! At the bottom of its vast crater lies one of the most acidic lakes in the world. Its bright electric blue color is particularly hypnotizing.

The complete story of our day at the Santa Ana volcano is here!

4 – The San Cristóbal Volcano, Nicaragua

Among all the volcanoes we climbed during our journey through the Americas, San Cristóbal, the second-highest volcano in Nicaragua, was undoubtedly one of the most challenging ascents: only 3 kilometers but with a 1,000-meter elevation gain, through deep and slippery volcanic ash. A real nightmare! But at the summit, we were rewarded with an especially impressive view of the smoking crater and the deep rumbling of San Cristóbal, a very active volcano.

The full story of our grueling ascent of San Cristóbal volcano is here!

5 – The Telica Volcano, Nicaragua

To admire the Telica, we were able to drive up to the base of the volcano with the Jeep, on an extremely muddy and challenging track. From there, only an hour of hiking remained to reach the crater’s rim. And at the top, a breathtaking sight awaited us: the edge of Telica is jagged and plunges steeply into unknown depths. The acrid smell of sulfur stings our eyes and throat, while the continuous, deep rumbling echoes in our ears. A terrifying spectacle that gave us chills!

The full account of our ascent of the magnificent Telica volcano is here!

6 – The Cerro Negro Volcano, Nicaragua

A perfectly rounded dome, an ancient lava flow, sharp volcanic rock, and fumaroles—the Cerro Negro is undeniably a volcano… and a beautiful one at that! The ascent to the summit is relatively easy, and from up there, the view over the lava flow and the valley is breathtaking. But the most fun part? Sledding down the volcano! Yes, you read that right—sledding. A hilarious yet thrilling experience, as the slope is steep and you quickly pick up speed.

The full story of our sledding descent of Cerro Negro is here!

7 – The Masaya Volcano, Nicaragua

To admire the Masaya, no exhausting ascent is needed. You simply drive up to the crater on a nice paved road. As a result, there are plenty of people! And it was at the Masaya Volcano that we saw lava for the first time! Indeed, at nightfall, you just have to lean in a little to see, at the bottom of the crater, a lava lake. Impressive!

The complete story of the Masaya volcano is here!

8 – Poás Volcano, Costa Rica

The Poás is one of the most active volcanoes in Costa Rica. What makes it so special is its crater! It houses one of the most acidic lakes in the world, a lake that is up to 50 meters deep. Access is very easy: just a 10-minute walk from the parking lot. From up there, the view, on a clear day, is breathtaking over the valley.

The full story of the Poás volcano is here!

9 – The Cotopaxi Volcano, Ecuador

Of all the volcanoes we saw during the trip, Cotopaxi is the most majestic. Its perfect cone, covered with eternal ice and snow, rises to 5,897 meters above sea level. It is the highest active volcano in Ecuador, but also in the world. And indeed, its crater continuously emits smoke! When we were there, the ascent to the summit was prohibited, but we still made it (twice!) to the refuge, located at 4,864 meters on the slopes of the volcano, and then to the glacier, at 5,066 meters.

The full story of our adventures in the magnificent Cotopaxi National Park is here!

10 – The Chimborazo Volcano, Ecuador

At 6,263 meters above sea level, the imposing Chimborazo is the highest peak in Ecuador. Because it is located very close to the equator, and the Earth bulges at this level more than at the poles, the summit of Chimborazo is the farthest point from the center of the Earth, and also the closest point on Earth to the Sun! We didn’t attempt the summit, which is an expedition in itself, but we still ascended to admire the Chimborazo up close, reaching 5,100 meters in altitude. This marked our altitude record at the time… and a rather eventful night at high altitude!

The full story of our adventures at Chimborazo is here!

11 – The Villarica Volcano, Chile

 By day, the Villarica volcano is majestic, with its blanket of snow and the spiral of smoke rising from its crater. But it is at night that this volcano reveals its full splendor. As the day fades, the Villarrica’s smoke cloud takes on a glowing red hue. It’s breathtaking. The volcano is surrounded by a reddish glow from the lava in the crater, reflecting in the smoke and clouds. The beauty of Mother Nature in all its splendor, power, and danger.

Full story of our time at Villarica is here!

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After the most beautiful cities in the Americas, it’s time for the most stunning national parks! From North to South America, including Central America, every country we traveled through revealed extraordinary places we never imagined existed. National parks play a crucial role in preserving ecosystems and local wildlife. Visiting them is not only a visual feast but also a way to support the protection of these untouched natural spaces. Because beyond breathtaking landscapes and wildlife, national parks offer a rare opportunity to experience nature in its purest, most preserved, and unspoiled form.

From the jungle to the desert, through mountains and the high Andean plateaus, here is our list of the 10 most beautiful national parks in the Americas!

Denali National Park, United States

Denali National Park taught us what true wilderness is. A beautiful and grandiose nature, wild and hostile, stretching as far as the eye can see, where humans pass through but do not stay. Out there, in this vastness, grizzlies, caribou, and moose roam freely, and one thing we’ve learned on this journey is that seeing animals in their natural habitat is an immense privilege. We visited twice—once in July 2022 at the beginning of our trip when nature was lush and green, and again in August 2024 on our way back, when the park’s landscapes were adorned with stunning autumn colors (yes, fall arrives early in the Far North!). Both times, we were lucky enough to catch a glimpse of Mount Denali, the highest peak in North America, standing at 6,190 meters.

Kenai Fjords National Park, United States

The Kenai Peninsula, or Alaska in all its splendor. Kenai Fjords National Park offered us some of the most stunning landscapes in this legendary American state. We visited twice—first in July 2022 and again in August 2024—to see the exact same scenery! But how could we ever get tired of it? Kenai is all about massive glaciers, spectacular ice fields, bays where whales and other marine mammals come to feed in the summer, and wild fjords untouched by human influence. Here, Nature reigns supreme and is protected, and that’s probably why Alaska is such a beautiful state.

Banff National Park, Canada

Arriving in the Canadian West for the first time is a real shock, a true one. In June 2022, at the very beginning of our journey, we discovered the famous Canadian Rockies. Never had we seen such beautiful, pure, and majestic mountains or such magnificent lakes. For three weeks, we hiked many trails to discover the most iconic spots in the park, like Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and the Icefield Parkway, but also less visited places that are just as worthy of attention, like Paradise Valley.

Most of all, it was in Banff National Park that we were confronted, for the first time, with the most iconic inhabitant of the area: the grizzly. And the grizzly, we saw up close, very close… maybe even a little too close, during an emotional but unforgettable face-to-face encounter on a hiking trail. Memories that will forever be etched in our minds.

Canyonlands National Park, United States

Canyonlands is the American West as we had always dreamed of. The views of the canyon are breathtaking, and the reddish rock formations are iconic of Utah. The sunrise under Mesa Arch remains one of the most beautiful sunrises we have ever had the chance to admire!

Canyonlands National Park also offers extreme trails that allow you to explore the heart of the American West in your own expedition vehicle. The Shafer, Potash, and White Rim trails gave us the chance to experience incredible adventures, right next to the dizzying cliffs of the canyon, and spend nights far from civilization, in the impenetrable silence of the Utah desert.

The Corcovado National Park, Costa Rica

A radical change of atmosphere in Central America! The wild beaches of the Pacific coast stretching as far as the eye can see. A hiking trail far from any civilization, where we barely met anyone. River crossings for a bit of adventure. A lush, noisy jungle full of life. Animals everywhere: howler monkeys, spider monkeys, coatis, anteaters, frogs, macaws. Corcovado National Park is an isolated, wild, and sparsely visited park, unlike other overcrowded national parks in Costa Rica. Getting there requires effort, but the journey is absolutely worth it! We were mesmerized by the beauty of this park left untouched by man, with no infrastructure, where wildlife has the freedom to evolve peacefully.

The Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

Without a doubt, Cotopaxi is one of the most beautiful volcanoes we saw during the trip… and we saw many! With its perfect cone rising to 5,897 meters above sea level, it dominates the landscapes of the national park that bears its name. The volcano was particularly active when we were there, in October 2023, so we couldn’t make the trip to the summit. However, we still climbed up to 4,800 meters to reach the refuge and, beyond that, the impressive glacier of the volcano.

Huascarán National Park, Peru

Huascarán National Park is located in the heart of the Peruvian Cordillera Blanca. It contains some of the highest peaks in Peru, many of which rise above 6,000 meters! The highest of them all is Mount Huascarán, which reaches an altitude of 6,768 meters. Huascarán National Park is home to unreal-colored lakes, imposing glaciers, and dizzying roads typical of Peru. It is within this park that we trekked t</a>he stunning Santa Cruz trek, one of the most beautiful treks in South America. For three days and two nights, we crossed breathtaking valleys, climbed mountains, and passed a pass at 4,780 meters. Long and difficult days of walking at high altitude with lots of gear, but in the end, an unforgettable memory.

Eduardo Avaroa National Park, Bolivia

Eduardo Avaroa National Park, the most beautiful national park in the Americas? Perhaps! It is located in the Southern Lipez region, an iconic area in the south of Bolivia and one of the most beautiful places we visited during our journey across the Americas. Enchanting lagoons, incredible desert landscapes, tracks in the middle of nowhere, flamingos, and vicuñas: we spent a week exploring Southern Lipez and fell in love with this incredible Bolivian region.

Perito Moreno National Park, Argentina

Perito Moreno National Park, not to be confused with the Perito Moreno Glacier, is undoubtedly our favorite national park in Argentina. Far from the typical tourist routes in the country, it is well worth the detour. When we were there in March 2024, entry was free… and so was the night in the refuge! We took the opportunity to do a two-day trek in this incredible park, between glacial lakes with electric blue waters and stunning landscapes. And, to top it off: a warm night in a beautiful wooden refuge in the heart of nature.

Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

It’s impossible to mention the most beautiful national parks in the Americas without mentioning Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. It is one of the most well-known and visited parks in the country. And for good reason! This park is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. We did many incredible hikes there, whether for a day or several days, discovering the park’s iconic peaks, Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy, as well as the Patagonian Ice Field, one of the largest in the world.

Bonus: Grand Teton National Park, United States

The United States, the country par excellence for national parks. It’s in this country that we visited the most, and we could have listed 10 national parks just there. So as a bonus, Grand Teton National Park is one of the parks that impressed us the most. With its stunning rocky peaks illuminated by the rising sun, its beautiful hikes, and abundant wildlife, Grand Teton certainly deserves its place among the most beautiful national parks in the Americas. We visited it twice, once in September 2022 on the way to our road trip and a second time on the way back in July 2024.

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Breathtaking landscapes, the highest peak in North America, wildlife, rivers, snow-capped mountains, and a particularly scenic road: we are back in the incredible Denali Park!

Saturday, August 17, 2024

After our long expedition on the Dalton Highway, we’re back in Fairbanks. For our last weekend in the area, we head to Chena River State Recreation Area. This vast protected space is centered around the Chena River, offering campgrounds, rental cabins, hiking trails, ATV paths, and popular fishing and hunting spots. The scenic dead-end road leading into the park is lined with ponds. We camp by the river, surrounded by mosquitoes and humidity—no solution for the bugs, but a nice campfire on the pebble beach helps with the dampness.

The evening is peaceful—until a huge RV parks right next to us. Their dog starts barking at us for no reason, soon joined by the gentle hum of their generator… We love it! 😑

Sunday, August 18

Despite the cloudy sky, we decide to trust the weather forecast predicting sunshine and go for a hike. We set off on a 6-kilometer loop that follows a river arm before ascending. The woods are damp, much to Rémi’s delight, as mushrooms are everywhere! He embarks on a search for the ultimate treasure: a morel. Although they are supposedly around, all we find are less desirable mushrooms. Meanwhile, we enjoy the beautiful view.

Back on the road, we take time to rotate the tires, which is long overdue since the last rotation in Mendoza, Argentina, in January! We’ve certainly racked up a lot of miles since then. Rémi is efficient: in just 1.5 hours, each tire finds its new position.

We eat on the go in the rain, then head to the end of the road. The Chena River Road is indeed a dead-end road, which ends at a luxury lodge. The place is large and quite crowded on this Sunday. In addition to the lodge’s beautiful suites, there are also helicopter tours, dog sledding excursions, an ice museum, massages, a swimming pool, and… natural hot springs! Well then! We’re cold, we’re wet, and our last swim was in the 7°C water of the Arctic Ocean. Needless to say, we don’t hesitate for long. We pay the $20 entry fee per person and then dive into the hot water of the first jacuzzi available to us. And I’ll tell you this: we were quicker to get into the water here than in the Arctic! 😂

We spend the afternoon lounging between the different jacuzzis and the natural outdoor pool. At 7 p.m., we leave the place, feeling warm and cozy, and settle in the same spot as the day before, by the river, for a quieter evening than the previous one.

Tuesday, August 20

The weather is rarely accurate in Alaska. When the forecast predicts rain, there’s no doubt: it will rain. However, when they predict sunshine, it’s not guaranteed to actually be there… For this week, the predictions are clear: rain, lots of rain. The only day spared? Today! So, we decide to take our chances, no matter what, to spend the one potentially sunny day of the week in Denali Park. After a day of driving from Fairbanks, we arrive at the park gates early in the morning. The blue sky is visible between a few clouds. We’re hopeful that the day will be sunny 🤞.

The weather is 4°C, but it seems to be clearing up. After a quick breakfast taken directly in the parking lot, we set off on a 7-kilometer hike. As we climb, we gradually shed our various layers of clothing. In front of us, the clouds start to disperse. The sun rises in the sky. And the landscapes have taken on their beautiful autumn hues!

And suddenly… around a bend: Mount Denali presents itself to us, framed by a gap in the clouds. It is stunning, as beautiful and majestic as in our memories.

From the ridge, the wind blows in icy gusts, but what a view! The gaze stretches for miles, encompassing much of the Alaska Range, with Denali as the obvious highest peak. From our elevated viewpoint, we are also in the perfect position to spot the park’s wildlife. Many caribou roam the vast taiga plains, though they’re too far for our camera lens. We also catch sight of a grizzly in the riverbed, its light fur shining in the sun. That’s actually what drew our attention! Without that, we probably wouldn’t have noticed it! And of course, the low vegetation of the taiga is home to a multitude of small creatures: pikas, ground squirrels, marmots, and wild geese!

By the time we descend to the road, the weather has cleared up perfectly. Instead of taking the bus back to our starting point, we decide to walk the 4 kilometers along the side of the road. This way, we can enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Denali Park and Denali itself, which honors us with its presence!

Back at the Jeep, we settle in the parking lot as if we were at home to cook some delicious, hearty burgers. Hikers passing by wish us a good meal with a bewildered look! 😅 We eat in the sun, sitting at the back of the Jeep. How pleasant it is! Then, we head out for a walk along the Savage River.

As evening falls, we drive along the park’s scenic route in search of animals. It’s moose rutting season, so we scan the forest for some beautiful specimens. We finally spot two lovely and large females!

After this amazing day in Denali National Park, we leave the park and head south in Alaska. The plan for the next few days: an evening in a cabin deep in the woods!

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Volcanoes and their ever-changing nature. Between the seemingly peaceful Llaima Volcano and the dangerous Villarrica, the spectacle couldn’t be more different! Once again, Nature has treated us to a breathtaking show that we won’t forget anytime soon.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Chile is huge! From Radal Siete Tazas National Park, we embark on another full day of driving, covering 450 kilometers in one go. The next day, we arrive at the entrance of Conguillío National Park. Here, the star of the park is a volcano: Llaima, which rises to 3,125 meters in altitude. But to admire this majestic volcano, we have to pay $13 per person. And for two days in the park with one night of camping, the total comes to a staggering $82 🤑! At that price, we decide to stay for just one day. It’s really frustrating to have to pay so much just to enjoy nature.

Fortunately, we quickly discover that Conguillío National Park is a true wonder, which makes up for the steep price! The Llaima volcano stands majestically at the center of its lava field. With its snow-capped summit and perfect cone, it is simply stunning. We drive through the lava field, which dates back to the volcano’s last major eruption in 2008.

All around the volcano lies a dense, lush forest. It almost feels like Canada! As the park’s trail leads us through the woods, we half-expect a black bear to suddenly appear in front of us. A hike then takes us to higher ground, offering an incredible view of Conguillío Lagoon, the snow-capped mountains, and the vast forest. We also spot our first araucarias—magnificent pine trees that have given their name to this region of Chile, Araucanía. They are also the country’s national tree!

A little more effort, and we reach the summit. From here, the view is breathtaking: the Llaima volcano appears to be peacefully dormant. Further in the distance, Villarrica volcano occasionally releases a puff of smoke. It’s simply magnificent!

Next stop in Conguillío National Park: the stunning Truful Truful waterfall. The place is spectacular, especially when a small ray of sunlight manages to break through the clouds and illuminate the landscape.

At the end of the afternoon, we settle in for the night just outside the park, well hidden among the trees. We don’t want any overzealous rangers kicking us out again! The lava flow from the Llaima volcano stops just next to our bivouac—a beautiful wild spot, just the way we like it. 😊

Friday, February 9

The night was once again freezing. Only when the sun starts warming the tent do we finally venture outside. We then hit the road toward the town of Villarrica, situated by Lake Villarrica and at the foot of… the Villarrica Volcano! The place looks like a charming seaside resort… except it’s by a lake! The summer season is in full swing, and there are plenty of people around. We wander from craft market to craft market, soaking up the “seaside” vibe. The Villarrica Volcano dominates the town with its 2,874 meters of altitude. Smoke regularly rises from its crater: it’s one of the most active volcanoes on the continent and one of the three largest volcanoes in the Andes! Its last eruption occurred in 2015, leading to the evacuation of thousands of people.

We have breakfast in a small restaurant and once again indulge in “el menú del día.” However, the prices here aren’t quite the same as in neighboring countries: $6.50 per person for just one dish! It’s a far cry from the Colombian menu at $2.50 for soup, a main course, and a drink… While strolling through town, we stop by a travel agency. Our love for volcanoes is stronger than anything: we’d love to climb Villarrica. We find out, though, that the volcano is on alert, and a 1-kilometer safety perimeter has been established around the crater. Bummer! They still offer us the ascent, but at $130 per person, it’s a steep price just to get a distant view of the crater! We decide to pass, but we still make our way to Villarrica National Park to get a closer look at the giant.

By day, the Villarrica volcano spews a thick plume of whitish smoke. But when night falls, the show changes and becomes far more spectacular!

Since we missed the major eruption of Acatenango in Guatemala, this is the first time a volcano has given us such a show. The beauty of Mother Nature in all its splendor, power, and danger. As the day fades, the Villarrica’s smoke plume takes on a glowing reddish hue. It’s breathtaking. The volcano is haloed by a reddish glow from the lava in the crater reflecting off the smoke and clouds. Alone in front of the volcano, in a deserted parking lot at the foot of the giant, we can hardly tear our eyes away from such a sight. It’s both apocalyptic and mesmerizing. It’s incredible how, after over 20 months of travel, Nature can still leave us in awe at moments when we least expect it.

That night, Nature doesn’t unleash itself only through the volcano. From our viewpoint, we are surrounded by violent storms. Lightning streaks across the sky, and between watching the glowing volcano and the flashing bolts, it’s hard to choose! After several hours of observing, the storms seem to be rolling in from the valley. We decide not to stay here, feeling too exposed. So, we move down a few meters to find refuge on a more sheltered spot. The night is punctuated by thunderous roars. At times, we wonder if it’s still the storm raging or if it’s the Villarrica waking up… In the end, it’s not humans who gave us the greatest fears during the journey, but Nature! ⛈️🌋

L’article Chile – The Nighttime Eruption of Villarrica Volcano est apparu en premier sur Un pneu plus loin.

Around a bend, it appears before us in all its glory: Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador. Crowned with eternal snow, this slumbering giant commands respect. With record-breaking altitude, breathtaking landscapes, vicuñas, high-altitude camping, and the mountain sickness that comes with it, put on your hat and parka, we’re taking you hiking in Chimborazo National Park!

Thursday, October 19, 2023.

To each his own honor! “Papa Chimborazo” is the nickname given by the Quechuas to the Chimborazo volcano. Its soulmate is Mama Tungurahua, the imposing volcano that overlooks Baños. Ecuadorian volcanoes are surrounded by a rich mythology, depicting their love stories, their anger, and their rivalries. Quechua legends tell of Mama Tungurahua’s bad temper and Papa Chimborazo’s kindness, the protector of the Sierra people, who has been dormant for nearly 1,400 years! However, there’s no doubt that Chimborazo is the most revered of all. And when we see its massive form emerge from around the bend, we can’t help but understand why. Yes, Chimborazo commands respect. It even appears on Ecuador’s coat of arms. Standing at 6,263 meters, it is the highest peak in the country.

For a long time, explorers believed that Chimborazo was the highest mountain in the world. They were wrong, of course… but not entirely. Measured from the center of the Earth, Chimborazo is indeed the highest peak on the planet! How is that possible? 🤔 Simply because it is located very close to the Equator, and the Earth is more bulging at this level than at the poles! So, measured from the center of the Earth, rather than from sea level, Chimborazo is higher than… Everest by a good margin: 1.8 kilometers. This unique feature makes Chimborazo’s summit the farthest point from the center of the Earth, but also the closest point on Earth to the Sun! ☀️ Fascinating, right?

As we approach Chimborazo National Park, we realize how lucky we are: we had expected to wait for several days to admire the volcano, just like we had to do at Cotopaxi National Park due to bad weather, but Chimborazo stands before us, completely clear! This was unexpected, especially since it’s the afternoon, a time when clouds usually spoil the view at such high altitudes. Today, the massive, towering Chimborazo volcano greets us, crowned with its eternal snow. It’s breathtaking.

We decide not to miss our chance. At the entrance to Chimborazo National Park, we register: names, surnames, passport numbers, emergency contact. At the park entrance, we’re already at 4,400 meters above sea level. The track offers incredible landscapes: Chimborazo volcano on one side, the valley on the other. At this altitude, nothing grows, and vast arid plains stretch in all directions. This is where we spot our first vicuñas, a mammal that lives on the high plateaus of the Andes. Unlike llamas and alpacas, vicuñas have never been domesticated and are found only in the wild. There are plenty of them in Chimborazo National Park! They’re not shy: when we stop to take photos, they raise their heads and look at us with curious eyes.

We easily reach the first refuge of Chimborazo, perched on the slopes of the volcano at 4,800 meters above sea level. A new altitude record for Jeepy! From there, we continue on foot. Once again, we are very lucky because the weather is incredible, despite a few clouds: plenty of sunshine and, most importantly, no wind! A short hour of walking takes us to the Whymper refuge, located at 5,000 meters above sea level. Our breath is short, and our hearts are racing, but we are starting to get used to these sensations caused by the altitude.

Our altitude record, set three days earlier on Mount Cotopaxi, is 5,064 meters. We’d really like to break it, even if just by a few meters! So, we head up to the Condor Concha lagoon. Well, instead of a lagoon, we find a large puddle of water 😆 The official sign shows 5,100 meters, but our GPS disagrees. Just a few more meters and we’ll surpass the symbolic 5,100-meter mark! Nothing can stop us now! The trail ends here, but we climb a few more meters to break our record! ✌️ Once again, what a thrill!

Having accomplished our feat, we quickly descend to the parking lot, where we are allowed to camp. We set up a bit off to the side and prepare to spend the night at 4,800 meters above sea level. We spend the late afternoon outside, in the sun, watching as the sun gradually sinks below the horizon, clouds drift around Chimborazo, and foxes and vicuñas wander nearby. How happy we are to be here, so far from everything, so high, so alone, but together 😊.

But Rémi has a headache. After two hours and a painkiller, it doesn’t go away. He’s also starting to feel nauseous. Could it be altitude sickness? At this altitude, probably. We make the wisest decision: descend. It’s 7 p.m., it’s dark, we’re in the clouds, and it’s raining. We cautiously drive down the park road to the entrance… but it’s locked! Darn. And there’s no one around. We’re trapped in Chimborazo National Park! So, we have to spend the night here, at 4,400 meters. But it’s still better than 4,800, right? Rémi feels a little better, though the headache persists. We settle into the Jeep, both feeling a bit unwell: headache for Rémi, loss of appetite and shortness of breath for both of us. A good night’s sleep, and we hope we’ll feel better tomorrow! ☺️

Friday, October 20

The night camping at Chimborazo National Park was restless, but how could it be otherwise at such an altitude? Luckily, by morning, we’re both feeling better. Plus, it’s 5 a.m., and the Chimborazo volcano stands before us in all its glory. Now that’s a wake-up call! What a beautiful surprise 😀

We decide to go back up! It’s impossible to miss such an opportunity to see the volcano so clearly and up close. Once again, we’re walking the park’s trail, surrounded by vicuñas. We can hardly take our eyes off this impressive volcano. How beautiful the Chimbo is! We settle in at the same spot as the day before. The weather is so nice that we even indulge in a sunny breakfast. Who would have thought that was possible at 4,800 meters? 😃

While we heat up the tea and coffee, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and have a little photo session, the clouds begin to rise from the valley and gather around the volcano. So, we pack up. It’s time for us to leave Chimborazo National Park and continue our road trip in Ecuador.

A beautiful track takes us through the Ecuadorian mountains, across fields and valleys. What a harsh way of life these farmers must have, living in small houses in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by the clouds!

The track takes us to Salinas de Bolívar, a small village in the mountains. What brings us to Salinas? A funny story! In 1971, a Swiss missionary arrived in Salinas and taught the villagers how to make… cheese! Since then, other factories have been established, including one for charcuterie. So, cheese and charcuterie—after 17 months on the road, there’s no way we’re passing this up! We stock up on cheeses, including raclette cheese, and especially sausages (yes, plural 😂) and prosciutto. You can probably guess what’s coming next? That’s right, tomorrow night, it’s raclette! 🤤🤤 Thanks, Eric and Muriel, for the tip on your blog! 😁

So we leave Salinas with the fridge well-stocked, heading towards the big city in the south of Ecuador: Cuenca, six hours of driving away. Little do we know, but in Cuenca, we’ll find just the perfect things to go with our freshly bought cheese! 🥖😁

L’article Ecuador – The Avenue of Volcanoes: Papa Chimborazo est apparu en premier sur Un pneu plus loin.

We’ve seen our fair share of volcanoes – beautiful ones, furious ones, and dormant ones. But Cotopaxi is something else entirely. We were left in awe and amazement at its smoking summit, covered in eternal snow. The chills are guaranteed when standing before the world’s highest active volcano, in Cotopaxi National Park!

Saturday, October 14, 2023

Our mission is complete: we’ve met the Andean bear! Now we can hit the road south with peace of mind. Just before reaching Quito, we cross a major milestone on our journey through the Americas: the Equator! And not just the country—the actual line 😁. Fifteen months ago, we crossed the Arctic Circle in Canada. Ten months ago, we passed the Tropic of Cancer in Mexico. And now, here we are, standing at the Equator in Ecuador! 😀 A symbolic moment in our journey, which, of course, we capture properly… in the rain! More than ever, our dream feels within reach: Ushuaia, next year. But for now, welcome to the Southern Hemisphere!

We make a quick stop in Quito, since it’s on the way—and because we’ve heard about a French bakery. This time, there’s no way we’re missing it! We grab two chocolatines and two big loaves of bread. Delicious! 😋 Then, we hit the road toward Cotopaxi National Park. We try to fill up on gas, but every station is packed! Turns out, locals are stockpiling fuel ahead of tomorrow’s presidential elections, which could trigger a general strike… Well, better to take shelter in the mountains, just in case.

The road is beautiful as it takes us higher into the mountains. Unfortunately, Cotopaxi National Park closes every day at 3 p.m., so it’s way too late to get in now. Oh well—we find a wild, open spot to spend the night at 3,600 meters altitude. According to our calculations, the volcano should be right in front of us… 🤔

Well, for now, it’s completely hidden in the clouds! We can’t even see its base. But if it reveals itself at dawn, this might just be one of the most incredible bivouacs of our journey. Now, all we can do is hope for clear skies! 🤞

Sunday, October 15

6 a.m. We wake up to some great news: against all odds, the Cotopaxi volcano is showing itself! Quickly, we jump out of the warm bed, step out of the Jeep, and face the freezing cold. And indeed, Cotopaxi stands proudly before us 🤩 Just… magnificent, simply breathtaking. We’re left speechless.

Of all the volcanoes we’ve had the chance to see so far, we’ve never seen one so beautiful, so majestic, so perfect. Its flawless cone, covered in eternal ice and snow, rises to 5,897 meters above sea level. It’s the highest active volcano in the country, but also in the world. And indeed, its crater is continuously smoking! As of now, the ascent to the summit is prohibited until further notice.

The Cotopaxi is located at the heart of the Avenue of Volcanoes. It was in 1802 that the German explorer Alexander Von Humboldt named the winding road that runs along the Ecuadorian Andes mountain range. Along this “avenue,” there are around forty peaks over 4,000 meters high, including some of the most beautiful and highest summits of the Andes, crowned with eternal snow. Clearly, the Cotopaxi is one of the most beautiful and tallest! 😁

The Cotopaxi Volcano National Park only opens at 8 a.m. That seems late for a high-altitude park, where the clouds can quickly become troublemakers… A ranger greets us at the park’s southern entrance. We register: names, first names, passport numbers, emergency contact… Just a security measure. It’s already past 8 a.m. when we finally set off on the park trail. And already, the volcano is covered in clouds. Bummer!

No matter, we decide to give it a try and get closer to the giant. And yes, it’s possible! And by car, please. There’s a track that leads right up to the volcano, all the way to 4,600 meters above sea level! It’s a big challenge for Jeepy, who’s never climbed that high, his record being 4,100 meters at El Cocuy National Park in Colombia. Slowly but surely, we head up the track. With each hairpin bend, the volcano seems to get closer and more impressive. Gradually, the páramo with its short, dry grasses disappears, giving way to a landscape of black rock and volcanic ash.

Finally, we reach the parking lot at 4,600 meters without any issues 🤘 We park facing downhill, just in case. Then, we bundle up warmly and head off toward the José Rivas refuge, which sits at 4,864 meters on the volcano’s slopes. There are two ways to reach the refuge: the longer trail, which ascends gradually with tight hairpin turns, or the shorter trail, which goes straight up the volcanic slope. We choose the longer, less steep trail, and it turns out to be a good decision, as the effort at this altitude is significant. Breathing is short, legs are heavy, and the heart is racing. We take small steps through each turn, but still make sure to admire the landscape, even though the weather has turned cloudy.

We arrive at the refuge after an hour of walking, and… it’s closed! Too bad, we were hoping to warm up with some hot chocolate, but that’s not happening. There’s no one around. We sit on a low wall in front of the refuge to rest and assess our next steps. We had planned to climb a few more meters to reach the Cotopaxi glacier, but given the weather, it doesn’t seem like a good idea to venture there without a guide.

Oh well. After a 10-minute break, we decide to head back down. This time, we take the shorter route: straight down to the parking lot! And on the volcanic ash, it’s fast, you just have to let yourself slide all the way down. Result: 1 hour of uphill, 10 minutes of downhill! Jeepy is waiting for us at the bottom, and at 4,600 meters, he starts up like a pro, on the first try. Kudos! ✌️

We descend into the plains in just a few minutes, under the clouds. From there, we head off to explore the Cotopaxi National Park. And what a park! Wow! 😀 The track winds through golden meadows swept by the winds. It had been a while since we’d seen such raw, wild, and beautiful landscapes. At any moment, we half-expect to see a bison, like in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. But no, we’re definitely in Ecuador! Here, it’s the Andean bear, the wolf, and the puma that reign supreme.

At noon, we stop for lunch by the lagoon. On the menu: Quito bread and undercooked pasta – we had forgotten that at high altitude, pasta takes longer to cook!

The Cotopaxi has clearly taken its bow for the day. Hoping for better luck tomorrow, we decide to camp in Cotopaxi National Park. Our plan is simple: by staying in the park, we won’t have to wait until 8 AM to head back up to the refuge, and we can take advantage of the morning sunshine. The park’s campsite is at 3,800 meters of altitude. It’s high, but not enough to ruin our night. We find a spot next to a Slovak couple’s campervan and a German expedition truck.

Everyone is warm and cozy in their vehicles, but us… we spend the afternoon outside cooking a hearty potato and bacon soup to keep warm. It’s cold, but our spirits are high! Staying outside does have one advantage: we’re front and center to witness the wildlife of the park!

Monday, October 16

5:45 a.m. A quick look outside is enough to realize that we’re not as lucky as yesterday! We’re in the clouds. Darn. Just to be sure, we pack up the camp and drive, with the heater on, until we’re directly facing the volcano. It’s there, we know it, but we can’t see it! ☁️ The clouds are thick and dark. There’s no point in going up in this weather! So, we enjoy our breakfast in the Jeep, nice and warm.

It’s not yet 8 a.m. when we reach the North exit of the park. Technically, the park is still closed, but an employee agrees to open the gate for us. No one takes note of our exit, which makes you wonder what the point of the registration at the park entrance is! Before heading to the capital, we check the news about the outcome of the presidential election. Yesterday, Daniel Noboa was elected President at the age of 35. No major incidents, no riots, no general strikes. Everything seems calm in the Ecuadorian capital. We can go! Indeed, one of the ABS sensors on the Jeep is malfunctioning. Fortunately, we now have a good contact in Quito! Juan Carlos welcomes us warmly. The new sensor is ordered, arrives by scooter, and is replaced right away. The whole process takes less than an hour.

Then, being in Quito, we go back to the French bakery to stock up on bread: a large loaf, a baguette, and two chocolatines. By 2:30 p.m., we’re back at Cotopaxi National Park! We set up camp again. It’s still early, so while Rémi rests in the Jeep, I go for a walk. The volcano is still hidden, but the surroundings are still breathtaking!

In the evening, a Defender with an Azalaï camper arrives at the campsite. Surprise, it’s our friends David and Yvonne, the Dutch couple we first met at Lake Atitlán in Guatemala. As usual, it’s always so fun to reconnect with fellow travelers so long and so far after meeting them for the first time 😀 As we chat, a peak suddenly appears on the horizon. Could it be…? Yes! 😲 The Chimborazo, the highest peak in Ecuador, reveals itself in all its glory and splendor. We capture this magical moment, just in case it doesn’t show itself when we go see it up close 😁

At 5 p.m., it starts getting pretty cold, and everyone heads back to their vehicles. As for us, we stay outside, freezing our butts off while waiting for the soup to heat up. Yep, some days are tougher than others when you’re living the Jeep life 🤪 And cold weather is never our friend. We head to bed early. Tomorrow, we’ll try the ascent again! Hoping that this time, the Cotopaxi volcano will show up.

Tuesday, October 17

6 a.m. The alarm rings early again, but it’s for a good cause! We step outside and… horror! 😱 We’re in the clouds. Again. We get dressed, start the Jeep, and head back toward the volcano. We park right in the middle (the park doesn’t open until 8 a.m., and we’re the only ones here) and watch the mass of clouds hiding Cotopaxi. What to do? Give up? Wait? Climb?

We hesitate between making a coffee and staying warm in the Jeep or climbing. After a few minutes of indecision, we decide to go for it! Who knows, maybe we’re the ones in the clouds. We start the ascent, and in less than 5 minutes, our gamble pays off: we suddenly break through the cloud ceiling and emerge under an incredible blue sky and brilliant sunshine. And there, in front of us, stands Cotopaxi. Unbelievable! 😱

As we did two days ago, we take the park’s trail that leads up to the parking lot at 4,600 meters. From there, we leave the Jeep and set off on foot towards the refuge at 4,800 meters. This time, the weather is perfectly clear! We’re well acclimatized, but the climb is still tough! One step after another.

Just before reaching the refuge, we take a detour onto a trail that leads us along the slopes of the volcano. It’s time to break our altitude record of 5,002 meters, set last February on the slopes of Iztaccíhuatl in Mexico. We know the park is still closed and there’s nobody around for miles. We’re on our own in the high mountains, so we stay cautious. High altitude should never be taken lightly, especially as we approach the Cotopaxi glacier and the trail begins to vanish.

Moving cautiously, we continue our ascent, navigating between rocks and glacier. The terrain is slippery, and the volcanic stone rolls beneath our feet. Just a little more effort, and we find ourselves face to face with a massive ice wall. We’re finally touching the Cotopaxi glacier. The crackling ice, the rumbling water flowing through the glacier’s walls, the sun burning our skin, and the wind chilling us to the bone. The sensation is incredible. What a breathtaking landscape.. And as a bonus, we’ve broken our altitude record: 5,066 meters!

After savoring our victory and happiness, it’s time to head back down. The clouds are rising from the valley, and the landscape is already intermittently shrouded in shadow.

At the refuge, we finally take a well-deserved break. But, unlucky as always, it’s still closed! Once again, we won’t get to enjoy a hot chocolate! Oh well. We settle down on the wall in front of the chalet, this time in the sun! We enjoy a banana and some biscuits, but soon the weather changes here as well, and it’s time to head back down. We’re almost at the parking lot when we meet the first people heading up. Bad timing, the weather’s now cloudy! We find Jeepy in just a few minutes, and he starts up like a champ. That’s one less stress to worry about. From there, we head back to the park’s campsite, where we have a proper breakfast in the sun, with the deer keeping an eye on us. No doubt about it, the day is already a success! 😀

Then, we leave Cotopaxi National Park with images in our minds and unforgettable memories. We didn’t get the chance to climb it, or even see its gaping crater, but Cotopaxi has truly left us in awe. Now, it’s time to continue our journey south along the Avenue of the Volcanoes!

L’article Ecuador – The Avenue of Volcanoes: Cotopaxi National Park est apparu en premier sur Un pneu plus loin.

We love volcanoes! So, in Costa Rica, just like anywhere else, there’s no way we could resist getting up close to these giants. Like all Central American countries, Costa Rica sits on the Pacific Ring of Fire, with intense volcanic activity. In short, everything we love! Come along as we explore volcanoes of Costa Rica!

Sunday, July 2, 2023

Not only did we find a boa in the shower, but the water was freezing! To make up for it, we headed to the hot springs. There are plenty at the foot of Arenal Volcano, but most have been privatized by resorts that charge outrageous fees to access them. All of them? Nope! A small stretch of river still stands its ground against the resorts! Well, some clever folks have still found a way to make a few bucks—by charging for parking… or rather, for the roadside spot where people leave their cars! We grumble a bit because the place is clearly public, but in the end, we hand over 3,000 colones (€5). We walk upstream a few meters to get away from the road and settle into a natural pool. The water is hot, around 38°C—pure bliss! 😊

Next, we go exploring. Arenal Volcano has finally emerged from the clouds, a rare sight this time of year! We admire it from the town of La Fortuna and then from the small hillside village of El Castillo. Its perfect cone rises to 1,657 meters. Since 2010, Arenal has been dormant but remains active. Climbing it is strictly forbidden.

We grab yet another casado in La Fortuna before hitting the road at 1 p.m. A long afternoon of driving awaits us, though we don’t know it yet. We cover kilometers and check out two potential overnight spots, but neither feels right. So, we keep going, higher and higher into the mountains. The road is so narrow that hairpin turns can only be taken one car at a time, creating a multi-kilometer traffic jam. We’re stuck for 1.5 hours, passing the time by admiring the local wildlife and waterfalls along the way.

By 6 p.m., we really need to find a place for the night. Luckily, there’s a campground nearby. We take a steep road down into the valley. The descent is intense, the brakes are heating up. But when we arrive, we find the gate closed. ☹️ We have no choice but to drive all the way back up to the village. It’s 8 p.m., and night has fallen. We settle for a muddy roadside spot surrounded by thick forest—the kind of place we’d normally never consider, but tonight, it’ll have to do! It’s chilly, which is great because we can sleep inside. Though we still have to open the tent in the rain to grab our duvet and pillows… Who would’ve thought we’d be sleeping in the car in Costa Rica?!

Monday, July 3

The one upside to our less-than-ideal roadside spot? We’re in the perfect location to head straight to Poás Volcano in the morning! We booked our visit for 9 a.m. the night before, and we’re only five minutes from the park entrance. Poás is one of Costa Rica’s most active volcanoes, standing at 2,708 meters. Its crater holds one of the most acidic lakes in the world—up to 50 meters deep—reminding us of Santa Ana Volcano in El Salvador! The walk to the viewpoint? Just ten minutes from the parking lot! The weather is perfect, and the view stretches across the entire valley. This place is simply incredible.

Poás’s last significant eruption was in April 2017. The volcano spewed ash and rocks for miles, forcing the national park to close for over a year. Today, yellow circles on the ground mark the impact points of that eruption. New shelters have been built for visitors in case of another event. The toxic gases emitted by the volcano are also closely monitored. A blue indicator means no harmful fumes; yellow and red indicate rising gas levels. When the winds shift, it suddenly becomes difficult to breathe, and an uncontrollable coughing fit takes over.

After an hour at Poás, we descend to a nearby village overlooking San José. The pastures are a striking shade of green, and we pass cows—real cows, like in France, not the buffalo-like ones we’ve seen elsewhere!

Here, strawberries seem to grow everywhere. Every house sells them. We buy a basket and also stop by a roadside stand for some local cheese and coffee, topped off with a delicious strawberry batido (milkshake)! A big breakfast, followed a few hours later by yet another hearty casado at a roadside eatery.

It’s time to leave Costa Rica’s volcanoes behind. The road slowly but surely leads us back to the Pacific coast, to warmer weather and beautiful beaches—where we might just run into some of Costa Rica’s more iconic creatures… the kind you wouldn’t want to meet while swimming! 😁

L’article Costa Rica – The Arenal and Poás Volcanoes est apparu en premier sur Un pneu plus loin.