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Travelling French Guiana Overland: From Macapá (Brazil) to Suriname in 48 Hours
Crossing French Guiana overland from Brazil to Suriname is possible, but requires patience. In this guide, I share exactly how to travel from Macapá to Oiapoque, cross the border into French Guiana, get from Saint-Georges to Cayenne and Saint-Laurent-du-Maroni, and continue to Albina and Paramaribo. You’ll find transport options, border tips, visa information for Suriname, costs, safety advice for solo female travelers, and my experience of this part of crossing the Amazon ra

Ilse
Mar 720 min read


A Guide to (Solo) Travel Guatemala - From a Female Traveller's Perspective
The ultimate Guatemala travel guide based on my 8+ months of solo travel experience in Guatemala. Including practical advice on safety, transport, best destinations, digital nomad life in Guatemala, budgeting, language and customs, and how to travel Guatemala more slowly and responsibly.

Ilse
Mar 124 min read


Travel by Boat from Iquitos to Santa Rosa and Tabatinga - Crossing the Amazon Rainforest in Peru (2026 Guide)
Traveling from Iquitos to Santa Rosa by boat is the only way to reach the Peru–Colombia–Brazil border through the Amazon rainforest. In this guide, I explain the difference between the slow cargo boat and the fast boat, how much tickets cost (in PEN), where to buy them, how long the journey really takes, and how to cross the border to Leticia or Tabatinga step by step. If you’re planning to continue through the Amazon overland, this is everything you need to know before getti

Ilse
Feb 2118 min read


The Boat from Manaus to Santarém and from Santarém to Macapá - Crossing the Amazon rainforest by boat in Brazil
I travelled from Yurimaguas, Peru all the way to Suriname, crossing the Brazilian Amazon rainforest and French Guiana on the way. This blogpost covers how to get from Manaus in the state Amazonas, Brazil to Santarém in the state Para, Brazil by boat, as well as how to get from Santarém to Santana by boat and from Santana to Macapá by car. Including FAQs on food, internet and where to buy tickets.

Ilse
Feb 811 min read


From Tabatinga to Manaus by Boat - Crossing the Amazon Rainforest
As part of the series 'Crossing the Amazon rainforest by boat and bus,' this post covers all you need to know about the slow boat journey between Tabatinga and Manaus, Brazil. Besides sharing my own stories, I answer questions like what it costs to travel from Tabatinga to Manaus by boat, how long it takes, what the boat looks like, what food is like on the slow boat, and whether you have to buy tickets in advance.

Ilse
Jan 2620 min read


Crossing the Amazon Rainforest in Peru: Travelling by Boat from Yurimaguas to Iquitos
I crossed the entire Amazon rainforest, travelling from Peru to Suriname. In this post I will give you all the details on how to get from Yurimaguas to Iquitos - either with a fast boat (in 24 hours) via Nauta, or with the slow boat in 3 nights, sleeping in hammocks. Incl. what it costs to travel from Yurimaguas to Iquitos, what to do in Yurimaguas, what to do in Iquitos, and how safe I felt as a solo female traveller (safe!).

Ilse
Jan 1714 min read


7 Ways to Travel More Ethically and Make a Positive Impact When Travelling
Tourism and travelling often leaves a footprint, but your presence does not necessarily have to be bad. As travellers we can make a positive impact on the world if you know how to! As an avid traveller and cultural anthropologist, here are seven tips for ethical travel and sustainable travel that make a positive impact on the places you visit.

Ilse
Sep 18, 20257 min read


Why I Skipped Nicaragua's Must-Do Activities and What It Brought Me (My First Paid Writing Gig)
In an attempt to go beyond the usual hostel small talk, I asked a fellow backpacker what activities or places they had consciously skipped. It led to a great conversation in which I shared how I had skipped Popoyo's Secret, supposedly one of Nicaragua's must-do activities, when backpacking in Nicaragua and how it brought me my first paid writing assignment. Continue reading for that story and other examples.

Ilse
Jul 22, 20253 min read


A Guide to (Solo) Travel in Nicaragua - From a Female Backpacker's Perspective
Although many backpackers and other travellers consider Nicaragua one of their favourite destinations, after visiting I could not disagree more. In this Nicaragua travel guide, I share my experiences, travel tips for Nicaragua and specific recommendations of what I would do differently if I were to visit again.

Ilse
Jun 11, 202522 min read


Top Things to Do in Quetzaltenango (Xela) Guatemala - A Slow Traveller's Guide
From Spanish language schools to traditional weaving classes and scenic hikes, this city is a must-see for travellers in Guatemala.

Ilse
May 22, 202410 min read
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