Four days ago I left my home in London and flew to South America for the first time in my life. 24 hours later, I arrived in Lima for a one night stop over before heading to my first destination; La Paz, Bolivia.
I am beyond excited to be in South America and embarking on this incredible adventure. Over the next three weeks I’ll travel through five countries, taking eleven flights, spanning two continents and covering 300kms by bike and foot.
My journey will take me on two epic adventures through the Bolivian jungle and the mountains of Patagonia, with a few days spent in each of La Paz, Santiago de Chile, Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro.
I write this blog sitting in the roof top bar of my hostel in La Paz, overlooking this vast, busy and friendly city. I can feel a smile spreading across my face, as I read the words I type and think to myself “I can’t believe I’m here”.
It has been a long time dream of mine to travel in South America. To see this project with Latam Airlines Group come to life after months and months of planning, is what makes me smile and feel immense gratitude for the experience unfolding right before my eyes.
What am I up to here?
Tomorrow I head into the jungle for a week, going totally off-grid and immersing myself in all the jungle has to offer as I venture off the beaten track. The expedition involves mountain biking and exploring the jungle by river. I’m most excited about riding my bike from the top of a mountain 4900m above sea level – that’s higher than Mont Blanc! I’m also dreaming about jumping off waterfalls, camping in the jungle and hiking through the night with all the weird and wonderful sounds from the creatures of the jungle.
If I survive the jungle part of this Latin American adventure and don’t get eaten by a snake, I’m heading down South to Punta Arenas in Chile. Here I will be joined by my friend Max and we set off on a 60km trek through the Patagonia National Park crossing glaciers, mountains and trails. Once we reach the famous Torres Del Paine, we turn around and run 60km, an ultramarathon distance, in a single push.
After the mountains have exhausted us, our plan is to explore the Tango bars and steak houses of Buenos Aires – anyone who has followed me for a while will know how much I love steak! My favourite way to celebrate an adventure is with steak, wine and good friends, we're in for a treat!
When putting this trip together, I wanted to fulfill a dream I’ve had since I was 16. I remember seeing Rio de Janeiro in my geography text book, my mind was blown that there existed a place like Rio and I vowed to visit there some day.
Today is that day.
I am keeping the plans for Rio a surprise for now, watch this space!
Joining me throughout my travels is Carter Hewlett, a filmaker who is here to capture the adventures as they unfold. So far our team is working really well together. He’s getting on board with the fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants attitude I tend to adopt and we’ve discovered a mutual love for Peruvian chocolate, ice cream and rum.
Literally pinching myself. This is beyond my wildest dreams. Join me on this life of adventure through the links below #NextStopLatinAmerica
https://www.nextstopsouthamerica.com
http://www.challengesophie.com
https://twitter.com/challengesophie
https://instagram.com/challengesophie