Ellen's Travel Stories

28/11/2023

The time to go back home had come... But not before we could explore Valetta some more! 😁
And not only Valetta. We got up early and crossed the water by ferry to the Three Cities. In an hour and a half we wandered around Birgu mostly, all the way to Fort St. Angelo. Especially loved the views of the harbour! 😍
Back on mainland we then went for some history and culture by visiting St. John's Co-Cathedral. A majestic building, well worth your time!
After that we just enjoyed the atmosphere in the city, wandering the streets, enjoying lunch and stocking up on some vitamin D to head into winter. From 20°C back to 0°C in Belgium. Lord have mercy! 🥶

27/11/2023

The question of the day; did we make it to Comino island?
Yes, we did! 🥳
This morning we succeeded in taking the right ferry and ended up having an amazing time on this Maltese island. We hiked around the entire island, admiring the blue lagoon and other amazing cliff views! The blue lagoon was pretty busy with people, but further away from the little harbour we had the place almost all to ourselves!
At 2pm we took the ferry back to Malta before hopping on a bus to the capital Valetta. We were right in time to catch a gorgeous sunset over the city! 😍

26/11/2023

Today went a little less smoothly than we had planned... We wanted to take the ferry to Gozo island but with a stop on Camino island. However in the ferry terminal everything was chaotic and unclear so we ended up going straight to Gozo instead. Change of plans so a bit of improvisation needed to fill our day. We decided to go for the Hop on Hop off bus as that required the least planning of our own. A bit touristic but we managed to check off the major sights on the island; Marsalforn, Ta' Pina, Dwerja Bay and Victoria. Especially the cliffs at the bay were stunning! 😍 Completely my cup of tea! The evening we spent in Victoria, enjoying the gorgeous sunset from the citadel! Still an amazing day on the island, and hopefully we'll have more success with the ferry to Camino tomorrow! 🤞🏻

25/11/2023

Adding the 32nd country to the list, in the amazing company of my sister! 🥰
We arrived late last night, immediately making our way to Marsaxlokk. After a short night and a de-li-cious breakfast (with a view) we explored the harbour and surrounding cliffs. With it being the windiest day in over three years often quite a struggle 😅 But such a beautiful place, which we fortunately had all to ourselves!
By bus we then went to the medieval city of Mdina. Wandering through these gorgeous streets and enjoying some late (in my sister's case) and early (in my case) birthday cake with coffee. An amazing first day exploring this tiny island country! 😊

06/09/2023

Huaraz is a region that’s often skipped by mass tourism in Peru, so it wasn’t a big surprise that when we arrived we didn’t seem to run into a lot of other tourists wandering around town. At least …

22/06/2023

Recap of our three amazing days in the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world!
We may have overpaid for it but for a trip this perfect I don't feel so bad about it afterwards. You can however get best of both worlds, if you know how to go about! ;)

One of the most common tours to do in Peru is a trek through the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. It’s situated about 160 kilometers north-west of Arequipa so that& #8217…

11/06/2023

Second day of our family weekend in The Netherlands and temperatures are over 30°C once again! 🥵
But we're not complaining! The sun is out and summer has arrived! 😍
Today we explored the Loonse en Drunense Duinen National Park, by tandem! 🚲 With the breeze and the shade from the trees the perfect activity!
42 kilometers through nature, at a leisurely pace. Perfect Sunday!
Now time to head back home. 😔

10/06/2023

Only just returned but already traveling a bit again! 😅
It's our annual family weekend away and this year we're not staying in our own country but visiting our northern neighbours!
We're staying in a vacation home close to Kaatsheuvel; 't Nieuwe Nest. The grounds are amazing, with a big yard with chickens and geese and a BBQ! 😍
This morning we drove to the National Park De Biesbosch where we rented some kayaks to discover the creeks from the water. Nice combo of relaxing and being active. With the 30°C weather also really refreshing. After some lunch near the water we went for a walk through the park as well. A dip in the water was also included!
We returned to our holiday home late afternoon for drinks and now it's BBQ time! 😎

08/06/2023

Our first full day in Peru was immediately a big hit! From Arequipa we went on a half day trip to Lake Salinas, a beautiful salt lake with lots of gorgeous views and amazing wildlife!

More info about that trip is now up on my blog!

Our three weeks in Peru kicked off in Peru’s second largest city; Arequipa. The first afternoon and day after we didn’t have anything specific planned when we arrived. Discovering the c…

04/06/2023

Three weeks of amazing hikes, gorgeous views and the most unforgettable memories, captured in ten minutes! 🦙

Traveling through Peru, May 6 - May 26.Arequipa - Laguna de Salinas - Colca Canyon - Yanque - Cusco - Salkantay Trek (Laguna Humantay - Salkantay Pass - Mach...

29/05/2023

Have my posts and pictures the last few weeks made you long for a trip to Peru as well?
No worries, I've already finished up an overview of our entire itinerary through this gorgeous South-American country! There are many other beautiful sites in the country that we sadly had to leave out due to lack of time, but I'm still extremely happy with the route we took and the choices we made! It was truly an incredible experience! ♥

After almost five years of traveling on European territory, earlier this month I was finally heading to another continent again. Not only just another continent, but also my first time in South-Ame…

26/05/2023

The last day of our trip. Oh so sad! 😔
We arrived in Lima early this morning, way earlier than expected. Instead of heading straight into sightseeing we just booked an extra night at our hotel to sleep some more. The night bus ride this time wasn't as restful as the previous 😅 And I wasn't about to start sightseeing at 5am.
After a couple of blissful hours of sleep, we did a crazy move and hopped into a colectivo - the Peruvian way of public transport - to Miraflores area. A crazy ride in a small van with many people just hopping on and off. Madhouse!
We started our exploration along the boardwalk, exploring the many parks. Nice atmosphere. Too bad the weather was again gloomy, as is apparently always the case here.
From there we headed to Kennedy Park, also known as cat park 😻
Thanks to a french couple we met earlier on our trip, we went to check out this sushi place; TomoYa. Best. Sushi. Ever! 🤤
We continued to the beach, where we chilled for a while, checking our the surfers braving the waves and the birds flying around. Zen!
Now for our last evening we're going to enjoy some Pisco Sour and good food as Lima's known for that. The best way to say goodbye to Peru!
Ciao, Peru, you've been amazing! 🥰

25/05/2023

Another transition day. This evening we're taking the night bus back to Lima, the end of our holiday is near. 😔
But today we explored Huaraz some more. Without a plan, just wandering around the streets and many areas of the city. We ended up with a few more nice views and even saw a hummingbird pretty damn close!
We went up to the other side of the city to get another viewpoint on Huaraz and then went back for an early dinner; Indian food 😁
A laid back day, which is also nice every once in a while!

23/05/2023

When you're surrounded by the stunning mountains in the Huascarán National Park, it'd be a shame not to go hiking again. So that's what we did once more!
We started our day with a view on the highest mountain of Peru ; Huascarán.
Then we started our trek to Laguna 513 joined by our guide from Chasing Adventures . Once again we had booked a group trip but because of last minute cancellations, it was just the two of us. Sweet!
This hike was a very diverse once more. First through some - wet - meadows, then through forest and bushes, across rivers, over big rocks and slopes, to finally arrive at our first lake; Laguna Rajupáquinan
From there is was still a while up, totalling to another 700 altimeters to Laguna 513. But boy what a view once more!
We saw some avalanches while enjoying our lunch with this gorgeous view.
Too soon it was time to head back again. A little bit exhausted, most because we have been doing at least 25k steps a day for the past three weeks, but oh so satisfied.

22/05/2023

More turquoise blue lakes in the area? Count me in!
Today we went to one of the most beautiful lakes in the Huascarán National Park; Laguna 69.
As is normal here, an early wake up call and a bit of driving to the trailhead. We did stop at Lake Chinan Cocha for a few minutes for a quick photo opportunity. The mirror on that lake 😍
Fifteen minutes later our hike could begin: 7km and 700 altimeters, going from 3900m to 4600. While it was steep up, it wasn't all the technical. The hardest part was the altitude. But in such a scenery it isn't a punishment to stop to catch your breath and marvel at your surroundings.
After two and a half hours of uphill we finally arrived at the lake! O m g! Gorgeous!!
The sun was quite warm, even at such an altitude so I couldn't help myself to dip into the water. Pretty damn cold but such an amazing feeling!
After an hour and half at the top, it was time to head down again, and suddenly clouds came rolling in. Fortunately it wasn't all that bad and we made it back to the bus completely dry.
Another very, very successful day in Peru. This country keeps surprising me!

20/05/2023

After a surprisingly comfortable and restful night bus trip we arrived in Huaraz. Time for breakfast! In Café California we found some croissants and pancakes and then went to drop off our luggage at our hotel, Casa de Ana.
Today we had nothing planned, so we just wandered around town and went to check out the big cross on top of the hill on the outskirts of the city. Gorgeous view over Huaraz and the mountains. Sadly a bit cloudy. We enjoyed lunch at the top before going back down. The whole city seems to be celebrating but we have no clue what. Either way, it's fun!
So after picking up our laundry - yes, a must too - we'll just wander back into the city center for the rest of the evening.
Tomorrow: Laguna Paron! 😁

20/05/2023

Some days aren't as exciting as others while travelling. Today was such a day. We had to fly back to Lima to then catch a night bus to Huaraz. Fortunately in between we had a couple of hours to explore a bit of the historical center of Lima. With our backpacks, we were limited but we made most of it. The cloudier weather made it a bit of a gloomy city, but there are beautiful monuments and parks to be found.
Last minute we entered the Parque de la Reserva to do the Circuito Magica del agua. Nothing too special but nice to kill some time before our nightbus.
Now 10 hours to go to Huaraz! 😅

19/05/2023

Last day of our Salkantay trek, and the main adventure; Machu Picchu! 🤩
Another early morning but with the excitement it wasn't too hard to get up.
We took the bus from Aguas Calientes up to the Inca city and then it was a two hour exploration of this amazing, mythical city. It was so surreal to see a scenery you've seen so many times in pictures in real life! Our guide, Carlos, told us all about its history and the Incas under the blazing sun. It got incredibly hot up there 😅
To get back to Aguas Calientes we took the "Inca Steps" and then celebrated our adventures with a Pisco Sour. I do admit I was a little bit tipsy when I got on the train to Ollantaytambo. 😅
From there we got straight on a bus back to Cusco. The end of our four day Salkantay trekking adventure. I was so sad saying goodbye to all the amazing people we got to trek with.
We enjoyed one last evening in Cusco with the New Zealand crew and tried the famous Guinea pig. Nothing too special if you ask me 😅

17/05/2023

Salkantay Trek : Day 3!
Another early wake-up call this morning - what else 😅 - cause we had quite a lot of kilometers ahead of us once again.
Unfortunately the trail has collapsed because of landslides, so we had to take the road most of the time. Bummer!
On our way we got to see passionfruit farms and a coffee farm.
After another de-li-ci-ous lunch, it was time to say goodbye to our Dutch friends as they were doing another trail for the next few days. We drove on to Hidroelectrica with the rest of the gang to hike from there to Aguas Calientes, at the foot of Machu Picchu.
We followed the train tracks and got passed by a few trains. I didn't expect this part to be nice but there were some nice views along the way anyway!
We now spend the night in Aguas Calientes. Tomorrow Machu Picchu 🥳

17/05/2023

Day 2 of the Salkantay Trek!
Best. Day. Ever! What an experience! 😍
This morning we were woken up at 5am by our guides Carlos and Eder with some hot coca tea. We had had an amazing night with lots of stargazing through our glass dome!
But time for more beauty. At 6:30am it was time to start the real challenge; over the Salkantay Pass, at 4650m. 🏔️ Challenging, with a climb of 700 altimeters, but worth every step! It had snowed a lot a couple of days ago so we got more snow than usual. A-ma-zing!
From the top it was then 800 altimeters down to our lunch spot at the edge of the jungle. And suddenly we were in a whole other environment! Lush greens and beautiful flowers everywhere!
Another 1000altimeters down through that jungle to arrive at our Andean Hut where we'll sleep tonight.
This is definitely one of the most beautiful and most diverse hiking days I've ever experienced. 20km of pure beauty! 😍

16/05/2023

Day 1 of the Salkantay Trek!
What an amazing day and an amazing group of people to hike with. We're in the company of two people from the Netherlands; JJ and Mel, two from the US; Mike and Paige and two from New Zealand; Abby and Laura.
Our day started at 4am, with a pick up from our hotel. A few hours of car journey ahead of us. Little before nine we started trekking. The first two kilometers were grueling. Steep up! But then the next five to our base camp were a breeze!
After lunch in our amazing Sky Camp, glass domed huts, we set out for another part of the hike; up to Humantay Lake! 400 altimeters in 1,5 kilometers. Once again pretty hard! But oh so worth it!
Back to base camp then, so an amazing afternoon tea and delicious dinner. So spoiled on that part!
Tomorrow we cross the Salkantay Pass, so again a lot of altimeters to cover! 😅

14/05/2023

Today we took it slow, for a change. Sleeping in a bit longer - a huge difference from all the 6am or earlier wake-up calls for the tours - and a long breakfast while checking out the last episode of "De Mol".
Eventually we stepped out of our hostal to wander around Cusco a bit and checking off some sights in the city. It's Mother's day today and that's a huge thing here. Markets and festivities everywhere so the ambiance was definitely on point.
For lunch we went to the Market of San Pedro, a whole menu for only s/7 (=+/-1,77 euro). Crazy!
We met up with our French friend again and went to enjoy some ice cream, the typical "Queso Helado", before we were expected at the Salkantay Trekking office for our briefing for the next couple of days. We're looking forward to four heavy hiking days which will end at the famous Machu Picchu site! 🥳

14/05/2023

In preparation for our later visit to Macchu Picchu, we went to discover all about the other Inca structures in the Sacred Valley today.
We met up again with a girl we met on the Colca Canyon trek, Camille, and joined four other French people on this discovery.
Our first stop was the archeological site of Pisac. A amazing historical place in a gorgeous scenery. Next was the site of Chinchero, which was my least favorite.
As a change for the old Inca structures, we then went to the salt mines of Moras. Very impressive place and the last one in Peru! Too bad the season was just over so they weren't as white as they are during the season.
Closeby was the site of Moray, so another one to check off the list. I found those circles quite relaxing. And last we stopped in Ollantaytambo, which was most impressive. Huge blocks of granite, all in straight lines. Pretty crazy craftsmanship!
And that was enough history for one day. Back to Cusco for a chill evening with the French people and some raclette, on the tones of Eurovision songs cause the owner is a fan 🤣 😊

13/05/2023

Today we went from Chivay to Cusco with the 4M Express bus. An early morning and 9 hours of driving ahead of us. Phew!
And it was quite an adventure! After only a few kilometres we ended up in the snow 🌨️, making it difficult to drive and the van even slipped for one second. But the careful driver got us through it.
And then he apparently was done being careful. Full speed ahead, swerving through trafic and through the many mountain roads. Poor stomachs! But we made it to Cusco in one piece, thank god!
It was raining as we arrived, but soon cleared out a bit. We had some time left to explore the city and it's bustling with people. Such a busy place and way more touristic than the previous cities/towns. A bit an overload of sensations.
For tomorrow we booked a Sacred Valley tour to visit some ancient places in the area. So excited to learn all about the history!

11/05/2023

Today was supposed to be a rest day but we all know I'm not good at that. 😅
The plan was to only hike to the ruins of Uyo Uyo, about 2,8km from our hotel, but from there it seemed only a short bit further to the Uyo Uyo waterfall. And then it was not that much further to the top of the waterfall. Oopsie.
But such a beautiful environment!
Once again the volcano Sabancaya was spewing ashes. Quite scary actually...
We also ran into our guide from the last few days, total coincidence! 😊
After a quick lunch we hopped into a taxi and headed to Chivay. We are just back from exploring the town a bit and there was a nice ambiance going on. Promise of a great evening !

10/05/2023

What goes down, must come up! So at 4am we started hiking to make it back to the top of the canyon! It was a pretty intense hike, continuously uphill with 1100 altimeters to cover! Once again we got the company of an overexcited dog who thought our laces were something to play with 😅
But the reward at the top was worth it! A delicious breakfast and then a good soak in the thermal baths in Yanque!
Thanks to our amazing guide Ivan ( Ivan Peru Tours 🔝) we were also able to return to Cruz del Condor for an extra hour and got incredibly lucky to spot a whole lot of those majestic birds! A-ma-zing!
For the rest of the day we plan to just relax and let our muscles recover from the past days! 🧘‍♀️

09/05/2023

The past two days have been absolutely incredible! We got up at 3am the first day, ready to be picked up by our guide Ivan to take us to the Colca Canyon! There we would embark on a three day trek down into the canyon, through villages and then back up again the last day.
After a breakfast in Chivay yesterday, we stopped for some viewpoints along the road. One had a baby llama and of course I totally melted! 😍
Next up was Tom's moment of joy; the famous Cruz del Condor! The place to spot the big condor bird! And we were lucky!
A bit further we continued on foot, down into the canyon, which is over one kilometer deep!
Surrounded by gorgeous views we enjoyed every minute of this environment!
In the evening we arrived at our lodging for the night. A very basic room, just a bed, no electricity, no WiFi. Deconnected! We enjoyed a lovely evening with other trekkers and even lured our guide into giving us a salsa lesson. Happy moments!
This morning, it was a bit more at ease. We were going to go through a couple of villages in the valley. We got to taste plenty of fruits that were growing all over the place and even spotted a hummingbird!
Early afternoon we arrived at our stay for this night; in the middle of the Sangalle oasis! Such a lush place!
And it had a beautiful, fresh water pool! Yay!
After a dip in the pool we hit the trails in Sangalle itself to spot more wildlife and ended up on the banks of the Colca River!
Tomorrow morning, it's time for the hard work; all the way back up to the top of the Canyon. Lord have mercy!

08/05/2023

Qué dia! 🦙
Early this morning we got into a van with 13 others, ready to hit the road to the Laguna de Salinas, a salt lake at 4300m altitude.
Short after departure, with a little delay of course, we stopped at a first viewpoint on the many volcanoes surrounding Arequipa! Breathtaking!
And then it was onto the main attraction; the lake. Because of the strong winds the usual reflexion wasn't very much present but it was still such a beautiful scenery!
We continued along the lake to the hot springs and a bunch of llamas, alpacas and vicuñas. In the distance we also spotted flamingos!
Sadly it was then time to head back to the city. We stopped for one of viewpoint on Arequipa and it's famous volcano before retiring for the night. Another early wake up call tomorrow!

07/05/2023

After endless hours of flying, we finally made it to the city of Arequipa! The first actual stop of our trip.
While driving from the airport to the center, the gorgeous volcanoes shone behind the city. What a view!
We spent the rest of the afternoon exploring the old center and Miraflores area of Arequipa. A vibrant city which may look a bit outdated but was mostly very clean and filled with the kindest people. We're off to a good start!
For tomorrow, we've booked a trip to the Laguna de Salinas so hopefully we'll stay this excited!

05/05/2023

It's time! Put your seatbelts on and ready for departure 🥳
In a few hours we're leaving for the airport to start a new adventure abroad! Destination; Peru! 🦙🇵🇪
Those who want to follow our every move; check out my polarsteps : https://www.polarsteps.com/EllensTravelStories 😊

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