Machu Picchu: A Transformative Journey

One of my most vibrant and incredible memories from several years ago was signing up for a four-day hike to the famous Machu Picchu for sunrise. The final destination was a panoramic lookout point over Machu Picchu, reached before any tourists were allowed to enter. I embarked on this adventure with my travel companion, Tom, and I vividly recall that on the first day, we arrived—believe it or not—uncertain about whether we actually wanted to go through with it. In hindsight, this hesitation seems absurd, as the experience turned out to be one of the most awe-inspiring and perspective-shifting journeys of my life.

Being unprepared for the physical challenges ahead, I had initially packed a pair of heavy-duty walking boots, not realizing the extent of the treacherous terrain that awaited us. The trail featured extreme variations, from miles of steep descents down rugged mountain paths to grueling inclines where the air was noticeably thin. Within the first day—before even starting the trail—I abandoned my hiking boots in favor of wearing Nike Air flat-bottom trainers. Our tour guide found this decision amusing, but for the first few days, my choice proved beneficial; unlike many in our group, I avoided painful blisters, and the lighter footwear made walking easier. However, by the final day, the lack of proper support had taken its toll, and I could barely walk due to severe muscle cramps. My discomfort was so pronounced that I must have looked utterly ridiculous limping through the town where we would spend our last night.

The sheer diversity of the landscapes we encountered left me in awe. We transitioned from dense, humid jungle environments to arid, almost barren desert-like terrains. Along the way, we passed ancient ruins—stone-built settlements perched on mountain slopes, intricate amphitheater-like structures once used for ceremonial gatherings, and narrow, winding paths along towering cliffs that offered breathtaking views of distant campsites. Each night, we arrived at a different campsite where we were provided with nourishing home-cooked meals, often consisting of soups, bread, and herbal teas. Our guides frequently recommended chewing coca leaves to alleviate altitude sickness, and while I followed their advice, I may have overindulged—by the end, I had supposedly consumed an enormous amount, though I have little recollection, as the effects left me in a constant state of mild euphoria.

The daily hikes, averaging about five miles, were generally manageable. However, the relentless descents down uneven stone steps proved to be the most physically taxing part of the journey, placing significant strain on the back and knees. While most of our group eventually handed their backpacks over to the porters—local runners who carried supplies ahead of us to set up each campsite—Tom and I stubbornly refused, driven by our pride. This decision only added to the physical challenge, but in retrospect, it made the experience even more rewarding.

The dedication of these porters was truly remarkable. They raced ahead for hours, carrying tents and cooking equipment to ensure our next stop was fully prepared by the time we arrived. Their endurance and resilience commanded absolute respect, yet I couldn't help but wonder about the long-term toll such labor took on their bodies.

Reaching Machu Picchu at the end of the hike was, of course, a breathtaking experience. However, I found that the true magic lay in the journey itself—the isolation, the raw beauty of nature, and the camaraderie built along the way. It was almost surreal to transition from days of rugged wilderness, where we relied on one another through physical exhaustion and occasional stomach ailments, to suddenly standing in one of the most heavily touristed sites in the world. As enormous buses unloaded crowds of visitors, many of whom asked if we had completed the trek, I couldn't help but feel a sense of disconnect. The contrast between our arduous journey and their effortless arrival was jarring.

This experience was far from a luxury vacation. We endured sub-zero temperatures at night, scorching heat during the day, and a complete lack of modern conveniences such as showers. Yet, despite these challenges—or perhaps because of them—it remains one of the most detoxifying and perspective-altering experiences of my life. If I could offer one piece of advice to future trekkers, it would be to invest in the best lightweight hiking boots available and to choose clothing designed to prevent blisters and chafing.

One of my greatest regrets from this trip is that I had only just begun exploring photography at the time and lacked the knowledge to properly capture and preserve the breathtaking landscapes we encountered. I failed to save my raw image files, instead uploading low-quality, over-processed versions to Facebook. As a result, many of the most stunning scenes I witnessed remain vivid only in my memory rather than in professional-quality photographs.

Nonetheless, this journey was truly life-changing. The physical challenges, the immersion in nature, and the deep appreciation for the history embedded in the ancient ruins made this an unforgettable adventure—one that I would recommend to anyone seeking a transformative experience.

Uyuni Salt Flats: The Most Memorable and Worst Journey in South America

Taking a bus from La Paz to the Uyuni Salt Flats was by far the most memorable journey of my travels in South America. However, I have to be honest—the bus ride itself was probably the worst travel experience of my life.

We weren’t in what you’d consider a normal civilian bus; instead, we rode in an off-road modified truck with seats. These vehicles had special suspension systems, double axles, and reinforced tires—because there were no roads, at least not by the Western definition. No tarmac, just stones, mud, dust, and streams.

This was an overnight, nine-hour off-road scramble, and I cannot sleep on a train, plane, or bus at the best of times. Add to that the unbearable seats, the constant jolting, and the fact that the heating had only one setting—“boiling”—and you have a recipe for pure discomfort. There were no proper stops for the toilet, so between the motion and dehydration, peeing wasn’t even an option. Dust poured in through the windows, coating everything, and along the way, we passed countless broken-down buses—some with their wheels ripped off, others stranded on the roadside.

At some point, by the grace of God, I found a spare area at the back where I could stretch my legs on the floor, giving Tom more space. I’m pretty sure Bolivian people have smaller frames because the seating definitely wasn’t designed for us. Looking back, the whole ordeal is funny, but at the time, it was pure hell. That said, I imagine the buses are much more modern now.

Arriving in Uyuni: Remote, Wild, and Beautiful

When we finally reached Uyuni, the contrast was unreal. The town was remote, wild, and incredibly peaceful. We signed up for a three-day, two-night tour, which, in my opinion, is the perfect amount of time to explore the area. Our adventure began with a meet-up, where we were divided into small groups and loaded into off-road 4x4 trucks.

The first stop was an old train graveyard—an abandoned railway depot filled with rusted locomotives and twisted metal, set against an endless desert backdrop. It was like stepping into a post-apocalyptic movie scene.

From there, we drove deep into the salt flats, stopping at a pre-set campsite for breakfast. The landscape was absolutely mind-blowing—vast, silent, and seemingly endless. The heat was intense during the day, but at night, temperatures dropped dramatically. We climbed barren rock formations, surrounded by towering cacti, and took in panoramic views that looked straight out of Mad Max.

The Surreal Uyuni Salt Flats

The Uyuni Salt Flats themselves were unlike anything I had ever seen. The perfectly flat white surface stretched for hundreds of miles, and in certain seasons, when they flood, they create a mirror-like reflection of the sky. The combination of heat waves on the horizon and the optical illusions caused by the reflections made the entire experience feel otherworldly.

We spent our first night at Hostel del Sal, a lodge built entirely out of salt rock. The following day was packed with unreal landscapes—Isla Incahuasi, the Red Lagoon, and Chiguana. We traveled past rust-colored rock formations and red-water lakes created by algae, where flamingos gathered in massive numbers. Seeing flamingos in such an extreme, high-altitude desert environment was surreal.

One of the most intriguing sights was Árbol de Piedra (the "Stone Tree"), a bizarre rock formation sculpted by the wind over thousands of years. The formations in this area were some of the most fascinating geological features I had ever seen.

An Unforgettable Night Under the Stars

That night, we stayed at Hostel Efraín, which had no power, no running water, and toilets that were nothing more than holes in the ground. It was far from glamorous and definitely not for the faint-hearted. But just outside, in the middle of nowhere, were natural hot springs.

We spent the evening soaking in the warm water under the clearest night sky I had ever witnessed. The Milky Way stretched across the sky in breathtaking detail. I wasn’t doing photography professionally back then, though I had my Canon 650D with me. If I had known what I was doing, I probably could have taken the best astrophotography shots of my life. But even without a camera, the memory of that sky will stay with me forever.

The Harsh Reality of the Journey

While the scenery was stunning, the journey itself was exhausting. Hours upon hours of driving through remote landscapes, constantly stopping to explore, battling the extreme temperature changes, and dealing with basic facilities—it was a test of endurance. You also have to get used to using hole-in-the-ground toilets, as proper restrooms are rare.

By the final day, our tour had taken us as far as the Chilean border before looping back. Despite the physical challenges, I wouldn’t change a thing about the experience.

Reflections and Regrets

Looking back, my biggest regret is that I didn’t have the right photography skills or knowledge at the time. I took photos, but I only ever posted them to Facebook in low resolution with terrible "all-in-one" presets. I never saved the raw files, never backed them up on a hard drive, and never had the chance to edit them with a proper professional understanding. The thought of all those once-in-a-lifetime shots being lost forever still haunts me.

I dream of going back one day—with all my gear—during the months when the salt flats flood. I want to capture the magic of that place properly, with the reflections, the night sky, and the incredible landscapes in their full glory. That’s the dream.

The Ultimate Adrenaline Rush: Downhill Biking in Bolivia

This was a pure adrenaline-fueled day—definitely not for the faint-hearted—racing downhill on mountain bikes, and it was absolutely epic. We had a large group, led by a German guide who was excellent.

This is the famous 60 km downhill track featured on Top Gear, where parts of the trail run just feet away from vertical drops. The ride took a few hours to reach the bottom, and by the end, I was drenched in sweat and completely exhausted. Of course, we celebrated at the bar afterward—which, in hindsight, was a terrible idea.

I don’t think the mix of altitude, dehydration, and whatever questionable booze they serve in Bolivia agreed with me. Let’s just say I ended up puking out of the bus window on the way back to La Paz. I blame the altitude... but then again, since alcohol there doesn’t exactly come with a certified percentage, it’s possible I just had one too many after a day of intense riding.

Is the Death Road as Dangerous as It Looks?

I’d recommend this to any type of rider—it’s not a race, unless you're my mate, who turned it into one. You can go at your own pace, and despite the Top Gear reputation, unless you're a complete donkey, you’re not going to ride off the edge. That being said, I’m sure people have.

Pro Tips for an Epic Ride:

✔ Book with a reputable company that provides high-end, well-maintained downhill bikes and experienced guides—it’s worth the money.
✔ Stay hydrated. You’ll burn through energy fast, and trust me, you’ll want to hit the booze afterward.
✔ Respect the trail. It’s an insane ride, but it’s as safe as you make it.

If you're in Bolivia and looking for an adrenaline rush of a lifetime, this is the one. Just maybe pace yourself at the bar afterward.

Isla Holbox Mexico

Huacachina: A Desert Oasis Like No Other

Huacachina Lagoon is a remote paradise, straight out of a fantasy film set—a lush oasis ringed by palm trees, long believed to have therapeutic properties. The shores of the lagoon are lined with bars and clubs, while dune buggies tear across the towering sand dunes that surround the village.

By midday, the heat was unbearable, and, once again, I got seriously sunburnt—but this place was an absolute must-visit. When we were there, it wasn’t overrun by tourists and felt incredibly peaceful.

A Photographer’s Dream

At the time, I wasn’t seriously into photography, but if I had been, this place would have been perfect for astrophotography. The night skies here must be unreal. It’s a chilled, inspiring place—perfect for getting lost in your thoughts and creativity.

The Best Experiences in Huacachina

✔ Climbing the tallest dune you can find to watch the sunset and see the village lights flicker on—a truly magical sight.
✔ Daytime dune buggy tours—absolutely thrilling as you race over the rolling sand dunes.
✔ Plenty of places to drink and relax at night, making it a great spot to unwind.

A Small Bump in the Road

Unfortunately, we did get hit with food poisoning one night, which was pretty intense—but honestly, when you're traveling, it's bound to happen at some point.

Final Thoughts

Huacachina is a place like no other—a mix of adventure, relaxation, and pure desert magic. If you ever find yourself in Peru, don’t skip it. Just bring sunscreen... and maybe some stomach meds, just in case. 😅

Exploring Mexico City: A Fascinating Urban Experience

If you’re visiting Mexico, I would definitely recommend spending a few days in Mexico City. As far as cities go, it’s a fascinating place—one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the world.

To truly grasp the scale of Mexico City, you have to visit Torre Latino at night for a panoramic view. The sheer size of the city is mind-blowing when you see it illuminated from above.

Getting Around Mexico City

The public transport system is much like London’s—efficient and easy to use, except during rush hours, when it can become dangerously overcrowded. I once got stuck on a train and couldn’t get off for three stops because the crowd was too dense to move. The stampedes during rush hour can be brutal, so I’d recommend avoiding peak times and using taxis instead.

A City That’s Sinking

One of the most unique aspects of Mexico City is that it’s literally sinking. Built on muddy marshlands, surrounded by volcanoes, and sitting on an earthquake fault line, the city’s architecture is constantly shifting.

A must-visit is Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción (also known as the Metropolitan Cathedral), where you can see the leaning floors and tilting buildings. It’s an unsettling experience, and there’s even a pendulum hanging inside to measure how much the structure has sunk over time.

Nightlife & Culture

Mexico City has an incredible nightlife scene, and trying mezcal is an absolute must. One night, we met some random locals who took us far outside the city center to a club with live music and a real “Mexicanos” vibe—it was an unforgettable experience.

During our stay, there was a major protest in the city, and while there was a heavy police presence, I never felt unsafe. Then again, we were typical city-center tourists doing tourist things, so our experience may not reflect all areas of the city.

Final Thoughts

Mexico City is a place that will surprise you at every turn—from its sheer size to its sinking streets to its electric nightlife. If you get the chance to visit, don’t skip it. Just be smart about when and how you travel—and don’t miss that Torre Latino view at night.

Exploring Mexico: A Trip to Remember

Traveling across Mexico for four weeks with a friend, a few years after my South America trip, was an unforgettable adventure. The standout destination for me was Holbox Island—a paradise with the clearest blue water you’ve ever seen, no cars, only scooters and bicycles, and a tight-knit, positive community.

It was probably the most peaceful place I’ve ever been. We spent three days there, which felt like the perfect amount of time. The island had fantastic indoor and outdoor nightlife, with a 24/7 buzz—people running bars straight from their homes, turning their front porches into lively social hubs. It’s another place I’d love to return to one day.

While we were there, a film was being shot, and we somehow ended up as background extras in a bar scene. It was a fun and unexpected experience.

Is Mexico Safe?

Overall, we felt very safe throughout the entire trip—except for one night in Cancún. My friend went to take a piss, and out of nowhere, an armed police unit hit us with a floodlight and demanded cash. That was the only sketchy moment; aside from that, everyone we met was incredibly friendly.

The Magic of Mexico at Night

One of the most beautiful things about Mexico is how people gather and eat outdoors at night. The streets are alive with locals sitting outside, sharing meals, and socializing. There’s a sense of community and energy that makes the country so special.

Mexico is a place I’ll never forget—and definitely one I hope to visit again.

My First Real Travel Experience: Thailand, New Zealand & America

This was really my first proper travel experience, and to be honest, I started late. It wasn’t until I was 28 that I finally got out to see the world.

This adventure was with two friends from my hometown, Lostwithiel in Cornwall. We planned three weeks in Thailand, then a year living and working in Queenstown, and finally, two weeks in America before heading home to Cornwall. It was a crazy, unforgettable time.

Queenstown: Like a Fantasy World

Queenstown is like something straight out of a movie—an insane mix of extreme sports, tours, and nonstop energy. The nightlife there is next level, and I think I drank more during that year than ever before. Things didn’t exactly go smoothly, either.

I arrived practically broke after spending most of my budget in Asia and had to find work fast. I managed to land a job at a rental camper company with an amazing group of people, but living on minimum wage meant I was constantly on the edge financially.

To save money, I lived in a tent for three weeks in the back garden of a house share. It was right on the edge of the deep woods, and one night, one of the lads thought it’d be funny to scatter possum food around my tent. I have never shit myself so badly in my life.

Possums scream, make insane noises, and are fearless until you really chase them off. That night, I could hear them running around outside, and no matter what I did, they wouldn’t leave. It was pure terror.

Surviving in Queenstown

For the first three months, my mate and I lived in a hostel—until we were pretty much kicked out for overstaying our welcome. I was always eating the free food, and the hostel was expensive, but somehow, I got through it.

At one point, I realized that if I wanted to make a proper go of living in New Zealand, I needed to get my tools sent over so I could work in my trade.

The people in New Zealand are amazing—easily the most chilled and friendly people I’ve ever met.

Exploring New Zealand

I managed to travel quite a bit while I was there:
✔ Auckland (North Island) – A completely different vibe from Queenstown but great to see.
✔ Dunedin – Had an awesome time exploring the area.
✔ Christchurch – I lived here for a month at the end of my trip, working in my trade. I actually made good moneywith a company van and fuel allowance, and it was a position I could have seriously pursued.

I also did tons of South Island tours, and New Zealand is now a bucket-list location for photography. A friend of mine actually went back and lives there now.

Looking Back

When we went in 2009, the exchange rate was double, which made things way more affordable. Now, I hear it’s much more expensive and has expanded massively.

Looking back, this trip was a wild, messy, incredible time, and I wouldn’t change a thing. One day, I’ll go back—this time with my camera.

A Solo Photography Adventure Across Thailand and Vietnam

In 2019, I decided to create a plan and save up for a major adventure: a nine-week solo backpacking trip across Thailand and Vietnam. By this point, I was deeply invested in photography, so the trip was primarily focused on capturing images and improving my skills. Once again, I learned several valuable life lessons along the way—something I will discuss later—but overall, this journey significantly contributed to my growth as a photographer.

I began by flying to Bangkok and traveling south through Thailand before flying to Ho Chi Minh City in southern Vietnam—a city that was a true eye-opener. From there, I made my way north through Vietnam and eventually returned to northern Thailand to complete my trip. One of my most memorable stops was Chiang Mai, which quickly became a favorite destination. Unlike Vietnam and southern Thailand, Chiang Mai had far less chaotic traffic, making it much easier to explore the countryside. Throughout the trip, I relied on scooter rentals for transportation. However, I must emphasize that riding a scooter in Vietnam is not for the faint of heart. In Ho Chi Minh City, I did not even attempt to ride one; simply walking through the streets without getting hit was challenging enough.

While in Chiang Mai, I visited the breathtaking Doi Inthanon National Park and its temple at the summit, where the view was absolutely stunning. A crucial tip for anyone traveling to this location by scooter is to rent a high-quality bike with strong brakes—the incline to the top is incredibly steep, and the descent puts immense strain on the brakes. The region is filled with waterfalls, farmland, and diverse wildlife, but my visit coincided with the burning season, when farmers set fire to old crops. That year was reportedly one of the worst for air pollution, making some days physically exhausting due to poor air quality. I vividly recall being deep in the forest when the sky turned red from the thick smoke, and I could feel the pressure on my lungs. Despite this, northern Thailand remains an incredibly beautiful region, and I highly recommend visiting Chiang Rai, its well-known neighboring city.

After several days of intensive photography, involving long-distance scooter trips that started as early as 4:00 AM, I decided to take a short break to relax and enjoy the nightlife. One evening, I visited the local market, where I met a few fellow travelers. As the night progressed, they eventually returned to the hostel, but—true to my adventurous nature—I stayed out drinking. At some point, I hopped onto the back of a motorbike taxi and asked the driver to take me to a club. Unfortunately, as is often the case with intoxicated tourists, I unknowingly became an easy target for exploitation. The driver dropped me off at what I assumed was a nightclub, but in reality, it was a pay-for-companionship venue.As I sat there, various women approached me, engaging in conversation while the drinks kept coming. Eventually, I realized that the bill covered not only my own drinks but also those of the woman entertaining me.

When I saw the outrageous total, I refused to pay, which led to an immediate confrontation. Several women surrounded me, slapping me and threatening to call the local police if I did not settle the bill. Although intoxicated, I quickly grasped the severity of the situation. Reluctantly, I paid what amounted to approximately £200 just to be allowed to leave. I returned to my hostel with a few cuts on my face, where the owner informed me that I had actually been lucky—many tourists in similar situations have been severely beaten by the police. This was a hard-learned lesson: being alone and drunk in Thailand is never a good idea. Ironically, a similar incident had occurred at the beginning of my trip in southern Thailand, when I was drinking on a beach.

Despite this negative experience, the overall atmosphere in Thailand was incredible, especially during the day. The people I met in more relaxed settings were kind and welcoming, and the general vibe was laid-back. One of the most unforgettable moments of the trip was witnessing the sunrise at Phu Chi Fa, a stunning viewpoint on the border of Laos. The journey there and back took about five hours by scooter, making it an intense ride, but it was so spectacular that I visited twice. I highly recommend the experience to anyone traveling in the region.

If I were to return to Southeast Asia, I would certainly revisit northern Thailand, but I would be less inclined to travel to southern Vietnam again. The traffic was overwhelming, and the roads were extremely dangerous. Nonetheless, this solo trip was an unforgettable adventure—one that tested my resilience, broadened my perspective, and significantly enriched my photography portfolio.