International Mankini Challenge

Aside from the natural and man-made wonders you’ll find in Latin America, there are some experiences and facts about living here that will just confound you.

Top 5 Things You Won’t Believe About South and Central America

1. Get shot wearing bullet proof clothing, Bogota – pay Bogota’s Miguel Caballero, the ‘Armani of bulletproof clothing’, and the clother of international politicians, drug barons and the Colombian Military (to name a few) a small sum to try out his bullet proof clothing with real bullets being fired at you (do not wear a Mankini!)

2. San Pedro Prison, Bolivia – get a tour inside the prison by the prisoners seeing how they have to buy their cells, get to live with their families and set up prison businesses to survive. Oh, and get offered cocaine from the factory inside

3. Cocaine factory, Colombia – see how coca leaves are turned into cocaine paste in the foothills of northern Colombia

4. Running of the bulls in Granada, Nicaragua – if you thought Pampalona was crazy then you haven’t seen anything! 6 bulls running at once with no safety precautions. This year five people and one horse died. I had the Mankini on under my clothes but am glad I didn’t bust it out!

5. Ruta 36 (known as Route 36 to backpackers), Bolivia – go to a bar that serves you cocaine on CD cases … oh, and drinks

As a note I’d like to say that I don’t advocate the taking of drugs. However I recognise that drugs are a part of some countries past and some countries present and either way are facinating to an inquisitive traveller like me.

You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mankinimalph

Where there’s good there is inevitably bad. And while Latin America has a plethora of amazing places to see, there are definitely a couple you don’t need to get off the bus for.

Top 5 Worst Places in South and Central America

1. Oruro, Bolivia – Unless you are here for Carnival, and even then only come for a day as the smell of urine will be overpowering, avoid Oruro. It has no redeeming features or places of interest

2. Montevideo, Uruguay – Dull, dull and dull. The Old Town is nothing to write home about, other than to say you’ve survived it maybe, and the main Plaza is decidely average. You could visit the football stadium that hosted the first ever World Cup … if it’s not crumbled away

3. Ushuaia, Argentina – Unless you’re off to antarctica, don’t bother with Ushuaia. It’s expensive, cold and full of casinos. I can see why it’s been the southern most city in the world now

4. Matagalpa, Nicaragua – While it has a great little organic chocolate factory, it’s well promoted treks through Selva Negra should be avoided – as should the especially rude locals (which is highly unusual for Nicaragua it has to be said)

5. Cuenca, Ecuador – yes it is a pretty city, but there’s only so much building watching one can do here. I think that’s why it’s a good place to learn Spanish, there are few distractions

You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mankinimalph

I have a conundrum. The more backpackers I tell about the fantastic small places in South and Central America, the greater the likelihood they’ll go and subsequently tell others. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t think I’ll be able to take credit for a rise in traveller numbers to any of my top 5, however I will contribute. In my experience the more popular places become, the bigger they get and the more commercialised they become. Eventually they look nothing like they did to start with and lose their appeal. Take Cancun and Playa del Carmen in Mexico as an example. Neighbour Tulum, while great at the moment, will no doubt be the next to fall.

However my conundrum is that if I don’t tell people about these places, people who I know would love them may not get to see them in all their glory. And so subscribing to the idea that it’s better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all, check out my top tips below (you’ll notice I didn’t take any pictures for the International Mankini Challenge in any of these places. The reason? They are not yet iconic locations…maybe they soon will be).

Top 5 Small Places in South and Central America

1. Salento (Zona Cafetera, Colombia) – Salento is quite possibly one of the most beautiful and tranquil places I’ve ever been in the world. A quaint town with very friendly local people, surrounded by beautiful rolling hills that are adorned in wax palms e.g. the Valle de Cocora. Add to this the coffee fields and breathtaking sunsets and you have my favourite place in Latin America. I’ve not yet heard one bad word said about the place from the countless number of other travellers I’ve recommended it to. Please be gentle with it and treat it with respect.

2. San Pedro de Atacama (Chile) – In the heart of the Atacama desert in northern Chile, San Pedro de Atacama is like no other place I visited in Latin America. A laid back hippy-like atmosphere runs through this two street town that acts as one of the major hubs of those crossing the famous Salar de Uyuni. Yes it maybe full of tour agencies, but that’s because there’s so much to see. Some of the world’s biggest telescopes reside near the town pointed at the clearest star filled sky you’re ever likely to see, and you can get a tour of it thanks to the SPACE agency. Check out the local geysers, swim in the salt lakes, sandboard or take quad bikes through Moon and Death Valley. Just whatever you do, make sure you plan to have enough time here!

3. Little Corn (The Corn Islands, Nicaragua) – A one hour flight and 20 minute speed boat ride from Nicaragua’s capital, Managua, or a six hour chicken bus ride, two hour speedboat and up to 10 hour cargo boat ride from the same place may help explain why The Corn Islands seem to be missed off of 95% of Central American backpackers itineraries (we recommend the flight). Their loss!

Made up of Big Corn and Little Corn (the much nicer island), the Corn Islands are a hidden Caribbean gem that shouldn’t be missed. English speaking (with heavy West Indian accents), this beautiful beach paradise has cheap and beautiful diving, awesome snorkelling and fantastic local food (coconut bread fresh out the oven and great seafood). A great beach hut that sleeps three costs just US$15 between you (or cheaper if you stay 3+ nights)!

4. El Chalten (Patagonia, Argentina) – Patagonia is a famous region for experienced climbers and hikers. For your novice outdoorsmen, like myself, there is still plenty to do and see. A fairly straightforward hike to The Fitz Roy range of mountains can be done in a day, with you getting back in time for dinner. A number of other shorter hikes are also available but with less rewarding views. On a clear day the views are truly spectacular and far better than it’s more famous competitor, Torres Del Paine, just over the border in Chile. I’m led to believe that El Chalten, a three hour bus ride from El Calafate, has strict building restrictions. Let’s hope so as at the moment it is home to wide open spaces and a feeling that you’re in the middle of nowhere!

5. Montanita (Ecuador) – A short four hour bus ride from the ugly Guayaquil in southern Ecuador is the beach town of Montanita. With wide open beaches, that only fill up at weekends when the locals head up the coast, you can enjoy the warm water and learn how to surf in a pleasant environment. With fantastic deals on breakfasts and lunches and a great taste to match, you’ll think all your Christmases have come at once when I tell you the local Rum (Ron Jacinta) is only US$2.50 a litre! What is a quiet town in the day goes off at night as the sandy roads and wooden bars fill with people for some good natured partying. Hola Hola is a popular joint for its pool parties! Don’t worry, this is no Greek Islands or Southern Spain! It’s partying how it should be.

You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mankinimalph

Latin America is a great continent, no doubt. Unfortunately I think people get a little carried away and travel writers are no different. Some of the descriptions in guidebooks, I would say, are fairly wide of the mark. In very few instances I would even challenge if the writer has been to the place they’ve written about and haven’t instead used some frivolous marketing materials.

With expectations set high then, it’s only natural that you’ll be let down on the odd occasion.

Top 5 Let Downs in South and Central America

1. El Salvador surfing – maybe I caught it at a bad time, but ugly beaches, break right next to the shore and crowded surf was a big let down for what I was told was El Salvador’s highlight, Don’t let this put you off of El Salvador though, the rest of the place and the people are fantastic!

2. Devil’s Nose train, Ecuador - I felt hugely let down by Lonely Planet (LP) here. I think whoever wrote about the Devil’s Nose train just copied some marketing propaganda. What a waste of time. The views were OK but nothing you can’t get elsewhere in a multitude of places (and you can no longer ride on the train roof). I never use LP as a travel bible, but the entry is way off of the mark I’m afraid

3. Ometepe Island, Nicaragua – granted it did rain for the 3 days I spent here, but I’m confused as to why people rave about this place. Again Lonely Planet’s descriptions of certain elements left a lot to be desired. The best bit is the view from the boat on the way over

4. Lima, Peru – as Capital cities go this one was very dull indeed

5. Costa Rica – what is a very beautiful country is spoiled by too much American tourism. Prices are sky high, everyone speaks English and you feel like you’re in the 51st State

You can also follow us on twitter at http://twitter.com/mankinimalph