In six days, we’ll board a flight from San Francisco, California to Lima, Peru at 5:50 a.m. and begin a two-month adventure to Patagonia. With our backpacks, a good map, a bit of money, and some sturdy shoes, Clint and I are chasing the summer sunshine south.
It’s been quite a journey to get to this moment.
How It All Began
Clint is the son of a Swedish traveler and a mountain-loving geologist. He was born to explore the world and has already seen most of it. His life goal is simple: experience.
I, on the other hand, have never left the golden hills of California. Six months ago, I decided it was time to change that. On a whim, we bought tickets to Lima. I quit my job, ended my lease, lived out of my car, and saved every penny I could for South America.
Planning (and Not Planning)
When we first brainstormed this trip, we imagined traveling for six months. But since I’m the “inexperienced traveler,” we compromised at two. Ironically, I ended up quitting my job—then finding a new one that approved two months off before I even started.
For months, we’ve focused on all the logistics that come after the trip: finances, housing, parking, job security, bills. Strangely, those were harder to figure out than the travel itself. Only about three weeks ago did we realize we should probably plan the actual trip.
Our current plan? To not have a plan.
Starting in Lima
Yesterday, we booked our first three nights at a backpacker hostel in Lima. Beyond that, our itinerary is more of a rough sketch than a schedule. Clint swears that meeting people, sharing stories, and letting plans evolve naturally is the best way to truly experience a place.
Our ultimate goal is to head south to Patagonia, stopping at Machu Picchu, Santiago, Buenos Aires, and Iguazu Falls along the way. I’ve researched the buses, found safe hostels, and given us at least a week to explore each major city.
But I’ve also learned that a chance meeting, a wrong turn, or a beautiful mountain could change everything — and that’s perfectly fine with me.
Packing for the Unknown
Packing might have been the hardest part. As an avid backpacker, I already had my trusty 70-liter pack — I just needed to decide what to fill it with. Clint travels with only 40 liters, yet somehow, my bag is still lighter.
The Adventure Awaits
The countdown is on. In less than a week, we’ll be on our way to Lima, ready for two months of discovery, challenge, and sunshine.
Viva Patagonia!
Since childhood, I have dreamed of falling in love and seeing the world. When I fell in love with a Swedish traveller, I realized that experiences were much more important than possessions and travelling could happen on a budget.
