×

Bolivia🇧🇴 | citiesTrinidadMoto traffic, plaza sloths, Mamoré port, Beni lowlands | things to do and best time to go

Explore TarijaExplore Riberalta

Backpacking in Trinidad
👌 Worth visitingcity ranked #8
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Trinidad suits travelers who want the Amazon basin on its own terms: motorbike taxis, river life and a plaza where sloths hang in the trees. If you need museums, nightlife or polished tours, you may find it less rewarding. It sits in the Beni lowlands, in the north of Bolivia, a flat, hot, water-laced region far from the Andes. I expected a sleepy backwater. Instead, the plaza at dusk filled with hundreds of motos, whole families balanced on one seat, and sloths dangling above the traffic. Here is how things work: motos are the taxi system because distances are short and roads are flat, so an experienced traveler hops on one rather than hunting for a car. Trinidad will delight curious, easygoing explorers and bore anyone chasing big sights.

Discover everything you want to know in the 📖 Bolivia Travel Guide.


example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
Loading the map 🌍
CLICK TO FILTER
cities
towns
landmarks
national parks
hikes
beaches
attractions
festivals
regions
SHOW COUNTRY’S BESTSHOW ALL

✨ Why go?
Ranked #8 city in BoliviaThe unique appeal for travelers

Trinidad earns a spot on a route for one reason: it is the gateway to the Beni lowlands, where Bolivia turns into rivers, savanna and wetland. Few places in the country feel this different from the highlands, and that contrast alone justifies a couple of nights. The town itself is compact and flat, so you can cover it on foot or by mototaxi, and the main plaza works as the social hub after the heat fades. Hostel choice is thin, so expect basic hotels and plenty of fans. Food leans on river fish and beef, and the cooking is hearty rather than refined. Trinidad also works as a launch point for jungle and river trips into the surrounding Mamoré region, and it connects onward toward Santa Cruz, La Paz and Rurrenabaque. Treat it as a short, memorable detour, not a long stay.

💡 HighlightsDon't-miss highlights and experiences

  1. Plaza Mariscal José Ballivián: the main square is the reason most people come, with resident sloths in the trees, a cathedral and a steady flow of motos. Go in the late afternoon. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Catedral de la Santísima Trinidad: the modern cathedral on the plaza reflects the town’s mission-era roots. Free, 20 to 30 minutes, best in the morning.
  3. Puerto Barador: a working river port on the Mamoré where boats load cargo and passengers. Go early for activity. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Museo Etnoarqueológico Kenneth Lee: a small museum covering the lowland cultures and earthworks of the Moxos region. Entry roughly US$1 to 3, about 1 hour, open daytime.
  5. Laguna Suárez: a lake with birds, boat rides and lakeside food stalls, popular for sunsets. Entry or boat rides around US$1 to 10, 2 to 3 hours.
  6. Mercado
… read more 👉
  1. Plaza Mariscal José Ballivián: the main square is the reason most people come, with resident sloths in the trees, a cathedral and a steady flow of motos. Go in the late afternoon. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  2. Catedral de la Santísima Trinidad: the modern cathedral on the plaza reflects the town’s mission-era roots. Free, 20 to 30 minutes, best in the morning.
  3. Puerto Barador: a working river port on the Mamoré where boats load cargo and passengers. Go early for activity. Free, 1 to 2 hours.
  4. Museo Etnoarqueológico Kenneth Lee: a small museum covering the lowland cultures and earthworks of the Moxos region. Entry roughly US$1 to 3, about 1 hour, open daytime.
  5. Laguna Suárez: a lake with birds, boat rides and lakeside food stalls, popular for sunsets. Entry or boat rides around US$1 to 10, 2 to 3 hours.
  6. Mercado Central: where locals buy fish, fruit and regional dishes. Go in the morning for the best choice. Free, 1 hour.
  7. Mototaxi circuit: riding a moto around town is an experience in itself, with rides typically costing US$0.50 to 1.50. Allow 1 hour.
The plaza and the Mercado Central combine well in one morning, followed by Laguna Suárez at sunset. Outside town, travelers head to the Loma Suárez earthworks, the Mamoré river region and San Ignacio de Moxos for day trips.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsUnderstanding the local layout

Trinidad is the capital of the Beni department, a flat Amazon-basin city where motorcycles outnumber cars and everything sits within a few kilometers of the main plaza. Lace up and sweep through these areas.
  • Plaza Mariscal José Ballivián: The core. Shady trees, sloths that sometimes doze in the branches, and the cathedral on one side. Locals gather here after sunset because the daytime heat is brutal, so do the same and walk it in the evening.
  • Around the Plaza: Streets within four blocks hold banks, ATMs, pharmacies, juice stalls and casual restaurants. Everything is on foot. Skip taxis here; they save you nothing.
  • Mercado Central area: Loud, smelly in the best way, and the place for cheap lunches, river fish and fruit. Go before 11 am when stalls are fully stocked and the heat is manageable.
… read more 👉
Trinidad is the capital of the Beni department, a flat Amazon-basin city where motorcycles outnumber cars and everything sits within a few kilometers of the main plaza. Lace up and sweep through these areas.
  • Plaza Mariscal José Ballivián: The core. Shady trees, sloths that sometimes doze in the branches, and the cathedral on one side. Locals gather here after sunset because the daytime heat is brutal, so do the same and walk it in the evening.
  • Around the Plaza: Streets within four blocks hold banks, ATMs, pharmacies, juice stalls and casual restaurants. Everything is on foot. Skip taxis here; they save you nothing.
  • Mercado Central area: Loud, smelly in the best way, and the place for cheap lunches, river fish and fruit. Go before 11 am when stalls are fully stocked and the heat is manageable.
  • Avenida Bolívar and the Cattle-Ranch Edge: Longer stretches with motorbike-taxi traffic, ice cream shops and open-air bars. Hop on a mototaxi rather than walk in midday sun.
  • Puerto Almacén (river port): A short ride out on the Ibare River, where boats load and unload. Interesting for a look at river life, and quiet at night, so visit by daylight.

⌛️ 1 dayHow to make the most of one day

7:30 AM, Mercado Central: A market morning. Eat a fish breakfast or fresh fruit and watch the city wake up. Walk to the plaza afterward, a short stroll.
9:30 AM, Plaza Ballivián: Look for sloths in the trees, then step into the cathedral. Sit with a coffee and watch the moto traffic build.
11:00 AM, Museo Kenneth Lee: A quiet hour on the Moxos cultures and their earthworks. Take a moto to the next stop.
1:00 PM, Lunch: Try regional beef or river fish at a local restaurant, then rest through the hottest hours.
3:30 PM, Puerto Barador: Less visited by travelers. Watch boats load and unload on the Mamoré, and chat with the boatmen. Hire a moto both ways.
5:30 PM, Laguna Suárez: Order a drink by the water and wait for the sky to color over the lake. Birds fill the shoreline.
8:00 PM, Plaza: Finish with street food and the evening parade of motos.

🌤️ When to go?Choosing the right time of year

May to September is the easiest window for Trinidad, when rain eases and roads and river trips become dependable.
  • Dry Season (May to October): Days reach 28 to 33°C (82 to 91°F), nights drop to 17 to 22°C (63 to 72°F), and cold fronts called surazos can briefly push lows near 10°C (50°F). Daylight runs roughly 11.5 to 12.5 hours. Boat trips and overland travel flow best.
  • Wet Season (November to April): Humid, 30 to 35°C (86 to 95°F), with heavy downpours. Surrounding plains flood, dirt roads can close, and mosquitoes multiply. Lodging is often cheaper and there are almost no crowds.
  • Festivals: The Fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad, on Trinity Sunday in late May or June, fills hotels and lifts prices.
Book a bed early if you plan to arrive for the Santísima Trinidad festival.

source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: fair for travelingFEBFebruary: fair for travelingMARMarch: fair for travelingAPRApril: fair for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: highly recommended for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: fair for travelingDECDecember: fair for traveling
when-to-go

✈️ The backpacker research shortcutBolivia Travel Guide

An offline-friendly backpacking guide with optimized travel routes, ranked highlights, transport advice, and the best areas to stay.
example page 0 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 1 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 2 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 3 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 4 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 5 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 6 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
example page 7 from our offline Travel Guide for Bolivia
The digital guide (262 pages) contains:
✅ 76 highlights, ranked by travel appeal
✅ Optimized 7, 14 & 21-day travel routes
✅ Cities, national parks, landmarks, beaches
✅ How to get around
✅ Offline-friendly for travel without Wi-Fi
👉 Click to see all 30+ guide features

📅 Plan smarter in minutes, not weeks
✅ Month by month travel advice
✅ Festivals & national holidays
✅ Budget expectations

🗺️ Go to the right places, skip the overrated ones
✅ Honest pros & cons of destinations
✅ Top hikes, parks & viewpoints
✅ Lesser-known places most travelers miss
✅ Clear “worth it vs skip it” guidance

🛏️ Travel smoothly without rookie mistakes
✅ Best areas to stay
✅ Transport systems explained simply
✅ Common scams & safety advice
✅ SIM cards, money & practical tips

🌍 Understand the country, not just visit it
✅ Culture & traditions
✅ 52 Essential phrases & customs
✅ Festivals worth planning around
✅ Traveler-friendly historical context
✅ Insights that make places more meaningful

📱 Built for real travel conditions
✅ Fully downloadable PDF
✅ Works completely offline
✅ Optimized for phone use
✅ Useful in remote areas & buses
✅ Everything in one place
Stop searching, start planning
Get instant access to your full guide. 30‑day money-back guarantee.
+ Add another guide for just

By proceeding you agree to our terms.
Sent to your inbox immediately after payment • 100% Secure Checkout
Best Backpacking Travel Advisor 2025 tourism awardBest Backpacking
Travel Advisor
2025
What others say about Take Your Backpack Guides:
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fantastic, amazing amount of information!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My goodness this is amazing, it's what I've been looking for hats off too you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I think this is absolutely BRILLIANT
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Very complete and informative. It's still missing places, but I gotta to commend you
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is truly amazing, thank you, can't wait to explore it with my kids!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Awesome resource, thank you!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is amazing! Can't wait to explore the ones I haven't seen
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I love this! Well done, great idea.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thanks for taking the time to make this gem!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This might be the best website I've ever seen.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Congratulations, and thank you so much for your work; it's incredibly valuable.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
In all seriousness I think you did a great job pointing out the important spots
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
10/10 very good
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
As someone who's only just starting to visit regularly this is awesome, thank you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Thank you very much! I'm going to visit my dad, it's going to be very useful!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is really cool! We'll be travelling for the first time and this definitely come in handy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
You are now our minister of culture, congratulations 👨‍💼
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Just wanted to tell you that this is a pearl! Going to follow your recommendations.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is so cool. I'll definitely be using the resource for my travels soon.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is very impressive! Good work.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is an amazing and informative site. Very well done!

🛏️ Where to stay?Where staying makes the most sense

The streets within four blocks of the main plaza are the best base for a budget stay in Trinidad. Budget beds are limited, since this is not a classic backpacker hub, so expect a handful of basic hostels and guesthouses with private rooms at around US$10 to 20 a night, and dorm beds when available from about US$8 to 12. Fans and air conditioning are worth checking before you pay, because nights are hot and sticky for most of the year.
This zone is lively in the evening but quiet after 10 pm, and it is safe to walk at night in the central blocks. Mototaxis wait at the plaza at any hour, so you can … read more 👉
The streets within four blocks of the main plaza are the best base for a budget stay in Trinidad. Budget beds are limited, since this is not a classic backpacker hub, so expect a handful of basic hostels and guesthouses with private rooms at around US$10 to 20 a night, and dorm beds when available from about US$8 to 12. Fans and air conditioning are worth checking before you pay, because nights are hot and sticky for most of the year.
This zone is lively in the evening but quiet after 10 pm, and it is safe to walk at night in the central blocks. Mototaxis wait at the plaza at any hour, so you can reach the terminal or airport quickly.
The area near the Mercado Central is the second option. Rooms there are often a few dollars cheaper, and you are right by the early lunches. The compromise is noise from deliveries and motorbikes from before sunrise. Bring earplugs if you sleep lightly, and avoid rooms facing the street.
Best hostels in Trinidad


Best quality hotels in Bolivia

🚌 Getting aroundGetting around like a local

From the bus terminal on the edge of town, a mototaxi to the plaza takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs about US$0.70 to 1.50. Trinidad is flat and compact, but the heat makes long walks a bad idea between 11 am and 3 pm. Smart travelers walk early and late, and ride the rest of the day. Public buses are essentially absent here, because motorbikes fill that gap.
  • Mototaxi: The default transport. Rides across town cost around US$0.50 to 1.50, and rates are fixed by habit rather than meters, so agree the price first. Locals do this every time, and drivers respect it. Helmets are rarely supplied, so be cautious.
  • Walking: The center is a grid of about 10 by 10 blocks, and you can cover it in minutes. Do it at dawn or after 5 pm, carry water, and stick to the shaded side of the street.
  • Taxi: Cars exist
… read more 👉
From the bus terminal on the edge of town, a mototaxi to the plaza takes 5 to 10 minutes and costs about US$0.70 to 1.50. Trinidad is flat and compact, but the heat makes long walks a bad idea between 11 am and 3 pm. Smart travelers walk early and late, and ride the rest of the day. Public buses are essentially absent here, because motorbikes fill that gap.
  • Mototaxi: The default transport. Rides across town cost around US$0.50 to 1.50, and rates are fixed by habit rather than meters, so agree the price first. Locals do this every time, and drivers respect it. Helmets are rarely supplied, so be cautious.
  • Walking: The center is a grid of about 10 by 10 blocks, and you can cover it in minutes. Do it at dawn or after 5 pm, carry water, and stick to the shaded side of the street.
  • Taxi: Cars exist but are fewer, costing about US$1.50 to 3 in town. They are useful if it is raining hard or you carry a big pack, since air conditioning is worth a few extra dollars.
  • Rented motorbike or bicycle: Bikes run roughly US$5 to 8 a day, and motorbikes about US$15 to 25. The flat roads suit cycling, and experienced riders use this to reach nearby lagoons and ranches without paying a driver all day.
  • Long-distance buses and flights: Buses to Santa Cruz, La Paz and Cochabamba leave from the terminal, generally overnight, and take about 10 to 14 hours on good roads, longer in the wet season. The airport is a short ride from the center, with flights to La Paz, Santa Cruz and Cochabamba. Book ahead on busy dates, and buy bus tickets in person at the terminal.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)Money, prices, and spending tips

Expect to spend about US$38 a day in Trinidad on a backpacker budget with a dorm or basic room in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodation (high season)US$10 to 15Dorms are few, so a basic private room with a fan is often the real choice.
Dorm accommodation (off-season)US$8 to 12Rates soften in the wet season, mostly for rooms with air conditioning.
MealsUS$8 to 12Market set lunches run US$2 to 4, and grilled meat dinners US$4 to 8.
Local transportUS$2 to 4Mototaxi rides cost US$0.50 to 1.50 each.
City transport passNot availableNo pass exists, so pay per ride.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 10Lagoon boat trips and local tours cost US$10 to 20 when you do them.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 5Water, snacks, repellent, and sunscreen.
Total Daily BudgetUS$38 (approx.)Per person,
… read more 👉
Expect to spend about US$38 a day in Trinidad on a backpacker budget with a dorm or basic room in high season.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodation (high season)US$10 to 15Dorms are few, so a basic private room with a fan is often the real choice.
Dorm accommodation (off-season)US$8 to 12Rates soften in the wet season, mostly for rooms with air conditioning.
MealsUS$8 to 12Market set lunches run US$2 to 4, and grilled meat dinners US$4 to 8.
Local transportUS$2 to 4Mototaxi rides cost US$0.50 to 1.50 each.
City transport passNot availableNo pass exists, so pay per ride.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$5 to 10Lagoon boat trips and local tours cost US$10 to 20 when you do them.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$3 to 5Water, snacks, repellent, and sunscreen.
Total Daily BudgetUS$38 (approx.)Per person, per day, in high season.
Eat your main meal at the market at lunchtime, when set menus cost the least, and keep dinner light.
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsEasy escapes and nearby places

Trinidad works well as a base for wetland, river and ranch outings, and most can be done in a day with a driver or tour.
Loma Suárez:
A small, quiet settlement on the Mamoré side, reached in about 30 to 45 minutes by car or mototaxi, with a community feel and river views. Expect to pay US$10 to 20 for transport and a meal. Go in the dry season, when the tracks are firm.

Laguna Suárez:
A lagoon area roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by car, with caimans and sunset boat rides. Boat trips cost around US$10 to 20 per person. First-timers often arrive at midday, when the animals are hidden. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.

Río Mamoré:
A boat outing from Puerto Almacén, typically 3 to 5 hours, for birds, riverbanks and small communities. Shared trips run about US$15 to 30 depending on group … read more 👉
Trinidad works well as a base for wetland, river and ranch outings, and most can be done in a day with a driver or tour.
Loma Suárez:
A small, quiet settlement on the Mamoré side, reached in about 30 to 45 minutes by car or mototaxi, with a community feel and river views. Expect to pay US$10 to 20 for transport and a meal. Go in the dry season, when the tracks are firm.

Laguna Suárez:
A lagoon area roughly 15 to 20 minutes away by car, with caimans and sunset boat rides. Boat trips cost around US$10 to 20 per person. First-timers often arrive at midday, when the animals are hidden. Aim for early morning or late afternoon.

Río Mamoré:
A boat outing from Puerto Almacén, typically 3 to 5 hours, for birds, riverbanks and small communities. Shared trips run about US$15 to 30 depending on group size. Book a day ahead and bring sun protection.

San Ignacio de Moxos:
A mission town with a lively Jesuit-era culture, roughly 3 to 4 hours by road in the dry season. Shared taxis or minibuses cost around US$8 to 15 each way, and the road can be impassable after heavy rain, so check conditions before leaving.

🍲 FoodLocal Cuisine & Drinks

Trinidad eats beef like no other city in Bolivia, thanks to the surrounding Beni cattle ranches. Look for charque (dried, shredded beef) served with rice, yuca and plantain, plus pacumutu, grilled beef skewers charred over wood that smell fantastic from the street at dusk. The Beni-style masaco, a mash of green plantain or yuca with charque, is a hearty local staple.
River fish like surubí and pacú show up fried or in broth, and they are worth trying. For drinks, tropical juices such as tamarind and cupuaçu help against the heat, and cold beer is the evening choice.
The Mercado Central is the best spot for cheap lunches, usually US$2 to 4 for a full plate. After dark, the plaza area fills with grill stalls and snack carts, and locals eat late, often after 8 pm. Small cafés near the plaza serve … read more 👉
Trinidad eats beef like no other city in Bolivia, thanks to the surrounding Beni cattle ranches. Look for charque (dried, shredded beef) served with rice, yuca and plantain, plus pacumutu, grilled beef skewers charred over wood that smell fantastic from the street at dusk. The Beni-style masaco, a mash of green plantain or yuca with charque, is a hearty local staple.
River fish like surubí and pacú show up fried or in broth, and they are worth trying. For drinks, tropical juices such as tamarind and cupuaçu help against the heat, and cold beer is the evening choice.
The Mercado Central is the best spot for cheap lunches, usually US$2 to 4 for a full plate. After dark, the plaza area fills with grill stalls and snack carts, and locals eat late, often after 8 pm. Small cafés near the plaza serve strong coffee and cold fruit shakes for a break from the midday heat.

🛡️ SafetyStaying Safe: What Travelers Should Know

Trinidad is relaxed and low-key, and most travelers only deal with small annoyances. Pickpocketing and bag snatching are uncommon but possible in the market, so keep your phone in a front pocket and leave valuables at the guesthouse. At night, the central blocks near the plaza are fine for walking, while dark outer streets are better covered by mototaxi. Solo travelers, including women, usually have an easy time, though attention and catcalling can occur. Mototaxi drivers sometimes quote higher prices to foreigners, so agree a fare first. The real daily risks are heat, sun and mosquitoes, so carry water, wear repellent, and take a break in the afternoon.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Trinidad

Two days is enough for Trinidad itself, and three or four if you add boat trips. The compact center takes half a day, then Laguna Suárez and a Mamoré river outing fill a second day. Add San Ignacio de Moxos, about 3 to 4 hours away by road, if you have extra time.
Trinidad is generally safe for solo backpackers, with low violent crime and relaxed streets. The central blocks around the plaza are fine at night, and mototaxis cost about US$0.50 to 1.50 for the rest. Watch for pickpockets in the market and for heat and mosquitoes, which cause more trouble than people do.
Trinidad is known for its Amazon-basin setting, its mototaxis, and the cattle-ranch culture of the Beni region. Visitors come for Laguna Suárez, pink river dolphins in the Mamoré and Ibare rivers, and beef dishes like charque and pacumutu. The Fiesta de la Santísima Trinidad, on Trinity Sunday in late May or June, is its biggest event.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Bolivian cities near Trinidad

Explore more nearby:

  • Cochabamba—Regional plates, La Cancha market, hilltop Christ, lower altitude| 317 km away
  • Santa Cruz—Lowland hub, ring roads, Los Pozos market, sand dunes| 377 km away
  • La Paz—Cable-car commutes, canyon streets, Witches’ Market, cholita wrestling| 391 km away

💡 Not sure where to go next?
Create a personalized itinerary for Bolivia including Trinidad and the places that fit your trip.

Generate my itinerary

👉 Discover all cities

Or checkout all Bolivia has to offer (think cities, towns, villages, national parks, hikes, beaches, festivals)
Explore Bolivia
Country photo of Bolivia
© Google Images

We 💚 feedbackParting advice and final tips

Come in the late afternoon and evening, when Trinidad cools and the plaza turns into the town’s living room. I would build every day around a long midday rest and use the dry months of the year for river trips. It is a short stop, but a memorable one.

✈️ When did I visit Bolivia?
Bolivia I visited during my half year trip through South and Central America back in 2003

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Bolivia, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



🙋‍♂️ Give feedback

👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

Read the full story