Planning a proposal is always a mix of excitement and anxiety, and my story was no exception. It started well, I found the perfect spot online: Cova Mirador Es Vedra, a stunning cave in Ibiza that seemed like a wonderful place to propose.
However, things didn’t go quite as planned…
Isn’t this place a perfect spot for a proposal?
Long story short, it was my first time in Ibiza, and I didn’t get any ‘alone time’ to do scouting on my own. I had a general idea of where to go, but that was it. After parking and checking the GPS coordinates, everything was pure improvisation. We reached the first viewpoint and took in the stunning scenery, but I just couldn’t find the cave…
Looks like the right place… but where is the cave ?
I noticed a tower nearby, so we decided to hike towards it. However, the more we walked, the less confident I became about finding the cave, as the islands didn’t align like they did in the picture.
Once we reached the tower, we were greeted with a breathtaking panoramic view. Seizing the moment, I decided to propose there!
She said Yes! After a long moment of emotion, I told her about the cave and we finally spotted it:
It was actually right below our feet at the first viewpoint! In the end, the cave wasn’t as romantic as I had hoped, with some trash littering the area. However, that didn’t ruin our mood. We celebrated at a really nice restaurant nearby called Hostal La Torre, enjoying a lovely meal and the beginning of our new journey together.
When it comes to proposing, nothing is going to go exactly as planned. The key is to stay calm and embrace the moment, because the most important thing is being together and making memories!
When people think of French Polynesia, Tahiti often comes to mind as the main island and a hub to the other stunning islands like Bora Bora. However, many travelers make the mistake of bypassing Tahiti in favor of these other destinations. This article explores why staying on Tahiti is worth your time, offering unique experiences that should not be overlooked.
The Teahupo’o Wave: A Spectacular Natural Wonder
You might have heard or see it during the last Olympics: Teahupoo is one of Tahiti’s most famous natural attractions and is considered one of the most challenging surfing spots in the world. Even if you’re not a surfer, witnessing the sheer power of this wave is an unforgettable experience. The surrounding area also offers beautiful coastal scenery, making it a great spot for photography and appreciating the raw beauty of Tahiti.
The Roulottes: A Taste of Tahitian Street Food Culture
Tahiti’s culinary scene offers a unique experience through its iconic Roulottes, or food trucks. These mobile eateries, especially popular in the evenings around Papeete’s waterfront, serve a variety of delicious local and international dishes. From fresh seafood to crepes, the Roulottes provide an authentic taste of Tahitian culture at affordable prices. The communal dining experience, often accompanied by live music, makes it a perfect way to mingle with locals and other travelers.
The Unique Black Sand Beaches
While many dream of white sandy beaches, Tahiti’s Plages de Sable Noir (black sand beaches) offer a striking and unique alternative. Formed from volcanic rock, these beaches, such as Lafayette Beach, provide a beautiful contrast to the turquoise waters of the Pacific. The black sand absorbs more heat, making these beaches a warm and cozy place to relax. They’re also less crowded, allowing for a more peaceful beach experience, where you can soak up the sun or take a refreshing dip in the ocean.
Hotels and Bars: Experiencing Tahiti’s Nightlife
Tahiti boasts some luxurious hotels that are not just places to stay but also vibrant social hubs, especially for enjoying the island’s nightlife. Hotels like the Intercontinental Tahiti and Le Tahiti by Pearl Resorts offer stunning ocean views, world-class amenities, and stylish bars where you can enjoy tropical cocktails as the sun sets over the lagoon. These venues often feature live music and traditional Polynesian dance performances, adding to the vibrant atmosphere and giving you a taste of Tahitian culture in a sophisticated setting.
O Belvédère: Dining with a View
For those who enjoy fine dining with breathtaking views, a visit to O Belvédère is a must. Located high in the hills above Papeete, this restaurant offers panoramic views of the island and the surrounding ocean, making it a perfect spot for a romantic dinner or a special night out. The menu features a blend of French and Polynesian cuisine, using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are as delightful as the view. Dining at O Belvédère is not just a meal, but an experience that encapsulates the essence of Tahiti’s charm.
A tip about local beers: take the premium instead of the regular one, way tastier!
Conclusion: Tahiti – More Than Just a Stopover
Tahiti is often seen as just a stepping stone to other islands in French Polynesia, but this perspective overlooks the island’s unique attractions and experiences. From the world-famous Teahupo’o wave to the rich street food culture of the Roulottes, the striking black sand beaches, luxurious hotels, and unforgettable dining experiences, Tahiti offers much more than just a convenient stopover. Staying on Tahiti allows you to fully immerse yourself in its beauty and culture, making it a destination in its own right.
Ushuaia is located on the southern coast of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Founded in 1884, Ushuaia has grown into a bustling tourist hub, serving as the gateway for Antarctic expeditions and attracting visitors with its stunning natural scenery and rich history.
Ushuaia city center is worth exploring, with its unique shops, cozy cafés, and vibrant local culture. I particularly recommend hiking Cerro del Medio from Mirador de Ushuaia to enjoy a high view of the city:
A Bird’s Eye View of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel
In Ushuaia, you can feel the unparalleled sensation of being in one of the most remote places on Earth!
But let’s delve deeper into a specific aspect of Ushuaia: the city proudly markets itself as the ‘Southernmost city in the world.
Puerto Williams: A Southern Challenger
However, just across the Beagle Channel, in Chile, lies Puerto Williams, a small but significant town on Navarino Island. With coordinates at 54°56′S, Puerto Williams sits slightly further south than Ushuaia. Despite its smaller population of around 2,800 residents, Puerto Williams is officially recognized by Chilean authorities as a city and even houses the Chilean Antarctic Province’s administrative center. This town’s remote location and harsh climate add to its unique charm and appeal for those looking to explore the “end of the world”.
We actually went there in order to take a commercial ferry that brought us all the way to Punta Arenas. The hardest part was finding a boat to take us from Ushuaia to Puerto Williams since there are no commercial ferries from Argentina to Chile. The only way was to find a sailboat to take us there. It was not easy, but we found a guy named ‘Ferrari’ walking by the harbour who safely took us to Puerto Williams and ensured we went through immigration in both countries.
Departing Ushuaia: A Sailboat’s Perspective
We did not stay long in town but Puerto Williams offers a range of activities, including hiking the challenging Dientes de Navarino circuit, which provides breathtaking views of the Beagle Channel and surrounding landscapes.
Unique arrival in Puerto Williams
The local economy is driven by tourism, fishing, and serving as a base for scientific research related to Antarctica. Additionally, the town’s strategic location makes it an important hub for naval operations and maritime activities.
Holiday Spirit in Puerto Williams: A Festive Welcome
In conclusion, while Ushuaia proudly claims the title of the world’s southernmost city, Puerto Williams offers a compelling challenge with its remote charm and strategic importance. Both destinations provide unique gateways to the stunning landscapes and adventurous spirit of the southernmost reaches of our planet. Whether you’re drawn to the bustling tourism of Ushuaia or the rugged tranquility of Puerto Williams, the end of the world awaits with unforgettable experiences!
For this first article, I’m excited to share insights about Rio de Janeiro, a city I called home for a year. My time in Rio allowed me to explore it in depth and uncover many of its hidden gems. There’s so much to say about this vibrant city, and to provide you with comprehensive information, I’ve written a complete free guide to Rio. All you need to do is subscribe to our weekly newsletter to get your hands on it!
Today I want to set the tone for this blog by talking about a very little-known hike: Morro dos Cabritos.
Morro dos Cabritos is a mountain nestled between the neighborhoods of Lagoa, Humaitá, and Copacabana. It offers an exceptional view of both Lagoa and Copacabana. So why isn’t it famous? Well, it’s kind of tricky to get there…
Starting the Adventure in Copacabana
The journey to Morro dos Cabritos begins in the bustling neighborhood of Copacabana. This hike isn’t well-marked, and it’s not featured in most tourist guides, which makes it an adventure worth embarking on for those who seek off-the-beaten-path experiences. Here is where the trail starts:
Detailed directions to the Trailhead
Head to the following address: R. Santa Clara, 403 – Copacabana. From here, find the staircase at number 760b on the street. Climb the staircase to the top, where you will see a playground. Continue climbing until you see a sign indicating the beginning of the trail. The rest of the trail is straightforward and marked.
This hike can be done independently with the directions given above. There were no particular security issues at the time when passing through this favela, but stay aware! If you have any concerns and prefer to feel 100% secure, it is possible to pay a local guide to show you the way!
Beginning of the hike Morro dos Cabritos
The first part of the hike is quite tough, involving an hour of steep climbing. However, the effort is rewarded with a beautiful and uncommon view of Botafogo and Copacabana at the top. From this unique vantage point, you can see the buildings of Copacabana, Morro de São João, and the Cemetery of São João Batista.
Uncommon view of Copacabana and Botafogo
The second part of the hike is easier and takes you through a lush forest, leading to the second viewpoint of the trail. This segment provides a pleasant break from the initial steep climb, allowing you to enjoy the natural surroundings and listen to the sounds of the forest. Finally, you reach a rock devoid of vegetation, offering a breathtaking view of Lagoa, Ipanema, and Leblon. This spot is particularly ideal for watching rowing events on Lagoa, as it provides a clear and expansive vantage point.
Can you imagine watching the sunset from there ?
Have you ever ventured off the beaten path in Rio or discovered a hidden gem like Morro dos Cabritos? Share your experiences and thoughts in the comments below – I’d love to hear your stories!
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