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Is It Safe to Travel Around Latin America by Car?
My Real Experience — One Year, One Incident (Involving a Monkey)
People often ask: “Max, is it actually safe to road trip through Latin America?”
Рассказываю про свой опыт (Аргентина/Парагвай/Уругвай/Бразилия/Чили/Перу/Эквадор). За год на меня всего один раз напали мелкие воришки: обезьянки в джунглях залезли в сумку с едой в дорогу и стащили чипсы. Будьте осторожны!
Rule #1 — Steer Clear of Tourist Zones in Big Cities
🌃 Avoid tourist-heavy areas in major cities. Locals know that’s where the gringo money is. We stand out, and the chances of your phone or wallet getting snatched are higher. In big Brazilian cities, it can be straight-up dangerous.
Mountain Villages Are Shockingly Peaceful
🗻 In highland villages, people often don’t even lock their doors. No bars on windows, fences are waist-high - total opposite of city paranoia.
Common Sense Still Applies — Don’t Get Lazy
😎 And the obvious stuff:
Don’t talk on the phone in the street,
Don’t leave valuables on café tables,
Don’t drive into favelas after dark,
Make sure your hotel has parking (in Cusco, even 5-star hotels don’t),
For long stays, pick gated neighborhoods with security.
Latin America Is Safer Than Its Reputation
In my experience, the danger is way overhyped. Your odds of getting robbed in London, Barcelona, or San Francisco? About the same.
What’s Safety Like in Your City?
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How to Cross Latin American Borders Fast by Car
Rule #1 for Driving Across Borders - Avoid Popular Crossings
🏎️ After a year of driving through Latin America, I’ve learned the golden rule:
Никогда не пересекайте границу в популярном месте. Вы потратите три часа в очереди, вас заставят выгрузить все вещи из машины, отнимут бананы (вы знали, что банановые мошки путешествуют только в полноприводных машинах с кондиционерами, а сами перелететь границу не могут, потому что паспорт не того цвета?), и будут долго объяснять, что вы должны были заранее купить специальную туалетную бумажку с напечатанной анкетой за доллар, а если бумажки у вас нет — ну идите искать где-нибудь в ночи сами.The Best Border Crossings Are Remote, Dusty, and Empty
Always switch countries via high mountain villages or impassable jungle roads. Wind will be howling, no one will check your car, and every customs agent (and their dogs) will want a selfie with the random “ruso gringo turista.” You might even get offered coffee. As long as you don’t arrive during the lunch break of the single immigration officer, you’ll be through in 10 minutes flat.
What’s Your Wildest Border Crossing Story?
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Argentina: Two Years Later - Life, Markets, and Memes
06.2024
Two Years in Argentina — Everything’s the Same, and That’s Great
Глобально ничего не поменялось, приезжайте! Всё та же лёгкая легализация, всё тот же сильный паспорт — 11-й по силе в мире, всё та же беспощадная тормознутая бюрократия (не занимайтесь этим в домашних условиях без профессиональных каскадёров). Всё то же дружелюбное общество, толерантное ко всем расам, нациям и прочим способам самовыражения. Уникальная природа никуда не делась! Горы, вулканы, ледники, водопады — всё на месте. Киты вырастили китят и уплыли в большой океан, но к весне вернутся. Климат не испортился, Буэнос-Айрес всё так же красив и радует выставками и музыкальными фестивалями.
Yes, Prices Went Up - But Still Laughably Cheap
Okay, steaks aren’t $10 anymore - they’re $20. Tragic. And a nanny/gardener/cleaner is now $3 an hour instead of $2. The horror.
What’s New? Just a Rockstar President and Capitalist Shift
The only real change? Argentina now has a wildly entertaining president who kisses adult film stars on stage, takes selfies with Elon Musk, and claims he’s turning the economy toward capitalism. Let’s see what happens.
Market and Policy Updates That Actually Matter
Some real improvements:
- My portfolio of Argentine stocks is up 53% in USD in 6 months (hi skeptics).
- Banks now support transactions in USD and crypto with no restrictions.
- You can sign contracts in any currency - even meme coins.
- The peso is stronger and inflation is down noticeably.
What We’re Waiting For (and Laughing at Weekly)
Looking forward to lower import taxes, rising real estate prices - and of course, a fresh wave of local memes every week.
P.S. Even I Learned Spanish - You Can Too
Still wondering why people complain about Argentina?
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Peru: Food, Andes, Inca Energy and Easy Citizenship
Peru Has the Best Food Scene in Latin America
🥘 No contest - Peru wins the food game. Tons of fruit, fresh seafood, and yes — soups! For the adventurous, mountain regions offer alpaca and guinea pig dishes. The local coffee and chocolate? Absolutely top-tier.
Inca History and Sacred Valley Energy
🗿 While much of Latin America is a blend of postwar immigrants and locals, Peru’s high-altitude Andes kept it more isolated. The Sacred Valley of the Incas is steeped in history - and you can feel it in every stone. Migrants never really made it up to 4,500 meters - the legacy here is ancient and alive.
From Ocean to Snow Peaks - Peru’s Natural Drama
⛰️ Turquoise mountain lagoons, snowy peaks, ancient ruins in lush valleys, Lake Titicaca, coastal views, and the mysterious Nazca lines in the desert - there’s no shortage of breathtaking landscapes.
Pisac - The Hipster Retreat of the Andes
☕️ Miss the vibe of Krasnaya Polyana? Go to Pisac: rivers, mountains, vegan cafés, laptops, yoga, and just 40 minutes from all the infrastructure of Cusco.
Simple Residency and Citizenship in Two Years
🪪 И, конечно, традиционная для Латинской Америки лёгкая легализация:
- 90 days visa-free for Russian passport holders;
- Easy to get temporary residency;
— Через 2 года проживания можно подавать на гражданство. Конечно, как и в Аргентине, не стоит это делать самостоятельно — дело зависнет на года;
- And yes - birthright citizenship for newborns.
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Los Caracoles: Epic Andean Pass Between Chile and Argentina
Los Caracoles - The Most Scenic Mountain Switchback in South America
There’s nothing I love more on a trip than a truly beautiful road. And the most epic one I’ve driven? Los Caracoles - a dramatic Andean switchback connecting Chile and Argentina.
The Longest Border and the Strictest Checkpoint in LATAM
Там же — самая долгая граница в Латаме: пограничники выгружают из машины просто все вещи и с собаками ищут запрещёнку. Огромная овчарка обнюхала машину и вдруг громко радостно загавкала. Знаете что у меня отобрали? Страшнейшее нарушение, никогда в жизни не буду повторять: два яблока и горсть изюма. Но если вы хотите проходить границы быстрее- есть лайфхаки.
Why Chile Bans Foreign Fruit (Yes, Really)
They explained it like this: Chile is naturally sealed off from the rest of Latin America by the Andes. So sealed, in fact, that “not even a fly gets through.” They’re proud of their pest-free ecosystem - and want to keep it that way. No Argentine fruit allowed - it might carry insects or rot.
Three Hours at the Border Were Worth Every Minute!
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Paraguay: Low Taxes, Peace and Business Access to LATAM
Where Even Is Paraguay - and Why Should You Care?
Продолжаю рассказывать, чем круты для жизни и бизнеса разные страны Латинской Америки. Прошлая серии было про Аргентину, а сегодня расскажу про страну, о которой вы наверняка слышите в первый раз: Парагвай.
Think of it like throwing a dart at the center of South America. If you hit Bolivia, you missed. The wiser among you will have a slight tremble and land the dart just south - in Paraguay.
Paraguay Offers the Most Business-Friendly Tax System in the Region
💰 The lowest personal and business tax burden in LATAM. 0% on foreign income. 10% VAT, 10% income tax. Unlike Caribbean tax residency - which screams “offshore” to regulators - Paraguay still flies under the radar. No red flags.
Strategic Location and Untapped Business Niches
💵 A special economic zone, and land borders with Brazil and Argentina. You’d be shocked how many markets in LATAM are still wide open - and Paraguay is a great entry point to the continent.
Citizenship and Visa-Free EU Access Through Investment
🪪 Bonus: an easy path to citizenship via investment - with visa-free access to the Schengen zone.
Peace, Year-Round Sun, and Quiet Hipster Living
🏡 Paraguay is a slow, calm, remote country - which in 2024 is a feature, not a bug. If another global crisis hits, it’ll take a week for the news to even reach here. You can rent a spacious new apartment with a pool and security for $400/month and wait out the apocalypse in peace. Great weather year-round. Local grocery delivery works flawlessly. Paradise for introverted digital hipsters.
So, What Comes to Mind When You Hear “Paraguay”?
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Atacama Desert by Car: The Ultimate Driving Guide
Welcome to Atacama — The Driest Place on Earth and a Road Trip Dream
Пустыня Атакама в Чили — самое сухое место на земле. Фантастическая земля с суровым климатом и космическими горными пейзажами. Рассказываю про самые крутые локации, готовьте ваши полноприводные машины и в путь!
Hand of the Desert — A Lonely Sculpture in the Middle of Nowhere
👋 Hand of the Desert: 8/10. A giant hand sculpture rising out of the sand - a ghostly echo of Burning Man. It’s cool if you’re already driving up from Santiago, but not worth a detour on its own.
San Pedro de Atacama — Your Base for Exploration
The rest of the journey revolves around San Pedro de Atacama - a charming little oasis town with great hotels and easy access to key sites.
Laguna Cejar — Tourist Magnet with Salty Water
🧂 Laguna Cejar: 3/10. Salt lakes popular with tourists for floating. If you’ve done the Dead Sea, this won’t impress. Show up at 9 AM for solitude.
Valley of the Moon - Sunset Hike and Drone Heaven
🌖 Valley of the Moon: 7/10. A classic sunset spot close to town if you don’t want to drive far. Nice 3-hour hiking trail - drone-tested and approved 😎
Valle del Arcoiris - Rainbow Mountains from Your Car Window
🌈 Valle del Arcoiris: 9/10. If you're into scenic mountain drives, this one’s a gem - colorful peaks you can admire straight from your car.
Laguna Chaxa - Sunset, Flamingos, Silence
🦩 Laguna Chaxa: 10/10. Vast salt flats, flocks of flamingos, and jaw-dropping sunsets. Come in the evening for golden light and total silence.
High Altitude Ahead - Take It Easy
The next spots are above 4,000 meters. Respect your limits and go slow.
El Tatio Geysers - Overrated, Overcrowded, and Freezing
💦 El Tatio Geysers: 1/10. The most hyped spot in Atacama, but a letdown. The geysers only really “perform” at sunrise. You’ll need to drive pre-dawn in the dark with zero nearby lodging. You’ll arrive with a crowd - and a headache from the altitude.
Monjes de La Pacana - Dali-Style Desert Surrealism
🗿 Monjes de La Pacana: 10/10. Like a Salvador Dalí animation come to life. The cartoon is called Destino.Massive vertical rocks in the middle of nowhere. Best picnic spot in the world for pondering life with just you, the desert, and a looming boulder.
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How to Pay 60% Less for Hotels in Argentina
How I Paid 60% Less for My Hotel Stay in Argentina
За последний год я проехал на машине больше 40000 километров по Аргентине и Латаму и останавливался ночевать в самых разных местах: от маленьких комнат в жопе мира горах Хухуя до лакшери бутик-отелей. Как вы знаете, в Аргентине всё неоднозначно с ценами. В последний раз, например, я заплатил на 60% ниже, чем мне предложили сначала. Как такое повторить? Рассказываю лайфхаки!
Hack #1 - Compare All Booking Channels
Prices vary between Booking.com, the hotel’s official site, WhatsApp, and the front desk. Often, WhatsApp gives the best deal — but not always. Check them all.
Hack #2 - Ask About Cash Discounts or Local Bank Transfers
Always ask if there’s a discount for paying cash. Tiene discuento para effectivo? Pro tip: immediately follow up by asking if you can pay by bank transfer. In most cases, they’ll give you the cash discount but let you save your precious bills - which are hard to withdraw in rural areas.
Hack #3 - Use Your Foreigner Status to Avoid the 20% IVA Tax
Juggle your passports. Argentine citizens pay a 20% IVA tax. Foreigners using foreign cards can often skip it - but hotels don’t always ask or clarify. Always ask: is this price with or without tax?
Hack #4 - Locals Sometimes Get Better Rates - Use That Too
In some places, locals pay less than foreigners just because… they do. Again - ask.
All You Need Is Five Minutes of Friendly Spanish
That’s it - just a few minutes of polite Spanish conversation and you’re saving big.
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Why Argentina Is a Top Choice for Life and Citizenship
Fast, Simple Legalization and a Powerful Passport
В Аргентине быстрый и простой процесс легализации, а паспорт — 11-й по силе в мире.
Healthcare, Education, and Everyday Friendliness
Excellent, often free, healthcare. Top-tier education - the University of Buenos Aires ranks among the global top 10. Locals love children and are warmly open to newcomers.
Culture, Nature, and Global Events All Around
Tons of cultural and music events - Billie Eilish toured this summer. And the natural diversity is jaw-dropping: ocean, glaciers, volcanoes, mountains, whales, ski resorts, lakes, forests, and steppe.
Inclusivity Is the Norm, Not a Buzzword
100% tolerance and inclusivity - minorities and every social group feel at home here.
Cost of Living That Feels Unreal
Превосходный климат, дешёвый бензин, фрукты, овощи, лучшие рестораны в мире по цене Макдоналдса в соседних странах: огромный стейк в столичном ресторане — $10, кило клубники $2, няня/водитель/садовник/повар — $2-3 в час.
Buenos Aires - Green, Walkable, and Full of Capybaras
The capital, Buenos Aires, is full of parks, bike paths, greenery - and yes, capybaras, squirrels, and hummingbirds in the city center.
Russian-Speaking Community Included
A strong, active Russian-speaking expat scene makes integration even easier.
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Argentina: A Digital Nomad Paradise
01.2023
Argentina’s Fall in the Global Happiness Rankings
Argentina dropped from 30th to 49th in the world happiness index. There are many reasons, but one stands out — the dramatic crash of the peso has taken a toll on locals' spirits.
Why Inflation Feels Like a Bonus if You Earn in Dollars
But those problems don’t bother the “sheriffs” earning in U.S. dollars. For Europeans and Americans, Argentina has become a bargain paradise. Every month, your buying power grows by 5–7%, no crypto investment required.
What a Dollar Gets You in Argentina Right Now
A five-hour trip to the surf capital of Mar del Plata — clean ocean, laid-back vibes — costs just $16 (5,500 pesos) on a luxury sleeper bus with more space than an airplane’s business class.
A two-person lunch with fresh seafood or steak and wine? $15–20. A five-star spa hotel? $120.
A two-hour massage or private tai chi session? - $15, señor.
Argentina Is a Goldmine for Remote Entrepreneurs
A promised land for digital nomads and remote-first founders with solid operations. ♥️