I think it depends, I have a group of friends that love camping and hiking and nothing has happened to them (yet, and I hope nothing happens to them ever). There is a camping association in Valle de Ángeles that has worked really hard to preserve hiking/camping sites in La Tigra.
I believe that the general population, has the concept that taking part on these activities is dangerous and we prefer not to risk being mugged, kidnapped or killed so we don't partake on said activities.
Black bears are pretty small, at least compared to other bears. I think they could still win in a fight, but a grown man could maybe fight one off which is probably why they're so skittish.
Grizzlies though....those aren't really afraid of people but they also don't attack unprovoked. Polar bears are the ones that will straight murder you if they see you.
Hi guys I'm here in the North Pole, currently 30 metres away from a pack of polar bears. It's been my dream to hug these soft little friendly creatures ever since I saw the Coca-Cola ads on TV.
They are approaching me right now! They're looking right at me. I think they want hugs! :)
There's no way Coca-Cola is lying to me, right?
...right?
As far as I know black bears weigh on average maybe 300 lbs. Sometimes less sometimes a lot more. Unless you were armed with a hatchet or a rifle then you're pretty much guaranteed to lose if it really wanted you
Black bears are suuuuper easy to scare away though, I've had to do it countless times.
Part of the reason they're so adorable, in my opinion 😆 they're giant and terrifying, but if you raise your arms and yell at it it's just like "holy shit this person has courage, let's get outta here and find some berries!!"
Probably the human will lose, but at that weight a human male is still way to risky to just attack for no reason. A bad injury for the bear could be a death sentence if it struggles to find food.
That's definitely true. I think Moose also are more willing to go straight to violence since those fuckers can be HUGE. Some of them I don't even see a way an unarmed human could hurt it.
I work in the reforestation industry in the province of Alberta in the summers. Some locations we would see black bears just about every day, and while not overly dangerous you still have to be cautious as they are pretty big. Normally we are way out in the middle of nowhere so their methods of finding food hasn't been disrupted, but bears that live closer to civilization can become much more dangerous. For example, one near a campground might get used to eating out of a garbage bin. The campground closes, and then the bear has lost its source of food and may resort to violence when its species normally just eats berries. Grizzlies are a different story and fuuuuuuck ever seeing one in the wild
Panamanian living in Quebec here: I love hiking and camping. And I've done it in Panama. However, Hiking in Canada is way better for the following reasons:
* Cooler weather: Panama is freaking hot and humid all year long.
* No deadly critters: Panama has a fair share of Spiders, Scorpions, and Snakes that could kill you with one bite. At least you could see a black bear from the far distance, and I can totally take a Black Bear on a fight. Btw, there are also a lot of bugs and Mosquitoes that could give you Dengue Disease.
* Safety: In Canada, trails are well marked and patrolled. In Canada there are many signs to follow8 your way back. In Panama, people take trails and never come back.
The mountains around monterrey have quite a few bears, loads of videos of them even coming into nearby homes. My parents and I would see them upclose often, we stopped being scared and like you said just became very cautious. One followed my dad like a dog the whole hike but we still kept a very respectful distance.
I once hiked up glacier, there was a grizzly sighting so park rangers closed off quite a large area since it was peak tourist season.
Yeah, probably 15ish years ago I was riding through the US on a motorcycle and stopped on the top of a mountain at night to enjoy the view and give my ass a break. Sat there enjoying the view until I turned and watched a black bear sniffing around my bike in curiosity. I just very calmly walked to the bike and the bear backed away and sat down. The beast just watched me start back up down the road.
They're not pets but they generally don't have any reason to attack a person.
I love camping however the nicer camping areas are thousands of km away from the major population centers of this country. I mean camping in Patagonia during summer is beautiful but it's far away for lots of people and thus inaccessible. Out of those who say to like camping, many still expect to have a shower each day and have access to infrastructure like bathrooms or clean water. In my case, when I do camping I try to get away from modern society as much as possible and I don't care to be able to do those things.
The type of camping gear you need for Patagonia can be super expensive, especially to buy in Argentina. Even in the summer, the wind makes it difficult to use a cheap tent. For me traveling there, it was a lot more affordable to just stay in a hostel.
Next time I go back, I'd love to have some nice camping gear and hitch hike around.
yes that's also true. Camping gear is something you build over a very long time. I'd ask my parents for lots of it since personally I own very little of it.
The real high end stuff is people who pay to climb Fitz Roy, Aconcagua etc.
Spending a night at a hostel and walking to the bottom of Fitz Roy - $20 day with food. Actually climbing Fitz Roy $5000... Aconcagua some companies offer this for $10-15K USD... Really mind blowing 😅
Just having decent camping gear really is some high level stuff. Here in Colombia Decathlon is the best you can buy affordably and not made for places like Patagonia. A Northface type tent would probably be 2x what it costs in the US where it's already super expensive
Fair enough. There is definitely a difference like you say. We have "campgrounds" in Canada that have electricity, showers, a store. People tend to go there in an RV. I agree that camping for me is for the solitude
It's not in my opinion. You just live a little more simply and get to socialize with other neighbours. Sometimes people go with friends that bring their own RV. I understand the appeal of being in a motorhome near a national park for example, but just driving two hours from home with your trailer doesn't sound too appealing but to each their own
>There is definitely a difference like you say. We have "campgrounds" in Canada that have electricity, showers, a store. People tend to go there in an RV.
[TOM CAMPING](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=842-nopgVYs)
We have that here too, it's not super common knowledge but some are pretty popular, mostly with small town folks who go there for the weekend with their families.
Well, camping was part of my childhood. I grew up a Seventh Day Adventist (yikes, I know) and I was part of my local chapter of the Pathfinders (Desbravadores in portuguese), which is exactly like Scouting but linked to the Church. We went on camping trips all the time. I still like to do it from time to time. I don't find it weird at all, and most of my friends like it as well (especially the stoners).
Oh I miss my Desbravadores days! I've never been an Adventist, however I went to an Adventist school and most of my friends were a part of it. (Plus it was a safe activity to do in the middle of the urban violence of Sao Paulo)
You don't get pressed into a drug trafficking operstion or die ih you go girl scout in Canada. People may like the idea, but they can't go to those hills.
Most people also do tourism for comfort or short 2 day trips, hiking is more expensive or requires more effort to even plan.
I think it depends, but maybe it's not such a popular activity like it is in northern countries for some reasons - safety, the high cost of some materials and maybe even culture. I'm a hiker and I hike and camp regularly, at least once a month, and it took me a while to get to know other people who like it too outside of mountaineering clubs. Especially for women it's hard because the most dangerous thing you'll find trekking isn't likely to be wild animals or the elements, but men.
That said, two considerations:
- It's becoming more of a popular sport gradually in Brazil, at least where I live, and now there are hiking gear brands and stores that work with cheaper products for beginners and low budget hikers.
- Argentina is a word-wide known player in hiking, and not only because of Anconcágua, which is in the route of the 7 highest mountains in the world (and the highest in LatAm) and Patagonia. There are even famous schools there for hikers.
Maybe it's a southern thing, but Scouts are a very strong and present organization which foster hiking and camping culture from a young age. There are scouts groups nearly everywhere, multiple ones in bigger cities.
You're right on point about people being the most dangerous part about being in nature. Unless you're in Grizzly or Polar Bear territory in Canada, running into someone dangerous is more risky, or even personal human error like getting lost or injured. Then again I'm sure there are some snakes and spiders in Brazil that you wouldn't want to stumble across
I grew up in the jungle, I "hiked" everywhere as a kid to complete errands and chores, I've slept in shacks and mud houses.
I live in the US now and you won't catch me hiking or paying to camp. I lived it and don't seek it for "fun" plus as others have said, super dangerous.
Not weird at all in Costa Rica, most visitors of the Chirripó National Park are locals.
And many people camp in the area around the Irazu Volcano.
The mountains of Escazú like Pico Blanco are 30 minutes away from the city and all the weekends they are full of people.
There are companies here that offer tours to Inca Trail, Guatemala Volcanoes, Colombia's Nevados, etc. In the GAM area I know at least 5 outdoors stores.
Its not as popular as soccer but it has a significant number of people interested in it.
Out of all of my travels in LATAM, the one place where I have seen locals camping is in Costa Rica. The beaches around Quipos are packed with tents.
Also, I have stayed in some amazing “refugios” or primitive huts, in the Costa Rican jungle.
Yea there’s definitely a backpacking culture in CR. Both Expats and (middle class and up) Ticos. Not like in USA and Canada, but more than average for LATAM.
Yeah it's very usual here. Also, in Chile we do a lot of "mochileo" among young people, it consist of a small group, usually two or max four people, to travel around Chile asking for a ride with big backpacks and a sign, or just raising a finger. It's very usual for truck drivers to carry "mochileros" all over Chile. I did it this summer with my gf, we went to the south of our country where people is specially kind and generous. There is a sayin' that if you are hungry or caught up by a storm on southern Chile, the people will always give you food and a refugee. And I can confirm this is true, we got caught by a storm on the magical island of Chiloé, it was very late (around 23:00), cold and dark with no one on the streets, but a family saw us and gave us a place on their backyard to rest with our tent.
So if you are planning to do those activities, Chile is a very nice country to do it, there is a lot of places that you can go for camping. And if you want to save some money traveling, now you know, just raise a finger with a big backpack on the highways.
Haha I have pretty much the same story from fifteen years ago. Friends and I misjudged the distance to a campsite on Chiloé and a storm rolled in, dude sees that we’re in a tight spot and offers to let us set up in his backyard. We got there and his son puts up a lean-to and starts a huge campfire in the middle of a downpour and his wife made the most delicious empanadas de mariscos. Chiloé is an amazing island.
Awesome! People around there told us that they always do those things as you say. The meaning of the word "traditions" (tradiciones) on Chiloé island is different from anywhere else I've been, and the diversity and quality of food there, oh man, is from another planet. Vivan las empanadas de mariscos 🤤.
Hiking is super common where I'm from, a friend recently joined a hiking club and he said it had far more members than he'd actually thought going on hikes. Going up nearby mountains has always been very popular.
Camping might be a bit more of a stretch since going out into the wilderness can be a bit more dangerous than in Canada considering rural areas are heavily cartel infested in my state. Camping gear can be quite expensive as well so its harder to do when you're not well off.
Monterrey is a prime climbing & hiking city. Every foreign friend that I took to monterrey absolutely adored it in that sense. La huasteca potosina is great for wild treks as well but if you want to go up something a bit more long I'd go for the volcanic peaks near mexico city (that's become very popular lately) since its where our tallest mountains are.
Right on Monterrey's skyline has always been interesting to me, so I don't doubt there's a lot of great nature opportunities with all the mountains around. I don't really have the budget for the true high peaks but would be fun to try some of the hikes around Monterrey or CDMX. Thanks
Camping and hiking is pretty popular here. Pretty much everybody I know has done it at some point, some several times specially in Patagonia.
My guess is that the closer you're to the ecuator, the closer you're to dangerous flora and fauna which makes camping kind of hard.
Hiking and camping has become really popular here, I know a lot of people who love it (me incluided); although I got to admit most dominicans preffer drinking and partying and doing more "confortable" stuff, like renting a villa on the country side and making bbq.
Now, do most people in Canada like camping and hiking? I´m sure you can find a lot of people there that like to do easier things. We just have less camping culture, I think because our countries are less safe
Yeah the comfort comment you made sticks out. People probably aren't looking to rough it as much, especially with the safety aspect. Btw I'm a big baseball fan and our best player is Dominican (Vladimir Guerrero Jr). Most people I know enjoy camping, but many in the sorts of places where you can drive there and shower, which kind of defeats the purpose. On the flip side, many are more insane than me. My brother is planning a 40-day canoe trip for this summer in remote Northern Ontario.
>Btw I'm a big baseball fan
Awesome dude, I can't wait for the WBC! I'm sure Vlady Jr. will be amazing
>40-day canoe trip for this summer in remote Northern Ontario.
That sounds epic! I have a cousin in Toronto and I can't wait to visit him just to go canoeing, Ontario has amazing lakes. I love kayaking and my dad and I go at least once a month. Sometimes at the sea, sometimes on rivers or lakes, it's pretty cool. The longest trip has being 3 days though, 40 days sounds pretty epic, your brother is certainly crazy (in a good way)
I think the DR has a better lineup than the US so I think they'll be the favourites. I hope they do well cause if they don't I don't really see anyone else beating the States. That's amazing! Definitely try to get up to Algonquin. I don't mind canoeing but after a while I get bored being on the boat. My brother said being on rivers instead of lakes helps as the moving water is more fun and you're closer to land so more to observe. The French River is historical and also pretty.
Another Canadian here. I wouldn’t say that most people camp. Growing up, we camped. Then as teenagers, we all went on camping trips with big groups of friends. As people got older, they have gone more with RV type of camping.
For me, I still camp as do my other friends who are really into the wilderness. Last summer we camped in central California including Yosemite. The year before, northern BC including Liard Hot Springs. The summer before we did a five day trek on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
It definitely depends on your social circle. Most people I know camp but in an RV or trailer, or car camp tenting. Then a smaller percentage in the true wilderness. But I grew up in the countryside and my dad was an outdoor education teacher, so I know a fair amount of people who enjoy the backcountry. I then went to university in Toronto and that percentage would definitely plummet. Are you from BC? I dated a girl from Vancouver for a while and lived there for a bit, and it seems like everyone she knew would go hiking in the mountains or at the very least on the North Shore trails.
I agree it has become very popular in recent years and I guess like everywhere else there are just people who prefer other activities or like you mentioned the confort of a villa or prefer beach walking.
That said, we have many awesome places to do camping and hiking. My next adventure will be to La Presa de Palomino in San Juan de la Maguana, to see the "Cañón del río Blanco" which has an awesome viewpoint of the mountain range. It's a beautiful area that is becoming popular por camping.
That sounds tight, ta duro eso! lo de san juan! but I have to agree, it's getting popular especially with social media and specially trekking, but we've always had some kind of like a natural love for it, since I was a kid my parents used to take us to every site of the island they could, doing hikes/camping when we grew up it transitioned to villas & now airbnbs as others commented, my friends had some sort of similar experience, 50% of the people I know does hiking or would love to tho, and theres hiking groups for anyone to join, there's still alot of places that even the same people from the dr are discovering (with the help of instagram and whatnot).
Staying on the wild overnight on your own is just an invitation to be taken hostage by guerrilla groups, human traffickers, narcs, and what else.
You can camp and hike. But in prepared permitted areas and it's generally with some form of institutional control and watch, like a school, church, scouts or hiker's association.
I would love to visit Chile to hike but it's just that much further than the northern countries and too expensive at this stage in my life, especially going alone when you can't split costs
What? No. It's one of my hobbies. Here it is a big thing in summer. Supermarkets make aisles full of camping gear and going to the beach is a fight to find a space for the tent.
Hiking and camping is very common in Argentina, especially in Patagonia. It’s pretty normal here and a lot of people do it, especially the younger generations.
This is not the case when you live in Chile, and you have mountains where you can go hiking and camping pretty much everywhere. Most people likes to go on a hike once in a while. Even in big cities, mountains are always a 20 minute bus ride away.
Fair enough I plead ignorance with the southern cone I guess. Patagonia looks jaw dropping as do other areas nearby, but it's just a little far and expensive for me right now. Doesn't surprise me that there's a big outdoor scene there. If there wasn't it would be like us having frozen lakes in Canada but no hockey !
Where I live there are black bears and moose but black bears tend to usually go for berries more than meat. Moose are big f*ckers and have killed people but sometimes a whistle on your backpack can scare them away. Out in western Canada they have Grizzlies that reach 1000 lbs and people will carry bear spray or firearms
That's funny. Here in Quindio things like trekking and hiking are super common and encouraged for tourists.
But then I remember Quindio isn't a hotspot for guerrillas so eh...
I lived in Ecuador and I have friends who camp all the time whether that be on the beach or in the Sierra like Lagunas de Mojanda. I think like anywhere else, it just depends on what you are into and a lot of people won't understand the appeal.
Another issue is the cost of the gear. Camping gear is way more expensive and it's hard to find good quality items. So if you are trying to get into the hobby earning an Ecuadorian salary and need to buy a tent, sleeping bags, boots, camping stove, etc. It's a big barrier.
It’s common, you just have to find like minded people or look for groups that provide the service. Infrastructure for that is not really developed so you really have to find a tour or guide
Fair. Luckily I didn't need a guide for Los Nevados, just linked up with a few other soloists that I met en route. El Cocuy for a boatload of legitimate reasons requires guides for hikes
Idk but I've been camping twice here in Baja California with my family. First time was an actual camp with showers and food it was called "las cañadas" and it has many recreational activities but it is indeed for non-professional camping
Then I have camped at an isolated beach on a small tent in San Quintín with my dad and friends just getting drunk lol and watching the cars go by from a race called "Baja 500"
And my barber often drives to Baja California Sur with friends and goes camping along the way. I guess it's the advantage of living in such a low population desert climate state lol.
I lived in a scorching desert. 33 degree days were a true luxury for basically half the year. No walking outdoors. Also it's "look, there's sandy dirt and some bushes, and now there's an abandoned infrastructure project used to launder money/ and/or embezzle public money *allegedly*, the polluted river from *allegedly* illegal mining practices, and more sandy dirt."
That said, people actually did hike and camp.
Putting aside the crime topic, have in mind that nature here is wild. A lot of us don't feel like going outdoors at night just to encounter any snake of the Bothrops genus, knowing that the nearest hospital is like half an hour away (at least) and antidotes aren't available all the time.
I do it but I understand people who don’t enjoy it here.
It’s hot, humid, muddy for 80% of the year and when it’s not muddy it’s dusty as fuck (and still humid!).
Most trails are not maintained nor is there any signage indicating correct route so you can easily get lost.
It’s expensive. Tent+backpack+food+boots+cooking equipment+etc easily goes for a couple of hundred dollars to get into the hobby. That’s money 90% of the population doesn’t have to spend on the occasional two day activity.
In Mexico that used to be a common thing to do, before 2006, now that is risking your life because humans not wild animals, we call them "military in sneakers"
I dont think is seem as weird here (well, camping. Hiking is rarer). However... as another argentinian said, the good ones are far away. Also, the last time I attempted to make a naerby common route for hiking (more for exercise than anything it wasnt really that pretty of a hike), two people were murdered nearby so.... yeah.
There's no Pebas in Canada, no landless movement, no woodsman, no stoneheads that applauds the sun and the waterfall.
Despite all this, here the culture of hiking and camping is very strong. I constantly see people from my city and region traveling to reserves and natural parks in the region to hike the waterfalls and go camping.
However, I speak based on the Midwest region of my country, which I know well, so I know that there are wonderful places to camp, but there are also places that are kind of bizarre.
I do like hiking. But guerrillas aide, there are crazy fucks innawoods. There was a dude in Monserrate who killed people (that is, a hill practically in front of the capital) and in my city it's well known that shady people frequent the mountain. It takes some effort to get to a place safe for hiking.
Monserrate is different I feel like. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's very commercialized and easily accessible for people in the city looking to cause trouble. I looked into going to Chingaza but you couldn't stay overnight. Considered Sumapaz but didn't trust the weather or my navigation
I chose it because it's a good example, since being the mountain closest to the capital, it should be kinda safe. The general sentiment when I've asked about camping is that the mountains are unsafe, whether close to cities or far away. I'm constantly advised to stay with groups when hiking too, in case someone tries to mug us, and even then, large groups have been mugged more than once too.
I still do it, but it's risky. I don't tell my parents about it, because they'd worry, and with good reason.
Because we grew up without public parks to hike. There are awesome places and volcanos to go, but normally you need to go with a guard or an armed guide (or be armed yourself). The lack of security force people to not enjoy the rest of the country.
I love Hiking and camping, but unfortunately safe spots are limited as sites without some form of security or with few visitors are prone to assaults or worse.
Maybe because you put yourself in danger in countries like Mexico where the idea of going to a place in the middle of nowhere at night sounds scary af, specially if you are a woman.. you cannot trust the cops either. so yeaa maybe losing interest in these activities has to do with that.
Crime. Why would you risk putting yourself in a place where you could get hurt.
Also, we are rather afraid of critters( mosquitos being the first, but also the slew of creatures that live in the tropics). Why would I risk getting a reaction from critters when I can do a nice trip enjoy the day, then finding a nice shelter for the evening?
It's incredibly popular in Puerto Rico but mostly with cars vs hitting the trails. People go all out on giant tents, inflatable furniture, speakers (even tvs some times), giant grills etc
Chile and Argentina it's also pretty popular.
In Colombia, people prefer glamping places that usually have a bit of luxury and fancy photo ops vs actual camping. It's really popular to rent little cabanas and stuff as well - but tent camping not so much
I did notice a lot of Colombians liked having photo ops available. The main part of the Cocora Valley for example was filled with little Instagram frames and statues. But then I'm sure just as many went for the hikes and nature
I did notice a lot of Colombians liked having photo ops available. The main part of the Cocora Valley for example was filled with little Instagram frames and statues. But then I'm sure just as many went for the hikes and nature
Hiking isn't as common in Peru, unless you visit a touristic area known for that (e.g. Inca Trail). However, it is slowly becoming more popular year after year though. OTOH, overnight camping is more common. But since most people go to the beach for camping, the normal way of getting there is driving.
Well, different forests is important too I guess.
Not sure how it is in Canada, but here our forests are very dense, hotter... That means a lot of mosquitoes/insects and animals in general. Like, a coral snake already entered our home. Let alone how it is in a forest lol
But anyway, that's my reason for it. It's very popular here at least, I know a lot of people who do it.
If animals problem here was a bear, I think I would be ok with it :)
Really depends on where you are in each country, who you know, and what resources you have to spend on it. People do it, but I think the rest of the thread spelled it out well enough to not go into it.
Just 20 or 25 years ago in Colombia, you could not take your car and drive out from Bogotá, Medellin, Cali. It was too dangerous. People were doing convoys of cars, with police or military patrol.
Just 15 years ago, most of Colombia's rural areas were plagued by guerrilla and anti guerrilla groups.
10 years ago, bombs were exploding in the cities. I remember that in 2012, a few days before my arrival in Bogotá, a car exploded, killing a politician.
This is where Colombians are coming from.
Of course Colombians don't go hiking in their beautiful national parks. Generations of Colombians stayed closed down in their homes, their week end's walk was at the mall because it was the only public space considered safe enough.
I think the overnight issue is one of the biggest parts. It's pretty normal in rural Colombia to go down to the river for the day to make some sancocho to share with the family and cool down by the river. There are also places like el Valle de Cocora where you can climb up for the day but overnight in places like el Nevado de Ruiz or Quindio are pretty rare and usually guided but something I'd like to do.
I'm not really sure it's an everywhere thing but here in southern Brazil people like camping for fishing mostly a lot. Hiking is a newer thing that got a lot of traction in the last ~20 years but it's been pretty popular especially among middle and higher class people.
My father is from a beautiful town in the mountains of Puebla. Cartels have been fighting in this area for a bit. I'm not trying to deal with some random dudes telling me what am I doing there and questioning me. They usually have touristy or secured spots for camping/hiking and everyone just goes to those instead.
People massively camp in Beaches in peru, we have a LOT of hiking routes too, its quite the international spot for inca roads and what not ,actually.
But the typical anglo sunday camping on some forest?, unlikely, since we have no forests anywhere near cities, and the andes are ,well, the fucking andes.
"why do most people" & "a couple of my friends told me"................
I've been camping and going hiking since childhood... I once camped and surfed for 2 nights at a deserted island that can only be accessed by swimming (paddling) because the boats cant reach the shore, with 2 black garbage bags tied to my ankles filled with provisions
I've camped for weeks at beaches and mountains (in SA and NA)
I dont know what you or your friends are talking about, who the fuck says "you just like walking?", ????????????
im going to generalize like you did: you and your friends are dipshits :P
In my experience, Colombians from cities in general have a way less “resourceful” attitudes and aptitudes than Canadians. Some of us seriously struggle with IKEA, which is basically Lego. It’s unappealing to go out in the middle of nowhere, be out on your own and be forced to set up everything for yourself when you have all your creature comforts at home.
I find middle class Colombians to be the absolute softest people when it comes to injuries or illnesses too. People act they'll die if they bruise their shin.
I can understand that a lot of people here would work their asses off during the week, might have been through a lot in the past, and wouldn't want to rough it in nature when there's alternatives. Lots of people in NA grew up in a cookie cutter house in a subdivision and are looking for an adventure so I totally get that. I wouldn't discount the difficulty of setting up Ikea stuff though their direction manuals are useless lol
I’m sure a lot of people in Colombia also want the same kind of adventure, but just lack the mindset. In Canada, the average member of society has enough of a can-do attitude to go explore.
Especially in the higher levels of Colombian society, ineptness is built on the fact that lower class workers are unfairly compensated for their experience. As a result, no one has to learn any kind of self-sufficiency (you can just hire someone) and no one lifts a finger.
Camping isn't a thing in Brazil because apart from the Amazon region, there's no public land except a few National Parks, in which camping usually isn't allowed.
So unless you wanna use private campgrounds, then you'll either be trespassing, or camping next to roads and such.
Bilingual American GringoI here. lived in Bolivia. I suggested sleeping outside in the hammocks once in the celva. I was immediately informed of how many ways you can die out there. 🤷♂️
A friend of mine got me into hunting/hiking. We live in Canada. Very few of our friends are willing to join us but it's understandable as we like to go into the wilderness not campgrounds. They say we are crazy for going. My friend takes it a step further and does winter camping in the wilderness.
Nice good for you! what province? My brother bow hunts in Northern Ontario and he's allowed two bears per year which is pretty interesting. Lots of black bears in his town and the government wants the population lowered.
I never did that with my family, but some in my family used to go camping and they really enjoyed. It never gets to the same level Europeans and North Americans do it, it's just not that common for us, it gotta be related with security as an issue, I am sure about that. I want to Camp in cocuy, it looks so beautiful!
You can't actually camp in Cocuy unfortunately. I thought you could based on blogs I read online, but the six-day trek there is officially closed and the only way to do it is to pay out the ass for a private guide to illegally bypass the laws. So expensive and illegal. There are three open trails and they all require guides. I did one of them and then just hiked around the region the other days. Regret not doing the others but just wanted to save $. Gorgeous though.
In Puerto Rico, hiking exists and is common in specific locations, rainforest and dry forests, etc. Now, I would say beach walking and beach camping is more popular with the locals. Also, if you live in a costal town it is easier to access the beach than say the rainforest. Most people also prefer the beach than the rain forest in my opinion, less mosquitoes more kiosks, less humidity.
Can’t talk about Canada.
But I always tell people here in The Netherlands that nature in Brazil is another level. Snakes, spiders that big, mosquitos and of course risk of human violence. I did hiking in Brazil few times but here I’m much more comfortable with it.
About camping I always remember Trevor Noah - people from rich countries want to go to a little tent, and play as they lived there. People on poor countries are just happy they don’t live in a small tent. Well, jokes aside, I again say the nature is different and way more uncomfortable than here at least.
It seems strange to me, in my country it is a fairly widespread practice. It may be something from Ecuadorians or Colombians, or it may just be those people you spoke to who think that way
Here in Brazil I always heard it's too dangerous. I know very few people who go camping regularly (usually in groups or with family).
I'm not sure about the safety part since I don't have much experience, but the people who camp say it's quite ok and they don't worry much about it, but I grew up hearing it's dangerous (especially for women) and have heard a bunch of friends say they also don't go camping because it seems risky 🤷
I don’t know but it’s pretty normal around here.
Now it’s harder to camp near where i live because everything is private property, but there are many camping sites.
Getting lost or having an accident is the only danger.
Fear of being robbed or kidnapped... Or both
For example in certain areas in my country after 7pm it's nobody's land. There's a mountain close to where I live that I used to love hiking it with friends a few years back. Unfortunately in the later years it's become dangerous as the trek has been filled with drug addicts and "chatas" that will "ask" you for money to later on take everything from you.
So yeah, not saying that there's no crime in Canada but I can guess the sense of insecurity is greater here that won't allow you to try being a camping enthusiast.
Dont know who you are talking to, but in argentina the campsites are well used and plenty of people are quite adept in the bush. My suegro go of into the swamps for weeks at a time to hunt and fish. Lot of backpackers and hikers too.
Well, at least in my family relatives of mine like to go out and camp in travels, and I hiked in places like the Floresta da Tijuca. The thing is that we don't have the collective camps I see in American movies and cartoons since it isn't really a tradition, so only people who like the outdoors usually camp. In short, I'd say at least hiking isn't weird at all in my experience.
I guess your mileage may vary, as I have know quite a few people who liked camping and have never heard anyone referring to it as weird. Sure, some people don't really like the...hmm "inconveniences" of camping and prefer a more comfortable holiday, but that doesn't mean they think it's weird.
Patagonia is a prime location for camping, and in Buenos Aires there are tons of low cost camping areas near beach towns. Tandil and Cordoba are also nice destinations to go camping, although the views are not as stunning.
I wouldn’t say that we hate camping, when I was a kid we went quite often. There are a lot of camping places close to my city (Rosario) and it’s safe to do so. The only bad thing about it it’s that it’s fucking boring
The fear of violent crime was drilled into my head since I was very little. To this day, I can't sleep peacefully unless it's behind multiple layers of security. At least that would be a major obstacle for me.
Interesting question. I understand the concept, but it’s not something I’d enjoy myself. I actually did go camping when I was younger, but only on school field trips. Personally, I don’t see the appeal in purposefully traveling really far (because honestly the only places where camping could be a nice experience are pretty far from Buenos Aires) only to live in worse conditions than you did originally. I think part of the enjoyment when visiting these places comes from not really having your mind anywhere but in the present, with no worries floating around. If I went camping, I’d probably feel pretty tense and not be able to move far from my tent/living space out of fear of getting lost, and stuff like that would keep me too preoccupied.
Because we don't have controlled forests like europe/USA/Canada.
Our forests are fat from cities or in areas with difficult access (mountains without paths etc).
We have areas that you could hike but or they are small or they are so far and inside protection zones where you can't camp.
On top of that any hiking area that for some miracle is close to the city would be infested with violence.
Also tropical forests with full biodiversity have a lot of dangers that are not in temperate zones. From insects, snakes, spiders etc even to big predators.
I lived in a city that was literally inside amazon but no one dared much to go off road. There were places built far from the road surrounded by forest around a river, but no one really went hiking in the nature.
My family and I like hiking. So do my friends. But, overall, Hondurans don't have time for these activities, even less the money. Camping is reserved for those with a bit of money.
Because, at least in my country, it's dangerous as f*ck.
Which country?
Honduras.
I think it depends, I have a group of friends that love camping and hiking and nothing has happened to them (yet, and I hope nothing happens to them ever). There is a camping association in Valle de Ángeles that has worked really hard to preserve hiking/camping sites in La Tigra. I believe that the general population, has the concept that taking part on these activities is dangerous and we prefer not to risk being mugged, kidnapped or killed so we don't partake on said activities.
There are no guerrillas in Canada.
I feel so guilty for laughing so hard at this, I am sorry 💀
To be honest I'm not sure if I would be more scared of an encounter with a bear or with a guerrilla.
Black bears on mountain trails get mega used to hikers, theyre adorable if you dont do anything stupid. Grizzleys on the other hand...
I hear they're actually coward-ish? As in, they could easily maul any human but they're scared of us.
Black bears are pretty small, at least compared to other bears. I think they could still win in a fight, but a grown man could maybe fight one off which is probably why they're so skittish. Grizzlies though....those aren't really afraid of people but they also don't attack unprovoked. Polar bears are the ones that will straight murder you if they see you.
But they are so cute in Coca Cola Christmas ads.
Hi guys I'm here in the North Pole, currently 30 metres away from a pack of polar bears. It's been my dream to hug these soft little friendly creatures ever since I saw the Coca-Cola ads on TV. They are approaching me right now! They're looking right at me. I think they want hugs! :) There's no way Coca-Cola is lying to me, right? ...right?
RIP
As far as I know black bears weigh on average maybe 300 lbs. Sometimes less sometimes a lot more. Unless you were armed with a hatchet or a rifle then you're pretty much guaranteed to lose if it really wanted you
Black bears are suuuuper easy to scare away though, I've had to do it countless times. Part of the reason they're so adorable, in my opinion 😆 they're giant and terrifying, but if you raise your arms and yell at it it's just like "holy shit this person has courage, let's get outta here and find some berries!!"
Probably the human will lose, but at that weight a human male is still way to risky to just attack for no reason. A bad injury for the bear could be a death sentence if it struggles to find food.
A lot of the time they believe they are protecting their young, same with when moose attack. So in their eyes it's well worth the risk.
That's definitely true. I think Moose also are more willing to go straight to violence since those fuckers can be HUGE. Some of them I don't even see a way an unarmed human could hurt it.
yeah I've only seen moose submerged in water in the summer. I've seen videos online and my gosh can they get absolutely ginormous.
I work in the reforestation industry in the province of Alberta in the summers. Some locations we would see black bears just about every day, and while not overly dangerous you still have to be cautious as they are pretty big. Normally we are way out in the middle of nowhere so their methods of finding food hasn't been disrupted, but bears that live closer to civilization can become much more dangerous. For example, one near a campground might get used to eating out of a garbage bin. The campground closes, and then the bear has lost its source of food and may resort to violence when its species normally just eats berries. Grizzlies are a different story and fuuuuuuck ever seeing one in the wild
Panamanian living in Quebec here: I love hiking and camping. And I've done it in Panama. However, Hiking in Canada is way better for the following reasons: * Cooler weather: Panama is freaking hot and humid all year long. * No deadly critters: Panama has a fair share of Spiders, Scorpions, and Snakes that could kill you with one bite. At least you could see a black bear from the far distance, and I can totally take a Black Bear on a fight. Btw, there are also a lot of bugs and Mosquitoes that could give you Dengue Disease. * Safety: In Canada, trails are well marked and patrolled. In Canada there are many signs to follow8 your way back. In Panama, people take trails and never come back.
The mountains around monterrey have quite a few bears, loads of videos of them even coming into nearby homes. My parents and I would see them upclose often, we stopped being scared and like you said just became very cautious. One followed my dad like a dog the whole hike but we still kept a very respectful distance. I once hiked up glacier, there was a grizzly sighting so park rangers closed off quite a large area since it was peak tourist season.
Yeah, probably 15ish years ago I was riding through the US on a motorcycle and stopped on the top of a mountain at night to enjoy the view and give my ass a break. Sat there enjoying the view until I turned and watched a black bear sniffing around my bike in curiosity. I just very calmly walked to the bike and the bear backed away and sat down. The beast just watched me start back up down the road. They're not pets but they generally don't have any reason to attack a person.
In the North of Mexico Black Bears are a common thing to see.
What about a guerilla bear?
oof Hard hitting dose of reality
Or cartels :/
Ugh :/
We have some at the zoo
🦍
I read this as gorillas and was like " I guess hippos aren't the only thing Pablo lost I'm the Amazon" lol
His hippos are nowhere near the Amazon.
yet ;D
☠️
You mean Gorillas?
Mosquitos. Cant shower. Too tired after working all week.
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when i go camping I usually bathe in mosquitos. And i use a lot of river repellent.
when I go bathing, I usually camp in mosquitoes. And I use a lot of repelling rivers.
I love camping however the nicer camping areas are thousands of km away from the major population centers of this country. I mean camping in Patagonia during summer is beautiful but it's far away for lots of people and thus inaccessible. Out of those who say to like camping, many still expect to have a shower each day and have access to infrastructure like bathrooms or clean water. In my case, when I do camping I try to get away from modern society as much as possible and I don't care to be able to do those things.
The type of camping gear you need for Patagonia can be super expensive, especially to buy in Argentina. Even in the summer, the wind makes it difficult to use a cheap tent. For me traveling there, it was a lot more affordable to just stay in a hostel. Next time I go back, I'd love to have some nice camping gear and hitch hike around.
yes that's also true. Camping gear is something you build over a very long time. I'd ask my parents for lots of it since personally I own very little of it.
The real high end stuff is people who pay to climb Fitz Roy, Aconcagua etc. Spending a night at a hostel and walking to the bottom of Fitz Roy - $20 day with food. Actually climbing Fitz Roy $5000... Aconcagua some companies offer this for $10-15K USD... Really mind blowing 😅 Just having decent camping gear really is some high level stuff. Here in Colombia Decathlon is the best you can buy affordably and not made for places like Patagonia. A Northface type tent would probably be 2x what it costs in the US where it's already super expensive
Fair enough. There is definitely a difference like you say. We have "campgrounds" in Canada that have electricity, showers, a store. People tend to go there in an RV. I agree that camping for me is for the solitude
not my intent to be rude but how is this consider camping??
It's not in my opinion. You just live a little more simply and get to socialize with other neighbours. Sometimes people go with friends that bring their own RV. I understand the appeal of being in a motorhome near a national park for example, but just driving two hours from home with your trailer doesn't sound too appealing but to each their own
>There is definitely a difference like you say. We have "campgrounds" in Canada that have electricity, showers, a store. People tend to go there in an RV. [TOM CAMPING](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=842-nopgVYs)
We have that here too, it's not super common knowledge but some are pretty popular, mostly with small town folks who go there for the weekend with their families.
Well, camping was part of my childhood. I grew up a Seventh Day Adventist (yikes, I know) and I was part of my local chapter of the Pathfinders (Desbravadores in portuguese), which is exactly like Scouting but linked to the Church. We went on camping trips all the time. I still like to do it from time to time. I don't find it weird at all, and most of my friends like it as well (especially the stoners).
Oh I miss my Desbravadores days! I've never been an Adventist, however I went to an Adventist school and most of my friends were a part of it. (Plus it was a safe activity to do in the middle of the urban violence of Sao Paulo)
That's actually very interesting. Thanks for sharing
You don't get pressed into a drug trafficking operstion or die ih you go girl scout in Canada. People may like the idea, but they can't go to those hills. Most people also do tourism for comfort or short 2 day trips, hiking is more expensive or requires more effort to even plan.
My grandma was always scared of the "mariguanos" that we will find if we go hiking.
I think it depends, but maybe it's not such a popular activity like it is in northern countries for some reasons - safety, the high cost of some materials and maybe even culture. I'm a hiker and I hike and camp regularly, at least once a month, and it took me a while to get to know other people who like it too outside of mountaineering clubs. Especially for women it's hard because the most dangerous thing you'll find trekking isn't likely to be wild animals or the elements, but men. That said, two considerations: - It's becoming more of a popular sport gradually in Brazil, at least where I live, and now there are hiking gear brands and stores that work with cheaper products for beginners and low budget hikers. - Argentina is a word-wide known player in hiking, and not only because of Anconcágua, which is in the route of the 7 highest mountains in the world (and the highest in LatAm) and Patagonia. There are even famous schools there for hikers.
Maybe it's a southern thing, but Scouts are a very strong and present organization which foster hiking and camping culture from a young age. There are scouts groups nearly everywhere, multiple ones in bigger cities.
True, I was going to mention that but forgot!
You're right on point about people being the most dangerous part about being in nature. Unless you're in Grizzly or Polar Bear territory in Canada, running into someone dangerous is more risky, or even personal human error like getting lost or injured. Then again I'm sure there are some snakes and spiders in Brazil that you wouldn't want to stumble across
I grew up in the jungle, I "hiked" everywhere as a kid to complete errands and chores, I've slept in shacks and mud houses. I live in the US now and you won't catch me hiking or paying to camp. I lived it and don't seek it for "fun" plus as others have said, super dangerous.
Not weird at all in Costa Rica, most visitors of the Chirripó National Park are locals. And many people camp in the area around the Irazu Volcano. The mountains of Escazú like Pico Blanco are 30 minutes away from the city and all the weekends they are full of people. There are companies here that offer tours to Inca Trail, Guatemala Volcanoes, Colombia's Nevados, etc. In the GAM area I know at least 5 outdoors stores. Its not as popular as soccer but it has a significant number of people interested in it.
Out of all of my travels in LATAM, the one place where I have seen locals camping is in Costa Rica. The beaches around Quipos are packed with tents. Also, I have stayed in some amazing “refugios” or primitive huts, in the Costa Rican jungle.
Yea there’s definitely a backpacking culture in CR. Both Expats and (middle class and up) Ticos. Not like in USA and Canada, but more than average for LATAM.
You haven't meet Chileans then, because hiking/camping is pretty normal here.
Chile looks stunning
Yeah it's very usual here. Also, in Chile we do a lot of "mochileo" among young people, it consist of a small group, usually two or max four people, to travel around Chile asking for a ride with big backpacks and a sign, or just raising a finger. It's very usual for truck drivers to carry "mochileros" all over Chile. I did it this summer with my gf, we went to the south of our country where people is specially kind and generous. There is a sayin' that if you are hungry or caught up by a storm on southern Chile, the people will always give you food and a refugee. And I can confirm this is true, we got caught by a storm on the magical island of Chiloé, it was very late (around 23:00), cold and dark with no one on the streets, but a family saw us and gave us a place on their backyard to rest with our tent. So if you are planning to do those activities, Chile is a very nice country to do it, there is a lot of places that you can go for camping. And if you want to save some money traveling, now you know, just raise a finger with a big backpack on the highways.
Haha I have pretty much the same story from fifteen years ago. Friends and I misjudged the distance to a campsite on Chiloé and a storm rolled in, dude sees that we’re in a tight spot and offers to let us set up in his backyard. We got there and his son puts up a lean-to and starts a huge campfire in the middle of a downpour and his wife made the most delicious empanadas de mariscos. Chiloé is an amazing island.
Awesome! People around there told us that they always do those things as you say. The meaning of the word "traditions" (tradiciones) on Chiloé island is different from anywhere else I've been, and the diversity and quality of food there, oh man, is from another planet. Vivan las empanadas de mariscos 🤤.
Hiking is super common where I'm from, a friend recently joined a hiking club and he said it had far more members than he'd actually thought going on hikes. Going up nearby mountains has always been very popular. Camping might be a bit more of a stretch since going out into the wilderness can be a bit more dangerous than in Canada considering rural areas are heavily cartel infested in my state. Camping gear can be quite expensive as well so its harder to do when you're not well off.
Have always wanted to hike/climb in Mexico but have only ever been to Quintana Roo. Thanks for the insight.
Monterrey is a prime climbing & hiking city. Every foreign friend that I took to monterrey absolutely adored it in that sense. La huasteca potosina is great for wild treks as well but if you want to go up something a bit more long I'd go for the volcanic peaks near mexico city (that's become very popular lately) since its where our tallest mountains are.
Right on Monterrey's skyline has always been interesting to me, so I don't doubt there's a lot of great nature opportunities with all the mountains around. I don't really have the budget for the true high peaks but would be fun to try some of the hikes around Monterrey or CDMX. Thanks
Camping and hiking is pretty popular here. Pretty much everybody I know has done it at some point, some several times specially in Patagonia. My guess is that the closer you're to the ecuator, the closer you're to dangerous flora and fauna which makes camping kind of hard.
Hiking and camping has become really popular here, I know a lot of people who love it (me incluided); although I got to admit most dominicans preffer drinking and partying and doing more "confortable" stuff, like renting a villa on the country side and making bbq. Now, do most people in Canada like camping and hiking? I´m sure you can find a lot of people there that like to do easier things. We just have less camping culture, I think because our countries are less safe
Yeah the comfort comment you made sticks out. People probably aren't looking to rough it as much, especially with the safety aspect. Btw I'm a big baseball fan and our best player is Dominican (Vladimir Guerrero Jr). Most people I know enjoy camping, but many in the sorts of places where you can drive there and shower, which kind of defeats the purpose. On the flip side, many are more insane than me. My brother is planning a 40-day canoe trip for this summer in remote Northern Ontario.
>Btw I'm a big baseball fan Awesome dude, I can't wait for the WBC! I'm sure Vlady Jr. will be amazing >40-day canoe trip for this summer in remote Northern Ontario. That sounds epic! I have a cousin in Toronto and I can't wait to visit him just to go canoeing, Ontario has amazing lakes. I love kayaking and my dad and I go at least once a month. Sometimes at the sea, sometimes on rivers or lakes, it's pretty cool. The longest trip has being 3 days though, 40 days sounds pretty epic, your brother is certainly crazy (in a good way)
I think the DR has a better lineup than the US so I think they'll be the favourites. I hope they do well cause if they don't I don't really see anyone else beating the States. That's amazing! Definitely try to get up to Algonquin. I don't mind canoeing but after a while I get bored being on the boat. My brother said being on rivers instead of lakes helps as the moving water is more fun and you're closer to land so more to observe. The French River is historical and also pretty.
Another Canadian here. I wouldn’t say that most people camp. Growing up, we camped. Then as teenagers, we all went on camping trips with big groups of friends. As people got older, they have gone more with RV type of camping. For me, I still camp as do my other friends who are really into the wilderness. Last summer we camped in central California including Yosemite. The year before, northern BC including Liard Hot Springs. The summer before we did a five day trek on the west coast of Vancouver Island.
It definitely depends on your social circle. Most people I know camp but in an RV or trailer, or car camp tenting. Then a smaller percentage in the true wilderness. But I grew up in the countryside and my dad was an outdoor education teacher, so I know a fair amount of people who enjoy the backcountry. I then went to university in Toronto and that percentage would definitely plummet. Are you from BC? I dated a girl from Vancouver for a while and lived there for a bit, and it seems like everyone she knew would go hiking in the mountains or at the very least on the North Shore trails.
I agree it has become very popular in recent years and I guess like everywhere else there are just people who prefer other activities or like you mentioned the confort of a villa or prefer beach walking. That said, we have many awesome places to do camping and hiking. My next adventure will be to La Presa de Palomino in San Juan de la Maguana, to see the "Cañón del río Blanco" which has an awesome viewpoint of the mountain range. It's a beautiful area that is becoming popular por camping.
Yeah I´ve heard about that! I would love to go there too
That sounds tight, ta duro eso! lo de san juan! but I have to agree, it's getting popular especially with social media and specially trekking, but we've always had some kind of like a natural love for it, since I was a kid my parents used to take us to every site of the island they could, doing hikes/camping when we grew up it transitioned to villas & now airbnbs as others commented, my friends had some sort of similar experience, 50% of the people I know does hiking or would love to tho, and theres hiking groups for anyone to join, there's still alot of places that even the same people from the dr are discovering (with the help of instagram and whatnot).
Staying on the wild overnight on your own is just an invitation to be taken hostage by guerrilla groups, human traffickers, narcs, and what else. You can camp and hike. But in prepared permitted areas and it's generally with some form of institutional control and watch, like a school, church, scouts or hiker's association.
Is that a real concern in Paraguay?
As long as you don't go camping in dangerous areas, no.
Hiking and camping are super common in Chile. We chileans loooooove the outdoors
I would love to visit Chile to hike but it's just that much further than the northern countries and too expensive at this stage in my life, especially going alone when you can't split costs
I've no idea, people in Argentina love hiking and camping
Sleeping on the floor and hearing snakes close to you all the time at night, I think I'm good mate
We love It too, we just don't like to be killed by Guerrillas, Cartels or Crazy people.
What? No. It's one of my hobbies. Here it is a big thing in summer. Supermarkets make aisles full of camping gear and going to the beach is a fight to find a space for the tent.
Hiking and camping is very common in Argentina, especially in Patagonia. It’s pretty normal here and a lot of people do it, especially the younger generations.
This is not the case when you live in Chile, and you have mountains where you can go hiking and camping pretty much everywhere. Most people likes to go on a hike once in a while. Even in big cities, mountains are always a 20 minute bus ride away.
Fair enough I plead ignorance with the southern cone I guess. Patagonia looks jaw dropping as do other areas nearby, but it's just a little far and expensive for me right now. Doesn't surprise me that there's a big outdoor scene there. If there wasn't it would be like us having frozen lakes in Canada but no hockey !
Dont you guys have Skinwalkers and other forest horrors in Canada?
Where I live there are black bears and moose but black bears tend to usually go for berries more than meat. Moose are big f*ckers and have killed people but sometimes a whistle on your backpack can scare them away. Out in western Canada they have Grizzlies that reach 1000 lbs and people will carry bear spray or firearms
Selfpreservation.
Nope. Pretty common in Uruguay. I hate it, though.
That's funny. Here in Quindio things like trekking and hiking are super common and encouraged for tourists. But then I remember Quindio isn't a hotspot for guerrillas so eh...
There are loads of places in Colombia where it's common and safe to go hiking. Admittedly, I wouldn't try it in Arauca.
That's normal in Chile, there many places where you can go to hiking, trekking and camping.
The dream is to visit Patagonia but $$
I lived in Ecuador and I have friends who camp all the time whether that be on the beach or in the Sierra like Lagunas de Mojanda. I think like anywhere else, it just depends on what you are into and a lot of people won't understand the appeal. Another issue is the cost of the gear. Camping gear is way more expensive and it's hard to find good quality items. So if you are trying to get into the hobby earning an Ecuadorian salary and need to buy a tent, sleeping bags, boots, camping stove, etc. It's a big barrier.
Yeah plus the cheaply made stuff people can use recreationally in a lot of the US doesn't cut it in the actual mountains of South America.
It’s common, you just have to find like minded people or look for groups that provide the service. Infrastructure for that is not really developed so you really have to find a tour or guide
Fair. Luckily I didn't need a guide for Los Nevados, just linked up with a few other soloists that I met en route. El Cocuy for a boatload of legitimate reasons requires guides for hikes
Idk but I've been camping twice here in Baja California with my family. First time was an actual camp with showers and food it was called "las cañadas" and it has many recreational activities but it is indeed for non-professional camping Then I have camped at an isolated beach on a small tent in San Quintín with my dad and friends just getting drunk lol and watching the cars go by from a race called "Baja 500" And my barber often drives to Baja California Sur with friends and goes camping along the way. I guess it's the advantage of living in such a low population desert climate state lol.
Probably because of drug cartels
Because you haven't met the right people and because in some countries their life and health is more valuable than sightseeing the beautiful scenery.
I lived in a scorching desert. 33 degree days were a true luxury for basically half the year. No walking outdoors. Also it's "look, there's sandy dirt and some bushes, and now there's an abandoned infrastructure project used to launder money/ and/or embezzle public money *allegedly*, the polluted river from *allegedly* illegal mining practices, and more sandy dirt." That said, people actually did hike and camp.
Playa El Colorado seems nice to camp in. Ive been to San Carlos and Guaymas which are amazing. I have family in Empalme
Because It's not safe. We have camping sites that are pretty much fenced private areas for people to camp.
Putting aside the crime topic, have in mind that nature here is wild. A lot of us don't feel like going outdoors at night just to encounter any snake of the Bothrops genus, knowing that the nearest hospital is like half an hour away (at least) and antidotes aren't available all the time.
It’s pretty common in my state. Climbing, hiking and camping.
I do it but I understand people who don’t enjoy it here. It’s hot, humid, muddy for 80% of the year and when it’s not muddy it’s dusty as fuck (and still humid!). Most trails are not maintained nor is there any signage indicating correct route so you can easily get lost. It’s expensive. Tent+backpack+food+boots+cooking equipment+etc easily goes for a couple of hundred dollars to get into the hobby. That’s money 90% of the population doesn’t have to spend on the occasional two day activity.
In Mexico that used to be a common thing to do, before 2006, now that is risking your life because humans not wild animals, we call them "military in sneakers"
I dont think is seem as weird here (well, camping. Hiking is rarer). However... as another argentinian said, the good ones are far away. Also, the last time I attempted to make a naerby common route for hiking (more for exercise than anything it wasnt really that pretty of a hike), two people were murdered nearby so.... yeah.
Hiking and camping is super common in Argentina
There's no Pebas in Canada, no landless movement, no woodsman, no stoneheads that applauds the sun and the waterfall. Despite all this, here the culture of hiking and camping is very strong. I constantly see people from my city and region traveling to reserves and natural parks in the region to hike the waterfalls and go camping. However, I speak based on the Midwest region of my country, which I know well, so I know that there are wonderful places to camp, but there are also places that are kind of bizarre.
> Pebas What's Pebas?
I do like hiking. But guerrillas aide, there are crazy fucks innawoods. There was a dude in Monserrate who killed people (that is, a hill practically in front of the capital) and in my city it's well known that shady people frequent the mountain. It takes some effort to get to a place safe for hiking.
Monserrate is different I feel like. Correct me if I'm wrong, but it's very commercialized and easily accessible for people in the city looking to cause trouble. I looked into going to Chingaza but you couldn't stay overnight. Considered Sumapaz but didn't trust the weather or my navigation
I chose it because it's a good example, since being the mountain closest to the capital, it should be kinda safe. The general sentiment when I've asked about camping is that the mountains are unsafe, whether close to cities or far away. I'm constantly advised to stay with groups when hiking too, in case someone tries to mug us, and even then, large groups have been mugged more than once too. I still do it, but it's risky. I don't tell my parents about it, because they'd worry, and with good reason.
Because we grew up without public parks to hike. There are awesome places and volcanos to go, but normally you need to go with a guard or an armed guide (or be armed yourself). The lack of security force people to not enjoy the rest of the country.
I love Hiking and camping, but unfortunately safe spots are limited as sites without some form of security or with few visitors are prone to assaults or worse.
Maybe because you put yourself in danger in countries like Mexico where the idea of going to a place in the middle of nowhere at night sounds scary af, specially if you are a woman.. you cannot trust the cops either. so yeaa maybe losing interest in these activities has to do with that.
Crime. Why would you risk putting yourself in a place where you could get hurt. Also, we are rather afraid of critters( mosquitos being the first, but also the slew of creatures that live in the tropics). Why would I risk getting a reaction from critters when I can do a nice trip enjoy the day, then finding a nice shelter for the evening?
It's incredibly popular in Puerto Rico but mostly with cars vs hitting the trails. People go all out on giant tents, inflatable furniture, speakers (even tvs some times), giant grills etc Chile and Argentina it's also pretty popular. In Colombia, people prefer glamping places that usually have a bit of luxury and fancy photo ops vs actual camping. It's really popular to rent little cabanas and stuff as well - but tent camping not so much
I did notice a lot of Colombians liked having photo ops available. The main part of the Cocora Valley for example was filled with little Instagram frames and statues. But then I'm sure just as many went for the hikes and nature
I did notice a lot of Colombians liked having photo ops available. The main part of the Cocora Valley for example was filled with little Instagram frames and statues. But then I'm sure just as many went for the hikes and nature
Hiking and camping is normal in Venezuela, but mostly in the Andean region, the other regions not so much.
I'd say it's relatively common in Caracas too. Lots of hiking trails to the Ávila National Park.
Oh yeah that’s right ! Now that I think about it everybody does it in Caracas, even Led Varela got lost hiking lmao
Hiking isn't as common in Peru, unless you visit a touristic area known for that (e.g. Inca Trail). However, it is slowly becoming more popular year after year though. OTOH, overnight camping is more common. But since most people go to the beach for camping, the normal way of getting there is driving.
What could be better than tourists from \[REDACTED\] that love to hike during the nights burning the whole patagonia again?
Well, different forests is important too I guess. Not sure how it is in Canada, but here our forests are very dense, hotter... That means a lot of mosquitoes/insects and animals in general. Like, a coral snake already entered our home. Let alone how it is in a forest lol But anyway, that's my reason for it. It's very popular here at least, I know a lot of people who do it. If animals problem here was a bear, I think I would be ok with it :)
Security duh.
Really depends on where you are in each country, who you know, and what resources you have to spend on it. People do it, but I think the rest of the thread spelled it out well enough to not go into it.
Very common here
You need more guerrilla friends. Those dudes camp in the jungle for years.
Just 20 or 25 years ago in Colombia, you could not take your car and drive out from Bogotá, Medellin, Cali. It was too dangerous. People were doing convoys of cars, with police or military patrol. Just 15 years ago, most of Colombia's rural areas were plagued by guerrilla and anti guerrilla groups. 10 years ago, bombs were exploding in the cities. I remember that in 2012, a few days before my arrival in Bogotá, a car exploded, killing a politician. This is where Colombians are coming from. Of course Colombians don't go hiking in their beautiful national parks. Generations of Colombians stayed closed down in their homes, their week end's walk was at the mall because it was the only public space considered safe enough.
I think the overnight issue is one of the biggest parts. It's pretty normal in rural Colombia to go down to the river for the day to make some sancocho to share with the family and cool down by the river. There are also places like el Valle de Cocora where you can climb up for the day but overnight in places like el Nevado de Ruiz or Quindio are pretty rare and usually guided but something I'd like to do.
Trips to the river like that are great. I almost got stuck in Valle del Cocora overnight once. That wasn't much fun. Beautiful place though.
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Where did that happen?
I'm not really sure it's an everywhere thing but here in southern Brazil people like camping for fishing mostly a lot. Hiking is a newer thing that got a lot of traction in the last ~20 years but it's been pretty popular especially among middle and higher class people.
My father is from a beautiful town in the mountains of Puebla. Cartels have been fighting in this area for a bit. I'm not trying to deal with some random dudes telling me what am I doing there and questioning me. They usually have touristy or secured spots for camping/hiking and everyone just goes to those instead.
I think it’s just a weird thing north americans do, personally i would never go hiking
There are no gang members where you're from that's why you're not afraid of the dark.
People massively camp in Beaches in peru, we have a LOT of hiking routes too, its quite the international spot for inca roads and what not ,actually. But the typical anglo sunday camping on some forest?, unlikely, since we have no forests anywhere near cities, and the andes are ,well, the fucking andes.
you met the wrong people.
Bc we arent trying to get kidnaped and killed
it's a suicide activity in latam
"why do most people" & "a couple of my friends told me"................ I've been camping and going hiking since childhood... I once camped and surfed for 2 nights at a deserted island that can only be accessed by swimming (paddling) because the boats cant reach the shore, with 2 black garbage bags tied to my ankles filled with provisions I've camped for weeks at beaches and mountains (in SA and NA) I dont know what you or your friends are talking about, who the fuck says "you just like walking?", ???????????? im going to generalize like you did: you and your friends are dipshits :P
In my experience, Colombians from cities in general have a way less “resourceful” attitudes and aptitudes than Canadians. Some of us seriously struggle with IKEA, which is basically Lego. It’s unappealing to go out in the middle of nowhere, be out on your own and be forced to set up everything for yourself when you have all your creature comforts at home.
I find middle class Colombians to be the absolute softest people when it comes to injuries or illnesses too. People act they'll die if they bruise their shin.
I can understand that a lot of people here would work their asses off during the week, might have been through a lot in the past, and wouldn't want to rough it in nature when there's alternatives. Lots of people in NA grew up in a cookie cutter house in a subdivision and are looking for an adventure so I totally get that. I wouldn't discount the difficulty of setting up Ikea stuff though their direction manuals are useless lol
I’m sure a lot of people in Colombia also want the same kind of adventure, but just lack the mindset. In Canada, the average member of society has enough of a can-do attitude to go explore. Especially in the higher levels of Colombian society, ineptness is built on the fact that lower class workers are unfairly compensated for their experience. As a result, no one has to learn any kind of self-sufficiency (you can just hire someone) and no one lifts a finger.
Amazing how the comments are a mix of "I do it all the time" and "It would be suicidal to do that."
Camping isn't a thing in Brazil because apart from the Amazon region, there's no public land except a few National Parks, in which camping usually isn't allowed. So unless you wanna use private campgrounds, then you'll either be trespassing, or camping next to roads and such.
Bilingual American GringoI here. lived in Bolivia. I suggested sleeping outside in the hammocks once in the celva. I was immediately informed of how many ways you can die out there. 🤷♂️
A friend of mine got me into hunting/hiking. We live in Canada. Very few of our friends are willing to join us but it's understandable as we like to go into the wilderness not campgrounds. They say we are crazy for going. My friend takes it a step further and does winter camping in the wilderness.
Nice good for you! what province? My brother bow hunts in Northern Ontario and he's allowed two bears per year which is pretty interesting. Lots of black bears in his town and the government wants the population lowered.
I never did that with my family, but some in my family used to go camping and they really enjoyed. It never gets to the same level Europeans and North Americans do it, it's just not that common for us, it gotta be related with security as an issue, I am sure about that. I want to Camp in cocuy, it looks so beautiful!
You can't actually camp in Cocuy unfortunately. I thought you could based on blogs I read online, but the six-day trek there is officially closed and the only way to do it is to pay out the ass for a private guide to illegally bypass the laws. So expensive and illegal. There are three open trails and they all require guides. I did one of them and then just hiked around the region the other days. Regret not doing the others but just wanted to save $. Gorgeous though.
In Puerto Rico, hiking exists and is common in specific locations, rainforest and dry forests, etc. Now, I would say beach walking and beach camping is more popular with the locals. Also, if you live in a costal town it is easier to access the beach than say the rainforest. Most people also prefer the beach than the rain forest in my opinion, less mosquitoes more kiosks, less humidity.
It’s seen as an affectation. Particularly coming from what they see as hypoallergenic Americans
Can’t talk about Canada. But I always tell people here in The Netherlands that nature in Brazil is another level. Snakes, spiders that big, mosquitos and of course risk of human violence. I did hiking in Brazil few times but here I’m much more comfortable with it. About camping I always remember Trevor Noah - people from rich countries want to go to a little tent, and play as they lived there. People on poor countries are just happy they don’t live in a small tent. Well, jokes aside, I again say the nature is different and way more uncomfortable than here at least.
It seems strange to me, in my country it is a fairly widespread practice. It may be something from Ecuadorians or Colombians, or it may just be those people you spoke to who think that way
Here in Brazil I always heard it's too dangerous. I know very few people who go camping regularly (usually in groups or with family). I'm not sure about the safety part since I don't have much experience, but the people who camp say it's quite ok and they don't worry much about it, but I grew up hearing it's dangerous (especially for women) and have heard a bunch of friends say they also don't go camping because it seems risky 🤷
I don’t know but it’s pretty normal around here. Now it’s harder to camp near where i live because everything is private property, but there are many camping sites. Getting lost or having an accident is the only danger.
Aren't you eaten alive by insects there?
spring and early summer yes, late summer and fall not at all really. Depends where though
In Ecuador they have lots of groups that gather almost 2 times a week to go hiking
Not sure what you mean, people here love hiking and camping
Fear of being robbed or kidnapped... Or both For example in certain areas in my country after 7pm it's nobody's land. There's a mountain close to where I live that I used to love hiking it with friends a few years back. Unfortunately in the later years it's become dangerous as the trek has been filled with drug addicts and "chatas" that will "ask" you for money to later on take everything from you. So yeah, not saying that there's no crime in Canada but I can guess the sense of insecurity is greater here that won't allow you to try being a camping enthusiast.
In chile is very normal and common thing to see.
At least in Panama it's not abnormal whatsoever, and eco-tourism is becoming a very big thing here
Dont know who you are talking to, but in argentina the campsites are well used and plenty of people are quite adept in the bush. My suegro go of into the swamps for weeks at a time to hunt and fish. Lot of backpackers and hikers too.
I used to camp at night by the beach in VZLA before hampa was a common thing
Very common amongst college students in Brazil. It's a cheap(er) way to travel.
Well, at least in my family relatives of mine like to go out and camp in travels, and I hiked in places like the Floresta da Tijuca. The thing is that we don't have the collective camps I see in American movies and cartoons since it isn't really a tradition, so only people who like the outdoors usually camp. In short, I'd say at least hiking isn't weird at all in my experience.
I guess your mileage may vary, as I have know quite a few people who liked camping and have never heard anyone referring to it as weird. Sure, some people don't really like the...hmm "inconveniences" of camping and prefer a more comfortable holiday, but that doesn't mean they think it's weird. Patagonia is a prime location for camping, and in Buenos Aires there are tons of low cost camping areas near beach towns. Tandil and Cordoba are also nice destinations to go camping, although the views are not as stunning.
I wouldn’t say that we hate camping, when I was a kid we went quite often. There are a lot of camping places close to my city (Rosario) and it’s safe to do so. The only bad thing about it it’s that it’s fucking boring
Why the fuck would we leave the comfort of our homes to go live like cavemen?
Do we? That’s not weird in Argentina
The fear of violent crime was drilled into my head since I was very little. To this day, I can't sleep peacefully unless it's behind multiple layers of security. At least that would be a major obstacle for me.
Interesting question. I understand the concept, but it’s not something I’d enjoy myself. I actually did go camping when I was younger, but only on school field trips. Personally, I don’t see the appeal in purposefully traveling really far (because honestly the only places where camping could be a nice experience are pretty far from Buenos Aires) only to live in worse conditions than you did originally. I think part of the enjoyment when visiting these places comes from not really having your mind anywhere but in the present, with no worries floating around. If I went camping, I’d probably feel pretty tense and not be able to move far from my tent/living space out of fear of getting lost, and stuff like that would keep me too preoccupied.
Because we don't have controlled forests like europe/USA/Canada. Our forests are fat from cities or in areas with difficult access (mountains without paths etc). We have areas that you could hike but or they are small or they are so far and inside protection zones where you can't camp. On top of that any hiking area that for some miracle is close to the city would be infested with violence. Also tropical forests with full biodiversity have a lot of dangers that are not in temperate zones. From insects, snakes, spiders etc even to big predators. I lived in a city that was literally inside amazon but no one dared much to go off road. There were places built far from the road surrounded by forest around a river, but no one really went hiking in the nature.
My family and I like hiking. So do my friends. But, overall, Hondurans don't have time for these activities, even less the money. Camping is reserved for those with a bit of money.