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Traveling to South America? Take inspiration from Miguel Tanfelix’s itinerary
Miguel Tanfelix’s first backpacking trip to South America was one for the books. His trip was filled with a mix of nature walks, city adventures, shopping sprees, and food discoveries.
Fun fact: The Kapuso actor has been backpacking solo to different countries since he was 18. For him, traveling is one of the greatest gifts he can give himself.
For his 27th birthday in September, Miguel shared with GMA News Online that he had to choose between buying a new luxury watch or treating himself to a trip abroad. In the end, he picked travel.
“Feeling ko ang pag-travel ‘yung pinakamagandang gift na mabibigay ko sa sarili ko kaysa sa material,” he said.
“Namili ako sa dalawa, halos same lang ang [gagastusin], so para sa ’kin pinili ko ‘yung ‘di naluluma, which is 'yung memories and lessons, so travel."
Marking his ninth year of solo travel, Miguel said he continues to learn more about himself every time he explores new cultures.
“Marami pa rin learning sa sarili ko,” he said. “Ayaw ko masyado sa city, may mga times na nauubusan ako ng social battery.”
“Siguro ang pinakanatutunan ko ay sobrang mahal ko ang alone time. Super important ‘yun sa akin."
Miguel originally planned to celebrate his 27th birthday in Spain, but his visa did not arrive in time. To come up with a new travel plan, he turned to technology.
“Nagtanong ako kay ChatGPT kung saan pwede pumunta, so ‘yung idea na South America, galing sa kaniya ‘yun,” he said.
When it comes to itinerary, Miguel is the type of traveler who would rather be spontaneous than follow a strict travel plan.
Here’s a rundown of his entire travel experience in South America:
São Paulo, Brazil
From Manila to São Paulo, Miguel spent a total of 24 hours in transit—an eight-hour flight to Doha, a two-hour layover, and another 14-hour flight to Brazil.
Upon arrival, the colorful murals and bustling streets of São Paulo instantly captivated him.
He explored Beco de Batman, admired the architecture at Pinacoteca de São Paulo, and sampled an açaí bowl from Terra Natural Deli.
On his actual birthday, September 21, he celebrated by watching a live football game at the iconic Maracanã Stadium.
"Nanuod ako ng football kahit wala akong kinalaman dahil part siya ng culture nila," Miguel said. "Grabe 'yung passion at energy nila sa football."
Miguel rated the experience a 10 out of 10, calling it “another bucket list checked.”
Peru
Next on Miguel’s list was Peru, where he set out to see the majestic Machu Picchu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
He stayed in Aguas Calientes, dubbed the gateway to Machu Picchu.
“From Cusco, ‘yung train papuntang Aguas Calientes is one hour, and then from Aguas Calientes, doon ka na pwede mag-hike or mag-bus paakyat ng Machu Picchu,” he said.
“Para sa akin, mas magandang way is mag-hike para one with the nature, and of course, para masulit mo ‘yung experience,” he added.
Miguel advised future visitors to book their tickets early at the Machu Picchu office in Aguas Calientes or online via the Peruvian Ministry of Culture.
Beyond the ruins, he enjoyed the vibrant markets of Cusco, where he haggled with local vendors and soaked up mountain views.
“So far, Cusco ‘yung pinaka favorite kong city. Ang ganda rito, we are being surrounded by mountains,” he said.
A spontaneous trip to Huacachina, where he tried sandboarding, became another highlight in his trip to Peru.
“This trip to Huacachina wasn't even on the itinerary, [and it] turns out to be one of the core memories of this trip,” Miguel said.
Argentina
For the final leg of his South American journey, Miguel flew to Argentina, where he indulged in a local food crawl.
He tried ham and cheese bread, empanadas, and hunted down choripán, a popular sandwich made with chorizo and chimichurri sauce.
Miguel said his quest to look for choripán was because of a local who told him about it.
"May local na nagsabi sa'kin, south of Port Madero, nandoon daw kumakain ang mga locals ng choripán 'pag sunset," he said.
"Gusto ko lang ma-experience 'yung ginagawa nila," he added.
Aside from his gastronomic adventure, he also visited La Boca, Obelisco, and the Main Square.
After visiting three South American countries, Peru emerged as Miguel’s favorite.
“Super na-satisfy ako kasi may city, may nature, may history,” he shared.
And to anyone aspiring to travel to South America, here is Miguel’s advice: “Just go for it.”
“’Yung pera nababalik naman eh," he said. "'Yung time, hindi."
Philippine passport holders can visit Brazil and Peru visa-free for short-term stays. Argentina requires visa for foreign tourists.
—CDC, GMA Integrated News
