As you watch the hustle of modern life, a voice within calls you to South America, whispering of a slower, more meaningful, and deeply connected way of living. This story is for you ❤
It is the story of my personal journey, a Belgian engineer feeling a bit lost in society, rediscovering connection and meaning thanks to her slow travel in South America.
The 2-part video is a presentation at my work, Mobilab&Care research centre in the Belgian university college Thomas More.
Why slow travel south america?
Slow travel is more than a vacation style—it’s a way to deeply immerse yourself in different cultures, prioritize meaningful connections, and reflect on life’s pace. For me, it started as a personal quest to understand myself and the world. While working a comfortable job in Belgium, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing. The societal norms—planning far ahead, individualism, and busyness culture —didn’t resonate with me. I needed to see another way.
Intrigued by the culture in South America
This desire led me to travel across South America, and eventually, to the fishing village of Santa Marianita, Ecuador. Here, I experienced a culture where time and connection are a priority —a stark contrast to what I knew. As difficult as it is to describe a culture, the stories in the video give a feel of what it can look like.
Birth and vision of punta la barca: slow living between cultures
This immersion wasn’t just an escape; it became the foundation for Punta la Barca. Punta la Barca is a community dedicated to living more freely, fairly, and sustainably. Imagine a living lab where slow travelers and locals co-create their way of life. We are a melting pot of ages, nationalities, and worldviews, united by a shared vision. Learn more about how our community is practically organized and discover Punta la Barca’s vision
Lessons learned by slow travel in south america
So what did we learn from slow communal Intercultural living for the past 10 years? Let me share some insights.
The Magic of Sharing Food
In South America, sharing food is more than a necessity—it’s a bonding ritual. At Punta la Barca, we adopted this tradition, creating a communal cooking system that fosters connection. It has been truly remarkable to witness over and over again how quickly cooking for someone can transform strangers into friends and build a sense of belonging.
The gateway to feeling free
To truly connect, we need to feel accepted and free to be ourselves, regardless of one’s culture. Techniques like nonviolent communication, authentic relating, radical acceptance and healthy boundaries have proven to be very useful tools for feeling connected and free. Circles also offer an intentional space for open, judgment-free and advice-free dialogue, allowing people to share and grow together.
Personal growth and co-creation
Cultural diversity challenges our cultural belief system and everyday assumptions. Travelers and locals experience personal growth by questioning their norms and embracing new perspectives. Somatic practices (including surfing, time in nature, gardening, washing clothes, journaling, yoga, meditation..) help to get through the growth pain. Bit by bit, we rebuild our freer, more authentic selves 🔥!
And let these free souls be exactly what the world needs to co-create a more free, fair and sustainable way of living ❤
Practical Tips for Slow Travel in South America
Are you taking the leap to take a break from your live and slow travel? So. Amazing. Let me give you a quick 4 tips to start the journey.
- Stay Looooong: Immerse yourself in one location rather than rushing through multiple destinations.
- Connect with who feel intrigued by: Learn from the communities you visit by participating in their daily life.
- Reflect and Journal: Use your journey to explore your own beliefs and values.
- Welcome all the ups and downs: Look for someone to share your vulnerable thoughts and emotions with.
You got this 🔥
Join the Punta la Barca Community
Slow travel isn’t just about seeing the world differently—it’s about being the change. At Punta la Barca, we’re redefining what it means to live and travel, one connection at a time. Whether you’re a family seeking a slower connected lifestyle or a solo traveler looking for meaning, our doors are open.
Discover more about what to expect at Punta la Barca, explore traveler testimonials to see how Punta la Barca has impacted others, and consider joining one of our online circles to connect with other slow travelers, and dive deeper together into themes like community building and slowing down.
.
Slow travel in South America is more than a trend; it’s a journey toward rediscovering yourself and the world. At Punta la Barca, we’re here to guide you on that path, offering a unique space for growth, connection, and inspiration. Come explore, and let’s co-create a freer, fairer, and more sustainable way of living 🔥
