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Claudia Looi

Biking in Puerto Natales Chile

By Claudia Looi Leave a Comment

5 Jun

1DSC_1864By Ken Looi

Traveled from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales by bus. It took approximately 6 hours and then a taxi to Weskar Lodge. Puerto Natales is not a big town. There are many travel agencies here because it is the gateway to Torres del Paine. It is a city in Chilean Patagonia.

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We look for supermarket whenever we arrived to a new location. It is most economical to shop at the supermercado when we do our cooking. We bought groceries from Supermercado Unimarc near the bus terminal. I’m here to share some pictures about our bike ride around town.

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We rented two mountain bikes for four hours. No deposit needed, just a driver license/ travel documents for the owner to hold until we return the bikes.

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Photos are my own. Kindly let me know if you would like to use these photos.

Filed Under: Chile Tagged With: biking, Chile

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I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it I didn’t know this library existed until I saw it on Instagram while planning this Rio trip. Then I had to see it for myself.

Some call it a hidden gem. The Real Gabinete Português de Leitura, or Royal Portuguese Reading Room, is considered one of the most beautiful libraries in the world. Once inside, you understand why.

Its story began in 1837, when 43 Portuguese immigrants founded a library to promote learning and Portuguese culture in Brazil.

The present building opened in 1887, inaugurated by Princess Isabel. Designed in Portugal’s ornate Neo-Manueline style, it even has a limestone façade brought from Portugal.

Inside, towering bookshelves, intricate ironwork, and a stained-glass skylight compete for your attention. Take your time and remember to look up.

Planning a visit? Here’s what to know:

📍 Rua Luís de Camões, 30, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, near Praça Tiradentes.

🎟️ Regular admission is free.

🕙 Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Check holiday closures before going.

🚇 Take the metro to Uruguaiana, then walk to the library. For less navigating, take a taxi or rideshare directly to the address.

I found it difficult to locate, and some streets along our walking route made me uncomfortable. My recommendation: visit during the day, go with a companion or group, and plan your route beforehand.

There was a long line outside when we visited. Allow time to wait, then give yourself time to appreciate the interior. For me, it was worth it.

Save this for your Rio trip. Have you ever discovered a place on Instagram that you just had to visit?

#RealGabinetePortuguesDeLeitura #RioDeJaneiro #BeautifulLibraries #BrazilTravelTips #globetrotter100club
Staying in Santa Teresa? Sort out your tram ticket Staying in Santa Teresa? Sort out your tram ticket before you plan to ride downhill.

There was no ticket counter at our stop. Following our guide’s advice, we bought ours at Carioca tram station in Centro the day before, then used the ticket to travel down and back up. Confirm your planned travel date at the counter when buying.

Here’s what to know:

The fare is R$20 per person, including the outward and return journeys. Keep your ticket.

The main ticket office is at Estação Carioca, Rua Lélio Gama, 2, Centro, near Carioca metro station. Ticket sales at Curvelo depend on availability, so don’t assume you can buy at your stop in Santa Teresa.

Go early. Each tram carries just 32 passengers, and ticket sales can close early on busy days. You’ll see the crowd we encountered at Centro waiting to head uphill at the end of this video.

You can pay with cash, debit, or credit card.

Why take it? Rio’s famous yellow tram crosses the top of the Arcos da Lapa aqueduct before winding through Santa Teresa’s hillside streets. The views and the aqueduct crossing make the journey part of the attraction.

The full Centro–Silvestre route stretches about 5.8 kilometres and takes roughly 30 minutes each way. Confirm the destination before boarding, as services vary by branch.

Save this for your Rio trip. Would you take the tram for the views?

#SantaTeresa #RioDeJaneiro #SantaTeresaTram #BrazilTravelTips #globetrotter100club
Midlife travel style: one denim shirt, several out Midlife travel style: one denim shirt, several outfits, and everything in a carry-on.

If you want to pack light, choose clothes you can wear more than one way. These are pieces I already owned and brought on my trip to Brazil.

I wore this sleeveless denim shirt open over a white camisole with black shorts or dark purple wide-leg pants. Buttoned up on its own, it worked with either bottom too.

For sightseeing in Rio de Janeiro, comfortable walking shoes were essential for me. Cobblestone streets are much easier to enjoy when you’re thinking about the view instead of your feet.

I also carried a plain canvas tote. It’s discreet in places where I prefer not to draw attention, and there’s room for purchases without collecting extra paper or plastic bags.

Watch the last slide to see the buttoned denim shirt with the black shorts, no camisole, and my walking shoes in real life. That video was filmed in Salvador, Bahia, where I visited before heading to Rio. The outfit portraits are AI visualizations using my photos and clothing.

I always travel carry-on. This is the first of more simple travel outfits I’ll share for women in midlife who want to pack less and make each piece count.

Would you like to know where I shop for my travel clothes? These pieces aren’t new, so the exact styles may no longer be available, but I’m happy to share where I found them. Comment “OUTFITS” and I’ll DM you the details.

#Globetrotter100Club #MidlifeStyle #TravelOutfits #CarryOnTravel #RioDeJaneiro
This was the lovely surprise I mentioned: Gerthrud This was the lovely surprise I mentioned: Gerthrudes Bed & Breakfast in Santa Teresa, Rio de Janeiro.

On my second trip to Rio, I spent two nights at the Grand Hyatt in Barra da Tijuca, then one night here. A charming old house, a good breakfast, and a view of Sugarloaf Mountain made this a memorable part of the trip.

If you enjoy smaller places with character, put this one on your list. One practical detail before booking: there are stairs, so check access with the property if that matters to you.

Save this for your Rio planning. Would you choose a small B&B or a larger hotel?

#SantaTeresaRio #GerthrudesBedAndBreakfast #WhereToStayInRio #RioTravelTips #globetrotter100club
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