Whilst snooping around the backstreets of Belén in Iquitos, I noticed a pair of staring eyes locked in on me. That's when I met Armando, who would soon become my first friend in Iquitos. Vamos!
That was single handily the most spontaneous, most bad ass move you could ever make. You literally went into the ghetto even though you were warned you might get robbed.. then went on a boat with two randoms to a bar in the middle of the amazon got a 6 pack and partied with a tuk tuk driver.. Mate i applaud you for being so alive and free.
Try it bro, you can ride the highest speed train for the first time in Southeast Asia. The highest speed is 350 kilometers per hour, the Indonesian fast train Jakarta - Bandung, the newest, most sophisticated in Southeast Asia, the first,.the way to the beautiful and comfortable and beautiful and cool and cool city of Bandung, thank you sis and bro..*,$
I did these type of trips as a fearless young man in the 90's in Latin America and Asia, including in some war zones. I thought nothing of it. I tried to blend in as much as possible, and was always wanting to learn more about the people in the places I was,.and to push out a little further. I wanted to be where no tourists were. Locals were always caring, helpful, curious, and happy I wanted to know about their lives. I helped them out as much as I could and always respected them and their culture. Sure, I got into some pretty scary situations at times, and looking back was pretty careless despite always having my wits about me. I wouldn't take any of it back though, and don't regret a single adventure. Crazy to think Kurt is making a living off this now. There are very few rushes like this. I know how it feels Kurt! Thanks for helping me relieve my adventures! Many more safe ones to you!
If this is true - and I don't think it is, but who cares - in the 90s this was a completely different ball game. No internet, no smartphone, probably no english anywhere,... but at the same time, probably less crime and brutality
Yep! In 1988 I was a young boy and my parents took me and my sister to Rio de Janiero, my parents speak Portuguese and they befriended a local cab driver, he took us everywhere, we met his family and went to his sons soccer ⚽️ game, what a vacation
Armando was using the thousands of years old technique of GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. Works every time. If it doesn't get you the tip you want you at least end up semi famous on youtube 🤣
@Leo "kinesen" är en tönt Nah. Look at how many people told him "don't go there you'll get robbed". There was a point where Armando said "Not over there because that's where the young dudes who will rob you are". Sure he might've been looking for an extra buck from a gringo but he did it the right way; with good service, friendliness, and fun. Not to mention he's been making an honest buck as a moto taxi driver for 30+ years. All around a decent human being who wouldn't go so low as to rob you. Good guy.
@Leo "kinesen" är en tönt meh. I figured from the 20 minutes I saw of him that he's not trying to rob. Like I said he makes an honest living driving that moto taxi instead of robbing people.
I think with his communication skills he is not a hassle free target. He is pretty damn good now. It's fun to watch because I hate planning vacations and he is crazy lol.
Definitely a risk, but now a treasure. I truly appreciate the adventure and the fun. Keep 'em coming. And yeah, he is getting better at the slang and all.
You have raised the bar for the travel vloggers. Balls of steel and a great attitude towards the locals makes for the impossible to become possible! This is probably the only video that has come out of that area.
There's something so charming about the way Kurt meets some guy or guys in a completely foreign part of town, in a foreign country, and ends up becoming fast friends with them... It's truly heart warming viewing. Much love...
Not in that market, or place, don't go specifically there because there are way nicer places. Less you go there at night, but that's everywhere, I've been outside long enough to know that even in nice neighborhoods at night you might get robbed.
People watch and get affected by his content he's making. I wonder of other people would do the same thing would try to visit a Ghetto go visit a bar and had sex with girls and if something bad happens to them, blame this channel he didn't add a disclaimer on what he was doing.
@@MyFirstHandle so if someone told u to go jump off a 10 story building will you go on you way to do it? and i dont think disclaimers will add anything really
To everyone who seriously believes Kurt didn't know that he was overcharged: As a gringo, he was allowed to be driven on the river spontaneously with a camera in a dangerous ghetto. Driving, filming + protection is the money worth and he knows they really need it. In Venice,Italy you pay 80€ for a boring 30-minute drive, so 12€ is change for him and don't forget that he earn money through it on RU-vid. Take and give💯, props to Kurt 🍻
I am spanish living in Peru. To be overcharged in Iquitos is the most usual thing for an outsider. I believe Kurt simply does not complain cause he understands this people may need it more than himself. On top, they are making an honest living even if they do not charge the same as to locals. Completely agree with your point, when I am overcharged by very humble people in Peru and I see need in their faces, sometimes is best not to complain, let's call it tourist tax. By the way, this seems horrible place for a tourist looking for a resort, but Iquitos is a gem for those who really want to understand the local thing. Cheers!!
I used to be a Police Officer in Rio de Janeiro and I must confess that watching the places where he goes really makes me worried. These are places I would never go without my team and a couple of guns to protect myself from being attacked... However, as you guys can see, it is all about attitude. The way he respects the locals, the culture, and the rules, makes him be fully respected. He is so confident that nobody messes up with him. He treats every single person well and shows them that he really cares about them. He knows their real value. Lots of respect for Kurt. Channel subscribed.
When you were a police officer, did any foreigners ever hire off-duty policeman to accompany them as protection? I am talking about tourist. As a tourist, and some of those areas, I would feel a lot safer if I could hire an off-duty police officer to be my guide.
@@Valmontst Hire a local, a police officer would never put his feet on set ups like that without his own army, otherwise they'd be dead on a blink of an eye
I'm half Peruvian and half Mexican and same here. I've been both but never would've had the chance to see all these cool little places, very nice to see
He is smart in how he approaches danger, for one traveling during day time is a big key factor when it comes to safety, also this whole area is very populated. At worst, he'd lose his money & camera & phone. But I don't think anyone would kill him for that. Also getting a local as a guide is smart, reduces the chances of getting into trouble. Most of the dangerous places are dangerous, for 1% of the time. So it's a matter of luck (or bad luck).
Probably my favorite video. Best part is meeting a new stranger from a different country and hanging out having fun. No drama. Hope to see you meet more characters like Armando.
This is awesome for me because I was there in Iquitos in January. I had no guide though - I saw that area and was very curious to go there but knew it would be dangerous if I went alone. I had an awesome time in that city though - great nightlife around the town square and safe enough at night. However, one day I walked out to the Amazon and went through a completely sketchy area by the port - I was sure I was going to be robbed but I had no choice but to walk back the way I came to get out of it. The streets were dirt and dust was flying everywhere along with more garbage than I have ever seen in public....but it was a thriving area full of people and traffic - just extremely poor compared to the centre of town where the hotels are. I also saw guys just hanging around on the corner with cellphones - sent the hair up on my back and knew I needed to get out of there without looking like I needed to get out of there! In the end I wasn't robbed - but I consider myself extremely lucky as I am usually very careful. Iquitos is fascinating because it is the largest city in the world with no direct road access - you either have to take a weekly barge from the coast or fly in. No roads connect. But when you are there you can't believe there are 400,000 people living in the middle of nowhere with traffic jams, etc. Amazing. So glad I found your video - brings back good memories - the people there (in spite of the sketchy area) were AWESOME! IN fact, a guy saved me from missing my flight by getting me a third vaccine shot (for free even!) when they suddenly made it a rule for people over 50 to have a third shot after I had already flown in. Total stranger, he just negotiated with the clinic and everyone let me go to the front of the line so I wouldn't miss my flight - he wouldn't even accept a tip until I insisted a third time. Also, not a single person in line ahead of me complained, they all smiled and said I was a guest - that whole episode still brings tears to my eyes. Peru as a whole was one of the best adventures I have ever had and I have been to 80 countries.
This is so nostalgic. I was on that boat 8 years ago. I wish I remembered his name. He was giving boat rides to be able to send his children to school. He had a small notebook with peoples reviews so he could show others he was reliable. It was the dry season, so we walked through parts of it. There was a slide one of the locals built for the kids to play on. Life is cruelly unfair.
@@Ascension_3030 This is because we all reach a certain point where additional money does not equate more happiness. For example, an extra dollar a day for them, brings way more happiness than an extra dollar would for me. They are not happy, they are suffering with a smile. Hunger, constant exposure to disease and financial insecurity is far from happiness. If they were happy, armed robbery, pick pocketing and muggings wouldn't be so common in latino America.
@@conormcleod5900 Not this guy exactly, but a guy who was doing the same thing. Giving tours to tourists. We went on a boat ride where the waters were high enough and walked around the neighborhood where it was dry. I would say it's dangerous without a guide but not with. I would do it again. But I would not go alone past the market or after dark. Common sense. A lot of the time when people say dangerous in Latin America, they mostly mean robbed in some form or another. If you don't bring anything, then you don't have anything to worry about.
Kurt'll make hundreds of dollars for this video, Armando is like the co-star. However, Armando's getting only $12. I think Kurt won the lottery with Armando
I'm addicted to these videos. I rarely find myself watching this long RU-vid videos, but Kurt's content is just excellent and so interesting. Also very helpful for me, as I'm trying to keep up my meager Spanish skills, these videos teach a lot of practical use of the language.
Thank you kurt from Scotland my friend for showing me more of the world that I'll probably never see in life, I'm like you love going anywhere, don't have much fear..I live in Glasgow, Scotland lol I've saw mucho danger in my own city probably like you growing up....keep up the great content my mate 👍
I am peruvian and I am having so much fun looking at how you get into those crazy and dangerous places I never ever would. Your determination and charisma definitely helps! Be safe and good luck!
This guy will hit 1 million subs in no time! So refreshing to watch his honest and fearless approach while never being condescending towards the locals! What a gem
Forget BBC, ITV, Netflix, National Geographic now we tune into Kurt Caz most evenings and can't get enough of this guy. Love your content Kurt and if you ever visit the UK tap me up and I'll take you to some dangerous pubs where you can meet some dodgy locals lol
This is hands. fck. down. the absolute best way to learn spanish 😩🙏 you’re the man kurk legitimately a new idol of mine! Stay safe out there and keep the dope ass content coming my guyy 💯
You made Armando happy supplying the beers. I think Kurt knows how to treat people to keep them happy. Lots of amazing encounters in different countries. I'm definitely enjoying these adventures.
Dude, you dress like a tourist and goes into slums of the world. You are friendly and people like you. You try everything without prejudgment. And you do some research. Good work man! That is the kind of travel everyone should do.
19:21 that guy was just making sure kurt was safe. I love when the people embrace the outsider and want them to make them feel like if they were home with the homies. He said: "carefull over there, you know there is always the dumbasses" he said it in a caring tone, i love how kurt manages to get involved with the most interesting and caring people. i guess good vibes bring good people to you
I'm not pretty sure but I think there was a small mistranslation at 19:27 when he talked about "pendejos". Kurt translated as "idiots" (also, dumbasses as you mentioned). That meaning is common in the Mexican Spanish but in the Peruvian Spanish it means more like smartasses, streetwise or in this case rogue ones.
@@omarfernando7947 I had Peruvian friends here in California and the word lent itself to funny misinterpretations as the meanings are diametrically different. LOL
My grandma is from Iquitos and I went to go visit her in May. This video really shows the authenticity of the people who live here. It is such a humble part of the world where people do not need luxuries to have joy in life. I'm glad you got to experience such a beautiful culture. Arriba Iquitos! Arriba Perú!🇵🇪♥️
This seemed like a particularly light hearted trip despite the "ghetto" surroundings. Beautiful river and the incomparable amazon, friendly people. Some of our best friends are made on solo journeys.
Just discovered this channel🤯. Some of the BEST travel video I have ever seen. Period! Genuine, engaging, spontaneous…just fantastic! I’m hooked. Subscribed.
I can tell he is very proud of his country. He seemed to really enjoy you showing so much interest in him and his city. Very kind, you are to this man!
Looked this up and it's probably "wawawiwa A cat call used between guys to describe a drop-dead gorgeous girl when in the presence of your wife or girlfriend. Megan Fox walks by Dick: wawawiwa jane: hunny, what was that? Dick: Nothing" XD
Armando is the best!...I really enjoyed this episode...Peruvian people can be so friendly and warm but there are always those to avoid...Be sure and keep Armando's number so the next time you go there you have a friend who will take you where ever you want and you won't be in as much danger.
First time I ever sit through this many YT videos in a row. No other channel makes one feel like you are there like this one does. Glad I stumbled onto Kurt's Channel. Mucho Gracias
This is one of my favorite videos. You were so kind and pleasant to Eduardo and it makes me happy that you treated him so well and took care of him on this day. I’m sure he will forever remember his time with you. What an amazing day for both of you ♥️
wow must be some tough badasses down there. instead see 4 kids swimming on an engulfed soccer goal post dunking their heads under basically poop water.
As a Lyft driver I meet epic people like this often, who I end up going out drinking with and on wild times and I always think, wow, what were the odds that I was there at that location and the time this person requested the ride, and out of all thousand drivers I was the closest one, its just like what are the odds Kurt was there right when Armando was passing by. Amazing moments and seriosly best part of the entire Peru playlist
This is the way to travel. Go on a shoestring, hang with the locals, be open to whatever comes. Stay off the beaten path and tourist destinations to really see a place and it's people.
Armando is a G! It’s different in my country obviously, but there is nothing better than connecting with your clientele and having a drink with them. It takes a lot of energy to show customers your livelihood and smile every single day with such enthusiasm like our friend Armando shows in these videos.
