Thank you for this experience that you have shared with us, it was really exciting and the way that you placed the map with the destination, that reminded me on Indiana Jones trip. I love adventure and it is really a life experience to travel through the beautiful country to learn culture, landscape and heritage. Beautiful sunset on the day you started the trip and it is nice to see a dog who looks really excited about the trip too.
Spectacular pictures of mountainous area with lake, the mountains still covered with snow and that makes the picture even more attractive. I can imagine how you felt when the owner of that little hostel asked so much like a hotel in bigger cities, for him it was like a jackpot. But honestly, I believe if you were on his place you also would do the same, considering the financial situation up in Latin America. Therefore when travelling in such country we of course would like to enjoy the beauties of the country but the same time we have to be aware about the people and their need too. Consider it as a charity :)