I kinda expected the touts starting speaking Russian instead. It happened to me in Thailand. I was addressed in English, while the Russian girls behind me were addressed in Russian by some beachside restaurants.
I am not a Brazilian but live there. At first, I was like: hmm, maybe I should try this some day. About half way through watching the video: Nah! Glad Noel did it for me. 😂
The website/channel melhores destinos actually did this trip rio to Lima and yes it's a grueling journey but there are stops for showers and speaking Portuguese helps a lot to make the trip easier
Leaving your passport on the bus and it drives off without you and you don't know if it would come back? Straight out of a nightmare for me. PLEASE keep it with you at all times, Noel! You never know what might happen!
Absolutely, cram that passport up your wazoo if you have to. NEVER let that be separated from you. Also, shove some cash, even US cash, into a sock or something. Even if you get robbed you'll have a passport and some cash. Very important.
I am surprised that he did not include the "drivers" in this video. Having a connection with them is crucial. You simply cannot travel under such conditions as a lonly stranger. You must be able connect with other - nobody would let the bus start without you being on board.
Indeed, getting out of arms reach from your passport and cards seems down right negligent. Who cares about your change of clothes and the like. But your passport and cards? No, these are chained to me when I travel.
@@barath4545Most countries do not issue multiple passports to one person. Never heard of countries who do. It's a security risk. You also don't get multiple ID cards, drivers' licences, etc.
Did you know that between 1957 and 1976, there was a regular bus service between London and Calcutta, India? This 32,000 km, 50-day round trip was the longest bus route in the world. The bus featured sleeping bunks and even a kitchen! For just £145, passengers received food and accommodation.
Adventures Overland launched a bus route in 2021 from London to india in which travellers covered 20,000km in 70 days, with stops in 18 countries. Passengers are to buy tickets for the full journey, or opt to travel for one of four legs. In fact, the bus route will be the first ever hop-on/hop-off bus service between the UK and India. I know it a luxury coach journey and not on the likes of flexbus but still it a bus route.
I know people that would backpack and ferry hop from Sydney to India and then jump on that bus. It was a right of passage for some aussies to travel to England without ever boarding a plane. They’d go to Darwin or the northern parts of qld and get on cargo or fishing boats to PNG and then it’s a matter of paying your way until Indonesia and then mayalasia and either direct to India or go up through Thailand and south east Asia. Some of the stories I’ve had people tell me from their trip is quite amazing.
I enjoy the sentiment travel reviewers share (probably Noel and also others) that an overnight train ride, especially with some kind of sleeping berth, makes sense because it saves you a hotel room! Maybe that old bus would be fun if it had bunks. 6 days in a bus chair sounds like a court-imposed punishment!
A Brazilian yt channel did this trip too from Rio to Lima. Funny thing about that video and this is that the Brazilian guy made a point to highlight each stop that you could take a shower. We Brazilians take many showers. Very different from an European centric view like this video where taking a shower is a sacrilege hahahaa
Hi Noel! Glad you came to Brazil! Just one thing: around 34:00 you said that you were still in the Amazon, after going through Cuiabá, but that's not really the case. The southern part of Mato Grosso is well within the "Cerrado" biome, which is a savanna-type ecosystem, that actually needs some fires to prosper, although it has been getting out of control lately. Cuiabá is one of the hottest places in Brazil, and is routinely impacted by smoke plumes unfortunately.
As a Brazilian that travels 8 hours by train, once a month between Vitoria and Governador Valadares I agree: phones with loudspeakers should be prohibited in Brasil. Some people dont know how to behave in public transportations.
Hi Noel, my grandfather used to run a tour bus company in the 60’s -70’s called “India Man Tours” ferrying hippies from London to Calcutta, which was a 6 month journey, 1 way! He did that for 15 years and boy did he have some fascinating stories. You would by a ticket and were able to jump on and off anywhere along the journey……just had to wait a while before the next one came back through again.
is this the hippie route we are talking about? from london to calcutta or the one until sydney? i remember reading about this a while ago. was your grandpa nicknamed the "indiaman" by any chance?
@ My Grandfather, called Albert, worked for and with Paddy for many years on the London to Calcutta journey. Part of that journey through the Middle East, was how he managed to extract his family, my mother, from the religious wars of that era so quite significant in my family history.
@@noteveryday I would have refused in the 1st place. My passport is staying with me; I guess maybe I should have a fake for exotic trips like this...okay yes my "passport" is on the bus.... I have been through the whole guinea pig thing in ecuador a few times; it's like chicken for them I suppose, but they love to laugh when we are taken aback because we consider them pets, not food. In case anyone's curious, it tastes like dark meat chicken/game. No bueno
31:09 About all the random Statues of Liberty across Brazil: they're from a chain of megastores called HAVAN. Their owner, Luciano Hang, loves the USA, and they basically adopted the Lady Liberty as their mascot, making sure they build a Statue of Liberty replica at EVERY single store (that isn't inside a shopping center).
Buses in Brazil are limited to 90kph (50mph) by law. This is strictly enforced, both by bus companies and the police through the use of speed recorders - bus companies read the recorder every time the bus pulls in for servicing, and the police can ask the driver to surrender the recorder disks if they suspect any speeding. Add the fact that piloting a juggernaut of a double-decker down undermaintained single carriageway roads is not a task for the faint hearted and you'll soon appreciate why speeds aren't something to write home about. This is a journey better don in stages, bus schedules permitting.
I mean, really: There are channels who sacrifice themselves by enduring six days on an all-inclusive luxury cruise in nice places. I like these channels but for real: This here is heroic.
Forget all the water bottle comments, a sponsor is a sponsor. Let’s appreciate Noel’s CRAZY dedication and patience to do something like this! I could never spend even 24 hours doing this. You’re something else Noel and we appreciate it, keep it up!😊 ❤
Do you have to go through Russia, then into Lithuania and Poland or is it done by going down Sweden, over the bridge into Denmark and then through Germany?
@@IsabelJones69 Can't imagine they're going through Russia, with requiring Visa for EU citizens, the current sanctions regime and foreign payment cards not being usable in Russia.
I went down the rabbit hole on this bus route a few years ago when I first learned about it in an HAI video despite still never having been to South America. Some interesting facts to share: The route was originally started by a Peruvian company, Expresso Ormeno, in 2016. Unfortunately it seems the company went bankrupt during COVID and the route was not reopened until last year when the Brazilian company here, Trans Acreana, took over the route. The original bus had a worse seating configuration. Only the ground floor had the 1-2 configuration with recliners, the entire upper floor was ordinary coach bus seating in a 2-2 configuration. The current bus supposedly changes drivers in Rio Branco, which probably contributed to the wait. On the Peruvian leg, they have a driving team of 3 drivers including 1 Peruvian, it then swaps to 2 Brazilians for the rest of the Brazil leg. There are 3 drivers on the Peruvian leg as the drive over the Andes is the hardest part of the trip, both on the skill and the body of the drivers. The original bus line with Ormeno seemed to use all Peruvian drivers. There's a nearly 4 hour long DW documentary on the earlier version of this bus route on youtube available for anyone interested.
That bus is the ultimate gift for those afraid of flying, unless you're also scared of robbery, kidnapping and guinea pig on a stick. Then it's a pointless nightmare.
You're watching the wrong kind of RUclipsr (TrekTrendy anyone!). Most of the travel RUclipsrs I watch travel mainly by bus/train/ferry with occasional flights, and no business class in sight!
Hi Noel, to be honest these long adventurous bus (or train) journeys are my favorite type of travel videos. Not many tarvel vloggers are willing to undertake these arduous journeys, so much respect and kudos to you. You don't need to give anyone a reason why you do it. You do it because you can. Enjoy life to the fullest I say!
As someone who is starving every 3 hours , ALWAYS has emergency snacks on hand, and has GI issues, I am constantly in awe of your ability to go stretches without food or the bathroom!! Also, listening to TikToks without headphones is psychological warfare.
I did the same route last year. The transfer at Rio Branco is always confusing. Brazilian coffee is really strong, and it is difficult to get internet service without a Brazilian SIM. It always starts like a great adventure, but by the 3rd - 5th day, it feels like you should have taken a flight.
21:05 Rio Branco is the capital city of a brazilian state called Acre. Some people in other regions would say you’re a legend for have being there and even question if it’s true haha. Turns out there’s a joke here in Brazil that says Acre doesn’t even exist since it’s kinda hard to meet someone from there and it’s very far away from the majority of the big cities that are mostly concentrated on the east coast. It goes deeper in history, but that’s the main point of the joke.
I think the best alternative is to just be prepared for it. Don't dress like you're asking to be singled-out, and worst case scenario - have a dummy wallet with minimal cash and have your main wallet hidden somewhere.
Hey Noel, Peruvian here. Thanks for visiting!! Just wanted to point out a few insights: - For ease of pronunciation, you might find helpful to pronounce "Ica" as "e-ka", similar to ebook or email. - Dry paw is an absolutely disastrous translation. "Seco" literally means dry, but in Peru that word is used to describe a sort of stew. "Pata" might be translated as paw in some context, but in this case just means the meat of the leg of an animal. You wouldn't have gotten an actual paw, with claws and everything. The correct translation would have been "X-leg stew" (depending on the animal). - The use of headphones is also a very frustrating problem, even in everyday public transport. Many people don't actually mind that people around them are entitled to not be disturbed. I feel you bro Btw, pretending to speak Russian to avoid scammers is a pro-gamer move. Couldn't have done it better
You are mad for going that! But you’re right, you’re making memories and the sense of achievement must be immense. We love your videos, thanks for entertaining us!!
Oh wow Noel, you’re nuts…in a good way. That was an epic length journey, well done on surviving it. I admire your dedication and commitment to bringing us very unique content ❤.
Dude!! What were you thinking?? Love your content. Thank you for putting your life on the line for your journey. My gosh the stress I feel is NOTHING compared to your work. Cheers!
It was amazing to see you crossing South America! And specially Brazil, where I live. I’m sure it was exhausting, but I confess I got interested in doing the same thing! Although the scenery doesn’t change too much, it must be so interesting! Consider coming back another time! South America has so many beautiful places and cities, it definitely deserves more attention 🤍
I love how you don't always do the luxurious side of travel Noel. I have been watching for a long time and I know you haven't liked the bus rides. But it really is good seeing different kinds of situations. Thank you buddy
My pet hate, people playing videos or music on their phones without ear phones on public transport. I can't imagine enduring hours of that. I had panic moments watching this, especially leaving anything on the bus, I take everything always. Fair play to you doing this so we don't have to, entertaining but also felt for you in many moments!
Really enjoyed watching that! Thank you Noel. Amazing how chirpy you still were towards the end, i love the tranquility of a long journey where you cant do anything other than let time pass but reckon id have struggled a bit mentally with this one.
One of my favorite channels and this video is excellent. Ten hours is my limit for trains, planes and buses. Interesting route though, through the Andes, Amazon and high plains of Brazil. I`m a Canuck living in Brazil. Made this trip several times but by plane.
Tremendous video! Great job, Noel! Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I wish The roads were safer and there was less crime. 🇧🇷🇺🇸
As a Brazilian, your comment about headphones hits home. I generally enjoy living in Brazil and my city is nice and safe, but the one thing that drives me crazy here is the constant noise people make in public. There's just no respect for anyone else's space.
@@Matt92Machine I believe the more you afraid the higher chance it will happen. This is a proven fact. I don't afraid traveling in any areas, don't afraid I can get robbed or pickpocketed and nothing like this has ever happened to me so far. Yes, I'm being cautious and scan the area around but not paranoidally. I know this isn't a good tactic and someday I might get in big trouble. But YOLO. The choice is simple: sit at home or in the safest countries or be free
@@Matt92Machine Yes, but if you're sleep-deprived for days on end, you start to become paranoid and loony just as Noel was at the end there. It's better to have a relatively good night's rest by using earplugs than be in a constant state of anxiety because you're sleep-deprived.
Maximum i have ever done in a bus straight was 28 hours Miami to New York many years ago. the maximum i did by train without getting off was approx 80 hours from Moscow to Irkutsk in Siberia(then i did more but i started over with another train). the train was relaxing, comfortable , slow, beautiful, didn't feel it all , actually i loved it. the bus after 20 hours is always bad. i figured the maximum not to feel drained or annoyed is 20 hours, also in Argentina after 20 hours I always stopped
Not many people get that satisfaction feeling Noel. It’s hard to find these days, people are in too much of a rush to search for it. I enjoy your travel ups and downs, it’s part of the deal. So getting satisfaction after a bad trip is still an achievement
Wow! I really don’t know how you do it! The bus looked surprisingly good, but even so it was a hell of a trip to endure especially when you don’t speak the language. We love watching your videos. Thanks so much for all your effort filming and editing them.
Almost all buses are like that in Brazil, and actually there are better and newer ones where the seat can pretty much turn into a bed. I once took a bus from Sao Paulo and there was a 2-1 configuration with these seats, curtains between seats.
I enjoyed watching this. I did the same journey in Reverse 20years ago. Rio , Brazil 🇧🇷 to Santa Cruz, Bolivia 🇧🇴 took 3 days. Much longer for the rest. Cheers from Taiwan 🇹🇼
Much respect for your perseverance and stamina. I have decided to not burden myself anymore and only watch other people doing these adventures, and feel what they feel.
I am so glad I'm at home watching this video. I once did London to Inverness on a bus and bought a return ticket. I arrived into Inverness, I went straight to the airport. No way was I going to put myself through the return bus journey.
@GabrielsReviews and at my age neither do I! Yes, I noticed that you have to change to a CityBus service. I remember the original bus had those slanting windows, which gives away the fact that trip was almost 50 years ago.
@@peterclark211 Fair enough . I'd have potentially considered using it if it still ran . I know that it's not suitable for everyone but I've had plenty of London-Glasgow coach journeys (mainly overnight) so I don't think it would be that hard !
@@gaelsweeney1903 I've never done that . I've done the Caledonian Sleeper between Edinburgh and London (and vice versa) but when I use the coaches , Glasgow seems to make more sense .
Respect Noel. When you mentioned the mind numbing effect of long distance bus journeys it reminded me of several I took in South America in my backpacking days (Lima-Quito and Mexico City-Tijuana amongst others). But those were just 24hrs and 48hrs respectively and most importantly I was in my 20s. Hope you enjoyed that well earned rest in Rio. Keep them coming.
Oh my! I felt absolutely shattered just watching this. The beer in the shower at the end was a wonderful moment and I sensed so much emotion in Noel's voice when he was stood in the ocean that I got a lump in my throat. Amazing!!
Noel endures a 6-day journey in South America for our entertainment. Hats off to you sir! 😍😍 (I love the sarcastic comments you make with the video Voiceovers 😂😂)
Russian tactics was excellent. Ur so brave and daring. As an elderly infirm woman, solo traveller, I'd be terrified of doing that journey and even going to those places. I'll have to go there vicariously through you. Thank you for taking me. Xxx
Superb! Been watching you for quite some time. Now that deserves a comment. Fair play Noel. You certainly put yourself through it. Great memories you are making for yourself. Keep them coming….
Robbers don't stop the buses like you are thinking, some buses used to pick up passengers on the way that were off the books and the driver and assistants would get a cut. Robbers started to pose as passengers like that and rob the bus. Now that picking up a stranger is highly restricted it stopped happening.
Bald men like us need to wear beanie hats on these busses. They are really freezing cold. Blankets, beanies and ear plugs (or noise cancelling ear phones) are the survival items for bus rides down here.
I love your work because you don't just enjoy luxury flight and show off life style like some of the other channels, you get down to the other side of the world and get in touch with ordinary people, going on an crazy adventure like this
Its India tho. Pretty much the worst hell hole on planet earth. You'd have to be high on crack to go there. I wasn't and I left within 4 days even tho i planned for 2 weeks.
Again Noel. My thoughts and prayers go with you at that time of crisis. I seriously don’t know how you can pull off that journey without losing your mind 😐🙏🙏🙏
There was another, even longer bus line that crossed South America. It was called Ormeño, and it covered a route that went from Caracas, Venezuela, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It took 15 days in total. This was the Guinness record for the longest route in the world at the time.
One advantage of taking a bus or train ride is that you get to see parts of the world you wouldn't see on a plane. Thank you for making videos. These videos gives viewers a chance to see parts of the world they may never see for themselves.
Noel, You were in South America. Meals are a cultural experience in that part of the world. It would also include your drivers and staff who would want the longer breaks at meal time.
I think this video has cured my fear of flying
🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Funny _AF_ !!
🤣🤣🤣🤣 @@deenasmusicbox
😂😂😂😂
Brilliant comment!
I felt fatigued watching the video. Cant imagine what Noel went through.
That pretending to be Russian as a diversion tactic was pretty damn slick, ngl
I usually go with Finnish, even less of a chance of anyone understanding that, let alone speaking it :D
@@jancovanderwesthuizen8070Mitä-mitä?! Äijä on Suomesta? Ihanko oikeesti? Ei oo todellista! 😂
@@hamswakii kyllä kyllä, torilla tavataan, mää en ymmärä suomea mutta he eivät tiedä sitä
I do that with Hungarian. perfect way to escape the ticket tout's, taxi drivers etc, 'Nem, Nem Magyar, Magyar'🤣
I kinda expected the touts starting speaking Russian instead. It happened to me in Thailand. I was addressed in English, while the Russian girls behind me were addressed in Russian by some beachside restaurants.
As a Brazilian I can tell you that you did EXTREMELY well. I would never, ever in my life get anywhere close to doing that. Well done. Really!
I am not a Brazilian but live there. At first, I was like: hmm, maybe I should try this some day. About half way through watching the video: Nah! Glad Noel did it for me. 😂
Why, do you not like Peru?
That bad?
The website/channel melhores destinos actually did this trip rio to Lima and yes it's a grueling journey but there are stops for showers and speaking Portuguese helps a lot to make the trip easier
@@HrHaakonNo one likes Peru, not even Peruvians. That's why there are thousands of them living in Brazil.
"A Smart Water Bottle"... that has got to be one of the most over-engineered things i have ever seen in my life 😂
$110+ overengineered bottle lol
@@impossible_planet what?!?! that is absolutely wild lol You gotta be some sort of idiot to spend that kind of money on a water bottle!
I use a old plastic 20oz pop bottle for months. Then I recycle. :)
@@impossible_planet over engineered price!!
A,lot better than getting the squirts on a 6 day bus trip.
Here is a tip for the future. A timer tracking the hours since departure by the corner of the video would be nice. 😊
Leaving your passport on the bus and it drives off without you and you don't know if it would come back? Straight out of a nightmare for me. PLEASE keep it with you at all times, Noel! You never know what might happen!
So true. When I was S America my passport remained on my person at all times.
@@simonbaker6962With a photocopy in my luggage in case something happened to the original - it makes getting a replacement so much easier.
Absolutely, cram that passport up your wazoo if you have to. NEVER let that be separated from you. Also, shove some cash, even US cash, into a sock or something. Even if you get robbed you'll have a passport and some cash. Very important.
I am surprised that he did not include the "drivers" in this video. Having a connection with them is crucial. You simply cannot travel under such conditions as a lonly stranger. You must be able connect with other - nobody would let the bus start without you being on board.
Bloody hell, I threw up in fear just reading this!
Frankly, I'm a little surprised you left your passport and other belongings on that bus.
Indeed, getting out of arms reach from your passport and cards seems down right negligent. Who cares about your change of clothes and the like. But your passport and cards? No, these are chained to me when I travel.
Amen to that, I would definitely stick mine in the pocket, before stepping down.
@@markjones2781 The coach staff keep hold of them to make boarder crossing easier. That's my experience anyway!
I 100% assume that Noel or anyone experienced would have two passports at least, so you can leave one and have the other.
@@barath4545Most countries do not issue multiple passports to one person. Never heard of countries who do. It's a security risk. You also don't get multiple ID cards, drivers' licences, etc.
Did you know that between 1957 and 1976, there was a regular bus service between London and Calcutta, India? This 32,000 km, 50-day round trip was the longest bus route in the world. The bus featured sleeping bunks and even a kitchen! For just £145, passengers received food and accommodation.
Sounds both fascinating and an absolute nightmare.
@V4raggare totally agree.. There is footage on bbc i believe. It doesn't look fun..
Adventures Overland launched a bus route in 2021 from London to india in which travellers covered 20,000km in 70 days, with stops in 18 countries.
Passengers are to buy tickets for the full journey, or opt to travel for one of four legs. In fact, the bus route will be the first ever hop-on/hop-off bus service between the UK and India.
I know it a luxury coach journey and not on the likes of flexbus but still it a bus route.
I know people that would backpack and ferry hop from Sydney to India and then jump on that bus. It was a right of passage for some aussies to travel to England without ever boarding a plane.
They’d go to Darwin or the northern parts of qld and get on cargo or fishing boats to PNG and then it’s a matter of paying your way until Indonesia and then mayalasia and either direct to India or go up through Thailand and south east Asia.
Some of the stories I’ve had people tell me from their trip is quite amazing.
I enjoy the sentiment travel reviewers share (probably Noel and also others) that an overnight train ride, especially with some kind of sleeping berth, makes sense because it saves you a hotel room! Maybe that old bus would be fun if it had bunks. 6 days in a bus chair sounds like a court-imposed punishment!
A Brazilian yt channel did this trip too from Rio to Lima. Funny thing about that video and this is that the Brazilian guy made a point to highlight each stop that you could take a shower. We Brazilians take many showers. Very different from an European centric view like this video where taking a shower is a sacrilege hahahaa
Roadside fried chicken on a 6 day coach trip with 1 toilet was very brave!
Instant weight loss. How to lose pounds while riding a bus.
Ah, the good old suffering videos ,my personal favorite 😂
Videos like this build character. 👍
Schadenfreude
🤣
Hi Noel! Glad you came to Brazil! Just one thing: around 34:00 you said that you were still in the Amazon, after going through Cuiabá, but that's not really the case. The southern part of Mato Grosso is well within the "Cerrado" biome, which is a savanna-type ecosystem, that actually needs some fires to prosper, although it has been getting out of control lately. Cuiabá is one of the hottest places in Brazil, and is routinely impacted by smoke plumes unfortunately.
That’s really interesting, thanks!
I love how he touches his foot from the pacific ocean to atlantic ocean in the beginning and the end. Truly a dedicated traveler, what a legend.
As a Brazilian that travels 8 hours by train, once a month between Vitoria and Governador Valadares I agree: phones with loudspeakers should be prohibited in Brasil. Some people dont know how to behave in public transportations.
Hi there, what’s the route like? Much to see?
Hi Noel, my grandfather used to run a tour bus company in the 60’s -70’s called “India Man Tours” ferrying hippies from London to Calcutta, which was a 6 month journey, 1 way! He did that for 15 years and boy did he have some fascinating stories. You would by a ticket and were able to jump on and off anywhere along the journey……just had to wait a while before the next one came back through again.
Some probably still waiting 😂 bet had some great stories too tell
@ 😂100% many would be happily waiting too.
That's bonkers. You'd get to know the person sitting next to you quite well!
is this the hippie route we are talking about? from london to calcutta or the one until sydney? i remember reading about this a while ago. was your grandpa nicknamed the "indiaman" by any chance?
@ My Grandfather, called Albert, worked for and with Paddy for many years on the London to Calcutta journey. Part of that journey through the Middle East, was how he managed to extract his family, my mother, from the religious wars of that era so quite significant in my family history.
You NEVER leave a transportation vehicle without your documents.
Or wallet
Im surprised he was so calm about it. I would be in a heightened state of anxiety.
@@noteveryday I would have refused in the 1st place. My passport is staying with me; I guess maybe I should have a fake for exotic trips like this...okay yes my "passport" is on the bus.... I have been through the whole guinea pig thing in ecuador a few times; it's like chicken for them I suppose, but they love to laugh when we are taken aback because we consider them pets, not food. In case anyone's curious, it tastes like dark meat chicken/game. No bueno
why?
@@Divemaster4122 you never go in public without identification. And in a foreign country you always have your passport on your person.
Back in the day, you just had to look in the bottle to see how much you had drank.🤣😂
31:09 About all the random Statues of Liberty across Brazil: they're from a chain of megastores called HAVAN. Their owner, Luciano Hang, loves the USA, and they basically adopted the Lady Liberty as their mascot, making sure they build a Statue of Liberty replica at EVERY single store (that isn't inside a shopping center).
Sadly in my city, São José do Rio Preto, its Havan doesn't have one, i dont know why.
@@gustavobuquerayou guys are lucky
thanks for for info
@@crossovo Why? I love liberty, i wish our country had the slightest idea of what true freedom is.
thanks for saving me the google search of WHY?
Buses in Brazil are limited to 90kph (50mph) by law. This is strictly enforced, both by bus companies and the police through the use of speed recorders - bus companies read the recorder every time the bus pulls in for servicing, and the police can ask the driver to surrender the recorder disks if they suspect any speeding. Add the fact that piloting a juggernaut of a double-decker down undermaintained single carriageway roads is not a task for the faint hearted and you'll soon appreciate why speeds aren't something to write home about. This is a journey better don in stages, bus schedules permitting.
that bus had 3 drivers on it--they have sleeping compartments behind the drivers seat--i wish he would have shown that
it might be horrific for you Noel but you have provided a most entertaining journey for all of us. Well done.
I mean, really:
There are channels who sacrifice themselves by enduring six days on an all-inclusive luxury cruise in nice places. I like these channels but for real: This here is heroic.
Forget all the water bottle comments, a sponsor is a sponsor. Let’s appreciate Noel’s CRAZY dedication and patience to do something like this! I could never spend even 24 hours doing this. You’re something else Noel and we appreciate it, keep it up!😊 ❤
So true.
I'm happy to see Noel be able to do crazy things like this.
I did a nearly 30 hour bus from Vietnam to Laos in the hope of saving £60, next time I'll just pay for the flight lol
That water bottle was a life saver. If your body is not used to "local waters" having diarrhea on that bus could lead to a serious health issue.
@@BernhardSchwarz-xs8kpfr!
@@FrozenDungwow that’s crazy 😮
Noel should take the Flixbus from Rovaniemi, Finland to Athens, Greece. 80 hours by bus.
Do you have to go through Russia, then into Lithuania and Poland or is it done by going down Sweden, over the bridge into Denmark and then through Germany?
@@IsabelJones69 On their timetable, they go over the Helsinki-Talinn ferry. But it is 3 buses, not one bus all the way.
@@IsabelJones69 Can't imagine they're going through Russia, with requiring Visa for EU citizens, the current sanctions regime and foreign payment cards not being usable in Russia.
Why should they go through Russia? There’s an easy two hour ferry between Helsinki, Finland and Tallinn, Estonia, that goes multiple times per day
@@willhelme2408 I was just thinking of going over land because its a bus. I forgot that ferries exist.
Glad you took one for the team and did this so we don't have to. 😬 The tik Tok for hours would have sent me over the edge.
I went down the rabbit hole on this bus route a few years ago when I first learned about it in an HAI video despite still never having been to South America. Some interesting facts to share:
The route was originally started by a Peruvian company, Expresso Ormeno, in 2016. Unfortunately it seems the company went bankrupt during COVID and the route was not reopened until last year when the Brazilian company here, Trans Acreana, took over the route.
The original bus had a worse seating configuration. Only the ground floor had the 1-2 configuration with recliners, the entire upper floor was ordinary coach bus seating in a 2-2 configuration.
The current bus supposedly changes drivers in Rio Branco, which probably contributed to the wait. On the Peruvian leg, they have a driving team of 3 drivers including 1 Peruvian, it then swaps to 2 Brazilians for the rest of the Brazil leg. There are 3 drivers on the Peruvian leg as the drive over the Andes is the hardest part of the trip, both on the skill and the body of the drivers. The original bus line with Ormeno seemed to use all Peruvian drivers.
There's a nearly 4 hour long DW documentary on the earlier version of this bus route on youtube available for anyone interested.
The fully clothed shower beer was epic! 😂
yes that spoke to me on a spiritual level, been there done that :D
En effet, j'ai trouvé ca génial! Quoi de mieux après 6 jours en autobus!
“ I’m too old to be kidnapped” one of my favorite Noel Phillips quotes. You should have freed the Guinea Pigs at Cafe guinea pig
I was in Italy last year and was AMAZED at how Loud people were listening to tik tok videos without headphones!
Same! I took the bus in Palermo, Italy and part of the bus just started singing loudly 😅 No headphones at all ahaha
6 days on a bus without a shower? I can't imagine how stinky it was on the bus.
In fact, the long stops along the route are for passengers to eat and take a shower
@@marceloneves807 this guy seems like he never showered hence the last part where he fully clothed takes a shower lmao
When everybody stinks nobody stinks.
@@kennagel8088deep shit
The 1-2hr break is not for you, it's for the driver
that bus had 3 drivers on it--they have sleeping compartments behind the drivers seat--i wish he would have shown that
@@mtsky-tc6uw If they employed Chuck Norris to drive the bus, they wouldn’t need 3 drivers.
@@Daledugahole the law and liability mandates it..sorry--chuck is too old anyways- 86 now?
@@mtsky-tc6uwOn paper he’s 84 but in reality, he doesn’t age.
That bus is the ultimate gift for those afraid of flying, unless you're also scared of robbery, kidnapping and guinea pig on a stick. Then it's a pointless nightmare.
Guinea pig is fan bloody Tastic!
guinea pig is not that bad, it's pretty much the same as chicken.
Ironically, the chance of dying in that bus ride is like 1/1000 to 1/500. Whilst, the chance of dying in a flight is 1/11,000,000.
crispy guinea pig with fries and hot sauce are next level food
Does it taste like chicken 😂
A 2 hours bus trip is already my personal Hell.
These kinds of challenges set Noel appart from the rest of travel RUclipsrs! No business class lounges, no preferential treatments! Much respect!
Realistic for Brits(even those like Noel that live abroad) in that he pretty much whinges all the way there.
You're watching the wrong kind of RUclipsr (TrekTrendy anyone!). Most of the travel RUclipsrs I watch travel mainly by bus/train/ferry with occasional flights, and no business class in sight!
This was less sketchy than they greyhound trip in the US
yup
Noel I'm only 6 minutes in to your 6 day adventure and already this is a ridiculously EPIC video!!!
I can't imagine any journey worse than a six day coach ride. Five hours on National Express and I'm desperate to get off.
Hi Noel, to be honest these long adventurous bus (or train) journeys are my favorite type of travel videos. Not many tarvel vloggers are willing to undertake these arduous journeys, so much respect and kudos to you. You don't need to give anyone a reason why you do it. You do it because you can. Enjoy life to the fullest I say!
13:34 [Noel eats foreign food in a dodgy South American restaurant on the side of the road]
VO: *It’s time for the Noel Phillips LOO REVIEW!*
Noel must not know the "hover " , when you don't "sit" just go!
As someone who is starving every 3 hours , ALWAYS has emergency snacks on hand, and has GI issues, I am constantly in awe of your ability to go stretches without food or the bathroom!! Also, listening to TikToks without headphones is psychological warfare.
Your marathon analogy seems spot on. You endured six days of misery but walked away with a sense of accomplishment.
I did the same route last year. The transfer at Rio Branco is always confusing.
Brazilian coffee is really strong, and it is difficult to get internet service without a Brazilian SIM.
It always starts like a great adventure, but by the 3rd - 5th day, it feels like you should have taken a flight.
21:05 Rio Branco is the capital city of a brazilian state called Acre. Some people in other regions would say you’re a legend for have being there and even question if it’s true haha.
Turns out there’s a joke here in Brazil that says Acre doesn’t even exist since it’s kinda hard to meet someone from there and it’s very far away from the majority of the big cities that are mostly concentrated on the east coast. It goes deeper in history, but that’s the main point of the joke.
It's the Brazilian Bielefeld 😂😂
Brazilian Ohio
"If you're not careful...criminals will stop the busses"
I'm trying to figure out how being "careful" could ever prevent that haha
Read: If you're not lucky.
I think the best alternative is to just be prepared for it. Don't dress like you're asking to be singled-out, and worst case scenario - have a dummy wallet with minimal cash and have your main wallet hidden somewhere.
25:59 as a Brazilian, seeing you in front of an Postos Ipiranga sign is like top 10 crossovers that you didn't expect
Hey Noel, Peruvian here. Thanks for visiting!! Just wanted to point out a few insights:
- For ease of pronunciation, you might find helpful to pronounce "Ica" as "e-ka", similar to ebook or email.
- Dry paw is an absolutely disastrous translation. "Seco" literally means dry, but in Peru that word is used to describe a sort of stew. "Pata" might be translated as paw in some context, but in this case just means the meat of the leg of an animal. You wouldn't have gotten an actual paw, with claws and everything. The correct translation would have been "X-leg stew" (depending on the animal).
- The use of headphones is also a very frustrating problem, even in everyday public transport. Many people don't actually mind that people around them are entitled to not be disturbed. I feel you bro
Btw, pretending to speak Russian to avoid scammers is a pro-gamer move. Couldn't have done it better
You are mad for going that! But you’re right, you’re making memories and the sense of achievement must be immense. We love your videos, thanks for entertaining us!!
For real!
Thank you so much!
Oh wow Noel, you’re nuts…in a good way. That was an epic length journey, well done on surviving it. I admire your dedication and commitment to bringing us very unique content ❤.
Thanks so much!
I cant imagine the absolute pain of going through that journey. You can see the genuine sheer happiness in your face as you're entering Rio
Dude!! What were you thinking?? Love your content. Thank you for putting your life on the line for your journey. My gosh the stress I feel is NOTHING compared to your work. Cheers!
It was amazing to see you crossing South America! And specially Brazil, where I live. I’m sure it was exhausting, but I confess I got interested in doing the same thing! Although the scenery doesn’t change too much, it must be so interesting!
Consider coming back another time! South America has so many beautiful places and cities, it definitely deserves more attention 🤍
What an incredible journey, Noel! You couldn’t pay me enough money to do something that outrageous, so thanks for bringing us along!
I love how you don't always do the luxurious side of travel Noel. I have been watching for a long time and I know you haven't liked the bus rides. But it really is good seeing different kinds of situations. Thank you buddy
My pet hate, people playing videos or music on their phones without ear phones on public transport. I can't imagine enduring hours of that. I had panic moments watching this, especially leaving anything on the bus, I take everything always. Fair play to you doing this so we don't have to, entertaining but also felt for you in many moments!
Surely if they are listening to it then you should be listening to it too!! 😜
Really enjoyed watching that! Thank you Noel. Amazing how chirpy you still were towards the end, i love the tranquility of a long journey where you cant do anything other than let time pass but reckon id have struggled a bit mentally with this one.
Peruvian here. Thanks for showing this bus route. Most people I meet do not know that it exists. Cheers
Don't want to give you ideas Noel but I've seen a 40 week tour of Africa advertised on Facebook.
That tour is probably nore organized, with actual proper hotel nights, so no issues there
This was the most interesting video I've ever seen -- thanks so much for putting yourself through such a grueling experience. You're the best!
I remember seeing someone do this journey and there were roadblocks and even the coach couldn't get through.
Glad you enjoyed it!
One of my favorite channels and this video is excellent. Ten hours is my limit for trains, planes and buses. Interesting route though, through the Andes, Amazon and high plains of Brazil. I`m a Canuck living in Brazil. Made this trip several times but by plane.
Para mí hacer un viaje en tren o en bus por más de 5 horas es una odisea. ¡Seis días en bus es un auténtico tormento!
@@joseramonvalenzuelaegea6745 Com certeza
Tremendous video! Great job, Noel! Brazil is one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I wish The roads were safer and there was less crime. 🇧🇷🇺🇸
As a brazilian, I think I'll pass on this trip haha. That moment when you arrived in Rio must've been really satisfying. Great video!
As a Brazilian, your comment about headphones hits home. I generally enjoy living in Brazil and my city is nice and safe, but the one thing that drives me crazy here is the constant noise people make in public. There's just no respect for anyone else's space.
Earplugs topped with a noise cancelling headset. You should have them everywhere you go.
got same thoughts man... I use earplugs even at home to protect my precious sleep
I don't know. In a foreign country traveling through some dodgy areas, I would want to have the use of all my senses at all times, but that's just me.
@@Matt92Machine I believe the more you afraid the higher chance it will happen. This is a proven fact. I don't afraid traveling in any areas, don't afraid I can get robbed or pickpocketed and nothing like this has ever happened to me so far. Yes, I'm being cautious and scan the area around but not paranoidally. I know this isn't a good tactic and someday I might get in big trouble. But YOLO. The choice is simple: sit at home or in the safest countries or be free
@@Matt92Machine Yes, but if you're sleep-deprived for days on end, you start to become paranoid and loony just as Noel was at the end there. It's better to have a relatively good night's rest by using earplugs than be in a constant state of anxiety because you're sleep-deprived.
I know this type of video is hard to make but I'd love to see more like this 😅
Maximum i have ever done in a bus straight was 28 hours Miami to New York many years ago. the maximum i did by train without getting off was approx 80 hours from Moscow to Irkutsk in Siberia(then i did more but i started over with another train). the train was relaxing, comfortable , slow, beautiful, didn't feel it all , actually i loved it. the bus after 20 hours is always bad. i figured the maximum not to feel drained or annoyed is 20 hours, also in Argentina after 20 hours I always stopped
Not many people get that satisfaction feeling Noel. It’s hard to find these days, people are in too much of a rush to search for it.
I enjoy your travel ups and downs, it’s part of the deal. So getting satisfaction after a bad trip is still an achievement
I wander if Scott from Trains, Planes and Everything would manage this trip 😂 well done Noel 😊
😅
@@Mimi-q6z9h😂😂😂
That's a killer of a trip. Congratulations on your survival skills.
I don't think he could handle it. He's a bit too old. His knees and legs would be shattered at the end.
Wish that you liked Brazil, cheers from a brazilian who loves your channel!
Wow! I really don’t know how you do it! The bus looked surprisingly good, but even so it was a hell of a trip to endure especially when you don’t speak the language.
We love watching your videos. Thanks so much for all your effort filming and editing them.
Almost all buses are like that in Brazil, and actually there are better and newer ones where the seat can pretty much turn into a bed. I once took a bus from Sao Paulo and there was a 2-1 configuration with these seats, curtains between seats.
@ That’s interesting to hear. Thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I enjoyed watching this. I did the same journey in Reverse 20years ago.
Rio , Brazil 🇧🇷 to Santa Cruz, Bolivia 🇧🇴 took 3 days. Much longer for the rest. Cheers from Taiwan 🇹🇼
Much respect for your perseverance and stamina.
I have decided to not burden myself anymore and only watch other people doing these adventures, and feel what they feel.
I am so glad I'm at home watching this video. I once did London to Inverness on a bus and bought a return ticket. I arrived into Inverness, I went straight to the airport. No way was I going to put myself through the return bus journey.
That bus doesn't run anymore!
@GabrielsReviews and at my age neither do I! Yes, I noticed that you have to change to a CityBus service. I remember the original bus had those slanting windows, which gives away the fact that trip was almost 50 years ago.
@@peterclark211 Fair enough . I'd have potentially considered using it if it still ran . I know that it's not suitable for everyone but I've had plenty of London-Glasgow coach journeys (mainly overnight) so I don't think it would be that hard !
In college I took the overnight bus from Edinburgh to London! 1975. Oy.
@@gaelsweeney1903 I've never done that . I've done the Caledonian Sleeper between Edinburgh and London (and vice versa) but when I use the coaches , Glasgow seems to make more sense .
Did the Sao Paulo to Rio bit last December myself. That was well enough of bussing for me.
Surprised you left your passport on the bus. My money, passport and phone would never leave my sight
I'd hold those things closer than the son I never hug!
Respect Noel. When you mentioned the mind numbing effect of long distance bus journeys it reminded me of several I took in South America in my backpacking days (Lima-Quito and Mexico City-Tijuana amongst others). But those were just 24hrs and 48hrs respectively and most importantly I was in my 20s. Hope you enjoyed that well earned rest in Rio. Keep them coming.
That water bottle is actually really cool! 😂 I never been more impressed by a in video ad and said wow that is actually useful! 😂
Noel does it so we don't have to.
Usually i don't care about non-aviation content, but this was one to remember lol
Major salute to Noel for putting himself thru Hell for our enjoyment. Thanks mate! American loves your grit and determination!
Glad you enjoyed it
Oh my! I felt absolutely shattered just watching this. The beer in the shower at the end was a wonderful moment and I sensed so much emotion in Noel's voice when he was stood in the ocean that I got a lump in my throat. Amazing!!
I can’t praise you enough - you did a wonderful job documenting this journey! Congratulations Noel!!
Thank you so much!
28:51 I guess the stops are longer because it is a very very long route. In shorter routes, the bus stops for like 15 to 30 minutes max.
Noel endures a 6-day journey in South America for our entertainment. Hats off to you sir! 😍😍 (I love the sarcastic comments you make with the video Voiceovers 😂😂)
Russian tactics was excellent. Ur so brave and daring. As an elderly infirm woman, solo traveller, I'd be terrified of doing that journey and even going to those places. I'll have to go there vicariously through you. Thank you for taking me. Xxx
Superb! Been watching you for quite some time. Now that deserves a comment. Fair play Noel. You certainly put yourself through it. Great memories you are making for yourself. Keep them coming….
Robbers don't stop the buses like you are thinking, some buses used to pick up passengers on the way that were off the books and the driver and assistants would get a cut. Robbers started to pose as passengers like that and rob the bus. Now that picking up a stranger is highly restricted it stopped happening.
That water bottle is just ridiculous
The no headphone thing is crazy to me
Why yes and how did you know my name was phones?
Bald men like us need to wear beanie hats on these busses. They are really freezing cold. Blankets, beanies and ear plugs (or noise cancelling ear phones) are the survival items for bus rides down here.
What a journey! You did extremely well. Thanks for taking us along with you.
I love your work because you don't just enjoy luxury flight and show off life style like some of the other channels, you get down to the other side of the world and get in touch with ordinary people, going on an crazy adventure like this
Glad you enjoy it!
Jesus wept. I travel across India regularly but I’d have to be ripped to the tits on Xanax to endure that. Fair play.
Its India tho. Pretty much the worst hell hole on planet earth. You'd have to be high on crack to go there. I wasn't and I left within 4 days even tho i planned for 2 weeks.
"ripped to the tits" ... my new favorite phrase.
I wished Greyhound, Flixbus had those kind of seats, wow
These seats are the regular ones in Brazil, there are even better ones that recline almost to a bed
We have redcoach and vonline in texas google first class bus and your state or closest major city to see if any companies exist near you.
@@paulshields2220Red coach is down here in Florida, it would be interesting to try
Lol..that Guy Richie scene at the end.. light on>>beer from fridge>>shower on>>chug the beer under the shower while fully clothed like a champ.
Again Noel. My thoughts and prayers go with you at that time of crisis. I seriously don’t know how you can pull off that journey without losing your mind 😐🙏🙏🙏
There was another, even longer bus line that crossed South America. It was called Ormeño, and it covered a route that went from Caracas, Venezuela, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. It took 15 days in total. This was the Guinness record for the longest route in the world at the time.
I love it when my favourite airline RUclipsr pivoted more and more to bus videos. Please don't die.
What a utterly strange thing to say
Everything in me is screaming that someone went through everyone's stuff that was left on that bus. Crossbody a fanny pack next time.
One advantage of taking a bus or train ride is that you get to see parts of the world you wouldn't see on a plane. Thank you for making videos. These videos gives viewers a chance to see parts of the world they may never see for themselves.
Noel, You were in South America. Meals are a cultural experience in that part of the world. It would also include your drivers and staff who would want the longer breaks at meal time.
I really felt that shot of you drinking in the shower lol