In this first of two interviews, we caught up with Merlin Evans as he completed his awe-inspiring walk across South America, a journey that spanned mountains, rain forests, deserts, and thousands of miles on foot. From encounters with wildlife and remote communities to the mental resilience required for such an undertaking, Merlin shares the highs, lows, and lessons learned along the way.
Most people tend to fold when things start getting tough or out of your comfort zone, so how do you keep going when you feel everything is overwhelming you?
- The single biggest thing that's helped me tough it out is removing the possibility of quitting. I'd torn my whole life apart to do this and knew id never be able to look at myself in the mirror if i bowed out because it was getting hard. In the most overwhelming moments id just say 'well this is it, this is what you asked for, no turning back' and crack on regardless of what the other voices were saying.
- Removing choice has been incredibly freeing, strangely. I've learned so much about my own resilience and capability as a result.
- The worse things get the easier everything after becomes, until it all feels day to day. As you become acclimatised, you can even take some amusement from it. You just have to hold your nerve for the first few instances!
Was there a specific moment or experience that solidified your commitment to keep going, even when it got hard?
- It took half a year to walk across Argentina through snowy mountains, deserts, searing 40 degree heat, tropical valleys you name it. Getting to the border with Northern Chile I thought for the first time 'Yea, I can actually do this'.
What does a typical day on the road look like for you—from sunrise to sunset?
- Usually rise with the sun, getting packed and ready always take longer than id like. Oats and cold water for brekky.
- Off walking by 7am (8am latest), unless its over 35 degrees in which case will set off at 5/6am.
- Lunch at 20ish km. In much of LATAM rural restaurants are very cheap, so will hopefully have a hot meal. If not rice, beans, Oats or whatever the last supermarket had!
- Afternoon walk 15/20km, usually. Identify an area to camp using satellite images on my phone (looking for riversides, hidden flat areas etc.), speak to locals.
- Set up the tent, baby wipe bath, write, eat and if I have the energy read on my kindle. Asleep by 9ish.
How do you plan your route and know where to sleep each night, especially in remote areas?
- Route planning varies wildly, but broadly speaking I'll just pick a point a month away and start walking.
- Somewhere like Western Europe or Argentina endless grasslands and hills allow for a lot of diversity and changes on a whim. Places like Panama or Eastern Ecuador tend to be road or rainforest and even the parts that aren't rainforest require wellies and local knowledge because of the amount of things that can harm/kill you. As such, you're choices are far more limited.
- For sleeping ill use satellite images, outdoorsy community apps like iOverlander, talk to locals or just accept a crap night’s sleep behind a bush.
Do you carry all your gear, or do you rely on getting resupplies at the end of the day?
- With the backpack water is the main issue, even after a lot of bad days I’m still learning! That being said, as long as there are people around you'll be fine. I'm yet to meet the person who refuses a stranger a cup of water, more often than not you'll be leaving with much more.
Do you listen to any music as you are walking?
- As well as all the things you'd expect, it’s also been a real musical adventure. Shazam allows you to so easily collect rafts of local music as you stroll through a country. Turns out I love merengue and salsa music, even if I can't dance.
- If I'm not trying to pick up the local music I'll probably be listening to the Rest is History podcast, I’m like a kid on Christmas eve waiting for new episodes.
How do you deal with border crossings, paperwork, and language differences across so many countries?
- The beauty of LATAM is it's mostly united by one language, once you have a foothold in Spanish a continent and a half open up! I'm dreading my inevitable cluelessness when I get to Asia.
- Regardless of speaking the language, land borders are always incredibly confusing and anxiety inducing. Just smile and wave.
Have there been any unexpected logistical challenges—like natural disasters, political unrest, or detours—you’ve had to overcome?
- Having to walk through a tropical storm in Argentina for 8 hours took some overcoming
- Several over adventurous river crossings in Argentina/Peru taught me the quickest way isn't always the best.
- Small detours because of rock slides in the Peruvian Andes.
- I have witnessed countless protests, but fortunately none that escalated into violence
What’s one cultural tradition or custom from Central or South America that surprised or deeply moved you?
- The warmth and welcome in Argentina. In remote towns where few foreigners pass, people would want pictures, show me around, introduce me to their neighbours, even the mayor! Often it could be hard to eat alone, a table nearby would always protest at the idea.
Can you share a story of a memorable encounter with a local person or community that stayed with you?
- People tend to find me when I’m most in need. Recently in Costa Rica id overextended myself physically, was caught in the rain in the middle of nowhere, sun setting, no food, and a man shouted to me from a hill. He gave me dinner, my own cabin, everything i could have dreamed of and more out of the desire to show someone kindness. One of many truly touching acts I've had the privilege of experiencing.
