Kandy García, known as 'Abuelita Mochilera', has spent her retirement exploring over 70 countries alone, carrying just a five-kilo backpack. Her story challenges stereotypes about aging and inspires others to see retirement as a time for new beginnings.
When Kandy García retired from her legal career at 65, she made a promise to herself: she would finally travel the world. Now 91, García—better known as 'Abuelita Mochilera'—has visited more than 70 countries, often alone, and always with just a five-kilo backpack. Her approach is simple: no checked luggage, no luxury hotels, and no fear of the unknown.
Raised in San Sebastián and later settled in Granada, García began her journey with a one-way ticket to Argentina. That first trip ended in India, a country she has returned to nearly thirty times. Since then, her passport has filled with stamps from Europe, Malaysia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Peru, Colombia, Thailand, Uzbekistan, and many more destinations.
Travel Without Luxury
García’s philosophy is clear: travel light, adapt to each place, and embrace every experience. She avoids expensive restaurants, preferring to eat street food and use public transport to immerse herself in local life. “I’d rather get tired than rust,” she says, summing up her refusal to let age slow her down.
Her travels are not about ticking off monuments, but about meeting people, sharing customs, and learning from cultures very different from her own. For García, being a traveler is an attitude—one that values improvisation, flexibility, and a willingness to let go of material comforts.
Building a Community
More than two decades ago, fellow travelers began calling her 'Abuelita Mochilera' after seeing her in simple hostels and navigating foreign cities alone. Today, she shares her journeys with thousands of followers on Instagram, though she refuses to turn her adventures into a business. “I already have my pension,” she explains, declining advertising offers.
Her minimalist style is central to her independence. She washes her clothes at the end of each day and never checks a bag. This approach, she believes, keeps her agile and open to whatever each day brings.
Inspiring Others
García’s story has inspired many, especially older women who dream of travel but hesitate to go alone. Since turning 80, she has organized group trips for women who want to experience the world beyond their comfort zones. One participant, who had lost a child, found renewed joy through these journeys—a testament to the emotional impact of García’s example.
While not every trip has been without incident, García insists the positive experiences far outweigh the challenges. She has lived with Māori families in New Zealand, visited Mapuche communities in Chile, and spent time with Guaraní people in Argentina. For her, the true value of travel lies in human connection, not souvenirs or luxury.
Retirement as a New Beginning
“Life begins at retirement,” García says. She encourages others to see this stage as an opportunity—whether for travel, study, sports, or creative projects. The key, she believes, is to have a reason to get up in the morning.
After a recent trip to Uzbekistan, García is already planning her next adventures, with Vietnam and Sri Lanka on her list. “I have so much to do, I don’t have time to grow old,” she says. Her story, as reported by Talent24h, offers a powerful reminder that age need not be a barrier to discovery or reinvention.
