Martin Pretorius's Photo

Verified Profile

  • Payment verified
  • Phone verified
  • Government ID verified

Accepting Guests

  • 78% response rate
  • Last login about 15 hours ago

Join Couchsurfing to see Martin’s full profile.

Overview

  • 51 references 36 Confirmed & Positive
  • Fluent in Afrikaans, English, Spanish
  • 38, Male
  • Member since 2010
  • Software engineer
  • University Degree
  • From Modimolle, Limpopo, South Africa
  • Profile 100% complete

About Me

Hey there! I’m a South African guy who set out on a solo backpacking trip through South America years ago—and somewhere along the way, I fell hard for Chile and never left. Seven years later, I’m still here, still exploring, and still in awe of this incredible country and its people.

I love meeting fellow travelers and swapping stories over a cold beer on the balcony or while wandering through hidden corners of Santiago. Whether it’s a deep conversation about life, a spontaneous adventure, or just laughing over cultural quirks, I’m always up for connecting with interesting people from all walks of life.

During the week, I work remotely as a software engineer, solving tricky problems and fueling myself with probably way too much coffee. But outside of work? I’m all about discovering new places, trying new foods, and saying yes to whatever unexpected experiences come my way.

If you’re passing through Santiago and need a friendly face (or just a solid coffee recommendation), hit me up!

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

For me, travel has always been about more than just seeing new places—it’s about the people you meet along the way. Some of my best memories come from connecting with complete strangers who, even for a short time, felt like lifelong friends. Those experiences shaped my journey, and I want to pay forward all the kindness and generosity I received during my own travels.

I love meeting people with different perspectives, learning from their stories, and sharing experiences—whether it’s over a beer, exploring a hidden corner of the city, or just talking about life. CouchSurfing is an incredible way to break down barriers, make real connections, and see the world through someone else’s eyes.

Interests

  • coffee
  • movies
  • reading
  • traveling
  • software
  • motorbikes

Music, Movies, and Books

I’m pretty open when it comes to music—what I listen to really depends on my mood and the setting. Whether it’s something mellow in the background, a high-energy playlist for a night out, or discovering new sounds from different cultures, I’m always up for exploring different genres.

When it comes to movies, I tend to gravitate toward independent films, but I won’t say no to a good blockbuster either. Sometimes, you just need a big, over-the-top spectacle!

I don’t read as much as I’d like these days, but since moving away from South Africa, I’ve been making an effort to read more Afrikaans novels—they help me stay connected to home. At the same time, I’ve been dipping my toes into Latin American literature. I especially enjoy Borges, and at the time of writing this, I’m in the middle of 2666 by Bolaño—absolutely loving it so far!

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Travelling through Iran.
Getting drunk with Georgians in Tbilisi. :)
Exploring cave cities in Turkey.
Taking a train from Pretoria to Mozambique.
Having a crazy new-years party with expats in Beijing.
Travelling from Cape Town to Nairobi using public transport.
Getting arrested in Mombasa and spending some time in a holding cell at the local police station.
Traveling through the Japanese alps on a motorcycle with two friends.
Travelled through South America and decided to stay in Chile!

Teach, Learn, Share

I can teach you some programming if you're interested.

Otherwise I can help you improve your English (or Afrikaans 😆 )

Countries I’ve Visited

Argentina, Armenia, Austria, Bulgaria, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, France, Georgia, Germany, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iran, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, Mozambique, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Tanzania, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Countries I’ve Lived In

Chile, South Africa

Old School Badges

  • 2 Vouches

Join Couchsurfing to see Martin’s full profile.