First trip to south america

Hi
I am in the process of planning my first trip to south america. I am planning on leaving in September 05, where would be the best place to start and the best route to follow??
Thank you

Hi krslee,

That's a tough one to answer. What are your main interests? Culture and native people?, Nature?, Cities, etc..

My favorite area is Peru (Cusco, Machu Picchu, & lake Titicaca) and that leads easily into Bolivia. Patagonia has some stunning nature beauty. Rio's a fun place to relax on the beach and party at night.

A good route would be to start on 1 coast (say Peru), work your way down, then cross from Chile to Argentina, down in Patagonia, then work your way up (Buenos Aires, Igussu falls, and Rio). Or the other way around.

How long are you going to stay in S. America?

Hi
I have 4 months from september and would like to go to the amazon, inca trail, lake titicaca, la paz, santiago, buenos aires, iguazu falls, montevideo, rio.
What other places could you recommend?
Is 4 months enough time?

Is there a particular reason why you want to go to Montevideo. Personally, i think there are much better places to go in S. America. I would put Montevid way down on my list of must do's in S. America. But, if you have the time then go for it.

I'd say 4 months is definitely enough time. Seems like you're going to hit all the best places, but

Northern Chile

(check my travel log July 99) and Patagonia (Southern Chile and Argentina) are also great. Torres del Paine in Chile and Moreno glacier in Argentina. The Galapagos Islands are very nice but also expensive. If you like nature don't skip patagonia.

Hi krslee

Just thought I would mention that I too am leaving for Central & South America on 1st Sept.

I start in Cancun & travel through Central America for 1 month on an organised trip with G.A.P adventures.

I then start travelling on my own, spending the next 2 1/2 months going from Equador down through Peru (Iquitos for the amazon, machu picchu, colca canyon, more incas etc, etc) then cross Titiacaca into Bolivia. After a bit of time roaming in Bolivia, go into Northern Chile, travel down a bit to Antafogasta, and see if I can find a route over the Andes into Argentina (ideas/experiences welcome). Then travel down Argentina into Patagonia (can't wait for this, I have heard only good things), and back up from Southern Chile to Santiago for my flight home.

I have left out northern SA, Brazil, Para & Uraguay as I think this is a trip in itself. However you have an extra month & a half on me, but I think you should choose wisely

It seems from my research that it is do-able in that time frame, but you never have ENOUGH time.

I don't want to hijack the thread but any ideas or recomendations are very welcome (hopefully by us both)

Henry

Quoting SkacoreUK

I start in Cancun & travel through Central America for 1 month on an organised trip with G.A.P adventures.

I then start travelling on my own, spending the next 2 1/2 months going from Equador down through Peru (Iquitos for the amazon, machu picchu, colca canyon, more incas etc, etc) then cross Titiacaca into Bolivia. After a bit of time roaming in Bolivia, go into Northern Chile, travel down a bit to Antafogasta, and see if I can find a route over the Andes into Argentina (ideas/experiences welcome). Then travel down Argentina into Patagonia (can't wait for this, I have heard only good things), and back up from Southern Chile to Santiago for my flight home.

Wow Henry, That seems like an Awesome trip. I loved Guatamala and I think you seeing the best parts of South America. Peru, Bolivia, N. Chile, and Patagonia!

Quoting SkacoreUK

...see if I can find a route over the Andes into Argentina (ideas/experiences welcome). Then travel down Argentina into Patagonia (can't wait for this, I have heard only good things) Henry

Hi Henry, You can cross around the Lake District (Puerto Montt, Chile to Barloche, Argentina). I'm pretty sure you cross most of the way by boat, it's supposed to be beautiful.

I didn't cross there but crossed fruther South in a rental car I got in Punta Arenas (via Torres del Paine in Chile and Moreno Glacier in Argentina).

Cheers Travel100

Done some web browsing & the lake district crossing looks awsome, but I was hoping to cross a bit further north to get a good run down Argentina. I may post a new thread about this too see if anybody has any ideas.

The research continues

Hi
My name is Royer Iam from Peru. Its a beautifull Country in South america so don´t forget to visit my city and then Cuzco Machu -Pichu..the principal Ruins of the culture Inca. Sorry, My english is too bad because my native language is spanish,But I like to help at the people than come other countries I just travel to Amazonas on september for 30 days. I want to visit Amazonas River By Boat and then to visit manaos in Brazil. Maybe . Do you want to come with me for expedition in Manaos...
Good Luck
Writte me ..-snip-

Bye
Royer

[ Edit: Sorry, no email addresses please... ]