List of people that are going to be in Latin America

Hello.
I am going to be in central/south america w my boyfriend in late jan.
We are first going to cuba and mexico. I would love to meet up and talk to fellow travellers who have been before or are plan to going.
Cheers.
Jaz.

Hey!

Im a 21 year old female travelling in south and latin america on my own. Im flying into Lima early january, travelling up to ecuador. I plan to be in Costa Rica late february and travel north trough all the central american countries. Ill probably spend may on cuba.

Want to meet up somewhere??

Sunniva(norway)

Hey everybody!

well, I'm already quite used to South America after a 6-months stay in Lima but I just moved down here to Buenos Aires to do an internship. I'll stay here until the 3rd of February and will go to Bolivia (La Paz) on the 3rd and move upwards upto Lima again after that.

so if anyone will be in Buenos Aires in that time or would like to some travelling together later on, let me know!

-Hanna-

I just got into Quito Ecuador last night. I´m doing a moutaineering trip here till the about the 10th of jan then i´m staying around quito for a month to learn spanish. If anyone eles in the quito area is interested in meeting up let me know. I´m also planning to head down to Peru in march.

Frank

Have started a 'Help to Help' Group on Care2 www.care2.com/ the name says it all with 1.5 million members from all around the world.

http://www.care2.com/c2c/group/Help_to_Help

(Help to Help, Work/Volunteer Worldwide)

& Help to Help Couch Surfing Group based in Ecuador

• Paola Z.(Lima)

wow!!!

• First response came in 3 minutes from Paola Z. moderator of the PERU Group amigosdeperu

Also another great group is: america_latina_unida

message me for more info....we are mostly natives or long term residents in our home countries..bi or multi lingual.

• As most of us work we are unable to provide much time to show pleasure travelers around, interpret nor provide private transportations at no cost.
• Those seriously wishing to volunteer in humanitarian aid projects shall be assisted in every possible way.

The inital travel/volunteer dates for our Nicaraguan Project (outlined below) were Dec. 8th through Dec. 28th limited to the Pacific Coastal side of Nicaragua. A rousing success! Please dofeel free to contact our USA co ordinator via e mail on the website, anytime you wish to volunteer in Central America (except Costa Rica)as we are able to connect you with many ongoing projects if ours is not suitable for you, however you shall have to pay your own food, lodging and other expenses. Services of lodging and transport as well as native guide services, are available from our associate Nicaraguan travel service provider Hotel/Tours.. located in Masaya, review our web site. I receive many inquires from single travelers or couples with plans to come, no problem. We offer a DVD downloadable freely from our web site outling our project and work freely with anyone providing humanitarian aid and volunteer opportunties in Nicaragua and Central America.
Saludos

Volunteer with CINDURMA in Nicaragua

CINDURMA
Nicaragua
www.cindurma.org/
DVD downloadble from the website.

Description:

We are constructing an 800 acre Non-Profit Eco Lodge just North of
Managua. The lodge has a River and Lake front with views of the mountains
past the valley. Horse back riding and hiking trails are being developed
through the property. Each trail is “themed” with History or Natural
information. One main lodge building and 12 smaller bungalows that are of
open design. Each with it’s own fruit trees and private surroundings.
The Lodge is of an Eco mind set, using environmental philosophy. All
inclusive with Food, Beverages, Tours and Fishing. The trails and land
area are being redeveloped to support local wild life. Each of those with
camping shelters with grills etc… There will be no Hunting except with
a Camera however, we will offer fishing in the River and Lake. Monkeys,
Fish, and over 250 types of Bird are in this area.

Profits of this project will go to helping support three public schools
in the area. At a later date construction of 80 low income homes will
also take place. Our charity (CINDURMA) is registered with the Nicaragua
Government in Managua. Copy of my certification is posted in the Group
“Files” area. If you are not interested in donating to this project
please look at some others in the Country - there are many !

If you or your group are interested in working with this project please
feel free to contact: Coordinator in Georgia, USA via the website to donate, volunteer or
for more information . We need: Workers to come build,
people interested in developing the area schools, Financial contributions.

Thank you and come have some fun !!

There are many small humanitarian aid projects throughout Central & South America we are able to connect you to:

For Hospitality along the way and around the world, join 'Couch Surfing' Project (non profit) and the similar, but different Hospitality Club Google or message me for url's

(In Ecuador contact Couch Surfing Member Andres Alarcon, ID Alarcon_Andres, Country: Ecuador (you have to join CS..free..see above)

My 'Couch Surfing' ID is TROPICALGUIDE and country El Salvador to message me via that medium after you join.

There are hundreds of 'hospitality' members in Latin America and to keep in touch....

There are thousands of cybercafes in Latin American cities and towns for as little as 35 cents US an hour.

If travelling to Central America north of Costa Rica message me well in advance of your arrival.

hola amigos,

i just arrived in Buenos Aires and will spend 3 weeks in South America.

after having a great new years party here i want to move on and see more places in Argentina, e.g. the Iguazu water falls and also want to see Uruguay, thinking of starting in Montevideo and doing a roadtrip down to Punta del Este. anybody interested in joining the ride?

plan as follows: will stay most probably the next couple of days here in BA and end of next week doing a 2 or 3 days tour to the falls, thereafter fly over to Montevideo, stay there a few days and then heading direction Punta del Este.

after Uruguay thinking of flying up to Venezuela, but have to check flights and accomodations. can anybody give me some good ideas of the hotspots in venezuela where i find good beaches and clubs and cool people to have fun with?

pleased to hear!

cheers
heiko

Anyone coming through El Salvador? If you take the TICA BUS DO NOT stay in their hotel San Carlos (very dangerous area) if spending any time based in San Salvador, a very pleasant city outside marginal areas... the Comalapa Int'l airport is near the coast only 22 minutes drive from Puerto La Libertad Surfing Beaches or 35 minutes to Costa del Sol Beaches, you don't ever have to set foot in the capital city if you don't want .. I am here most of the time I'm a resident.....some more background....

EL SALVADOR

..Central America's Hidden Gem...An exotic destination..so discover the undiscovered heart of Central America with us….
WHY GO?
25 volcanoes, one-Izalco-which can be viewed from nearbyCerro Verde Park - is still smoking!: A cloud forest with a stunning view of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras from the Summit: Museum of the Revolution and El Mazote-Arambala Civil War Memorial Massacre sites: 200 miles of unspoiled and uncrowded Pacific Coast beaches, coves and bays; The best surfing in Central America; Colonial and indigenous villages where time has stood still; humungous arts and crafts, visit several towns dedicated over to the making of these native crafts, such as La Palma in the North and Ilobasco in the East of the country; You will find throughout all of El Salvador friendly and industrious people, always ready to assist you and to practice their English(almost 60% of El Salvadorians have relatives living and working abroad). Most importantly, El Salvador is an uncrowded, exotic and suprise destination: no tourist hordes here!

WHEN TO GO?
Best time of year is the dry season from November through March. The weather is very hot and humid in April and May. Rainy season is late May through October, usually raining during the evenings. The sun shines 350 days a year in El Salvador! Don't go Easter Holy Week(Semana Santa), the first week of August(religious holidays) or mid-December through early January.(Christmas-New Years) unless you have family to stay with or prior reservations.

GETTING THERE AND AROUND
By Plane
Flights are available from gateway cities in US: NY,DC, Atlanta, Miami, NO, Houston, Denver, LA and SF on TACA, Continental, Delta, American or United Airlines. Get a "Coupon Ticket" for Central & South America on TACA www.taca.com and stop over in El Salvador from Guatemala, Honduras ,Costa Rica, Mexico or South America at no extra charge. El Salvador has the most modern and efficent Airport in all Central America and therefore is the Hub of TACA Central American airlines.

Getting Around
The country is small, less than the size of the State of Maryland in the USA, and most attractions within the country can be visited within 3 to 4 days with rental car or on Tour. A word of advice - El Salvador is not kind to "low budget" backpackers nor independent travelers. Local transport is cheap, but crowded and there are no luggage racks. If traveling around on public transport leave luggages in hotel. Luxury, first and second class international bus services to and from Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua daily with space for luggage.

BEST ATTRACTIONS
Montecristo Cloud Forest in Triunfo International Park, with views from the summit of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras. Orchid Farm. Guides. Camping. Permit required for vehicles 4WD recommended. Best dry season November-April.
Cerro Verde National Park, with its view of the smoking cone of Izalco Volacano. See item on ISTU below. Nearby Volcanic Lake Coatepeque with boat excursions and charming lodges.Beaches, Beaches and more Beaches. 300 Km.(200 miles) Of them including Bays, secluded coves and Mangroves. World Class Surfing at La Libertad’s Punta Roca, Sunzal and El Zonte Beaches, Deep Sea Fishing (Sailfish, Tuna, Dorado, Marlin) and Deep Sea Diving from Los Cobanos Beach in Western El Salvador and Sun Surf and Fish in Eastern El Salvador also from the famed Costa del Sol onwards to El Cuco and the exotic pristine pacific haunts of the “Wild East”.

BEST UNUSUAL ATTRACTION
Museum of the Revolution in Perquin, the former "Rebel Capital" during the Civil Conflict 1980-92. Located in Northeastern El Salvador near the Honduran border, tour the Musuem, Town and nearby massacre sites(1981-1982) of Aramabala and El Mazote, where there is a memorial to the fallen, Guide and 4WD vehicle recommended. The area is a 4 hour drive one way from El Salvador, so if planning a day trip best to leave at dawn and return before dark.

BEST ACTIVITY AND GUIDE
For the Eco Traveler we recommend El Imposible National Park with Visitors Center-Camping Areas-Nature Trails and Crystal Clear Rivers in a protected enviroment with guides on site. The guides do not charge fees but work on a basis of tipping from the client. Reservations and permit for each visitor required in advance. Camping and cabins at visitor center for overnight stays.

BEST CULTURAL ENTERTAINMENT
La Luna Casa de Arte- Ongoing Art Exhibitions and many, many cultural, artistic and musical endeavors. Stop by La Luna any night but Sunday to get oriented or check the Arts, Culture and Entertainment section of the local news papers. The "Bohemian District" is near the National University take city bus 44 or 30 or 30B by day and taxi it by night. City buses are few and far between after 8PM and walking alone any distance at night not recommended. Take taxi back to lodging places.
BEST LOCAL HAUNTS
La Ventana near the National University. With a European cafe atmosphere, they do not mind if you sit and chat, nursing a beer. Located in the heart of San Salvador’s “Bohemian” district.

BEST SHOPPING
There are two great arts and crafts markets in San Salvador, The “Ex-Cuartel” a huge crafts bazaar located in downtown San Salvador and the smaller “Mercado de Artesinias” near the San Salvador Fairgrounds(be ready to bargain hard at both locations) along with dozens of towns dedicated to elaboration of arts and crafts throughout the country, such as Ataco, Ilobasco, La Palma, Nahuazalco and San Sebastian. Knock yourself out!
There are several large modern Shopping Malls, with security patrols, such as MetroCentro, MetroSur, Gallerias and Las Cascadas located in and around San Salvador. There are also newer MetroCentro Malls in the cities of Santa Ana, San Miguel and Sonsonate.
If shopping in the Mercado Central in the downtown (Centro) of San Salvador near the Cathedral and “Ex Cuartel” crafts market, you’ll find bargains, however take caution, very crowded, be aware of pickpockets and purse snatchers.

MONEY AND COMMUNICATIONS
US Dollar, including small change, is now legal tender and circulating in El Salvador since January 2001. All Credit Card transactions are in USD. No need to change money to/from US Cash. ATM Machines give dollars on Cash Advances. The local currency, the Colon, which as of this writing has almost disappeared, is pegged at 8.75 to 1USD Fixed Rate and interchangeable in stores, on transport etc.

HEALTH AND SAFETY
El Salvador is the most densely populated nation in the Western Hemisphere and, as a result, 97% of the country has been deforested in the last 30 years. Litter and garbage abound on highways, roads and in slum areas. Salvadorians are hard working and aggressive people, some cases of rudeness have been reported in the crowded and very densely populated capital city of San Salvador, however the traveler will find the people in the countryside exceptionally friendly and corteous, eager to please and practice their English. If heading to Beaches to relax, the Comalapa International Airport is located on the newly paved Litoral(Coastal) Highway less than an hour from La Libertad and Costa del Sol Beach points, so the visitor need not even transit the capital city os San Salvador if so desired.

."If you've missed El Salvador, you've missed Central America"

Those coming to visit, study or volunteer are more than welcome, simply message us in advance

Special assistance for those involved in any humanitarian aid projects.

For virtual tour and tour video info. (free) message.

Hi, I am a musician from Chile returning after a long stay in the USA. I will be traveling in a Bus Camper ready for sleep maximun 4 people.
I will be stoping in some cities along the way in Mexico and Central America and South America also, to visit friends and play some music, specially in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, El Salvador.
In Panama I am sending the Bus in a Boat to Colombia and continuing the trip all the way to chile, passing thru ecuador and peru.
I am planning to leave end of January 2006 from Mexico, I am not shure yet what city maybe Guadalajara.
If interested in sharing some expenses along the way,if possible is good for me and also be willing to go deppending my schedule of travel, I need to arrive in Santiago in March 2006.
Not drinking and not drugs. A good and beautiful experience because I speak spanish and have friends in many places to stay.Also working along the way in a painting project with the Bus and recording local musicians.

Will be in slavador /rio for the carnaval leaving on feb 23rd and back on march 5th...let me know if you guys are going to be there..

thanks,
sunny