South America recommendations?

Other than DR and Costa Rica, we haven't really ventured into South America and it's on our "to do" list.

Anyone have any experience traveling "down there" and would like to share their tales? ETA: We were looking at possibly Argentina, Chile, Peru, Brazil, etc.

We're used to hopping around different countries in Europe and Asia and from what I've read, it's pretty hard to do that in South America.

Some questions:
-Favorite country down there?

-When you went there did you go to more than one country? If so, which ones and how?

-If you only did one country, were you able to travel around to lots of different parts of it? If so, how?

-Would you say the prices were relatively cheap for food, drinks, etc. there?

Any advice would be much appreciated. we have no idea where to start to price a trip like this! (probably looking at travelling in May)

Message edited 12/5/2008 9:55:19 AM.

Re: South America recommendations?

Haven't been (yet!) but DH has. His favorite is Belize. Gorgeous and pretty cheap. Nice beaches and lots of cool old towns and ruins in the jungle.

Re: South America recommendations?

Re: South America recommendations?

How about Caracas, Venezuela? DH has been here as well (sometimes i feel like he's been everywhere!). It's a beautiful city. Great people

Re: South America recommendations?

We went to Peru for two weeks last year and had an AMAZING vacation.

Within Peru, flights and buses are cheap and generally safe. Food is WAY cheap.

We only concentrated on Peru, but many tourists we talked to were also going/had been to Ecuador, Bolivia, or Argentina.

Let me know if you'd like more info. We completely fell in love with the tiny part of South America we saw and can't wait to go back for another adventure.

Re: South America recommendations?

my aunt & uncle went to Peru a few yrs ago and LOVED it!

they also enjoyed Costa Rica very much

eta: Belize is in Central America and DR is in the Caribbean

Message edited 12/7/2008 10:06:31 AM.

Re: South America recommendations?

We did Costa Rica and it was by far one of our favorite places.

I've heard nothing but great things about Panama as well. DH has been itching to go to Panama for a while, which with a baby on the way, we are NOT doing!

My acupuncturist went to Peru and also raved about it.

Re: South America recommendations?

Costa Rica is in Central America. As is Panama. My dad's from Panama and I have been there a few times.

My mom's family is from Ecuador. I've been there many times and have visited Quito, Guayaquil (have family there) Salinas, Manta (my mom's home town), Cuenca., Portoviejo and Esmeraldas. FYI Tourists tend to visit Peru and Ecuador together on a tour. Inter country flights are pretty cheap. From Quito to Manta was about $70 for a 25 min. flight. Food is CHEAP as is hotels. You get a lot for the dollar. They are on dollars. It's a lot safer than it was 10 yrs ago. Quito, Guayas and Manta have had MAJOR renovations done in the past few years. They actually get more beautiful each time I go. Salinas and Mantas boardwalks have been completely renovated and the seafood is delishhh and fresh. You can also visit Galapagos. But it's a lot pricier and you can only go by a designated cruise. My cousins who are residents of Ecuador tell me it is absolutely beautiful. One of the best places they have scuba dived and snorkeled at.

Your safest bet would be to do Ecuador and Peru together. You can do hiking, volcanoes, ruins, jungle tours and beaches all in one trip. Hope this helps. :)

Re: South America recommendations?

My BIL is from Uruguay and he and my sister have gone a number of times. They love it - apparently Punta del este (I could be butchering the spelling - I'm sorry) is the hot spot during the warm months (where the beautiful people go to party in the summer - sort of like a Hamptons).

My BIL's father lives in Buenos Aires, Argentina and I have only heard RAVES about the city. One word of caution - BIL and mentioned often that pickpocketing is a very common complaint in that city - so just be aware and be careful.

Their summer is our winter - so if you head down in May you'll be in their autumn - should be gorgeous weather.

Message edited 12/14/2008 2:13:55 PM.

Re: South America recommendations?

here's a link to my sister's South American honeymoon.