South America

[georgit79]

My friend and I are considering a holiday in South America in February 2005- she's been to Mexico (which ok I know, is central) and I haven't been anywhere. Could anyone suggest anywhere to me? We want to pay for flight only and then trek around. No posh hotels or anything. For about 2 weeks.

[Sylday]

South America is vast and amazingly varied - just think of the contrasts between Amazonian rain forest, the Atacama desert (the world's driest, the high Andes and the glaciers of the southern tip. Then there are the cities, ranging from sophisticated, modern, European Buenos Aires to the almost totally indiginous atmosphere of Quito or Lima, with their wonderful Colonial architecture. I would suggest you spend a lot of time going through the Lonely Planet guide to Sth America, before deciding. But if you pressed me for one choice, I would say Peru (but would probably change my mind 5 mins later!)

[Sylday]

Sorry, one practical point I forgot to mention was to be careful about the weather. February is probably wet and cold in some places (including parts of Peru).

[apricot]

I know it's central again but have you considered Costa Rica? Great safe country with fantastic volcanoes, snorkelling, surfing and wildlife. Good food and very cheap. February is a good time to go.

[georgit79]

Thanks apricot- actually, Costa Rica is definitely on the cards. What's the weather like there in Feb?