south america

[evolution]

For those of you have visited what are the best destinations and what should be avoided?

[mikewith]

Well, you're asking about a Continent considerably larger than Europe, so any answer will be necessarily generalised.

I have been to and loved Argentina (Buenos Aires, Valdes, Ruta Tres, Tierra del Fuego, Lake District); Bolivia (Cochabamba, La Paz,Titicaca), Brazil (Rio, Bahia, Amazonas, Curitiba), Chile (Valparaiso, Santiago, the ride over the Andes to Mendoza), Paraguay (Trinidad, Asuncion, Ciudad del Este), Peru (Lima, Arequipa, Cuzco, Macchu Picchu), Uruguay (Montevideo, Punta del Este, Treinta Y Tres).

Sorry, that just became a very long list - or in other words I recommend pretty much everywhere I've been down there! Temuco (Chile), Trujillo (Peru), Pelotas (Brazil), Comodoro Rivadavia (Arg.) are all boring, bleak towns - but they're few and far between.

I should cut to the chase. Peru/ Bolivia/ Ecuador are Andean states - high altitude, Incan influence etc. Very different from Brazil - tropical and sub tropical, upbeat, lively. Agentina/ Uruguay/ Chile - in many ways more 'European' - sights, sounds and smells will be more familiar. Paraguay: a law unto itself: if you want a taste of something different. You pays your money and you takes your choice.

One thing many people associate with South America is violence, robbery etc. Like I said, this is a whole Continent: you can find trouble there - or anywhere! Don't let it put you off. Colombia may be best avoided because of guerilla ativity which is sad because by all accounts it's The Best Place Ever. As far as I know Maoist insurgents in Peru are less active than before, if not finished altogether?

You've got me on a favourite topic. I could go on. And on and on. How much time to you plan to take? Have you got any idea of budget? What are you after - ancient history, music, culture, beach, adventure? Let us know and I'll boire oyu with more ramblings ;-)

[evolution]

I will be flying into Santiago where I will spend two weeks doing a quick Spanish course then I fly out of Rio 14 weeks later. I definitely want to explore Peru, do the Macchu Picchu trail etc. Do you reccommend any other andean hikes which might be a little quieter? We have a rough plan of going from Peru into Bolivia, Argentina, maybe Paraguay, Uruguay and I would like to spend a fair bit of time in southeast Brazil at the end. I'm on a pretty tight budget which will probably call for the cheapest of accommodation and food! What about clothes and climate? I will be in Peru in October. Do I really need to buy all sorts of expensive hiking gear? Basically, I am open to all suggestions and reccommendations as our plan, currently, is this basic.

[mikewith]

Here goes ;-)
Good idea to learn the language. Santiago is interesting, but deserted at weekends. Expect to join everyone on the road down to the coast - Valparaaiso and Vina del Mar. (There's one unbelievable stretch of road up into the Andes and a road tunnel which I rode up and down and up again just to get the full experience). in the city itself, punk lives, but don't let that put you off.
I can't advise on Andean hikes as I was in Peru so long ago. There must be others who've been there more recently...?
Bolivia --> Argentina will take you into the northwest of that country, which I haven't visited, though it's meant to be wonderful. Jujuy and Salta being historic as well as beautiful. Mendoza is attractive as a launchpad for the Anes (and assorted vineyards) and if you have the time and inclination you're then on the way south to the Lake District round Bariloche - well worth it. Heading all the way south would always be my personal preference but you have to really want to wallow in magnificant desolation!
Otherwise - the Valdes peninsula on the coast due east of Bariloche is high on lots of people's lists - penguins and the like. This is also 'Welsh Ptagonia' if you fancy teacakes...
Don't miss Buenos Aires and from there you are on course for Uruguay, (which is quiet and picturesque) and S-E Brazil... this is cowboy country, if you like riding. Florianopolis and the beaches outside recommended; you can ignore Blumenau unless you need to see a German-style city and don't want to visit Germany; don't miss the old road from Curitiba to Paranagua if you have your own transport... otherwise, there's an old train which is apparently lovely.

Continued....

[mikewith]

Part two...
You're also close (-ish) to Iguazu. The waterfalls are unmissable. That will also give you a taste of Paraguay (Cidade del Este is as close to Bladerunner territory as you're likely to see anywhere - smuggling, corruption, mud, dust and noise). If you want more, head south to Trinidad for tranquility (the Jesuit missions) or west to Asuncion for more of the great mass of humanity. It's hot and sweaty. Promise me you'll read by John Gimlette for more on Paraguay.
All of which leaves you with Sao Paolo (Bladerunner again) and Rio, which is everytthing you hope and expect it to be. (Copacabana aside - it's old and faded. For luxury head for Leblon; for cheaper, more lively Rio head for Flamengo and Catete. Then head to the beach... stock up on Cachaca and cold beer, buy some chicken on a stick and relaaaaaaaax!

[mikewith]

Part three
Or in other words... plan ahead but be ready to change your plans at the drop of a hat... listen to what others have to say but be ready to make up your own route and make it special for you!... there's so much to see and so many people to meet. You'll have a wonderful time. Enjoy!