Planning a trip to South America

[NicksDad1970]

I see there are people here that know MUCH more about SA than I do but I must give my 2c. As far as drugs and paying off cops I'd say you could do that. But it also goes the other ay too. You could do very little and wind up in big trouble.

When I went to Brazil I felt pretty lucky because I knew the right people. After we arrived in Manaus we got to the immigration line and there must have been 200 people in that line. My friend just snaps his fingers at me to bring me around to the front of the line. That kind of set the tone right there.

The next day we were drinking beer while we were driving out in the open. I asked him if drinking while driving was legal. He said no and I asked what we would do if the police stopped us. He said "I would just tell them it isn't a problem."

Anyway when you go have a blast. There's so much to do down there I doubt you could get a whole bunch in 3 weeks. But also make sure to respect the people and be careful.

[liz.t]

agreed, throwing in my vote here for Cusco, Peru as a young backpacker hangout, although the city itself probably isn't that flash for more than 3 days or so - unless you're side-tripping to macchu picchu and the likes.

i've just done 2 mths in peru; can recommend cusco hostels etc if u need.

[HP]

bump

I remember reading somewhere in the travel forums about bars in Columbia with over the counter coke, is this true!!?

Anyone happen to know of any in Bogota?

[Bashar_assad]

If you really want a 2-3 week trip my vote goes to Ecuador.
It´s compact, has beaches,andes,amazon etc.

Argentina is superb by the way. It is huge though, Buenos aires alone is worth 5+ days. A lot of Argentina is also very "european". If you are going for the first time to S-America I´d do Ecuador or Colombia.

Good luck

[vts]

Hello. I am also an American living in Buenos Aires. Been here for 2.5 years with my bf, hes American too. It is definitely safe to walk around at night provided that your are in nicer neighborhoods. I walk my dogs at 2 am sometimes and I am a woman. I live in Barrio Norte area.

The cabs start at 2 peso something now I guess, I dont know, I usually take the bus. I suggest someone new to the city (HP) to get to know the subway first and buy a Guia T and try to familiarize yourself first with the buses in your neighborhood.

As for casinos, I try to avoid them. Growning up in Vegas will do that for you. Im an online player.

As for the mountains, I am an avid hiker. I recommend too Torre del Paines. You can do the W circuit in 4 days. Also
Fitz Roy is wonderful and the hiking circuit is 3 days. You can fly to El Calafate and take a bus to both Torre del Paines via Puerto Natales, Chile and Fitz Roy via El Chaten from there. Plus there is Glacier Moreno in El Calafate.

We had friends from LA come and in almost 3 weeks they went to El Calafate for 3 days, Iquazu Falls for 3 days, BsAs for a week, and Mendoza for 4 days.

Lima is sketchy and I didnt feel cool there. In downtown Lima you cant walk more that 100 ft without being offered coke and it got to be annoying. But Cuzco is also amazing and I could spend months there hiking.

Hey Metetron, could you possibly link me to your blog. Im interested in reading it.

[TheMetetron]

http://themetetron.blogspot.com

Just started writing in it again today.