BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi
Im flying into Rio in Nov and have approx. 7 weeks to make my way to Chile . I was thinking of going from Rio to B.A. then up through Argentina, on to la paz, then peru and fly from Lima to Santiago - Is 7 weeks enough time for this? and does anybody know the best route or how easy it is to travel this route?
many thanks!

That is quite a bit of land to cover in 7 weeks. I suggest slowing down the pace and getting to know places better. Are there certain things/places that are more important in your trip?

The route is easily covered by bus trips. Some long bus trips, though.

It is OK if you don't really want to stop/enjoy anything.

I did from Rio (few things/places in South Brazil) down to bottom of Argentina and back up to top of Chile in about 9 weeks and still could have done/seen more (did other countries after). This was spending between 1-5 days in each place, there is so much to do/see.

I would agree with Marisa do less and spend more time on them.

It's doable in 7 weeks, but, you'll have to do a few long bus trips on your way. It's the whole continent, from coast to coast, and a bit more.
Have you thought of an itinerary? Is it your first time in SA?

A couple of things in your post made me wonder. You're going to do too much of zig-zagging.
I assume you'd like to go to Iguazu Falls. That's south-west from Rio to Brazil/Arg/Paraguay border. After that to BA? Or, would you be going first to BA, along the coast, and from there to Iguazu?
Another thing that seems a bit out of place - why do you want to fly from Santiago? You're cutting the whole continent across to Lima, and than heading south to Santiago? That bit doesn't make sense, unless you definitely need to go to Santiago, for some reason. (Santiago is not among the best Sout Am cities to visit).
I suggest you look at the map, and the distances.

If you can give more info on your priorities and intended itinerary, you'll get better answers.

thanks for all the info / answers
our flights have to go into rio and we have to fly out of santiago as am heading onto NZ/sydney, would hate to miss out on BA, but maybe if we make our way from rio to BA (via the falls) the fly from BA to La Paz or Lima ??
yes first time in SA! so all help and advice appreciated!!

It sounds like you're on RTW ticket.
Flight BA to Lima sounds like a good idea. Of course, it's all doable on busses, but maybe not in that frame of time, depending on how many places you want to visit.
Busses in South Am (especially Br, Arg, Chile) are great. If you travel on cama (sleeper) bus it's like on a plane, close to first class. Reclinable seats, meals and drinks, tv, etc, inexpensive.

An alternative route could be a flight to BA, or Montevideo. From Montevideo (or even better Colonia de Sacramento) it's an easy ferry trip over La Plata to BA. I understand you wouldn't like to miss BA. It's a great city.
From BA cama bus to Iguazu, 17 hrs, comfortable trip. Recommended bus company ViaBariloche or Andesmar. But, there are tens more to choose from.

From Iguazu/Ciudad del Este you can cross Paraguay, 6 hrs to Asuncion. From there a long bus trip to Bolivia (Santa Cruz or Sucre).
After 2-3 weeks in Bolivia, around Titicaca lake to Peru. Once you coming nearer to the end of your SA trip, you can decide, whether to fly, or go by bus, from Lima to Santiago. Bus trip would take 2.5-3 days.
A lot of planning ahead, but that's part of the fun.
Enjoy!

thanks for all the info moniak!