BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi Everyone,

Myself and 3 friends will arrive in Mexico 23rdJune 08 and have 2 months to spend in Central and South America before we leave for New Zealand from Santiago Chile on 27thAug.

We would like to spend a few days in the following countries (and in this order):

Mexico
Belize
Peru
Bolivia
Brazil
Argentina
Chile

We plan on travelling by bus from Mexico to Belize then flying from each country thereafter.

Just 4 questions:

1) Is it possible to fly from Belize to Peru ? - I can't find any info on the internet.

2) Any idea of the cost of the flights from country to country in South America? - Again I cant find much on the internet and I reckon we'll just be turning up at each airport looking for a flight on any given day - Just looking for estimates please.

3) Do we need to get visas in advance for any of these countries? - and how much might they cost? -- bearing in mind we prob wont be staying much longer than a week in any of them.

4) Is all this travelling in 2 months absolutely ridiculous? We are 1st timers

Would really appreciate any comments/advice.
Many Thanks

Oz

Personally, I could spend the whole two months happily wandering around Brazil (whose visa costs about US$100, and cannot be obtained at the airport on entry) without hitting anyplace I've already been in 10 years of travelling there.

From my experience traveling from country to country in SA was relatively expensive. It's been a few years so I can't remember how much exactly but it was enough to convince me to take multiple day bus trips instead.

Much like Bahiana said, I spent 2 months in Peru alone and didn't see nearly as much as I wanted to see. Personally, I'd say you should cut your list in half at the very least if you want to get a real taste for any of the countries.

I can say only approximate number.

Fistly, Those countries you are going Are not expensive at all rather Carribbeans or other famous travel destinations.

But....

If You ask Me: Is it comfortable To stay There or are there luxury services whcih make your travel comfortable in those countries? I will answer NO.

The exception will be certainly Brazil and Mexico.

And Also If you want to travel 2 months and in all of those countires, you know there will be a lot of airport charges (+ additional charges) and problems. It can take time sometimes for official things, which becomes frustrating, especially for newbies.

I think it is much better to stay In Mexico And Brazil (Each 1 month - you will not be bored, there are so good places, you will not need another country else)

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by OzDamo:

4) Is all this travelling in 2 months absolutely ridiculous? We are 1st timers

My humble opinion, YES. Are you in a competition to collect passport stamps, or are you looking to have a fun trip? You could easily spend two months in Mexico or Brazil alone. Given the places you want to see, I'd say settle on Brazil and Argentina - the itinerary you propose looks like a flight attendant's work schedule.

Hi OzDamo,

Well, I guess others have already told you, but yes, in my opinion this is way too much for 2 months. You often need to take internal flights just to get around in many of the countries you have listed, so I think you would spend a lot of time/money on flights to try to cover all this. Maybe you could just pick 2 neighboring countries to make things easy on yourself.

I used LAN airlines for internal flights within Peru and had good experiences. I haven't been to all the countries on your list, but would highly recommend Peru because I really loved it there. I think it's also quite easy to get to Bolivia from there.

Good luck!

1. No. You'll probably need to overnight in Guatemala City (or maybe San Salvador), from where you'll have to fly via Panama City (I assume).

2. See my Sig. Get an "All America Airpass". You'll save $$$.

3. If you've an E.U. or USA passport (along with various others) yo won't need any visas.

4. Yes. "a few days" in each country is pretty pointless. Try to narrow things down. You'll save money on the flights, and get a better feeling for each country.

South America Airpasses & Internal Flights Advice

1. Yes it is too much.

3. PROCEDURES FOR OBTAINING ENTRY TOURIST VISA INTO BRAZIL
APPLIES ONLY TO US CITIZENS
ALL TRAVELERS TO BRAZIL ARE REQUIRED TO HOLD A VALID TOURIST VISA
BASIC DOCUMENTATION AND APPLICATION FORM REQUIRED FOR SINGLE-ENTRY INDIVIDUAL TOURIST VISIT VISA:

* US passport that is valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival in Brazil
* A duly filled out and signed visa application form. Click here to print visa application form .
* A photocopy of your round trip ticket to Brazil.
* One passport-sized photograph (2" x 2") in color or black and white, front view, full face, taken against a light background.
* Processing Fee - currently $100.00


http://www.go-today.com/site_gtweb/visa_brazil_popup.htm

Passport Required?
British Yes
Australian Yes
Canadian Yes
USA Yes
Other EU Yes
Visa Required?
British No
Australian Yes
Canadian Yes
USA Yes
Other EU 1
Return Ticket Required?
British Yes
Australian Yes
Canadian Yes
USA Yes
Other EU Yes

Passports
Passports valid for at least six months from date of entry required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

So, if you're a usa citizen, get your visa beforehand.

They say they want a return ticket. If you can show a bus ticket out of the country, maybe you can avoid this.

The other countries, far as I know, are clean. Check them out. Google visas, =country'

Thanks for all the comments. Very Helpful