BootsnAll Travel Community

Hello,

In November I'm planning on going across SA by land, starting in Lima (only for a couple of days, I haven't heard good things) , to Cusco (for Macchu Pichu), then Bolivia , Paraguay, into Rio , to Iguazu (3 days), then into Buenos Aires, and down to Patagonia. Finishing in Santiago.

I've planned to go to Easter Island, as I can't think of another time I'll have the opportunity, but if I didnt go, I would have an extra 2 weeks across the mainland.

Does this sound like a workable basic itinerary? And is there anything you think I'd be really missing out on here? Is Easter Island worth it?

Also, I'm aware that in November it is rainy season in Peru/Bolivia. I'm a little concerned about bus trips over the Andes, how dangerous are they really? (r.e. coming off the road). With the roads potentially being more slippery I'm having a few jitters about it.

Cheers for any help.

Sounds like a great journey.
Each country you mentioned is different.
Paraguay is very quiet and laid back, like a time warp. Bolivia is unspoilt and beautiful.
I've never been sure about Easter Island. It's a place like anywhere else, I suppose, plus the stone heads, that's you've seen on pictures. It's quite expensive though.
November through Feb is rainy season in Peru/Bolivia. That's means you might need to slow down. Some roads are usually impassable.
Normally the bus trips are safe, but in the rain season you can't be sure if you get there. It's an adventure.

I just did Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, and Ecuador in 3 months. I didn't hit nowhere near all the places I wanted to. You could do it but it might be a little rushed. I prefer to spend longer in places.

Cheers, thats what I'm thinking to be honest.

I'm pretty sure now that I'm going to lengthen my time in South America, still doing the same itinerary, but just with more time to fully appreciate the place rather than rush through. I'm reckoning on allowing 5-6 months for it, this would seem more reasonable yes?

I'd say 4 months will cover just the basic highlights of the places you mentioned. 6 would give you a much better look. The route itself should be fine, the only problems being that it will be rainy season in the Central Andes like you mentioned, and you'll be hitting Patagonia at the end of summer, and should be prepared for some cold, snowy days.

Cheers, as regards my original question - are buses safe in the Central Andes in the rainy season? That's really my main concern.

I'm trying to think of ways around it, such as do South America first (starting in September) then Central America, rather than the other way round, but my main issue with that is that I speak very little Spanish, and was hoping to get lessons in Guatemala, where I'm presuming it will be cheaper than in Peru (although to be fair I've not researched prices in Peru).

The main advantages of doing that though would be hitting Peru/Bolivia just before the rains, and also hopefully getting Patagonia towards the middle of summer.

Any ideas?

I remember getting into a big discussion/argument about bus safety in Peru last year on BnA. I said they were safe, the other guy said they weren't. I'd rather not argue anymore, but my opinion is this: It's safer to fly, and taking buses in the Peruvian/Bolivian mountains in the rainy season is more dangerous than driving at home, but I still don't think it's dangerous enough that you should avoid it altogether. There were a lot of bus accidents in Peru last year, but there's also hundreds of buses on the roads every night. Going during the day would certainly make things even safer.

As for changing your route, it would make more sense because you'd be in the mountains at the end of the dry season and in Patagonia during the summer. The only problem, like you said is the Spanish lessons. I can't help you on prices, but I doubt it's a lot more expensive in Peru than in Guatemala, and if you can wait until Bolivia, it will almost certainly be even cheaper.

Well, it looks like its going to have to be a November start in Lima, but I have got 5 months now rather than 3.

So December in Bolivia. It will be raining. It might not be ideal, but will it still be possible to go to the salt flats and/or go down into the Amazon Basin? Both are potential highlights, and I'd be very disappointed to miss out.

I went to Uyuni in November 2005 and didn't get any rain. I was in the Amazon in May and June 2006 and had a few downpours, but nothing catastrophic. I went to the edge of the jungle again in May 2007 and experienced almost daily rain, of the drizzle variety. I know that doesn't help you much, but in any event, Uyuni and Rurrenabaque are the two places you shouldn't skip if it's your first time in Bolivia.

Cheers. I think I'll just bite the bullet and head off in November. By the way djperry, your site is fantastic! It will be a great source of information to me in the upcoming months.

Thanks, just let me know if you need more info.

Re Spanish lessons - I checked the prices last Jan in Sucre, Bolivia. The going price was US$ 6 for one-on-one lessons. Besides, the language schools are well established and they can assist you with practicalities like finding accom (if you're not staying at a hostal).

And besides being cheap, Sucre is a nice place. Warm and sunny year round, great local people, and lots of ex pats to befriend if you so please.

Cheers for the research, I'll definitely look into it.

Also, I was speaking to trailfinders today, and they said that as I'm intending to be in SA for over 90 days, they've had to book me as leaving on the 90th day on my RTW, then when I get into Lima I can change this.

Now, thats not too much hassle, but it will involve incurring fees for changing flights. I was just checking if this is normal, because it seems wierd that I'm going to have to pay to change a flight, even though I want it later at the moment.

Hi, another quick question. I've now got 7 months in South America (woohoo).

It is an ambition of mine to ascend (or at least attempt) a sizable summit while there. Any recommendations? I've no mountaineering experience, but am reasonably fit.

I think Aconcagua might be slightly out of reach, but I'd be happy to be told otherwise. I was considering either Huayna Potosi or Cotapaxi.

Huayna Potosi and Cotopaxi are your two best bets on the continent if you want to climb something really high and don't have any experience.