Hello friends
I just got back from a long trip though Latin America. Pic related.
Ask me anything, I suppose.
>>1127690
What was your method of travel? Did you generally backpack but fly between regions?
How long was the trip?
What was the best part? Worst part?
How was Morelia?
>>1127697
I flew a few times, but everything from Asunción to Lima i did by bus. I got on two overnight buses in Argentina and Bolivia, and one in Cuba. I hated it. When I arrived in Cochabamba at five am in the pouring rain without having slept I swore to never do it again.
I was gone for a total of 7 months.
I liked Bolivia and the southern Andean departments of Peru the most because of the native people. My favorite destinations were La Paz, Potosí, Iguazú, Cusco and Morelia.
No bad parts, but Cuban touts got on my nerves a few times.
Morelia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world in my opinion. Made a few day trips to other parts of the state too. Lovely. Why do you ask?
>>1127690
What was your budget and how much did you end up spending?
Have you gone on any long trips like this before and how did it compare? Trying to choose between SEA and SA.
>>1127716
My budget was 9000 euros and I spent 8500.
This is my first such trip. I should mention I speak Spanish.
How long do you want to travel? Personally I find travelling to become very tiresome very fast if I'm somewhere where I don't speak the language.
Ayyeyuhuaska??
>>1127731
Was there anything you splurged on be it item/food/excursion that was worth it/not worth it?
I speak enough to get by and could get pretty good. This sounds stupid but Asia just seems more exotic to me which kind of ties in with the whole language thing. On the other hand I've heard it makes it easier to make friends with locals in SA where in SEA most people just congregate with other tourists.
Where are you from?
>>1127690
Have you checked for any botflys, since it is common to get when going to that area?
>>1127690
How did you choose your route? Why did you go to paraguay but no chile or brazil?
>>1127738
No. Sounds like a bad idea.
>>1127740
I never really splurged, unless you count a 70 euro flight to skip a 12 hour bus ride in Peru. I did eat duck on my penultimate day in Peru. It was more expensive than I thought it would be. I had to find an ATM to withdraw 10 euros the day after.
So I never really splurged, but I also didn't worry about spending too much. I never sought out the cheapest hotel, I never made a point of eating the cheapest food...
Let me tell you one thing about the Colca Canyon though. They charge gringos 70 soles, which is about 19 euros. I just said I was a Mexican and without asking for ID they dropped the price to 40 soles, about 10,50 euros. The canyon is neat, but I found the Canyon del Sonche near Chachapoyas much better (pic). Colca Canyon had condors though, which was cool. The tour busses from Arequipa arrived when the birds were almost all gone. They were picked up at their hotel at four am to be there in time to see them, but they didn't make it. I only went on a tour when I really needed to: Salar de Uyuni, Che Guevara sights in Vallegrande Bolivia, Kuélap, a choo choo train in Cuba. I think that's it.
I found it very valuable being able to communicate with the locals. I don't normally hang out with other tourists.
I'm from Belgium, Flanders.
>>1127741
Do you mean the parasites? No, actually.
>>1127746
I decided I wanted to go on this trip in fall 2012, so I had lots of time to prepare.
I didn't go to Brazil simply because I didn't find much I considered a must see during my research, also the language.
I didn't go to Chile and didn't stay long in Argentina because they also lack attractions that appeal to me. My main draw to Latin America are the native cultures. Also these countries are not as cheap as Bolivia and Peru.
Paraguay is short on attractions too, but I simply wanted to see the country because of the strange mix of native and European elements, the very interesting history and the proximity to Iguazú.
>>1127690
What is it that attracted you about the native cultures?
Did you went to the Dominican Republic? how was it?
>>1127690
were you robbed?
>>1127762
You know, lost civilizations and stuff.
>>1128001
No.
>>1128006
No. I never witnessed any crime whatsoever.
what is the appeal of latin america? just weed and potheads there and nothing else
>>1128023
And what wonderful destinations do you visit?
Was you working while traveling and if so what did you do?
Did you meet a red haired mulatto who was also travelling during your trip?
We can ask anything? Aight . I'm in Berlin right now, and how should I go about aquiring the gonja? It's purely academic of course. So yea.
did you get zika?
Where did you fly into?
I am considering doing such a trip at the end of the year where I'll do Cuba first and work my way down from Mexico and further south.
I take it you took a common backpacking route in Mexico?
>>1128023
>I don't know anything about Latin America so I'll just assume there's nothing to see
>>1128094
No.
>>1128100
No.
>>1128119
Go to Hasenheide and look for black gentlemen. (or use google)
>>1128149
No. A girl I know who got pregnant did, but she miscarried.
>>1128331
Madrid -> Havana -> Asunción
Lima -> Bogotá -> México
I only spent a week in Colombia because i saved 150 euros in flights. I didn't plan to at first. Interjet only recently started flying between Mexico and Lima. I recommend this airline.
>I take it you took a common backpacking route in Mexico?
I just did my own thing. Backpackers are a rare sight in Campeche and Michoacán, but Yucatán and Guanajuato are totally overrun by them.
So my impression is that you did a more "pedestrian" tour and stayed in hotels and such, not quite the rough-back-packing experience? If so, how did you manage 7 months in hotels? Sounds unrealistic.
>>1128119
Go to Gorlitzer park. If someone doesn't try to sell you weed within the first 10 seconds on walking in, you're probably wearing a police uniform
>>1129320
No alcohol, no clubs, no friends.
I see no need to rough it and stay in hostels when a good hotel with TV, a clean warm shower and wifi costs you 10 euros in Peru and Bolivia. I stayed in hostels in Paraguay and Argentina, I hated it, so in Mexico, where things got expensive again, I stayed in private rooms if hostels were really necessary. Also, as I mentioned earlier, I almost never went on a tour. It's always cheaper if you do it on your own. And finally, I stayed over 4 months in Bolivia and Peru, the cheapest of the bunch.
>>1129501
That's interesting. I'm someone that drinks no alcohol,doens't "party", or do any drugs (including alcohol). Do you think for a near autismo such as myself be ok in places like Peru and Bolivia? Did anyone ever target you or make you feel uncomfortable? What about threats of muggings or suspecious activity? Peru and Bolivia are top destinations for me by the way.
>>1129983
As I said Peru and Bolivia have cheap hotels with every luxury you may or may not need for 10 euros or less. No dorms required!
Do you speak Spanish? If so things will be much easier for you and spaghetti should remain in your pockets. I get very tired if I'm in a country where I don't speak the language, but Latin America was no problem for me.
As I said I never witnessed any crime, though that might be in part due to me staying indoors at night.
I never felt uncomfortable by the locals. You'll meet touts in Cusco and Nazca, but you should just say no politely, they'll leave you alone.
Something I find a bit difficult as a socially awkward person is finding food. However in Peru and Bolivia this is no problem. You can go to the covered markets and have a cheap meal there. Or find a cheap looking restaurant that says "hay desayuno/almuerzo/menu". Latin Americans tend to eat at different hours than we do, so you'll have a cheap restaurant all to yourself with fast service. There's also street food.
As for Peru you should be aware of iPerú offices in most major cities. Any tourism related question you might have, no matter how specific, they will answer you. You can mail them too. Upon arrival in the airport of Lima you'll see one, you should pick up the booklets for every destination you plan to visit. Of course I will also answer your questions as long as this thread lives.
>>1127756
Didn't you find Ouro Preto attractive enough?
Anyway, how is Jesuit reduction in Paraguay/Argentina - both attractions and touristical infrastructure?
>>1129994
Was there any country in general that you felt there were too many tourists? Or is it still relatively easy to get off the beaten path?
>>1127690
You don't seem to care about drug tourism, but have you nevertheless had any experience with people engaging in it?
>>1130110
Too far away from where I was.
>>1130137
Yes, Cuba. In Mexico tourists gather in a few places which you can easily avoid, such as Cancún, Los Cabos, Puerta Vallarta, San Cristobál de las Casas., San Miguel de Allende...
So of the placed I've been to I'd suggest you avoid Vallodolid and Guanajuato in Mexico, La Candelaria in Bogotá Colombia, Nazca and Arequipa in Peru, the region around Tilcara in Argentina.
But don't avoid Cusco because it's great. In fact, you shouldn't really avoid any of these places, there's a reason why there are so many tourists (except La Candelaria), and yes, it is easy to get off the beaten path.
>>1130451
No. Apart from a few guys in Cusco trying to sell me weed.
>>1130490
And how was the Jesuit Reductions?
Welcome to the Magic Island of Florianopolis, in Brazil.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l1HsjGVYIis
>>1130501
Woops, sorry, didn't mean to ignore that part. I didn't visit ruins on the Argentinian side. Those on the Paraguayan side are very beautiful, easily reachable by public transportation and have free guide service. There's a restaurant on site, a small museum, a few inactive souvenir vendors... Worth a visit.
>>1130536
Isn't that basically just a party Island? Go away normie. REEE
>>1130580
FYI, /trv/ has never been an aspie board.
What were some cool wildlife encounters? Did you eat any llama or guinea pig? Pet any anacondas or giant tarantulas?
Hey OP, can you advise a 24 year old American who's considering a solo trip to south america? I get two week vacations from work pretty often and thought a trip south could be nice. Unfortunately, I don't speak Spanish (willing to try to learn though) and have minimal international travel experience. My favorite type of thing to do is just wander around places on foot, exploring parks and cafes and historical sights and the like, though outdoorsy stuff and scooter/bike/motorbike riding is great also. If you were me, where would you go?
Did you go to the shithole called Brazil? What did you think about it?
Yeah, i'm from BR.
>>1130590
I did eat lama and guinea pig (cuy). Lama meat is nothing special, but cuy is. It's quite delicious, however it's also expensive and there's not a lot of meat you can scrape of the bones.
There's a cool spot in Cusco with a lama and some alpacas which you can feed, pet, take your picture with... From the plaza de armas head southeast into an alleyway called Loreto to the left of a church. The alleyway connects to a street called Pampa de Castillo. You should see a small field with some alpacas and some vendors.
The condor you see a few posts up is in an animal sanctuary near Cusco on the way to Pisac.
>>1130597
Two weeks is a bit short, but I'd say you fly to Lima, check out the Ballesta islands (pic related) near Paracas and Pisco. You shouldn't actually stay in Paracas though. Go to Pisco, spend a night there, check out the islands in the morning and return to Lima for a flight to Cusco. Watch out for altitude sickness as you'll suddenly find yourself at very high altitude. You can also travel by bus, but I don't recommend it. In Cusco and Urubamba I personally spent 10 days, but you can easily do with less. I didn't see Machu Picchu. Then you could go to Puno and continue into Bolivia. Travel though Copacabana for amazing views of lake Titicaca. If you have time and interest you could do a tour to the island of the sun. I did that, but didn't go to any islands on the Peruvian side as recommended by my guide book. Finally you arrive in La Paz. Make sure you get on the telefericos. Maybe you can squeeze Nazca and Arequipa into this itinerary. Judging by the outdoorsy stuff you describe I wager you'd enjoy sandboarding in Huacachina.
>>1130625
No.
What south american countries do you recommend in Dec-Feb? Cheaper the better
>>1131428
Huh. I thought cui (local spelling) was pretty greasy and unpleasant. To each his own, I guess.
>>1131559
That's the rainy season. Beware. The Salar de Uyuni is much more beautiful when it's covered with water, or so I've heard. I was unfortunate to see it dry, which was in december. Bolivia is cheap, Peru is cheap. Flying there is not as cheap as to Mexico. I don't know where you're from, but also for Europeans flying to Mexico (Cancún) is cheaper than to South America.
>>1132046
I'm from the USA. I was planning to start my trip in September in Peru and explore Peru/Bolivia by early December. I heard Colombia is fine in December and I also would like to go there but it's out of the way. The country itself is affordable for me but I'm a bit iffy on spending 5-6$ on a round trip ticket from Bolivia to Colombia, seems a convoluted route, since I also want to go to Argentina. I dont know. Any ideas? Dont really want to delay the trip.
>>1127704
>but Cuban touts got on my nerves a few times
1 Egyptian tout = 10 Turkish tout = 20 Cuban touts
>>1132125
India is not that bad for touts. YMMV, but they tend to take no for an answer and leave once they get the point you're not giving them money.
In my experience, Arabs tend to get angry when you decline a sale, yet are aggressively persistent. Egypt and Morocco are the only places I've had touts follow me for several minutes, try to stand in my way to stop me, tug on my clothes and holler and shout.
>>1132130
I ran at one point and they unashamedly chased me.
>>1132099
Cheaper the better? Then just go to Peru or Bolivia. There's loads to keep you entertained for half a year for little money.
But it depends on you.
>>1132125
>>1132130
>>1132144
Not to sound sarcastic, but I'd be interested if someone made a tout thread. I don't want to go anywhere with touts worse than Cuba. I absolutely hated Morocco.
Could you recommend Paraguay? Besides your interest in indigenous cultures is there any reason to go?
>>1132802
Ciudad Del Este is a bit interesting as it's a huge supermarket for Brazilians basically. The Jesuit missions near Encarnación are also cool. The country has a very interesting history.
Paraguay is not a must visit country by any means You can find waterfalls, jesuit ruins and German colonies elsewhere. But if you're around then sure, go ahead, just stay out of Asunción.
>>1127690
How was your stay in Colombia?
>>1127690
I can take a 1 month trip, how do I choose between Bolivia and Peru? I really like seeing a places natural beauty but how do you actually do it? I assume you can't just stroll into the rainforest.
>>1133037
I actually didn't plan on going to Colombia, however directly flying from Peru to Mexico would be 150 euros more expensive than going through Bogotán, so I just figured I'd stay a week. Nowadays though, the Mexican company Interjet flies to Lima at a ridiculously low cost of 150 euros.
>>1133095
I don't know man, look up what both countries have to offer and choose what appeals to you most. Peru has way more precolombian sites, but Bolivia has the salt flat of Uyuni as well as some Che Guevara related sights.
Both countries have beautiful nature, but that's not my top priority and I got a bit paranoid about malaria and dengue, so I never actually go into the rainforest. You can easily go to places like Iquitos or Puerto Maldonado and look at tours there.
Good thread OP very informative, anyway a friend and I are traveling to SA for a few months from september, we're both young guys who speak some spanish. Nothing is booked yet but we're landing in Quito then traveling to Galapagos then back to Ecuador and down through Peru, Bolivia and final going down through Argentina then back up to chile and leaving from Santiago. How does this trip sound to you? Where would you recommend going and staying in these countries and what should we see, I like everything but i particularly like nature and impressive sceneries etc. Any reason you didn't see machu pichu? Finally does about 6k euro seem enough for such a trip lasting about 100 days (not including flights to the continent)?
>>1133120
Sounds like a plan. As I said nature is not my top priority but rather ancient culture. My favorite landscapes along your route were the Canyon del Sonche near Chachapoyas, from the top top of Pisac near Cusco (take a taxi to Pisac and walk down), the Colca Canyon, from the pampa de Quinua near Ayacucho, the area around Sillustani near Puno, the whole canyon between Jujuy and La Quiaca in Argentina, the Iguazu falls and the salar de Uyuni obviously. La Paz as seen from El Alto and the telefericos is perhaps my favorite scenery. They say you should take the train between Uyuni and Oruro for beautiful vieuws, but my route took me elswhere. Also San Pedro de Atacama I suppose, but I didn't go to Chile. Pic is Posadas Argentina as seen from Encarnación Paraguay.
Your budget will stretch further if you limit your time in Argentina and Chile and if you don't party too much. The Galapagos is said to be expensive, the cheap man's Galapagos are called the Ballesta islands in the Ica department of Peru. 6000 euro should be more than enough for 3 months. However, I don't know your travel habits. Also, is that 6000 per person or for the two of you?
I did not see Machu Picchu because I didn't feel like spending a ton of money for it. The train alone is 125USD. I fist thought the price was in soles so I thought that was a reasonable price. The dude couldn't contain his laughter when I shockingly said "oh, wait a minute, did you say dollars?". Entrance to the ruins is an additional 35 euros or so, plus about 10 euros for a bus ride to the entrance, unless you want to make an uphill climb for a few hours. There are cheaper ways. For 120USD you can go on a 'Machu Picchu by car' tour, but it involves very little sleep, a whole lot of walking (at that altitude I didn't feel like walking) and hairspin turns during a seven hour ride. Alternatively you can do it on your own without a tour, or you can walk for 10 hours from Ollantaytambo, supposedly a dangerous trek.
How long did you stay in the respective countries, and did you find it was enough time or did you feel you missed out on some things?
>>1133352
Cuba: two and a half weeks, could have done with a week less
Paraguay: one week which was okay
Argentina: a week and a half. Of course Argentina is huge and has a lot to see. I could have stayed one or several months there, but I chose not to. It's more expensive than other more interesting countries.
Bolivia: three weeks and a half, which was okay.
Peru: three months and a half, this should have been more than enough, but I got distracted and missed out on things like Trujillo and Caral.
Colombia: a week. Same as for Argentina basically, not that interested in this particular country.
Mexico: five weeks. There is enough in Mexico to keep you entertained for maybe five months, but this country is quite expensive and very western, this shouldn't be a bad thing, but when I go to Latin America I don't want to see an American chain on every corner.
Pic: Latin Americans don't quite have the same understanding of time.
>>1127704
>Morelia is one of the most beautiful cities in the world in my opinion
You´re damn right.
Thats my hometown
>>1133428
Hello OP.Thanks for the information it's very useful.
I'm currently planing a 2 months travel to South America
(Paraguay-Uruguay-Argentina-Chile).I speak Spanish
and have been in Paraguay already (Lived in Asuncion for a year).
Love guarani culture and language, I hope you visited the museo mitologico
Ramon Elias in capiata and the clay museum in Asu.I would like some budget
and traveling baggage tips, if you don't mind please send me a kik.
>>1133219
Awesome thanks heaps, the 6000 is individual so i guess we should be set.
