Hi
Next year I am going travelling in South America for 6 months from July to December. I have been reading a lot of books and blogs but am struggling to work out when to go where!
We haven't booked any flights yet, but are thinking that it might be good to do that soon as they will only get more expensive!
Where is the best place to start, taking into account the weather, and where should we look to end the trip? We're keen to enjoy some nice weather when we're out there but the guides are quite confusing on when is good to go to which country!
We quite fancy maybe a week in the US to ease ourselves into the travelling thing. Is this a good idea or should we just dive in? Is there anywhere else worth visiting briefly on the way?
Also, do many people bother with the Guyanas and Suriname? Is it worth our while, with 6 months only, to visit these countries?
Previously, we've been to Guatemala, Mexico and Belize - should we try to do more of Central America at the same time?
Any help and advice massively appreciated!
Reply to this I would recommend just diving in. Six months might seem like a lot but in a continent as big as South America it goes very quickly. We spent 10 months in South America and didn't have even time for the Guinas, Surinam, Brazil and Venezuela.
I would recommend starting in Peru, Colombia or Ecuador at that time of year. Perhaps Colombia would be best, then you could work your way south. Patagonia is a must see and the best time for it would be November/December towards the end of your trip.
Reply to this Thanks for your post Barry!
Another question I have is the language. I have done a beginner's Spanish course in preparation for the trip. Will I be able to get by with this or will it be a struggle?
Reply to this I've just realised that it's your girlfriend's blog I have been reading the last few lunchtimes! Top stuff and very useful!
Can I ask how much your trip to Easter Island cost?
Reply to this In touristy places in most Latin American countries you will find people who speak some English. I think Colombia is the exception, as outside of Cartagena we met very few English speakers. It can take a while to get used to the speed of how people speak in Chile, and the accents in Argentina but everywhere else it's fairly clear.
Easter ISland cost us 600 USD each. I would advise booking this as far in advance as possible as it quickly fills up and hence the price rises too. Easter ISland can be an expensive place to stay, so if you're trying to save money I'd recommend camping - see my blog for details.
Reply to this you might be fine with the beginners course but i recommend you do another spanish course ! before ! you go if you have the availability of one at a reasonable price.
alternativly you could do a course in somewhere like Quito, Ecuador for example.
"getting by" is one thing but i assume you want to enjoy yourself.. its going to be a bit of struggle sometimes anyway with local slang etc..., but you will enjoy it a lot more with some more spanish
and as far as time is concerned, heres my two cents:
i think 6 months is quite a short time for doing all of south america & central america.
you need to ask yourself how much you want to know and enjoy each country you visit. i for example am travelling about 6 countries in 8 months and i can tell you, i wish i had more time.
i expected to be 4 weeks in ecuador and i was 7 weeks there and stil didnt see all of the places i would have liked to. (and its one of the smaller countries!!).. also i met a couple going the other way and they passed through ecuador in just 3 days because they had to catch a flight in some country further on... after 7 weeks there, that 3 days seems like not really visiting ecuador at all.
heres nothing like having the freedom to hang around for a little while because , after all, you may never return there again. (and especially if the weather is nice! )
hope this helps.
matt
currently getting roasted in mancora, peru hehe
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