Hi,
I will be spending 3 months in Buenos Aires but after that I was thinking of taking a bus across Argentina into Chile and then up the Chilean coast crossing into Bolivia and then into Peru before flying to Panama and taking buses through Central America. I do have a list of cities to stop in in each country but was wondering what everyone else thinks.
Also, while in Argentina I plan on taking frequent trips into Uruguay, around Argentina etc.
I've heard the bus trip from BA to Mendoza is about 15-18 hours and the bus trip from Santiago to Arica is about 30. Does that sound right? How are the buses there? would you recommend another way of traveling? are there any sketchy border crossings i should know about?
ANY information would be very very much appreciated!!!
Reply to this Instead of flying from Peru to Panama, i´d recommend you travel overland through Ecuador and Colombia if you have time as both countries are great to visit and as safe as any other in SA. You can then fly or take a boat from Colombia.
Those bus times sound about right. Buses in Chile and especially Argentina are high quality and good value. Look for cama buses for the overnight trips.
The worst border crossings are in to Chile, as you almost always have long delays, the Chilean customs take their jobs very seriously.
Reply to this Thanks!!!!
I would travel overland through Ecuador and Colombia but I traveled around Ecuador last summer when I was volunteering and I've heard some disquieting stories at the border crossings between Ecuador and Colombia and Colombia into the eastern part of Panama. Although I would absolutely love to spend time in Colombia because I've heard the people and food are great, but I will probably fly just to save time and soothe my already nervous parents' nerves.
How long are the delays at the border crossing into Chile from Argentina? are we talking hours?
Reply to this Sometimes, yes. longest we had was 4 hours between mendoza and santiago.
Reply to this Hey - I just did Mexico down to Chile (not that my embarassingly out of date blog tells that story ... yet). I missed Panama, Venezula and Brazil - all I hear are wonderful.
My best places, in no particular order are:
- Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
- Havana, Cuba
- Earth Lodge, Guatemala
- Lake Aitalin, Guatemala
- Raggamuffin Boat Trip, Belize
- Taganga, Columbia
- Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
- Inca Trail (proper), Peru (book 6 months in advance)
- Salt Flats, Bolivia
- Mendoza, Argentina
- Buenos Aires, Argentina
Also just to clarify too - the bus from BA to Mendoza is about 12 hours. Buses are great in Argentina and Chile - just book while you're there. Heaps of companies to choose from, sometimes they serve wine, have bus bingo etc! I only went on Cama once - semi-cama for all other trips - I personally think that Cama (posher, seats that recline more) are overrated. But if the price difference isn't much, then go for it! Also worth clarifying inclusions in terms of food etc.
The biggest delays on borders I experienced were between San Pedro de Atacaman and Salta (when the pass was closed for 4 hours due to snow) - sounds like the same thing that happened to Barry going from Mendoza to Santiago. Other slow borders were Nicaragua to Costa Rica - lots of people and long lines and Peru to Bolivia - pure chaos!
You're about to have the time of your life! Enjoy!!
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