CENTRAL & South AMERICA!!

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.

How is the bus system from country to country in Central America? I was attempting to go from Panama to Guatemala by bus but I'm not sure how economical and physically feasible that is. Should I just give up the idea and fly from country to country? Are there any sketchy border crossings? What cities should I definitely stop in?

I've been researching travel guides so I have several cities in mind but I'd like to hear from more people and those who have traveled there recently or know people who have.

Also, as of now I will most likely be traveling alone and may stick out as I'm Asian American (i spent a month in a town near Quito last summer and felt out of place and sort of like a spectacle as people would stop and stare and say the spanish word for "Chinese" all the time) should I take any extra precautions or are there any cities I should avoid??

ANY information would be really fantastic and greatly appreciated!!!!! Reply to this

When I was in Central and South America, I found the best way to get around is by bus. The routes are extensive and the busses go frequently. Also it is inexpensive.

I have never heard of prejudice against the Chinese by C and S Americans. Although, if they mistake you for being of an indiginious Indian tribe that may cause prejudice. I think they are very much discriminated against. So much so that they often change their names to more Spanish or Portuguese sounding names. I am not sure if there is any danger of violence or not. I think most of it is to do with education and employment opportunities. If people are just staring but not threatening, then I would try to get used to it. You are being stared at in S. America. I am being stared at someplace else. It is often just a part of travelling. My sister is over 6 feet tall with long red hair. She used to gather crowds of starers in China. :D

Everybody should take precautions in C and S America. Robberies with weapons are something that happens. Do not show any valuables when you are walking around. Keep your camera hidden and dont even wear fake gold coloured jewelery. Dont wear designer shades and keep money in a money belt under your clothes. Avoid walking in isolated places both in and out of towns and cities. Reply to this

We´ve travelled from Panama City to Guatemala by bus over the last 7 weeksand found the buses in Central America to be, in general, very poor. If you want to go to any off the beaten track areas you´ll almost inevitably be in a chicken bus. The first time is fun, after that it´s a chore!

There are first class services between capital cities, and expensive tourist shuttles between major tourist centres if you dont fancy the chicken buses.

I think every gringo no matter where they are from stands out in Latin America so i wouldnt worry about that so much.

Regarding safety, we´ve had no problems in either South or Central America. The capital cities in Central America have a bad reputation, but again we didn't see anything to warrent this. Outside capitals things are generally fine. Reply to this

Hi Jillian,
Yes Ticabus is a good option if you need to make time and are woried about the boarder crossings. You can do it all on the local chicken busses and most likley you will meet someone to travel with when here. I have been living in El Salvador since 1994 so if you need specific infrmation about this country feel free to write here or directly. If and when you do come to El Salvador don't miss Suchitoto(where I have been living and working for the last 10 years. ) Also check out Perquin, Juayua, Alegria and the beaches on the west coast(surfing but a cool bohemian area as well). For more travel information and great links to everything check ou The Other El Salvador and for Travel information about where I live, Suchitoto and if you want to see what I have been doing here check out our project web at Palo Alto Friends Meeting El Salvador Projects.
Ok then get ready for a great trip and if you do come to Suchitoto be sure to look me up. Everyone here know me as Roberto El Gringo. I would also recommend you join the Couch Surfing community Reply to this