Suzanna

Hi:

I will be in BA during the second part of May. I am considering spending 4 nights in Chile. We love mountains, small villages with local "colour", particularly after BA. Should we consider Santiago and surroundings or fly to some other city, considering the weather towards the end of May?

Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

LizzyF

Fly to Bariloche as it is the most beautiful place, set on a large lake and surrounded by the Andes Mountains. There are many small hotels on the lake or even B&Bs out along the lake side and not in town at really great prices. Take the local buses to other lovely villages and towns or over the Andes into Chile for about $15

Graziella5b

True is a very nice trip. Cost of $15 corresponds to modern buses, ac etc between Bariloche and Puerto Varas or Puerto Mont in Chile. To Santiago is more expensive of course.

Suzanna

Thanks for the advice. Isn't it very cold at the end of May in the Lakes region? It seems that average temperatures during that time are close to freezing.

Graziella5b

I am not sure, it is Spring , early May I suppose should be ok. We did it in December one year that it was very very cold and it was just fine.

Suzanna

We will be there at the end of May. If there is someone local or someone who was there at the end of May, I'd appreciate the feedback. I do not know if there is a rainy season and if so, if it usually includes the end of May.

Luisah

I'm following this with interest. I will be in Bariloche in early March and am wondering how cold it will be -- what type of clothing to bring. I think BA and Santiago will be fine, probably a sweater or lightweight jacket will do, but I'm a bit anxious about the lake district.

Huentetu

The lake districts of both Argentina and Chile are very pleasant in March and, usually, April. May is Autumn (not Spring) but should be alright in most areas. April has traditionally supposed to bring showers but this has not been true for a couple of years in Chile at least, and more rain drops this side of the Andes.
Bariloche always has more extreme weather because of its geographic location. You can get cold fronts even in the summer (Jan/Feb) but they are less likely at that time of year.
In late May you might consider the north of Argentina or Chile, which both have warm weather at that time of year. You have to rethink the 'south is warmer' and replace it with 'the north is warmer' when you travel in the Southern Hemisphere.
The Salta area of Argentina is very interesting with its own special scenery and the dry desert around San Pedro de Atacama in Chile offers plenty of things to do.

Suzanna

Thanks a lot Huentetu. I checked the average temperatures under History & Almanac at http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/...e%2C+argentina. But I could not figure out how to "interpret" what I saw in the context of what one can do in that whole area when it is cold. Based on what I see, probably I will have to come back another time, to really enjoy the surroundings.

mistadobalina

You may want to consider Northern Chile, particularly the Atacama desert. It is near the equator, so the time of year is not nearly as big a deal as the south. There are plenty of activities possible, and the natural beauty is amazing.

Huentetu

I think so. The main activities are boat trips on lake Nahuel Huapi, trekking or visiting the surrounding area. If it is cold and rainy it won't be so much fun. December through March is usually fine, but that area has its own private weather system. later in the year there is skiing if you enjoy that. The season usually starts in June.
Have a look at the Salta area in northern Argentina, which has a lot of what you are looking for.
http://tinyurl.com/2w6jv3

LizzyF

Whilst I agree that the weather won't be that wonderful in Bariloche in May it is not too cold and I spent my time there in May and just wore my down filled jacket it we went out and most of the time it was unbuttoned. The reason I suggested Bariloche and surrounds is that the op said she liked mountains and cute villages and Bariloche and surrounds certainly fits the bill with those.

joode

Bariloche is just like a small Swiss village even complete with chocolate shops to die for! It was one of the high spots on our recent trip to Sth America including a beautiful trip into Chile crossing 3 lakes by ferry with short bus trips inbetween each lake. This crossing can be done in a day but we stayed in Puella, a very small village in a beautiful valley about half way.
We were there in November 2007 (supposed to be Summer) and it was quite cold on just one day, about 1 deg. celsius, other than that day it was quite pleasant though you needed a light jacket such polar fleece or similar.
Santiago is a lovely city but is just like other big modern cities - I'd go for Bariloche any day!