funkey_monkey

I'm looking to spend 3 weeks in SA. I've been before twice, taking in the gringo trail in Peru and then travelling from Santiago de Chile down into Patagonia (taking in the Chilean lakelands in Puerto Varas and then into Argentina to El Calalfate and over into BA, Colonisa del Sacramento and Iguazu Falls.

Where can I go now for 3 weeks? I've read that Uruguay and Paragury are boring/not overly safe for a solo traveller. What options does this give me?

It look like back into BA and westwards into Northern Chile and then into Boliva. Is this correct?

I'm not interested in Brazil at the minute.


Thanks.

crellston

What time of year are you planning on going as this could have a big effect on any recomendations?

funkey_monkey

Late on - October / November time possibly into early December.

GSTOCOVAZ

November would be the latest to visit the north of Argentina due to the high temperatures and rain, that might take you around 10 days in all.
You could also visit Mendoza for adventure and wineries and Puerto Madryn for whale watching.

GSTOCOVAZ

You could also go to Ushuaia, there are several activities there and there is also a 3/4 days interesting expedition cruise.

thursdaysd

"You could also go to Ushuaia" - no doubt GSTOCOVAZ would be happy to sell you one of his tours to Ushaia.

That's a bit late for the Andes, when I went I that time of year I concentrated on Patagonia, but you've already done that. You could consider Ecuador. BTW, there are parts of Montevideo that are dodgy, at least at night, but otherwise I think Uruguay is quite safe, and it has better beef than Argentina if you're a carnivore.

GSTOCOVAZ

Dear thursdaysd,
I believe that there is no need of your comment, you know nothing about us. I have visited all my country and I know what I am talking about. I am only giving suggestions to the couple that have posted their interest. I do not need to argue with you, or show my experience and expertise in the matter, that is not the point of this fórum. If they find interesting the information that I have posted, they know where to find us.

thursdaysd

@GSTOCOVAZ - it is always useful to know when information is being posted by someone with a professional interest in it. Around here we like people to mention it upfront.

crellston

If you are happy to revisit BA then I would spend a few days there be for heading off to Salta spend a few days in the city before renting a car and drive a circuit of the north west, ideally over a week Cachi, Cafayate, Purmarca, Chicoana all have a lot going for them and the scenery is amongst the most spectacular in South America. If you are not comfortanpbel driving yourself ( although it is a very pleasant drive) you could always hire a driver guide. Angie Valdez, who knows the area well sometimes posts here as Flintstones. If you like wine, the Cafayate has some great vineyards which also make for stunning placed to stay.

The time of year you are considering would be ideal.

For more info and photos of the region, see my blog http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/1/tpod.html entries 75 on cover this region.

From Salta I would head north into Bolivia to El Quiaca , cross the border into Villazon and then it is only a 90 min drive to Tupiza, a nice town in its own right and worth a few days. The main reason however is to take a tour to Salar de Uyuni, one of the most spectacular places I have ever visited. More info on another blog
http://blog.travelpod.com/travel-blo...ai/6/tpod.html. Entries 30 onwards

You could either return to salta via Tupiza for your trip home or onto La Paz.

unlike GST I would not recommend Puerto Madryn. The whales are amazing but it is just to much of a detour. I would also not bother with Mendoza. We spent a few days there and felt it just did not live up to the hype.

I agree with Thursdays comments re Uruguayan beef and safety, I liked Colonia and Montevideo but would not make a special effort to return.

As an aside, I totally agree with you Thursdaysd re tour operators posting on these forum. It really is getting tedious and I wish Fodors would return to ten old system of simply not allowing commercial participation in the forums.

funkey_monkey

Thanks for the replies. I am still unsure of what to do. My plan was based on flying into BA and flying home from La Paz/Lima/Quito.

I'm an active person but like a nice mix of activities (hiking, cycling, etc), history, and relaxing/people watching.

I've not found many itineraries on my initial searches of Google. Any suggestions are much appreciated.

In regards to Colonia, I thought it was a nice place which was ruined by ther endless restaurants and cafes which were operating in the historical part. It was also very crowded.

As it seems there is nothing to do in Uruguay and Paraguay, then I'm scrubbing them from any proposed itinerary.

As I'm travelling solo, I am not sure iof I want to hire a car for this trip - I think I'd prefer internal flights/buses and public transport.



Thanks.

thursdaysd

I traveled solo and managed fine. Combo of planes, buses and boats. Click on my name for my TR - Rio to Saniago via Patagonia.