Hi and thank you all for all the travel details. Sometimes I feel I'm traveling with you.
Me and my wife are planning a trip to Argentina and Chile late this year (26-27th december) for 2-3 weeks.
We would like to visit the main capitals (Santiago and Buenos Aires), Patagonia and any other places worth visiting and that are not a significant detour.
We want to plan the trip ourselves and then use internal flights, bus, train and rental cars. Is this safe? Speaking spanish is no problem for us.
Which itinerary would you recommend? Also, as we will spend new year eve travelling, probably Buenos Aires would be a nice place to be. Any suggestion?
Thanks!
ricky
Argentina and Chile
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2-3 weeks seems like a long time but both countries are huge and travelling between places can take a very long time. The bus services are truly excellent and a great, economical way of getting around. 1st class fares are around 1/3 of teh cost of an air ticket and most long journeys are sceduled overnight thus saving money (on accomodation) and vacation time.
Rental cars are comparatively expensive but provide a tremendous amount of freedom and are the best way to see more of the country in the time available. Roads in Argentina, away from the cities are often just dirt tracks but this just adds to the fun
I didn't stay long in Santiago so can't really comment but would definitely be happy spending New Year in BA.
Ignoring climate issues at that time of year, highlights for me in Argentina part from BA included, Salta and the North West, Iguazu falls, the seven lakes area around San Martin. Peninsula Valdes was great but it is a "significant detour" as you put it and I am not sure that the whales will be there in Dec. We spent much less time in Chile but loved Valparaiso and Pucon and its environs.
Here is a link to our blog which provides more deatil and lots of photos. Chile and Argentina star at entry#65
I think the El Calafate/El Chalten region of Patagonia is absolutely stunning with its glaciers, mountains and lakes. If your time permits, I recommend going there, but I would fly. It's just too far via bus, comfy as they may be....
Iguazu Falls is also a "must-see" and I loved the Salta/NW region.
In Chile, I could have spent several days in Valparaiso - loved it. I also enjoyed the overnight/2 day bus/boat trip from Puerto Varas to Bariloche.