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For lots of reasons we haven't been advance planners this year, so here we are in Nov. with no plans for our usual Jan/Feb 2 month max jaunt to warmer climes.
Just thought I'd see if I could get some inspiration/suggestions from Fodorites.
We've done Panama twice, CR 3x, and Mexico (several locations) several times as well.
We could go back and explore some of those again or do something new. We're in shape active geezers who like hiking, birding, nature but also urban pleasures like good food and interesting architecture, history, culture. We've seen a bit of Ecuador and Peru, but no more of South America. Am tempted by Colombia, Argentina, Chile.
We speak a little Spanish and like to practice it/go to classes. We also appreciate the lesser cost of visiting south . . We're game to find a great apt and settle in for full time, or to range about and visit say as many as 4 or 5 locations. . . of course, our resources aren't unlimited. Any Fodorites out there who want to rave their faves?
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Deciding on next destination .. . kind of last minute!
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With two months you could easily cover a lot of Argentina and Chile. We have many similar interests so I will list some things that we have done in Chile and Argentina. Both visits were only about two weeks so there are many worthy places we have not been to. I have not been to Colombia yet.
* Rent an apartment on the Chilean coast north of Valparaiso. We stayed at Naruda Mar in Renaca for a week. On the rocks in the ocean across the street were Humbolt Penguins, Inca Terns, pelicans and boobys as well a sea lions. Easy day trip range to many good sites up and down the coast as well as inland. We did a boat trip out of Quintero and saw lots of pelagic birds. Valparaiso is an interesting city. Great seafood is abundant and good wine inexpensive.
*Punta Arenas in southern Chile has an intersting combination of both frontier feel without being devoid of history. For example we stumbled upon the grave of Pringle Stokes, the first captain of HMS Beagle (of Darwin fame). Lots interesting birds can be seen without too much effort. For example albatrosses were easily identifiable while driving south of town.
*Iguazu Falls is one of the wonders of the natural world. Birding there has a definate Brazilian flavour.
*Northwestern Argentina has some amazingly diverse scenery. There are many interesting wineries to visit.
*Buenos Aires is a great place for any city lover. Lots of interesting architecture good food and wine. The ecological reserve on the waterfront is perfect for walking off the great food and birding.
These are great ideas, Gavin, thanks. I'll look into them all!
Warning - biased!
Chile.
Anywhere between Antartica and Arica (the whole long country).
North? Atacama desert is amazing. If you are lucky enough to be there when they have the unusual summer rains, you will be rewarded with a fabulous blooming of flowers. If no rain, you can still experience San Pedro de Atacama, geysers, and the lunar landscape. Not found in any other place on earth.
Antofagasta. Arica. La Serena.
South? Glaciers. Torres del Paine. Summertime (December to March) is the only time to go there. Patagonia. Ancud. Punta Arenas. Puerto Varas. So many choices!
You will never forget it.
Been there done that prefer the vibe and prices in COLOMBIA
www.paisatravel.com
www.spiritair.com dirt cheap sales sometimes FLL BOG
or Cartagena or Medellin...
My next Latin American destination (I've been wanting to go for several years) is Guanajuato in Mexico. It looks like a vibrant university town with interesting architecture and history, and perhaps somewhat less touristy than San Miguel de Allende. The language school I've attended in Spain (Don Quijote) has a branch in Guanajuato and so I'm going to go do a week of classes. Flights are fairly straightforward: you can fly into Leon, which is nearby, direct from several airports in the US (e.g. Houston). While I'm keen to visit Argentina again (I've gone for business), the long flight is a turn-off (because I have a bad back), so the trip to Mexico is more manageable for me.
You mention lesser cost. If that is important, you should scratch Chile. Airfares are expensive and daily costs are about equal to the US.
I would go back to Peru, myself.
frogoutofwater - You'll love Guanajuato - we did a houseswap of a couple weeks there a couple years ago and had a great time. It is a vibrant (and beautiful) town - though we were there when the university was on holiday (Jan) which did cut down on cultural events. And San Miguel and also Queretero are very nice as well - and we'd consider going back to these as well. We did some Spanish classes in Guanajuato at another school - blanking on its name at the moment - not Don Quijote though. Think it was Academia Falcon. ..
Lucky u -- 2 months to explore! I vote for Argentina, lots of diversity and wonderful people -- BA is a fabulous city with beautiful architecture, delicious food and wine, many museums and lots of neighborhoods to explore. There are many day trips u can take from BA -- the Tigre Delta, Colonia and estancias outside of the city.
The NW of Argentina has spectacular scenery and some good wines. The Falls are incredible and not to be missed.