Pannybaba

Hi Everybody,

I am planning a big trip in South America with my boyfriend. As I have never planned anything like that before, I would be greatful for some help.
I am not entirely sure where and how to start??
I live in the Uk, so I would depart from here. The budget is up to £3000

The itenary would be:
Quito where we planning to go to the jungle than to Lima, see Macchu Picchu, from ethere we would like to go to La Plaz,maybe Argentina a bit - Buenos Aires -, Iguasu Falls, Rio... If anyone have better ideas, I am open for everything.

My main concerns are:

1. Is it safe to do a self-organised trip over there? I have read a couple of forums here and seems that quiet a few of you have had a trip there before and it seems to be safe... But I am just not sure.

2. How do I do accommodation? Do you know any websites I could try? Or do I go by Lonely Planet?

3. Does anyone could give me a price? Like how much would it cost with all trips and accommodation and everything? Or just ideas? I also know that we need some medicines, vaccination, visas...

4. I have millions of question but my main one is... How and where should I start?

Thanks for all your comments, I am really greatful for any help. That is my dream since I was young (not like I am old now...) and I am finally doing in... Just difficult to start

mlgb

Better to post on the South America Forum. Hardly anyone comes here.

Lonely Planet is really not so great for S America, I think Footprint is much better.

suze

I have not yet been to South America, but general tips for planning a big trip like this is so just start making a life (like you have above), start collecting costs (like airfare, will be you single largest likely). Get a few guidebooks from the library (in addition to online research).

Southam

You can start by doing your sums. Assuming your budget is for two people after you reach South America, you could get by in the cities you mention per day but barely afford to travel between them. Exotic jungle safaris would probably be priced beyond your reach.
Beyond that, your grab-bag inquiry would test the skills of a specialized professional agent. Crank up your Internet connection and start reading the massive amount of free material on-line. You will quickly come to realize that travelling to South America is the same as going across the Channel -- except for when it isn't, such as certain security concerns in Latin American cities. I look forward to seeing your specific questions once you are better informed.

Pannybaba

Thanks for all your replies. I will put this out on the South America forum if it gets more people to read

Southam - Th budget is per person. Would it work a bit better?
Do I have to book all accommodation from here or you think we could get away just to book the first 2-3 and we can get the rest from there? I am just not sure how safe to do things out there? I know that if we are there it will be all clear but at the moment I just feel it's a bit of a challenge

Thanks.

mlgb

I think if you post in South America forums crellston is likely to see it. You can also find links to his blog there.

Pannybaba

I just did and crellston replied,thanks