I'm heading out on another trip, but for the third time it's not to Asia. I'm seriously thinking of moving back to Europe, and it makes sense to visit South America while I'm still living in the US. So this will be my first time south of Mexico.

The Fodors TR will be here: http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-patagonia.cfm

And I'll be blogging here: http://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com/

Hope you can join me!

I look forward to following along. I've not been to South America either so will be interested in your experiences.

Hi Kathie - I'm a little worried about security in Rio and Buenos Aires - Fodors is quite alarmist - but am expecting some stunning scenery. Am traveling with thermals and a fleece for Patagonia but it will be in the 90s tomorrow in Rio!

BTW, the Miami Admirals Club at D30 is bigger and nicer than the one at D15....

Been to Rio. It's got some beautiful sights, but we didn't feel safe there. Be careful!! Don't wander far from the tourist areas!!! Seriously!!!

Loved Rio! No security issues. Take a look at
http://www.fodors.com/community/sout...-to-brazil.cfm
I'll be following along.

Buen viaje, Thurs - I go to Santiago often for work...Don't miss Valparaiso while you're there. You might not feel so tired because you won't be changing time zones.

Marija, Just checked out your TR, looking forward to reading it. Brazil is on our list.

Enjoy your trip! I know I'll enjoy your report.

Hi crosscheck - am definitely going to Valparaiso. The problem tomorrow won't be jetlag, it will be no sleep. The plane is fully booked and I'm in economy, and I need to be horizontal in order to sleep....

Hi Thursdaysd, have a wonderful time and safe travels. I'll be following along too, as I've never been to South America and want to go someday.

Oh boy, do I ever agree on the being horizontal in order to sleep. So far, my upgrade from Chicago to Tokyo for next week has not cleared. Ugh... The flight is really full. At least I've got an exit row seat with plenty of leg room. But I'm not looking forward to 13 hours sitting up!

Have a great time, thursdaysd! I haven't spent a lot of time in South America but spent 5 days in Lima this summer and really enjoyed it. I look forward to reading your reports!

After reading your AR to CH trip report including pictures that look amazingly like mine (especially the one with the ketch in the foreground on Lago Llanquihue), am writing to tell you that a Peulla GTG would have been fun...especially being Yanks, at Thanksgiving, abroad. I am sorry that we did not connect. We think a lot alike and I would find myself nodding in agreement as I read your report. Am new to the Forum (no profile page as yet) but respect the tremendous amount of information that is shared. Are you going to finish Chile with Isla de Pascua? We loved it! My travel companion and I are already thinking about our next adventure. We are both former airline employees and still love to travel.
Buen Viaje!

Hi CalypsoGirl. Yes, it's a real pity we didn't know to meet up in Peulla! Sounds like we were going to much the same places, but no, I'm not going to Easter Island. It seemed very expensive, and doesn't interest me very much. I'm currently in Valparaiso and finish in Santiago. Apparently there's a head from Easter Island in front of a museum in Vino del Mar, maybe I'll go look at that!

I'm thinking my next trip will be NW South America. How about you?

I made it home from this trip on the 13th, after a couple of nights in Florida. I'm still updating the TR and blog, hope to finish before the end of the year...

The scenery was great, I highly recommend Patagonia. The cities, not so much. I'm thinking my next trip will also be to South America, this time to the northwest, where I expect more good scenery, and better towns and markets.

Welcome home, Thursdaysd. I enjoy following along your report.

Was in Rio in 2003 - spent most of the time in the hotel as Mr. Pearl was seriously ill, but I had a long book to read. Beaches were beautiful, loved feojoada, Sugar Loaf, Cristo Redentor,and, of course, caiparinhas. Looking forward to your report!