Hello All:

It is time to start planning our second trip to South America. Last November my wife and I spent 8 days in Buenos Aires and had the time of our lives. Left some things undone and would like to return one day.

We are trying to figure out if we should come back this year or visit another country first. Likely will be coming in late October or early Nov. Spring time.

It seems the second most popular place may be Chile. A few obvious questions......is there enough quality things to do for a week or so in Santiago? Is it as easy to get around in Santiago as BA with very limited Spanish skills. We got spoiled in BA by the friendly folks.

How about the prices there? Are they similar as BA? American friendly like BA? Good shopping prices?

Suggestions on day trips from Santiago.

Thanks for any info.

Ron

Hi Ron

Chile is a good choice as is the lower end of Argentina at that time of year. Of course, it all depends on what type of things you both enjoy doing ie. golf, wine, sightseeing, shopping, nature, scenery? Getting around in Chile is a little more costly. Do you plan on doing a tour or hiring a car? Debra

Hi Debra

Thanks for the response. If we decide on Santiago we would likely do the shopping, eating , wine tasting, historic places and of course the scenery as well. We are early 50's so not to much action stuff like hiking, biking etc.

I think we would at first take a few guided tours and then maybe set out on our own once we feel comfortable and get a feel for the area.

We found BSAS so delightful and faily easy on the wallet. Still things we did not see.

But we are curious about Santiago area as well. Is it that much more expensive? Are people there as helpful as in Argentina?

If anyone can offer some info I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Ron

Nothing wrong with Santiago but Buenos Aires is a much more of a city in comparison. So many more things to do in Buenos Aires. At least in my experience.

You will find Santiago more expensive than your last trip to Buenos Aires, but that goes for Buenos Aires too. It is no longer the bargain that it was for those with dollars. Santiago has lots to offer and you can spend a delightful time there.

It is easy to get around Santiago and to visit nearby places in Chile. Chile is the most modern country in Latin America. Scenically it is much more interesting than Buenos Aires and has all the things that a large city offers.

If you only visited BA last time, then there is still so much more in Argentina to see!! What about the NW (Salta, Cafayate, Purmamarca, etc.) great scenery, culture, wine food. this is where you will find the idigenous people and culture. Also, Iguazu Falls. (need to fly in and out of BA for these areas)

Chile is way more expensive and not nearly as cool, except for the Lakes district. I wouldn't bother with Santiago as a destination, BA is much more the world class city. You guys could fly to Bariloche and check out northern Patagonia, where I live, it is truly amazing. Feel free to contact me for more info, here is our blog on the area, it might give you some ideas. www.livinginpatagonia.com
Suerte!