South America_December
 

I would like to travel to South America in December - 2 weeks @ Xmas time. Bouncing back and forth between countries - Argentina, Chile, Peru, Bolivia, and Venezuela. Need your tips and suggestions on these destinations. We like the beach, historic sites, scenary, local markets, love food and traditional musics. (We're Irish). <BR> <BR>1. I am afraid everything will be closed due to Xmas holidays - does anyone know? <BR>2. I hear Argentina is v. expensive and Chile not far behind for hotel, eating out and car hire? WHat about domestic flights. <BR>Please help!

Hello Rhoda, <BR> <BR>since nobody answered the question I`ve asked I try to help you a bit with what I`ve researched so far. I only have information about Venezuela. <BR>At least near Caracas everything seems to be very expensive, nearly comparable to Miami etc. The rental cars are ridiculous priced(ca.65$ the day for the smallest). I`m from Germany so everything is even worse for me if the Dollar is strong. There are smaller rental companies-without a web-site, just a Tel.-number, no-thank you.. <BR>I think that you`ll find everything that you`ve described in Venezuela, the research however is a hard job. <BR> <BR>Kind regards <BR> <BR>Miriam

Poster above about Venezuela car hires is indeed correct. Very expensive. We had wanted to hire a car from Caracus to Pto. la Cruz and the drop off fee was $250US. The rental rate was $150US per day + kms. It was cheaper to hire a cab but the drivers were horrendous (I have travelled a great deal and this was the worst I had ever seen). To fly is not as expensive as driving. In Venezuela, Xmas and New Year's are family holidays and things shut down but the resorts are open. We found everything in Venezuela expensive.

Rhoda, <BR> <BR>I am also trying to put together a 2 week trip during the same time frame. From my prelimiary research on Peru and Argentina, it seems that costs for hotel and airfare are comparable to what you find in the U.S., at least in the cities and tourist areas there. I've also been told that period of time is the high, high season so to book early. The inexpensive airpasses which allow you to fly a certain number of jumps are either blacked out or very expensive.

I did a bit more research for those interested. Peru seems to be too wet so its out. Argentina too expensive and westernised so I am ruling Argentina outtoo for now. I am down to Chile, and I am also considering most recently Cosat Rica. <BR> <BR>Regards <BR>Rhoda

Why didn't you think in Brazil? <BR>There are wonderful beaches, historic sites ; it's cheaper than Argentina and I'm sure that it's more more beautiful than Chile.