I am headed to a 4 week spanish immersion class in Buenos Aires and Santiago. Do I need to get visas to Argentina and Chile before I go, or do I just need a passport? If I need visas, what is the fastest way to get them?

We visted both countries last year and no visa was required. If you plan to transit Brazil you'll need a visa. A good source of visa info is www.traveldoc.com

we have been to chile several times, and no visa is required. however, we did have to pay a reciprocity fee upon entry (about $100, in cash), before you could clear customs at the aiport in santiago. this is because we charge the chileans that amount to obtain a visa. they then stamp your passport that you have paid the fee, and the stamp is valid until the expiration of your passport. so when we returned to chile two years later, we didn't have to pay again. i would check with the chilean consulate nearest your home to find out exactly how much they are charging now, and if they still only take cash.

Please contact the nearest consulates for Argentina and Chile to enquire about visas. Depending on the country that issued your passports you may or may not need a visa.

Brasil is the only country in Latin Ameirca that requires visas to enter the country for American citizens.