2wks backpacking, Chile
Dec 24th, 2017 | 02:43 PM
#1
Original Poster
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 1
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2wks backpacking, Chile
Hi all-
I will be traveling to Chile in May for 2 weeks. I am staying with a friend in Santiago for a few days and definitely will be visiting Valpo, however I'm looking for some suggestions of other places to go. I'm a college aged female who appreciates getting to know locals/culture and being immersed in a country. I do love outdoor activities as well, but am trying to get the most out of the short time I have in this large country. I'm also looking for place that work on a budget and good nightlife. I have taken a decent amount of spanish, so should not have a huge issue with communication.
Let me know where you have been, what you liked, things you wish you spent more time on, and any other advice you have for a college aged student trying to get to know the place. Due to the weather I'm thinking of probably going north from Santiago, but I'm open to any destinations, especially those off the beaten path.
Thank you for your suggestions!
I will be traveling to Chile in May for 2 weeks. I am staying with a friend in Santiago for a few days and definitely will be visiting Valpo, however I'm looking for some suggestions of other places to go. I'm a college aged female who appreciates getting to know locals/culture and being immersed in a country. I do love outdoor activities as well, but am trying to get the most out of the short time I have in this large country. I'm also looking for place that work on a budget and good nightlife. I have taken a decent amount of spanish, so should not have a huge issue with communication.
Let me know where you have been, what you liked, things you wish you spent more time on, and any other advice you have for a college aged student trying to get to know the place. Due to the weather I'm thinking of probably going north from Santiago, but I'm open to any destinations, especially those off the beaten path.
Thank you for your suggestions!
Dec 26th, 2017 | 06:43 AM
#2
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 0
Off the beaten path places are often not worth the trip. Anywhere worth going will not be off the beaten path. If it is your first trip to a country then you need to look at the iconic places to see which would suit you. May, as you have guessed, is not good for places in Patagonia. Although it is possible there will be fewer transport and lodging options.
Anywhere from the Colchagua valley (about 3 hours south of Santiago) to the far north could be possibles.
You have 2 weeks and distances are huge. Lay Chile sideways across a map of the USA and you start in San Francisco and end in New York. Fortunately it is a thin country! Buses are usually the best deal for travel around the country but if you want to go to the far north then a flight is recommended. Booking far in advance is the way to get a good fare.
Have a look at:
La Serena and the Elqui valley
Iquique
San Pedro de Atacama
Arica
These are all in the north. La Serena is a 7 hour bus ride, so doable. The others really need a flight.
Combining Santiago itself,a day or two in Valparaiso on the coast and a trip north to a couple of destinations, should fill your two weeks nicely.
Anywhere from the Colchagua valley (about 3 hours south of Santiago) to the far north could be possibles.
You have 2 weeks and distances are huge. Lay Chile sideways across a map of the USA and you start in San Francisco and end in New York. Fortunately it is a thin country! Buses are usually the best deal for travel around the country but if you want to go to the far north then a flight is recommended. Booking far in advance is the way to get a good fare.
Have a look at:
La Serena and the Elqui valley
Iquique
San Pedro de Atacama
Arica
These are all in the north. La Serena is a 7 hour bus ride, so doable. The others really need a flight.
Combining Santiago itself,a day or two in Valparaiso on the coast and a trip north to a couple of destinations, should fill your two weeks nicely.
