Welcome to the TravelPod forums

[damien1]

I'm getting a my rtw plan together and I was just curious to hear about some of your favorite places/experiences in South America. Interested to hear your responses.

[Jessica_CDN]

I love Venezuela! I think the culture, politics and people are fascinating.

And it's beautiful!

[peacefrog]

I'm getting a my rtw plan together and I was just curious to hear about some of your favorite places/experiences in South America. Interested to hear your responses.

Hi Damien,

I have only been there four months, in southern Argantina and Chile, and I am under the spell... and I think it will be even more true with the rest of the continent.

Now one advice: learning spanish (for good) is invaluable. As for now, I have used it in the above-mentionned countries which have a very western culture.
I expect that it will be invaluable in the rest of the continent too.

Don't miss Patagonia. 2 months there is a good starting point I think

[Jessica_CDN]

I completely concur - get a basic level of Spanish (at the least!) before you go - few people speak English.

It'll make everything better when you can actually understand what's going on around you.

[diana_85]

I'm getting a my rtw plan together and I was just curious to hear about some of your favorite places/experiences in South America. Interested to hear your responses.

Hi. I'm from Colombia and I can assure u that it is one of the best countries in South America. I live in Bogotá and there's no way someone can get bored... everyday is very exciting! I'm also planning a trip from Bogotá to Argentina in July going through Ecuador, Perú, Bolivia and Uruguay. From what I've read, Machu Picchu is a must!!

[ethel_va]

My favorite place is Argentina...cuz it has everything...People are very nice and kind, and the nature is very beautiful there is many places to go and visit...and u'll never get bored. But its a place where u should go and stay for a long time. I stayed there one year in the central Argentina in Carlos Paz which is one of the most touristic place, and there is very beautiful nature and ther is partys from monday till monday... Furthermore there are so many places to visit!!!
So i do think that its a place where everybody should go. Moreover the people in there are very friendly and they are so different from the Europeans
So go and enjoy, its worth it!!!

[ethel_va]

My favorite place is Argentina...cuz it has everything...People are very nice and kind, and the nature is very beautiful there is many places to go and visit...and u'll never get bored. But its a place where u should go and stay for a long time. I stayed there one year in the central Argentina in Carlos Paz which is one of the most touristic place, and there is very beautiful nature and ther is partys from monday till monday... Furthermore there are so many places to visit!!!
So i do think that its a place where everybody should go. Moreover the people in there are very friendly and they are so different from the Europeans
So go and enjoy, its worth it!!!

[jeffsadventures]

There is so much to see and do in S America, you almost can't summarize it in this forum. I left for a one-year around the world trip....I came back 3 years later and never left Latiin America. So give yourself time there and wander ailmlessy like I did. If you can, learn spanish in Guatemala ...it is sooo cheap to go to a proper school there. Go to Quetzaltenango (also called Xela) or to Antigua. After you speak spanish well, like I eventually did, Portuguese came rather easily which you need in Brazil.

If you want to see what I got up to in 3 years my travelpod ID is jeffsadventures

have fun

Jeff

[mcguinnessdave]

For me it's got to be Colombia!

It's a phenominal country. I have travelled there more than once and was last there in Feb 2009. I have to say it is one of my favourite places to travel and it has gotten so much safer. I would always advise being careful but now just normal precautions are necessary.

The South of the country is incredible, and more off-the-beaten-track. I am a huge fan of San Agustin, where you find incredible statues, beautiful scenery and the most friendly people on the planet. Also the Tatacoa desert is an incredible place and one very few tourists visit, though you might need Spanish if you are to get the full value of an independent trip here as there are no English-speaking guides around.

Make sure you stay on a tradtional farm if you go to the coffee district for a beautiful and colonial experience. The hike in Parque Nevado de la Ruiz is also worthwhile, hiking up na active volcano

There are also some brilliant Amazon trips here where you won't see any other tourists (or even any other people other than your guide and tracker) for days. The Amazonian communities are very hospitable too when you cross over into Peru (unofficially).

The North also has it's fair share to offer but is more visited, Taganga is good for diving, the Lost City trek is my favourite trek of all time, and of course Cartegena is beautiful.

If it's a beautiful place to relax you are after you can't go wrong with Providencia. This super-chilled Caribbean island is stunningly beautiful and very relaxing with very friendly locals who do not try to exploit the few tourists they have. The old American taxis move around the island of 400 people at a snails pace and the locals wave and nod to everyone they pass. "Hey man!". "Alright!". If you can't relax here you will never relax! It's also a great place for diving and snorkeling with incredibly clear blue Caribbean seas.

As for Bogota, the Gold museum is the main attraction along with the walk up to Monserate for stunning views of the city. Do this on the weekend for security or at least check the security. It has gotten at lot safer on other days but take recent advice. The Botero museum is also worth a visit and there are plenty of lovely churches dotted around the centre. Stay in the Platypus for a budget small dorm option, or Casa Platypus for nicer private rooms. And make sure to meet German, the owner, who knows Colombia like no one else.

Check out Colombia, it's got so much to offer.
Let me know if I can help with any other advice,
Hope this helps make up your mind.
Dave