Thorn Tree travel forum

Welcome to the South America branch!

Welcome to the Thorn Tree's South America branch.

The countries covered by this branch are: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile & Easter Island, Colombia (note spelling), Ecuador & the Galapagos Islands, Falkland Islands, French Guiana, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, Venezuela.

We hope you find plenty of useful information about travelling to South America here. It is highly recommended that new users check out the some of these useful FAQ threads on this branch before posting a new thread:

• Brazil FAQ thread
• South America FAQ thread

Brazil Frequently Asked Questions

For the benefit of everyone dropping by the Brazil branch for the first time, please read this FAQ first. And I hope there can be some sort of way to moderate the thread to keep it updated and clean. I know there are some AWESOME regular contributors here who enjoy giving advice; I feel this thread can really help to condense the information available.

I'll go first, with some general thoughts from the South America FAQ. Many thank to Apollo for starting that thread and for a great idea. Hopefully we can have a similar thread for Brazil.

1) Use the "Search" function to find out if someone has already asked your question. Many questions have already been asked before, and regular contributors to the forum get tired of answering the same thing over and over again.

2) Read a few pages of posts. The most frequent... more »

Tabatinga-Manaus - Report

For all those, who don´t know, if they should take a boat trip. Here my report. I took the Tuesday launcha N/M Itapuranga from Tabatinga to Manaus.

informations

• Right know, there are four boats weekly from Tabatinga to Manaus. Tue, Wed, Sat, Sun
• The trip takes more or less 72 hours/ 3 nights (In the moment, boats don´t call at Benjamin Constante (no water) and my boat was nonstop from Fonte Boa to Manaus. (stops only for petrol)
• On Tuesday is usually only a small boat, while really big boats (if you are lucky with dancing and billard table) leave at weekend.
• but all boats cost 170 Reals no matter of different facilities

• Buy your ticket in the nice porto fluvial building in Tabatinga
• It was not possible to sleep on board. I could enter the boat only two hours before departure (14.00). So arrive at 10.45, put your bag in the line and you wil...

Cheap accomodation on Santa Cruz, Galapagos

Hey!

Can anyone recomend a cheap accomadation (cheap for Galapagos standards) on Santa Cruz island - I suppose most probably in Puerto Ayora - for 2 people. We have tent - do You think it is possible to camp in one of the hostal´s gardens? Any cheap restaurants? And what do You reccomend to do on the island for 2-3 days?

Peru Treks for the Inca Trail?

Hi, was wondering if anyone has used Peru Treks for the Inca Trail, and if so if they have any opinions on them as a tour operator? Any advice on other operators? thankyou.

Beach towns in Feb & March

I will be traveling in Argentina & Uruguay from mid Feb thru March. Will the beach towns still be busy at this time. Also if there are any recommendations for smaller 'hip' beach towns it would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance.

What is the weather like in Eje Cafetero, San Agustin, Popayan in Dec/Jan?

I tried googling and looking in guidebooks both most of the weather info was for Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena. Can anyone tell me what kind of weather to expect during the day and night for the following: Manizales, Salento, Tierradentro, San Agustin, Popayan? According to the forecasts, it's mostly rainy. What about the humidity? Is it damp there or will clothes dry up quickly?

Also how cold at night does it get in Bogota? I had to wear pretty much all the clothes I brought with me in Chiapias, Mexico and Guatemala - I didn't get a good night's sleep my whole duration so I want to make sure I'm better prepared this time.

I'm packing a pair jeans, pants, and capris. For tops: 2 tshirts, 2 long sleeves, 1 fleece/sweater and a jacket. For sleeping flannel bottoms and a long sleeve. I'm debating if I should throw in another sweater.

independent woman traveler- SAFETY?

Hi...
I am planning a trip to south america. I'd like to do 2 or more countries, but it is most likely I will choose Colombia. I have not made firm plans yet and I am seeking others to make a decision. I have heard nothing but "caution" and "don't go" talk with people when i mention my travel plans. Please....
I was wondering for the women out there that have traveled to Colombia (or anywhere in S.A.) can share their experiences- where did they explore, favorites, any dangerous incidents, and of course any tips for traveling alone in South America. (fyi, i have traveled to alone to asia, and europe)
From a fellow free spirit and world explorer, I'd appreciate any help. =)

Thanks!

Bogota Questions

Greetings:

My arrival and departure flights to and from Bogota will force me to spend the night there on both legs. I don't really care to stay in a hotel neaar the airport where there's not much to do, and don't really mind the cab expenses, so where would be a recommended part of town to stay in?

How far is Bogota Norte from the airport (i.e. timewise in a cab)?

Does anyone have any experience with the Grand House Hotel in Bogota (Carrera 18 No. 93 - 97), or in that area of Bogota in general? That is, good nightlife, restaurants, etc?

Can I do a day trip from Bogota to Villa de Leyva? That is, are the bus schedules conducive to that?

Finally, is there a direct flight from Cartagena OR Santa Marta to Medellin?

Thanks in advance!