San Pedro - Dec 20/21 - Daytrips - Travel companions wanted!

Hello,

we've been trying to rent a car for San Pedro de Atacama / Calama area for two days to do some daytrips on our own, e.g. camping at the Tatio Geysir, Valle de la luna etc. But it seems that all the car rental companies are fully booked out.

This is why we are looking for some travel companions for those two days who either have a rented car or a willing to rent a more expensive car together to explore the area.

We are 31 and 34, easy going and adventurous. In case you are interested in spending two days with us in the Atacama desert, please get in touch.

schoki

Brazil Visa for U.S. Citizen - 30 Days to Enter??

Hi everyone,

I just got back from the Brazillian consulate where I've been told I can come and pick up my visa on 18 December. So far, so good. HOWEVER, I was skimming some travel forums just now and I saw some chatter that you have a 30 day period in which you need to validate your visa by entering the country. I'm leaving on the 16th of January, arriving the morning of the 17th, so presuming my visa is approved on the 18th of December that would be exactly 30 day until I arrive. Now, this is cutting it just a tad close, as I'm flying standby to Brazil. My husband works for an airline, so we fly "space available", meaning we could get bumped off a flight and put on a later one if the flight fills up. I can't leave for Brazil any earlier, unfortunately, due to the fact that I, you know, have to go to this place called "work".

So, I of course have totally freaked out about this. ... more »

Santiago - Lima - Buenos Aires itinerary/travel advice

Hi guys,

So I am taking 3 months in the summer to visit as much of South America as I can in a nice slow fashion without any crazy rushing around. What I am after is advice on the route. The cheapest flight (which I have already bought) goes into Santiago and out of Buenos Aires. As a result I know I am going to be geographically looping. My main worry is whether the order I am seeing things in makes sense. Any comments on my basic map plan from anyone that has gone North then South would be gratefully appreciated!!

Santiago - La Serena by overnights bus 7/8 hrs
La Serena - San Pedro by overnight bus 16 hrs
San Pedro - Arica by overnight bus 11 hrs
Arica - Arequipa by bus 6 hrs
Arequipa - Nazca ovenight bus 12 hrs
Nazca - Ica 2 hr bus
Ica - Paracas 2 hr bus
Paracas - Lima 4 hr bus
Lima - Cuzco flight with LAN 1.5 hrs
Cuzco - Puno Inka touristbus 8:30 - 5pm
Puno -... more »

Slow Boat Schedule Tabatinga to Manaus?

I am arriving in Leticia on Decembe 31st and plan to leave the day after or soon after for Tabatinga and the slow boat to manaus. Does anyone know the departure schedule of the 3 day slow boats to Manaus? They they depart daily? If you have done this route any other information would be very helpful. Are there safe places to put your bags on the boat? Is there a best deck to sleep on? What are the current prices? Thank you so much!

3 seats in 4x4 from Santiago to Pucon then to Bariloche then to Calafate

Hi,
13th of Dec i will go from santiago to pucon by car nissan pathfinder.
16th to bariloche
17th to calafate

i have 3 free seats and space for your luggage.
it would cost less then by bus.
contact to my email: americalatina...gazeta.pl

South America and South Asia - Peru, Chile, India, Nepal

Hey Everyone,

I spent almost 3 months in South America then almost 4 moths in India and Nepal doing some amazing things including hiking in Patagonia, Chile and to Machu Picchu, Peru. I White river rafted in Pucon, Chile. I visited family in Valparaiso and I sand boarded in Huacachina, Peru. I volunteered at Mother Theresa House in Calcutta, India and hiked the Himalayas in Nepal. I am interested in going to PR this spring break and Duran, Ecuador for a medical service trip, because I just need to get away from med school. If you are interested in reading my blog I have many entries about my travels, guides to traveling as a solo woman and a list of what to pack: I incude prices so you can estimate how much it should cost you.

What to Pack
[Traveling for Women |http://adrienneschla... more »

South America 2014

Hey All,

Just for those who are or are planning on travelling South America 2014, I have created a Facebook group which may help you meet people, share ideas, ask questions, provide and obtain tips, in a more instant and quick fashion. I have done this for SE Asia travellers and its had great success. 2014 is little over a year away but alot of backpackers I've met are already planning for this. If you'd like to join the group, message me on here and we'll swap email address used for Facebook and get you involved!

T