3 weeks South America - advice needed for itinerary!

3 weeks South America - advice needed for itinerary!

Hi guys, am hoping to grab some expert advice on planning a trip that has been a long time in the making and now unfortunately cut short time wise by about 200%!!!

Ever since spending one month in Argentina in 2006, I have been dreaming about going back to South America for a good chunk of time and seeing and doing as much as I can. I always thought I would go for at least 3 months, ideally more. As it is, 3 years later I still haven't gotten arpound to getting back, and short of quitting my job, I can now take 3 weeks in March/April 2010. A painfully short amount of time I know - please don't tell me it's not worth it, as I'm just thrilled I'm finally going back, even though it is so short! I believe it's better to go than spend another year just dreaming of it. I also want to do it before I'm 30 and am about to turn 29...I will be backpacking solo and mainly staying in hostels or the odd hotel.

I know that it is important to just maybe go to one or two places in that time frame. From Australia I will fly in and out of Buenos Aires (my fave city in the world possibly, so excited to be going back!). Short of a couple of days either side of the trip in BA, I plan to head from there to somewhere (anywhere) else to spend the rest of my time. I am thinking a week or so in Brazil (really want to go to Rio and also some other beaches I have heard are great - is it Salvador, Bahia??), and also thinking of seeing one or two places in Colombia - have herad Cartagena is great?? Does this sound do-able?

I am sad to not be seeing Peru, especially the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu, but have decided for such a short time frame to leave that for another trip entirely. So - what are your thoughts on Buenos Arires, Brazil and Columbia for a 3 week stay in SA? Ridiculious to fit in? I love beaches, cities, great food and drink, and small old historical town centres where you can chill the day away having a beer. What I have previously loved about BA is learning Spanish, drinking beer, watching salsa, meeting people and seeing beautiful places that aren't too big or hard to get around.

Any advice on such an itinerary would be so apprecaited - I am willing to fly between each place if possible to cut down on travelling big distances so I guess I am open to any suggestsions at all!

Also - any ideas where is great to spend time and experience Easter - it seems the time I will be there will fall then which is quite exciting!

Thanks, look forward to some ideas!