1

The most important leg of the trip - from Buenos Aires to the Atacama region. Do I take buses? Do I fly? Which towns should I visit in between? Or should I skip northwest Argentina?

One other option would be to take a bus from BA -> Santiago and from there, work my way north to Atacama area. And from Antofagasta, fly back to the US.

2

Buenos Aires to Salta might be worth a flight.

Speaking of Atacama, you may want to try the Altiplano as well -- that and Patagonia are the most memorable places for me in Chile and Argentina.

Have you thought of going over from Salta to Arica. Not sure if it's easy by bus, but up high in places like Lauca National Park the scenery is truly breathtaking, literarily and figuratively.

Five days in Santiago might be overkill (but then I think seven days in Buenos Aires might be an overkill as well, unless you are there to party). Valparaiso is pretty and there are a few picturesque, smaller places along the Chilean coast.

3

Thanks Mac! Hadn't heard of Arica but it looks amazing. It's tough with some of these smaller out of the way places. The distance to and from cities with airports is like a 12-hour bus ride. Looks like a flight from Antofagasta->Arica is only $100 USD, though.

I agree a week in Buenos Aires might be overkill. Everyone I've told I'm going in the BA/Montevideo says, "You must go to Buenos Aires!" Although I don't have specific reasons to go. I just figure it's a major city, so probably fun and interesting. And no, I don't plan to party. I'm mostly looking for the quiet, mysterious, strange sights, not so much the clubs, etc.

I think Chile will be awesome, I can't wait. Just trying to decide whether to skip Argentina to avoid the long BA->Atacama trek. Unless I just fly.