Panama to South America

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cowhead
cowhead

Hi everyone,

I’m currently enjoying Costa Rica at the moment and the next flight I have booked on my RTW ticket is out of Chile on 1st October.
I have a bus ticket to Panama on the 18th July(purchased to satisfy the visa entry requirements into C.R) but I’m trying to decide my next move. I would like to see Rio, Iguazu Falls, Buenos Aries and Monteviedo before making my way across to Santiago for my October flight.
I’ve looked at flights from Panama to Rio and the cheapest I have found is a gnats under £500, but i would really prefer not to spend that much to get to Brazil.

Does anyone have any ideas on the cheapest way to get into South America?

I have found a flight from Panama to Caracas for £248, but how easy/cheap is it to make it overland down to Rio from there?
Also, I found a flight from Panama to Lima for £244 but again, how easy/cheap is it to get to Rio from there? (bearing in mind I would have to get back across to Santiago). I’ve heard something about a new highway been built and finished? Also heard that maybe Bolivia to Brazil is a better option?

I read that it’s considerably more to get the buses that cross borders than it is to get a local bus TO the border, then cross it on foot…..sounds a bit risky, is the difference in price really that great?
I don’t mind if someone has a solution that provides a bit of adventure and the unknown, just as long as I don’t end up as a Crocs supper or roasting on a spit at some cannibalistic ritual feast! :D

The other option is not to bother with Brazil(although Id still like to see Iguazu Falls).

I’m aware that this has been a tad long-winded and I applaud you if you’re still reading, but I’m trying to read up on as much as I can and I would appreciate any advice from you lovely, lovely people :)

Thank yoooooou!

Andrew x

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anonymous
anonymous

I'm going to provide you some info but I think you'll be able to get much more info if you cross-post your question in the Americas-South America branch.

I’ve looked at flights from Panama to Rio and the cheapest I have found is a gnats under £500, but i would really prefer not to spend that much to get to Brazil.

That's a good option.

Also, I found a flight from Panama to Lima for £244 but again, how easy/cheap is it to get to Rio from there?

Ormeño has direct buses from Lima to Sao Paulo but only twice a month.
You can also go from Lima to Rio (in this case through Bolivia) taking several buses (and a train)...: For example, bus Lima-Cuzco; bus Cuzco-La Paz; bus La Paz-Santa Cruz de la Sierra; train Santa Cruz de la Sierra-(Puerto Quijarro); cross the border to Corumbá and take a bus from Corumbá to Campo Grande and another one from Campo Grande to Rio de Janeiro. I can't provide you a price quote for this route but I think that, perhaps, someone in the South America branch could be able to make it.

I have found a flight from Panama to Caracas for £248, but how easy/cheap is it to make it overland down to Rio from there?

From Caracas I think you can go overland to Manaus (not sure if you'll be able to make it directly but I think you should be able to make it changing buses along the route). Once in Manaus, I think your best bet would be to take a domestic flight to Rio but I'm not an expert in Brazil, so, once, again, it would be a good idea to ask in the South America branch.

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cowhead
cowhead

Thank you for your reply Anillos, I really appreciate the info. To be honest, I did think afterwards that I would be better in that section, but I thought I'd see if I got anything in here. I will repost in there.
Thanks once again :)

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2travel2know
2travel2know

Check for Panama - Brazil fares with COPA airlines. Return fares are usually cheaper than single fares.
Check for different destinations as COPA flies not only to Rio GIG and Sâo Paulo GRU but Belo Horizonte CNF, Brasilia BSB.. plus others..

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