Je vais assister à un congrès à Buenos Aires du 28/07 au 31/07 et du 03/08 au 06/08 prochain. J'ai décidé de rallonger mon séjour du 22/07 au 09/08 pour essayer de profiter au maximum de ce magnifique pays. Je pense avoir assez de temps pendant le congrès pour visiter BA, je souhaite donc aller voir d'autres régions pendant mon temps libre. Cela implique par contre beaucoup de transport, puisque je dois revenir à chaque fois à BA. Voici l'état actuel de notre planning :
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Mercredi 22/07
Arrivée 19h05
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Jeudi 23/07
Vol Buenos Aires -> El Calafate
Visite d'El Calafate
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Vendredi 24/07
Visite des glaciers
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Samedi 25/07
Vol El Calafate -> Buenos Aires
Bus Buenos Aires -> Iguazu
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Dimanche 26/07
Visite des chutes (côté Brésilien)
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Lundi 27/07
Visite des chutes (côté Argentin)
Vol Iguazu -> Buenos Aires
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Vendredi 31/07
Vol Buenos Aires -> Salta
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Samedi 01/08
Train des nuages
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Dimanche 02/08
Visite de Salta
Vol Salta -> Buenos Aires
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Jeudi 06/08
Vol Buenos Aires -> Trelew
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Vendredi 07/08
Visite de la Péninsule de Valdès
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Samedi 08/08
Visite de Puerto Madryn
Vol Trelew -> Buenos Aires
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Dimanche 09/08
Visite de Buenos Aires
Départ 20h55
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J'ai déjà beaucoup lu le forum et le blog d'Hergé, j'aurais cependant quelques questions :
- Quel est votre avis sur cet itinéraire ?
- Que pensez-vous d'El Calafate alors que nous serons en plein hiver ? Nous n'avons pas peur du froid, mais le site des glaciers est-il ouvert à cette période ?
- Le Train des Nuages est-il un "must" pour la région de Salta, sachant que nous n'aurons qu'un seul week end ?
- Pour les 7 vols (directs), en cherchant sur le net, j'en ai pour 700€. Pour avoir les meilleurs prix, faut-il prendre les billets sur internet ou plutôt attendre d'être en Argentine ? Je me suis renseigné auprès d'Aerolineas, il n'existe apparemment plus de "pass".
- Auriez-vous des conseils d'hébergement, pas trop cher, de préférence chez l'habitant, pour nos 5 destinations : Buenos Aires (pour quelques nuits seulement, j'ai déjà réservé un hotel pour la période du congrès), El Calafate, Iguazu, Puerto Madryn, Salta ?
Bonjour, pourquoi ne pas prévoir la visite de la péninsule de Valdès au retour d'el Calafate, cela ne ferait qu'une escale sur le retour sud - BA.
Coté Salta le train des nuages ne fonctionne pas tout le temps, peut etre qu'en hiver il est arreté, a vérifier, sinon il faut faire la route entre
Salta et Cafayate , c'est superbe.
Coté vols intérieurs, je les prends sur internet, en effet il n'y a plus de pass, et les tarifs sur place bon marché (donc subventionné)s'adressent
aux résidents Argentins, les touristes payent tarif normal.Il y a peut etre des arrangements avec certaines agences ? il y a déja eu des discussions
sur ce sujet sur le forum.
Merci pour votre réponse. Effectivement nous avions pensé, au début, visiter El Calafate et la péninsule de Valdès les 5 premiers jours, mais impossible de trouver un vol direct El Calafate -> Trelew ou inversement. Les vols passent toujours par BA, donc le gain financier est nul.
Le Train des nuages ne circulent que le samedi apparemment à cette période de l'année, on avait donc organiser l'itinéraire en fonction de cette contrainte. Mais je viens de lire les commentaires d'Hergé et Nicole, et je ne suis pas très rassuré, il serait peut-être mieux de louer une voiture ou faire une excursion organisée. Dans ce cas on pourrait "regrouper" Salta et Iguazu sur les 5 premiers jours en utilisant le vol de Andes Lineas de Iguazu à Salta. Je le trouve juste un peu tôt dans la journée (départ d'Iguazu 15h15, le vendredi 24/07) alors que nous serons arrivés la veille (9h50). Pensez-vous que cela est suffisant pour visiter les chutes ? ou connaissez-vous une autre compagnie pour des vols directs Iguazu <-> Salta ?
Bonjour,
Pour le trajet de BA a Calafate j'avais pris un vol BA - RIO GALLEGOS et liaison autocar a El Calafate. Puis au retour arret a Trelew /Rawson pour
faire la péninsule de Valdès. Car les vols sur El Calafate sont tous des vols touristiques donc chers et peu fréquents.Alors que la ligne de la cote
BA /Ushuaia et qui dessert toutes les grandes villes cotières est très active et s'adresse aux Argentins, donc plusieurs vols par jour.
Pour les chutes d'Iguazu la durée prévue est trop courte pour en profiter pleinement, il faut compter une journée pour le coté Argentin et une
journée pour le coté Brésilien, donc vous ne ferez qu'un coté et au pas de charge c'est dommage, essayez de rester une journée entière.
Faites le coté Argentin en priorité et prenez le canot qui vous ballade jusqu'au pied des chutes, douche assurée.
Coté Salta, louez une voiture (une clio suffit) et faites la route de Salta jusqu'a Cafayate, tout dépend de la météo mais vu le diamètre des
Bougainvilliers a Salta il ne doit pas geler souvent.
Le train des nuages (c'est 12h de voyage en faisant le même trajet aller retour) il vaut mieux louer une voiture ou faire un circuit organisé soit vers Humhuaca soit vers Cafayate. www.turismoensalta.com. Cette région est splendide.
Votre projet est bien ambitieux á mon humble avis, trop peu de temps sur chaque site... Ne courrez pas si vite !
Pour BsAs El calafate Ok, mais pour BsAs Iguazu en bus, vous faites fausse route, prenez l'avion, la distance est grande et il vaut mieux passer votre temps á explorer les chutes d'Iguazu que de perdre votre tps en bus !
Salta mérite plus 2 jours. El tren a las nubes ne marche plus. Louer donc une voiture est aller soit á Cafayate, soit á Cachi soit á San Antonio de los cobres
Nous irons dans ces villes que vous avez visitées en juillet.
Pourriez-vous nous faire part de vos expériences en locations de voiture, hébergements, avion Iguazu-Salta avec Andes Lineas et autres suggestions.
Pour répondre à vos questions, finalement nous n'avons pas loué de voiture vers Salta, mais pris une excursion avec François Delbreil http://saltalalinda.unblog.fr/, ou plutôt son cousin. Nous avons fait la boucle Salta, Purmamarca, Salinas grandes, San Antonio de Los Cobres, Salta en 2 jours avec nuit à Purmamarca. La boucle est magnifique, le guide vraiment très très bof et quelques soucis techniques en plus ... François est peut⁻être meilleur guide que son cousin.
L'avion Iguazu-Salta n'était pas compatible avec nos horaires, nous avons donc pris le bus : départ à 7h du matin de Salta, arrivée le lendemain à 9h à Iguazu. Très confortable, nous n'avons pas vu le temps passé !
Je posterai notre feuille de route ce soir, avec les hôtels où nous sommes allés.
Merci pour la réponse rapide, et la prochaine feuille de route.
Quel prix pour l'excursion de 2 jours que vous mentionnez ?
Et quelle compagnie de bus, et prix, réservation longtemps à l'avance ?, entre Salta et Iguazu, ou l'inverse ?
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Mercredi 22 juillet :
Vol 4237 Paris 6h40 -> Francfort 7h55 Lufthansa
Vol 510 Francfort 10h20 -> Buenos Aires 19h05 Lufthansa
Nuit à Buenos Aires
Hotel Ayamitre
Ayacucho 106, Tel : (0054-11) 4953-1655/5733/6488, reservas@hotelayamitre.com.ar
http://www.hotelayamitre.com.ar/
200 Ar$
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Jeudi 23 juillet :
Vol 2450 Buenos Aires 7h20 -> Salta 9h35 Aerolineas Argentinas - 118, 59€
Excursion Salta, Purmamarca, Salinas grandes, San Antonio de Los Cobres, Salta en 2 jours avec http://saltalalinda.unblog.fr/, 4x4, 850 Ar$ pour 2
Nuit à Purmamarca
El Pequeño Inti
Florida s/n, Tel : (0054-388) 490-8089
110 Ar$
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Vendredi 24 juillet :
Nuit à Salta
Normalement Terra Occulta mais on est arrivé vers 22h et le gars nous a dit, c'est trop tard. On s'est rabattu sur http://www.backpackerssalta.com/ sur la San Juan
145 Ar$
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Samedi 25 juillet :
Trajet en bus Salta -> Iguazu (7h-9h) – 310 Ar$ sur Andesmar par Tucuman
Places réservées le jeudi 23 juillet
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Dimanche 26 juillet :
Chutes côté argentin (entrée : 60 Ar$, bateau : 75 Ar$)
Nuit à Iguazu
Hostel Park Iguazu
Paulino Amarante 111, Tel : (0054-3757) 424-342, hostelparkiguazu@arnet.com.ar
http://www.hostelparkiguazu.com.ar/
150 Ar$
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Lundi 27 juillet :
Chutes côté brésilien (entrée : 42, 50 Ar$)
Parc des oiseaux (50 Ar$)
Vol 1739 Iguazu 17h50 -> Buenos Aires 19h40 Aerolineas Argentinas - 98, 09€
Nuit à Buenos Aires
Claridge Hotel
Tucuman 535, Tel : (0054-11) 4314-7700, inforeservas@claridge.com.ar
http://www.claridge.com.ar/
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Mardi 28, Mercredi 29, Jeudi 30 juillet :
Nuit à Buenos Aires
Claridge Hotel
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Vendredi 31 juillet :
Vol 2890 Buenos Aires 13h55 -> El Calafate 17h08 Aerolineas Argentinas - 192, 89€ l'A/R
Nuit à El Calafate
Hostel America del Sur
Calle Puerto Deseado 153, Tel : (0054-2902) 493-525/3, calafate@americahostel.com.ar
http://www.americahostel.com.ar/
140 Ar$ la nuit
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Samedi 1er août :
Bus El Chalten <-> El Calafate 130 Ar$ l'A/R
Rando El Chalten
Nuit à El Calafate
Hostel America del Sur
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Dimanche 2 août :
Excursion au glacier en taxi privé pour la journée 350 Ar$ pour 2
Glacier Perito Moreno (entrée : 60 Ar$, bateau : 50 Ar$)
Vol 2898 El Calafate 16h52 → Buenos Aires 19h48 Aerolineas Argentinas
Nuit à Buenos Aires
Claridge Hotel
Tucuman 535, Tel : (0054-11) 4314-7700, inforeservas@claridge.com.ar
http://www.claridge.com.ar/
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Lundi 3, Mardi 4, Mercredi 5 août :
Visite de l'Estancia Don Silvano (entrée : 100 Ar$, transport en bus : 50 Ar$)
Nuit à Buenos Aires
Claridge Hotel
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Jeudi 6 août :
Vol 2866 Buenos Aires 17h45 -> Trelew 19h45 Aerolineas Argentinas - 91, 28€
Bus Trelex -> Puerto Madryn - 35 Ar$
Nuit à Puerto Madryn
La Tosca Hostel
Sarmiento 437, Tel: (0054-2965) 456-133, marianore@infovia.com.ar
http://www.latoscahostel.com/
100 Ar$ la nuit
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Vendredi 7 août :
Excursion Péninsule de Valdès : 250 Ar$
Entrée Parc Péninsule de Valdès : 45 Ar$
Nuit à Puerto Madryn
La Tosca Hostel
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Samedi 8 août :
Trajet en bus Puerto Madryn -> Buenos Aires (16h07-10h45) – 239 Ar$ sur Andesmar
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Dimanche 9 août :
Vol 511 Buenos Aires 20h55 -> Francfort 15h00 Lufthansa
Vol 4224 Francfort 15h50 -> Paris 17h00 Lufthansa
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Quelques remarques :
- les tarifs sont par personne, sauf si le contraire est précisé.
- pour l'hébergement, nous avons pris à chaque fois une chambre double avec salle de bain privée.
Merci beaucoup pour cette feuille de route.
Pourrais-tu nous donner tes impressions sur les logements utilisés : excellents ou très bons ou assez bons ou ...à éviter (absolument) etc...
merci d'avance
Je par le 31 décembre pour Buenos Aires et suivre en partis, le Dakar, pouvez-vous me donne des infos sur les bus de: Buenos Aires à Rosario de quel endroit…
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Hi everyone,
We’re planning 40 days in Uruguay and Argentina in February and March, trying to avoid as much rain as possible.
We’re thinking of starting in Buenos Aires, then heading to Bariloche, and from there flying to Córdoba, Mendoza, or Salta. Maybe by bus or renting a car to explore each region.
Do you have any suggestions or tips for us? We love picturesque, historic cities and landscapes. As seasoned travelers, we’re used to planning our trips ourselves.
Thanks in advance!
Hello,
my wife and I will be in Cusco for a week in March 2027.
I’d like to organize the visit to the site on our own, combining the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.
We’d leave Cusco on Day 1 to arrive at the site in the morning, then stay in Aguas Calientes or Ollantaytambo, and on Day 2 return to Cusco while visiting the Sacred Valley.
Is this doable?
Looking forward to hearing from you.
Cédric.
Hello,
We’re spending 3 weeks in Rio between February 20 and March 15, 2027, to visit our son and daughter-in-law. We’re thinking of one or two "escapes" from Rio—3-day trips to get away from the city (so not too far, max 3–4 hours by car or bus). We’re all ears for suggestions! We love beautiful nature and authentic experiences, not so much the touristy spots... even though those spots are often in beautiful places, we’d rather avoid them.
Thanks for your insights!
Catherine
Hello,
we’re arriving in Fortaleza on February 14, 2027, and planning to rent a car to drive to João Pessoa in two stages. We’ll leave from there on the 20th or 21st to head to Rio. Our questions:
- Which stop between Fortaleza and João Pessoa would be the most enjoyable?
- How long does it take to drive from Fortaleza to João Pessoa?
- Are there any easy hikes (no guide needed) around João Pessoa?
Thanks for all your replies—I’m hoping for lots!
Catherine
Hi there,
I’m planning a trip with my partner (no kids this time—thanks, Grandma!) for two weeks to celebrate her 40th birthday. I’ve been thinking about Chile. We’re looking at leaving around September 18, 2027, starting in the south and returning in early April.
Here’s what I had in mind:
8 nights in a van in the Lake District and the start of the Carretera Austral (up to the Chaitén area). We’re set to arrive in Puerto Montt around 2:00 PM. We don’t want to go too far south since we’re planning to explore the heart of Patagonia (Chile and Argentina) with the kids when they’re older. The idea is to spend 3 nights discovering the lakes (up to Cochamó) and 3 nights in Pumalín Park. I’ve also added two transition nights.
7 nights in the Atacama to experience another side of Chile (San Pedro), taking a domestic flight from Puerto Montt to Calama in the early afternoon. We’ll depart for France in the early evening from Santiago.
IMPORTANT NOTICE for those planning to take a bus to another city, state, or destination from Salvador!
Starting January 20, 2026, the intercity bus station Rodoviária is changing its address!
The Rodoviária is leaving the Iguatemi area and will now be located in ÁGUAS CLARAS (about twenty kilometers from downtown Salvador).
A brand-new station (the most modern in Brazil) has just been set up there, accessible by car/taxi/Uber/metro.
Allow for much more transfer time (especially during rush hours), so leave early if you're heading to Chapada Diamantina or other Brazilian cities by bus.
Remember, there are also private transfers (even French-speaking ones) that can take you directly from your hotel in Salvador to your hotel in Chapada. Sure, it’ll be more expensive, but you’ll save on transfer time and comfort.
Tropical greetings from Salvador,
@ivanbahiaguide
Loyal member of the French-Speaking Brazil Forums for over 15 years already 😊 🇧🇷
Hello,
We’re thinking of spending 1 month in Chile, maybe doing a loop?
From 12/23 to 01/22.
What are the must-see sights, given we’re more interested in the country’s cultural side than the beaches?
Thanks
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to southern Chile in November. Here's our tentative itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Santiago, then a flight the next day to Balmaceda where we'll pick up a rental car to reach Coyhaique.
Day 3: Walk in the Coyhaique National Reserve, then continue to Puerto Chacabuco. Return to Coyhaique for the second night.
Day 4: Drive to Villa Cerro Castillo for a hike in the national park. Continue to Puerto Tranquilo and stay there for 3 nights.
Day 5: Boat tour on Laguna San Rafael.
Day 6: Day trip to Monte San Valentin Glacier.
Day 7: Excursion to the Marble Chapels, then drive to Puerto Guadal. We'll stay there for 3 nights.
Day 8: Walk along Lago Carrera and return to Puerto Guadal.
Day 9: Rio Baker Valley and, if possible, a glacier excursion.
Day 10: Drive to Cochrane and hike in Tamango National Reserve. We'll stay 2 nights in Cochrane.
Day 11: Walk in the Chacabuco Valley.
Day 12: Drive to Caleta Tortel. We'll stay there for 2 nights.
Day 13: Cruise in the Rio Baker delta.
Day 14: Return to Cochrane.
Day 15: Return to Balmaceda in two stages.
Day 16: Continue the return journey.
Day 17: Return the rental car and head back to Santiago.
After this, we're also planning to explore northern Santiago. I'll post about that part once I have a clearer idea of the route.
What do you think of this itinerary? Is it doable in 17 days?
Thanks in advance for your tips and recommendations.
martine
Hi everyone! So happy to be back on this forum—it’s packed with such useful info! 🙂 My husband and I are planning a 2.5-week self-drive trip to Colombia at the end of the year, including some domestic flights. My first question is: is it possible, easy, and safe to do a road trip in Colombia?
Below is our draft itinerary (with questions at each stop):
29/11: France → Colombia. Overnight in Bogotá.
30/11: Exploring Bogotá: La Candelaria and Montserrate.
01/12: Gold Museum (closed on Mondays). Drive to Zipaquirá (1.5 hrs) to visit the Salt Cathedral. Then drive to Villa de Leyva (3 hrs). Explore the town. Overnight in Villa de Leyva.
02/12: Return to Bogotá via Laguna de Guatavita (5 hrs). Is it worth the detour? Overnight in Bogotá.
03/12: Flight to Pereira. Drive to Salento. Overnight in Salento.
04/12: Cocora Valley (hike among the wax palms) followed by a drive around the area. Are there any waterfalls or other sights nearby?
05/12: Visit a coffee finca—any recommendations? Then explore the surroundings: Filandia, Manizales, waterfalls? Hot springs? Which ones?
06/12: Flight to Medellín.
07/12: Exploring Medellín: Centro, Plaza Botero, Comuna 13. How do you visit Comuna 13? Is it easy to get around Medellín? Metro? Buses?
08/12: Drive to Guatapé (2 hrs). Visit the town, stroll around the lake, then El Peñol. Overnight in Guatapé.
09/12: Return to Medellín.
10/12: Flight to Santa Marta. Drive to a hotel near Tayrona Park.
11/12: Tayrona—El Zaino entrance.
12/12: Tayrona—Palangana entrance, then Bahia Concha and Santa Marta. What do you think?
13/12: Drive to Minca (45 mins). Can we reach the village by car? Pozo Azul and Marinka waterfalls. Overnight in Minca (or back in Tayrona?).
14/12: Drive to Puerto Nao (5 hrs). Stop in Ciénaga on the way + boat tour in Nueva Venecia and/or Buena Vista? Not enough time? Overnight in Puerto Nao.
15/12: Exploring Cartagena: Centro, Getsemaní, the walls + La Boquilla if we have time.
16/12: La Boquilla (is it really worth it?) if we didn’t have time yesterday, then back to the beach.
17/12: Return to France.
So, what do you think? Is this doable, or should we tweak it? Thanks in advance for your invaluable feedback and tips! 🙂
Hi there, I’ll be in Brazil from December 10th to the end of February.
I’ve sketched out a rough itinerary but I’m not sure how to arrange it—considering the climate, year-end holidays, and Carnival.
Basically, I’m thinking of the Amazon, the Northeast coast with Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (but skipping Chapada Diamantina),
Ouro Preto, Paraty, and Ilha Grande—but no Rio visit.
Is this doable in 3 months?
Which direction should I take for this itinerary?
Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone, does anyone know the agency Ventura Travel Agency (not ventura travel)? After lots of research and quotes, it’s the only one offering Uyuni at a reasonable price while meeting all the criteria: transfer to the border, private-room accommodation, and a very fair rate. Other agencies or guides either offer shared rooms, no border transfer, or prices that are way too high. But I’d love to hear some reviews about this agency. Thanks in advance!
Hi everyone,
We're planning a trip to Chile to visit the Atacama Desert and then head toward Putre, Lauca, Salar de Surire, etc.
Which would be the better time to go, April or November?
Is an SUV enough?
Looking forward to your tips!
Hi everyone, French travelers in Chile—what credit cards do you use for your various car rentals in the country? I’m traveling in September and was planning to switch my regular debit card (a VISA PREMIER in deferred debit mode) for the deposit guarantee.
My rentals are with Figal in Punta Arenas, Econautos in Arica, and Chilean Rent a Car in Temuco, and all of them want the deposit on a credit card. For me, deferred debit *should* work, but I’ve read comments saying the opposite.
How’s it actually working on the ground with these rental companies right now? Will a deferred debit card work, or not at all?
In France, banks don’t issue credit cards, right—or am I mistaken?
Hi everyone, is it still possible to travel in Ecuador outside the Amazon region? If so, do you have a reliable agency to recommend? All your recent experiences from the past few months would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
Hi,
We’re heading to Buenos Aires for 3 days in November and would like to do a guided tour of a few neighborhoods. There are "free" tours, but none in French. Does anyone have a guide to recommend so we can really get to know the city beyond just the architecture?
Thanks
Hi there,
I’m desperately looking for info on the schedules and routes of (shared) boats to visit the islands of Lake Titicaca.
From what I’ve found, there’s a *combi* (bus) that leaves from Puno to go to Llachon. Where do you catch it? What are the schedules and frequency? Does it take about 1 hour?
Then in Llachon, you can take a boat to Amantani (45 min). Same question—where do you check for frequency and schedule?
After that, from Amantani, boats go to Taquile and then Uros. Do you have enough time to visit the islands between two boats? Frequency and schedule?
The goal is to do this tour independently (no agency) over 2 days. Thanks for any tips you might have!
I just got back from a trip to Bolivia and wow—what a wake-up call. It’s not the easiest country, but it’s absolutely stunning.
I started with Isla del Sol, perfect for easing into the altitude at a relaxed pace. Try to stay in the northern part of the island—it’s quieter and the views are insane. And the trout there? Unreal. Quick tip: bring cash in small bills; they almost never have change, and cards are rarely accepted.
Next up, La Paz. The city’s pretty wild, built in every direction. I did a few hikes in the area, including the famous Charquini Lagoon (the blue lake) at over 5,000 m—let’s just say I struggled 😅 but it was so beautiful it was totally worth it.
After that, I headed to Sajama. It’s cool, especially for the hot springs, and I stayed in Tomarapi. But honestly, if you’re short on time, you can skip it without too many regrets.
The highlight of the trip: the Salar. I did it starting from Tupiza, and I *highly* recommend going Tupiza → Uyuni. Way less crowded at the start and the landscapes are super varied. For the tour, I used SplitYourGuide to find a group, and it worked out great. Super handy for splitting costs and meeting people.
I wrapped up in Sucre—this city is gorgeous, all white, with such a chill vibe. And the salteñas + ice cream? Next level 😋
Bottom line: Bolivia’s a bit rough around the edges, sometimes exhausting (shoutout to the altitude), but it’s 1000% worth it.
If you’ve got questions or need tips, I’m happy to help!
Martin
I was planning to go to Réunion and stay in half-board accommodation with non-professionals, but it seems that’s not really the custom there—or maybe my budget isn’t big enough.
So, since I’ve already traveled around Ecuador and Peru, I’m now looking at Argentina, especially for its mountains (like the ones in Réunion that tempted me, even though—frustratingly—I could only admire them from below).
I plan to get around by bus and don’t know in advance where I’ll sleep, so I won’t book ahead. If I like a place, I might stay for several days.
I know that in Chile, it’s easy to find half-board accommodation, but what about in Argentina?
I’d like to stay with locals in half-board without it being a professional setup. I’m not sure if this is common practice there. It’s up to me to find someone willing to host me.
What do you think?
What would be a fair price (keeping in mind that 40 to 50 € is the max I can spend on accommodation, breakfast, and dinner)?
Hi everyone,
We’re heading to Patagonia for three weeks in November, starting from Coyhaique in Chile.
We won’t have a car, and I’m struggling to find information about transportation options for a few parts of the itinerary we’d like to do:
1) From Perito Moreno (the town, near Los Antiguos), we’d like to travel down Ruta 40 to visit Perito Moreno National Park and then cross into Chile via the Paso Roballos (at the latitude of Bajo Caracoles) to reach the road to Cochrane. Without a car, it seems we’ll need to use private agencies to get to the national park—do you have any recommendations or suggestions? Also, does anyone know if it’s possible to cross into Chile via Paso Roballos (from Bajo Caracoles) without a rental car? That is, without having to go all the way down to El Chaltén or back up toward Perito Moreno/Los Antiguos, etc.?
2) The second stretch that seems a bit tricky (though still easier, in theory) is from Caleta Tortel to Villa O’Higgins on the Chilean side. Do we have to go back through Cochrane, or are there ways to get directly from Tortel to Villa O’Higgins?
3) Finally, we’d like to hike into Argentina (El Chaltén) from O’Higgins. Any recommendations for this? Do we need to go through an agency? What’s the estimated duration of the trek?
As you’ve probably gathered, we want to visit some off-the-beaten-path spots but don’t have a car, so we’re looking for the best possible compromises.
Thanks so much in advance for all your suggestions!
Thomas
Hi,
we’re planning a round trip from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, to Salta, Argentina, in two months. On the way there, we’ll take the northern route via Susques, Route 27, then 52. But for the return, we were thinking of taking the southern route via San Antonio de los Cobres, Route 51, then 23. Is it similar to the northern route in terms of road surface? How busy is it, and are there gas stations? Basically, should we be worried about doing it in an SUV that’s supposedly 4x4 but has regular road tires and no second spare wheel, obviously...
I’ve seen that we can stop over in San Antonio de los Cobres.
Thanks for your feedback.
Raf.
Hi,
we’ll be in Calama at the end of March 2026, and I’m looking for a reliable car rental there for a 7-day road trip to Salta, Argentina. But I’m struggling with the car rental agencies in Calama because the reviews can be scary. I saw Gyg, which has great ratings, but I’m a bit wary (5/5 from 59 reviews—either the guy’s amazing or it’s fake...), but I can’t find any recent reviews on VF in general.
For Punta Arenas, I booked with Dachelet and didn’t have any issues with email exchanges.
Thanks in advance.
Raf.
I’m planning the trip of my dreams for next November—Chile!
I’d love to get your thoughts on my potential itinerary. I know it’s a big investment in terms of both time and money, so every bit of feedback, suggestion, or info helps immensely. Thank you in advance!!
1-Flight to Santiago
2-Explore Santiago
3-Explore Santiago
4-Bus from STG to Valpo (2h) + visit Valparaíso + night in Viña
5-Visit Valparaíso + bus back to STG (2h)
6-Flight to Calama + bus to San Pedro + explore and acclimate in San Pedro + car rental in the afternoon (+Chaxa?)
7-(Very early) Valle del Arcoíris + Laguna Cejar + Valle de la Luna
Good evening,
We’d love to go in November to enjoy some beautiful beaches for about two weeks, preferably around Bahia, as November/December seems like a great time.
We’ve already traveled to Brazil several times and know the south of Rio as well as the region between São Luís and Fortaleza, and Chapada Diamantina...
What advice would you give us: the south with Itaparica, Morro de São Paulo, Boipeba, Barra Grande—or all four? Or maybe the north?
Thanks in advance for your help
Hi everyone, it’s been a while since I last posted!
First time in South America for me, my wife, and our 7-year-old son. I’ve put together this itinerary and would love to hear your thoughts:
Bogotá 28/07 – 30/07: Arrival. Which neighborhood and outings would you recommend?
Flight to
2 Filandia 30/07 – 03/08: (255 €). Waterfalls and horseback riding,
Cocora Valley,
Hiking,
Nearby villages.
Flight to
3 Tayrona 03/08 – 07/08: Hotel La Casablanca
Hike with Tierra Nevada and the Kogui village (any feedback?). Return by inner tube for the little one.
Short night hike.
Second hike to La Piscina, etc., return by 🐎.
4 Cartagena 07/08 – 10/08: Air-conditioned bus.
Staying in Getsemaní? Mangroves & the Castle, exploring the city.
5 Bogotá 10/08 – 12/08
Feel free to share your feedback!
Have a great day!
Hi,
During an upcoming trip to Peru, we’ll have one day to explore around Arequipa (excluding Colca Canyon) with a car and driver.
We’ve got a few options:
- Toro Muerto petroglyphs and dinosaur footprints at Querulpa
- Ruta del Sillar and Quebrada de Culebrillas
We’re a group of 6 friends with an average age of 70, all mobile, and we’re planning a trip to Peru in September/October 2026. Below is an idea of what we’re looking for: a French-speaking guide, accommodation in 3-star hotels or homestays with comfort.
Duration: 16 to 20 days on-site.
Visit the main sites with immersion in the culture and way of life.
Which francophone agency in Peru would you recommend? Thanks
Hi there!
I’m putting together my itinerary for Brazil, looking for beautiful natural spots with wildlife, flora, and great hikes...
I’ve come across the Cananeia / Super Agui / Ilha do Mel region and the PETAR / Intervales / Alto Ribeira area.
Has anyone here been to these places? If so, do you have any recommendations for accommodations and activities?
Thanks in advance!
Best,
Olivier 🌍
I’ll be in ARICA in northern Chile at the end of May 2026 and want to get to TACNA.
Are there taxis, buses, or collectivos that run the border crossing route?
After that, bus to AREQUIPA (Peru): any bus company you’d recommend?
