Nous (ma femme et moi) prévoyons nous rendre au Panama pour un mois en février prochain (2017) pour environ 4 semaines et je cherche de l'aide pour développer un itinéraire pour ce voyage. Nous avions prévu aller au Panama qui nous a apparu, après quelques recherches, extrêmement dispendieux pour un confort moyen. Nous aimerions connaitre ce pays, voir de beaux paysages, faire de la plongée, rencontrer des gens sympatiques et des cultures différentes....etc. Est-ce sécuritaire un peu partout pour des touristes ?
Pour 4 semaines, quelqu'un peut-il nous aider à développer un itinéraire nous permettant d'avoir une bonne vue d'ensemble de ce pays et de profiter de la mer.
Nous aimons réserver une bonne partie des logements avant de partir. Nous ne sommes pas un couple de jeunes backpakers mais un couple des retraités actifs qui sommes habitués de voyager en solo un peu partout dans le monde et qui veut voyager pas trop vite et avec le temps de prendre son temps. Nous arriverons et repartirons de Bogota.
Hôtels ou appts à nous recommander ? Moyens de transport suggéré ? Est-ce intéressant ou sage de louer une voiture ? Le système de transport public est-il efficace et bien ?
Pouvez-vous nous aider ?? Toutes vos idées sont bienvenues
Merci d'avance
Un peu curieux comme itinéraire : de Colombie au Panama...pas de route ! c'est soit le bateau , mais lequel ? Informations très contradictoires sur ce forum . Se renseigner auprès de l'office de tourisme colombien . Ou l'avion depuis Bogota ou Carthagène/Santa Marta . De toute façon , vous resterez en Colombie sur l'axe central : sur la côte ouest , ça tombe comme vache qui pisse ou cats and dogs et à l'est , c'est les farc et autres bandits .
Des bus partout et à toutes les heures mais les chauffeurs ne semblent avoir qu'un but : battre le record de vitesse établi la fois précédente , bref des " m'en fous la mort" !
Que voir en Colombie ?
Popayan et son architecture coloniale à l'extrême sud . Un peu plus au nord , les restes "incas" de San Augustin . Plus près de Bogota , la petite ex ville coloniale de Villa de Leiva et la mine de sel de Zipaquira . Bogota et son petit mais EXTRAORDINAIRE musée de l'or + la plaza central + le téléphérique pour Montserrat . Les centres villes modernes de Medellin et Cali . Les remparts de Carthagène + son beau centre colonial . Les plages à Santa Marta .
En effet il y a une erreur dans mon texte. Nous ne voulons plus aller au Panama à cause des coûts qui semblent exhorbitants (à l'américaine) mais nous aurions cru que la Colombie était un excellent choix . Quand je vous lis je sens que ce n'est pas le bon moment de l'année pour aller en Colombie et que compte tenu de la meteo, cela réduit beaucoup nos secteurs à visiter.
merci de l'information pour la meteo car je n'aurais pas cru que février était la saison des pluies.
Bonsoir,
Je vous rassure. Février est une bonne période pour séjourner en Colombie.
A Carthagène, à Bogota ...
Fin février 2017, il y a le carnaval de Barranquilla à ne manquer sous aucun prétexte. C'est le 3e carnaval au monde après Rio et Venise.
Il y a beaucoup a voir en Colombie. Le site officiel du tourisme colombien colombia travel, très bien fait, devrait vous permettre de choisir vos destinations.
Si vous avez besoin de plus d'informations, n'hésitez pas à me contacter par MP.
Cordialement,
Danyflore.
En 4 semaines une boucle Bogota - région du café - région Caraïbes - région Boyaca et Santander - Bogota me paraît un bon début. Mes 3 coups de coeur : Jardin (au Sud de Medellin, ambiance région du café riante) - Mompos (ambiance tropicale type Cent Ans de Solitude) - Mongui (ambiance andine plus austère). A part Carthagène (superbe mais très très touristique) et à la rigueur Bogota, les grandes villes colombiennes n'ont pas un intérêt fou, pour moi c'est typiquement le genre de pays où il faut plutôt s'attarder dans les zones de campagne, les villages et petites villes.
Pour la pluie , je n'avais pensé qu'à la côte ouest...où d'ailleurs les touristes ne vont pas . La réponse de Danyflore est bonne : de Popayan à Santa Marta , l'axe central dont je parlais , c'est la meilleure saison et , comme je l'ai déjà écrit , il y a de quoi voir avec , cerise sur le gâteau si vous y êtes à ce moment là , le carnaval de Barranquilla .
Quelques photos pour vous tenter .
1 : Popayan
2-3 : San Augustin
4 : Leiva
5 : Bogota
6-7 : Carthagène
Bonjour,
Je vous conseille Carthagène, Mompox, la région nord du Boyacá (Villa de Leyva est très tourisque. Je préfère Mongui, le trek du paramo de Oceta, la laguna de Tota etc... avec hébergement à Sogamoso), la région du café, Popayán. (La dernière photo du post précédent n'est pas prise à Popayán. Elle représente l'église de Las Lajas, à quelques kms de la frontière Colombie-Equateur).
Bonne préparation.
Cordialement,
Danyflore.
Merci Danièle d'avoir pris le temps de nous fournir toutes ces informations qui nous permettent actuellement de travailler sur notre itinéraire avec beaucoup plus de connaissance des lieux à considérer et à visiter. Nous tiendrons compte énormémément de toutes vos recommandations.
Merci encore
Hola
Il est vrai que les petits villages de la Colombie ( Jardin , Salento , Filandia , Ville de Leyva , Raquira , ... ) sont très jolis mais j'ai bien aimé , également , Cali et Medellin .
Nous revenons ma compagne et moi de 4 semaines en Colombie au mois de septembre dernier. Je ne peux donc que vous encourager à visiter ce superbe pays aux habitants si sympathiques et accueillants !
Pour vous donner une petite idée nous avons fait :
- vol Madrid - Cali => Cali donc =>Popayan => San Agustin => vol Pitalito-Bogota (dans un avion de l'armée, spécialement affrété par la Satena car l'avion prévu à la base avait des soucis 🙂) => Bogota donc => San Gil => bucaramanga => vol pour Medellin => vol pour Cartagena => Palomino (dont le parc Tayrona) => Minca => Santa Marta => vol pour Bogota et retour à la maison.
Grosso modo nous avons passé 2,3 nuits à chaque étape sauf à la mer à Palomino où nous sommes restés 5 nuits.
Les transports pour faire de petits trajets sont biens, fréquents et pas chers. Ca roule parfois un peu limite, mais en un mois nous n'avons vu qu'un seul accident. Nous avons trouvé les routes dans un "plutôt bon" état lorsqu'il s'agit d'aller de ville en ville, après parfois il n'y a que la piste mais c'est assez rare je crois... Ce qui est le plus embettant c'est plutôt le traffic avec les énoooormes camions dans les routes de montagnes, avec les virages pas facile de les doubler et si on double pas on roule à 30 pendant des heures... C'était surtout dans les régions montagneuses çà évidement, au bord de la Caraïbes çà roulait mieux... Du coup des trajets de 150km peuvent vous prendre 4h "mas o menos" :D Mais en revanche les paysages sur les routes sont souvent splendides (la route le long du Canyon de Chicamocha entre San Gil et Bucaramanga était é-pous-tou-fflante).
Comme nous étions limités en temps et que nous avions le budget pour, nous avons donc pris plusieurs vols intérieurs (4). Les prix sont très corrects avec Viva Colombia (le low cost Colombien, mais qui vaut laaaargement un low cost chez nous de type Ryanair ou Easy Jet) et on s'évite des journées entières de bus, je vous le recommande. Et ils volent à peu prêt partout dans le pays (notamment sur l'île de San Andrès qui apparement est un des meilleurs endroits du pays pour profiter de la mer et faire de la plongée...).
Voilà, j'espère que ces informations vous aideront pour découvrir ce fabuleux pays. Nous nous avons adoré !!!
Merci infiniment McJulio pour ces précieuses informations. Il nous apprait cependant que plusieurs régions que vous avez visité en septembre ne sont pas recommandés en février car il pleut de façon constante. Nous allons cependant prendre note des endroits que vous avez visités et en faire le tri en considérant la météo de certaines régions et en considérant les autres recommandations des autres participants à ce forum qui nous ont également donné de nombreuses pistes d'itinéraires intéresssants.
Merci encore
Claude
Comme on dit là-bas "A la orden" 😉 J'espère que les infos vous serviront. En effet peut-être que dans le sud il pleuvra beaucoup. En revanche je crois que dans le nord c'est la période où il ne pleut pas une goutte pendant des semaines...
Hi there, We re planning a two-week trip to Colombia with our two kids at the end of July early August, with a round-trip flight to Cartagena. What itinerary…
Hi there, We re heading to Colombia for 3 weeks from the 9th to the 29th. Here s the itinerary we ve planned: Week 1 Bogotá, mountains, hike in Páramo de Ocetá…
It's decided—2027 will be Brazil, in the summer (unless you advise against it 😕). From what I’ve read, the weather’s okay, even if it’s a bit chilly for swimming. We’re going, as always, as a group of four, with our teens. 🙂
We’d be looking at a solid two weeks, at least 14 days on the ground. I’m planning way ahead to nail down an itinerary and book our flight tickets (the prices I’m seeing already are freaking me out…).
From my research, I’ve come across some classic routes: Rio/Iguazu/Paraty/Ilha Grande.
Roughly: 4 days in Rio, 2 in Iguazu, 2 in Paraty, and 3 on Ilha Verde. That’d leave us one more stop on the trip.
Since we like to end with a "chill" stop for the kids,
My questions:
- Is Ilha Verde worth it this time of year? I’ve read that swimming might not be an option—water’s too cold… So not ideal for a chill/relaxing destination?
- How should we round out the trip in the South? São Paulo? Another stop along the Costa Verde?
- Wouldn’t it make more sense to head up to the Northeast, where it’s warmer, like Salvador de Bahia?
But Salvador raises other questions:
- Are there flights from Iguazu to Salvador?
- And for the return to France, would we have to connect through Rio or São Paulo from Salvador?
- Any suggestions for places to stay around Salvador?
Thanks for your input—I’m sure I’ll have more questions as I go along. 😉
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’m looking for recent info on a boat trip with sleeping accommodations from Belém to Santarém. I don’t want a "luxury cruise for wealthy tourists"—just a bed with a minimum of comfort seems great to me🙂. I didn’t find any up-to-date details with Amazon Star. Do you have any companies, guides, or prices for this route to recommend?
I’d love to hear tips and feedback on this trip, especially since I’m traveling solo. I’d like to get a sense of what to expect and ensure some basic safety with transportation.
Thanks.
I live in Quindío and I’ve seen a lot of worried questions since the August earthquake. Here’s an update for those planning a trip to the coffee region.
Tourist sites are operating normally: Salento, the Cocora Valley, Filandia, and Pereira Airport are open and welcoming travelers. The region needs visitors—coming here directly helps the locals.
A few tips to plan your stay:
• Airports: Pereira and Armenia, each about 1 hour from Salento.
• Where to stay: Salento for the vibe and proximity to Cocora, Filandia, or a *finca* near Quimbaya for more tranquility.
• Cocora: Easy to explore independently from Salento, with the Willys (local jeeps) leaving from the square. Go early to avoid crowds.
• La Carbonera: Less known, wilder, and home to the largest wax palm forest. The road is long—best done in a 4x4 or with a Willy driver.
• Coffee: Many small family-run *fincas* offer tours around Salento and Filandia.
• Hot springs: Santa Rosa de Cabal, on the way to Pereira.
• Duration: Plan at least 3 days to enjoy without rushing.
If you have any questions about the region, ask away—I’m happy to help.
Hi everyone! I’m heading to Colombia in January 2026 and have a few questions. In Salento, which is better to do—Cocora Valley or Carbonera Valley? After that, I want to fly from Medellín to Rincón del Mar. Is there an airport in Tolú? I can’t find any info. Thanks in advance, and *buen viajé* to all! Kristian
Hi there, we’ve decided to head to Brazil at the end of March for 2.5 weeks with our 13-year-old son. From what I’ve gathered from some research, Rio seems like a great destination at this time of year, and I’m thinking around 4-5 days to explore it—does that sound right to you? Copacabana, Ipanema, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer, maybe a favela tour, or any other ideas?
How’s the best way to get around locally? I’ve heard about Bonito or Angra dos Reis and Ilha Grande—what do you think of those? Fernando de Noronha for snorkeling or even diving? Is Recife a good option at this time of year?
If you’ve got any suggestions, we’re all ears—it’s for our 50th birthdays! :-) Thanks so much for your help and tips. See you soon.
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!
We’ve planned our road trip in Chile, and the only thing left is to book the TABSA ferry from Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams.
Problem: the ferry that leaves Punta Arenas at 1 AM isn’t available for booking, no matter the day or month. All the other departures can be booked, though.
On top of that, Tabsa isn’t responding to any messages.
We’re planning to explore Peru’s main highlights and were wondering if anyone could share insights on the quality and comfort of overnight buses. If so, which bus company should we trust?
Hi,
My wife and I are heading to Brazil from November 6th to December 2nd. We’ll be stopping in São Paulo, Paraty, Ilha Grande, Rio, and Salvador de Bahia.
Could you recommend some nice, non-luxury places to stay in each of these spots?
Also, any suggestions for places to visit would be great.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Marc
Hi there.
I already posted a message asking for advice about our upcoming trip to Chile.
Details: Getting around by bus or train.
Starting from Valparaiso, heading north, passing through cities and places to visit, then returning to Santiago via a different route.
Avoid the beaches...
Thanks
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
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 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
