Argentina

South America Road Trip

by Gap Year Escape · 0 comments

The US is renowned the world over for its awesome road trips. Whether you want to rip up Route 66 on a Harley or cruise the Pacific Coast Highway in an open-top convertible (something I did in a used BMW), there’s something for everyone. However, what happens when you cross the border into Central and South America? Are the roads expansive and the scenery stunning or are they all single-lane dust tracks? Thankfully, it’s the former and here are 5 of the best for you to try in your gap year.

Argentina

Argentina has an abundance of breathtaking scenery, particularly the northern highlands, which have some great roads and scenic towns and villages all within a relatively short distance of one another. South of the city of Salta, along Ruta 68, are the imposing Quebrada de Cafayate, a fabulous range of red mountains and rock formations. The scenery shifts again as you enter Argentina’s wine-growing region and then visit the remote, pre-Inca ruins of Quilmes. This road trip is best tackled in an all-terrain vehicle that can comfortably handle the country’s many gravelled, unfinished roads.

Bolivia

At the heart of the continent lies Bolivia, a country that borders five other South American nations and offers one of the world’s most notorious road trips, known as ‘Death Road’. The 35-mile stretch between La Paz and Coroico quickly ascends into dense rainforest and has some extreme drop-offs and precarious single-lane roads that can be made even more hazardous by rain and fog. Although a truly awesome road it should be treated with extreme caution as it is estimated that between 200 and 300 travellers are killed each year on this road.

Brazil

If mountain roads, deadly or otherwise, aren’t your thing, it may be worth considering a trip along some of Brazil’s magnificent coastal roads. There is almost 1,400 miles of coastline between Sao Luis to Rio de Janeiro, much of it littered with small, secluded beaches as well as all of the other natural and cultural highlights the country has to offer. Anyone wanting to take this road trip needs to consider that there is a lot of driving to do with some huge distances between towns, so top up with gas at every opportunity.

Chile

The altiplano area of northern Chile highlights all of the natural wonders this country has to offer, from snow-capped volcanoes to desert mountains via pre-Inca ruins and adobe villages built into cliff sides – you get the lot. This trip will take you across some rugged roads so it is best that you hire a vehicle with 4-wheel drive and be sure to stock up on fuel as petrol stations are few and far between.

Colombia

Colombia has coastlines on both the North Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea and its flat coastal lowlands and tropical climate make it perfect for a coastal road trip. Alternatively, you can travel further inland and experience the spectacular countryside of the central highlands and Andes Mountains. One word of warning about Colombia, however. It appears to be home to the world’s worst and least considerate drivers and is definitely not one for the inexperienced driver.

Planning a trip to Argentina

by Gap Year Escape · 4 comments

Argentina is one of my favorite places so far in the world. The country is so vast and like the United States, you can find everything in the 2nd largest country in South America. The only difference is that Argentina is much more compact and it has something the U.S doesn’t have, the gateway to Antarctica. There aren’t too many countries in the world where you can truly find everything.

Image: Finizio

When To Go:

Because Argentina is so vast it really depends on what and where you want to go. Avoid the North in the winter (Dec, Jan, Feb), Buenos Aires and even the Iguazu Falls have been described as hell on Earth by locals because of the heat. Patagonia is massive and the further South you travel the weather gets more and more unpredictable. In Ushuaia for example, the weather changes every 15 minutes. November is when the penguins start to hatch and also the beginning of Antarctica high season. To see the best side of all the Argentina tourist attractions make sure to travel to the North in the spring and South in the winter or fall.

 

Getting Around:

This is where it gets chaotic. The economy in Argentina is in the pits and inflation is rampant throughout the entire country. If you are traveling via air make sure to have enough time to get by the monthly strikes with the airline companies. Best way to travel is via Bus, you can have a first class experience for a cheaper fare.

 

Argentina recently instituted an extra tax so it isn’t that much cheaper. Its more to avoid aggravation at the airports since the bus system in Argentina is the most efficient thing in the country. They have just set plans to build the first high speed rail system to connect the 3 largest cities in the country

 

Eating:

It isn’t as cheap as you would think but there are way to save money. Empanadas are always a cheap bet and you can get tostados (very primitive sandwich) for very cheap. If you are going to eat out look for the sausages and some of the meat. Argentina is the 2nd highest consumer of meat in the world and there are always cheap meat options on the menu.

Accommodation:

While I was doing my research for living in Buenos Aires I found that is ridiculous cheap to rent an apartment in the city instead of staying at a hostel or a hotel. Outside of Buenos Aires you can find great couch surfing opportunities and great Hostels as well. You can sign up with Hostelling International to get great discounts on both tours and rooms alike.

 

Misc:

If you are traveling to Salta or Puerto Madryn, I highly recommend that you rent a car. If you split it with other travelers it comes out cheaper than the tours and you can really cut your time by more than half at each location. Be aware that car insurance in Argentina doesn’t cover roll overs or break ins, make sure to lock your doors and keep everything hidden.

 

Don’t bother visiting Ushuaia unless you are in the area or going to Antarctica. Its a pure tourist trap and you can do the same activities in Puerto Madryn, Bariloche, and Calafate.

 

Things You Have To Do:

Calafate – The Perito Moreno Glacier is absolutely incredible, more incredible than the most incredible places you have been. Really.

Iguazu Falls – Hands down one natural wonders of the world. How does Niagara compete with 275 waterfalls? 275!

Puerto Madryn – There is nothing like walking around close to a million penguins and diving with Sea Lions. The Galapagos Islands is the only place that comes close to being able to interact with animals.

 

Bio:

Marcello Arrambide has been working for freedom his entire life. He’s unlocked the secret through day trading and now wanders the world. Traveling the world for most of his life he has chosen to share with the world how easy it is to travel and live overseas with his travel site Wandering Trader’s Travels. He has visited over 30 countries on 4 different continents including the elusive Antarctica. You can also find him on twitter: @WanderingTradr and Facebook: WanderingTrader