Argentina/Uruguay/Brazil/Paraguay/etc. - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**U2fan** · 04-21-2005, 02:57 PM

So as I have kind of mentioned in a few other threads, I'm studying in Buenos Aires this summer!

I will be taking two classes and living with a family. I am leaving on May 25th and my program goes until July 1, but I'm not coming back until July 21st so I can have a few extra weeks to travel/do whatever.

My classes are Tuesday-Thursday so I will have 4 day weekends and I am wondering how realistic it is to really *get anywhere and back* in 4 days. I know Montevideo is only like an hour away, but even Argentina is HUGE as I am fully beginning to realize and Patagonia is a major hike away from Buenos Aires it seems.

Is it even worth it to try and get to Brazil/Patagonia/anywhere more than a few hours away from Buenos Aires on these 4 day weekends or should I just accept that I'll have to get to far away places in the 2 1/2 weeks I have at the end?

Also, what airlines should I look into? Since I want to maximize seeing things and minimize time travelling, I am thinking flying would probably make the most sense.

Anyone? Or any other random tips?

If it weren't winter there I would be going to Antarctica! But guess that'll have to happen another time in life

**omisan** · 04-21-2005, 03:26 PM

Awesome!!

Well, I don't have any tips, but I've just read that TACA (one of the bigger Latin American airlines) is notorious for losing luggage, so you might want to keep that in mind

**afterlife3** · 04-21-2005, 03:32 PM

If money doesnt matter, there are numerous airlines. Argentina has their own, so does Chile, Peru. You could go to the Igazu Falls, I believe in four days. Cordoba is another major city in Argentina and has an airport. You could go south of Buenos Aires along the coast, I have heard there are some beautiful towns there. And watch the movie The Motorcycle Diaries, it will inspire you. Lonely Planet has a good book called South America on a Shoestring.

**worldwidemike** · 04-26-2005, 03:30 AM

Hmm...4 day weekends every week...a whole continent to explore...sounds like you need to be marry an airline employee and fly free!

Seriously, sign up for the e-mail deals or visit the special sale fares sections of the major South American carriers. Definitely do this with Argentina's carrier, Aerolineas Argentinas, since you'll be based out of Buenos Aires (you lucky dog!). Check them as often as you can, and when you see a good sale for one of your weekends, by them! Airlines are always running good sales...you just have to check their sites at least on a weekly basis (or sign up to get their sales e-mailed to you, if they offer that).

Aero Continente
Domestic service within Peru.
http://www.aerocontinente.com.pe

Aerolineas Argentinas
The national airline of Argentina with international service within South America and to Europe, North America, and Oceana.
http://www.aerolineas.com.ar

Aeropostal
Based in Venezuela with service within the northern region of South America.
http://www.aeropostal.com

Aerovias Nacionales De Colombia S.A. (profile)
Aerovias Nacionales Avianca(AVIANCA). The Group's principal activity is the provision of international and domestic air transportation services for the carriage of passenger, freight and mail.

Grupo Taca
Providers of information and travel services for Grupo Taca (Transportes Aeros Centro Americanos), which is is comprised of 5 smaller airlines in Central America and services North, South, and Central America.

Guyana Airways
International network includes US, Canada, and points within the Caribbean; also provides domestic service within Guyana.
http://www.turq.com

LADE
Regional service within Argentina.
http://www.lade.com.ar

Ladeca
Domestic service within Chile.
http://www.ladeco.cl

Lan Airlines S.a. (profile)
Lan Chile SA(LAN). The Group's principal activities are the provision of passenger and air cargo services, commercial aviation services; operation and administration of customs enclosures and general-purpose warehouses; engaging in property inve...

LanChile
Chile's national airline with international service within South America and to North America, Europe and the Pacific.
http://www.lanchile.com

Linea Turistica Aereotuy
Provider of air travel to remote destinations in Venezuela.
http://www.tuy.com

Lloyd Aéreo Boliviano
Service within Bolivia.
http://www.labairlines.com

Pantanal Linhas Aereas
Pantanal Airlines provides regional service within southern Brazil.
http://www.pantanal-airlines.com.br

Pluna Uruguay
In conjuction with Varig, provides service within South America as well as to Madrid, Spain.
http://www.pluna.com.uy

Satena
Service within Colombia.
http://www.satena.com

Southern Winds (SW)
Regional service within South America.
http://www.sw.com.ar

TAF
Regional service within Brazil.
http://www.secrel.com.br

TAME Línea Aérea del Ecuador
Providers of information and travel services for TAME, which is is Ecuador's airline. Flights include the Galopogos Islands.

Varig Brasil Airlines
Brazil's major international carrier, with domestic as well as global service. English language website.
http://www.varig.com.br

Vasp
Mainly Brazilian domestic service.
http://www.vasp.com.br

**TheJake** · 04-26-2005, 09:07 AM

No your set by being buenos aires. It's a 18 hour bus ride to Foz de Iguazu and you only need one night there. One half day for the brazilian side and one whole day for the argentian side.

I'm racking my brain to try to remember how long to the south but right now im drawing a blank on even the name....

**space virgin** · 04-26-2005, 10:08 AM

I don't have any input, Lauren, I just wanted to say that you are a LUCKY girl and I'm totally jealous!

Although it makes me want to go back to school, lol.

**my retro career** · 04-26-2005, 11:35 AM

Don't forget to visit the pengiuns in the south....

Adorable creatures in tuxes, aren't they...?

Lucky you!

**U2fan** · 04-26-2005, 03:40 PM

Thank you Mike and everyone else!!!!!!!

You guys are AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!!

I'd love any other suggestions/input so keep it coming if you have it! I normally like to do some reading on the country/area of the world I'm going to before I go, but I'm in hardcore exam mode now for the next 2 weeks and so don't have time