North of Chile- Peru- Ecuador

scruff321

I have a bit less then 4 weeks of travel. I live in Santiago but im going home for Christmas.

Basically i want to do a bit of travelling, i was considering just doing Peru and the North of Chile but Chile is quite expensive in comparison to most places in comparison to most countries in South America.

Would i be mad going up to Ecuador?A friend of mine went straight from Ecuador from Santiago took the best part of 4 days!! Basically my plan is to leave the 4th November go from Santiago (returning the 1st/2nd December) to La Serena 2 nights from there to San Pedro de Atacama for 3 noghts, to Iquique for 2 nights and take a night bus to Arica after go straight across to Peru.

I havent planned much else other then knowing il go to Machu Pichu,Cuzco, Lake titicaca and one or 2 other places.

Im not tied to any of these plans except going to Machu Pichu because i feel its something i have to see. Anyway im not a person for rushing onto places and prefere to take my time to se places proper although im open to suggestions and iv been told Ecuador is amazing. i will travel again so its not a must but id really welcome any suggestions?

Il be busing it all the way there (where ever that is!) and back to Santiago which should be fun

anti-venom

Hi, I would advise you against travelling to Ecuador because, from where you are at the moment, it would be too arduous a journey. Why spend your valuable time just getting your arse creased in a bus for days? Ecuador is a beautiful country and it would take time to absorb and appreciate all it has to offer and a flying visit would be a waste of your time and money.

Instead, if I were you, I would stick with southern Peru and northern Chile. You have to see Machu Pichu and the Colca Canyon near Arequepa, Lago Titi Caca etc, etc. All must must sees in any itinerary. Have you not thought of going into Bolivia? It would be far more accessable for travel purposes than northern Peru or Ecuador. I strongly recommend a visit to the Salar de Uyuni in the southwest of Bolivia. It is over 4000 miles squared of salt. A typical tour there takes about four days and takes in some of the most spectacular scenery in the world, let alone South America!

You might also consider a trip into the Peruvian Amazon, particularly the Manu Biosphere. Very much worth the time and expense of getting there. Let us know how you get on and enjoy your travels.

filthymcnasty

Are you starting and finishing your trip in Santiago?
If so fcuk going to Ecuador and as suggested do a loop through Bolivia instead. Theres way more to do there and its a lot cheaper.

The bus from Lima to Peru/Ecuador border alone would be nearly 24 hours in itself.

scruff321

Yea think i was a little drunk writing that post!

Ecuador would be way too far and im not one of these people who just does flying visits to places!!

I suppose Bolivia would be an option alright, im not a big fan of been a tourist in extremely impoverished countries from previous experiences but then again i suppose it benefits the people and the opportunity to see something amazing shouldnt be missed!

Thanks for the replies.

jobless

i second bolivia from where you are..... it really is a beautiful country.... The salt flats tour is a must if you do go....
It might be a poor country but i didnt feel anyway awkward about visiting there...the people are very friendly and your helping the economy by visiting...

I loved la paz also.... it really is a unique city