South America
 

Anybody been on vacation to either SCL or UIO? Just wondering if anybody had any gouge. Or any other SA suggestions for a vacation. (Not Brazil though, no visas)

Brazil dropped VISA requirements from June 1st till Sep 18th for US passports (to help get those ticket buying americans to the olympics).

Also, Buenos Aires (Argentina) just completely dropped it's $160 fee per person to enter the country with their new president finally realizing that dissuading americans from Argentina was hurting Argentina more than it was hurting US.

Scl has cool stuff to do.

For me, the most enjoyable SA vacation was BA. 4 days in BA did all the city stuff, super cheap right now, then zed to Mendoza, their wine country. At the base of the highest peak in SA and right over the mountain from SCL. Undiscovered except by trekkers. If you go, by all means go to the Zucchardi vineyard and get a little tour and stay for the paired wine lunch ($50/person) youve never had a more amazing meal. Tons to do in Argentina. We had to fly to jfk to get out, atl was payload optimized. Id go again in a second.

I really enjoy SCL when I go. I haven't gone other than flying the trip, but it looks like a lot to do if you like the outdoors.

A friend said that the trout fishing down there is superb.

Trout fishing in Chilean Patagonia - Telegraph

While SCL is great, one of my guys just went to Montevideo and Punte del Este for week--loved it. Smaller BA

GF

I've been a couple of times and done the following: wine tastings at vineyards in the Maipo Valley (within 1.5 hours of SCL), toured Pablo Nerudo's homes in Santiago and Valparaiso, self-guided walking tour of Valparaiso (found some galleries with attractive artwork), and spent some time on the coast watching the waves. Did a fair amount of eating at local's restaurants (lots of good ceviche, abalone, and pisco sours). Enjoyed a fancier steak dinner at Happenings (in the el Bosque neighborhood). Hung out at the restaurant at the soaring club located at one of the small airstrips right in Santiago. Checked out the arts and crafts market at the end of one of the subway lines.

It's easy to get around Santiago using the subway. Taxis are an expensive way to go places. Renting a subcompact car is more expensive than in the US, but would be the way to go if you want to visit the wineries or go to the coast.

SCL adventures to give pause before pulling the trigger Mr. Bond, seafood soup at Mercado Central & rafting Cajon del Maipo.

I enjoy Mercado Central for its food and atmosphere. The shills trying to attract you to their restaurant can be a nuisance, but if you're good at saying "no thanks" you'll be fine. Great ceviche, abalone, and piscos.

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