South America Prep Part 5: Route Planning

When I was taking a short vacation at Quebec, I met a guy while staying at a couchsurfing who just travelled to South America. I was naive thinking one month would be more than sufficient for South America, but then he replied "Girl, you need way more than that, I went for almost 6 months and I felt another 3 months is in need." This is when I extended it to 3 months.

The Rough Guides on South America had many suggested itineraries so I did some research, ruling out the stuff I don't mind missing out and the places I definitely want to visit. Eventually I just dot them down on the map and figure out a loop route out of Lima and back while referencing them to the amount of in between travel time and whether I can afford it. Its a rough itinerary, things change in split seconds sometimes so I usually try to not write plans in stone unless its something like the Macchu Picchu trail which needs 6 months advance booking. I decided to leave Brazil out of this round since I was too late for visa and because it would be a rush to do it all. I rather spend an extra night or two at one place...

So here is the rough idea for this loop trip

1. Peru
• Lima
• Cusco & around
• Macchu Picchu
• Lake Titica
2. Bolivia
• La Paz & around
• Amazon tour guide
• Uyuni
3. Argentina
• Buenos Aires
• Maybe hop over to Uruguay for a couple day if I feel ultra adventurous
• Rosano
• Cordoba
• San Juan
• Mendoza
4. Chile
• Santiago
• Valparaiso
• travel along the coast all the way to Arica and cross Peru border back to Lima 

I have to admit I haven't done a whole lot of homework so this might include some bad ideas but I'm sure there would be advices and information along the way. As long as I am open to change, make enough time cushion for myself and remain calm, it'll be fine.