traveling argentina & chile on a budget
TRANSCRIPT
The Rundown
• HI USA Introduc.ons • Chile & Argen.na Overviews • Planning & Prepara.on • Iden.fying The Hotspots • GeAng Around • Accommoda.ons • General Safety & Health • Cultural Considera.ons
Basic Ground Rules
• I’m not the only expert in the room • This presenta.on is intended for mass consump.on • Please recognize the different levels of travel & experience
• You can disagree with someone’s opinion • Feel free to ask ques.ons throughout • Have fun and get excited!
HI USA Our Mission & Purpose
Mission: “To help all, especially the young, gain a greater understanding of the world and its people through hostelling.”
Purpose: “HI USA inspires a genuine understanding of people, places & cultures for a more tolerant world.”
Which one of these Best reflects your idea of hostelling?
What is Hostelling?
Community: Suppor.ng and connec.ng the greater community of travelers both inside and outside of HI USA’s hostel network.
Travel: Through the vehicle of hostels, providing travel opportuni.es and educa.on for travelers looking to explore the United States and beyond.
Experience: Crea.ng local and unique experiences that leave guests with a beSer understanding of the culture they’re visi.ng and learning by doing.
Community │ Travel │ Experience
About Me
• Travel style: Plan well but say yes oTen to new experiences
• Work for Hostelling Interna.onal USA • Studied Abroad in Argen.na
• Traveled through La.n America for a bit for research & learning
• Have traveled to 21 Countries • Last year, spent 7 weeks traveling through Africa solo
• Top future des.na.ons include Turkey, Brazil, and New Zealand
But, more importantly:
What Brings You Here?
Argentina: A Quick Overview
• Argen'na – Part of the Southern Cone – Na'on of immigrants (Europe, Middle East, etc.) – Top 10 wealthiest countries at the turn of the 20th
Century – Home of tango, dulce de leche & mate – Tumultuous poli'cal history – Major des'na'ons include Mendoza, Buenos Aires,
Iguazu Falls, Patagonia, Bariloche and Salta – Made up of 23 Provinces, and about 7 regions
(Patagonia, Argen'ne Northwest, Gran Chaco, Mesopotamia, Central, Cuyo and the Pampas)
• Suggested Pre-‐Trip Reading & Watching – Graham Greene’s “The Honorary Consul” – Jorge Luis Borges “El Aleph” – Jacobo Timerman “Prisoner Without a Name, Cell Without a
Number” – Any film with Ricardo Darín (Nine Queens, Wild Tales, etc.)
Chile: A Quick Overview • Chile
– Part of the Southern Cone – Geographically similar to Argen.na – Considered an economic success story in La.n America – Lots of vineyards (carmanere originated from Chile) – Pisco (sweet and sour drink, maybe came from Peru) – Poli.cally stable democracy (aTer unstable rule) – Not the best of rela.ons with the Argen.nians – 15 Separate poli.cal regions – 6 Geographic regions including Norte Grande, Norte Chico,
Zona Central, Zona Sur, Zona Austral • Suggested Pre-‐Trip Reading
– Poetry by Pablo Neruda – “Paula” by Isabel Allende – “Chile Travels in a Thin Country” Sara Wheeler
A Note On Latin America
• Poli.cally charged and tumultuous history
• Incredibly diverse in culture & peoples
• Don’t carry your assump.ons with you
• The US has had substan.al influence in La.n America
• They Are Americans too (Americanos versus Estadounidenses)
• La.n America is Not Mexico
Defining the Trip
• How long are you going for? • Where do you want to go? • Are you looking to stay in the south, explore the ci.es, get a feel for each country?
• What kind of budget are you working with? • Are you interested in volunteering, learning the language or something else?
• Have you traveled to the developing world before?
First & Foremost: Building an Itinerary
• Choose a .me of year to travel – Know your high tourist seasons
• Understand that Argen.na AND Chile should be at least a 2 week trip (geographically enormous)
• Iden.fy your point of entry at either Buenos Aires or San.ago
• Build a projected length of trip • Decide on your major aSrac.ons and regions • The Andes, Patagonia, Iguazu Falls, Viña del Mar, Desert, Penguins?
Travel Tip: For the more tech-‐savvy, keep a blog and track resources using Evernote. Great way to organize your purpose, trip and resources.
Urban Wine & Hiking Trip (Suggested Travel Times)
Buenos Aires (4 Days) ê Mendoza/Wine Country (3-‐4 Days) ê San.ago (2-‐3 Days) ê Patagonia (4-‐5 Days) ê Leave from BA/San.ago
Natural Wonders Itinerary (Suggested Travel Times)
Buenos Aires (1 Days) ê
Iguazu Falls (2-‐3 Days) ê
Salta & Jujuy (3-‐4 Days) ê
Bariloche (3-‐4 Days) ê
Patagonia Argen.na (3-‐4 Days) ê
Patagonia Chile (2-‐3 Days) ê
Volcan Villarrica in Pucon (2 Days)
ê Return home from San.ago
The Southern Cone City Tour (Suggested Travel Times)
Buenos Aires (4-‐5 Days) ê
Cordoba (2-‐3 Days) ê
Mendoza (2-‐3 Days) ê
San.ago (2-‐3 Days) ê
Valparaiso (2-‐3 Days) ê
Leave from BA/San.ago
Planning: A Tale of Internet & Guides
• Debate: Internet versus Guidebooks • The Need for Guide Books: – S.ll much value in physical, up-‐to-‐date guidebook – Frequent internet access will cost you
• The Internet Argument: – Great blogs and forums around South America – Plenty of personal anecdotes – On the ground reality via TwiSer & Facebook – Plenty of locutorios in Argen.na (internet cafes)
The Planning Essentials
• Internet – Nomadic MaS, Adventurous Kate, Travel Bloggers – Lonely Planet Travel Forums – Bootsnall Travel Guides – Wikitravel – Trip Advisor/HostelWorld/HostelBookers/HIHostels.com
• Books – Bradt Travel Guides – Lonely Planet – The Rough Guide to Argen.na & Chile
Travel Tip: Consult your community. Great Ame to reach out to friends, colleagues, acquaintances and more for helpful Aps on where to visit.
Budgeting: Spreadsheets & Receipts
• Budget pre and during trip expenses • Set-‐up short term savings account to funnel money aside • Use mint.com for Pre-‐trip budge.ng • On the return, enter in your actual expenses • Quick Tips Include:
– Cooking meals oTen on the road – Staying in hostels & affordable accommoda.ons
• The Value of a small notepad – Used it to budget on the road, day-‐to-‐day costs
• Argen.na, recommended $1200-‐1400 per week, depending on region traveled
• Chile, recommended $400-‐1000 per week (including transport if flying)
Travel Tip: Use your “During Trip Expenses” as a form of iAnerary planning by documenAng places and resources in the spreadsheet, along with prices.
Navigating Currencies
• Argen.na is experiencing severe infla.on • Official rate vs. black market rate (Dólar Blue) • Be sure to bring American dollars in $50 or $100 bills (beSer exchange rate than $20 bills)
• Trade in at small cuevas • Chile not experiencing the same problems • Can take money out of ATMs • 650 Chilean Pesos = $1 US Dollar • 13 Argen.nean Pesos = $1 US Dollar
Travel Tip: Certain credit and debit cards don’t charge internaAonal ATM fees such as Capital One and Charles Schwab.
Health & Safety: Before You Leave
• Ensure you have SPF30 or SPF50 Sunscreen • Have copies of your passport and any key documents in a folder
• Review any special materials, medica.ons or items you may need prior to departure
• Have addresses & numbers of family members/friends
• Register for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program or STEP with the State Department – Know your embassies and record numbers in notepad
Travel Tip: Do some quick research on any travel alerts on the State Department site and chat with other travelers that have recently been there.
Packing: The Essentials
• Passport (with at least two blank pages) • Copies of all credit cards & IDs (email them) – VISA Credit Card goes further than Mastercard
• Any Country Visas you’ve secured in advance – You’ll need a reciprocity fee for Argen.na & Chile
• HI Membership Card • Map print-‐outs and any key reserva.ons • List of emergency numbers & contacts
Travel Tip: Explore the visas of each country you’re going—some will need you to apply in advance, others you can get at the border. Have $US ready!
Packing: Clothes
• Three Pairs of Shoes – Hiking/walking shoes, sneakers, flip-‐flops
• 2-‐3 Pairs of CoSon Pants & Shorts • Bathing suit)
• Sunglasses and hat • Light rain jacket • Breathable travel underwear • Two long sleeve shirt and 5-‐6 T-‐Shirts • Slightly heavier jacket if hiking through Patagonia
Travel Tip: Always leave room for extra clothing items, and if interested, purchase a special “Scrubba” washing bag to wash your stuff.
Packing: Special Accessories
• Quick Dry Travel Towel (REI) • Headlight (REI) • Waterproof first aid kit (REI) • Special money belt with zipper • Tent & Self-‐Wash Laundry Bag (if camping) • Binoculars (REI) • Global Phone (Teles.al) • Rain cover for your camera (op.onal)
Travel Tip: Check in with travelers who have taken this trip before, and ask them for the items they found indispensable. Lots of great info there.
Your Digital Backpack: Having the Right Apps
• XE Currency Converter • FlightStats • Afar Travel Guide • ATerlight photo edi.ng • Evernote • Hostelworld and/or Hostelbookers • Skyscanner
Travel Tip: A smartphone certainly isn’t necessary, but is something that will be mostly safe with you in ArgenAna & Chile & can be useful at Ames.
A Note About Travel Phones
• Unlocked phones can go a long way • Great for local SIM card – Good communica.on on the road, – Primary carriers include Movistar and
• Allows for intercon.nental communica.on via global SIM Card
• Also can be configured for internet • Value depends on length of trip
Travel Tip: If trip exceeds two months, dual SIM global phone via TelesAal may be worth invesAng in. Great way to communicate to people back home.
Arriving in South America
• Must pay your reciprocity fee • Argen.na, must pay in advance, Chile can pay on site
• Airports are located far outside the city • Prepare for jetlag & general airplane exhaus.on • Have at least a few nights at your first stop to get oriented and see what’s viable
• Major flights from NYC include: • Aerolineas Argen.nas • American Airlines • Avianca Airlines • LAN Argen.na/Chile
Travel Tip: Have your transportaAon to your first night’s stay already arranged, and your first night’s accommodaAons already booked.
Argentina: Buenos Aires
• Capital of Argen.na • Located in the Pampas region
next to widest river delta • Hub of architecture, museums,
government, culture & more • Residents are called Porteños • Hostels everywhere • Easy public transporta.on • ASrac.ons: San Telmo,
Palermo, Tango Showcases, Soccer Matches, Boca
• Total .me needed: >4 Days
Recommended AWracAon: Cemeterio de Recoleta. Of course I’m biased, but this cemetery is something out of a gothic novel or film—truly incredible.
1-2 Day Trips from Baires
• Uruguay • Colonia – beau.ful colonial city • Montevideo – known for cuisine and laid back vibe
• Punte del Este beach resort • Accessible via ferry
• Plata or Mar Del Plata • Excellent beaches • Big summer hangout for Porteños
• Longer trip is to Rosario (home of Che Guevara)
• Head to the Pampas for Gauchos
Recommended Place: Colonia is a preWy cool town, and really does offer up some incredible architecture with the laid back vibe of Uruguay.
Argentina: Mendoza & Around
• Wine capital of Argen.na (la .erra del sol y buen vino)
• Jumping off point for great hiking & day trips in El Cuyo
• Close to the Andes mountains • Hike Cerro Aconcagua
• 2.5 hour flight from Baires • Border Crossing via bus into
San.ago • ASrac.ons: Bodegas (Vineyards),
Museum of Contemporary Art, White Water RaTing, Hiking Trips
• Total .me needed: 2 -‐ 4 nights
Recommended Tip: Hostels have tons of informaAon and tours available through them, although the biking wine tour may sound beWer than it is…
Argentina: Salta & Jujuy
• Northwest of Argen.na • 2 Hour flight from BA • Salta regional capital with
Jujuy the northern most city • Most indigenous sec.on of
Argen.na (close to Bolivia) • ASrac.ons: Museum of
Archaeology of High Mountain (Incan Mummies), Cable Car views, Plaza of 9 de Julio, Purmamarca,
• Total .me needed: 2-‐4 Days
Recommended Tip: For those spending more Ame in the region, renAng a car can be a great way to explore the region at your own pace.
Must See: Iguazu Falls
• One of the seven wonders of the natural world
• Jungle meets beau.ful waterfalls • Accessed on the Argen.nian or Brazilian side • Must pay an addi.onal fee for Brazil
• ASrac.ons & Ac.vi.es: Iguazu Falls, River Cruises, Nature Cruises
• Total Time Needed: 1-‐2 Nights
Recommended Tip: HI Iguazu Falls is one of the premier places to stay for community, affordability and accessibility to the falls.
Argentina: Bariloche
• The Switzerland of South America
• Beau.ful, incredible mountain ranges (Andes)
• Plen.ful lakes and islands • Known for its chocolate and rus.c eats
• ASrac.ons: Cerro Lopez, Hiking, Chocolate Tours
• Total .me needed: 2-‐3 nights Recommended AWracAon/Tip: Be sure to find a local restaurant that serves up the cuisine of the region. Bariloche has some stellar chocolate & charcuterie.
Argentina: Patagonia
• El Calafate and El Chalten • Water is safe to drink • Great hostels—should book in advance
• Beau.ful hikes and natural features
• Local craTs fairs and estantes • Glacier hikes and walks • Major ASrac.ons: Cerro Fitz Roy, Glaciar Perito Morreno, Galciar Hiking, Camping Recommended Tip: A major tourist aWracAon, don’t miss the Glaciar Perrito Moreno—with global warming and all!
Chile: Patagonia • Far, far from San.ago • Do not need to purchase bus .ckets ahead of .me • Fly into Punta Arenas • Book all accommoda.ons ahead of .me especially
in the park • Camping sites referred to as refugios
• Take bus into park • Leaves twice a day • 3-‐4 Bus Ride—should prepare to camp
• Expect a moderate hike (non-‐beginners hike) • Recommended doing the W Circuit
• Can do full eight day trek for en.re park • ASrac.ons: Isla Magdalena, Torres del Paine, Puerto
Natales, Refugio Gray, Incredible Glaciers • Total Time Needed: Stay in the park 5 days
(minimum of 4 nights)
Recommended A*rac-on: Isla Magdalena is a short and affordable two hour boat ride from Punta Arenas and you can see penguins there.
Chile: Santiago • Excellent subway system • Lots of great places to eat
– Juan y Medio (Chilean eats) – Peluquería Francesa (French cuisine)
• Biking paths (Bicicleta Verde) • Vibrant nightlife • Lots of neighborhoods (Plaza de Armas
and Market) • Amazing arts scene (and street art) • ASrac.ons: Lots of museums,
funicular, • Total Time Needed: 2-‐3 Nights
Recommended AWracAon: Check out the Human Rights Museum for an excellent overview of Chilean history & culture (like Holocaust Museum in DC).
Day Trips from Santiago • Beau.ful scenery around San.ago • Wineries readily available – Don’t miss Maipo Valley
• Car Rentals a great op.on for exploring
• Buses and special tours also serve areas outside of San.ago
• ASrac.ons: Vineyards, Skiing, Cajón de Maipo, Hiking, Pomaire, Monumento Natural de Morado
• Total Time Needed: 1-‐2 Days
Recommended Tip: Be sure to check out Smart Trip, a B-‐Corp that receives heavily discounted hotel rooms, and also help out local entrepreneurs near their hotels.
Chile: Valparaíso
• Beau.ful coastal port city • 2 Hours from San.ago • Home to na.onal poet Pablo Neruda • City of hills with Funiculars
– Oldest is Ascensor Concepción • Excellent street art • ASrac.ons: Pablo Neruda’s Home (La
Sebas.ana), Museo de Bellas Artes, Cultural Park Valparaíso, Sendero Bicenterio
• Total Time Needed:2-‐3 Nights
Recommended Tip: Valparaiso is an easy bus ride from SanAago and is an extremely walkable city, despite the hills. Walk as much as you can!
A Note on Chilean Wine
Recommended Tip: Chile’s wine country is considered one of the best in the world—be sure to go on an official wine tour to cover the best ground.
• Chile best known in South America for its wine
• Specific Chilean grape is Carmenere (originally from France)
• Cabernet Sauvignon major export • Best Wineries: Maipo Valley wineries,
Colchagua Valley (south of San.ago), Maule Valley, Casablanca Valley if heading to Valparaiso
• Total Time Needed: 1-‐2 Days
Chile: Atacama Desert • Driest desert on Planet Earth • Beau.ful sand dunes and desert
landscapes • Salt flats, volcanoes, star gazing,
mountain lagoons • San Pedro de Atacama & Arica entry
points • Nearest flights to Calama • Top ASrac.ons: Valle de la Luna,
Reserva Nacional Los Flamencos, Volcanoes, Geysers de Ta.o, Lagunas Al.planicas, Sandboarding, Archaeological Tour
• Recommended Time: 3-‐4 Days
Recommended Tip: The Atacama Desert can seem remote and daunAng.
Chile: Easter Island • Island located 5.5 hours off the coast of Chile • Served by LAN Airlines daily, and from Tahi.
once per week • SeSled by Polynesians hundreds of years ago
– Two compe.ng theories on degrada.on of island • Most known for its huge stone statues known
as Moai • Most opt for group tours to get around
– Zero Public transporta.on, but taxis available • Prices are high on Easter Island since all food is
imported • ASrac.ons: Moai ceremonial statues, Volcanic
Craters Rano Kau & Rano Raraku, White Sand Beaches, Scuba Diving, Hike the Northern Coast
• Total Time Needed: 3-‐4 Nights
Recommended Tip: Easter Island has a lot more to offer than just the historic statues that line the space. Be sure to check out the amazing outdoor acAviAes.
Getting To South America
• Be mindful of the season you’re traveling in – Winter versus Summer
• Online Flight Aggregators – Skyscanner.com, Kayak.com & Hipmunk – Google Flights is remarkably accurate & fun – Consider logging in using remote IP Addresses (domes.c
purchasing) • Chile generally more pricey from NYC than Argen.na • Round-‐Trips versus One Ways
– Argen.na • RT flights: $750 to $1,500 • One Way: $700 to $1,000
– Chile • RT flights range from $1,020 to $1,800 • One Way flights range from $750 to $1,100
Travel Tip: Try to fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday to minimize the cost of the flights, or turn your long layover into a day trip.
Getting Around Argentina & Chile
• It takes a long .me to cover ground in Argen.na & Chile
• Chile • In San.ago: Subte, Buses or Taxi • Chilean city-‐to-‐city by train or bus
• Argen.na • Coche Cama or Ejecu.vo Buses • Air transport on LAN or Aerolíneas Argen.nas (most flights route through BA)
• In Buenos Aires: Colec.vos & Subte • Radio Taxis & Remises
Travel Hack: Be sure to click on LAN Chile instead of LAN USA for more affordable pricing on in-‐country flights
Accommodations & Lodging
• Hostels ($11-‐20/night) • Varies per city (based off of HIHostels.com
• Lots of HI-‐Hostels in both countries • Guesthouses ($12-‐20/night) • Hotels/Lodges ($12-‐55/night) • Specialty Lodges ($75/night, includes
three meals per day) • Eco-‐Lodges ($4-‐8/night) • Couchsurfing-‐ FREE! • AirBnB: Geographically widespread
and reasonable rates
Travel Tip: Places like ArgenBna offer up Cabañas which are self-‐styled accommodaBons where you rent a space and bring the rest. Highly affordable!
Health & Safety: On The Road
• Water is absolutely essen.al—always have a boSle or two available
• Use sunscreen where possible • Buenos Aires: Water safe to drink from faucet • Take advantage of hostels with lockers • Always lock your valuables i.e. passport, extra money, official documents, etc.
• Avoid traveling at night where possible • Hold onto your bags, especially on buses/subte
Travel Tip: Be mindful of your major ciAes like Buenos Aires. Thees do occur under the guise of accidents/distracAons. “Villas” or shantytowns do exist.
Culturally Responsible Travel
Travel Tip: Always know at least a few phrases in the naAve language prior to leaving. This is a no brainer, but goes a long way.
• Culture is an iceberg • Travel introduces us to new cultural perspec.ves & behaviors
• Remain humble and open to local cultural norms
• Raise your Cultural Intelligence (CQ) prior to traveling • The ability to cross divides and thrive in other cultures
Cultural Considerations
• Not always appropriate to take photos—always ask first
• Kiss on the cheek for gree.ng • Argen.nians are of Italian heritageà lots of hand gestures & ges.cula.ons
• Mate circle is welcoming and open • Rapid-‐fire Spanish/Castellano
Travel Tip: This may sound like a no-‐brainer, but talk to your taxi drivers. They are a wealth of informaAon and can be extremely useful for your trip.
Learning Castellano
• Learning Spanish • Como te va? • Cuanto cuesta/sale? – How much is it?
• Chilean Phrases/Expressions • Add “Po” to the end of sentences (think of it as a Canadian “ey”
• “Cachai” – get it? On the same page? • “Bacan” -‐ cool
• Argen.nian Phrases/Expressions • “Luca” -‐ thousand
Travel Tip: A great resource for those looking to have more fun learning the language is “Che Boludo”, a book of ArgenAnian slang. Very useful.
Who Wants to win an HI NY T-Shirt?
A: What is the name of the black market rate of exchange in Argen.na? Q: What is the Dólar Blue
Who Wants To Win Some Argentine Pesos?
A: The STEP program from the State Department provides up-‐to-‐date informa.on to travelers that are in country. This is what its acronym stands for. Q: What is the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program
Thank You!
Paul Kuhne [email protected]
Northeast Regional Engagement Manager HI USA
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