Hi all
I am looking into travelling to South America in September, October or November this year. The airfares are bad enough as it is , so I'm trying to scrimp and save where I can. If anyone has been, could you pretty please comment on the following-

* Tour groups: I have looked into Gecko's and Kumuka. If anyone has done a tour in South America (particularly with Kumuka) please comment on whether its worth it, or better to travel alone?

* What is the best time of the year to go in regards to weather and cost?

Any other general comments or suggestions would be much appreciated
Cheers

Look at Adventures-Abroad.com - They have a good reputation, quality tours for the $ and good reprots. Tour CL3 ( Argentina and Chile) is a good SA sample for three weeks.

Hi,

Yes, I know! Those tickets are excessively expensive, but thankfully, once you are there, things are pretty cheap. I am from Peru actually, but have travelled quite the bit. One choice I see a lot of travellers making is: when they arrive in places like Lima, they go to all the places All tourists go and end up spending money in dollars..the same or more than they would in their own country because in those types of places.. .. .. ..things are charged in dollars and things are foreign, so they cost more. This happens in all other cities and places in South America.. ..it's a phenomenon. When people branch out, explore.. ..obviously conscious for your safety.. .. .. .. ..things go much better. You spend the national currency.. ..things are about a third cheaper than they are here.. ..much cheaper by the way.. .. ..and the food is a Gift of the heavens. Advice.. ..whichever country you are in..visit vegetarian restaurants. Does this seem weird to you? From my experience, most foreigners go through a week of agony because they ate something foreign to their stomachs. Vegetarian restaurants cook the typical national food.. .. . but they cook it so hygienically that you wont suffer. Of course.. ..try food elsewhere.. .. ..but try to stick to these types of places.
Basically.. ..my advice is truly Explore.. ..dont just go with the tour companies.. ..be open to suggestions When you get there from talking to tourists..it is the best thing you can do. If you can and if you are going to Lima visit
Clubhouse Address:
Calle Piura 135, Miraflores, Lima Peru

Mailing Address:
same as above

Telephone (Fax):
(51-1) 445-3306

Email:
limaclub@saexplorers.org

they are absolutely fabulous and have info on pretty much any tid bit you might need.

Have a great trip,
Constanza.