Punta Arenas is it a safe,interesting place spend 3-4 months living there as an American ?

Question

I would like to experience the southern area of Argentina/Chile ,to reside there for 3-4 months are Americans accepted or resented ? I would like to soak up the culture& experience the life style.Are there those of you that are or have spent elongated periodsin these areas & what are your experiences ? please only reply if you have done this. thanks

Answer 1

Yes my friend I'm Argentinean and I've been there and I can recommend you this.

The south are is usually called Patagonia.

The best cities to stay log are 1st) Bariloche and 2nd) Neuquen. From there you can go to Chile easily. There are a lot of trips to get into.

The most southern cities are not so good... a little boring. Only the place of the Perito Moreno Glaciar is good but not to be there so much time.

Take the trips for tourist always the city tour the first day you arrive or next.

Bariloche is specially a very international tourist city that receive people from all the world and there are a lot of young people and good disco and places to see very very beautiful. Mountains, lakes, flowers, snow &sky, tourist trips... everything! each season has something. You can stay a whole month here and from here visit Neuquen and Chile lakes. Take the "Cau Cau" yate. It is very good.

Other good places are Mendoza, Cordoba, Salta and Misiones!

You can skip Neuquen  if you visited Bariloche.

Don't miss Mendoza there are the most high mountains of Americas and the best wine and wineries! So if you like almonds and wine you can visit it for 6 days. Visit "thermas del Cacheuta" From here is very close the capital of Chile. You can visit "Santiago de Chile" for 7 days. Worth it.

Cordoba is diferent but is at the center. Visit "los cocos" in the Valle del Punilla (Punilla valey) Downtown peatonal and "Villa Carlos Paz". Take 5 days in Cordoba.

Salta is the most colonial and very Argentinean. Must see.  4 to 5 days is ok.

Misiones has the Iguazu Falls a wonder in the entire world! Niagara falls has NOTHING to do. And the Argentinean side is better than the Brazilian side. You go under the falls! Imagen that! 4 to 5 days are more than ok.

I like to travel and those are the best places.

In Buenos Aires please visit: Abasto shoping and area, Recoleta cementery (incredible place! a beatifull city for the death), and recoleta area, Caminito, Florida and Lavalle st. peatonal, Galery Pacifico, ACA Bar at night in Palermo Hollywood, Bosques de Palermo, The COAST Train (Tren de la Costa) and make some stops in San Isidro it is first world Argentina, Jardin Japones (Japan in Bs.As.) and the Zoo of Bs.As., walk all trhought Puerto Madero and eat there a lunch and visit the green zone eco area close to Puerto Madero. You can do it in 7 days and then you can say you have visited the BEST of Buenos Aires. There are also many other good places like Tigre and Delte... but no need! If you want to visit Uruguay thake the Buque Bus one side and return by plane it is nice because you will be there and it is so near and you can add a new country! The best place is Punta del Este in Uruguay. Just 3 days will be ok.  Buy cds of new tango versions very modern you'll be surprised.

About being Americans... In Bariloche, Mendoza, Cordoba and Misiones no problem at all they even like you!... in Bs.As. capital... please skip and avoid mention war on terror, Bush, economy, freedom... there are may Lefty people that doesn't like Bush administration.

Generally in all latin american countries please take care of your money and that people doesn't take advantage of your money.

For example a 2 star hotel is only about 30 to 40 dollars a double room or 25 to 35 single. and a good room with private bathrom. Not a pension.Very nice places.

In trips please ask for english translator if you need it. They may charge a little more for that... or may doesn't have it. Choose the best trips regardless the price.

So then you'll see the most important of Argentina, Chile and Uruguay in only 3 months! Chile and Uruguay has not that much to see... only the mentinated places I told you here.

Paraguay and Bolivia are a posibility... but not safe countries. So much pouverty... for wealthy americans... Bolivia is near Salta. But for Paraguay you need to go direct to it by plain... don't botter.

Hope this is helpfull for you I can tell you you wont regret it.

I think I won the best answer selection!?