Career Gap in South America!

plasticflower

I am finishing work at the end of this year after almost 15 years in the job. I have decided I will use my redundancy money and go travelling!

The Galapagos Islands have always fascinated me so I am going to sign up to some conservation projects there, also some teaching in mainland Ecuador and animal rescue and rehabilitation in the Amazon Jungle! Then I want to see some more of the continent esp the Welsh Patagonian region of Argentina! I am very excited (scared as well!!). Other sights on the list - Machu Picchu, Iguassu Falls, Salt Plains, Mendoza wineries.....

Has anyone experience of travelling in those areas? Any useful tips you could pass on?

I aim to go out next April/May. Should give me some time to sort things out?! I know I have to apply for an extended visa for Ecuador as I am staying longer than the tourist 90 days. I have to book the docs for all the injections I need. Buy a cheap phone and use local SIMs. Get a pre loaded cash card etc

I don't have a timescale on how long I'll be away for and have been told that some busses are very comfortable on long journeys, better than this country but I was wondering about some flights within South America. How easy are they to book and generally expensive or inexpensive?

The main thing I'm finding a bit of a minefield at the moment is travel insurance! A lot of 'backpackers' insurance won't cover me because I'll be 42 ( too old for travelling?? really?!). Are there any recommendations you guys can suggest?

Any help/advice/suggestion would be brill. Thanks (and sorry for long post!)

benjus

I'm jealous... I'd love to go back to SA for an extended trip.


Try the Lonely Planet forum for destination-specific questions - http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=22

Long-distance buses are great in most countries - especially if you pay a little more for the top-end ones that fully recline into beds. Flights are relatively expensive, although there are some options for saving money for internal flights, e.g. Transporte A!reo Militar in Bolivia.


I had a quick look on TravelSupermarket.com, and there are lots of insurance options for backpacker/long trip insurance, even for a 42 year old. I can't really recommend a specific policy, I'm afraid.


For money, I'd recommend opening a new current account with Norwich and Peterborough BS instead of using a prepaid card. That will give you the best possible rates. I'd recommend this over Metro Bank as Mastercard seems to have higher charges than Visa in some countries. Some countries have ATMs that dispense USD as well as local currencies - you might want to get some USD before entering Argentina, as they love their dollars over there...

Oh, and learn some Spanish if at all possible... it makes a huge difference.

plasticflower

Thanks I will try Travelsupermarket!

My first project in Ecuador includes Spanish lessons but I intend learning before I go. :cool2:

Peccary

We are off to SA for 6 months in 10 days, so excited! When i have been there on shorter trips i have always carried a small emergency fund of small denomination dollars.

Buses are comfortable if you pay the extra for "cama". There is often food and movies (these can be very loud so maybe bring earplugs)

we have bought insurance from holidaysafe, they had an option for 40+ when we booked. We shopped around for the Yellow Fever vac, it was cheaper at a clinic than the GPs.

martindow

A wonderful country but definitely learn some Spanish first. When I went to Ecuador my Spanish was rather basic and I felt I missed out by not being able to chat to Ecuadorians who were very friendly.

When I went about 20 years ago I joined the South American Explorer's Club

http://www.saexplorers.org/

They have club houses in several SA cities including Quito. At that time it was excellent for information and recommendations. You could also leave bags there in store which saved dragging everything around all the time. A combination of Lonely Planet and SAEC was very good.

Like other posters I'm also envious of you. Have a great time.

madameromina

Sounds like a great plan!

I agree with the previous posters who said to learn Spanish. I definitely got things cheaper than travellers who didn't speak Spanish - I think it was a combination of being offered a cheaper rate in the first place and by being able to haggle.

I spent 2 years in Argentina and the places you mention are well worth the while. Buenos Aires is a spectacular city too. Hope you're not vegetarian - the steak is great! And maybe think about Uruguay - it's a little less touristy but great too.

Flying was affordable when I was there (over a decade ago) - and worth it as some of the distances are obviously vast. It's definitely much cheaper to buy when you're there rather than from over here and very easy to book (especially after your Spanish gets good!).

You might want to check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office country advice (sorry - tried to hyperlink but can't as I'm new - Google it), particularly for some of Ecuador. A Brit was kidnapped there recently and the areas that border Colombia can be dangerous.

Oh, and watch out for your heart...I got myself a husband out there!! :heart2:

plasticflower

Thanks martindow I will check out South American Explorers.

madameromina - I heard about the two girls that got kidnapped. I have no intention of going near the Colombian border. The Foreign Office advises against it too.

Shimrod

plasticflower wrote: »

Then I want to see some more of the continent esp the Welsh Patagonian region of Argentina! I am very excited (scared as well!!). Other sights on the list - Machu Picchu, Iguassu Falls, Salt Plains, Mendoza wineries.....

I've been to Machu Picchu and Iguassu Falls. Allow a few days in both places. One thing I didn't know about Machu Picchu when I went was that they used to open it up at night for a limted number of tickets. I don't know whether they still do that, but it would make for good photo opportunities.

The falls are also spectacular. Make sure you see them from both the Brazillian and Argentinian sides. We splurged and stayed in the Sheraton, which is the only hotel in the national park itself on the Argentian side. If you can afford that, the rooms on the falls side truely have a postcard view.

Check what the weather will be like if you are going to Patagonia in May, as you will be going there in winter.