Travel in Brazil, Argentina, and Chile

[johnf]

I'm planning a dream vacation to celebrate my retirement: six weeks in South America. I leave for Sao Paulo on November 30 to speak at a conference. I'll be there until December 6. Afterwards, I have two weeks to divide between Rio, Florianapolis, and Buenos Aires. On December 20 I board the S.S. Veendam (http://www.hollandamerica.com/cruise-vacation-onboard/Veendam?WT.mc_id=PPC_HQ_Google_US) for a 17-day cruise that ends in Chile. Then I'll spend five days in Santiago and be home on January 12.

 

I'd love suggestions regarding hotels and escorts. I hope to keep hotel expenses in the $100 to $120 range but am willing to go higher if it's necessary. Currently I'm looking at the Hotels Bourbon or Pergamon in Sao Paulo but haven't gotten further than that in my research. I gather the famous Brazilian saunas are past their glory days, but what's left? Any other tips and advice would be greatly appreciated as well.

[Epigonos]

While in Rio try to arrange a visit to Persepolis, the old imperial capital of Brazil. The former Imperial Place is a wonderful museum.

 

I am NOT a big fan of Santiago, Chile. It is a city which over the years, has been devastated by one earthquake after another. Much of the center of town consists of dilapidated 1950’s style architecture. I have never found much to hold my interest in the city. Between Santiago and Valparaiso is the major wine district to Chile but if you are familiar with other wine growing regions around the world it isn’t much different.

 

You might want to consider catching a plane from Santiago to Lima, Peru. The old downtown area of Lima is a lovely colonial style city with many fascinating and interesting churches and public buildings. From Lima it is easy to make arrangements to visit Cuzco and Machu Pichu which where once great Inca cities. Cuzco is another wonderful colonial city while Machu Pichu is a true wonder.

[bluboy]

Definitely not 5 days of things to do in Santiago. Spend only 2 or 3 nights in santiago and then Go to valpairiso for 2 nights and stop in the chile wine country on the way down. In valpairiso stay at the Robinson crusoe inn.

 

On buenos aires there is great escort who is called escort on gaydar. Loads of fun and can show u the ropes.