South America

[Stumpy Tim]

I am desperately trying to find a holiday package in South America. Whenever I find one I like, I go to the travel warning section & I'm told not to go there because I'll get kidnapped, brutally tortured & shot. Even Brazil's major cities are dangerous - they let off fireworks all night outside hotels.

Does anyone know anywhere in South America where I have a better than 50-50 chance of surviving?

 

[Shizuoka Dolphin]

I've heard Buenos Airies is nice.

 

[Mark West]

Just go. I always read the "dangers and annoyances" with trepidation but have never had any problems, loved it all and have survived Buenos Aires, Santiago, Montevideo, Cusco, La Paz, Rio and even Sao Paulo (although to be honest it did feel dodgy there!). The atmosphere at football is great if you get to see the bigger teams so just dress down, act sensibly and enjoy.

 

[Stumpy Tim]

Thanks Mark. I want to do a trek in Peru, but not sure if it's safe. I dont think its near the Ecuador or Columbian borders, but they're all nutters!

 

[JJ McClure]

Go to Peru it's nice. So they say.

 

[Shizuoka Dolphin]

They say a lot, don't they?

 

[Mark West]

No, you would be nowhere near the Columbian problems. I did the Inca Trail with the girlfriend 2 months ago and Cusco felt remarkably safe compared to everything you read. The biggest annoyance was that it rained for two solid days during the trail and I didn't take suitable clothes, but it was still worthwhile and MP is fab. We then went down to Lake Titicaca and La Paz before flying home although I've a feeling Bolivia is now a no go area due to internal strife. The demonstrations were just beginning when we flew out though it still felt safe enough. Maybe go to Arequipa or Nazca afterwards and fly back from Lima as that was what a few others had done and they had enjoyed themselves.

 

[Yorkie]

Thanks Mark. I want to do a trek in Peru, but not sure if it's safe. I dont think its near the Ecuador or Columbian borders, but they're all nutters!

A single female friend of mine travels to Peru fairly regularly. She helps out at an orphanage out there as part of her annual holiday.

She says she has never felt particularly threatened.

 

[rrruss]

We then went down to Lake Titicaca and La Paz before flying home although I've a feeling Bolivia is now a no go area due to internal strife. The demonstrations were just beginning when we flew out though it still felt safe enough.

A new government means it's okay in Bolivia again now.

I'm off to be "Santa Cruz Seagull" for 3 months next summer so hoping the civil unrest has been put to bed for good.

And all over gas exports to neighbouring countries!

 

[Kinky Gerbil]

my local school downlands does yearly trips to peru so i doubt it is dangerous, like some one said earlier if you act sensibly you should be ok

 

[El Presidente]

Ecuador and the Galapagos are fantastic. Went to Peru about 15 years ago at the height of the 'Shining Path' terrorist movement and it was great. Best to go with an organised trip such as JLA or Encounter Overland. Machu Pichu at dawn as the sun rises after a three day hike through the Andes will live with you for the rest of your life *(unless it's cloudy)