Because I travel often, I have signed up for an exorbitant amount of Frequent Flier programs, in the hopes of accruing miles so I could get a free trip somewhere.
Alas, the fact that I’m not loyal to any particular airline and will often buy the cheapest ticket means that it’s hard for me to collect enough miles with any one program to net me a free flight somewhere.
Buying the cheapest flight also means that I often end up purchasing a ticket in a fare class that is not eligible to earn air miles (phooey!).
At any rate,it would appear that I have racked up enough frequent flier miles with American Airlines AAdvantage program to merit a (nearly) free flight from Canada or the Continental U.S. to somewhere in South America. I realized the other day that I had all these miles sitting around and that they would expire soon. So I got myself on the American Airlines website and started tinkering. I have a week in late September that would be the perfect opportunity to go on this sort of trip.
But where to go? What to see?
My eye were wide with wonderment as I looked up airline codes and worked out itineraries.
My initial thought, after an invigorating Skype session with travel-writer, and international man of mystery, Fly Brother, was to jet down to Brazil and tour Rio and Salvador de Bahia, before finding my way to Sao Paolo, where he is based, to hang with him a bit. But alas, twas not to be. The frequent flier miles needed for a ticket to Brazil were way over the measly 65,000 miles I have at my disposal- something to the tune of 120,000.
Brazil would have to wait.
I then thought of going to Peru and tackling the Inca Trail and Macchu Picchu. But then a quhttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gifick look and search on the AAdvantage website revealed that there was no service to Cuzco, the city near where the Inca Trail starts.
How about Bolivia? The breathtaking Salar de Uyuni salt flats beckoned. But that was not to be either. Flights to La Paz were 110,000 frequent flier miles.
I was ready to give up.
But the I keyed in the airport code for Quito, Ecuador. I expected to see yet another high number of frequent flier miles required, and nearly closed down my browser when the page loaded.
I would only need 30,000 miles for round-trip tickets to Quito.
I had to shake my head, and make sure that my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me. I keyed airport code again, pressed the “go” button to send the information, then refreshed the page. It was still the same. Only 30,000 miles.
Then I got greedy.
I wanted to see what else I could get, and for how cheap.
I keyed in the airport code for Santiago, Chile, then the one for Bogota, Colombia. I discovered that the miles required for those destinations are only 35,000and 30,000 respectively.
At this rate, I could afford to go on TWO (nearly) free trips. But I probably wont, since time is a bit of an issue.
And so, dear readers, this is where you come in. I have an eight day window to travel in. I am thinking of travelling during the very last days of September until the very first week of October (around September 28th-ish to October 5 or 6th-ish, depending on flight availability). I don’t mind if the place I’m going to is cold, but I don’t think I could stand if it rained the whole time I was there. Will it be winter or the rainy season in any of these places?
I’m thinking of sticking close to the capital cities in this places because I don’t have the time (or money!) to venture very far beyond. So I’m thinking I’ll stay in the regions of Quito, Santiago, and Bogota. Are there any cool day trips around these cities? Keep in mind that I’ll just be finishing up a month in Guatemala. For some reason I feel like Ecuador (at least around Quito) will be a lot like Guatemala, and that makes me wonder if I should go to someplace that has more of a contrast.
Keep in mind that I will also be travelling solo. What is the safety level like in these places?
I don’t want to spend too much money. I hear that Ecuador is dirt cheap, while Chile and Colombia are very expensive to travel in. Can anyone shed some light?
Where should I go? Recommendations and advice appreciated. And I would LOVE to have a travel buddy, if you are game!
140 Comments
Obviously I vote for Chile! Although between the other two options I would pick Colombia because I reaaaally want to go there. It will be spring in Santiago and usually isn't rainy at that time of the year although nights are still colder.
As far as budget concerns, yes it will be more expensive than Ecuador. But you can travel pretty cheaply even in Santiago. It's an expensive city to live, but you can stay at a hostel for $17/night, eat a set price lunch in the central market for $4 and take the buses both within the city and on day trips. Day trips which could include wine tasting, seeing Valparaiso/the beach, going hiking in the Andes…I'm sure I can think of others!
Purely for selfish reasons, I would suggest Ecuador-the hubby and I were planning on going for a visit perhaps next year. Heard it was a good place to retire (we aren't nearly there yet)-so ofcourse I would love your viewpoint if you happen to go…Chile sounds amazing too though!
I have never been to south America so I can't be too much of a help here, but I'd go to Chile because I know people there. 🙂
Gah idk! I love the idea of Chile! I meet a friend online from Chile and it sounds wonderful! With both beautiful beaches and gorgeous mountains.
I also had a Spanish teacher from Columbia and she left a very good impression on me!
Whichever you pick, I hope you have fun!
I wish I was more versed in South American travel. I actually have heard the exact opposite. Colombia is supposedly really cheap. Maybe I'm getting wrong info or perhaps it's expensive to travel internally? Brazil is actually not as cheap as it could be. 🙂 Excited to hear what you end up choosing.
Just go somewhere in S. America and let us see lots of photos. I've always dreamed of going to Chile. But follow your bliss.
i've been to Ecuador, the country is very beautiful, and the people are diverse and the food…..gosh…don't get me started.
COLOMBIA!! I spent a month there last year after living in Panama. LOVED IT!! My itinerary was to be in Bogota for only 3 days–I ended up staying 6 and would have stayed longer if I wasn't headed to Cali, etc. The people are WONDERFUL! The food is VERY GOOD! Bogota "es preciosa!" I traveled by myself and of course met wonderful people. Shopping is awesome. Yes, it was more expensive than Pma but hostels and food were still inexpensive. Bus travel can be costly but you can haggle prices. Also, if you like Botero and Gold those are very good museums. I can go on-an-on about Colombia…Hit me up if you decided to go. I know a good hostel. Oh and it is cooler than Cali and Cartegena but it is a great city. Hope that helps!!!
i haven't really looked into any south american countries – so i don't know a whole lot of useful information about them to help you decide…..but one of my bff's is from colombia so that's probably where i would head first of the three!
Thanks so much for weighing in, everyone!!! I really appreciate your comment! I've made my decision…
i heard wonderful things about colombia, so this would be my choice!! but i think all three destinations will be fantastic!! lucky you 🙂
@Kristina: Thanks for your input!!
You mentioned cheapoair.com in one of your posts and OMG thank you!!! I used to book all of my international flights on Kayak and I've been wanting to go to Portugal and I totally found a flight that I thought was 1000 for only $530. And it includes a 11 hr layover in Frankfurt. 2 for 1 special!! lol I seriously cannot thank you enough.
I would definitely visit Ecuador, for it's diversity. I read this article about Ecuador, and I was very surprised to see how beautiful this country is…I'm sure there are many beautiful places unknown for most of us.
@Avril: Thanks for the input! I ended up getting a flight for Chile but I definitely will visit Ecuador someday!
I went to Medellin ,Colombia in 2010 and loved it ,amazing nice friendly people,beautiful culture,fairly cheap,and had a ball.
Hello! we hope you are well. We would like to enquire about your time in Chile, do you think you made the right decision? Or in retrospect, would you have chosen Ecuador? how expensive is the cost of living in Chile? We are young, wild travellers. Two attractive young females.
I ADORED Chile. I loved the Santiago and the desert. I still haven’t been to Ecuador or Colombia though.
Colombia and Ecuador can be similar, but Chile is different. Is like comparing Canada with Florida or Germany with Greece… in terms of weather and geography.
Colombia is the cheapest in this moment. Chile the most expensive but also the safest.
I would say my suggestion are:
If you like beaches, tropical weather and jungle ->Colombia
If you like tropical weather, jungle and Inca culture ->Ecuador
If you like dessert, mountains, glaciers, black forests -> Chile
Why is it I always really feel like you do?
I was just telling my friend about that.
With havin so much content do you ever run into any issues of plagorism or copyright infringement?
My site has a lot of completely unique content I’ve either authored myself or outsourced but
it seems a lot of it is popping it up all
over the web without my agreement. Do you know any solutions
to help reduce content from being ripped off? I’d truly
appreciate it.
Terrific post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?
I’d be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit more.
Bless you!
It’s actually a nice and useful piece of info. I am
satisfied that you just shared this helpful information with us.
Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.
I used to be suggested this blog through my cousin. I am not positive whether or
not this submit is written via him as no one else know
such particular approximately my difficulty. You are wonderful!
Thank you!
I go to see every day a few sites and websites to read content, but this web site
provides quality based articles.
Hey! Someone in my Myspace group shared this site with us
so I came to look it over. I’m definitely loving the information. I’m book-marking and
will be tweeting this to my followers! Exceptional blog and outstanding style and design.
Good article. I am going through some of these issues as well..
Nice post. I learn something new and challenging on sites I
stumbleupon every day. It’s always helpful to read articles from other authors and practice a little something from other websites.
I am truly thankful to the holder of this website who has shared this enormous paragraph at at this place.
I’ve been surfing online greater than 3 hours today,
but I never found any fascinating article like yours.
It’s lovely value enough for me. In my view, if all webmasters and bloggers made
good content as you did, the net will likely be a lot more useful
than ever before.
What a information of un-ambiguity and preserveness of valuable know-how regarding unpredicted emotions.
Do you have a spam problem on this blog; I also am a
blogger, and I was wondering your situation; many of us have created some nice procedures and we are looking to swap
techniques with other folks, be sure to shoot me an e-mail if interested.
What’s up, I want to subscribe for this web site to take
most recent updates, so where can i do it please help.
Wow! This blog looks just like my old one! It’s on a
totally different topic but it has pretty much the same page layout and
design. Superb choice of colors!
Stunning story there. What happened after?
Take care!
Good day! I could have sworn I’ve been to this site before but after reading through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyways, I’m definitely happy I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!|
That is very attention-grabbing, You are a
very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and
look ahead to in quest of more of your excellent post. Also, I have shared your
web site in my social networks
hey there and thank you for your information – I have certainly picked up something new from right here.
I did however expertise a few technical issues using this site, as I experienced to reload the web site a lot of times previous to
I could get it to load correctly. I had been wondering if your web host is OK?
Not that I am complaining, but slow loading
instances times will sometimes affect your placement in google and can damage your high-quality score if ads and marketing with Adwords.
Anyway I’m adding this RSS to my e-mail and could
look out for much more of your respective fascinating content.
Ensure that you update this again soon.
I constantly emailed this webpage post page to all my associates, as if like to read it then my friends will too.
Yes! Finally someone writes about health supplement.
Hi, constantly i used to check blog posts here in the early
hours in the daylight, as i like to find out more
and more.
Wonderful article! That is the type of information that should be shared across the
web. Shame on the search engines for no longer positioning this
publish higher! Come on over and talk over with my website .
Thanks =)
Amazing! Its really awesome paragraph, I have got much
clear idea on the topic of from this post.
I don’t even know how I stopped up right here, however I believed this post used to be great.
I don’t know who you’re however certainly you
are going to a famous blogger for those who aren’t already.
Cheers!
Helpful information. Lucky me I discovered your site accidentally, and I’m shocked why this twist of fate didn’t came about earlier!
I bookmarked it.
Fabulous, what a web site it is! This blog provides helpful data
to us, keep it up.
I must thank you for the efforts you have put in writing this site.
I am hoping to check out the same high-grade
content by you later on as well. In truth, your creative writing abilities has motivated
me to get my very own website now 😉
Why viewers still make use of to read news papers when in this technological world everything is existing on net?
I really like what you guys are usually up too.
This sort of clever work and reporting! Keep up the amazing works guys I’ve
you guys to my personal blogroll.
Quality articles or reviews is the important to interest the users to go to see the
web page, that’s what this web page is providing.
Your means of describing all in this piece of writing is really pleasant, every one be capable of effortlessly understand it, Thanks a lot.
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Finding the time and
actual effort to produce a very good article… but what can I say… I hesitate a whole lot and
never manage to get nearly anything done.
Hello mates, its impressive article concerning tutoringand completely defined, keep it up
all the time.
Greetings! Very helpful advice in this particular post!
It’s the little changes that will make the largest changes.
Thanks a lot for sharing!
I do consider all of the ideas you’ve introduced on your post.
They’re very convincing and can definitely work.
Still, the posts are very short for starters.
May just you please extend them a bit from subsequent time?
Thank you for the post.
I feel this is among the so much significant info for me. And
i’m glad reading your article. However should remark on few general issues, The website taste is ideal, the articles is in point of
fact great : D. Just right process, cheers
My brother suggested I might like this blog.
He was entirely right. This post truly made my day.
You can not imagine just how much time I had spent for this information! Thanks!
Hi there, the whole thing is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing
facts, that’s really excellent, keep up writing.
This piece of writing is in fact a good one it assists new the web users, who are
wishing in favor of blogging.
Hi there, I do believe your web site may be having web browser compatibility issues.
Whenever I take a look at your web site in Safari, it looks fine however when opening in I.E., it has some overlapping issues.
I simply wanted to provide you with a quick heads up!
Other than that, excellent blog!
Why visitors still make use of to read news papers when in this technological
globe all is accessible on net?
Thank you for any other excellent article. Where else may just anyone get that type of information in such
a perfect way of writing? I’ve a presentation subsequent week, and I am on the search for such info.
Excellent goods from you, man. I have consider your stuff prior to
and you’re simply extremely wonderful. I actually like what you have received here, really like what you’re saying and the way in which you assert it.
You make it enjoyable and you continue to care for to keep it sensible.
I can’t wait to learn much more from you. That is actually a great web site.
I absolutely love your site.. Great colors & theme. Did you make this site
yourself? Please reply back as I’m attempting to create my own website and would love to
know where you got this from or what the theme is named.
Cheers!
Do you have a spam problem on this site; I also am a blogger, and I was wondering
your situation; many of us have developed some nice methods and we are
looking to swap solutions with other folks, please shoot me an email
if interested.
I think the admin of this web site is genuinely working hard in support of his
web page, as here every information is quality based material.
Good day! Do you use Twitter? I’d like to follow you if that
would be ok. I’m definitely enjoying your blog and look forward to new updates.
I think the admin of this website is really working hard in favor of his web page,
because here every information is quality based
stuff.
Right on my man!
best ed treatment pills – erectile dysfunction pills over the counter ed pills that work
I liked this article. Thanks for writing it.
Precisely what I was looking for, thankyou for posting.
Hi there! I know this is kind of off topic butI was wondering if you knew where I could find acaptcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform asyours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!
Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News.Do you have any tips on how to get listed in Yahoo News?I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there!Appreciate it
generic tadalafil at walmart – xtadalafilp.com tadalafil vs sildenafil
Great post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit more.Kudos!
Very interesting info !Perfect just what I was searching for! “It’s not the having, its the getting.” by Elizabeth Taylor.
This paragraph presents clear idea designed for the new people of blogging,that in fact how to do running a blog. 0mniartist asmr
Good day! I could have sworn Iíve been to your blog before but after browsing through many of the articles I realized itís new to me. Anyhow, Iím certainly happy I came across it and Iíll be bookmarking it and checking back often!
This is a topic that’s close to my heart… Thank you!Exactly where are your contact details though?Also visit my blog clubriders.men
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. There’s no doubt that that you should write more on this subject matter, it may not be a taboo subject but usually people don’t speak about such topics. To the next! Cheers.
The data talked about in the article are a number of the top readily available
A fascinating discussion is worth comment. I do think that you ought to write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but typically people don’t talk about such topics. To the next! Many thanks!!
En iyi SEO firması hangisi merak ediyorsan hemen ismimize tıklayarak en iyi SEO firması hangisi öğren.
Aw, this was an extremely nice post. Taking a few minutes and actual effort to create a good articleÖ but what can I sayÖ I hesitate a lot and never seem to get anything done.
Awesome article post. Much obliged.
Awesome article.Thanks Again. Really Cool.
Hi, I do think this is a great blog. I stumbledupon it I am going to return yet again since Ibook-marked it. Money and freedom is the best way to change, may you berich and continue to guide other people.
You actually stated this terrifically!act essay help writing dissertation essay writing service usa
I need to to thank you for this good read!! I definitely loved every little bit of it. I have got you bookmarked to check out new stuff you postÖ
No matter if some one searches for his vital thing, thus he/she wishes to beavailable that in detail, thus that thing is maintained over here.
Hi mates, its great paragraph about cultureand fully explained, keep it upall the time.My blog: Advanced CBD Oil Review
Hi, yup this post is really pleasant and I have learned lot ofthings from it concerning blogging. thanks.
tadalafil pills: order tadalafil – generic tadalafilvaltrex discount
Hi there! This is my first visit to your blog! We are a collection of volunteers and starting a new initiative in a community in the same niche. Your blog provided us useful information to work on. You have done a marvellous job!
This is a topic which is close to my heart…Cheers! Exactly where are your contact details though?
„I want it never happened. It was completely a nightmare,” he when stated of winning the lottery.
Tamamıyla hızlıca takipçi kastırır ve müşterilerimizi mutlu ederiz.
I appreciate you sharing this post.Thanks Again. Will read on…
When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkboxand now each time a comment is added I get three emails withthe same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service?Cheers!
goat lice treatment ivermectin ivermectin pills for humans
That is a good tip especially to those fresh to the blogosphere. Short but very accurate infoÖ Appreciate your sharing this one. A must read post!
Really informative blog.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
plaquenil generic chloroquine vs hydroxychloroquine
It is actually a great and useful piece of info.I’m glad that you shared this useful info with us.Please keep us up to date like this. Thank youfor sharing.
Hey, thanks for the article post.Really thank you! Really Great.
Normally I do not read article on blogs, but I wish to say that this write-up very compelled me to try and do so! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thanks, quite nice post.
Excellent post. I was checking continuously this blog and I am impressed! Very helpful information particularly the last part I care for such info a lot. I was looking for this certain information for a very long time. Thank you and good luck.
brand vardenafil vs generic – acheter vardenafil order vardenafil generic
wow, awesome article post.Really looking forward to read more. Cool.
Fantastic blog. Awesome.
It’s going to be end of mine day, however before finish I am reading this wonderful post to increase my know-how.
hydroxychloroquine prophylaxis hydroxychloroquine effectiveness
Awesome things here. I am very glad to peer your post.Thank you a lot and I’m looking forward to contact you.Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?
I value the blog article. Awesome.
Hi there friends, nice post and fastidious arguments commented here, I am in fact enjoying by these.
Thanks for the good writeup. It in fact used to bea enjoyment account it. Glance complex to far introduced agreeablefrom you! However, how could we be in contact?
Very neat article post.Really looking forward to read more. Fantastic.
online meds for ed recommended canadian online pharmacies – mens ed pills
Nice answers in return of this question with firm arguments and describing all on the topic of that.
wow, awesome blog.Really looking forward to read more.
Hey there! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group? There’s a lot of people that I think would really appreciate your content. Please let me know. Cheers
Thank you for the auspicious writeup. It in fact wasa amusement account it. Look advanced to far added agreeable from you!By the way, how could we communicate?
You can definitely see your expertise in the work you write. The sector hopes for more passionate writers such as you who aren’t afraid to say how they believe. At all times follow your heart.
Slim One Join Box para seoul TV: lo que necesita saber
hi!,I really like your writing so a lot! share we be in contact more about your article on AOL?I require an expert in this space to solve myproblem. Maybe that’s you! Taking a look ahead to look you.
I don’t even know how I ended up here, but I thought thispost was good. I don’t know who you are but definitely you’re going to a famous bloggerif you are not already Cheers!
Hello, I check your blog daily. Your story-telling style is awesome, keep up thegood work!
Hmm is anyone else experiencing problems with the pictures on this blogloading? I’m trying to find out if its a problem on my endor if it’s the blog. Any responses would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I truly appreciate your efforts and I willbe waiting for your further write ups thank you once again.
Good post however , I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic? I’d be very thankful if you could elaborate a little bit further. Bless you!
cyprus online pharmacy uk online pharmacy international delivery
Looking forward to reading more. Great post.Really looking forward to read more. Will read on…
Hi, this weekend is fastidious in favor of me, since this moment i am reading this fantastic educational post here at my house.
What’s up, its good post on the topic of mediaprint, we all be aware of media is a wonderful source of information.
I read this post completely regarding the resemblance of most recent and preceding technologies, it’s remarkable article.
what is the best ed pill – ed pills that really work ed pills online malaysia
Your method of telling all in this post is genuinely fastidious, all can simply understand it, Thanks a lot. Kai Ludvig Lucine