In our previous tip, we discussed how to get flights to and from South America. In this article, we will explore how to get around the continent effectively while learning Spanish abroad.
Not surprisingly, if you have enough free time, you’ll have the most interesting and rewarding trip when you choose a multi-country program. This option gives you the advantage of experiencing multiple accents and cultures. Essentially, a multi-country program will keep you from getting into a rut. Every time you change locations, your mind will be revitalized.
When traveling around South America, traveling by bus can be a great budget option. In fact, long-distance buses in Argentina and Chile are very comfortable and safe. Often you can even take a night bus with a seat that reclines almost completely so you can sleep.
The added benefit of these buses is that you save on hotel accommodation costs for the night. Also, the bus terminals will take you closer to the cities and this equates to less taxi fares.
A particularly good bus route is from Santiago to Mendoza. This trip lasts about 8 hours and a fascinating winding journey towards the Andes Mountains. Don’t overlook the fact that this bus route is closed during the winter if a heavy snow falls.
The trip from Mendoza to Buenos Aires is also recommended. This trip takes about 14 hours, but it is a comfortable and easy journey through the pampas (plains). Also, this particular bus trip is a good opportunity to take advantage of a sleeper bus.
Of course, flights are also a recommended means of travel once you are in South America. The flight from Buenos Aires to Santiago is particularly popular. If you studied in Argentina and then proceeded to learn Spanish in Chile, this would be an ideal flight.
Because so many companies cover this route, there is a lot of competition. As a result, you should be able to get a round trip ticket for only around $250. Other typical air travel prices are as follows: a plane from Santiago to Lima costs around $450, and a plane from Buenos Aires to Lima tends to to cost $500 Lima and Cusco are two Peruvian cities that are often combined in people’s travel plans. Lima, of course, offers cosmopolitan attractions, surfing, and world-renowned seafood. Of course, travelers visit Cusco from all over the world to see Macchu Pichu and other Inca sites. In addition, Cusco offers a cool mountain climate. A guideline to keep in mind is not to buy your ticket until you are in Peru. We make this suggestion for two reasons. First of all, flexibility is always important. Second, prices are lower when you book from Peru, particularly with Star Airlines.
Another idea, one that many travelers don’t initially think of, is to buy an “open jaw” ticket using Buenos Aires as a hub. Both LAN and Aerolineas Argentinas have a hub in BsAs, so prices are competitive. For example, a ticket with the route Lima – Buenos Aires – Santiago (or the other way around) can often be purchased for less than $400.
You can also choose an “open jaw” with Lima as the center. This travel schedule would take advantage of the competition between LAN and Taca over the Santiago-Lima-Buenos Aires route and, as a result, can often be found for less than $400. Please note, however, that with LAN the lowest prices stipulate that NO changes can be made, even for a fee. For both “open jaw” options, playing Expedia or Travelocity is a good way to find a mix of low fares. After all, an hour of research could save you $200 or more.
In conclusion, there are many affordable options once you arrive in South America to study Spanish abroad. There is no need to plan everything in advance, as many alternatives are not even available outside the country. The trick is to relax and be flexible. Once you arrive to learn Spanish in Chile, Argentina or Peru, you will have an idea of how you would like your trip to go. South America offers a wide variety of great travel options that will effectively transport you between its cities for a very reasonable rate.