Posts Tagged ‘transportation’

Getting Around in Southern Patagonia

October 26th, 2011

As you begin to plan a trip to Patagonia you might find that gathering information about the area is one of the most difficult parts! In this article I want to help you learn more about transportation in the southern most part of the continent.

First, if you can find a map of the area it will make this easier for you to visualize. Southern Chile and Argentina are connected to the rest of the continent by plane, vehicle and boat. Obviously plane is the most time efficient, but many of the small towns you will want to visit do not have an airport. The area is extremely interconnected by a network of public transportation. I think that using this system provides for a less stressful and more economic vacation, but first you must know a little about it.

Plane: By plane is the more time efficient method. There are two main airlines in Chile, LanChile and Sky Airlines. Both go to all major cities (Santiago, Puerto Montt, Balmaceda and Punta Arenas), however Sky is the only airline that will fly to a small airport in Puerto Natales. Argentina is controlled by one large airline called Aerolineas Argentinas, they fly to all major cities in Argentine Patagonia (Bariloche, Rio Gallegos, El Calafate and Ushuaia). Another very small airline in Argentina is LADE, they have a limited schedule but are more economical (you must buy a LADE ticket in cash while in Argentina, it is a small airline).

If you plan on flying to multiple cities I recommend checking out Lan’s South America Air Pass, it will help you to get discounted fairs all over the continent.

Santiago (SCL) and Buenos Aires (EZE) are the only international airports in the two countries, so if you want to go from Chile to Argentina by plane you will always have to connect through their international airport and pay the entrance fees (approx. 140 USD in each country).

Boat: Historically the only way to arrive in Southern Chilean Patagonia was by boat. Even today the Southern Ice Field prevents anyone from traveling from Northern Chile to Southern Chile on land, you must either enter Argentina or navigate the fjords. The Chilean government subsidizes a weekly ferry from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales, this boat is very economical and for a long time one of the only ways to arrive so far south. There are many cruise ships that leave from Valapariso and will take you to Punta Arenas.

If you want to go further south to see Cape Horn there are many small cruise ships that will take you from Punta Arenas in Chile all the way around the horn and back to Ushuaia in Argentina. Ushuaia is where most of the cruises leave to go to Antarctica. If you don’t get seasick and enjoy spending some time on a ship, you will love the scenery that is unique to these fjords.

Roadways: Most of the major roads in Chile and Argentina are paved. You can rent a car and travel them independently, but sometimes this can prove to be stressful and complicated. I prefer to take a bus in-between the various cities. The network of buses throughout South America is amazing. The schedules are fairly convenient and extremely economical.

You can travel from Santiago south by bus for two days to reach Punta Arenas, but they have regular daily departures. If you want to travel from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia you can take a 10 hour bus, leaving in the morning and arriving later that night. You can also go from Bariloche to Rio Gallegos by bus and from there to El Calafate. Generally the schedules are convenient and sometimes the buses even pick you up from your accommodation.

Posted in Vacation Guides

Wild Adventure Vacation Tips in Laos

September 6th, 2011

Many visitors to South East Asia miss Laos out in favor of the more popular destinations of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. It may be true that traveling to Laos is nothing less than an endurance test – but a beautiful, unspoiled wildlife and a sprinkling of exquisite temples should make the trip worth it. With its exciting terrain, well preserved natural ecosystems and numerous waterways, Laos is now emerging as a premier outdoor adventure destination in this part of Asia.

One of the best things about Laos, apart from its rugged beauty and natural attractions, is the low cost of accommodation, food and transportation. Your dollars will take you a long way back and forth. It may not have such world-class cuisine as its neighboring countries, but it is not impossible to find culinary delights in many of its cities.

Notably the French cuisine is the most popular among restaurants catering for tourists and lots of delicious Thai and Vietnamese dishes as well. Laotian cuisine should not be missed, as neighboring Thailand is also generous in its portion of curry and fresh ingredients that will leave you wanting more… that is, if it’s your type of food.

Must be careful with how much money you take with you. ATMs are not readily available outside of Laos’ biggest cities. Credit will not help you either since it is only accepted by a small number of companies. If you have some Thai baht back from a Thailand visit, spend it in Laos because it is very welcome.

You are most likely to land in Vientiane, the capital of Laos. Do not hurry to the next more exotic city because Vientiane is a gem waiting to be discovered. It is a quaint and charming city that has exquisite temples and stupas. Note the remarkable influence of the French in this city’s architecture and cuisine. Take a leisurely stroll along the well laid out streets in Vientiane.

From Vientiane, continue to Luang Prabang along the banks of the Mekong River. It is a picturesque and colorful city with the many orange-robed monks and countless temples that adorn the city.

Do not miss an exciting river cruise that takes you to an adventurous trip that will showcase the picturesque montage of local life along the riverbank.

Do not miss the Nam Ha protected area located in northern Laos. For a more exciting way to travel to the Nam Ha, take a short detour to the town of Luang Namtha and take a boat trip to the Nam Ha. This will allow you to catch a glimpse of many birds, and reptiles along the banks of the river and surrounded by a thick jungle of blooming flora and fauna.

Nam Ha Protected Site offers numerous opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts eager for some adventure. Trekking is best in this area with its exciting terrain, abundant wildlife and breathtaking panoramas. Along the way, watch out for small waterfalls where you can rest your feet and cool off in the crystal clear waters. Notice where you are going and follow your guide’s instructions on safe and unsafe areas to the letter. UXOs or small bombs are still present in some areas, so be sure not to remove them.

Posted in Vacation Destinations, Vacation Guides