What cal you tell me about Bogota, or other Central or South American cities?

[Anonymous]

Hi-- A friend and I want to get away for 5 nights to somewhere in Central or South America. We aren't looking for a resort or beach. We want more culture experiences--restaurants, music, markets. Since it will be short trip we are hoping to not spend too much money or too much time traveling. We were thinking about Bogota. Any recommendations about the city and day trips from the city? Rural spots would be appealing too.

Or--

Any other recommendations?

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

We went to Rio this year. Wouldn't recommend it.

[Anonymous]

We went to Buenos Aires. It's an awesome city. Felt like a mix between Paris and New York and it's relatively cheap if you take advantage of the "blue" exchange rate.

[Anonymous]

although BGT is a modern city, it is overwhelming big for a lot of people. have you thought Panama? There are direct flights from IAD, and there is a lot to see/do. The canal part is very interesting, and good local food as well.
Whatever you do, have fun!

[Anonymous]

Buenos Aires in a heartbeat. Only downside is long & expensive flight. Once you get there, cheap and amazing.

[Anonymous]

Mexico City. Great restaurants, museums, cultural attractions, pyramids, arts and culture. Stay in a nice hotel and hire a driver to take you around. I did this a few years ago and it was very reasonable - cheaper than going on organized tours. I was by myself while my Mexican friend I was staying with worked during the day. The driver would drop me wherever I wanted to go and wait while I did the sightseeing, then take me to the next place. Will be even cheaper if you share with a friend.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Mexico City. Great restaurants, museums, cultural attractions, pyramids, arts and culture. Stay in a nice hotel and hire a driver to take you around. I did this a few years ago and it was very reasonable - cheaper than going on organized tours. I was by myself while my Mexican friend I was staying with worked during the day. The driver would drop me wherever I wanted to go and wait while I did the sightseeing, then take me to the next place. Will be even cheaper if you share with a friend.

I take the subway in Mex. City all the time. If you the type of person who takes the subway in NYC no problem, you'll have no problem with Mexico City subway.

In fact, generally speaking, if you love NYC, you'll love Mexico City, they're very similar.

[Anonymous]

I'd consider Cartagena or Buenos Aires. Mexico creeps me out now.

[Anonymous]

I second Cartagena, easy and safer than Bogota.

[Anonymous]

Love Colombia. Its beautiful. Lot's of variety from mountains to jungle, beaches, culture, music. Then again, you can say that about Mexico too. I found B.A. to be boring. Sorry.

[Anonymous]

^^B.A. = Buenos Aires

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Love Colombia. Its beautiful. Lot's of variety from mountains to jungle, beaches, culture, music. Then again, you can say that about Mexico too. I found B.A. to be boring. Sorry.

I love Colombia too but in 5 days you can't do all that stuff unless you're spending a fortune on domestic flights. Bogota is 20 hours from Cartagena overland.

[Anonymous]

Intercity overland travel in Colombia is harrowing.

[Anonymous]

Panama City. You can see the old historic part if the city, Casco Viejo, visit the canal, go to Gamboa which is 45 min away and see the rainforest and hike threw the jungle. Beaches are a couple hours away.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I second Cartagena, easy and safer than Bogota.

Apples and oranges. Like comparing Ocean City to NYC.