South America Trip Report
Our South American Journey as American expats began (October 2024) – We’ve launched an exciting new chapter in our full-time travel adventure, starting with Buenos Aires, Argentina. As budget-conscious slow travelers, we’re taking a different approach: instead of rushing through tourist highlights, we’re spending 30 days in each location to truly understand what it’s like to live here.
From navigating Buenos Aires’ chaotic peso economy to figuring out Valparaíso’s infamous hills and micros (local buses), we’re experiencing the daily reality of life in these cities. Sometimes it’s amazing, sometimes it’s frustrating, but it’s always real. We’re documenting everything:
- The actual day-to-day costs (not tourist prices)
- Where the locals really eat (and how much they pay)
- The neighborhoods tourist guides don’t cover
- The stuff that drives us crazy
- The moments that make it all worth it
👋 New Here? We’re Jeff and Sandra, American expats exploring affordable places to live around the world. We share our experiences visiting destinations across the globe and the real costs, honest reviews, and practical tips for living abroad on a budget, one country at a time.
Current Location: Valpariso & Vina del Mar, Chile
(January 2024) ~ After two months in Buenos Aires, we’re currently exploring the sister cities of Valparaíso and Viña del Mar, Chile.
These Pacific coast gems couldn’t be more different from Argentina’s capital—trading Buenos Aires’ grand boulevards for Valpo’s street art-covered hills and Viña’s beachfront energy. 👋
Our Chilean adventure is in full swing, and we’ve got fresh insights from our time in Argentina. Check back for regular updates as we navigate these distinctly different South American cities—or drop us a note if you’re curious about something specific. We’re learning as we go, and we’re happy to share the journey.
- A day out in Viña del Mar, Chile
Last week we spent a day out in Vina del Mar; two museums which required two cafe stops. We started our trip with a second breakfast of coffee and medialunes at Cafe Libertad. This streetside cafe is in a bustling neighborhood on a main street so it’s not super quiet. It was good for people…
Please Note: We’re real people, just like you, and we’re still out here living the full-time travel life. Sometimes that means it takes us a bit longer to share all our stories and insights from each place we visit. But don’t worry, we’re working on it! Stay tuned for more as we continue our journey and bring you the inside scoop from every corner of the world.
First Stop: Buenos Aires, Argentina
Our first extended stay brings us to the “Paris of South America.” We’re exploring everything from the city’s famous boulevards to hidden neighborhood gems, documenting real living costs, and connecting with local communities. Follow our journey through detailed blog posts, cost breakdowns, and neighborhood guides.
Our Buenos Aires story is just beginning. Check back for regular updates as we figure this city out—or drop us a note if you’re curious about something specific. We’re learning as we go, and we’re happy to share the journey.
- Our Review of a budget-friendly studio apartment in Buenos Aires
Looking for an affordable, comfortable home base during your travels in Buenos Aires? We found this budget-friendly studio that checks all the boxes: clean, quiet, and perfectly located for exploring on a modest budget. Here’s our honest review—because finding the right stay can make or break your adventure. Jeff and I embarked on an unconventional… - 11 Reasons Why Buenos Aires Is Worth Visiting & Why It’s Not
As full-time travelers preparing for our first visit to Buenos Aires, we spent countless hours researching Argentina’s vibrant capital city to answer the question: “Is Buenos Aires worth visiting?” - First Timer’s Guide to Buenos Aires: Everything You Need to Know
Warning! There is a lot of info contained in this first timers guide to Buenos Aires, because whenever we get ready to travel to a new destination, we do a lot of research to ensure we make the most of our time in that destination. (We’ll be posting about that process soon!) We highly suggest…
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Discover South America: Video Highlights of Our Journey
Explore South America through our video gallery, where we share real moments from our time there. These videos highlight everything from everyday life to must-see sights, giving you a clear picture of what it’s like to visit. As full-time slow travelers, we focus on authentic experiences and share practical insights to help you plan your own trip. Each clip reflects our personal journey, providing useful, trustworthy information to make your travel decisions easier.
Historic Stairs
Grocery Tips
Our home for a month
Museum in a Minute
A wander around the la Boca Neighborhood – Buenos Aires
Our visit to Museo Fonck Vina del Mar Chile – Archeological Museum