South America Travel Guide
As budget-conscious slow travelers, we’re taking a different approach to traveling around the world: instead of rushing through tourist highlights, we’re spending 30 days (or more) in each location to truly understand what it’s like to live there. We created this South America Travel Guide base on the research we did to prep for our trip and information gathered while we were there. We hope you find it useful.
The South American leg of our journey began in Buenos Aires, Argentina, as we continued our life as American expats living abroad, on a budget, one country at a time. We arrived in October 2024, stayed in Buenos Aires for two month (two different neighborhoods) and then traveled overland to spend five weeks in the sister cities of Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile before we headed to Santiago for a week and then off to Mexico.
Valparaiso & Vina 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. 👋
We loved our time in Chile, 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.
Chile
Our Trip Reports from our time in Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile
- Cost of Living in Chile: What We Spent Living Abroad for 6 Weeks as American Expats and Nomads
If you’re researching the cost of living in Chile, you want real numbers and a full picture, not just tourist prices or discounted stays. We get that. That’s why in this post, we’re sharing every dollar we spent during our 6 weeks living nomadically in Chile, including the expenses many travel budgets overlook. Our goal… - Local Exploration: National Maritime Museum and Cultural Quarter in Valparaiso Chile
A Day of History, Street Art, and Local Dining in Chile’s Port City The Local Experience in Valparaiso As expats making ourselves at home around the world, our first sightseeing activity after arriving in Vina del Mar for our five week stay was to visit the National Maritime Museum (Museu Maritimo Nacional) and the Cultural… - Buenos Aires Santiago Bus: Why You Should Take the Bus
This is a quick recap of our experience with the Buenos Aires Santiago Bus. or as Jeff said “let’s talk about ways to save money while traveling, and lived to regret it” LOL…. Buenos Aires – Santiago Bus Timeline We headed out of Buenos Aires at about 14:00 and made our first stop in Liniers… - 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.
Quick Facts to consider if you are considering visiting Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile
Population Info
- Valparaiso’s 2024 population is now estimated at 1,016,580
- Vina del Mar – working on finding current data
Did you know? Viña del Mar wasn’t always the glamorous beach resort you see today. It started as a humble vineyard by the sea (which is literally what its name means!) before transforming into Chile’s premier coastal playground. Only thirty years ago all the land now known as Vina del Mar was dunes and forests. Today it is an important tourist and residential area with neighborhoods such as El JardÃn del Mar, Las Golondrinas and Los Pinos. Narrow strips of the original dunes still remain, serving local children and tourists as slopes from which they slide down at neck breaking speed on makeshift sand-toboggans.
Weather Info
The weather is generally considered to be Mediterranean, with rains restricted exclusively to the winter season. Proximity to the sea means that the land temperatures are regulated by ocean currents during the summer and winter months (October to March and April to September respectively) making the former warm and pleasant and the latter mild, with daily high’s around 70°F, rarely falling below 65°F or exceeding 75°F. Daily low’s are around 54°F, rarely falling below 49°F or exceeding 58°F.
Our experience: The weather is glorious! Its never too hot or too cold (light sweater needed after the sun goes down)… and it was never too humid. Wind is factor – rarely did a day go by that wasn’t windy.
Language Spoken: Chilean Spanish
- Learn more here
Currency Conversion Rates While We Were In Chile
- $1 US = 995.65 Chilean Peso on Dec 20, 2024
- $1 US = 1,006.21 Chilean Peso on Jan 20, 2025
Best time to visit Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile
From what we’ve seen it always a good time to visit Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile!
Things travelers want to see or do in Valparaiso & Vina del Mar, Chile
Before setting off make sure you are wearing comfy footwear and be prepared for hills as Vina Del Mar and Valparaíso is built on over 44 steep hills and deep valleys.
Things to Do in Valparaíso
- Explore the Historic Quarter: Wander through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed area, characterized by its colorful houses, street art, and labyrinthine alleys.
- Ride the Funiculars: Experience the city’s historic elevators, such as Ascensor El Peral and Ascensor Reina Victoria, which transport passengers up the steep hills and offer panoramic views. (Most of these were closed when we were there and it didn’t look like they had been used in a while!)
- Visit La Sebastiana: Tour the former residence of Nobel laureate Pablo Neruda, now a museum showcasing his eclectic collections and offering insights into his life.
- Stroll Along the Waterfront: Enjoy the scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and observe the bustling activity of the port, which remains a major distribution center for container traffic, copper, and fruit exports.
Things to do in Viña del Mar
- Relax on Reñaca Beach: Spend time on one of Chile’s most popular beaches, known for its golden sands and vibrant atmosphere, especially during the summer months. (See notes below about swimming in the ocean)
- See the Flower Clock (Reloj de Flores): Visit this iconic landmark, a functioning clock adorned with colorful flowers, originally inaugurated in 1962.
- Tour the Decorative Arts Museum Rioja Palace (Museo de Artes Decorativas Palacio Rioja): read about our visit here
- Visit Iglesia de los Padres Carmelitas: This majestic white Catholic church stands as one of Viña del Mar’s most striking landmarks. Its elegant architecture and imposing presence make it a must-see for visitors, offering a perfect example of the city’s architectural heritage.
- Explore Quinta Vergara Park: Walk through this lush park featuring beautiful gardens, the historic Vergara Palace, and an amphitheater that hosts the annual Viña del Mar International Song Festival.
- Visit the Fonck Museum: Discover artifacts from Chile’s diverse cultures, including a collection dedicated to the Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and an original Moai statue displayed outside the museum. Read about our visit here
- Try Your Luck at the Municipal Casino: Experience one of Chile’s oldest casinos, offering a variety of gaming options and entertainment in an elegant setting.
- Visit Wulff Castle: This early 20th-century mansion built by a German trader offers cultural exhibits & ocean views. It has fallen into disrepair and was closed for restoration the entire time we were there – you could only view the outside from the street – we were not able to locate any online info for when it will reopen.
❌Important Info: Just because there are beaches doesn’t mean you can go swimming in the ocean. Contrary to what a lot of “things to do” sites mention the beaches aren’t safe for swimming. You can get your feet wet and even get your whole body wet but with very few exceptions you’re not allowed to swim – the waves are strong, the water is COLD and it’s kinda dangerous!
Chile Residency & Citizenship Information
Interested in staying longer or making Chile your home? Below are official resources to help you explore residency and citizenship options:
- Government Immigration Website: Servicio Nacional de Migraciones
- Residency Requirements: Types of visas and residency options
- Citizenship Process: Guide to Chile nationality
We’re travelers, not immigration experts, so we recommend checking these sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
Argentina
Trip reports from our time in Bueno 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 continue to write about our time in the gorgeous city—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 Cost of Living in Buenos Aires Argentina for Two Months Report
From colorful Argentine pesos to surprising museum finds, here’s the breakdown of our cost of living in Buenos Aires, Argentina, for two months, as American Expats and Nomads We started our second year of fulltime travel in late 2024. We headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina – part of our experiment to see if comfortable, full-time… - Buenos Aires Travel Guide for American Expats & Retirees
Welcome to our Buenos Aires guide! If you found this via our newsletter, you know we value the ‘real’ version of travel – no fluff, just the logistics you need to know. When people ask us, “Is Buenos Aires worth visiting?” our answer is a resounding yes – but only if you know how to… - Is the Palace of Running Water Buenos Aires Worth a visit?
Is the Palace of Running Water Buenos Aires Worth a visit? As we travel, we always keep an eye out for intriguing sights. Some of these are well-known, frequently appearing on “Top Ten” lists of tourist attractions. Others, however, are lesser-known gems. The Palacio de Aguas Corrientes (“Palace of Running Waters“) in Buenos Aires is one… - Buenos Aires Santiago Bus: Why You Should Take the BusThis is a quick recap of our experience with the Buenos Aires Santiago Bus. or as Jeff said “let’s talk about ways to save money while traveling, and lived to regret it” LOL…. Buenos Aires – Santiago Bus Timeline We headed out of Buenos Aires at about 14:00 and made our first stop in Liniers…
- 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?”
Quick Facts to consider if you are considering visiting Buenos Aires, Argnetina
Population Info
- Buenos Aires’ population is now estimated at 15,618,300
Did you know? Buenos Aires is the largest city and capital of Argentina, and the second largest metropolitan area in South America. It sits along the western shore of the Rio de la Plata estuary and is not a part of Buenos Aires Province or the capital of the Province; Buenos Aires is an autonomous district that was granted autonomy in 1994.
Weather Info
In Buenos Aires, the summers are warm, humid, and wet; the winters are cold and windy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 47°F to 83°F and is rarely below 38°F or above 90°F.
Based on the tourism score, the best time of year to visit Buenos Aires for warm-weather activities is from late October to mid April.
Our experience: The weather is glorious! Its never too hot or too cold (light sweater needed after the sun goes down)… and it was never too humid. Wind is factor – rarely did a day go by that wasn’t windy.
Language Spoken: Spanish
- Learn more here
Currency Conversion Rates While We Were In Argentina
- $1 US = 980.57 Argentina Peso on October 18, 2024
- $1 US = 1021.97 Argentina Peso on December 20, 2024
Best time to visit Buenos Aires, Argentina
The best times to visit Buenos Aires are in the fall (April to June) and spring (September to December), offering comfortable weather. These seasons combine pleasant temperatures, fewer crowds, and cheaper flights and hotels for travelers.
Argentina Residency & Citizenship Information
Interested in staying longer or making Argentina your home? Below are official resources to help you explore residency and citizenship options:
- Government Immigration Website: Dirección Nacional de Migraciones
- Residency Requirements: Types of visas and residency options
- Citizenship Process: Guide to Argentine nationality
- Digital Nomad Visa: Information on Argentina’s digital nomad visa
We’re travelers, not immigration experts, so we recommend checking these sources for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
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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.
Taking the Overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Santiago Chile
Water and sewer museum – Buenos Aires
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