[Vacancier Permanent]

I have always wanted to travel around the world and the wonderful thread by Lumière about his RTW trip really inspired me, so much that I've been thinking only about that for the past few days. I'd like start with South America. I was looking at the Oneworld planner and the Star Alliance (for which I have a ton of miles with Air Canada) and seems that it would better for me to only use 2 segments at most in SA and the rest just bus it.

I have only used inter city buses in SA only once, that was 3 years ago between Buenos Aires and Foz de Iguaçu. I have to say that the quality was top notch, very comfortable with a seat that transformed into almost a bed for about 150 Ar. Pesos or about 50 bucks at the time. Now, I travel frequently to Brasil but I have only used air travel between cities there and I have never bused it there. My question to those who are experienced in this area is how safe is it to bus it through SA, mainly say between Santiago de Chile all the way to Cartagena in Colombia, in either direction. Is it safe? Are there first class buses like the ones found in Argentina, which I found top notch?

I'd really appreciate all the feedback and tips on this regard you guys can provide.

[thegmanifesto]

"I have always wanted to travel around the world and the wonderful thread by Lumière about his RTW trip really inspired me, so much that I've been thinking only about that for the past few days."

Good work.

"My question to those who are experienced in this area is how safe is it to bus it through SA, mainly say between Santiago de Chile all the way to Cartagena in Colombia, in either direction."

Have you read Roosh's book A Dead bat in Paraguay? (Must read before embarking on a trip like you have planned).

I think he talks about busing a lot.

[Lumiere]

In my experience, its very safe.

Just make sure you are never arriving at bus terminals in strange cities during the nighttime.

Taking overnight buses that arrive in the early morning is best.

Also, make sure that you dont arrive at any border crossings during the night either. Those places can be sketchy too.

[Vacancier Permanent]

Thanks guys for the feedback. tha'ts what I thought too, but wanted to hear more from people who have done it.
GManifesto, you're right, I should read Roosh's book. I'll order it in the next few days.

Lumiere, good point about the arrival times and the border crossings at night.

Any more feedback, tips and comments on this are more than welcomed.