Post: #26

(12-03-2015 03:24 AM)scotian Wrote:  Offtheres, that's excellent intel on French Guyana, you should put that into a proper data sheet, I'm sure other guys on here would appreciate it. That's one of the least known places on Earth, as I mentioned before, RVF member Neil Skywalker is the only person I've ever heard of going there and it didn't seem all that great but you've certainly painted a more positive picture, +1 from me. That's pretty cool that you've been to all of the countries in South America, I don't think I could cover that much area myself, some of those places probably aren't the easiest places to travel to.

If you do a data sheet, you should organize it into something like a "Northern South America" thread, including all of the places you mentioned plus Venezuela. Have you also been to the Dutch ABC islands?

on the list of things to do

Post: #27

As mentioned in this thread, the Colombianas in Panama happen to be the best looking compared to locals... The caveat being is that they are pros. i would try Panama for the proximity and beaches ( but that is me).

Post: #28

(12-02-2015 11:55 PM)GlobalMan Wrote:  Probably two of the worst capitals in Latin America as far as gaming and 'culture'. And they are very different from each other as well, a strange final two.

As pointed out above, Panama City has a small glitzy area where tourists hang out at casinos and the rest is somewhere between crap and bombed out dilapidation. Neither one of those is interesting, to me at least. You'll have trouble experiencing any middle ground, anything 'real'. Tons of prostitutes trying to scrape up business. Any bar you go to will have them bothering you. Someone mentioned Colon... god no. Most of it is pure shit hole, and not in a charming way.

Santiago is full of frumpy hipster girls, boring food, boring nightlife. City is alright, but nothing special.

If there were two capitals I had to eliminate first from a trip in Latin America, those two would be near the top. There's no reason to go to either of those places if you can choose from any location.

Capitals I'd choose before Santiago or Panama City in Latin America

-Buenos Aires
-Asuncion
-Bogota
-San Jose
-Lima
-Mexico City
-Anywhere in Brazil

..a dozen other second tier cities

Pretty much anywhere else.

Edit- As mentioned above, there are some decent towns outside of Panama City (not Colon though), just talking about the capitals.

Listen to this guy. I endorse this message as I've been to both cities just this year. While Santiago is highly liveable in terms of infrastructure, weather (outside of winter), and safety, the women, culture, food, and value are all surprisingly very disappointing for Latin American standards. And the nearby beaches are very meh. Panama City is interesting for a week at best. The food is pretty horrible, women not particularly impressive, and the city itself seems very sterile and doesn't have much Latin soul to it. As people have alluded to, the best looking women here in my opinion are not from Panama.

Post: #29

OP how did you narrow it down to CP and Santiago?

And what are you thinking now?

Post: #30

(12-03-2015 03:24 AM)scotian Wrote:  Offtheres, that's excellent intel on French Guyana, you should put that into a proper data sheet, I'm sure other guys on here would appreciate it. That's one of the least known places on Earth, as I mentioned before, RVF member Neil Skywalker is the only person I've ever heard of going there and it didn't seem all that great but you've certainly painted a more positive picture, +1 from me. That's pretty cool that you've been to all of the countries in South America, I don't think I could cover that much area myself, some of those places probably aren't the easiest places to travel to.

If you do a data sheet, you should organize it into something like a "Northern South America" thread, including all of the places you mentioned plus Venezuela. Have you also been to the Dutch ABC islands?

only Curaçao, but that may change here shortly

Post: #31

Can't speak for Panama city.
But Santiago is a cool city for some days. It's a big University city an has alot going on. Nightlife is decent. Youths there love their Pisco/Pisco Sour.
You have the beautiful Andes, great wine, food is good (family/friends BBQ's are popular), it's one of the safest capitals in SA.
Santiago is a modern city and you will find all the major chains there. Sadly it is not the bargain it once was.
The younger generation speak english, but a little basic spanish will get you a long way and bring respect.

From Santiago you can hit up Vina del Mar, no more than 1.5 - 2 hours from Santiago. It's a cool happening beach town with great seafood, and there is always a party going on. Try staying with a chilean family there - mostly likely you will be taken care off, invited to homemade meals and some wine and good conversations.
Jan - feb are considered the best overall months to go to Chile.

Post: #32

OP did you go?