South America - South America itinerary

Hi,

First off, thanks to all the posters at FlyerTalk, I've learned a lot so far! I was hoping you could help me out by critquing my itinerary for an upcoming trip I have to South America.

I'm in my mid 20s and will be travelling alone. My flight plan is somewhat restricted in that it's part of a *A RTW ticket. I haven't booked the tickets yet so I am still somewhat flexible in case you have any other suggestions. I don't want to use any more than 6 flight segments for the South American part of my journey.

I'll be leaving in mid November and have ~6 weeks to do the following stops:

1.Buenos Aires
2.Santiago
3.Asuncion (taking bus to Iguazu Falls)
4.Sao Paulo
5.Campo Grande (Pantanal)
6.Rio de Janeiro

I'll be flying in business class but will be looking to have the trip itself be more on the lower-budget side of things. I am looking to stay in as many hostels as possible in order to be able to easily meet new people. I realize that most of my flights are to larger cities but I will be trying to get out into more remote areas whenever possible (recommendations?)

I'm looking for any recommendations for hotels/hostels, restaurants, must-see spots, etc. along the way. I'd be very grateful for any travel tips! I'm specifically interested in doing as many nature activities as possible.

If all goes according to plan I'll be in Rio for New Years, anyone been there for NYE? Good idea bad idea?

Thanks in advance!

You don't say where you live or what country you're citizen of. If you're a U.S. citizen, all four of those countries present "issues":

Argentina - reciprocity fee upon arrival by air in Buenos Aires - $140
Chile - reciprocity fee upon arrival by air in Santiago - $140
Paraguay - visa required - must be obtained in advance - $65
Brazil - visa required - must be obtained in advance - $140

You don't say where you live or what country you're citizen of. If you're a U.S. citizen, all four of those countries present "issues":

Argentina - reciprocity fee upon arrival by air in Buenos Aires - $140
Chile - reciprocity fee upon arrival by air in Santiago - $140
Paraguay - visa required - must be obtained in advance - $65
Brazil - visa required - must be obtained in advance - $140
Sorry, I'm a US citizen currently living in UK. I will take care of the visas in advance and understand that I will need to be paying the other fees upon arrival as well. Thanks for your help.

Campo Grande is not in Pantanal, it's a gateway for it. Be sure to head further towards Corumba.

Campo Grande is not in Pantanal, it's a gateway for it. Be sure to head further towards Corumba.
Right, I am merely using it as a way to get to Pantanal. Same with Asuncion to Iguazu Falls.

I quite enjoyed Terrazas Estoril in BA - the staff was friendly, location is decent, and the barbeque night is highly recommended. Americas del Sur however should be avoided - looks newer but it was unpleasantly loud due to the windows opening onto the inner courtyard.

Have a great time!

Does anyone have recommendations for a Pantanal tour? I will be flying into Campo Grande and would like spend anywhere from 3-10 days there...