Okay, still trying to finalise itinerary for OWE ...

were planning on flying to GYE from MIA (for the Galapagos), then GYE-SCL-RIO as 2 segments, fly from Rio return into the Amazon as a (paid) sidetrip, then overland to Patagonia, and PUQ-SCL-IPC as the remaining 2 SA segments.

Now I find that the Rio-Amazon r/t is going to cost $500+ (each), and am wondering if there's any way of getting into the Amazon with Oneworld. We did think that we could fly Lima-Iquitos on LanPeru, then take a boat down to Manaus and fly out one-way to Rio (which would be the preferred option), but on checking LanPeru routemap, they don't fly to Iquitos (grrrrr). We could fly to Puerto Maldonado, but there's no (easy) way to get from PM into Brazil.

Anyone got any bright ideas ??

Alternatively, is there any way we can use some NA segments to get to Havana on LanChile (that would save us some $$$ we could use to get into the Amazon) ??

ta
Stewie

PS I never realised that going travelling for nine months would be so *stressful*

Both Manaus and Belem are listed as Oneworld Cities (on the AA map), You could fly into Belem and get a boat from the mouth of the Amazon (Belem) to Manaus. You could do the opposite, but IIRC the upriver traffice is closer to the edge and will get you a better view. If you are planning to stay at a jungle lodge or hotel you can get a discount on a package deal that includes the airfare from Rio. The airport in Manaus is very small and actually has very few flights. (and frequently I can fly to the USA cheaper than fllying to Manaus)

I'm not sure why they show on the AA route map but the only airlines I found that fly into Manaus or Belem were TAM, Varig and VASP, none of which are OW carriers.

One of the above is likely to be a AA codeshare partner, but will not a OW carrier

I would burn miles on a 20,000 mile award wholly within south america. Perhaps an open jaw is possible.

Speaking of which, what would be the best airport to fly into if one is not limited by oneworld? Suggestions?


[This message has been edited by benoit (edited 05-19-2003).]

Yup, AA codeshares with TAM around Brazil, but that don't help me much on a OWE

Is the 20,000 miles intra-SA award on AA ? Hmm, will have to try and generate 40,000 AA miles pdq - ta.

Stewart

Why exactly do you want to go to the Amazon? Sounds daft, but 'the Amazon' the river is different to what many people think of as 'the Amazon' the jungle. The River (particularly in Brazil) is very wide (miles in places) so if you're travelling down the river on a boat you may not see much wildlife as you're a long way from the banks. You will probably see more on one of the Amazon tributaries. I've been up the river to Trinidad in Bolivia for a few days on a cargo boat - not specifically to see wildlife but we saw a fair bit. Puerto Maldonado is supposed to be very good, and as you say is on LanPeru. Alternatively I have friends who've been to the jungle in Ecuador (Where you'll be anyway) and said it was fantastic.

Of course, if you want to go down the Amazon for the journey itself then you're probably looking at the expensive flights!

Looking at your route it seems you're not looking to do much in Peru. Don't want to judge you're reasons but if you've not been before then the Cuzco area is one of THE highlights of South America and has so much to offer (not just Inca ruins).

Let me know how you solve your issues as we appear to be planning similar jaunts around S.Am

Manta,

We're not doing much in Peru this trip on account of we just got back from three weeks there (long trip report here ).

Ecuador is really just for hopping over to the Galapagos, and we were planning to take a jungle trek/tour from Manaus to see the jungle, and I want to go to Manaus *just because*

Flight costs on varig/tam are pricey (as pointed out already) so will try to rustle up 40k miles on AA to go with the *A miles we're using to get from PPT-BNE !