Visiting South America over Easter - good or bad idea?
Jun 16, 2011, 7:15 pm
#1
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Visiting South America over Easter - good or bad idea?
Call me corny, but I wanted to spend Easter on Easter Island. With most of South America being predominantly Catholic, I was wondering if this was a good time to visit? I came VERY close to booking flights today, but realized that maybe it wouldn't be such a good idea. Aside from Easter Island, I'm looking to also be in Cuzco, Peru (Machu Picchu) on Holy Friday.
Are main attractions closed on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday? What about transportation?
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome, even if it's to bash on my corny idea
Are main attractions closed on Good Friday, Holy Saturday, and Easter Sunday? What about transportation?
Any thoughts or opinions are welcome, even if it's to bash on my corny idea
Jun 19, 2011, 5:49 pm
#2
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Latin America operates at half speed during Holy Week and pretty much shuts down that Thursday and Friday. Most places will not be open that weekend. Everybody else is traveling that week too, and accommodation and transportation is jammed. While it sounds neat to say, "I spent Easter on Easter Island," I don't know what other benefit you're going to get to offset the hassle of travel that week. I think you would have a much calmer experience going another week of the year.
In any case, that's still over nine months away. I don't think you have to decide now.
In any case, that's still over nine months away. I don't think you have to decide now.
Jun 20, 2011, 4:05 am
#3
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Thanks SJOGuy for your input. After reading your response, I do agree that it's probably better I go another time. Cheers!
Jun 20, 2011, 10:34 am
#4
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I'll also add that Holy Week is a great time to be in those parts of South America that do big religious processions on Good Friday. Saw the Good Friday procession through the historic center of Quito, Ecuador a few years ago and must say it was one of the most fascinating cultural experiences I've witnessed anywhere.
Jun 29, 2011, 12:40 am
#5
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I arrived on Easter Island on Easter Sunday this year and can tell you I was a bit disappointed as other than most of the shops being closed (actually the norm for ANY Sunday) there wasn't really much sign that it was any different from any other weekend. Had I thought about it a bit more, I probably wouldn't have been surprised - the Islanders aren't nearly as Catholic as the rest of South America.
That said, definitely include it in your travels at some point, it's a really neat, chill little place! I'd go back in a heart beat ... if only there weren't so many other really cool places to go out and see!
That said, definitely include it in your travels at some point, it's a really neat, chill little place! I'd go back in a heart beat ... if only there weren't so many other really cool places to go out and see!
Jun 29, 2011, 9:45 am
#6
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Rather than Easter, I'd recommend a visit during Tapati (a local carnival-type festival) that was underway when I was there mid-February this year. I don't know if the dates are fixed but I'm sure Google can assist.
Jul 5, 2011, 3:38 am
#7
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I arrived on Easter Island on Easter Sunday this year and can tell you I was a bit disappointed as other than most of the shops being closed (actually the norm for ANY Sunday) there wasn't really much sign that it was any different from any other weekend. Had I thought about it a bit more, I probably wouldn't have been surprised - the Islanders aren't nearly as Catholic as the rest of South America.
That said, definitely include it in your travels at some point, it's a really neat, chill little place! I'd go back in a heart beat ... if only there weren't so many other really cool places to go out and see!
That said, definitely include it in your travels at some point, it's a really neat, chill little place! I'd go back in a heart beat ... if only there weren't so many other really cool places to go out and see!
Jul 6, 2011, 10:57 am
#8
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Cant comment on Easter Island, but Argentina is in South America and we do not shut down during Easter.... yes, public offices and Banks will not do business on Thursday and Friday of Holy Week, but everything tourism related is very open for business as things are quite busy.