What are the travel distances like?

[Chris]

Dear Mark,

Thanks for keeping this great website going. My friend and I are flying into Lima on June 30th and returning to Canada from Rio de Janiero on August 31st. We will be spending the first two weeks of our two month vacation doing volunteer work near Lima, before we start backpacking. As we have it planned now, we are thinking about heading from Peru, through Bolivia, to Argentina and then up to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am also looking at the possibility of going north through Colombia and Venezuela heading down to Rio de Janiero.
My question is, what are the differences in travel distances between these two intended routes? Maps seem to make it look like heading north instead of south would be much longer; what are your thoughts? We have already reserved open-jaw tickets flying into Lima and flying out of Rio de Janeiro. Since our time is limited, we would like to be able to minimize the time spent in a bus. Internal flights are likely not an option.

Thanks as always,

Chris

[Mark]

Hi Chris,

Wonderful to hear you will be doing volunteer work in Lima! Your itinerary question has more to do with travel accessibility than with distances. Your best bet is to travel through Peru to Bolivia, Argentina and then to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. The main problem with going North is that there are few border crossings to Brazil in Venezuela and Colombia. You'll also have to travel through the Amazon Basin and this is going to take precious time away of your trip.

Do try to spend as much time as you can in Peru and Bolivia. Both countries are very beautiful and have lots to offer. It's very likely you will cherish your stay in these countries the most.

You'll have a wonderful time in South America.

Enjoy your trip!

[candace09]

Happy traveling anyways have you been into any South East Asian Country?