# Planning your South American trip

**Language:** Spanish  
**CEFR Level:** B2  

> Join Antonella and Javier to learn how to plan the perfect trip across South America, one short conversation at a time. Each lesson trains your ear until you can follow every word and answer back.

**Setting:** The setting is a shared co-working space cafe in Santiago, Chile, where Antonella and Javier meet weekly to co-plan an ambitious overland journey across South America. As experienced travelers, they swap insider tips, compare regional logistics, and map out their route from Patagonia to Colombia.

## Lessons

### 1. Comparing flight booking options

Antonella and Javier discuss booking internal flights early to save money, while Javier suggests crossing into Argentina by land.

### 2. Debating different modes of transportation

Antonella shares her experience of crossing the border by bus, while Javier argues for the flexibility of driving themselves.

### 3. Discussing car rental logistics

Javier and Antonella agree on renting a car for the Seven Lakes route and weigh the cost of returning it to a different location.

### 4. Emphasizing the urgency of reservations

Antonella warns Javier about the strict advance booking requirements for Machu Picchu after learning he hasn't secured their tickets yet.

### 5. Discussing overnight travel options

Antonella suggests taking overnight buses in Peru, explaining to a skeptical Javier how comfortable and practical they can be.

### 6. Agreeing on travel logistics

Javier agrees to Antonella's overnight bus idea but insists on bringing his neck pillow, before Antonella transitions the conversation to their trip budget.

### 7. Discussing travel money strategies

Antonella advises Javier to carry cash in US dollars to avoid bad exchange rates, while Javier expresses safety concerns about carrying cash.

### 8. Planning travel safety measures

Antonella shares tips on how to safely carry cash, prompting Javier to plan for backup payment methods and discuss travel insurance.

### 9. Warning someone about travel risks

Antonella warns Javier about the dangers of altitude sickness and explains why having travel insurance is crucial for their upcoming high-altitude hikes.

### 10. Inquiring about local food scenes

Javier agrees to research insurance options before Antonella shifts the conversation to the culinary scene in Bogotá's local markets.

### 11. Describing traditional local dishes

Antonella describes traditional Colombian dishes to Javier, successfully using his love for food history to motivate him to speed up their travel planning.

### 12. Confirming a travel itinerary

Javier reviews the proposed route through South America, and Antonella confirms the sequence while fitting in a quick stop in Ecuador.

### 13. Planning for potential travel delays

Javier suggests leaving extra buffer time in their itinerary to account for unexpected delays, and Antonella agrees, citing examples like canceled buses and closed border crossings.

### 14. Booking tickets for an attraction

Javier proposes reserving their Machu Picchu tickets immediately, prompting Antonella to tease him about his past forgetfulness before she sends him the link to make the booking.