How much time do you plan? What would be the absolute minimum of time to spend in the following countries, so you can get a first impression of it nature and culture, and see a few of its main attractions. - Australia - New Zealand - Chili - Argentina - Peru - Costa Rica - Alaska - Canada ------------------------- .:: A story never loses in the telling ::.

1. Australia - six to eight weeks Chilli - three weeks Peru -1 day Lima, 1 day Nasca, 1 day Araquipa, five days at Macchu Pichu (allowing two to acclimatise), 1 day Lake Titicaca. plus travel days equals 2 weeks, think about tacking on 8 day galapogos islands boat cruise, and one week in Bolivia - 1 day LaPaz 3 day Sal da yUni salt flats landcruiser tour plus travel time. Costa Rica - 2 weeks

2. Chile - depends on time of year and whether you like trekking. If you're there in their summer you really should go to Patagonia and do some trekking. The lake district is beautiful and the north is supposed to be amazing, so I would say 3 weeks would be fairly rushed , more like 4-6 weeks to get a proper feel. Argentina - I have barely touched on it, but would say probably about 3-4 weeks Poster 1's Peru itinerary strikes me as v rushed! Canada is probably 3-4 weeks to take in East, West and some of the rockies

3. this is what ill do - Australia - 4 weeks (east coast) 1 week in the center - New Zealand - 5 weeks (new zealand i found is alot more interesting nature wise) - Chili - 4 weeks - Argentina - 4 weeks - Peru - 5 weeks (1 week in the amazon would be alot of fun) - Costa Rica - 2 weeks (coasta rica doesnt seem to attract me to much but would go for the coast only) - Alaska 4 weeks - Canada 3 in the west 2 in the east ------------------------- lifes a train

4. I spent 3 weeks in Peru and was a bit rushed. I only spent 3 days getting used to the altitude before setting off on the 3-day hike to Macchu Picchu and had a hard time. Granted, I live at sea level so I'm not used to altitude at all. Here's what I managed in 3 weeks but would have liked more time: Cusco, Macchu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, Arequipa, Nasca, Islas Balestas, Lima, + one week in a lodge in the Amazon

5. i would agdree with # 1 2 AND 3 expect for Oz i would allow more than 4 weeks for the east coast..mainly because a friend did this time frame and didnt find she had enough time...two months would be ideal if you can spare it.

6. The time is going to depend on how much distance you hope to cover and how much you want to see. Most of the countries you've listed are HUGE and it will take you a long time to travel between your destinations. I only had 2 weeks in peru and felt absolutely starved for time and I flew between places. I'd say a month is good to see a good number of places and not just hit the main tourist spots. Costa rica is small and I'd say a couple of weeks is good--Not as many fascinating places as peru. Alaska is great--I was there a month and didn't even make it north of Denali. Spent a lot of time camping. But while the areas vary greatly, it's still all about the outdoors, so it depends on how much time you want to spend hiking, fishing, rafting, etc. Take a ferry trip. Lots of fun and can be cheaper transport than train or bus. ------------------------- don't die wondering

7. I think everyone so far has overlooked the word ABSOLUTE in the OP. Also the words IT and FEW. Australia: 3 hours NZ: 3 hours and a half Chile: 25 minutes Argentina: can be seen from Chile Peru: about a day (mostly for getting used to the altitude) Costa Rica (very small): 15 seconds Alaska: a month (not January) Canada: 4 hours in the west, 20 minutes in the east ------------------------- Why should I feel lonely? Is not our planet in the Milky Way? Thoreau

8. What kind of jack ass response is that? Be helpful! ------------------------- don't die wondering

9. You're right, eastern Canada deserves equal time: 20 minutes in the west. ------------------------- Why should I feel lonely? Is not our planet in the Milky Way? Thoreau

10. One month Less in Chile, Costa Rica, and Alaska. ------------------------- Why fly when you can travel surface! Bon Voyage!