Because South America Is More Than Just Travel

South America is the backpackers playground and MiniHostels is bringing you all the best travel deals, travel itineraries and information on favorite backpacker locations. But South America is more than just a place to visit and at MiniHostels we want to offer the many of you interested in South American events, politics and even wine a closer look at some of South America´s many faces. Check back here soon for more blogs pertaining to the ´other´ information interested to travelers. We might just have that perfect something you´re dieing to read.

Happy Holidays

The Holidays are just around the corner so from all of us at MiniHostels, "Happy Holidays!"

Don't forget that MiniHostels cards make a great gift. 10% off each night of your stay in a hostel is a hard gift to beat for travel nuts. So gift someone the perfect travel gift!

If you're in Buenos Aires and looking for the perfect way to celebrate try checking out: expat connection, ba-expats and other forums for group Holiday fun.

Attn. Argentina!

The city of Buenos Aires thought that the MiniHostels cards were so cool, that they're jumping on board and offering travelers cards that allow them to pay taxis, buses, subtes and trains.

The cards will allow commuting people in Buenos Aires to avoid the monedas mess and pay simply by swiping and charging a pre-paid travel card. It will certainly make waiting in long lines less frustrating however, the cards are garnering some criticisms about fueling Argentina's already high inflation rate.

Need some Info?

As a traveler, we all need some info from time to time. Helpful hints from those who have been there before and seen what we are about to see.

At MiniHostels we pride ourselves on providing our members with the best information that is available. For a look at some travel articles which are simply bursting with helpful info, check out a few of the following links:

Cusco Info

Lima Info

Boating The Amazon

Salvador Info

La Posta Hostel

La Posta is an unbelievably truly Argentine hostel that embraces the culture of Tierra del Fuego, where it is located. The hostel itself is adorned with old, recycled tools that the Argentine Gauchos once used. Furthermore, the rooms are all first class and enveloped in a cozy environment to suit all travelers. We promise that La Posta Hostel will feel like your home: inviting, welcoming, and familiar. Close in location both to the airport at Ushuia and the town center, La Posta is your best comfort while traveling to chilly Tierra del Fuego. Find out more about La Posta at their website: La Posta.

Golf Anyone?

While you may be thinking more rustic in terms of your travel goals, MiniHostels likes to recommend (from time to time) some city-living fun for travelers.

The Buenos Aires golf club is a nice 18 hole course located in woodsy Palermo just north of the Hipodromo, just off of Av. Libertador. If you know where the Palermo lake sits in the city, you're in luck - you're about a long drives worth of distance from the golf course.

The golf club offers rentals, classes and tournaments which is all fairly cheap. Rentals will cost you about AR$60 pesos for the day, but if you have your own playing 18 holes is only AR$20! They don't have different prices if you'd rather take in a cool 9, but the cheap price is hard to beat. No carts are availalble so be prepared to walk the long course (although pull carts come with EVERY rental).

Weekends are busy, but weekdays it isn't common to be the only golfer on the hole.

Have fun city-dwellers!

Another reason to pick MiniHostels

MiniHostels is one of the premier hosteling networks in South America AND the world. Coming soon MiniHostels will offer its customers the ability to make reservations online. In addition MiniHostels is beefing up the content we offer members and guests which includes more backpacker articles and information as well as itineraries for all your favorite travel locations.

Check out MiniHostels - the best way to hostel!

Reciprocity Enacted Starting...

We recently reported that Argentina would soon begin charging Americans reciprocity fees for travelers entering the country. As an update this travel change for backpackers will be enacted beginning the first of the year. This means US$130 will be expected for entry. However, for those entering and returning each time, never fear. The fee will be valid for years. Not unlike Chile y Brasil.

YokWahi Hostel and MiniHostel Friends!

MiniHostels is happy to present YokWahi Hostel in Jujuy Argentina. This amazing hostel painted the MiniHostel's logo on their reception wall and we love them for it!

YokWahi Hostel is the first hostel in Jujuy Argentina and they are doing it up right. With a full kitchen, TV, private bathrooms, Internet, DVD and more - this hostel is offering an oasis for backpackers where one never existed before.

MiniHostels is happy to present them to you!

Destination Travel

Punta del Este is one of Uruguay's claims to fame. Around this time of year - but more specifically in December and January Buenos Aires locals, tourists and Brazilians flock to this resort town in Uruguay for funning and sunning in one of South Americas most notoriously posh cities.

Getting there from Buenos Aires is easy. Most people take the ferry into Montevideo then drive or bus into Punta del Este.

If shopping is your think along with stretches of nice restarurants and night clubs - then Punta del Este is a great vacation spot when the weather heats up.

Polo Argentino

The annual Polo Abierto is coming to Argentina and begins in just a few weeks! This tournament highlights the best polo players in Argentina who have earned a spot in the final positions of the tournament to compete as winner of the Abierto.

The tournament is run over the course of a month, beginning in November and running through the first two weeks of December. Tickets and games become more sparse as the tournament progresses and teams become eliminated. More than just a sporting event, the Abierto is somewhat of a social event as well with champagne tents, clothing tents and food being served to a mix of Argentina's social elite and polo-lovers alike.

The Abierto is held near the Hipodromo in Las Canitas just north of popular Palermo and can be accessed from Libertador.

I Keu Ken Hostel

If you want to enjoy all that El Calafate has to offer, you will want to stay at I Keu Ken Hostel. The hostel is a cozy cabin located on the edge of Lago Argentino. With the gorgeous view and the warm fire in the living room, you can sit back and truly relax. This hostel prides itself on being a quiet and relaxing refuge for the weary backpacker. I Keu Ken is only about a five minute walk to the center of town and they offer free shuttle service from the bus station. Enjoy lounging in your spacious room or join friends in the kitchen and learn how to make new dishes! The friendly and warm staff are availble to help you to your next destination and will truly go out of their way to make your stay the best in El Calafate. Vist I Keu Ken at their website.

Puerto Madryn - Run don't Walk!

Puerto Madryn and the Peninsula Valdes are two of Argentina's most popular travel destinations this time of year. To see the whales, penguins and the beautiful landscape up close and personal is something not many people get a chance in their life to see. Now the whales are migrating and the peninsula is as active as it is almost year round. Don't miss your chance to see this amazing travel location!

All the best advice and more, brought to you by: www.MiniHostels.com

Blue House Backpacker Hostel

If you're traveling to beautiful Lima, Peru and need a place to stay, Blue House Backpacker Hostel is a great choice. Within walking distance of all the amenities and activities a backpacker needs, the hostel is perfectly placed for you to maximize your time in Lima. Open 24 hours a day, with breakfast, internet, laundry, and English speaking staff, you can't go wrong!

MiniHostels is proud to include Blue House Backpacker Hostel as part of our network, and we highly recommend them!

Hostel Casa Kanela

Nestled in quaint, La Mariscal, one of the more picturesque areas of Quito, Casa Kanela is a stopping point for Ecuadorian backpackers. A newly renovated historic home, Casa Kanela offers quiet, tidy rooms and spacious bathrooms. A hearty breakfast, wireless internet, and an outdoor terrace make Casa Kanela an ideal place to rest after sightseeing in the busy city. Knowledgable staff offer great travel advice. This paired with low hostel rates is the perfect fit for backpackers on a budget. Check out the Casa Kanela website for more information!

Las Moiras Hostel In Bariloche

Las Moiras Hostel in Bariloche

Las Moiras Hostel is located in the city’s downtown and 100 meters from Nahuel Huapi lake. Which means that while Bariloche is hailed for its winter wonderland, this is the perfect hostel for people who love to catch some sun in the summer months! The beautiful landscape around Bariloche is gorgeous for hiking and biking among other summer activities. Chocolate and the beautiful landscape Bariloche offers never goes out of style which means its hard not to have a good time.

Las Moiras offers tourist information, tv, dvd, private lockers and so much more! It is an excellent hostel and MiniHostels is happy to have them as a part of our network.

Green House Hostel - Bariloche!

Green House Hostel is one of those amazing hostels that are hard to forget. Located just a stones throw from Lake Nahuel in Bariloche the kind of stay you are likely to have at Green House will be one with a complimentary breakfast, fresh faces, private rooms, kitchen, lockers, TV and DVD with a big screen, tourist information and not to mention, a killer view.

Green House is the perfect example of the sort of hostels we are happy to sponsor at MiniHostels and we hope you enjoy your stay as much as we enjoy recommending them to you!