So it looks like I might have arranged some research funding for a self directed project in latin america somewhere.  Im thinking peru/ecuador/mexico/argentina. Has anyone been recently?

I will be looking for connections with indigenous culture and social services.  I will also be working on my latina.  


I also need to get a minor surgery done on my back - very low key tissue adjustment,  but it's ridiculously expensive in Australia (surprise). Anyone had experience with medical services? 

You'll be able to afford enough cocaine for the back pain to not be a problem.

Don't

Samba lessons.

Have fun learning your latina . 😉they are something else and their accents 😎

there will come a day when the mirror runs dry..

If you weren't going for research I would really say this.

My step-mum is from Peru and moved out here 40 odd years ago, but in the last decade about 15 of her extended family have all moved across or to America because everyone who can is trying to get out.

Different story if you're there for a few months or a year and can go home any time, though.

Panama is meant to be fairly good for medical tourism. I have some family connections to Guyana and have been a couple of times. While they would consider themselves more Caribbean then Latin America, the indigenous population is fairly significant and reasonably accessible. As a bonus they speak English.

Holiday yes, move no.

thanks for the advice! i will look more into it.

i had been getting quiet a different picture of peru.  i was under the impression that there had been a a lot of social progress of late.  Ive had a few people tell me that lima is one of the most progressive cities in south america now.  but that does not immediately translate into quality of life across all stratifications.

from discussions ive already had i am leaning towards peru and ecuador for my work. although i found out today there will be a delay until february 2017, so i might do a quick trip and scope things out for a couple months first.  

for what its worth, i recommend this movie. it's in your more arty cinemas at the moment.  this and (the unfortunately fraudulent) carlos casteneda are giving me some serious buzz about the possibilities.

I love latin america, be it I've only made business trips the last 5yrs that are only 2wks max stays if I had the chance I would take my family for a 1-2yrs stay if possible.
Ofcourse having the advantage of locals looking after me makes the touring no problem.
All places seem great when only for a short stay but have visited Chile 4times, Santiago is a nice city and its surrounds.
The coast is similar to ours - the people are really hospitable - the food is to die for as is their wines :) 
I visited Lima twice this year.
Yes it is improving dramatically the last 20yrs I'm told.
I had the pleasure of sitting in a presentation held by the US consulate.
They are looking to invest more and more there, they had advised the corruption has been reduced considerably, especially at the ports.
Sure its not 100% but they are optimistic how things are going for trade and exports. Its not as it once was.
I stayed in the northern part of the cbd.
Walking I was impressed by the architecture and the renovated townhouse's etc - ofcourse security is a given but I felt pretty safe walking around.
The city backs onto a massive headland with beachs down below, loved it.
A shopping mall is built right on the headland edge and below, some of the views are impressive.

have you thought about Caribbean or more central america ? certainly the latino language will be strong but less worry about drug cartels

costa rica
st kitts and nevis
anitgua and barbuda
dominican republic

Only really consider Argentina or São Paulo in Brazil mate. If you're gonna do Brazil, I'd suggest a coastal town with ex-pats that's far from civilisation or São Paulo as the only options. Peru, Chile, Ecuador and Bolivia are not bad options but living standards are lower everywhere other than Argentina in general.

Brazil (São Paulo especially) is known for its high surgical and medical standards. São Paulo state in general is heavily influenced by the native Tupi culture which you'll come across references to literally every 10 seconds or so.

Buenos Aires and São Paulo (and to a lesser extent Rio) offer some decent chances at working on the side as an English tutor or teacher. You can make USD$1000+ a week in São Paulo as a private teacher doing your own lessons, but that's relatively full time.

I originally looked at argentina. brazil hadnt really been on my radar.  from the looks of things it does seem like the smart place to go for a surgery. good options at great prices. looks like columbia is good as well. for the same reasons.  the language is probably an important part of the plan and i will probably look to stay in the spanish speaking countries.

i dont mind the living standards not being western. i like being immersed in culture.  ive spent years in thailand, india and nepal and i really loved it. i am strongly leaning towards peru and ecuador as i get more into thinking it though.  Have you spent much time there?