Argentina and Chile are good places.

Try and stay away from the major drug corridor routes (no matter what country you choose in South America) and you should be fine.

I've been to Argentina and it is nice.

Chile,Argentina,Colombia,Brasil.
It all depends where you go and if you speak the language.Things have changed a lot in those countries.
About drugs...forget the Hollywood movies. As I said. It all depends where you go and WHO you meet.
Internet connections are good there...at least I know in Chile and Brazil you won't have problems.
Try the northern part of Brazil to escape from winter time...
Good luck.

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