One Week in South America

What You Should Know Before Going On A South America Tour

South America has some of the most diverse landscapes and wildlife in the entire world. Laying claim to both the Galapagos and the Amazon, tours in South America often have a heavy focus on nature hikes, conservation, local living, and wildlife photography.

The diverse cultures of South America’s countries and regions are a highlight of many guided tours to South America. You’ll enjoy regional cuisine, perhaps even stay with a local family for a few nights. Learn to tango in Argentina, experience the unique floating villages on Lake Titicaca in Peru, and visit coffee plantations in Colombia.

South America tours often have a heavy focus on eco and sustainable travel. Costa Rica is world renowned for its eco lodges. Many tours highlight the many ways tourism can help with conservation rather than hinder the survival of South America’s stunning natural beauty.

South America also attracts history and archaeology buffs looking for tours that visit the many fascinating ancient settlements. Home to countless ruins, including of course the enigmatic Lost City of the Incas, Machu Picchu, travelers have been flocking to South America for centuries seeking to experience these amazing historical sites for themselves.

There are many ways to plan a tour to Machu Picchu, including hiking the Inca Trail. Many travelers may not be aware, however, that if you are planning to walk this ancient byway, you do need to take a tour. Private Inca Trail tours are available, and a popular option, but you cannot simply hike on your own.

Only 500 people are allowed on the Inca Trail every day - this rule has been implemented by the local government in effort to preserve the trail and protect the area. The 500 includes porters and guides, so that leaves room for roughly around 300 travelers.

Off the coast of Ecuador, the Galapagos Islands are where legendary Charles Darwin did a majority of his research leading to the groundbreaking Origin of Species and scientific theories of Natural Selection. When you visit, you’ll get to see and get up close to the many species that led him to his conclusions about evolution including Galapagos Finches, Giant Tortoise, and Marine Iguanas.

Small ship cruises to the Galapagos are becoming increasingly popular. Because the Galapagos can be an entire trip in theselves, consider if you want to invest in a longer trip - one that also includes Machu Picchu or more of Ecuador. 

Countries in South America

Argentina - Modeled after Paris and Madrid, the capital of Argentina, Buenos Aires, is the most visited city in South America. Tour Buenos Aires or Tour some of Argentina’s 30 national parks 

Bolivia - Captivating in both history and geography, Bolivia was once the center of the ancient Tiwanaku culture and later part of the Incan empire. Geographically, the country has active volcanoes and the stunning Uyuni salt flats.

Tours to Bolivia

Brazil - Contains most of the Amazon river basin, the world’s largest river system and the most extensive virgin rainforest. Add Rio de Janeiro, the iconic symbol of Brazil to your itinerary, and you’ll be on an amazing tour.

Tours to Rio and the Amazon

Colombia - More tourists are visiting Colombia, a country of cultural and geographical contrasts. Culturally, Colombia’s Spanish heritage is still very much in tact, while several indigenous groups still practice their traditional ways. Is Colombia safe to travel.

Tours to Colombia. 

Chile - The Andes mountain range dominates this 2,700 mile long country whose southern tip is subantarctic because of its location only 400 miles from Antarctica. At its northern end you’ll be in a coastal desert.

Tours to Chile

Ecuador - A rich heritage comes from the Incas - much of what is now Ecuador was a part of the Incan empire. Ecuador is also one of the most environmentally diverse countries in the world from rainforests to the Galapagos archipelago.

Tours to the Galapagos 

Guyana - The only English-speaking country in South America, Guyana was one a Dutch and British colony. Only a few thousand visitors travel to Guyana each year due to crime and higher levels of poverty; nonetheless, some call it authentic, a place for “raw adventure” and the government is aiming to lead in sustainable tourism. Is Guyana safe to travel. Tours to Guyana.

Paraguay - Although it is one of the least visited countries in South America, some say Paraguay is a country of hidden treasures. It is a more homogenous society in South America with people of European and indigenous Guarini ancestry. In fact, Guarini is the official - and proudly spoken - language. 

Peru - Its arid coastal regions to the west and the Amazon basin to the east with the rugged Andes in between has brought such incredible diversity in the ways of life, climate and economy that Peru is a top destination in South America. Another reason for the large number of tourists is what the rich and highly organized Incan civilization that ruled this region for centuries has left behind.

Tours to Peru.

Tours to Machu Picchu.

Suriname - Called South America’s hidden treasure by The New York Times, just 580,000 people inhabit Suriname. It is one of the most sparsely populated countries in the world and as a former Dutch colony, Dutch is its official language. Tours to Suriname

Uruguay - Overshadowed by its huge neighbors, Argentina and Brazil, Uruguay has its own unique sites and attractions like the UNESCO World Heritage historic quarter of the Colonia del Sacramento, the eclectic capital of Montevideo and beach resorts - all untouched by mass tourism. Tours to Uruguay 

Venezuela - The largest lake in South America, Lake Maracaibo, and the world’s highest waterfall, Angel Falls, are both in Venezuela. Unfortunately, the U.S. Department of State does not recommend travel to the country for a number of reasons. Is Venezuela safe to travel

Languages Spoken in South America

Spanish is the dominant language spoken in South American countries except in Brazil where Portugese is the official language and in Suriname where they speak Dutch (Suriname was once a Dutch colony). Many speak English as a second language and the most common indigenous language is Quecha, the language spoken by the Inca.

When traveling with a tour, your guide will be bilingual or multilingual. Nonetheless, you’ll most likely have the opportunity to meet locals who don’t know English. Speaking their language - even just doing your best with what you know - will endear you to your hosts. It can also be a more enriching experience for you.

But regardless of your language ability, don’t fear, the South American people are incredibly friendly and helpful. It’s not uncommon for them to find someone who does speak English if they themselves do not.

Packing for South America

One of the many benefits when traveling on an organized tour is that they will provide you with a packing list that will depend on your destination, when you will be traveling and, or the activities you’ll be doing. A packing list for a multi-day trek on the Inca Trail is much different from one for a visit to the Galapagos Islands where you may wish to bring your own snorkel and mask!

Safety Tips for Traveling to South America

The US Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs is an excellent resource for travel advisories, passports as well as country specific information and what to do in case of emergency while abroad. You can also register in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is encouraged by the Bureau of Consular Affairs.

Your enrollment helps them contact you in the case of an emergency at home (family, civil unrest, natural disaster, etc.). You will also receive alerts about safety conditions in the destination you are traveling to and should you need to be found, authorities will contact this department.  

Another benefit of booking with a tour company is that they, too, can provide an extra level of safety as well as guidance. Regardless, there are some basic safety tips you should be aware of before and during travel, many of which are helpful no matter where you travel.

1. Check with the US Department of State before you go to check the travel advisory level, of which there are 4. They list countries, regions within countries, even specific big city bus routes. They advise exercising normal precautions, increased caution, whether you should reconsider travel or not travel there at all.

2. Many countries in South America are still developing; as such their tourism infrastructure is in varying states of development/expansion. In remote areas there may be inadequate facilities or none at all. This could mean more exposure to the potential for crime. 

3. Do not become a target for thieves by your behavior, dress, being unaware or displaying signs of wealth. 

• Walk with purpose. For example, know where you are going and leave valuables at home or in the hotel safe
• Take only the money you need for the day with you. Consider a wearable that can be concealed for your money and passport.
• Use your camera and put it away in a bag that doesn’t scream “camera!” 
• Don’t set items of value on the table while in restaurants where they can be easily swiped. Keep your bag/purse strap looped around your arm or if your bag/camera is placed on the floor at your feet, around your leg. 
• Be especially vigilant in heavily touristed areas like the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. These are higher crime areas, particularly because of poverty. 
• Major events/any crowded area is a prime spot for thieves 
• Dress like the locals as much as possible to blend in rather than stand out 

4. Be cautious when using ATMs. Use those that are in well lit areas and be on the look-out for anyone who may be watching

5. Avoided unmarked vehicles that claim to be taxis, use buses from reputable companies

6. Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Unmarked or otherwise suspicious motorcycles are often used by thieves to come up from behind, snatch a purse and quickly disappear into traffic. Pickpocketers will often work in pairs or groups to distract their victim then steal. 

7. Learn and practice some basic words for assistance in Spanish and if traveling to Brazil, Portuguese. You may not have time to consult your translator. 

8. Take your own first aid kit. If you travel with medications, get a note from your doctor explaining the medication(s) and dose(s). If you have a medical condition, consider carrying a note on your person that explains what to do if you need help. 

9. Let people know your itinerary/tour company and let them know of any changes in your itinerary

10. The CDC’s Traveler’s Health page will advise you of the vaccinations needed by country

11. Stick with bottled water and be wary of drinking fruit juices with or without ice and other beverages with ice 

South America on a Budget

Most likely you already have an idea of how much you want to spend. Next, you’ll want to consider that travel costs will vary by country. Venezuela is the least expensive country, although do keep in mind that as of their latest advisory on April, 9, 2019, the U.S. Department of State does not recommend traveling to Venezuela.

Brazil, Chile and Argentina are at the more expensive end of the spectrum while Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru fall on the less expensive end. Colombia falls in between. Note that the State Department issued a Level 2 advisory not only for Colombia but also Guyana and Uruguay: “exercise increased caution.” 

South America is becoming both more accessible and affordable as a greater number of tourists are heading there instead of the more traditional spots like Asia, Europe and Mexico. There are several drivers of this trend. As of June, 2019, for example, the Brazilian government no longer requires U.S. citizens traveling to Brazil for tourism among other activities to get a Visa, which was a cumbersome process.

Other countries, too, are incentivizing tourists as they recognize the value of their unique attractions as well as the boost tourists give to their economy. Local economic factors also play a role in cost of travel; for example, Argentina’s current (2019) instability makes it a good buy. Last, more tourists means more flights. This, in turn, increases competition among airline carriers. More competition also means cheaper flights. 

Multi-day tour companies have responded to this trend which gives you more choices than ever when it comes to booking a tour to South America. Stride makes it easy to choose tours based on your budget. Filter your results by lodging level: luxury, premium, value, basic or camping.

You can also filter your results by a minimum and maximum total spend for your tour. Don’t forget to include the cost of flying to your destination and also make sure there are no additional costs you might incur on your tour; for example, optional activities or transportation.