South America

Overview and Things to Consider

South America stretches across 13 countries with wildly different landscapes, climates and cultures, from the Atacama Desert in Chile to the Amazon Basin spanning several nations, and from the streets of Buenos Aires to remote indigenous villages. As of 2026, most major destinations have solid tourism infrastructure and haven't lost their character.

A dollar stretches far in most countries, so budget travelers do well here. Spanish dominates across the continent and Portuguese in Brazil, and English speakers find good support in major tourist areas. The seasons run opposite to the Northern Hemisphere: June through August is winter, and December through February is summer.

Political stability varies by country. Argentina and Chile have stable democracies, Venezuela remains troubled, and Colombia and Peru have made big progress in recent years. Check current conditions for your destination. On the health side, watch for altitude sickness in the Andes (especially above 3,500 meters) and yellow fever risk in tropical lowlands, plus the usual urban precautions.

Getting There and Around

Most capitals connect to Miami and Houston, and direct flights from Europe are increasingly common. LATAM Airlines is still the largest regional carrier, though Avianca, Copa and budget carriers like Viva Air have expanded service. Within South America, longer flights are now reasonably priced, and flying beats the bus if your time matters.

Long-distance buses connect every country and are cheap. Companies like Flotas Andes and Cita run modern, comfortable coaches, and overnight buses are standard and economical. In cities you'll use taxis (Uber and Didi work in most capitals), metro systems in the big cities, and local buses. Download offline maps before you go - cell data is improving but coverage varies.

Train travel is limited but scenic where it exists: the Tren a las Nubes in Argentina, the Ferrocarril Central in Peru and heritage railways in Chile. Most inter-city travel happens by bus. Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and other ports are embarkation points for cruises.

What's Changed Since 2016

Infrastructure has improved a lot since 2016. Fast WiFi now reaches modest hostels, payments through WhatsApp and apps like Mercado Pago have changed everyday commerce, and ride-sharing apps have spread fast, though some cities push back with regulation. Tourism has boomed, especially in Peru's Sacred Valley and the Galapagos alternatives in Ecuador.

Colombia changed the most. Medellin, Bogota and Cartagena, once considered dangerous, are now among South America's most visited cities, with boutique hotels and excellent restaurants opening constantly. Brazil struggled with currency swings, but investment in 2026 has steadied things. Argentina's economy has been volatile, and it keeps getting more expensive for travelers from stronger currencies.

Climate concerns have affected Machu Picchu access (visitor limits increased), how reliable the Uyuni Salt Flat is (water levels fluctuate) and glacier trekking in Patagonia (some glaciers have retreated significantly). Fly-in Amazon lodges have multiplied. Visa rules have shifted too, and many countries now allow tourist stays of up to 90 days without an advance visa.

Ideas to Consider for Your Visit

Most first-timers hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It's still the classic, and it's crowded. The Salcantay Trek or the Lares Valley routes are good alternatives if you want real mountain time. The Sacred Valley has weaving villages, archaeological sites and farmland that few tourists see beyond the main circuit.

Amazon trips range from commercial jungle lodges to responsible community-based tourism. Ecuador is the easiest way in, and Colombia's rivers are just as impressive. Learn whose land you're visiting: indigenous territories cover much of the basin, and respectful tourism supports their autonomy.

Look beyond the capital circuit. Cartagena's Caribbean charm beats crowded beach resorts. Quito's historic center is beautiful, Valparaiso has a bohemian streak and Salvador is the place for Afro-Brazilian heritage. La Paz's markets and mountain setting hit every sense at once. Santiago and Buenos Aires deserve several days for their food and culture.

Realities to Be Aware Of

Altitude sickness affects many travelers in the Andes, particularly above 3,500 meters. Arrive early, stay hydrated, and use coca tea or diamox if recommended by your doctor. Symptoms include headache, nausea, and shortness of breath. They typically pass within 24-48 hours, but don't ignore them.

Crime exists in major cities, but it mostly targets things (phones, cameras), not people. Use normal city sense: keep expensive items out of sight, don't wander unknown neighborhoods at night, and use registered taxis. Hostel staff know what's safe locally. News coverage often exaggerates the danger.

Toilet paper goes in bins, not bowls, throughout most of the continent. Water quality varies - avoid tap water in many areas and skip ice in drinks unless you're certain of the source. Food safety is generally good in restaurants but street food carries risk if you have a sensitive stomach. Healthcare standards vary widely; major cities have excellent private hospitals.

If South America Is Part of a Longer Trip

Many travelers combine South America with Central America, since Colombia connects easily to Panama and Costa Rica. A common route: fly into Bogota, work south through Peru and Bolivia, finish in Buenos Aires, then fly on to Central America or elsewhere. Chile and Argentina link into the same South American circuit.

LATAM's South America pass is good value if you're taking several flights. Some travelers pair Caribbean islands with Colombia and Venezuela; others add the Galapagos from Ecuador. Budget two weeks minimum for one country, and three weeks to cover 2-3 countries properly. The continent rewards slow travel.

Merlin Cardona's "Journey Through South America" and other guidebooks focus on popular routes but miss emerging destinations. Consider venturing beyond the standard Peru - Bolivia - Argentina circuit to discover your own South America.

Yearly Things to Consider

South America's seasons are reversed from the Northern Hemisphere. The chart below shows average conditions across the continent's major regions:

January - Summer in Southern Hemisphere, hot and wet in Amazon, excellent in Patagonia

February - Hottest month overall, rainy season peaks in Ecuador and Colombia, carnival season approaches

March - Late summer, some rain begins to decrease, good month for travel to most regions

April - Autumn begins, rain decreases in Andes, prices lower as tourist season ends

May - Dry season begins in Andes, excellent for trekking, mild temperatures in Patagonia

June - Winter in Southern Hemisphere, cold in Patagonia, great for Andes trekking, rainy in Amazon

July - Winter peak, school holidays mean crowded attractions, coldest temperatures in Patagonia

August - Late winter, begins warming, best prices in Patagonia before spring season

September - Spring begins, temperatures warm, clear skies in Andes, perfect all-around month

October - Spring in full swing, wildflowers in Patagonia, warm in Andes, dry in most regions

November - Spring ending, summer approaching, increasingly warm, dry season continues

December - Summer begins, school holidays start (crowded period), rainy season starts in Amazon

Ideas for Itineraries

3 Days in South America

This is barely enough for one city. Choose Buenos Aires, Cartagena, or Lima. Spend three full days eating, exploring neighborhoods, visiting museums. Don't try to do a country in three days.

5 Days in South America

Five days fits Peru's Sacred Valley: two days in Cusco, two in the valley, one to get back. Or take Colombia's Caribbean coast, with Cartagena, Santa Marta and a day trip to Tayrona. Five days is a single-country overview.

1 Week in South America

Choose one country and get to know it. Peru: Cusco (2 days), Sacred Valley (2 days), Machu Picchu (1 day), Lima (2 days). Colombia: Bogota, Medellin and the Caribbean coast split across seven days. At this pace you actually engage with a place instead of ticking boxes.

Enough time for the classic route: Bogota to Lima to Cusco to La Paz to Buenos Aires. Or go deep in one region, like Ecuador's Amazon, Pacific coast and highlands, and add the Galapagos if you want to splurge. With this much time you get past the tourist sites and start finding your own way.