A continent filled with rich and cultures mouthwatering cuisines and recipes, South America is home to some of the world’s greatest countries.
It is a wonderful place for travelers looking to explore the world and expand their horizons.
From Chile to Brazil to Argentina to Uruguay, South America holds the promise of a lifetime for travelers, whether tourists or business people.
South America is divided into three regions. We have the industrialized and developed countries of Chile, Uruguay, and Colombia.
Then we have the still-developing countries of the Inca and Amazon region. They include Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador.
Then there is Brazil. Due to its sheer size and diverse culture and language, Brazil is regarded as a region on its own.
In order to have stress or hassle-free travel, there are a few things to note.
Learn and understand the local language(s)
Most South American countries speak either Portuguese or Spanish as their official language. This makes it important and essential for travelers, especially tourists, to know how to communicate in the local language.
Westerners, especially English-speaking visitors, might have a problem dealing with the locals.
Living with an indigenous host or family is a good way to go about it. You can also hire a local guide.
Plan and time your trip well
Due to most South American countries’ proximity to the equator, visitors are advised to expect a hot and humid climate throughout the year.
It is rare for the temperature to drop from 20°C. Around June and August, there are colder winters. The cold is extreme towards the south of the continent in April and October.
It is highly advisable to plan your trip around the rainy season of each country.
September to November is a good time for those intending to visit the Amazon. There is less mosquito and more jungle trails to follow.
It is advisable to track weather forecasts diligently, as the weather in South America is highly unpredictable.
Monitor festivities
South America is the home of festivals around the world. From Carnaval in Brazil to Inti Raymi in Peru and Feria de matadores in Argentina, the continent offers a lot of entertainment.
Therefore, it is important to plan your move carefully and monitor festival dates as this could make life a bit hard.
Some town and villages shut down their businesses on local holidays and festivals, which makes traveling difficult.
Visa requirements
Most South American nations do not require a visa for entry. However, in some countries, you might need to pay some fees, so it is better to stay up-to-date with traveling guides and agencies.
Currency
For people intending to visit more than one South American country, the need to convert money or withdraw from an ATM is high. This is due to the difference in the currency for each country.
For USA citizens, Ecuador would be a great destination in terms of currency, as the official unit of currency there is US dollars.
Hold enough money with you, as you think you may need, everywhere you go. The exchange rate differs from country to country.
Have cash on you at all times
This is a very important tip. It is crucial to have the local currency of wherever you are with you at all times.
Also, having US dollars as backup is a good idea too. You never know if there might be an ATM or Credit card store near you.
Phone and network coverage
Most hospitality units in South America provide their guests with free wifi.
Guests can easily read emails or get touch in with family.
The phone coverage in the area is quite good.
Vaccination
When traveling to any country in South America, one must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination.
Use skin-protecting items
At almost any point in time, you will be in a country close to the equator, which means that the temperature will be high and the sun rays will be intense.
Sunscreen is one of the items you must have while traveling in any South American country.
You will also need sunglasses, lip balm, and a sun hat to keep the sun rays away.
Bargaining and price haggling
On whatever you intend to buy and purchase, be ready to bargain.
It is good to have a fair idea about the goods you intend to buy so you know when a seller or a vendor is trying to rip you off.
However, it is crucial to haggle the price of only products you think are overpriced.
All bargaining should also be done respectfully.
Bus Travel
Get ready to travel in buses. Due to the continent’s vastness, the distance between two locations can be up to a 10-hour trip.
For those trying to save costs and manage their budget, traveling by night (sometimes day too) buses is the only viable option.
Sometimes, one might need to take a flight, occasionally, to cover long distances.
Health
Get health tips and information before you travel so as not to get exposed to unhygienic health conditions.
Having your medical insurance cannot be overstressed.
Be prepared to experience heat strokes and mosquito bites, and stings.
Safety
Like every other nation in the world, the south American countries have their security issues too.
However, there are a few ways to ensure your safety.
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Constant vigilance
- Keep an eye on your belongings
However, visitors are advised to take increased precautions when traveling in the bus route of Quito to Latacunga in Ecuador.
There have been stories of theft and stealing there.
High Altitude
The best tourist destinations and must-see spots are located at high altitudes. It is important to note that tourists might suffer from altitude sickness.
In the Los Nevados national park of Colombia, tourists can go as high as 5000 meters.
There is also the rainbow mountain in Peru and the Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia.
To get used to the altitude, it is advisable to drink a lot of water, take light meals, avoid alcohol and take the steps, one by one.
This is the end of this article. We hope that you have gathered all the information you need for your next trip to South Africa.