How to Plan a Trip to South America
South America is a continent of extremes — the Amazon rainforest, Andes mountains, Patagonian glaciers, and beaches that stretch for miles. It offers world-class food in Lima and Buenos Aires, ancient ruins at Machu Picchu, and wildlife encounters in the Galapagos. Travel here is affordable, the people are warm, and the experiences are deeply rewarding. This guide helps you navigate the logistics of planning a South American adventure, from choosing countries and securing visas to budgeting and staying safe across this diverse continent.
Choose Your Countries
For a first trip, Peru and Colombia offer the best mix of culture, nature, and infrastructure. Peru delivers Machu Picchu, Lima's food scene, and the Sacred Valley. Colombia impresses with Cartagena, Medellin, and coffee country. Argentina and Chile combine for Patagonia, Buenos Aires tango, and wine regions. Brazil alone could fill months — Rio, the Amazon, and Iguazu Falls. Limit a three-week trip to two countries max. Distances between cities are vast; do not underestimate travel time.
Set Your Budget
South America is a budget traveler's dream outside of Brazil and Chile, which are moderately priced. In Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia, budget travelers manage on $35–55 per day. Argentina fluctuates with exchange rates but averages $50–80 daily. Hostels cost $8–20, local meals $2–5, and intercity buses $10–30. Domestic flights save time on long distances but cost more. Machu Picchu entry and the Inca Trail require advance booking and add $200–600 depending on your trek choice. ATM fees are common — withdraw larger amounts less frequently.
Handle Visas and Entry
US citizens enter most South American countries visa-free for 30–90 days. Brazil now offers e-visas for Americans. Bolivia requires a visa ($160 at the border or in advance). Always check the latest requirements on embassy websites — policies change frequently. Yellow fever vaccination is required for the Amazon regions of Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia. Carry your vaccination certificate with your passport. Some countries ask for proof of onward travel at immigration — a printout of your next flight or bus reservation satisfies this.
Book Transport
Long-distance buses are the backbone of South American travel — comfortable semi-cama and cama beds make overnight journeys painless. In Peru, Cruz del Sur and Oltursa are reliable. In Argentina, Andesmar and Via Bariloche cover major routes. Budget airlines like SKY, JetSMART, and LATAM offer domestic flights from $30–80 when booked early. Taxis are cheap — use apps like Uber, Cabify, or DiDi for transparent pricing. Colectivos (shared vans) are the cheapest option for short distances.
Plan Your Itinerary
A classic three-week Peru and Bolivia route: Lima (2 nights), Cusco and Sacred Valley (4 nights), Machu Picchu (1 night), Lake Titicaca (2 nights), La Paz (2 nights), Uyuni Salt Flats (2 days). For Argentina and Chile: Buenos Aires (3 nights), Mendoza wine region (2 nights), Santiago (2 nights), Patagonia (5 nights). Allow altitude acclimatization days in Cusco (3,400m) and La Paz (3,640m). Do not rush — the journey between places is part of the experience in South America.
Stay Safe
South America is safe for travelers who exercise common sense. Avoid displaying expensive electronics and jewelry in public. Use ATMs inside banks during business hours. Take official taxis or ride-share apps instead of hailing cabs on the street. Learn basic Spanish — English is not widely spoken outside tourist zones. Petty theft is the primary concern; violent crime targeting tourists is rare in well-traveled areas. Keep digital copies of documents in cloud storage. Travel insurance is essential for remote trekking areas.
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