travelling to south america from uk

• April 24, 2024
• No Comments
• How To Prepare For A Trip To South America: 31 FAQs Answered

South America Timing, Itinerary & Route FAQ's

1. when's the best time to visit south america.

South America is a big place with a variety of landscapes and micro-climates, from misty cloud forests in Ecuador to low lying deserts in Peru.  

Due to such variety, there isn’t one specific month that’s optimal for visiting.

However, the best time to visit in general to visit South America is between May-October where most of the countries have their dry seasons.

To download this chart in a handy infographic, head to the link below:

• When Is The Best Time To Visit South America?

2. What's The Best Travel Route Through South America?

The best South America travel route is one that follows the summer weather.

It’s also one that takes you through neighboring countries so you’re taking the most efficient and cost-effective route.

The best route through South America is one like this:

Obviously, this route is only possible for those of you with the ability to travel long term. For short term trips, do your research and try to visit countries during shoulder or peak seasons.

A shortened travel route that still gets the best weather through South America looks like this:

• August – Colombia/Ecuador
• September – Peru/Bolivia
• October – Chile and Argentina
• November – Brazil

However, don’t let this put you off planning a trip outside of these months.

I spent time in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia from October to January which is considered ‘winter’ which just means rainy reason. But I rarely experienced bad weather that ruined my trip.

Some forward planning always helps though. Ending up in a country during rainy season can have an impact on your trip as you might not be able to do certain tours due to the weather conditions. 

For example, February is the wettest month in Bolivia and this may affect Salt Flat tours as some parts of the desert become flooded and inaccessible.

3. How Long Do You Need To Travel South America?

You need 3-6 months as a bare minimum to see the most popular countries in South America – Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina and Brazil.

This is a huge continent, so you won’t be able to see every country. It took me 6 months and I still didn’t get to see much of Brazil or Argentina.

Don’t let that put you off though. You can easily see 2-3 countries in month with a well planned itinerary.

One of the most popular itineraries on this website is the month-long one.

I’ve outlined 4 options in the full post , but the favourite is the first on the list that covers Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia.

This itinerary takes you from Cotopaxi Volcano to Machu Picchu to the Salt Flats, all within the space of 4 weeks.

Download it below:

Sign up for a...

FREE 1-Month South America Itinerary PDF

4. Is 'X' Amount Of Weeks Enough To Travel South America?

2-3 weeks isn’t long enough to see South America, but you can still see two countries in this time.

I recommend a minimum of one week in one country to see the main highlight.

For example, you can spend a week in Cusco and see Machu Picchu. You can then fly to Bolivia to visit the Salt Flats.

Head to the different itinerary pages for more:

• South America 1-3 Week Itineraries
• South America 1-2 Month Itineraries
• South America 3-6 Month Itineraries 

5. WHat's The Best Country In South America To Visit For The First Time?

If you’re visiting South America for the first time, I would recommend visiting Peru   first.

Why? Peru has a number of things that make travelling as a first-timer a lot easier, such as:

• Great hostel chains – Peru has 3-4 great hostel chains which can be found in the major cities. The staff speak great English and are always happy to help.
• A simple route – Peru has a well-established backpacker trail that starts in Lima and ends in Cusco. This makes travelling the country easy and it’s ideal for meeting other travellers along the way.
• Safe – compared to it’s neighbours, Peru is one of the safest countries in South America
• Cheap – whilst it is a popular destination, it’s still cheap compared to travelling in Brazil, Argentina or Chile. 

South America Packing And Gear FAQ's

5. what clothes should i pack for south america.

You need to pack for summer and winter when visiting South America due to the variety of micro-climates.

With the Andes going through seven countries, one day you can be enjoying warm weather and sunny skies at sea level, and the next, you’ll be cold and wet in a high-altitude mountain town.

You’ll need shorts, sandals and vests for when you’re at the beach and then base layers, hiking boots, a thermal jumper and a waterproof windbreaker for when you’re in the mountains.

Even if you aren’t into hiking, you’ll still want some decent shoes, trousers, a warm jumper and a rain jacket for when you’re in high altitude cities like La Paz or Quito as they are much colder.

For the full packing list, head to the post below:

• The Ultimate Packing List For South America

6. What Should I Wear Hiking In South America?

Here is the perfect hiking gear load out for South America: 

• Trekking boots – fully waterproof and ankle high are essential for trekking in the Andes. I went into my local Mountain Warehouse and picked up a pair of these and they haven’t let me down since. 
• Winter fleece – a fleece is lightweight but warm, perfect for whipping on and off when trekking to regulate your temperature. Great in the evenings as well when it’s much colder. I go with R1 Daily Zip-Neck from Patagonia
• Waterproof windbreaker – much needed when trekking in the Andes to deal with the biting winds and rapidly changing weather. I like to use the Patagonia TorrentShell 3L. Its lightweight, warm and packable. The jacket self-stuffs into one of the handwarmer pockets with carabiner clip-in loop
• Waterproof hiking trousers or shorts – on my first trip to South America I just wore shorts. This wasn’t the worst decision in the world, but I did get rained on a couple of times. I hiked with a few people who had waterproof trousers and the legs would come off. This is perfect as the flexibility is key to adapt to the constantly changing conditions and temperatures. The TorrentShell pants go perfectly with the windbreaker. 
• Hiking Socks – a few pairs of sturdy merino wool socks that don’t rub. There’s nothing worse than getting a blister whilst hiking. If you are from the UK, try these on Amazon.

South America is a trekking playground, and it has several of the top treks in the world, most notably the Salkantay Trek in Peru.

Don’t be an idiot like I was and go out with just a pair of trainers. After a week in Ecuador, and having completed two treks in trainers, I realised I had made a huge mistake.

Get yourself a solid pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots.

I would recommend boots over shoes for a couple of reasons. There were several times I stepped in a huge puddle and didn’t notice. If that had been hiking shoes, my socks would have been soaked.

I also prefer the extra ankle support of a boot and felt that the ankle high boots gave me the support I need. There were zero ankles rolled over my 6-month trip.

7. Do I Need Hiking Boots For South America?

Yes you need hiking boots for South America.

South America is a trekking playground, and it has several of the top treks in the world, most notably the 5-day Salkantay Trek in Peru.

Don’t be an idiot like I was and go out with just a pair of trainers. After a week in Ecuador, having completed two treks in trainers, I realised I had made a huge mistake.

Invest in solid pair of hiking shoes and you won’t regret it.

I would recommend:

• Boots over shoes – Boots come up over your ankles. I prefer the extra ankle support of a boot and felt that the ankle high boots gave me the support I needed. There were zero ankles rolled over my 6-month trip..
• Waterproof – There were several times I stepped in a huge puddle or small river and didn’t notice. If I had been wearing hiking shoes, my socks would have been soaked.

TOP TIP: Always buy your hiking boots a size bigger. Your feet will get hot and swell up whilst hiking so you need to extra room!

8. What Toiletries Do I Need For South America?

You don’t need anything different from what you would usually take to a hot country.

I recommend:

• Sunscreen – a good factor 50SPF for your face for when you are hiking. As you get higher up, the sun is more powerful and you’ll get burnt. I like Sun Bum
• Medical Supplies – take a mini-medical pack with you with plasters etc. Always comes in handy. This one on amazon is cheap and lightweight. 
• Blister Plasters – you might get blisters with all the walking and hiking. Take a pack of blister plasters , you’ll definitely need them after a 5-day trek like Salkantay.

9. What are Some Other Travel Essentials I Need For South America?

Here are 4 travel essentials for South America that I always bring with me:

• Hydroflask Water Bottle – super lightweight and designed for hiking. You can also refill it at hostels that have filtered water. You cant drink tap water in South America. (see below)
• Portable Charger – a portable charger always comes in handy on long buses. It’s also useful in hostels as it’s difficult to find a plug socket sometimes, especially if you’re in a big dorm with only one outlet. Anker are my favourites.   
• Travel Adapter – this one is my favourite. It’s lightweight and holds firmly into most sockets.
• Extension Lead – taking an extension lead is a great little travel hack. You can use your travel adapter to plug it into the mains and then plug in all your home appliances to the extension lead. This one is is my favourite as it packs better compared to the long ones . 

Hydro Flask Trail Series

This is my favourite water bottle for travelling South America for several reasons: 

• Lightweight 
• Stays clean 
• Keeps drinks cold for 24 hours

Check it out here.  

South America Backpack FAQS

10. backpack or suitcase for south america.

The answer is neither, take a hybrid backpack that has wheels to South America.

I spent 6 months travelling South America and took with me an eagle creek 85L wheeled backpack.

I never once had to wear it on my back. The only time it was a little annoying was in towns like Cusco that had narrow pavements and cobbled streets.

Why not just take a wheeled suitcase? Several reasons:

• The shape and structure of a wheeled backpack is much more suitable to hostels. The long and narrow bag can be stood up or laid flat and hardly takes up any room.
• Backpacks also fit into lockers easier compared to a suitcase and can be locked away and kept safe underneath your bed.
• It can be put on your back if needed. Best of both worlds.

Here’s a quick comparison of the advantages of a suitcase vs a backpack vs a hybrid:

For the full breakdown comparison between backpacks, suitcases and hybrids, along with my suggestions for the best options in each category, head to the post below:

• Suitcase vs Backpack: Which One For South America?

11. What’s The Best Backpack For South America?

The best backpack for South America is the Osprey Farpoint 50-70L .

It’s reasonably priced and perfect for first time backpackers visiting South America.

It also comes with a 15L detachable day pack.

This is great for two reasons:

1) You can attach them together when on the move and check them both as one back for flights.

2) You can then detach the smaller pack when you’re in one place to use it as a day pack  when exploring.

If you’re planning on hiking and doing your own camping, then a more technical hiking backpack may be the one for you.

The best option is the 65L Atmos AG. 

12. What Size Backpack Should I Take To South America?

The size of the backpack you should take to South America depends on several factors:

• the duration of your trip
• the countries you plan to visit
• the activities you intend to undertake (like hiking)

Here are some backpack size recommendations for specific countries in South America:

I took an 85L wheeled hybrid backpack along with a 30L daypack on my first extended trip to South America.

However, I also had camera equipment that took up at least 20L in my bag.

Therefore, I would recommend taking between 60-70L for your backpack and 30-40L for a day pack when travelling South America.

My current combo is:

• Osprey 80L Sojourn Hybrid 
• Tortuga 40L Backpack

13. What's The Best DayPack For South America?

The best daypack for South America should have:

• A 30-40L Capacity 
• Comfortable shoulder straps (and preferably a chest or waist strap too)
• External water bottle holder 
• Waterproof or at least water resistant 
• Laptop sleeve 

The best bag that meets this criteria in my opinion is the Tortuga 40L Travel backpack .

You get the space and organization of a suitcase with the comfort and flexibility of a backpack.

Here’s why it’s so great:

14. What Other Luggage Do I Need When Travelling South America?

The 60+L wheeled backpack and 30+L daypack is best luggage combo when travelling South America.

One other bag I think is useful and necessary is the fanny pack.

This is useful for several reasons:

• Easier to access – I usually keep my passport and phone in a fanny pack across my chest when in airports to access them easier when I reach the gate. Its also useful to keep with me when on the plane with essentials so I don’t have to keep getting up and getting things from my bag.
• Safety – having a fanny pack around your chest or hip is a safer way to store important items.
• Extra space – at times during my South America trip I would buy something extra which would overload my back. Having a fanny pack meant I could take a few items out of my day pack to lighten the load.
• Simple – on days when I want to explore a new city but not take a bag, I could just chuck a few essentials in my fanny pack and sling my camera over my shoulder.

Two other bags I think are useful but not always necessary are packable daypacks and wet bags.

What’s The Best Fanny Pack For South America?

A waterproof fanny pack is essential for when you are travelling South America.

The weather in South America is erratic.

One minute it will be hot and the next it will be raining. There’s nothing worse than getting caught in a shower in the Andes and for all your gear to be soaked.

I am a big fan of the Matador Packable Range .

Their gear packs down into much smaller sizes so it can be stored away when you’re not using it.

And most of the bags are waterproof and designed for the outdoors.

• Freerain Packable Hip Pack – I used the packable hip pack during my time in South America and loved it. 

South America Transport FAQS

15. what's the best way to get around south america.

The best way to get around South America if you’re on a budget is by bus .

Buses are cheap and the services are good quality. Some of the distances are long which require an overnight bus but I always found these comfortable and easy to sleep on.

To this day I continue to use Busbud to find the best prices and times.

However, you don’t always need to book online. For most places in South America, you can simply go to the bus station the day of your departure and hop on the next bus.

Here is a list of best and safest bus companies to use in each country that are reputable:

• Colombia – Rapido Ochoa. However, I would personally get internal flights. They are cheap and quick whereas the bus journeys in Colombia are 10-12 hours long at a minimum. The topography of Colombia is rough too meaning the roads are bumpy and curvy, making for an unenjoyable ride.
• Ecuador – unfortunately Ecuador doesn’t have an establish company that covers the country, so you’ll just have to use local buses. Don’t worry though, I spent a month in Ecuador and never had an issue on the local buses.
• Peru – Cruz Del Sur or Peru Bus
• Bolivia – Trans Copacabana
• Chile, Argentina, and Brazil – take internal flights. These countries are so big that the journey times mean a bus is never worth the hassle. The buses are almost as expensive as the flights as well.

16. What's The Cheapest Way To Travel Between Countries In South America?

The cheapest way to travel between some countries in South America will be by bus.

For example, you can take many buses across the borders in South America:

• Cusco to Copacabana – you can take a 9-hour overnight bus from Peru to Bolivia
• Uyuni to Atacama – most Salt Flat tours will start in Uyuni and drop you at the border of Chile. You can then take a 45-minute bus to San Pedro De Atacama.
• Santiago to Mendoza – you can take an 8-hour bus from Chile to Argentina.

However, if you are doing an extended trip through South America, then there will be times you’ll need to fly.

For example, the Colombia/Ecuador border crossing is one you’ll probably want to miss. So it would be better to fly from somewhere like Bogota to Quito.

Also Ecuador/Peru isn’t a common border crossing.

Unless you want to go to Mancora (the surf town in the north of Peru), most people will fly straight to Lima. 

17. How Do I Find Cheap Flights Around South America?

Flights won’t break the bank in South America.

I flew from Guayaquil (in Ecuador) to Lima in Peru for under $100.

However, they will start to add up if you have to keep flying from country to country. 

I’ve been using WayAway Plus to book all my flights whilst travelling around South America.

You get cashback on:

• Flights – finds the cheapeast flights and gives you 5% cashback on all flights booked
• Accommodation  – up to 20% cashback on selected deals with Booking.com and 6% with HostelWorld
• Tours – up to 8% cashback with GetYourGuide and 6% with Viator

South America Money FAQS

18. do you need cash in south america.

Yes , you’ll need cash for taxis, local buses and smaller restaurants that don’t have card machines.

You’ll also need cash when you’re in the less economically developed countries or going off the beaten track. Especially, in places like Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. 

For example, if you’re trekking in the countryside in Ecuador, you’ll 100% need cash as hostels and restaurants won’t have card machines. 

However, you won’t need it as much in big cities. Places like Medellin, Buenos Aires and Rio are all well-developed and I rarely ever needed cash. I just used my card. 

19. What's The BeSt Card To Use In South America?

Mastercard and Visa are accepted in South America. However, I would avoid using a credit card as you’re bank will charge you for foreign transactions.

I recommend using a debit card that:

• Offers a good exchange rate
• Doesn’t charge for foreign withdrawals
• Doesn’t charge for foreign transactions

If you’re from the UK , I would recommend getting a Monzo card before travelling to South America. 

If you upgrade to Monzo Premium, for £15 a month, you get phone insurance, discount on airport lounges and worldwide travel insurance included. Not a bad deal.

In the USA , one of the best currency cards for South America is Revolut as they don’t charge you fees for withdrawing cash in a foreign currency. 

20. How Much Does A Month In South America Cost?

For a month backpacking in South America, you should aim to spend around $1500.

Budget travellers will be able to manage a month on around $1000-1200 if they only stick to one or two countries, stay in dorms, and eat mainly at markets.

Flashpackers who prefer smaller dorms (or private rooms) and eating at a restaurant once a day should aim for $1500-2000.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

Check out the budget guide linked below to help you plan your spending:

• How To Budget For A Month In South America

South America Health & Safety FAQS

21. what's the food like in south america.

I personally love the food in South America, especially Peruvian food. Ceviche is one of my favourite dishes.

Each country will have its own cuisine and popular dishes and I recommend you get out of your comfort zone and try them.

Here are a few to try:

• Argentina – Choripan, Asado and Alfajores
• Peru – Ceviche, Lomo Saltado
• Ecuador – Bolon de Verde, Encebollado
• Chile – Pastel De Choclo, Cazuela
• Brazil – Coxinha, Feijoada
• Colombia – Bandeja Paisa

The ultimate budget hack when travelling South America is to look for restaurants offering ‘menu del dia’ . They aren’t hard to find, and you’ll notice locals populating these restaurants.

The ‘menu del dia’ is a set menu that usually consists of a main meal such as rice and meat, a side dish such as a soup, and a drink.

They cost between $3-5 depending on the country you are in.

Markets stalls will also offer a set menu. This is a filling meal that will help you stick to a budget. I would have free breakfast at the hostel, find a ‘menu del dia’ in the local market for lunch and then usually treat myself to a restaurant meal in the evenings.

22. Do I Need Vaccinations For South America?

You’ll need a few vaccinations before you travel to South America. Some you may have had as a child though.

I’m from the UK and got all my vaccinations free with the NHS . Sorry Americans, I don’t know how it works in your country!

For UK citizens, the best thing to do is speak to your local GP and tell them your travel plans. They will have records of your vaccinations and then tell you which ones you need.

The likely vaccinations you’ll need before you travel to South America are:

• Hepatitis A
• Hepatitis B
• Japanese Encephalitis – this is caught from mosquitos. Essential if you are visiting in the Amazon, tropical climates or places during rainy season.
• Yellow Fever – some countries in South America will require proof of your yellow fever vaccination before entering.
• Boosters – you may need boosters for some jabs you got as a kid such as MMR or tetanus.

TOP TIP: The rabies vaccine is optional. In the UK, you can’t get it free on the NHS and you’ll have to pay for it. It’s given in 3 does over 28 days so make sure you plan ahead of time before your trip. 

23. What's The Best Way TO Deal With Altitude In South America?

Dealing with altitude in South America is an issue for many people.

Some have to deal with a constant headache or nausea whilst others feel exhausted and are unable to do much for a day or two.

Here are some useful tips for dealing with altitude in South America:

• Take your first days slowly – When arriving somewhere with a high altitude (let’s take Quito for example at 2800m), take a couple of days to acclimatise. Don’t plan any strenuous activities and see how you feel. Get lots of sleep and stay rested.
• Food – stay hydrated and well fed, and eat lots of bananas – potassium helps.
• Medication – you can buy coca leaves from local markets. The locals chew on them to help with altitude sickness. If you’re still struggling head to a pharmacy and buy altitude sickness pills such as Acetazolamide (sold under the name of Diamox).
• Build up – if you can, plan your trip in a way so that you start at lower elevations and build up slowly, adjusting a little each time.

TOP TIP: Travelling through Peru is a good way to adapt to altitude. You’ll arrive in Lima and travel down the coast to Paracas, enjoying sea level altitude for a week. Then when you reach Arequipa, you’ll need to acclimatise to 2300m . If all is good here, Cusco is the next stop. 

You’re now at 3400m in Cusco . Take the first couple of days easy and don’t do any strenuous activities. If you’re fine walking around then great, you should be fine everywhere else. After some time in Cusco, why not go even higher - 4500m on the Salkantay trek or 5200m at Rainbow Mountain!

24. Is South America Safe?

Safety is a big concern for travellers heading to South America.

During my time there I was never robbed in person, however I have heard stories of people getting robbed from other travellers.

If you stick to crowded areas and don’t go out alone at night to random parts of the city, the likelihood of you getting into trouble is low.

We met several people who had their phones stolen from their pockets during Carnival in Brazil.

Try to use a sling or fanny pack where possible to protect your money.

The one time I had our stuff stolen was in a hostel in Chile.

We put our laptops in a storage locker and left some smaller items in our backpack which was left out in the dorm thinking it would be fine. We came back from dinner and didn’t realise until a day later that someone had taken some of our smaller electronic items.

Always lock up your backpack in your locker whilst staying in dorms.

Most small scams come from taxi drivers so it’s always good to be aware. Always make sure they turn the meter on before driving off.

In some places, you’ll find taxis that don’t have meters.

If this is the case, always agree on a price first. Before getting in, ask ‘cuanto cuesta’ which means how much. Agree on a price beforehand otherwise you will get stung when they drop you off or end up in an argument.

Cuppa To Coppa Travels has a great blog on the top scams to watch out for in South America:

• 11 Scams In South America You Need To Know

25. Can I Drink The Tap Water In South America?

No, the tap water in South America isn’t drinkable.

Unfortunately, this means you’ll go through a lot of plastic water bottles during your time there.

The best thing to do is to bring a 1L flask that you can refill at hostels.

Some hostels will have a fountain or cooler with drinkable water. However, I was surprised to find that even then they were few and far between.

My flask of choice whilst backpacking South America was the 1L (40oz) Lightweight Wide Mouth Trail Series from Hydroflask .

It’s 20% lighter than the other flasks they make, which is ideal when you’re carrying it around all day or hiking.

26. Do I Need Travel Insurance Before I Go To South America?

Getting travel insurance is a must before travelling to South America.

The two things you need to protect, when travelling to any foreign country not just South America, are yourself and your gear.

The two things that are most likely to happen to you are:

• you get sick or hurt
• your stuff breaks or gets stolen.

Over a long enough period, one or the other will happen.

During our time in South America, we were very lucky to not have anything disastrous happen, but both of these things happened to us.

One of my friends got bitten by a dog on a trek and had to get rabies jabs. This cost around $200 which was paid back by the travel insurance company.

We also had some small items stollen from our bags whilst staying at a hostel.

All we had to do was visit the police station, file out a police report and give this to the insurance company. We received a payout for this and were able to replace the items shortly after.

The biggest thing you want to protect yourself from though is serious illness .

You never know what can happen and if you hurt yourself badly during a trek, or catch something nasty, you could end up in hospital for days or even weeks and you’ll need to be covered.

Get travel insurance! It gives you peace of mind so that you can enjoy your travels.

South America Hostels & Tours FAQS

27. what are the hostels like in south america.

There are some top-quality hostels in South America, and I was impressed by what was on offer.

Aside from some great stand-alone hostels like Milhouse in Buenos Aires you also have chains running in some countries for consistency.

Colombia has some great chains like ‘The Dreamer’ and ‘Masaya’.

They are also cheap, and you can expect to pay anywhere between $6-12 a night for a dorm room.

In Ecuador, Secret Garden and Community Hostels are great. Peru has Wild Rover, Loki and Kokopelli. The latter being my favourite due to the high-quality dorm rooms.

Bolivia doesn’t have many hostel chains but several well-run individual hostels.  

My favourite is The Nest in La Paz.

Chile and Argentina are much more built-up countries and have a variety of hostels suitable for budget backpackers and flashpackers.

For the full list of my favourite hostels in South America, head to the post below:

• The 19 Best Backpacker Hostels In South America

28. Should I Book Tours Online In South America?

The beauty of south America is that you can visit most places without a tour – even the Galapagos Islands!

Do your research and if you prefer adventure, try to visit places without booking a tour guide.

For example, Paracas National Reserve and Colca Canyon in Peru can easily be visited without a tour.

When you are in a big city like Quito, you can easily be tempted into booking a $50 day tour into the countryside or to the next town along. Again, these places are much better visited by yourself. Mindo and Otavalo are two examples where you will save money and have a much better time by skipping a tour.

For any tours you do wish or need to book, online booking still isn’t the way forward. The online prices are set and often over inflated. If you can, book in person and use your haggling skills to get the best price. Haggling is completely acceptable in South America!

Me and some friends got a great Uyuni Salt Flat tour deal with Salty Desert Adventours by visiting their office and haggling. However, when we booked our Amazon tour in Bolivia online, we realised we messed up as most people we spoke to on our tour got theirs for half the price by booking in person.

If you are going to book a tour, I would recommend doing your research first and seeing what’s on offer. In some cases, booking beforehand is the only way.

For example, Rainbow Mountain in Peru can’t be visited without a tour. Its too far away and requires too much admin. A tour is high quality, costs $50, and includes all your meals and transport.

When I did book day tours, I would compare between Viator and GetYourGuide to find the tours with the best prices and reviews.

29. What's The Best Sim Card To Get For South America?

If you are travelling to multiple countries in South America, I would recommend getting an eSIM (digital SIM card) instead of a physical SIM card.

An eSIM is better than a physical SIM card for a couple of reasons:

• Firstly, you can access the Internet from any country in South America without having to pay excessive roaming charges.
• Secondly, you don’t waste time looking for a local plastic SIM card. An eSIM can be activated either immediately after installation or upon arrival at the your destination.

When I first travelled to South America, I bought a sim card in most countries as I was there for a month or more.

This can be a bit tricky if you don’t speak Spanish but if you go to a mobile shop, the clerks are more than happy to help. I had a guy in Argentina talk me through the whole process in perfect English.

However, having to do this in every new country I went to became annoying.

I now use Airalo.

Simply download the app, buy the digital sim, and then use the app to switch sims when you reach your destination and you’ll have data on the go.

South America Random FAQS

30. do i need visas for south america.

Travel in South America is simple for both US and UK citizens. 

All countries require a tourist visa but these can be purchased on arrival in each country. Tourist visas for most countries last 90 days however Peru allows 180 days. 

In previous years, reciprocity fees were required to be paid by US citizens on arrival to some South American countries. For example, Bolivia required a $160 reciprocity fee. Brazil and Chile also had similar fees.

However, these have all been waived as of 2019. 

31. Should I Learn Spanish Before I Go To South America?

Yes, you should 100% learn basic Spanish before you travel South America.

South America is home to 9 Spanish speaking countries, with Brazil being the only one that speaks Portuguese. This means learning a little Spanish before you go can go a long way, especially as many of the locals don’t speak English.

As a bare minimum, I would recommend picking up some basic vocabulary like numbers and some simple phrases.

The official levels outlined by Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CERF) are used around the world to designate language proficiency.

After completion of the first beginner level (A1) , a person can “Understand and use very basic expressions to satisfy concrete needs. Introduce themselves and ask other questions about personal details. Interact simply if the other person speaks slowly and clearly.”

On Duolingo , you can complete this in 1-2 months if you are consistent.

In big cities, you’ll be fine and most of the staff in hostels and tour companies will speak English. However, once you get to border towns and places off the beaten track, you’ll need to know some Spanish to help you get by.

Knowing basic Spanish also means you are less likely to be taken advantage of as you look like less of a tourist. I would always ask cab drivers how much a ride would cost and then having a brief chat with them in the cab.

As a bonus, it’s also fun being able to speak to locals and they will always appreciate the effort put in. You’ll have a much more authentic experience if you can interact and involve yourself with the local community as much as possible.

Here are some basic phrases to learn that can make your trip that much easier:

• ¿Dónde está … el baño? – Where is the bathroom?
• Useful when you need to find restroom facilities. Use ‘donde esta’ to ask for anything you need to find like a pharmacy or a bank
• ¿Cuál es el plato/menu del día? – What is the dish of the day?
• Helpful when dining at local restaurants to ask about daily specials. The menu of the day is often a set meal for $2-3 and great for eating on a budget
• Me gustaría una cerveza, por favor . – I would like a beer, please.
• Use this as a polite way of ordering a drink in a bar or restaurant.
• ¿Puedes ayudarme? – Can you help me?
• A polite way to ask for help
• ¿Cómo llego a…? – How do I get to…?
• Useful when seeking directions to a specific place.
• ¿Qué recomiendas para comer aquí? – What do you recommend to eat here?
• A great question to ask for food recommendations from locals.
• ¿Cuánto cuesta el tour/excursión? – How much does the tour/excursion cost?
• Handy when inquiring about the price of guided tours or activities.Use ‘cuanto cuesta’ to ask how many anything is. Especially useful before getting into cabs to agree on a price.

A simple pocket-sized phrasebook like this one can be a lifesaver at times.

I took this with me on my first trip and used it in many situations during my first few weeks in South America before eventually signing up to a language school.

Popular South America Posts

Flashpacker vs Budget 5-Week South America Backpacking Itinerary

The Ultimate 3-Month South America Backpacking Itinerary & Route

4 Epic 1-Month South America Backpacking Itineraries

4 Perfectly Planned 10-Day Itineraries For South America

Suitcase or Backpack: Which is Best for South America?

How Many Days In South America? 6 Well-Planned Itineraries!

• The 22 All-Round Best Backpacker Hostels In South America [2024]
• Author Profile
• Posts by the Author
• Is Palomino Worth Visiting? 12 Great Reasons To Visit In 2024
• 14 Best Single-Day Hikes In South America For Nature Lovers!
• The 18 Best Party Hostels In South America
• The 10 Wildest Party Beaches In South America

Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

Travel South America Like A pro

Travel South America Like An Expert

Our 3 months in South America Itinerary

Our first big trip together, besides a couple of weekends away, was to South America. We planned our 3 month South America travel route together, something I’d been wanting to do for years but was saving until after graduation.

If you’re hoping to spend some time backpacking South America, I’ve put together our South America itinerary for 3 months below.

It was such a fun backpacking South America route and I can remember it so vividly; a sign of a great trip I think!

We travelled South America as a couple – our first backpacking trip – and now we’re married so I think things worked out pretty well, wouldn’t you agree?

We visited Peru, Bolivia, Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay (well, we got the stamp!), Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands . We had an amazing time and have since then taken other big trips together including a 3-month cross-USA road trip route in our self-converted campervan, and have moved to Canada.

Our South America travels are perfect for first-time backpackers to South America hoping to see the main bucket list South America sites but also do some unique activities too.

Whilst I wouldn’t change much of our South American itinerary, I’d look to add Colombia to the end of our trip. Before we went to South America I’d not heard much about this country (& what I had heard wasn’t exactly positive).

However, once we landed in Peru many of the backpackers we met told us how much fun they’d had there. Just an excuse for us to go back, hey?

Table of Contents

Our South America Travel Route – A 3-month South American Itinerary

When you start planning your South America trip and looking up how long it takes to get between places, you’ll quickly notice just how MASSIVE South America is. After all, it is a continent and each of the countries within that continent is pretty big!

Deciding on where to go, which country to start in, and how to get from place to place can be a tricky task. You’re probably going to want to do everything but in most cases, time and money (let’s be real) won’t allow for absolutely everything.

That’s the situation we were in. Though we’d graduated and were doing some part-time jobs to save up for our trip, our overall budget was pretty modest. It was also the first time either of us had done such a long trip. My longest before then was a month spent visiting Australia’s East Coast.

This South America travel blog post will help you decide where to go and how to get there, what to do and give you an idea of how much money you’ll need. If you’ve still got questions, feel free to leave them in the comments at the end and I’ll get back to you!

Have you got travel insurance? I’ve been using SafetyWing for a while and it’s incredibly easy, affordable and overall hassle-free! Make sure you check them out before your trip (or after, you can subscribe even if the trip has already started!). They offer subscription-based travel insurance which is great for digital nomads. It allows you to claim medical expenses, and you can add travel coverage to cover your for lost or stolen belongings or additional expenses due to delayed travel.

3 month South America itinerary

This South America backpacking route starts in Lima, Peru. Peru was our favourite country in our whole South America trip. The food was great, the people were friendly, the country has everything from beaches to mountains, rainforest to deserts AND it was one of the cheaper countries too.

We’ll then head from Peru down into Bolivia, across to Brazil, into Argentina and down to Uruguay then back into Argentina, across to Peru and north to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

I’ve linked to other South America travel guides where relevant so you can find more information about some of the most popular destinations to visit in South America.

A South America map of our travel route and the places we visited. Click the image to view the interactive map which you can save to your phone!

Here are the places we visited in Peru and some links to more detailed posts about them. Make sure to add these activities to your Peru bucket list for your South America travel route!

Lima is the capital of Peru and sits on the coast. It’s full of beautiful buildings and has plenty of museums to explore too so that you can get to know more about the fascinating ancient history of Peru.

The best area to stay in Lima is Miraflores which is the more touristy area, but also the safest and one with the most restaurants and things to do.

Some of the best things to do in Lima, Peru are:

• Swim with Sea Lions in the Pacific Ocean
• Take a Peruvian food tour
• Experience the Lima Magic Lights Circuit & the Catacombs

A few hours down the coast from Lima is Paracas. Paracas is often called ‘the poor man’s Galapagos’ as it’s a great place to do some nature watching.

It’s home to blue-footed boobies (a type of bird) and many more animals that are best viewed by taking a boat ride out to the islands.

The boat rides out to the islands are the best things to do in Paracas by far. If you’re not planning on visiting the Galapagos I’d recommend taking a boat tour.

Boot a boat tour in Paracas.

Not a city or really even much of a town, but a VERY fun place to spend a day or two. Huacachina is super popular with backpackers in South America due to the sand dunes which surround the little oasis that is Huacachina.

Here you can go sandboarding , or take a dune buggy ride both of which I recommend!

Book a sunset sandboarding and dune buggy tour

You may have heard of the Nazca lines before, if you’re taking PeruHop you’ll stop off here and have the chance to climb a tower to view these mysterious lines from above.

However, the only true way to see them is by taking a flight above them which is pretty expensive for backpackers. Having said that it’s definitely the only way to really see them, the tower doesn’t offer you much in the way of views of the Nazca Lines.

Book a Nazca Lines flight

Honestly, I’d save your money for something else and wouldn’t make a special trip to stop here unless you were nearby.

Arequipa is a city with beautiful architecture and a place to stop off at if you wish to visit the Colca Canyon.

Colca Canyon

One of the world’s deepest canyons, the Colca Canyon is a well-known trekking destination. It’s a habitat for the giant Andean condor which is the largest flying bird in the world!

Book a Colca Canyon trip

Cusco is one of the most popular stops for travellers to South America as it’s the gateway to Machu Picchu. This town is at 3,339m above sea level so it’s a good idea to spend the best part of a week here to acclimatise to the altitude before heading off to Machu Picchu.

If you didn’t book a trekking South America tour in advance you may be able to find a last-minute opening by walking around the tourist companies.

Otherwise, you can take trips to the Lost City, or head up to Sacsayhuaman (pronounced “sexy woman”) another Inca city within walkable distance from Cusco centre.

Another cool thing to do in Cusco is a day trip to Rainbow Mountain . This wasn’t an option when we visited back in 2014, but it’s now one of the best things to do in Cusco.

Book a trip to Rainbow Mountain here.

The Humantay Lake trip is also really special. You’ll head out to a beautiful alpine lake similar to those found in Canada in terms of colour!

Visit Humantay Lake on this guided tour.

Machu Picchu & Aguas Calientes

Whether you hike or get the bus or train, Machu Picchu is an absolute MUST-see in Peru. This famous Lost City of the Incas is absolutely stunning.

It’s one of those places that lives up to your expectations, even when your expectations are ridiculously high. We took the Salkantay trek to get there. 

However, you can also take day trips to Machu Picchu from Cusco with return transport if you don’t want, or don’t have the time, to hike.

Read more about how to get to Machu Picchu.

Lake Titicaca & Puno

From Cusco, we headed to Lake Titicaca and the town of Puno. There’s not a whole lot to see in Puno, it’s basically where people stay the night before getting an early bus to Bolivia or north into Peru.

Lake Titicaca , however, is worth seeing. This high-altitude lake is home to a community that makes their houses and the islands they live on out of reeds.

Find out more about Lake Titicaca.

Once we flew from Buenos Aires back to Lima, we headed north up the coast to Mancora. This beach town was entirely unexpected by us during our backpacking South America trip.

I never realised Peru has such beautiful beaches! Pocitas Beach just outside the town was our favourite.

While this town has grown hugely in popularity, we loved spending a relaxing week at the beach, drinking Mancora milkshakes and relaxing.

Iquitos & the Amazon Rainforest

From Mancora, we took the long route to Iquitos in the Amazon rainforest (and went piranha fishing in the Amazon !). Most visitors to Iquitos fly there from Lima, but we floated down the Amazon river on a cargo ship and this is perhaps one of the most memorable experiences of our entire trip.

The boat to Iquitos is one adventure I think about often (even though it’s been almost 10 years since then!)

Sure, it took a long time but it was such a cool thing to do.

Bolivia was our least favourite country during our backpack in South America. Probably because we both got very ill. But, it was by far the cheapest (a 3-course meal for £3!) and we still had some very cool experiences here.

Many people love exploring the wild landscapes of Bolivia and the colourful cities.

If you’re travelling from Peru, Copacabana is the first town you’ll get to as it’s right across the border. There’s not a whole lot to do here other than wait for the next bus out.

La Paz is one of the highest-altitude capital cities in the world and it’s a bustling city. There are tonnes of street markets (including the Witches’ Market) which are fun to explore.

It’s home to super cheap lunch menus (look for “menu del dia”) and nowadays there’s a cable car that will take you to the top of the mountain walls that surround the city.

You can also get tours from La Paz to cycle down Death Road . Less scary these days than it used to be, but still an exhilarating experience you’ll cycle down this notoriously dangerous road on (pretty old) mountain bikes.

There’s now a cable car in La Paz and this tour of the city includes a cable car trip which is such a unique way to view this incredible city.

Salar de Uyuni

The largest salt flat in the world, and one of the top places to visit for any Bolivia backpacker, the Salar de Uyuni is an amazing place.

The best way to visit is to book a tour. You can book one that drops you off in Northern Chile if that’s your next stop, or you can book a circular route.

Check out this guide to the best salt flats tours including how to see the salt flats at sunset!

From Bolivia, we worked our way across land via Santa Cruz in Bolivia to Corumba in Brazil to Campo Grande and the Pantals (a wetland home to jaguars and many, many species of wildlife) and then to the Brazilian coast and inwards again to Iguassu Falls.

The Pantanals

The Pantanals were an unexpected surprise. We hadn’t planned to go here but had a great few days chilling out and taking trips out to see wildlife.

Iguassu Falls

Amazing waterfalls and the meeting point of three countries (Argentina, Brazil and Paraguay).

Though we enjoyed visiting from the Brazilian side the most, it’s worth visiting from both the Brazilian and Argentinan sides to get the full experience.

On the Brazilian side, you can do a super fun (and wet) boat tour to get closer to the falls.

Book your ticket to Iguassu Falls with a boat ride here.

Also, if you’re looking to get another stamp in your passport, you can cross the bridge into Paraguay from the Brazilian side (just don’t do it after dark as it can be quite dangerous!).

We loved visiting Ilhabela. It was our first ever Airbnb experience and our hosts took us with them to their friends to watch Brazil play in the World Cup, to a local school fundraiser and for ice cream. It was such a nice way to get to know the island.

Ilha Grande

Ilha Grande is a small island (don’t let the name fool you), that’s home to beautiful beaches and forest. Take walks, swim and hang out in a hammock. There are no cars on the island here making it even more chilled out!

This beautiful town is extremely photogenic and has plenty of beaches and islands to explore.

You can also book a boat from here to Ilha Grande in advance of your trip.

A huge Brazilian city, Sao Paulo is full of skyscrapers and museums. There are also cool places like Batman Alley to explore too.

Take a tour with a local to see the main sights.

Rio de Janeiro

You’ve definitely heard of Rio before and you can’t go backpacking to South America without visiting Rio! Honestly, it’s a must on anyone’s 3 month South America itinerary route!

This party city has plenty to see and do including Christ the Redeemer ; the giant statue of Christ that looks over the city.

This 6-stop highlight tour of Rio is a great way to experience the city.

Though it was cold and very wet during our visit, I enjoyed exploring Uruguay a little. It was a country I’d never really heard much about but thoroughly enjoyed. To get to Argentina we took the ferry from Montevideo to Buenos Aires.

The capital of Uruguay, Montevideo , is home to over a 1/3 of the country’s population. This coastal city is home to the 10-mile Rambla, a walkway between the beach and the city, and some great food markets too.

Be sure to take a tour of Punte del Este while in Montevideo which is full of beauty and luxurious housing.

If you’re travelling around South America and looking for something different, check out Montevideo. It was a pleasant stop on our South America itinerary 3 months plan.

Tacuarembó – Cowboy camp

Another of our more unique backpacking experiences in South America was spending time on a cowboy ranch . We rode horses, saw armadillos and skunks and had a great time despite the pouring rain!

Our first steps in Argentina were at Iguassu Falls where we viewed the falls from the Argentinan side . This was one of the big things we wanted to tick off during our 3 month itinerary in South America.

We then skirted down the eastern side of the country all the way to Uruguay before crossing back into Argentina from Uruguay and spending a few days in Buenos Aires.

If you have more time, consider visiting Mendoza and Argentina wine country.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is a beautiful city. Though it’s probably the most expensive one on this South American backpacker route, it’s still worth visiting.

It’s a great city to add to your South America trip itinerary.

Some of the best things to do in Buenos Aires include:

• Enjoying dinner with a tango show
• Taking a guided tour of the city

From Argentina, our South America trip planner saw us fly back to Lima, go north to Iquitos then fly to Quito.

We didn’t spend a huge amount of time in Ecuador; just a couple of days in Quito and then off to the Galapagos Islands where we stayed for a week.

I’ve listed a couple of other Ecuador destinations that are popular with backpackers and worth visiting if you have space in your South America 3 month itinerary.

The capital city of Ecuador, near Quito, is where you can find the equator at Mitad del Mundo , explore historic buildings and take the teleferico (cable car) up to the high point of the city.

Cotopaxi National Park, Ecuador

This beautiful national park is home to the 5,900 m high volcano, Cotopaxi. If you’re a keen hiker taking a tour of the volcano is well worth adding to your 3 months South America itinerary.

Baños

A popular backpacking town, Baños is famous for its beautiful natural surroundings, the swing on the edge of a cliff and for being a base for outdoor adventures!

Popular Ecuadorian riverside town that is full of beautiful colonial buildings and hipster cafes.

Galapagos Islands

When travelling south America, a visit to the Galapagos Islands is definitely bucket list material.

The Galapagos Islands aren’t cheap but you can still visit the Galapagos Islands on a budget. You don’t need to book a cruise (in fact I’d advise against it), to see the wildlife.

It’s truly everywhere, and day excursions will get you out into the sea for diving and snorkelling opportunities.

Ideas for a longer backpacking route in South America

There are obviously ways to shorten the route by just visiting one of two countries from the itinerary above while travelling in South America.

You could also lengthen the route by visiting countries like Columbia and Chile, or spending more time in Argentina and Ecuador.

When we travelled to South America, Columbia was only just becoming a popular destination for backpackers and I’d love to go back one year and see what it’s like.

I’d also  love to go back and explore the numerous hiking routes of Patagonia on another trip travelling South America.

How much does it cost to backpack South America?

Our south america travel budget: £3500/£4000.

Our budget for this South America travel itinerary was roughly £3500 for 3 months travel in South America including flights to and from the UK and a couple of internal flights (Brazil to Peru, Peru to Galapagos Islands). It doesn’t include the cost of travel insurance, gear or vaccinations.

This is based on staying in cheap private rooms in hostels and hotels. Hotels in South America are often cheaper than hostels if you’re splitting the cost between two since you split the price of one room rather than paying for two beds. Ie. this was the cost to travel South America on a budget.

We also opted for overnight bus journeys since that saved on the cost of hotels and we’d have to pay for the transport anyway.

It also included the cost of activities such as our Salkantay trek, day excursions during our stay on the island of Santa Cruz in the Galapagos Islands and others.

However, we’re not big drinkers, and are more than happy to save on food; either cooking for ourselves or eating cheaply when eating out.

While we were travelling we stuck to a budget of about £35 a day ($45US). Some days we spent more, some days less, but overall it was around this amount a day.

How long to spend backpacking South America?

This itinerary for South America is based on spending three months on a South America travel route. We moved pretty quickly and fit a lot into a short amount of time but it was totally worth it.

If you have longer to spend (/more money to spend!) then anywhere between 4-6 months will allow you to see places more slowly and visit additional countries such as Colombia and Chile.

To plan or not to plan?

If this is your first big trip you maybe someone (like me) who’s tempted to plan EVERYTHING.

I’d advise you not to.

Hear me out. Some places you’re going to love and want to stay longer exploring. Other places you’re going to just not gel with and want to get away from as quickly as possible. If you’ve booked 1 night in the former and 4 nights in the latter you’re not going to be happy OR you’re going to lose money on non-refundable deposits.

Having said all that some things you’re just going to have to book, or  should  book to have a much more relaxing backpacking trip in South America.

Things we booked before travelling to South America

We booked our flights to Lima, Peru from the UK and then left from Quito in Ecuador (via Lima) back to the UK.

We also booked our Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu . The Inca Trail was already booked up (we booked at least 3 months in advance), but I’m actually so glad we took this trek instead!

We also won tickets in the lottery for World Cup football games in Brazil which meant we had to be in Brazil by a certain point.

And, since we knew we wanted to visit the Galapagos, we booked a flight from Argentina to Peru (to get us back on the west coast after Brazil) and to the Galapagos Islands, and back from Quito.

Our itinerary was a bit back and forth, but it worked for us.

Skyscanner is what I use to find cheap flights.

The best time to go to South America

If you live in the northern hemisphere, then remember that South America’s seasons are the opposite to what you’re used to. The northern countries are best visited May-September and the southern ones from October-April.

Our trip was from May to August.

Do I need travel vaccinations for South America travel destinations?

It’s likely you will need some South America travel vaccines. The requirements change from time to time so it’s worth checking at least 3 months before you go.

The  Fit For Travel website by the NHS  is full of useful advice.

When we travelled we made sure to get our Yellow Fever vaccination since countries such as Brazil said they’d check your certificate at the border.

We also got Malaria tablets to take with us since we were spending time in the Amazon Rainforest.

Additionally, if you’re worried about altitude, you may want to take Diamox, or a similar drug to help mitigate the effects you can get from altitude sickness. While I took this in the Himalayas, we didn’t take it during our trip to South America.

What visas do you need to backpack South America?

If you’re from the EU, chances are you won’t need to get any visa in advance. Most countries in South America will give you a 90-day visa upon entry.

Check each country’s government travel advice pages to see what the visa requirements are before you travel to South America.

How to get around South America?

With such a big continent, how will you know how to get around? Here are the methods we used!

Buses in South America

The best way to travel South America is to get buses from place to place.

You’ll likely be spending A LOT of time on overnight buses as you backpack South America. It’s by far the cheapest and easiest way to travel across the continent and you’ll be pleased to know that the buses in South America are actually pretty luxurious. I think the longest stint we did on back-to-back buses was 26 hours!

Depending on what class seat you book, you can enjoy fully-reclining seats, meal service (like aeroplane meals) and onboard entertainment! However, I  would  recommend packing a blanket or plenty of warm clothes as some of the buses, especially in Bolivia and other high altitude areas, do get VERY cold overnight.

In Peru, we used  PeruHop  which had just started as a company a few months before we used it. It’s a bit like the Oz Experience for road tripping on Australia’s east coast.

While it is a hop on hop off bus, typically you’re travelling with the same group of people for a week or so since people move places at roughly the same speed. If this is your first extended travelling experience, I’d recommend doing Peru Hop as they’ll organise hotels for you too but it’s not a bus tour in the sense that they’re then guiding you around each of the cities and stops you make. You also have the option to book your own accommodation.

When we travelled in South America back in 2014, Peru Hop only went from Lima to Cusco but I believe they’ve expanded their service to include many other stops (& other countries too).

Buses throughout South America tend to go from one big bus station in the town or city you’re in. This station will be pretty hectic with people shouting out the name of the town their bus company is going to next.

There’ll be several different bus companies going to the same place and their prices will vary. Sometimes not by much, but sometimes by a lot. Some buses will also take longer.

At first, this experience may be a little stressful, but you’ll get the hang of it! Oh, and don’t forget to haggle, chances are you can get the price down much lower than they’ll tell you to begin with.

If you want to be more prepared, you can book buses in advance, and get an idea of the prices of the tickets, by using  Busbud

Flights in South America

While you can do some internal flights as we did, they’re more expensive and honestly travelling by bus between places is actually pretty fun. You’ll meet other travellers and get to see the scenery as you drive past it.

Getting around cities in South America

You’ll likely use these three forms of transport when getting around the larger cities in South America.

Collectivos

Collectivos are likely doing Uber Pool but without the Uber app. They’re typically a standard car that will drive faster, and make less stops than a bus.

They’ll only go when they’re full, so this may mean the driver won’t leave the station for a while until they’ve drummed up enough customers to fill the car. OR, they’ll drive slow through the city shouting out the destination hoping someone will hop in.

We only used these in areas where there were no buses going where we needed to go. This was mostly in northern Peru as we tried to navigate from  Mancora to Iquitos .

While some of the larger cities in South America likely have Uber now (it didn’t exist when we travelled there!), more often you’ll be using local taxi companies. Once the drivers realise you’re a foreigner they’ll likely up the price that a local would pay.

For this reason, it’s a good idea to agree on a price  before  you get in the taxi. Sometimes they’ll insist on using the metre but the metre will be set to a higher rate or perhaps you insist on using the metre but then they turn it off and tell you it’s not working and just make up a (usually very high) price you now need to pay.

Smaller city buses

Cities also have smaller minivan-style buses that work much like a bus system anywhere in the world. We used these city buses in Lima to get between museums and around the city. The ticket is usually a flat fee so you just need to remember where to get off.

FAQs on South America Travelling

How to travel south america.

Travelling in South America is very popular with backpackers. While it may seem daunting most backpackers visit the same cities and attractions so you’ll meet plenty of people along the way. I think it’s a great destination for backpackers looking for adventure! The information above will help you plan how to travel South America.

How long to travel South America?

Three months is a great amount of time to experience South America. In this time you can do many of the bucket list things as well as explore several countries.

How to travel around South America?

The easiest and cheapest way to travel around South America is by bus. If this is your first backpacking trip I’d recommend using a company like Peru Hop. Otherwise, you can find plenty of domestic and international long-haul bus companies in South America. They’re usually pretty comfortable with reclining seats and meals served onboard too.

How to plan a trip for South America

You’re starting well by reading this blog post of our 3-month itinerary for South America. Make a list of the places you want to travel to, look up the things you want to do and get an idea of costs. See what fits within your budget and then book those flights!

About backpacking in South America

Often referred to as one of the most diverse continents on Earth, South America is home to hundreds of beautiful natural sites and history.

This continent is where you’ll find the 2nd highest mountain range in the world, the largest rainforest and the world’s driest desert.

No matter how long you have to visit South America, you’re sure to come across something that truly takes your breath away. Each country is unique and offers a different history, culture and natural sights. You’re set to have a fantastic time!

Backpacking in South America is favoured since it’s a pretty cheap place to travel when compared to North America or travelling in Europe in particular. Whilst not as cheap as South East Asia, you’ll still be okay with a relatively modest budget to cover your food, accommodation, travel and activities.

Our 3 months in South America, including the return flights there and back to the UK, cost us around £3500/$3800US in 2014. This included a couple of internal flights that could be avoided and we didn’t stay in shared hostel dorms much either.

There’s more information about a 3 months in South America budget below.

Last Updated on November 8, 2023 by Hannah

Hannah started That Adventurer after graduating back in 2013 and has documented all of her adventures since then. From backpacking South America to city breaks in Europe , a 3 month road trip across the USA in a self-converted van and 6 years living in Canada , you’ll find posts on all of this.

Hannah specialises in active travel and on That Adventurer you’ll find hiking, walking, biking, skiing and all sorts of active travel guides to allow you to see a destination in an adventurous way.

Now back in Europe, you’ll find new guides as Hannah and her husband spend the next year ‘digital nomading’ from Norway to Portugal, Switzerland to Scotland and places in between.

Leave a comment Cancel reply

You must be logged in to post a comment.

Hi! I will be heading to South America for 3/4 months next summer. Where did you start?! It looks like you fit a lot of places in!

We started in Lima then headed South, overland to Brazil, then to Iguassu, overland to Uruguay, ferry to Buenos Aires, flight back to Peru then North into the Amazon and over to the Galapagos.

We definitely fit a lot in, but there’s SO much to see. Our route was a bit weird to make sure we were in Brazil for the World Cup!

Would recommend visiting Columbia, we didn’t, but every one we met said it was a fantastic country. If you’ve got more questions you can always email me, I’d love to help anyway possible! x

Hi!! A friend and I are heading to South America for 5 months from July but we’ve got so many questions and are feeling a little out of place! Where did you start?? Your trip looks amazing! 🙂

Hey Jodi! Wow, 5 months? That’s going to be amazing! Do you have any idea of where you want to go?

I’d love to help you with any questions you may have! Just send me an email at [email protected] .

I started in Peru and went South to Bolivia, then overland to Brazil (rio, sao paulo and Ilhabela, Ilha grande), flew from Rio to Iguassu went by bus from Iguassu to Uruguay then boat from Uruguay to Argentina. From Argentina flew back to Peru and this time went North and into the Amazon. From the Amazon we flew to Ecuador and the Galapagos then back to England!

Look forward to hearing from you! x

Hey Hannah,

I have been thinking about visiting South America for a long time now – do you know how much you spent during your time in South America, so I can get an idea of a budget to work towards.

Roughly speaking it was probably £3,500 (excluding flights), maybe a bit less/bit more! But we did everything we wanted to including the Galapagos. We were there for 3 months, so I guess a budget would depend how long you want to go for too. If you’ve got any questions feel free to send me an email 🙂 [email protected] x

Hi I love this post so much! I graduate college in December so plan on treating myself to a trip around South America since I am a Spanish minor and it’s been a dream to see Machu Pichu and other places. When you say backpack do you mean you guys set up tent or just that you traveled around the countries? Did you at all have to rent a car to get to these places or were the buses enough to rely on? While I dont plan on going to Brazil and instead want to tack on Patagonia and possibly parts of southern Chile, I also do not have a set time line.

Hi Virginia, I just mean we travelled with a backpack rather than tent camped! Buses were definitely enough to get around. There are so many and they’ll go between all major cities. Long distance bus journeys in South America were actually quite nice. They generally have reclining seats (if you pay a bit more they’re fully reclining like a bed) and you can even get meal service on some of them – like being on a plane!

I too would love to go to Patagonia one day!

GREAT ITINERARY AND DETAILS!

Hi, love the post. Can I ask if your budget of 3500 was combined or was it each? Thanks

It was each

• Company History
• Mission Statement
• Philippines
• South Africa
• Afghanistan
• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• British Virgin Islands
• Burkina Faso
• Canary Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Christmas Island
• Cocos (Keeling) Islands
• Cook Islands
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• Easter Island
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Falkland Islands
• Faroe Islands
• French Guiana
• French Polynesia
• Guinea-Bissau
• Liechtenstein
• Madeira Islands
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Norfolk Island
• North Korea
• North Macedonia
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Palestinian Territories
• Papua New Guinea
• Pitcairn Islands
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of the Congo
• Saint Barthelemy
• Saint Helena
• Saint Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• Saint Martin
• Saint Pierre-et-Miquelon
• Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Saudi Arabia
• Sierra Leone
• Sint Eustatius
• Solomon Islands
• South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands
• South Korea
• South Sudan
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• Turks and Caicos Islands
• U.S. Virgin Islands
• United Arab Emirates
• United Kingdom
• United States
• Wake Island
• Western Sahara
• Travel Vaccines
• Travel Health Consultations
• Travellers’ Diarrhea Kits
• Dengue Fever Prevention
• Malaria Prevention
• Chikungunya Prevention
• Zika Prevention
• Ebola Virus
• Yellow Fever
• Hepatitis A
• Japanese Encephalitis
• Hepatitis B
• Tickborne Encephalitis (TBE)
• Tetanus-Diphtheria-Pertussis
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella
• Influenza (Flu)
• Blood Tests
• Vitamin Injections
• Physician Referral Program
• London – Euston Travel Clinic

Travel Vaccines and Advice for Central and South America

Machu Picchu, Rio de Janiero, the Panama Canal. Central and South America is one of the best regions for exotic travel. It provides multiple Wonders of the World and a wide variety of cuisines and cultures to explore. But, there are some risks involved.

Passport Health offers all the medications and vaccinations you may need to travel safely throughout Central and South America. See our What Vaccines… section to learn more.

Countries in this region include:

What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America?

The NaTHNaC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for travellers to Central and South America: hepatitis A , hepatitis B , typhoid , cholera , yellow fever and rabies .

Some routine vaccinations are also recommended, this includes: measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) , tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) , influenza , chickenpox , pneumonia , meningitis and polio .

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required for some travellers, based on their specific itinerary.

See the tables below for more information:

Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America?

While a beautiful destination, there are some additional risks for travel to Central and South America.

Dengue and Zika are present in most countries in the region. Unfortunately, there is no vaccination or medication to prevent these infections. Ensure to bring and use mosquito repellent and netting. Avoid being outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active.

Malaria is prevalent in some regions, especially jungles. Be sure to speak with a travel health specialist about your antimalarial options. Your specialist will be able to provide you with the best information based on your specific travel plans.

Travellers’ diarrhoea is a risk for all travellers. Recent studies show up to 70 percent of travellers will contract some form of diarrhoea during their trip. This can lead to missed work days, travel experiences and more. Ensure to take precautions by eating at reputable establishments, washing hands regularly and brining a travellers’ diarrhoea kit.

What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America?

Many of the most popular destinations in Central and South America do not require visas. But, major countries like Brazil and Paraguay do. Ensure you to verify your travel document requirements before leaving on your trip.

Many countries require proof of yellow fever vaccination for entry when arriving from a country with transmission or upon entry. Check with your travel health specialist or the specific destination advice page to learn more about your specific destination’s requirements.

See the below table for more information:

Embassy information for each country is available on its own destination advice page.

Travelling to Another Destination?

Travelling outside of Central and South America? Learn more about your destination with our full compliment of destination advice pages!

• Cote d’Ivoire

On This Page: What Vaccines Do I Need for Central and South America? Are There Other Health Concerns in Central and South America? What Are the Entry Requirements in Central and South America? Travelling to Another Destination?

• Privacy Policy
• Automatic Data Collection Statement

Team Wanderlust | 15 February 2022

South america trip planner: 8 incredible routes.

Whether you want to hike the Andes, self-drive Brazil, delve into the Guianas or take the train to Machu Picchu, these eight journeys will inspire a Latin adventure...

1. Southern Patagonian Andes: Argentina & Chile

Duration: 10 days Best for: Hiking, biking, glaciers and off-road adventure Route: El Chaltén > Lago Argentino > Puerto Natales > Torres del Paine

2. Inca heartland: Bolivia and Peru

3. Under the volcanoes: Ecuador & the Galápagos

4. Costa Verde: Southern Brazil

5. Birdlife on the wild side: Colombia

6. Overland adventure: Venezuela & the Guianas

The coast road leads across lots of rivers all the way to Suriname , the former Dutch colony. Paramaribo, the capital, is approached by roads lined with churches raised on stilts to prevent any flood damage, modern factories and Chinese supermarkets, swastika-bearing Hindu temples and mosques topped by crescent moons. There’s a real cosmopolitan flavour here, and the capital has some of the best-preserved colonial buildings in all South America. The final leg of the trip – now in EU territory – passes via the atmospheric ruined penitentiary Devil’s Island and the Guiana Space Centre before arriving in Cayenne, the capital of French Guiana; a fascinating museum, excellent French-influenced cuisine and a handful of historic sites make this a curious, but comfortable conclusion to a memorable road trip.

7. Beaches and beyond: Uruguay

8. Gran Chaco & the 'other' Pantanal: Paraguay

Read more on South America:

The best rail journeys in south america, amazing south american walks (that aren't the inca trail), 9 highlights of cycling around south america, related articles, looking for inspiration.

Join our newsletter

Get the very best of Wanderlust  by signing up to our newsletters, full of travel inspiration, fun quizzes, exciting competitions and exclusive offers.

South America Tours & Holidays

Colourful, candid and everything in-between. South America beats to the rhythm of an infectious, eternal drum.

It’s the sequined heat of Carnival and a cool breeze blowing across the Andes, a fiery Argentine tango and the soft silence of an Ecuadorian cloud forest. You taste it in the crackle of slow-cooked barbecue and the tang of a good pisco sour. About the only thing the continent lacks is monotony. From the rocky slopes of Galapagos to the dawn-lit ruins of Machu Picchu , South America is effervescent with sights, sounds and salsa. Now, pass the empanadas and let's talk adventure.

Our South America trips

Let's create an exclusive trip for your group.

South America tour reviews

Filter by rating

Inca Trail Express

Premium Peru

Articles of South America

I love solo travel, but anonymous travel is what I really need

Galapagos or Madagascar? Which unique destination should be at the top of your travel list?

Central vs South America: how to plan your next trip

Travelling to Chile? Here’s the best time to go

7 different ways to see Patagonia with Intrepid

From heartache to hiking boots in Peru’s Sacred Valley

Argentina or Chile? Which South American country should you travel to?

After losing my phone in Colombia, I found a better way to travel

Our destinations in South America

Border-crossing tips & info on tourist visas in South America for UK citizens

Sometimes, I use affiliate/sponsored links with my recommendations, which if bought through might earn me a few pennies at absolutely no extra cost to you . This helps with the cost of keeping this site alive so I can continue to guide you on your travels. Please remember that I would never ever ever recommend anything I don’t or wouldn’t use myself. Big thanks to each and every one of you who have trusted my recommendations so far! Lozzy x

Visas can be a bit of a minefield sometimes, so it’s nice to have a place where they’re all together to go through in one sitting. As Brits, we’re very privileged when travelling in this region, as there are almost no visas in South America for UK citizens. Our American cousins have to spend a hell of a lot more to get into new countries, and in particular Israelis have a really hard time of it. To put your mind at ease though, I’ve rounded up a summary of Brits’ tourist visa requirements for each country in South America’s mainland so you can prep for your travels.

Even though many countries don’t ask that you apply for a visa, there are still a few tips and tricks that you should know about when crossing their borders or applying for a visa extension . Let me be your almighty guide!

Hopefully these shouldn’t be at all affected by the upcoming Brexit tomfoolery (I’m not even bitter), but I’ll work to keep them as updated as possible through this post’s time on the interweb. And hey, maybe I’ll have to write one of these for Europe one day.

After reading this guide to the visas in South America for UK citizens, you should check out these helpful posts:

• Life admin for Brits before their long-term travels
• Bitesize LatAm: which country should you visit in South America?
• 8 hand-luggage essentials I couldn’t fly long-haul without

Things to know about entering South American countries

You might need proof of onward travel.

Even if there aren’t that many necessary visas in South America for UK citizens, lots of airlines will request that you have proof of onward travel from the country before letting you board the plane (it has been known to happen for buses but it’s extremely rare for them to ever ask). By proof of onward travel, they mean they expect to see an official confirmation of a fully booked, paid-for travel arrangements such as a flight or bus journey.

While it makes sense from their immigration office’s point of view, this can be mega frustrating if you want to keep your plans as flexible as possible and you don’t know which country to go to next – even if you have zero intention of overstaying any tourist visas in South America. Sometimes booking the cheapest bus seat from the nearest town to a border can be a good way to pay for your freedom, but unofficially, Expedia does offer a 24-hour full refund on some flights #justsayin’ #youdidnthearitfromme.

To reiterate, I do not condone overstaying any visas in South America, but I know that the ability to be flexible can have a big impact on your travels.

You need at least 6 months of passport validity

This isn’t really just for entry and visas in South America; practically every country in the world will request that your passport has at least 6 months left on it before it expires. This applies to all passports, not just for UK citizens. If you don’t there’s a high chance you won’t be allowed to check in for your flight or get a stamp at a land border crossing.

Bring your yellow fever certificate

Tourist visas in South America for UK citizens

Visa requirements in argentina.

There is no need for any kind of prep or visas for UK citizens in Argentina. Just turn up at the border and they’ll give you a stamp for 90 days in the country. In my experience, Argentina is one of the most scrutinising of previous stamps in your passport (they did NOT like my Russian visa slip), but other than a little extra waiting and some bonus point questions while passport control decided whether or not this made me an imminent threat to their country, it didn’t affect my border crossing.

Once the 90 days is up, you can technically border hop and reenter straight away. I’ve met people who had lived in Buenos Aires for 11 years on a tourist visa by taking the ferry to Colonia del Sacramento in Uruguay every 12 weeks.

Visa requirements in Bolivia

No need for any visas for Bolivia either, Brits. They will give you a 30-day stamp upon entry, which you can extend by 30 days up to twice as long as you apply for the extension at the immigration office before you’ve overstayed your visa.

You risk a fine if you don’t have both an exit and entry stamp in your passport from when you crossed the border into Bolivia, so make sure the officials have done so (for many tourists, the Chilean-Bolivian land crossing to get to the Uyuni salt flats is their first experience of bribery by Bolivian officials).

Visa requirements in Brazil

90 days for free: how does that sound? Brazil also does not request that UK citizens apply for visas, but they may want to see confirmation of accommodation and proof that you have enough money for the duration of your time in their country at the border entry. Check for stamps in your passport to avoid people fined for not having one when you eventually leave. An additional 90-day extension can be applied for with the Brazilian Federal Police.

Visa requirements in Colombia

Colombia will offer you as a UK citizen 90 days of a free tourist visa upon arrival. Easy peasy. Colombia is another country that only allows you to apply for an extension to your tourist visa at the Migración Colombia office without having to leave the country and re-enter, but only once a year. If you go over the 180-day limit a year they will charge you for the extra days when you do leave.

Visa requirements in Chile

In Chile you need… YOU GUESSED IT! Nada. All you need to bring is your smiling self and an in-date UK passport to be given 90 days entry. Applying at the embassy can get you an extension on this. Upon entry in Chile, you will be given a slip of paper called a Tarjeta de Turismo that looks a lot like a supermarket receipt. Lots of people end up throwing it away, but it’s actually needed to exit the country. Of course, they’ll still let you leave if you turn up at the border without it, but it’ll cause extra hassle that will get right on your tetas.

Visa requirements in Ecuador

Do you believe me now when I say there are barely any requirements for visas in South America for UK citizens?! Ecuador asks you to pay nothing for tourist entry, with 90 days on the clock. Any longer than this, and you need to start looking at less temporary types of visa which have to be applied for through the embassy before you get to the country.

Visa requirements in French Guiana

This is the one that may be affected by Brexit. Since it’s still French-run, the UK leaving the EU could mean that getting into Guiana without a visa may become less likely. Guiana will currently give free entry to holders of UK passports that describe them as ‘British citizens’. If your passport says you’re any other term, get in contact with the embassy beforehand to check the dealio.

Visa requirements in Guyana

Guyana is one of the strictest for checking adherence to visas in South America and punishing those who overstay, but they are still lenient enough to give you 30 days upon entry with no prior hassle. Just make sure you either get an extension to stay longer or stick to your departure date religiously.

Visa requirements in Paraguay

Easy peasy. Pull up after your flight lookin’ dishevelled and get a free 90 days simply for being British. Damn, it’s as if we used to bully the world, or something.

Visa requirements in Peru

Oop, another free entry agreement. Again, 90 days are allowed for UK tourists in Peru without having to apply for or prepare any visa before turning up. Immigration officers can kick up a fuss if you don’t have an exit stamp from your previous country when you come to leave Peru, so make sure you get it when crossing that border. Overstaying will mean daily fines or worse.

Visa requirements in Suriname

Oh, British citizens actually need to do something for this one, how exciting! The only of the tourist visas in South America for UK citizens that actually carries a fee, you’ll need to apply and pay for an e-visa online at the very least 72 hours before the day of your departure. The 90-day e-tourist single entry visa for Suriname is $40 USD, plus a $14 processing fee.

Visa requirements in Uruguay

Another 90 days with zero effort. Rock up, get stamped, enjoy Uruguay. You can extend this tourist visa, to do so just take your passport down to Dirección Nacional de Migración and hit them with your best ´ por favor ‘.

Visa requirements in Venezuela

Ok, I’m including this as a technicality, but you should be aware that at the original time of writing this post (June 2020), Venezuela is not a sensible place to visit. Bizarre behaviour of their president and poor management of the country has meant that huge numbers of its people are struggling with shortages in power, food, clean water and jobs. There’s a reason that millions of Venezuelans have chosen to live on the side of the road in other countries across South America instead of trying to survive at home.

Anyway, should some feat of magic happen and the stunning country of Venezuela becomes restored and reopen for tourism, you’ll be happy to know that they offer a tourist visa of 90 days given upon arrival, which can be extended for a fee at the SAIME office in Caracas. Woo.

So there you go all the (lack of) tourist visas in South America for UK citizens! We really do have it easy in this region; never take it for granted 🙂

Liked this guide to the tourist visas in South America for UK citizens?

Save it as a pin on Pinterest to be able to refer back to later! And make sure to  sign up to my mailing list  to get more Latin America travel tips straight to your inbox!

Last Updated on 22 December 2021 by Cuppa to Copa Travels

Read these posts next!

Learn from our travel mistakes

Bitesize LatAm: Which country to visit in Latin America?

The best cities in South America for history lovers to travel to

2 thoughts on “border-crossing tips & info on tourist visas in south america for uk citizens”.

Hi There super helpful info on visas for a UK Citizen. I will be starting on a 4.5 month organised tour but after that I plan to volunteer on a horse ranch in Argentina and then maybe trek in Peru and work on another ranch somewhere else. Would I need to gain a year visa for south America? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. thanks Kim

Hi Kim! Exciting trip!n There’s no all-encompassing South America visa, you’d have to get a visa for each country separately. That being said, if you’re working there it could throw a spanner in the works as some countries could require a non-tourist visa. I would contact the ranches and ask if they have any info from how previous workers did it.

Leave a comment :) Cancel reply

Find cheap flights from England to South America from £220

This is the cheapest one-way flight price found by a kayak user in the last 72 hours by searching for a flight from england to south america departing on 27/5. fares are subject to change and may not be available on all flights or dates of travel. click the price to replicate the search for this deal., search hundreds of travel sites at once for deals on flights to south america.

Save 28% or more Compare multiple travel sites with one search.

Track prices Not ready to book? Create a price alert for when prices drop.

Free to use There are no hidden charges or fees.

Filter your deals Choose cabin class, free Wi-Fi and more.

Good to know - Cheap tickets from England to South America

Faqs for booking flights from england to south america, how does kayak find such low prices on flights from england to south america.

KAYAK is a travel search engine. That means we look across the web to find the best prices we can find for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from England to South America.

How does KAYAK's flight Price Forecast tool help me choose the right time to buy my flight ticket from England to South America?

KAYAK’s flight Price Forecast tool uses historical data to determine whether the price for a flight to South America from England is likely to change within 7 days, so travelers know whether to wait or book now.

What is the Hacker Fare option on flights from England to South America?

Hacker Fares allow you to combine one-way tickets in order to save you money over a traditional return ticket. You could then fly to South America with an airline and back to England with another airline.

What is KAYAK's "flexible dates" feature and why should I care when looking for a flight from England to South America?

Sometimes travel dates aren't set in stone. If your preferred travel dates have some wiggle room, flexible dates will show you all the options when flying to South America from England up to 3 days before/after your preferred dates. You can then pick the flights that suit you best.

Book cheap flights from England to South America

Recent return flight deals, search by stops, search by airline, search by price, recent one-way flight deals, last minute flights from england to south america, last minute flight, train and bus deals, flights to south america, return flight deals:.

South America - England

Cabin classes:

Browse origins:.

• Flights  » 
• United Kingdom  » 

Browse destinations:

• Worldwide  » 
• South America

South America Cruises from the UK

South America is a continent that has it all. No-fly cruises to South America explore the continent’s lively cities including Rio de Janeiro, with some also navigating the mighty Amazon River and narrow channels of the awe-inspiring Chilean fjords. Experience the rhythm, sights and sounds of South America during an unforgettable cruise from the UK.

South America Cruises

About south american cruises, southampton to rio de janeiro.

• Interior from £2,734pp
• Exterior from £3,181pp
• Balcony from £4,238pp
• Suite from £9,214pp

Southampton, Praia da Vitória, Port Canaveral, Florida, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Grand Turk Island, Bridgetown, Fortaleza, Salvador de Bahia, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro

Tropical Islands & Verdant Rainforests of the Caribbean & Central America

• Interior from £4,849pp
• Exterior from £5,819pp
• Balcony from £10,475pp
• Suite from £11,154pp

Southampton, Cádiz, Arrecife, Lanzarote, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Philipsburg, Road Town, Tortola, Santo Domingo, Cartagena, Puerto Limón, Cozumel, Belize City, Roatán Island, Port Royal, Hamilton, Ponta Delgada, Azores

South America

• Interior from £6,741pp
• Exterior from £7,662pp
• Balcony from £10,941pp
• Suite from £23,357pp

Southampton, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Sao Vicente Island, Recife, Salvador de Bahia, Buzios, Rio de Janeiro, Santos, Montevideo, Falkland Islands, Punta Arenas, San Antonio, Coquimbo, Arica, Callao, Manta, Fuerte Amador, Cartagena, Aruba, Saint George's, Bridgetown, Castries, Saint John's, Sint Maarten, Ponta Delgada, Azores

Exploration of South America and the Antarctic

• Interior from £8,729pp
• Exterior from £10,669pp
• Balcony from £16,489pp
• Suite from £19,399pp

Southampton, La Coruña, Las Palmas de Gran Canaria, Praia, Santiago Island, Salvador de Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Ilhabela, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Port Stanley, Punta Arenas, Cruising Chilean Fjords, Valparaiso, Coquimbo, Iquique, Arica, Paracas, Callao, Guayaquil, Panama Canal, Puerto Limón, Colón, Cartagena, Willemstad, Port Elizabeth, Bequia, Saint John's, Philipsburg, Ponta Delgada, Azores

The cities are the beating heart of South America. The Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires has a distinct European flavour. Its opulent Recoleta area is a stark contrast to the lively, colourful streets of the La Boca neighbourhood, filled with tango artists. North of Buenos Aires is lively Rio de Janeiro, which sits in the shadow of the famous statue of Christ the Redeemer. The city’s samba-fuelled nightlife remains ever popular, as do the golden beaches, including Copacabana.

Punta del Este and Montevideo can also be visited on a cruise from the UK to South America. Punta del Este in Uruguay is arguably one of South America’s most glamorous resorts and known for its casino. The main avenue has a real buzz and is lined with galleries, restaurants and shops. Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, is overlooked by the magnificent Salvo Palace. The downtown district has a mix of art deco and neoclassical buildings which sit alongside modern, soaring skyscrapers.

Some cruise lines include the Amazon River on cruises to South America. Stretching from the Peruvian Andes to South America’s Atlantic coast, this mighty river takes in dense rainforest inhabited by indigenous tribes and an array of flora and fauna, some of which is endemic. Popular ports of call are Manaus, the Amazon’s largest city and an urban metropolis, and Santarem, located at the confluence of the Tapajos and the Amazon rivers.

The breathtaking Chilean fjords often feature on no-fly cruises from the UK exploring South America. Discover a maze of narrow channels in the shadows of snow-capped peaks as you navigate this tranquil region, home to an abundance of wildlife.

Voyage Quick Search

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE CONTACTING US

UPDATED SPRING 2024

Travelling on a cargo ship is a unique experience.  Whether you love the sea, are conscious of your carbon footprint, don't like flying or simply prefer to sail in a relaxed atmosphere, away from the crowds, then travelling by cargo ship is the right choice for you.

We've been doing this for over 30 years and are passionate about providing a personalised service tailored to your needs.

Alas, since the pandemic and with only a few exceptions, deep sea intercontinental voyages are no longer possible; shipowners and/or their charterers have withdrawn this discretionary activity, we are seeing little enthusiasm from them to resume the activity any time soon.

That means:

- No transatlantic voyages

- No Australia/New Zealand/Europe voyages

- No Europe/South America voyages

- No transpacific voyages

- No round the world voyages

- No voyages in around Asia or Oceania

However, still possible are:

- short haul European, Mediterranean, Baltic are bookable however 2024 availability is already limited on some routes.

- Europe/South Africa/Europe voyages but are fully booked well into 2025; waitlisting/standby is possible for additional cargo induced voyages on a rolling 6-week basis.

- French Polynesian voyages (mv Aranui V)

- mv Bella Desgagnes (St Lawrence River, Canada)

- mv St Helena, global voyages supporting the Extreme E organisation are available but bookable only close to departure.

There may be cruise ship alternatives, please ask if you have a specific voyage in mind as several Voyage Options are possible on some of the routes popular with cargo ship travellers. Note please that owing to the restrictive policies of the major cruise lines, in most cases you may only book cruises through a travel agent in your country of residence. 

Do please take some time to check our website for available routes, also our ‘Ask the Captain’ section for frequently asked questions BEFORE contacting us!

Our website is updated regularly with currently bookable options; please do not contact us regarding deep sea international cargo voyages that are not listed as without the support and co-operation of willing shipowners we can no longer viably respond.

Try us and travel the world your way!

Follow @CargoShipVoyage

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. Learn more

Information on how to stay safe and healthy abroad. About us.

• Destinations
• South America & Antarctica

Countries in South America & Antarctica

• Falkland Islands
• French Guiana
• Asia (Central)
• Asia (East)
• Australasia & Pacific
• Central America
• Europe & Russia
• Middle East
• North America

• Work & Careers
• Life & Arts

Become an FT subscriber

Try unlimited access Only $1 for 4 weeks

Then $75 per month. Complete digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Cancel anytime during your trial.

• Global news & analysis
• Expert opinion
• Special features
• FirstFT newsletter
• Videos & Podcasts
• Android & iOS app
• FT Edit app
• 10 gift articles per month

Explore more offers.

Standard digital.

• FT Digital Edition

Premium Digital

Print + premium digital, weekend print + standard digital, weekend print + premium digital.

Today's FT newspaper for easy reading on any device. This does not include ft.com or FT App access.

• 10 additional gift articles per month
• Global news & analysis
• Exclusive FT analysis
• Videos & Podcasts
• FT App on Android & iOS
• Everything in Standard Digital
• Premium newsletters
• Weekday Print Edition
• FT Weekend Print delivery
• Everything in Premium Digital

Essential digital access to quality FT journalism on any device. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

• Everything in Print

Complete digital access to quality FT journalism with expert analysis from industry leaders. Pay a year upfront and save 20%.

Terms & Conditions apply

Explore our full range of subscriptions.

Why the ft.

See why over a million readers pay to read the Financial Times.

International Edition

Cookies on GOV.UK

We use some essential cookies to make this website work.

We’d like to set additional cookies to understand how you use GOV.UK, remember your settings and improve government services.

We also use cookies set by other sites to help us deliver content from their services.

You have accepted additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

You have rejected additional cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time.

• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

South Africa

Warnings and insurance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide as well as support for British nationals abroad which includes:

• advice on preparing for travel abroad and reducing risks
• information for women, LGBT and disabled travellers

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Related content

Is this page useful.

• Yes this page is useful
• No this page is not useful

Help us improve GOV.UK

Don’t include personal or financial information like your National Insurance number or credit card details.

To help us improve GOV.UK, we’d like to know more about your visit today. We’ll send you a link to a feedback form. It will take only 2 minutes to fill in. Don’t worry we won’t send you spam or share your email address with anyone.

Money latest: McDonald's to start selling bigger burgers - as it makes very rare changes to classic items

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales. Read this and all the latest consumer and personal finance news below, plus leave a comment in the box.

Wednesday 1 May 2024 20:00, UK

• Bitcoin suffers nightmare month - and it's just got worse
• Key dates for Spotify customers, energy bills, free childcare and interest rates in May
• Wait for interest rate cut leads to surprise dip in house price growth
• McDonald's to start selling a bigger burger

Essential reads

• You're probably washing and storing your clothes wrong. Here's what you should do instead
• Turns out supermarket boss was right about self-checkouts
• State pensions 'could be in doubt for future generations'
• One of UK's top chefs reveals best Cheap Eats in Norfolk - and cling film tip for amazing veg
• Money Problem : 'Builders won't repair dodgy work - what are my rights?'
• '£2,000 landed in my account' - The people who say they're manifesting riches

Ask a question or make a comment

Are you struggling because of high interest rates? Sky News is keen to hear from people who are due to refix their mortgages this year or are on a variable rate or tracker mortgage or trying to get on the housing ladder. 

Email us your stories at  [email protected]  - or WhatsApp us  here .

The Fed has issued its latest policy statement, announcing it will keep interest rates at the same level. 

It did note inflation has eased over the past year, and it is still leaning towards eventual reductions in borrowing costs. 

However it pointed out recent disappointing inflation readings, suggesting moves towards more balance in the economy had stalled. 

If you're wondering why we're telling you this, it's because there is a link between the Fed's interest rate and the Bank of England's base rate. 

The interplay between the two can affect the value of the pound and currency alternatives such a gold.

Market expectations for the UK base rate are often heavily influenced by what's going on in the US. 

Untreated sewage was released into designated shellfish waters for 192,000 hours last year, new research has found.

The hours of sewage dumping were spread across 23,000 separate incidents.

Some fishing waters in Cornwall were forced to close last year after high levels of e.coli were found in oysters and mussels, and norovirus can also be transported via human waste.

Read the full story here ...

Shares in luxury carmaker Aston Martin have plummeted as much as 14% today after it announced bigger than expected losses. 

Aston Martin revealed adjusted pre-tax losses of £111m for the first three months of the year, compared with £57m a year earlier. 

Analysts had expected a loss of £93m. 

The losses were due to higher finance costs and the timings of its car launches.

B&Q is introducing plastic plant pot recycling stations at more than 100 of its stores across the UK. 

Customers will be able to drop off their unwanted pots in store so they can be recycled and turned into new planters. 

B&Q's 100% recycled plastic Blacksmith Planters will be available in stores for £4. 

UK supermarkets could soon see a "healthier" version of white bread, according to scientists.

A team of researchers at Aberystwyth University will be studying the milling and blending process for white flour.

Peas, beans and oats could be added to wheat flour to boost its nutritional value.

The research project has been funded by Innovate UK, the UK's national innovation agency.

Parents taking their kids to Taylor Swift concerts this summer might be worried their lack of knowledge will leave them feeling a bit left out.

But what if we told you you could be a mastermind?

That's the promise of a new college course ahead of the biggest pop star in the world hitting the UK in June.

The 7 May course, which is run by the  Glasgow Cylde College and is free, will give members of the public a jam-packed session that will leave them ready for the singer's upcoming  Eras Tour.

Those who enrol in a one-off college masterclass will learn about the pop star's music, set lists, crowd chants and even her "evolving wardrobe and hairstyles".

A statement on the college website reads: "Ahead of her hugely anticipated arrival, Glasgow Clyde College is offering a one time-only masterclass aimed at preparing parents and plus ones of Taylor superfans, providing the full Love Story on all things Eras Tour to help them have the best night of their lives.

"From set lists and crowd chants to need-to-know information on each Era, the masterclass, which is being delivered by a Taylor Swift expert, will give people a whistle-stop lesson that'll leave them ready for the gig."

You can book your Swiftie masterclass here .

The cocoa market is in a particularly turbulent period, with the price of the ingredient falling to its lowest level in a month. 

It comes after prices reached their highest peaks in more than four decades earlier in the year, making it reportedly more expensive than copper. 

Traders had been betting on an acute supply shortage driven by poor harvests in West Africa. 

However, the rally made it more expensive to maintain positions and prompted traders to pull out of the market - leaving the product vulnerable to big price swings. 

The price has now fallen by 16% since the end of last week, offering some relief to chocolate makers/eaters.

The fast food giant has revealed its chefs have created a "larger, satiating burger" in a bid to boost sales, according to Bloomberg. 

The mega-sized burger is reportedly designed to attract customers who want more filling patties. 

It will be introduced in certain markets first to test its appeal. 

McDonald's unveiled plans in December that bosses hope will boost growth by focusing on core menu items. 

The chain has seen sluggish sales, partly due to its perceived support of Israel in Middle East and Muslim-majority markets. 

McDonald's has denied taking any position in the ongoing conflict and said it is not responsible for the actions of its franchisees.

So far, it has launched an ad campaign highlighting what it says are improvements to its Big Mac, quarter pounder with cheese and double cheeseburger.

This is apparently the first time in the company's 84-year history that it has made changes to its classic burgers.

By Emily Mee , Money team

Discovering a hole in your favourite pair of jeans or a rip in your well-worn cosy jumper is certainly irritating - but it doesn't mean those items are destined for the bin. 

In fact, ethical fashion campaigners say that's the last place your items should be going. There is usually plenty you can do to repair them - or even to avoid damage in the first place. That way, you can keep your best-loved pieces in your wardrobe for years to come. 

Katrina Caspelich, from fair fashion campaign Remake, takes the Money blog through what you can do...

Store your clothes better

Clean them before storing them: Always ensure that clothes are clean before storing them. Launder or dry clean them according to the care instructions on the label. Stains and dirt can attract insects and cause fabric deterioration over time.

Use breathable storage containers: Opt for breathable storage containers such as cotton canvas bags or boxes instead of plastic bins. This allows air circulation and prevents moisture build up, which can lead to mould and mildew.

Avoid direct sunlight: Store clothes in a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight. Sunlight can cause colours to fade and weaken fabric fibres over time.

Hang clothes properly: Invest in quality hangers that provide adequate support to garments. Use padded or wooden hangers for delicate items like suits, dresses and knits. Avoid using wire hangers, as they can cause garments to lose their shape. Don't hang wet clothes on hangers - they can stretch.

Use garment bags: For long-term storage of formal wear or seasonal clothing, consider using garment bags to protect items from dust, insects, and moisture.

Rotate clothing: Rotate your wardrobe seasonally to prevent garments from being stored for too long without use. This helps to prevent fabric deterioration and ensures that all pieces are worn regularly.

Avoid overcrowding: Avoid cramming clothes into storage containers or closets. Overcrowding can cause wrinkles, stretching and distortion of fabric fibres. Leave some space between garments to allow for air circulation.

Store leather items properly: Leather garments should be stored in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers to maintain their shape and avoid folding, as creases can become permanent.

Does how you wash clothes make a difference?

What exactly makes a gentle wash gentle? For delicate fabrics, you should always use cool to lukewarm water. (Hot water isn't needed unless you are concerned about bacteria and diseases like COVID-19). 

Pro tip: Be wary of wringing out your wet clothes. It can seriously alter the shape of your garments.

Other options

Wash your stuff less. The only clothes that should always be washed after one wear are underwear and sweaty clothes. Most garments worn regularly should be okay to wear two to three times before washing. Unless your denim has a bad habit of stretching out, experts say you should wash them after three or four wears so they age better. You can also throw them in the freezer to kill bacteria.

Spot clean your clothes. To clean a spot, start by removing any excess spillage and blot away as much moisture as possible with a paper towel or hand towel. NO RUBBING. Use some stain remover or gentle detergent on just the stained spot. Let it air dry or use cool air to speed up the process.

Air dry. Hang your clothes outside, Italian style. For heavier items that could stretch when hanging, lay them out flat on a surface to dry.

When should you dry clean?

Read the care tags! Don't be so quick to adhere to every garment's dry clean only tag - there's lots of chemicals involved that lurk on dry-cleaned wool, cotton and polyester. Plus, lots of brands put those tags on when they lack confidence in our ability to properly and gently wash our clothes.

If it is made of wool, linen, silk, cotton or cashmere - which is likely a majority of your closet - these fabrications can handle gentle hand washes so long as you pre-treat and single wash anything with stains, as well as wash items in groups determined by fabrication and colour.

If you aren't 100% sure what exactly a garment is made of, you can always test a little spot under the sink water to see if you get a ton of colour bleeding, warping or shrinkage before going all in.

If your garment has any fancy embellishments, flocking or beads attached by glue then you should probably take it to the cleaners if it's not just in need of a little spot clean.

Pro tip: When you find yourself at the dry cleaners, you can try asking for alternatives like a liquid carbon dioxide cleaning, which uses pressurized CO2 mixed with other gentle cleaning liquids as opposed to perc.  Another option is requesting a wet cleaning method , a wash that resembles a normal washing machine but utilises special soaps and conditioners for an extra gentle wash.

How do you know when a broken item is repairable, or when it's no longer usable?

It's important to always assess the extent of the damage. Small tears, missing buttons, loose hems or minor stains are usually repairable with basic sewing skills or by taking them to a tailor. 

Considering the condition of the fabric is also important. For example, if the fabric is in good shape apart from the damaged area, it may be worth repairing. 

However, if the fabric is severely worn out or faded in multiple places, it may not be worth repairing. Also, some types of damage such as large holes, extensive fraying or irreparable stains may render the garment unusable or not cost-effective to repair. 

Finally, it's important to consider the sentimental value of the item. If the piece holds sentimental value or is a high-quality piece, you may just want to hold on to it and invest in repairs.

If the item is no longer usable, you could upcycle or repurpose it. Get creative and turn the item into something new. Some ideas include turning old jeans into shorts, using fabric scraps for quilting or crafts, or transforming a worn-out tee into a cleaning rag. 

Donation is another option. If the clothing item is still in decent condition despite the damage, consider donating it to a local charity or thrift store as some organisations accept damaged clothing for recycling or repurposing.

Finally, look for textile recycling programmes in your area. Many communities have textile recycling centres or programmes that accept old clothing, even if it's damaged, to be recycled into new textiles or other products.

How about shoes?

Like clothing, extending the wear of your shoes requires proper care and maintenance. Some ideas include rotating your shoes between different pairs of shoes every day to allow each pair to air out and recover their shape between wears. 

Clean your shoes regularly to remove dust, dirt and stains. 

It's also a good idea to apply waterproofing spray to protect your shoes from water, stains, snow and other environmental damage. Like clothing, it's important to attend to any signs of damage or wear as soon as possible, replacing worn-out soles, repairing loose stitching, and fixing damaged heels to prevent further deterioration. Definitely consider taking your shoes to a professional cobbler for these regular repairs! 

By Connor Sephton , news reporter

Bitcoin has suffered its biggest monthly loss since June 2022 - amid signs that market euphoria is starting to cool.

The world's biggest cryptocurrency saw its price plunge by almost 15% in April.

Even though we're just 12 hours into a brand-new month, Bitcoin is continuing to fall further.

This digital asset is often valued in dollars rather than pounds - and certain price points tend to have psychological significance for traders.

Over the past few weeks, Bitcoin had successfully managed to avoid a big fall under $60,000 (about £48,000).

But all of that changed in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

After the $60,000 threshold crumbled, a sharp drop to $57,000 soon followed.

So... with Bitcoin down 7% over the past 24 hours, what happens next?

Well - traders are now engaged in what can best be described as an arm wrestle.

If Bitcoin manages to hold stable around $57,000, its value may start to recover.

But if selling pressure grows as American investors start to wake up and see what's happened, further declines are to be expected.

Bitcoin has now fallen by 22% since hitting an all-time high of $73,750 in March - which technically puts this cryptocurrency in a bear market.

However, avid enthusiasts will insist this is nothing more than a healthy correction, and Bitcoin's longer-term prospects are good.

One thing is clear: this is a volatile asset, and investors should only put in whatever they can afford to lose.

In what seems to be becoming a daily occurrence, four more lenders have announced mortgage rate rises.

Halifax, BM Solutions and Virgin are all doing so for the second time in around a week. They're joined by Nottingham Building Society.

Halifax are increasing rates on purchase products by up to 0.2%; BM Solutions by up to 0.24%. These begin tomorrow.

Virgin increased rates on products between 0.08% and 0.2% yesterday evening, while Nottingham has lifted rates this morning by up to 0.25%.

Mortgage rates have spiked in the last two weeks as financial markets have moved from pricing in a base rate cut in June to thinking it will come in August. Expectations of three cuts this year are now two.

The backdrop is sticky inflation in the US - and concern the global and domestic battle against rising prices isn't over yet.

Skipton had actually announced some decreases - but any optimism from this proved momentary.

Dariusz Karpowicz, director at Albion Financial Advice, told Newspage: "The atmosphere in the mortgage market is rather grim, with major players like Halifax, BM Solutions, Virgin and Nottingham Building Society repeatedly raising their fixed rates.

"This pattern of frequent rate hikes, sometimes occurring multiple times within a week, is casting a shadow over market sentiment. 

"The anticipated 'spring bounce' is nowhere in sight; instead, we're witnessing a continuation of mortgage woes. 

"Higher rates are expected to dampen buyer enthusiasm and potentially delay any positive momentum. 

"As for when borrowers can expect relief, it hinges on broader economic stabilisation. For now, the outlook remains cautious and subdued."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free