Things to Do in South America

About South America

South America grabs you immediately. Ancient Incan stones sit in the mist around Machu Picchu, while tango dancers move through Buenos Aires' cobblestone streets. Iguazu Falls roars. The Atacama Desert sits quiet on the other end. The Amazon rainforest covers half the continent, its canopy holding mysteries scientists haven't solved yet. Colonial churches overlook indigenous markets packed with quinoa and coca leaves—street art turns city walls into galleries. South America won't wait. Every meal matters, every sunset impresses, and every encounter changes how you see the world.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Long-distance buses cost 0-60 depending on route and class. Domestic flights via LATAM or Avianca run 0-250. City metro systems (Buenos Aires, Santiago) charge $.50-1.50 per ride. Use Uber or local taxi apps for safety.

Money: US Dollars accepted in many countries but exchange for local currency for better rates. ATM fees range -8 per transaction. Western Union locations available for money transfers. Credit cards accepted in cities but carry cash for rural areas and markets.

Cultural Respect: Learn basic Spanish or Portuguese phrases. Arrive 15-30 minutes late to social gatherings as punctuality can seem rude. Greet with air kisses or handshakes. Avoid wearing expensive jewelry or displaying wealth in public areas.

Food Safety: Street food costs -6 per meal from established vendors. Bottled water necessary in some regions (-2). Try empanadas (-3), ceviche (-12), and local specialties. Avoid tap water in rural areas; stick to sealed bottles or boiled water.

When to Visit

South America's vast expanse spans multiple climate zones, making timing important for your experience. The dry season (May-September) offers ideal conditions for most destinations, with temperatures ranging from 60-75°F in highlands and 70-85°F in lowlands, minimal rainfall (under 2 inches monthly), but expect 40-60% higher accommodation costs during peak months (June-August). The shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) provide the sweet spot with 20-30% lower prices, pleasant weather, and fewer crowds. Summer (December-March) brings intense heat to northern regions (85-95°F) and heavy rains (6-12 inches monthly) to most areas, though it's perfect for Patagonia hiking (50-70°F) and offers 30-50% discounts elsewhere. Key festivals include Carnival in Rio (February/March), Inti Raymi in Cusco (June 24th), and Dia de los Muertos across the continent (November 1-2nd). Budget travelers should target April-May for optimal weather-cost balance. Adventure seekers will find June-August perfect for Andes trekking despite premium prices. Beach lovers should visit Brazil's coast December-March, while wildlife ensoiasts should time Amazon visits for July-October when animals congregate near receding waterways.