The DON’TS of Visiting South America: Travel Tips
Greetings from Montevideo, Uruguay! Today we’re sharing the “don’ts” of visiting South America. It’s a huge continent, with lots of cool places to visit: from Machu Picchu in Peru to Montevideo in Uruguay to Patagonia in the south of Argentina. There’s a lot of great things to see and do in South America.
South America Travel Tip #1 Don’t Think South America is All the Same
There’s a huge difference in going from the salt flats of Bolivia to the colonial history of Uruguay. The Amazon rainforest to the Galapagos Islands are all very different. A lot of people mistakenly think of South America as a singular destination, but it’s many different, diverse destinations, from mega-cities to small villages. It would be a mistake to think that South America can be “seen” in a few weeks vacation. The best thing to do is to pick a couple of countries to focus on, and really enjoy them, rather than try to see an entire diverse continent in one go.
South America Travel Tip #2 Don’t Assume You Can Flush Toilet Paper
The rules will vary from place to place. In some places, it’s just fine to throw your toilet paper into the toilet, while other places do not have the plumbing to handle it. If it’s not allowed, there will usually be a sign telling you so.
South America Travel Tip #3 Don’t Drink the Tap Water
Some countries in South America have good tap water, however don’t drink the tap water without confirming that it is safe to drink. Generally, in countries where water isn’t safe for foreigners to drink, there will be bottled or filtered water available at the hotel.
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South America Travel Tip #4 Don’t Take Your Safety for Granted
There are many safe places to visit in South America, including Uruguay. However, there are other destinations in South America that are less safe. In those countries, extra precautions are needed. Don’t bring valuables to the beach, don’t travel alone late at night, and pay attention to the food being served.
South America Travel Tip #5 Don’t Forget to Bring a First Aid Kit
South America is full of adventure – whether culinary or of the outdoor variety. Cuts, bruises, and tummy issues are a common part of travel in South America. Having a small first aid kit just makes things easier, so that nobody has to rush out to find band-aids or Pepto Bismol in a strange city.
South America Travel Tip #6 Don’t Skip the Local Cuisine
Don’t let the previous warnings scare you from trying the local food. There is a ton of great food in South America. Empanadas in Argentina, chivito in Uruguay, alpaca steaks in Peru, or more exotic foods like chicken cooked in its own blood. You can try grubs in Brazil, or guinea pig in Peru and Ecuador.
South America Travel Tip #7 Don’t Be Anti-Beans & Rice
Rice and beans are a staple in South American cuisine, so you can expect to see them accompanying many meals. Rice and beans is common at breakfast, lunch and dinner, so be prepared to enjoy it.
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South America Travel Tip #8 Don’t Expect to Get By With Only English
In some of the major cities and tourist destinations of South America, it’s possible to find English speakers. But off the beaten tourist path, it’s pretty important to know a little bit of Spanish or Portuguese. Even just a few words like “thank you” or “please” will help travelers get around South America. There are several translation apps to help learn key travel phrases of a new language. The people in South America are so warm and welcoming, just a little bit of effort to speak their language goes a long way.
South America Travel Tip #9 Don’t Trust Your Taxi Drivers
Some taxi drivers in South America are awesome, but not all of them. There are many taxis in South America that aren’t always reliable. It’s a good idea to ask the hotel for a sense of travel time and cost, which will help you figure out if you are being scammed by your taxi. Uber is another option for transportation in some South American countries.
South America Travel Tip #10 Don’t Forget the Seasons are Opposite of the Northern Hemisphere
Summer in South America falls in December, January, February and March. July and August are the colder months of the year. So, don’t forget about this when planning a South America vacation. In the South American winter, some places will close down as there isn’t enough tourism to stay open, so it’s important to research this as well.
South America Travel Tip #11 Don’t Take Valuables to the Beach
This really applies to any vacation destination, but especially in South America. Tourist beaches are a prime target for thieves, so it’s best to just leave everything valuable at home or your hotel room.
Read: 10 Things That SHOCK Tourists When They Visit Brazil
South America Travel Tip #12 Don’t Go to the Beach at Night
Yes, the beaches are gorgeous at night, but they are also the most dangerous. The water itself can be dangerous at night, with fewer people around to help if you get in trouble. More importantly, night is when you are more likely to run into nefarious folks at the beach.
South America Travel Tip #13 Don’t Bring the Bling
Along the same lines of safety, South America is not the place to show off jewelry and fancy clothes. Showy clothes and jewelry can make tourists a target for robbery, so it’s best to dress down a bit when visiting South America.
South America Travel Tip #14 Don’t Forget to Pack Bug Spray & Sunblock
You can buy these things in South America, but it’s generally cheaper and easier to just pack it in your luggage. Some parts of South America can be super buggy, so it’s also easier to know you’re getting the good stuff if you buy it before your trip.
South America Travel Tip #15 Don’t Assume Every Bus Ticket is the Same
Buses are a common mode of transportation in South America, but the prices and service levels vary widely. Without a reliable train system, long bus journeys of 20-24 hours are quite common in South America. Not all 24-hour buses are the same. You get what you pay for when it comes to bus fare. More expensive buses will have more amenities, such as better seats, WiFi or television. There are also some express routes that can shave a few hours off the journey, so don’t forget to check the duration listed for each bus.
South America Travel Tip #16 Don’t Gawk at the People
Visiting the favelas and shanty-towns has become a draw for tourists, but there are real people living and working in these places. They aren’t animals in a zoo, so keep this in mind when deciding which tours to book in South American cities. Traditional clothing is also something tourists like to gawk at. Sometimes, these people will ask for money and allow their photo to be taken, so assess the situation and do what is respectful. Don’t try to sneak a photo without giving them a small fee.
South America Travel Tip #17 Don’t Forget to Tip Your Guides & Helpers
Guides, porters and helpers can be a critical part of a South American vacation, especially when hiking or trekking is involved. Whether it’s a city tour, or an adventure trek, it’s very important to tip the guides. Don’t forget the others in your party, too, like the drivers or translators.
South America Travel Tip #18 Don’t Forget “American” is More Than the U.S.
American is often used for those from the United States, but technically, anyone from North America, Central America or South America is an American. Keep this in mind when talking to people.
South America Travel Tip #19 Don’t Forget to Plan Around Siesta
Don’t forget about the siesta in many countries, and don’t forget to plan around it. In many areas, siesta is when people take off work from around 2pm to 5pm, and this can mean shops, banks or restaurants are closed. If you have important shopping to do, make sure to do it in the morning, or later in the evening. Not every country has siesta, so do a bit of research ahead of time to figure it out.
Read: What Tourists Should Not Do When They Visit Nicaragua
South America Travel Tip #20 Don’t Underestimate Football Rivalries
Football (or soccer) allegiances are strong in South America. Tourists wearing football jerseys can expect to be heckled for picking the wrong team. (all in good fun, of course!)
South America Travel Tip #21 Don’t Expect Good Internet Access
It’s not hard to find WiFi in South America, as many hotels and internet cafes will have it. However, don’t expect blazing fast internet speeds. We have found faster internet speeds going through our 4G or LTE phone data rather than the internet at the hotel.
With this list of “don’ts,” you’re well on your way to enjoying a South American vacation. Whether you visit Machu Picchu in Peru, or the Amazon rainforest, or Buenos Aires, you’ll have a great time in South America. For more South America travel tips, check out some of our other travel blogs and videos: