Hey there, fellow travelers! Today, we’re visiting Latin America. Latin America extends from the Sonoran Desert of Mexico in the North, all the way down to Tierra del Fuego in Chile in the South. I’ve lived in South America and have been to some of the best places to visit in Latin America, so it’s a part of the world that I really love. As you know, here at Wolters World, we like to prepare travelers with the good, and the bad, of visiting a new travel destination. So these are the five things you’ll love, and the five things you’ll hate about Latin America Travel.
Hate #1: Safety Concerns
This not only applies to your physical safety but also your physiological safety, financial safety, and the safety of your health. There are definitely places in Latin America that are not safe. There are other places that are marginally safe, where you need to exercise more caution and not be flashy. And there are areas that are completely safe where you don’t have to worry in the least. There are some areas where robberies are common or even kidnappings (though this is not something most tourists need to worry about). The best thing you can do is to research your destination thoroughly and talk to travelers like you who have recently been there. You can also check out the US State Department’s website on safety issues in various countries.
Safety Advice for Visiting Brazil
On the health front, make sure you are traveling with bug sprays and sunblock, and also ensure you have a method for water purification if heading on hikes. There are very few places in Latin America where it’s OK to drink the water from the tap. It’s important to stay hydrated, but you don’t want to get sick from the water, either.
Love #1: People & Culture of Latin America
Hands down, the best thing about Latin America is the people who live here. I’ve traveled to nearly every continent (sorry Antarcticans) on the planet and Latin Americans are the most fun and friendly people I’ve met. They will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome. They are so proud of their culture and they want to share it with visitors. Knowing a bit of Spanish will go a long way to helping you get to know the locals better. If you get invited to a party, don’t miss the chance! They love any excuse to celebrate!
Hate #2: Distance Between Cities & Attractions
Obviously, Latin America covers a huge area. Even within each country of Latin America, there are huge distances between major cities or between attractions. There really aren’t any trains to speak of and flights can be pricy, so chances are, you’ll be taking buses between cities in Latin America. There can be a huge discrepancy in the quality of buses, though, so don’t always take the cheapest fare you can find. Sometimes it’s worth the extra money to get a nicer bus, especially for those long-haul trips. This is not like Europe where you can get from city to city in a couple of hours; I’ve taken bus rides in Latin America that were 18 hours or more!
Love #2: Natural Beauty of Latin America
The cities in Latin America are pretty great, but the natural attractions are even better! There’s Iguazu Falls in Argentina, Angel Falls in Venezuela, Mexico’s Sonoran Desert, plus hundreds of amazing beaches. Sunsets and sunrises, lakes, oceans, islands, mountains, glaciers and more! Even if you are mainly visiting the cities of Latin America, plan at least one nature tour during your visit. There are so many to choose from; one of my favorites is Pantanal in Brazil.
Hate #3: Language Barrier
Unless you are in Cancun or another very touristy area, you won’t find many people that speak English. You really need to know a bit of Spanish (or Portuguese) to get by in Latin America. The more Spanish you know, the easier it will be to get around, meet new people and experience Latin America. Without it, you might really struggle to communicate with the locals and you’ll be left to speak only with those working in the tourist industry.
Love #3: Low-Key Tourism
You’ll notice that Latin America is not overrun with tourists like other parts of the world. Sure, Cancun and the Mayan sites get a lot of tourists, but it’s still nowhere near the crowds you might see in European or Asian cities. This is especially true if you get off the beaten path and visit some smaller towns in Latin America; you’ll be one of the few tourists in town. If you’ve traveled to places like China or Venice, you’ll really notice how “uncrowded” the tourist sights of Latin America really are.
Hate #4: Lack of Tourist Infrastructure
In some areas, like Cancun, the tourist infrastructure is the backbone of the city. In most major cities, however, there isn’t a tourist infrastructure like you might expect. There aren’t as many tours, buses, hotels, and guides. Depending on your destination, you may be on your own and reliant on travel guide books or the Internet rather than local tours. If you are traveling to locations without a lot of hotels or hostels, you need to plan ahead and make sure you have your accommodation sorted out before you arrive.
Love #4: Latin America History
There is a lot of interesting history in Latin America, from Native history to Colonial history and much more. The Spanish Colonial cathedrals are prolific throughout Latin America, but there are ancient ruins from Mayan, Aztec and Inca civilizations. Chichen Itza and Machu Picchu are two well-known examples, but these types of sites exist throughout Latin America.
Hate #5: Extreme Weather & Rainy Season
For the most part, the weather in Latin America is great and it’s what draws many tourists down here for the first time. However, there is a rainy season and it’s possible to encounter some extreme weather. The sun is extremely powerful, so you have to be super diligent about sunscreen. Again, you have to research your destination to find the best time to visit. Rainy season can cause floods and metro closures in a city like Buenos Aires, so choose your time of year carefully. Even the Inca Trail is closed for a bit during the rainy season.
Love #5: Laidback Latin Vibe
At first, this can be confusing or frustrating, but after a few weeks in Latin America, you’ll come to appreciate the laid-back attitudes and the relaxed atmosphere. Everything just moves a bit slower; things get done “manana” instead of right away, and once you learn to go with the flow, you’ll find yourself more relaxed as well. Some vacations, especially in Europe, can be taxing as you rush from sight to sight, but I feel like you can really relax on a Latin America vacation. The pace of the locals pretty much forces you to relax!
There are so many amazing places to visit in Latin America. It’s home to some of my favorite places and people. The “hates” are really just things to have a heads up on rather than a reason not to plan a Latin America tour. Want more tips for planning a Latin America vacation? Check out these other blog posts: