Traveling to South America for the first time: everything you need to know
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17 May 2023
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Traveling to South America for the first time: everything you need to know
South America is a diverse and vast continent with a wide range of travel routes and destinations. The continent is known for its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities. The most common routes for travelers in South America often depend on their interests, budget, and the duration of their trip. Some like Andean Adventure that includes Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador while others prefer to go way south until Patagonia. Regardless of your preferences when traveling, to make the most of your trip, here's everything you need to know:
Traveling to South America for the first time can be an exciting and enriching experience.
Remember that South America is a vast and diverse continent, so your experience can vary greatly depending on the countries and regions you visit. Research and planning are key to having a safe and enjoyable trip.
What do you need to know before traveling to South America?
1. Visa and Entry Requirements
Check the visa requirements for the specific South American countries you plan to visit. Requirements can vary widely. For example, in our beautiful country Ecuador, visitors do not require visa up to three months traveling around, and if you decide to stay longer, you can easily apply to a tourist visa, that only involves presenting a few documents. However, ensure your passport has at least six months' validity beyond your planned return date.
2. Safety
South America is generally safe for tourists, but like anywhere else, it's important to stay vigilant and take precautions.
- Be cautious in crowded areas and keep an eye on your belongings to avoid petty theft, especially in buses.
3. Health
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Consult your doctor or a travel clinic well in advance to get vaccinations and advice on health precautions, also that your medical insurces covers the country that you are visiting.
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Consider vaccinations for diseases like yellow fever, hepatitis, and typhoid depending on your destination.
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Drink bottled or purified water to avoid stomach issues, and you are planning to visit the coast, you might also use purified water to brush your teeth.
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Use sunscreen and insect repellent, especially in tropical areas.
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Stay hydrated, as some areas can be quite hot.
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Avoid drinking tap water unless it's explicitly safe to do so.
4. Learn spanish
Spanish is the most widely spoken language in South America. While you can find English speakers in some tourist areas, knowing Spanish will greatly enhance your ability to communicate with locals. Our Survival Spanish Program can help you to ask for directions, order food, negotiate prices, and have meaningful interactions with people. Speaking the local language allows you to immerse yourself more fully in the local culture.
Besides, learning some basic Spanish phrases can help you make friends, get insider tips, and experience the warmth and hospitality of South American people. While it's not always necessary to be fluent, even a basic understanding of Spanish can go a long way in enhancing your travel experience in South America. With our 10 days Survival Spanish Program you can start by learning common phrases and gradually build your language skills. You have two options online or on-site and if you would like more, you can combine them, start learning in your country while you are planning and get to the next level once you are here!
5. Currency
- Currency varies by country. Common currencies include the Argentine Peso (ARS), Peruvian Sol (PEN) or US dollars in Ecuador.
- It's wise to carry some local currency for small expenses, but credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas.
6. Local Cuisine
South American cuisine is diverse and delicious. Try local dishes like empanadas, ceviche, and asado (barbecue). One of the advantages of our countries is the number of fresh fruits and vegetables that we grow and do not hesitate to try the fish fresh from the sea, we also have several versions of ceviches that you definitely have to try.
Would you like to know how we make Ecuadorian ceviche? Here I leave the recipe in a video made on my Instagram.
However, at the beginning of your trip, be cautious with street food in terms of hygiene, especially in remote areas.
7. Travel Insurance
- Get comprehensive travel insurance to cover unexpected events like illness, theft, or trip cancellations.
8. Climate and Weather
South America's climate varies widely. It usually depends on the region you want to visit, and that is exactly one of the wonders of our continent. For example, in Ecuador in January to April we have at the same time a hot climate on the coast, cold and rainy in the mountain region and a tropical climate with a lot of humidity in the jungle, being a very small territory, visitors have the opportunity to know all these microclimates and enjoy the charm of the country.
Research the weather for the specific regions and time of year you plan to visit, plan accordingly, including appropriate clothing and any necessary gear.
9. Transportation
South America has a well-developed transportation network, including buses, trains, and domestic flights. In general, the buses are comfortable and safe but be careful with night trips in remote areas, make sure you sit in the first seats near the driver and bus controller. Important personal belongings should be on your lap or within reach.
Be prepared for long bus trips if you plan to travel a lot within the continent and also in case that you have motion sickness have the medicine on hand.
Learn Spanish in Ecuador
10. Cultural Etiquette
- Learn about local customs and etiquette to show respect for the cultures you encounter.
- Tipping is customary in many places; research local tipping practices.
11. Local Tours and Activities
- South America offers a wide range of activities, from trekking in the Andes to exploring the Amazon rainforest.
- Research and book tours or activities in advance, especially during peak seasons.
For example, surfing is one of the favorite activities in Montañita, the beach in Ecuador where our Spanish school is located. Our small coastal town has a vibrant atmosphere, lots of energy, nightlife, and excellent waves for all levels from basic till the most advanced.
12. Communication, internet
Commonly, hotels, bars and restaurants offer a free wifi signal but if you prefer get a local SIM card or an international roaming plan for your phone to stay connected.
Reasons to travel to Ecuador?
Why should you Visit Ecuador?
Here are some good reasons to travel to Ecuador:
Incredible Biodiversity: Ecuador is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, with the Amazon Rainforest, the Andes Mountains, and the Galápagos Islands all within its borders. You can explore a wide variety of ecosystems and see unique wildlife, including giant tortoises, colorful birds, and rare orchids. By instance, Galapagos Island, from the Andes Mountains to the Pacific Coast, Ecuador boasts stunning natural beauty. Hike through lush cloud forests, visit picturesque villages, and take in breathtaking vistas of volcanoes and lakes.
Our Delicious Cuisine: Try traditional Ecuadorian dishes like ceviche, llapingachos (potato pancakes), empanadas, and roasted guinea pig (cuy). Don't forget to sample tropical fruits like maracuyá (passion fruit) and granadilla.
Warm Hospitality: Ecuadorians are known for their warmth and hospitality. You'll often find locals eager to share their culture, language and traditions with visitors.
Traveling to South America for the first time: everything you need to know
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