South America Travel Guide: Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Colombia & Beyond

Lima → Cusco & Machu Picchu → La Paz → Salar de Uyuni → Buenos Aires

The essential first-timer route. Start with Lima's food scene (2 days), train to Cusco and hike Machu Picchu (4 days), cross into Bolivia for La Paz and the surreal Salar de Uyuni salt flats (3 days), then fly to Buenos Aires for steak, tango, and wine (3 days). Budget: $1,800–$3,500 including flights between cities.

Bogota → Medellin → Cartagena

Colombia's three essential cities. Start in Bogota's cultural heart with Monserrate and La Candelaria (3 days), fly to Medellin for its mountain setting, Comuna 13, and coffee country day trip (4 days), then finish on the Caribbean coast in Cartagena's walled old town (3 days). Budget: $800–$1,500. Colombia is South America's best value right now.

Rio de Janeiro → Buenos Aires → Patagonia → Santiago → Machu Picchu

The grand tour. Begin in Rio with Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf (3 days), fly to Buenos Aires for culture and steak (3 days), head south to Patagonia for Torres del Paine and Perito Moreno glacier (5 days), cross to Santiago and the wine valleys (3 days), then fly north to Lima, Cusco, and Machu Picchu (5 days). Budget: $3,500–$7,000 including internal flights.

Trying to see too many countries in one trip

South America is enormous — Brazil alone is larger than India. Pick 2-3 countries for 2 weeks, or one region to explore deeply. Don't try to do Peru, Brazil, Argentina, and Colombia in 14 days — you'll spend half your trip in airports.

Not acclimatizing to altitude

Cusco (3,400m), La Paz (3,640m), and Bogota (2,640m) are all at serious altitude. Spend at least one full day acclimatizing before any strenuous activity. Drink coca tea, stay hydrated, and don't rush Machu Picchu on your first day at altitude.

Carrying only USD and no local currency

While USD is accepted in some tourist areas, you'll get terrible exchange rates. Always carry local currency for buses, street food, and small shops. ATMs are widely available in cities. Notify your bank before traveling to avoid card blocks.

Ignoring safety basics in cities

Don't walk around with your phone out in unfamiliar neighborhoods. Use Uber or registered taxis at night. Keep expensive jewelry and watches hidden. Carry a photocopy of your passport, not the original. Most tourist areas are safe but petty theft targets careless travelers.

Not learning basic Spanish

English is not widely spoken outside tourist zones. Learn basic Spanish phrases — greetings, numbers, directions, food ordering. Even basic effort is appreciated enormously and opens doors. In Brazil, Portuguese is the language — but Spanish speakers can generally make themselves understood.