A scenic landscape

South America Travel Information

South America Travel information

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General Information

 

Country Specific Information

 

Entrance Visas

Visit our visa & travel information page for up to date information on visas

 

Health Information

 

Vaccination requirements

We recommend that you visit your doctor or a travel clinic for current information and check if you have already been vaccinated during childhood immunizations, but as a guide we recommend the following: 

  • Yellow Fever – Especially for jungle areas. 
  • Hepatitis – Both A and B (twinrix) 
  • Typhoid 
  • Diphtheria 
  • Cholera 
  • Rabies 
  • Tetanus

PLEASE NOTE: Yellow Fever vaccination may be an entrance requirement to return to your home country or to enter/transit some destinations if you have been in a country or area with a high risk of Yellow Fever. Please refer to the CDC website for the latest information: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2024/preparing/yellow-fever-vaccine-malaria-prevention-by-country
 

When travelling to jungle areas, please exercise caution and carry sufficient insect repellent and malaria protection, either medical or homeopathic remedies. It is your responsibility to have the necessary vaccinations for travel. We will not be held responsible for travel delays or refused entry into countries due to customers not having the necessary vaccinations.

The following websites give further health advice and information on travelling to Latin America: 
http://www.traveldoctor.com.au 
http://travelvaccines.com.au/index.php/south-america

 

Altitude

At heights above 2000 metres you may experience shortness of breath and a rapid heartbeat in response to the lack of oxygen in the air. These symptoms can sometimes deteriorate into altitude sickness or acute mountain sickness (AMS) with resulting headaches, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, insomnia, dizziness and sometimes nausea. If symptoms develop, they will generally disappear after 48–72 hours. 

What do I need to do? 
Try to take things easy, rest and drink plenty of fluids. Do not plan any strenuous excursions or treks until you have acclimatized for a few days. You should avoid alcohol, cigarettes and heavy foods. 

If symptoms become more severe and prolonged, you should quickly seek medical attention and make arrangements to descend to a lower altitude. 

Altitude sickness effects everyone differently and has nothing to do with your general fitness level. If you are really worried about AMS and/or have a history with it, then please speak to your booking agent about putting more rest days into your itinerary. 


 

Money & Tipping Guidelines

Haggling is a way of life in Latin America and is expected in markets and small shops. Please ask your guide for a few tips. Anything from local handicrafts to designer clothing can be bought in Latin America and is generally at a lower cost than your home country (especially in Peru, Bolivia, Guatemala and Ecuador). 

Please beware when returning home (particularly Australia and New Zealand) as some handicrafts are made of wood and may contain seeds that cannot go through customs. 

On many of our itineraries, we try to take customers to markets with locally made products that support the community, rather than the expensive tourist-oriented bazaars. We encourage you to haggle a little over prices. Be aware, however, that a few simple dollars for you could mean feeding a family for the artisan, and many of these people earn the minimum wage of around US$150 per month or less.

 

Tipping Guidelines

A tip in Latin America is generally given to reward good service but is not mandatory. Practices vary between countries and regions. If you feel a tour guide, waiter or host has done a good job then they will greatly appreciate a little something extra. 

We recommend tipping 10 percent of the bill for restaurants and US$5-15 per day for a tour guide. In some places like Brazil, Ecuador and Mexico, a service charge will be added to the bill. However, this generally will not go to the waiting staff.  

If you are taking an expedition cruise, you will be asked to tip the staff and guides. Tips are optional and you will generally be given a suggested tipping amount for the ship staff and for your guide. Some companies accept credit card and you can add tips to your room bill, but many require these to be paid in cash onboard. ATMs in areas such as the Amazon and Galapagos Islands are limited, so we suggest that you take cash with you for any onboard expenses. Generally, USD is the most widely accepted currency.

In most countries you can use your credit/debit card or a travel money card to take out cash. The exchange rates and fees will vary from country to country. If you choose to take cash we would suggest that you either take your local currency and change this when you travel or take USD. This is accepted as tender in many countries, otherwise always easily changeable. Ensure that you have unblemished notes that are free of rips and tears. If you intend to exchange currency, then larger bills will often get you the best rate. 

 

 

Safety

Most Latin American countries now recognise that tourism plays an important part in their economies. Governments have taken great steps in the last few years to change Latin America’s poor security image, as they recognise that tourism is an important economic contributor. 

Here are some helpful tips to help you minimise any security risks:

  • Travel in a group if possible. 
  • Try to learn the basics in Spanish before you arrive in Latin America. Don’t expect most people to speak English.
  • Keep your valuables hidden and watch your pockets, especially around busy tourist areas. We recommend avoiding wearing packs on your back and using a money belt. 
  • Avoid going on your own to remote areas or ruins. 
  • Read guidebooks, blogs and check with your hotel concierge and other tourists to find out which areas are best avoided. 
  • When leaving nightclubs, bars and discos late at night, take a taxi home no matter how close your hotel is. If possible, it is best to call a reputable taxi company, rather than hailing a taxi on the street. 
  • Although assaults are rare, theft can be prevalent. Thieves often operate on long bus trips and on crowded streets and busy public transport and use distraction to their advantage. Be cautious and use common-sense. 
  • Leave your valuables in your hotel safe when making day trips or longer tours. If you plan on going to market areas, crowded streets, fiestas etc. don’t go with all your valuables. Leave them in the hotel. Try to avoid wearing expensive looking jewellery or watches and showing off expensive cameras etc. 
  • When putting your bag down on the floor, to take a photo or just to sit in a café, remember to put your foot through the strap. This is the most common type of theft in Latin America.
  • Scams come in all shapes and sizes so be wise and use common sense when approached by strangers.
     

 

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Argentina

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +54
  • Ambulance: 107
  • Police: 101

 

Climate

Due to the size of Argentina there are great variations in climate, which ranges from subtropical along the north-eastern border with Brazil to sub-polar in the Tierra del Fuego region in the far south. The wet season runs from December to March when it can be uncomfortably hot and humid. In the centre. Buenos Aires has a temperate climate year-round. It can be quite hot and humid in January and February, reaching temperatures of up to 40oC. Further south in Patagonia however, the weather is extremely cold for most of the year, except for the summer months, when most people visit the region. During the winter the region is popular for skiing and snow activities.

 

Money

Argentina use the Argentinian Peso (ARS) and US Dollars (US) are widely used. 

Exchange bureaus (casas de cambio) You are advised not to change money at the Money Changers located at Eziza Airport in Buenos Aires as the exchange rates are very low. Better rates of exchange are given for larger bills (US$50 or 100 and similarly with Euros). US dollars are widely accepted in larger hotels and tourist restaurants, but please note that you will always receive change in pesos, even when you pay with US dollars. 

ATMs (cajeros automaticos) are widespread, but you are advised to carry some cash with you. 
Argentina has an official and a ‘blue’ market rate – you will often get a better rate with cash or card, but this changes depending on the economic situation. As of 2023 the country has some economic issues and cash will give the best exchange rate, however the government has passed legislation to allow foreign card holders to access a favourable exchange rate when withdrawing funds from ATMs. Most ATMs do charge a small fee to withdraw money and the amount that you can take out is often minimal.

Additional spending money

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$40-50 per day.  
This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.

 

Additional Tax

The Argentine Immigration authority has recently stopped stamping passports on entry into Argentina. Please see the Visa & Travel Requirements page on our website to avoid paying additional tax. 
There are additional tourist taxes in Buenos Aires and Bariloche of (approximately $1-3 USD per person per night) as well as in Iguazu (approximately ARS50 or $4 USD per person per stay) which may be charged on checkout from your hotel. These are subject to change in cost at any time. 

Los Glaciares National Park, El Chalten  Fee

The Argentine government have recently introduced a new entrance fee (Oct 2024) of ARS $300,000 Approx. 30 USD (1 day) and ARS $450,000 - Approx $45 USD (2 days). Please note that you will be required to pay this locally if you wish to hike independently or if the fee is not included in the tour we have booked. If you are in doubt about if the entrance fee is included please check with your booking agent.

 

Transportation

Do not pay taxis with high value notes such as 10,000 Pesos. Taxi drivers, especially in Buenos Aires are known for their ‘fake note’ scams where they very quickly switch a high value note with a fake note and tell the passenger it is fake and refuse to accept it. Please be aware of this scam and only pay with low value notes or coins when taking taxis. It is recommended the mobile taxi app ‘Cabify’ in Buenos Aires. Uber is used widely in the city as well. 

 

Flights out of Ushuaia after Antarctica cruise

We advise to book your flights out of Ushuaia after 12 midday if you are disembarking from a cruise.

 

Electrical Outlets 

The power sockets are of type C and I. The standard voltage is 220v and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. 

 

View our range of Argentina itineraries

 

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Bolivia

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +591
  • Ambulance: 118
  • Police: 110

 

Climate

The climate varies significantly across Bolivia depending on altitude and it is often much colder at night. The wet season runs from November to March. In the Salar de Uyuni (salt flats), the weather conditions can be extreme, from hot fierce sun during the day, to freezing temperatures at night. The temperatures typically average 20°C during the day, but during the night can fall to -25°C.

 

Altitude

La Paz sits at 3,640m (11,900ft) and Lake Titicaca at 3,810m (12,500ft). Please consider the effects of altitude if travelling to these areas and monitor for signs of altitude sickness.

 

Money

The local unit of currency is the Boliviano (BOB).  

We recommend that you travel with a supply of US dollar which are widely accepted, as well as small amounts of local currency. Use local currency for small purchases. 

Dollars can be changed in foreign exchange bureaux (casas de cambio), hotels and tourist offices or on the street. Street vendors usually give a better rate but proceed with caution! Please ensure that the US dollar notes you take are crisp, new notes. It is almost impossible to change US dollar bills that have even the slightest tear or marking on them. Banks are supposed to accept them but may discount the exchange rate by 20% for notes that are not in pristine condition.

Additional spending money 

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$25-30 per day.  
This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.


Security

Never leave your bags unattended, even in a hotel foyer. Scams are quite common and there are also increasing numbers of fake police, false tourist police and ‘helpful’ tourists that you need to be wary of. 

If you are approached by what appears to be a plain-clothed police officer, do not show them your passport or any valuables. If taking a taxi, ensure that the taxi is a Radio Cab with the phone number listed on a board above the cab. Uber is available in La Paz and is a safe and reliable method of getting around.  

Social protest in Bolivia is very common with regular demonstrations throughout the country. These are generally peaceful, but protestors will throw stones and rocks if they become agitated. Roadblocks (bloqueos) are common ad can result in long delays. It is best to avoid any such demonstration During transport strikes do not use taxis as they are targets for rocks for not supporting the protest.

 

Electrical Outlets

Power Sockets are type A and C. Most of Bolivia uses 220–330-volt outlets. Be aware that some old buildings in La Paz still use 110-volt outlets. Power sockets are of type C and I. 

 

View our range of Bolivia itineraries
 

 

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Brazil

 

Visa

A tourist e-visa is currently required for Australian, Canadian and United States Passport Holders to enter Brazil. It will take approximately 5 working days for a visa to be processed. It’s recommended to apply at least 2 months prior to travel where possible to ensure the application is processed prior to your entry. This can be done online. Please see our Visa & Travel Requirements page for the latest information on visa requirements for Brazil.
 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +55
  • Ambulance: 192
  • Police: 190

 

Climate

Brazil’s climate varies considerably from tropical in the north to the temperate regions south of the Tropic of Capricorn. Summer is hot, humid and wet in Brazil runs from December to March. The winter months from June to September are cooler, but mild in most regions. The Pantanal and the Amazon have their wet seasons between November and May. 

 

Money

The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).  

ATMs are widely accessible and most accept foreign cards. 

With very few exceptions, bank ATMS do not function between the hours of 10.00pm and 6.00am for security reasons. During this period cash is only available from ATMs in pharmacies, petrol stations, or convenience stores with very high withdrawal fees. The permitted withdrawal amount per card per day is generally R$ 1,000 but this is reduced to R$ 500 after 10.00pm. Foreign currency can be exchanged in foreign exchange offices, banks and hotels. Please note that it can be very difficult to change money on weekends. 

Additional spending money 

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$45-55 per day.  
This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.

Please note that some hotels in Brazil, particularly in Rio de Janeiro, charge a small fee for the use of safety deposit boxes. Please enquire when you check-in to avoid unexpected charges upon check-out.

 

Additional Tax

There are additional tourist taxes in Iguazu Falls (approximately $8.6BRL or $2 USD per person per stay on the Brazilian side) which will be charged on checkout. These are subject to change.

 

Language

The official language in Brazil is Portuguese but it does differ slightly from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal mainly due to pronunciation differences. The number of Brazilians that speak English is very low, even in tourist destinations and airports and there is a general lack of English-speaking staff in service industries throughout Brazil. 

 

Transportation

It is not a legal requirement for vehicles (transfers, taxis, buses) to stop at red lights between the hours of 10.00pm and 6.00am. This is in the interests of passenger safety, so please do not be alarmed. Uber is available in Rio and many other cities in Brazil and is a safe and cost effective way to get around. You can also use taxis, but it is suggested to ask the hotel/restaurant or bar you are at to call one for you, rather than hailing them from the street. 

 

Carnival

During Carnival due to heavy traffic and last-minute road closures there can be delays. We schedule transfers earlier to allow for more travel time during this period. 
 

 

Electrical Outlets

Power Sockets are type N with standard voltage 127-220 and standard frequency 60 Hz, except in Rio de Janeiro, where 110v is most common. However, most hotels have connections for both 110 and 220v


View our range of Brazil itineraries

 

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Chile

 

Easter Island Visa

You must fill in an online Immigration Form and provide additional information prior to visiting Easter Island. Please see our Visa & Travel Requirements page for more information.

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +56
  • Ambulance: 131
  • Police: 133

 

Climate

Chile’s climate varies greatly across the country. The north of Chile has sunny, dry conditions for most of the year with temperatures reaching 35°C and above. The wet season is December to March and is hot and humid. During the winter it can get cold and occasionally snow, particularly in the desert regions and in the South. 
Santiago and the Central Valley have a temperate and moderate climate. The rainy season here is between May and August. Further south in Patagonia the weather is extremely cold for most of the year, except from November to March. Most properties in this region close during the winter months. 
 

Money

The currency in Chile is the Chilean Peso (CLP). Currencies other than the Chilean Peso are not widely accepted across Chile, but most cities have foreign exchange bureaux (casas de cambio) with reasonable rates on Euros and US dollars. Hotel and airport exchange rates tend to be lower. ATMs are widely available, but withdrawal fees vary between banks. The usual fee is 2,500CLP and the maximum withdrawal allowed is 200,000CLP. Please note if you attempt to bribe an official in Chile you are likely to be arrested.

Additional spending money 

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$65-75per day.  This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.

 

Language 

The official language spoken in Chile is Spanish, but the dialect does differ from neighbouring countries due to it being distinctively accented with the use of local slang. Several indigenous languages are spoken in Chile including Mapudungun, Quechua, Aymara, Huilliche and Rapa Nui.

 

Electrical outlets

Power Sockets are type C & L with standard voltage 220 and frequency 50 Hz. 

 

View our range of Chile itineraries

 

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Colombia

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +57
  • Ambulance: 132
  • Police: 112

 

Climate

The temperature in Colombia varies little throughout the year due to Colombia’s proximity to the Equator, but it does vary with altitude. It is cooler in the upland areas and cold in the mountains and snow is not uncommon. Along the coast and in the north, the climate is warm, humid and tropical, with a wet season from May to November. Bogotá and Medellin have a spring-like climate, with cool days and crisp nights. 

 

Money

The unit of currency in Colombia is the Colombian Peso (COP). 

ATMs are widely available in the main cities, but you are advised to only take out money during the day and where possible use the ATMs located inside banks for safety and to avoid potential muggings. Card skimming can be an issue. Most banks charge for overseas ATM withdrawals and the maximum withdrawal amount varies. ATMs often run out of money on weekends. Foreign currency bureaux (casas de cambio) are generally the best places to change money. US Dollars and Euros attract more favourable exchange rates than Pounds Sterling.  

Additional spending money 

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$25-35 per day.  This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.

 

Language

Spanish is the first language of Colombia and spoken by 99% of the population. Most people find the Spanish here clear and easy to understand and it is a great country to take classes in if you are eager to learn. 

 

Transportation

When taking taxis some drivers may be hesitant to use the meter or say they don’t have one. If this is the case, ensure that you negotiate a price before getting in. Please ensure you use a marked legal taxi to avoid an unsafe situation. Uber is available in Colombia, but technically illegal and often more expensive than taking a taxi. 
 

 

Electrical Outlets

Power Sockets are type A & B with standard voltage 110 and standard frequency 60 Hz.

 

View our range of Colombia itineraries

 

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Ecuador

 For travel information on the Galapagos Islands, visit our Galapagos Travel Information page

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +593
  • Ambulance: 131
  • Police: 101

 

Climate

Ecuador has two main seasons: wet and dry. This varies greatly due to factors such as altitude and proximity to the coast. In the highlands, the dry season runs from June until the end of September. In the Amazon basin, it rains during most months, but August and December to March are usually the driest.

 

Altitude

Quito is at 2,850 metres (9,350 feet). Please be mindful of the effects and symptoms of altitude sickness and take it easy on arrival.

 

Language

Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Ecuador. The indigenous population also speaks Quechua.

 

Electrical Outlets 

Power Sockets are type A & B with standard voltage 120 and standard frequency 60 Hz.

 

View our range of Ecuador itineraries

 

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Peru

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +51
  • Ambulance: 117
  • Police: 105

 

Climate 

The weather and climate in Peru varies greatly depending on the region. Along the Pacific coast, including Lima, there is a very temperate climate. In the high Andean climates of the areas around Cusco, Arequipa and Lake Titicaca the climate is colder with rainy summers and dry winters. Iquitos and Puerto Maldanado are in the tropical Amazon basin and are hot and humid year-round. June to September is slightly drier than average, with April being the wettest month. Often during the wet season, the Inca Trail is closed due to flooding and mud slides.

 

Altitude

We highly recommend acclimatizing at altitude before taking strenuous treks or walks. As a guide, Cusco is at 3,400m (11,200ft), and the highest point of the Inca trail is 4,200m (13,800ft) above sea level.

 

Money 

The local currency is the Peruvian Sol (PEN).  

ATMs are abundant in all major cities and most tourist areas. ATMs generally allow you to withdraw cash in either Peruvian Soles or US dollars, which are widely accepted throughout the country. Major currencies can be exchanged at banks, and foreign exchange bureaux (casas de cambio). 

Do not accept torn money when exchanging funds or receiving change. You are advised not to change money on the street as counterfeits are a problem. Debit and credit cards and contactless payments are also widely accepted in most areas of Peru. You will need cash for markets and smaller locally owned shops and businesses. 

Additional spending money 

Prices can vary between countries, cities and regions. We suggest you budget approximately US$25-35 5per day.  This should be used as a rough guide for additional spending money and is based on having moderately priced lunches and dinners, as well as picking up a few souvenirs at local markets. Your actual travel costs will depend on your travel style, tastes and personal budget. Our itineraries will provide breakfast every day (excluding arrival day) and any other meals as stated in your itinerary.

 

Language

Spanish is the official language of Peru but there are many indigenous languages as well including Quechua and Aymara.

 

Transportation 

When taking taxis please ensure they use the metre and are a licensed taxi from a reputable taxi company. If the taxi does not have a metre you should negotiate the fare before starting your ride. Uber is available in many cities and is a safe and cost efficient way to get around. 

Please note that large buses are not allowed into the centre of Cusco which may result in vehicle changes being necessary on your tour. 

 

Electrical Outlets 

Power sockets are type A and C. with standard voltage 220V and standard frequency is 60 Hz.

 

View our range of Peru itineraries

 

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Uruguay

 

Emergency Numbers

  • Country code: +598
  • Ambulance: 105
  • Police: 911

 

Money

The unit of currency in Uruguay is the Uruguayan Peso (UYU). US dollars are commonly accepted in major tourist areas, but the exchange rates can sometimes be low and you are better off paying in pesos. In more rural areas US dollars are of limited use. Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks or at foreign exchange bureaux that are widespread in tourist areas. ATMs are plentiful in cities and tourist regions. 

 

Language

Spanish is the first language of Uruguay with Portunal or Brasilero, a mixture of Portuguese and Spanish being used on the Brazil border. Uruguayan Spanish differs slightly to Spanish in other Latin American countries and has a few modifications due to the high numbers of Italian immigrants. 

 

Electrical Outlets

Power are type C, F, I and L. The standard voltage is 230V sockets and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

 

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