In this South America travel guide, you’ll find an overview of each country as well as tips about border crossings, travel between countries, and exchanging currency as you go. You can click the links to find out more about each country, or scroll down for more general information about travelling in South America.
Sections in this South America Travel Guide
📍 Countries in South America
🌎 Borders & Border Crossings in South America
💰 Money & Currency in South America
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About South America Travel
📍 Countries in South America
South America comprises twelve countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Each country has its own distinct culture, landscapes, and attractions. Here’s a quick rundown of each country:
Argentina
Argentina is known for its diverse landscapes, from the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the glaciers of Patagonia. Buenos Aires is a must-visit, with its colourful La Boca neighbourhood and incredible tango scene. The wine region of Mendoza offers world-class vineyards with the Andes as a backdrop. Head south to El Calafate to see the impressive Perito Moreno Glacier, or visit Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. For nature lovers, Iguazu Falls on the border with Brazil is absolutely spectacular.
🇦🇷 Click here for my full travel guide to Argentina!
Bolivia
Bolivia offers some of South America’s most unique landscapes. The Salar de Uyuni salt flats are unlike anything else on Earth – during rainy season, they create the world’s largest natural mirror. La Paz, the world’s highest capital city, is a mix of modern and traditional life, with the fascinating Witches’ Market and the Death Road nearby for thrill-seekers. Lake Titicaca shares its shores with Peru and offers incredible views and unique cultural experiences on the Islands of the Sun and Moon.
🇧🇴 Click here for my full travel guide to Bolivia!
Brazil
Brazil is massive – it’s practically a continent within a continent. Rio de Janeiro captivates visitors with its beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and vibrant Carnival celebrations. The Amazon Rainforest covers a huge portion of the country, with Manaus serving as the main gateway. The colonial town of Salvador showcases Afro-Brazilian culture, while the mighty Iguazu Falls thunder on the border with Argentina. For wildlife enthusiasts, the Pantanal wetlands offer better viewing opportunities than the Amazon, though both are incredible.
Chile
Chile stretches over 4,000 kilometres from north to south, offering incredible diversity. The Atacama Desert in the north is the driest non-polar desert in the world, with amazing stargazing opportunities. Santiago, the capital, sits in a valley surrounded by the Andes and offers easy access to world-class skiing and wine regions. Patagonia in the south is home to Torres del Paine National Park, one of the most stunning hiking destinations in the world. Don’t miss Easter Island, though it’s quite a journey to get there!
🇨🇱 Click here for my full travel guide to Chile!
Colombia
Colombia has transformed itself into one of South America’s top travel destinations. Cartagena’s walled city is absolutely beautiful, with colonial architecture and Caribbean vibes. Medellín, once notorious for its past, is now known for innovation, art, and eternal spring-like weather. The Coffee Region offers stunning landscapes and the world’s best coffee, while Tayrona National Park combines jungle and Caribbean beaches. Bogotá’s historic La Candelaria district and gold museum are worth at least a few days of exploration.
🇨🇴 Click here for my full travel guide to Colombia!
Ecuador
Despite its small size, Ecuador packs in incredible diversity. The Galápagos Islands are the highlight for many, offering unique wildlife encounters you can’t find anywhere else in the world. Quito’s historic centre is one of the best-preserved colonial cities in South America. The adventure town of Baños offers everything from volcano views to jungle excursions. The small town of Otavalo hosts South America’s largest indigenous market, and the Avenue of the Volcanoes provides amazing hiking opportunities.
Guyana
Often overlooked by tourists, Guyana is a hidden gem for adventure seekers. The capital, Georgetown, showcases unique British colonial architecture and a fascinating mix of Caribbean and South American culture. Kaieteur Falls, the world’s largest single-drop waterfall, plunges 226 metres through pristine rainforest. The interior offers incredible opportunities for wildlife spotting, including jaguars and giant river otters. Unlike its Spanish-speaking neighbours, Guyana’s official language is English, making it particularly accessible for English-speaking travellers.
Paraguay
Paraguay offers an authentic South American experience away from the usual tourist trail. The capital, Asunción, blends colonial architecture with modern life and provides fascinating insights into the country’s history. The Jesuit Ruins of Trinidad and Jesús showcase the country’s colonial past and are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Chaco region, making up almost 60% of Paraguay, is one of South America’s great wilderness areas, home to unique wildlife and indigenous communities.
Peru
Peru is home to some of South America’s most iconic sites. Machu Picchu steals the show, and rightly so – this ancient Incan city is absolutely incredible, especially at sunrise. Cusco serves as the gateway to the Sacred Valley and is worth several days of exploration itself. Lima has transformed into one of South America’s culinary capitals, while Arequipa offers colonial architecture with volcanic views. The Amazon covers almost half the country, with Iquitos being the world’s largest city unreachable by road. Don’t miss Huacachina’s desert oasis or the mysterious Nazca Lines.
🇵🇪 Click here for my full travel guide to Peru!
Suriname
Suriname is South America’s smallest country but offers an incredibly diverse cultural experience. The capital, Paramaribo, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved Dutch colonial architecture. The interior is largely untouched rainforest, accessible via river trips that offer glimpses into the lives of Maroon communities, descendants of escaped enslaved people who maintain unique African-derived cultures. The official language is Dutch, but you’ll hear many other languages including Sranan Tongo, Javanese, and various indigenous languages.
Uruguay
Uruguay might be small, but it packs a punch. The capital, Montevideo, offers a relaxed atmosphere with beautiful beaches, historic architecture, and excellent meat markets. The colonial town of Colonia del Sacramento is picture-perfect and easily accessible as a day trip from Buenos Aires. Punta del Este transforms from a quiet beach town into South America’s premier beach resort during summer (December-February). The hot springs region in the north offers a unique relaxation experience, while the coastal town of Cabo Polonio, with its shifting sand dunes and sea lion colonies, provides an off-grid adventure.
Venezuela
Venezuela is home to some of South America’s most spectacular landscapes. Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall, cascades 979 metres through dense jungle. The table-top mountains known as tepuis in the Gran Sabana region inspired Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Lost World”. Los Roques archipelago offers Caribbean paradise with pristine beaches and excellent snorkeling. Despite current challenges, the country’s natural beauty remains unmatched, from the Andes Mountains in the west to the Orinoco Delta in the east.
🌎 Borders and Border Crossings in South America
General Border Crossing Tips
Crossing borders in South America requires patience and preparation. Some general tips before we get into specific borders:
- Always have copies of your passport and any visas – some borders require them
- Carry small bills in USD and local currency for entry/exit fees
- Try to cross borders early in the morning when possible
- Watch out for unofficial money changers at borders – their rates are usually terrible and scams are common
- Keep your entrance stamps safe – you’ll need them to leave the country
- If you’re driving, make sure your rental contract allows cross-border travel
- Don’t cross borders at night – most aren’t open 24/7 anyway
Peru-Bolivia Border (Lake Titicaca)
The most common crossing between Peru and Bolivia is at Copacabana via Lake Titicaca. This is generally a straightforward crossing, and you can even do it as part of an organized tour. Remember to get your exit stamp from Peru before getting on any transport to Bolivia – some people forget and have to come back! The border staff here are used to tourists and the process is usually efficient.
Chile-Peru Border (Tacna-Arica)
This is a busy border crossing between Tacna (Peru) and Arica (Chile). Chile has strict agricultural controls – they won’t let you bring in any fresh fruit, vegetables, or animal products. They take this really seriously and will scan all your bags. The process can take a while, but it’s generally well-organized. There are regular buses between both cities.
Argentina-Chile Border (Multiple Crossings)
There are several crossings between Argentina and Chile along the Andes. The most popular is between Santiago and Mendoza. These crossings can close during winter due to snow, so always check conditions before travelling. The scenery is absolutely stunning, but the crossing can be slow – pack snacks and be prepared to wait.
Brazil-Argentina Border (Iguazu Falls)
This is one of the easier crossings in South America, as both sides are used to tourists visiting the falls. You can even walk across the border in Puerto Iguazu. Buses run regularly between the Brazilian and Argentine sides of the falls. Just remember that Brazil requires many nationalities to have a visa – check requirements before you travel.
Colombia-Ecuador Border
The main crossing at Rumichaca is generally straightforward but can get busy. There are regular buses from Ipiales (Colombia) to Tulcán (Ecuador). Don’t cross this border at night – wait for morning if you arrive late. Some nationalities need to show proof of onward travel when entering Ecuador.
Brazil-Bolivia Border
The most common crossing is between Corumbá (Brazil) and Puerto Quijarro (Bolivia). This crossing can be a bit chaotic, and you might encounter unofficial “helpers” offering to speed up the process – it’s best to politely decline and do things yourself. The Death Train runs this route if you’re feeling adventurous!
Ecuador-Peru Border
The main crossing at Huaquillas can be chaotic. Take a direct bus if possible rather than crossing on foot – it’s much easier. Make sure you get stamps from both countries (they’re in different buildings). Watch out for money changers here offering bad rates.
Venezuela’s Borders
Due to current conditions, border crossings involving Venezuela can be complicated. If you’re planning to cross any Venezuelan border, check current conditions carefully and get recent reports from other travellers.
Brazil’s Remote Borders
Brazil shares borders with ten countries, but many crossings are in remote Amazon regions. Stick to major crossings unless you have a specific reason to use smaller ones. The infrastructure at remote crossings can be minimal.
Land Border Closures
Remember that border situations can change quickly. During the past few years, we’ve seen how quickly borders can close due to various situations. Always check current conditions before planning cross-border travel.
💰 Money & Currencies in South America
🇦🇷 Argentina
The Argentine Peso (ARS) has a complex exchange rate system. There’s an official rate and a “blue rate” that’s often more favourable for tourists. Many businesses prefer cash, especially USD. It’s worth researching current economic conditions before visiting, as things can change rapidly.
🇧🇷 Brazil
Brazil uses the Brazilian Real (BRL). ATMs are widely available in cities but can be scarce in rural areas. Many places accept credit cards, but always carry some cash, especially for local markets and smaller towns.
🇧🇴 Bolivia
Bolivia uses the Boliviano (BOB). ATMs are available in major cities but can be unreliable – it’s worth having backup cards from different banks. The BNB (Banco Nacional de Bolivia) ATMs typically offer the best rates and are most reliable. Many places are cash-only, especially outside major cities. Larger notes (100 or 200 bolivianos) can be difficult to break, so try to keep smaller bills handy. Some tourist places accept US dollars, but the exchange rate is usually poor.
🇨🇱 Chile
Chile uses the Chilean Peso (CLP). You’ll find that Chile is one of the most card-friendly countries in South America – even small shops often accept cards, and contactless payment is widespread. ATMs are readily available in cities and towns, though they often charge high fees (around $5-8 per withdrawal). If you’re heading to remote areas like Patagonia, take enough cash as ATMs can be scarce. The RedBanc ATMs typically offer the best rates and lowest fees.
🇨🇴 Colombia
Colombia uses the Colombian Peso (COP). Card acceptance is growing, especially in cities like Medellín and Bogotá, but cash is still king in many places. Bancolombia ATMs generally offer the most reliable service and reasonable fees. Be prepared for the large numbers – even small purchases involve thousands of pesos! Avoid changing money on the street, especially in border areas. Many tourist-oriented businesses will accept US dollars, but you’ll get better rates using pesos.
🇪🇨 Ecuador
Ecuador uses the US Dollar (USD) as its official currency, which makes things really easy for US travellers. However, you’ll need lots of small bills – anything larger than a $20 can be hard to break, especially in smaller towns and local markets. You’ll often receive change in US coins, which are minted specifically for Ecuador and can’t be used outside the country. When using ATMs, stick to banks like Banco Pichincha or Banco Guayaquil for the lowest fees.
🇵🇪 Peru
Peru uses the Peruvian Sol (PEN). While some tourist-oriented businesses accept US dollars, you’ll get much better rates using soles. ATMs are widespread in cities but can charge high fees – BCP (Banco de Crédito) usually offers the best rates. In Cusco and Machu Picchu, many places accept cards, but you’ll need cash for local markets, taxis, and smaller restaurants. Be careful with fake notes, especially with 100 and 200 sol bills – stick to getting cash from bank ATMs rather than money changers.
🙋🏻♀️ Frequently Asked Questions About South America Travel
Which South American country is safest for tourists?
Chile and Uruguay are generally considered the safest countries in South America, followed by Argentina. However, most major tourist destinations throughout the continent have well-established tourist infrastructure and are generally safe if you take normal precautions.
How long should I spend in South America?
For just one or two countries, plan at least 2-3 weeks. To explore multiple countries properly, you’ll need at least 3-4 months. Many travellers spend 6 months to a year exploring the continent, and still don’t see everything! The distances are vast, and there’s so much to experience in each country.
Which is the best country to visit in South America?
This really depends on what you’re looking for! Peru is fantastic if you’re interested in ancient civilisations and incredible landscapes – you’ve got Machu Picchu, the Sacred Valley, and amazing food in Lima. Brazil is perfect if you want a mix of everything: vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and the Amazon rainforest. Argentina works well for first-time visitors with its excellent tourist infrastructure and diverse attractions from Patagonia to Iguazu Falls.
For a shorter trip, Ecuador packs incredible diversity into a small area – you can visit the Amazon, Andes, and Galápagos Islands without spending too much time travelling between places.
What is the safest country in South America for tourists?
Chile and Uruguay are generally considered the safest countries in South America, followed by Argentina. These countries have lower crime rates, better infrastructure, and well-established tourist routes. However, most major tourist destinations throughout the continent have good tourist infrastructure and are generally safe if you take normal precautions.
That said, safety isn’t just about the country – it’s about how you travel. Stick to well-travelled areas, especially at first, keep valuables secure, and listen to local advice about which areas to avoid.
What is the best month to go to South America?
The best time varies by region because South America is so vast. Generally speaking, December to March is high season for most of the continent, offering warm weather and less rain. However, this is also peak summer in places like Patagonia, where prices soar and accommodation books up months in advance.
For Machu Picchu and the Andes, May to October is the dry season with the best hiking conditions. The Amazon is wet year-round, but July to September usually sees slightly less rain. For Brazil’s beaches and Rio Carnival, February to March is perfect but busy.
If you’re visiting multiple countries, October-November (spring) or March-April (autumn) can be good compromises, offering decent weather in most regions and lower tourist numbers.
Is South America cheap to travel around?
The cost varies significantly by country and how you travel. Bolivia, Ecuador, and Colombia tend to be the most affordable, while Brazil, Chile, and Argentina (depending on the economic situation) can be more expensive.
For budget planning:
- Budget travel (hostels, local transport, cooking some meals): £30-40 per day
- Mid-range (private rooms, some tours, eating out): £50-80 per day
- Comfortable travel (nice hotels, regular tours, all meals out): £100+ per day
Some tips for keeping costs down:
- Long-distance night buses can save on accommodation
- Local markets are great for cheap, delicious food
- Many hostels have kitchens where you can cook
- Popular tourist sites often have hefty entrance fees – budget for these in advance
How long should I spend in South America?
Plan at least 2-3 weeks per country, or if you have the luxury of time, a month or more. To explore multiple countries, you’ll need several months if possible. I spent three months in several countries in South America and there’s still so so much that I didn’t see!