Machu Picchu, Salar de Uyuni, Ushuaia and Torres del Paine are just some of the numerous must-see destinations in South America but, in order to travel serenely in South America, it is better to be well informed and know the main pitfalls to avoid.
Anyone who has traveled to South America knows that informal commerce is everywhere. And tourism is no exception! Cheaper transport here, a reduced price ticket there, informal tourism is easy to identify but nonetheless very tempting for its competitive prices. The problem isn't just losing money or being cheated, a lot of these services actually do exist and operate but they don't offer any security. The risk then is traveling relying only on luck! We suggest using a regulated agency to avoid unpleasant situations.
In South America, the official language is Spanish (and Portuguese in Brazil). Most people have only a vague notion of English and the farer from big cities you are, the less English you’ll be able to speak. For sure, you will be able to cope on your own when it comes to the daily routine, however, when it comes to solving problems or trying to negotiate, it is recommended that you have the support of someone who understands and speaks the language well. Also, you should know that in many areas dialects are still very common, not to mention that there may still be people willing to use "misunderstandings" to trick you. Therefore, going along with a qualified guide is the best solution!
Imagine being in a remote location and the driver is not arriving to take you to the airport at the appointed time. In order to avoid this kind of stressful situation, your entire route should be planned with the right times and deadlines. Relying on a specialized agency will make your trip easy and serene.
How should I dress? Is lunch included? How much money should I take? Are tickets included? Will I be walking a lot? Are we going to get wet? Should I bring water? etc. It is common to find agencies that will tell you whatever you want to hear just to sell their product. Don't fall into this trap! You could realize too late that this adventure was not made for you, and would not only jeopardize your experience but also your physical safety. South America has a very diverse climate, with a geography that allows tours for all types of physical and comfort conditions. Remember the importance of having an expert to guide you in discovering your traveler profile and ensure that you are well-informed on a daily basis.
One of the precautions to take when traveling through South America concerns the circulation of counterfeit banknotes in the streets. Unfortunately tourists are the first victims of this traffic, but don’t worry, you can prevent it! The ideal is to carry as many exchanged banknotes as possible and preferably low-denominations as these are less likely to be counterfeit. Another tip is to always make deals with established exchange houses and avoid street vendors or unreliable stores.
It is undoubtedly a major problem across the continent. South American taxi drivers always generate a bit of suspicion, especially when you know absolutely nothing about the destination. Beware as there are many fake taxis on the streets, usually unmarked (no phones, stickers, and other signs). To avoid scams, award the fare before getting on or check that they have a working taximeter and a GPS. Also, make sure you receive a receipt for your ride. When arriving at the airport, the best solution is to deal with reliable transport companies who usually have a well-signposted sales counter. Even though it's a bit more expensive, it's worth taking no chances.
These are some precautions to take on a trip through South America but keep in mind that tourists from all over the world should always be careful to avoid bad surprises and unpleasant moments during the tour. Otherwise, South America is a wonderful destination! Just pay attention to certain details and your trip will be unforgettable. Eventually, we reinforce the importance of designing your travel package with a specialized agency that offers support and security during your trip and thus avoids any problem.
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We hope we have been helpful today!
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