South America Travel Guide
Those planning a trip to South America are likely to be expecting a hot, rowdy continent. While this is true in certain areas, you should avoid common stereotypes and cliches and take sensible precautions, such as visiting during off-peak hours. In general, you should not expect much in terms of safety, and be sure to take your time.
Colombia
With beautiful scenery, ancient ruins, and piping hot coffee, Colombia in South America is a must-see travel destination. The country has a diverse range of attractions, from Bogota’s tangled streets and looming coffee plantations to the enchanting city of Cartagena, a cosmopolitan seaside town with a tumbling cobblestone plaza.
Colombia in South America has a tropical climate, but the Andes mountains separate the country into two regions, each with a distinct climate. You’ll experience tropical rainforests, savannas, grasslands, and deserts – all within the same country. Make sure to plan your Colombia travel around the weather to make the most of your trip.
You should be aware of the risk of malaria in Colombia. While there are no specific cases of malaria in Colombia, it is still possible to contract the disease. To protect yourself, you should avoid taking any valuable items with you and avoid traveling alone, especially at night. Instead, join a tour that is led by a reputable company. Having a valid UK driving license will allow you to drive, but you must apply for a local driving license if you intend to live in the country for a prolonged period of time.
Ecuador
If you’re planning a vacation to South America, consider taking a trip to Ecuador. It is one of the most volcanically active countries on the planet, with highlands studded with snow-capped cones and a broad central valley. In fact, Alexander von Humboldt famously called this valley the “avenue of the volcanoes.” Though many of the country’s 55 volcanoes have been inactive for many years, eight of them remain active. It is not uncommon for locals to experience small tremors and puffs of ash during a volcanic eruption.
When traveling to Ecuador, tourists should monitor local media for information on natural disasters. The National Geophysical Institute (IGEPN) and the National Service for Risk and Emergency Management (Snergy) are the two organizations that can provide useful information during emergencies. In addition to checking the news, travelers should stay alert and take extra care in the country’s high mountain areas and along the coast.
While Ecuador is considered one of the safest countries in South America, certain areas of the country are risky due to violent criminal activity and drug trafficking. For these reasons, it is advised to stay away from areas near the Colombian border. However, if you do plan to travel to Ecuador, it is best to keep your money in your money belt. Ecuador is also home to some fascinating museums and landmarks, such as the Pumapungo Museum and the Museo de Culturas Aborigines. You can also explore local markets and shops where you can buy a souvenir.
Paraguay
When you are planning a vacation to Paraguay, you should be aware that the climate in the country can vary greatly depending on the season. The summers are hot, and you should pack light clothes and sunscreen. The winters are not too cold, but you may want to bring extra layers if you’re planning on spending time in the mountains.
The landscape in Paraguay is also very diverse. For instance, eastern Paraguay is a mix of dense forests and sweeping savannahs, with a few sleepy colonial towns sprinkled throughout the countryside. In contrast, the southeast is filled with sprawling Jesuit missions and yerba mate plantations. Moreover, the northern part of the country is covered in rainforests, and it is home to Chaco, one of South America’s greatest wilderness areas. It is also home to many indigenous groups, including the German-speaking Russian Mennonites.
If you’re planning to travel to Paraguay, you should be aware that it is part of South America’s Tornado Corridor, the second-most prone area to tornadoes in the world. If you suspect a tornado, look for a greenish-yellow cast in the sky and a loud rumbling like a freight train. The country also has decent medical facilities, but if you’re sick or injured, you may want to seek out a local hospital or contact a travel agency.
Peru
The country of Peru is located in South America. There are two main ways to travel to Peru: by air and by land. In both cases, you will need to obtain a Peruvian entry stamp. A UK citizen must obtain an entry stamp before traveling to Peru. For overland travel, you should check with your airline for details.
Peru offers an abundance of outdoor activities. From hiking in ancient trails to whitewater rafting, from dune-buggy rides to paragliding, the country has something for everyone. This travel guide will provide you with practical advice and ideas for activities in Peru. If you are planning to travel with children or another companion, you can find information about child safety and other tips for traveling with children.
The country is a popular travel destination. It offers a diverse landscape from the Pacific Ocean beaches to the Andes Mountains, rainforests, and deserts. For those interested in the history of the country, Peru is home to many archaeological sites and Inca temples. You can even make your pilgrimage to the famous Machu Picchu. Traveling to Peru will allow you to experience the country’s rich culture, cuisine, and natural beauty.
Bolivia
Travel to Bolivia in South America for an unforgettable experience. Known for its extreme landscape, this remote country is the rugged and raw response to the shiny metropolises and tourist trails of the rest of South America. It offers glimpses of another world that once enchanted explorers and chiefs of ancient empires. Experience the Amazon rainforest, where you’ll find anacondas, capybaras, and caimans.
The capital city of La Paz is easily accessible by cable car, which offers spectacular views of the city. The cable car also offers excellent value for money, as one trip costs only 3 bolivianos (about $0.50 USD)! If you’d like to see some wildlife while you’re in the area, you can visit Rurrenabaque, the most accessible place to experience the Amazon basin in South America.
Buses are another option to get around Bolivia. While they’re not the most comfortable or convenient option, they’re the least expensive option. Besides, they travel overnight, saving money on accommodation. Plus, you wake up in a new city!
Amazon Rainforest
The Amazon Rainforest is a tropical wonderland that covers much of northwestern Brazil, Colombia, and Peru. It is the largest rainforest in the world and has incredible biodiversity. The rainforest is crisscrossed by thousands of rivers, including the famous Amazon river. You can visit historic river towns, such as Manaus, Brazil, and Iquitos, Peru.
Deforestation is a major threat to the Amazon rainforest. Deforestation caused by human activities prompted the clearing of large areas of the rainforest for grazing pastures, farmland, and lumber. In 1970, the Amazon rainforest covered about 1,583,000 square miles. However, by 2016, only a fraction of that area was covered by forest.
Scientists are concerned about the health of the rainforest. It is becoming more fragile, and their research suggests that the Amazon maybe even closer to its tipping point than previously thought. According to a recent study by Carlos Nobre and Thomas Lovejoy, as much as 20 percent of the rainforest may be lost in the next century.
Peruvian Amazon
This Peruvian Amazon travel guide contains information about the flora and fauna of this region. It also gives an insight into the region’s gastronomy, culture, and traditions. The people of the Amazon region are hospitable and proud of their heritage. They will be happy to share their culture and gastronomy with you. A great example of a local dish is the June, which is similar to a tamale but is wrapped in banana leaves.
There are many different ways to experience the Amazon rainforest. The most popular way to see the rainforest is on foot, though there are also other ways to see wildlife. While walking through the jungle is popular, you should be aware that it is not a leisurely stroll! You will be up close and personal with wildlife at dawn and dusk.
If you want to learn about the diversity of Peruvian wildlife, head to the Tambopata Research Center, which is located in an isolated area and celebrated for its wildlife. Another popular place is the Heath River Wildlife Center, east of Puerto Maldonado. Both of these places are ideal places to observe the flora and fauna of Peru’s Amazon.
Ecuadorian Amazon
The Ecuadorian Amazon has amazing biodiversity, and you’re sure to find plenty of things to see in this untouched area. This rain forest is home to more than 1,400 animal species, including more than 200 species of mammals, 121 reptiles, and 600 species of birds. The region is also home to 70,000 different types of insects and more than 1,000 species of trees. There’s no other country that offers as diverse diversity of wildlife as Ecuador does.
You’ll have to plan your trip carefully. While you’ll be traveling through the rainforest, remember that it’s a wet area, so rain is likely to be a constant threat. The rainforest receives rain year-round but is wettest from December to May. This means that, on average, it rains at least once per day.
The Amazon is a highly-protected environment, and Ecuador protects its rainforest through strict laws. Cutting down trees and other forestation is banned in the rainforest. However, tourism to Ecuador’s rainforests helps provide the government with income.
