Best Honeymoon Destinations in South America
1. Premier Locations for a Romantic Getaway
Best Honeymoon Destination: Buenos Aires, Argentina is often called the “Paris of South America” because it has a mix of European vibes and fiery Latin charm. It’s a lively city that’s perfect for a romantic getaway, where you can experience a blend of old-school elegance and modern allure. Stroll along the charming cobblestone streets that light up with the warm glow of the city’s cafes and tango bars. And don’t forget to check out the beautiful Argentine cathedrals for a glimpse into the city’s captivating and romantic past.
Lastly, make sure to immerse yourself in the captivating atmosphere of an authentic Argentine tango performance. It’s a great option for couples looking to combine their honeymoon with a wedding, thanks to Argentina’s unique seasons that make it easy to travel between the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. Who could resist the temptation of having not one, but two unforgettable weddings surrounded by such grandeur?
Rio de Janeiro, located in Brazil, is a highly regarded destination for newlyweds seeking a honeymoon experience. The city offers an array of captivating activities, such as enjoying the serene ambiance of Copacabana beach, admiring the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, and immersing oneself in the vibrant samba clubs. Additionally, each hotel in Rio caters to the needs of couples, providing them with unique amenities aimed at enhancing their stay.
Furthermore, the hospitable nature of the Brazilian people contributes to the overall pleasant atmosphere, enabling visitors to engage in conversations and gain insights into the fascinating culture of the country. For those seeking further diversity, a day trip could entail exhilarating hang gliding over the city, venturing a few hours away to the Amazon, or even exploring the neighboring city of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Furthermore, an opportune time to visit would be just before lent, as Rio hosts the renowned carnival, the largest in the world. This festive event would undoubtedly infuse the Brazil honeymoon with a touch of romance and celebration that will be cherished for years to come.
1.1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Rio’s image as a fun and exotic destination makes it a nearly perfect place for a honeymoon. The beaches and rainforests in and around the city are among the most beautiful in the world, and the views from the famous Sugar Loaf Mountain take the beauty of nature to new heights. Visitors can meet the sunrise at the summit of Corcovado Mountain and see the legendary statue of Christ the Redeemer.
For those interested in a more laid back day in the sun, Rio has many beaches, but the most well known is Ipanema.
The beach is often times more like a fashion show than a place to swim and tan, and is famous for the song “The Girl from Ipanema”. In addition, Rio has some of the best and liveliest nightlife in the world. Any night of the week you can take in the sounds of samba or bossa nova in the streets and bars. During carnival season, the entire city becomes one giant party. With all it has to offer it’s no wonder that Rio de Janeiro is one of the most visited cities in the southern hemisphere.
1.2. Buenos Aires, Argentina
There’s an active nightlife and music scene throughout the city. One of the top places to go is Taconeando, a top-rate tango house. For opera and classical music lovers, the belle epoque Teatro Colon has excellent shows. It is a good idea to go to the El Ateneo Grand Splendid, ranked the second most beautiful bookshop in the world by the UK’s Guardian newspaper, to take in a show of a different kind – a maestro might be tinkling a Steinway piano at the centre of the magnificent interior. On the shopping front, there are a number of boutiques and markets.
Paseo Alcorta and Patio Bullrich are upscale shopping centres, with a mix of Argentine and international labels, while the streets of Palermo Soho are lined with trendy boutiques and top restaurants, perfect for a break to people-watch. For antiques, San Telmo is the place to peruse. A Sunday stroll to the Feria de Mataderos is possibly the best cultural fair in the city. You can experience folk music, buy handicrafts and even watch gauchos participating in their traditional skills of horsemanship and animal husbandry. At night, you can try a peña, a bohemian-style venue, to catch a traditional music and dance show.
Buenos Aires is a city that radiates romantic ambiance. From historic architecture to scenic gardens, there are a number of activities ideal for honeymooners. Take a romantic walk around Puerto Madero, a refurbished dockside district full of high-end restaurants and chic bridge-side cafes. There’s also a choice of plazas to relax in. Plaza Dorrego in San Telmo is a hub of activity, with tango shows and a bustling antiques and crafts market at the weekends. Plaza Intendente Alvear, also known as Plaza Francia, is popular with young couples.
It is located next to the Recoleta Cultural Centre and surrounded by beautiful French architecture. The famous Recoleta Cemetery is a very intriguing place to visit during the day, though perhaps not to everyone’s taste. Runtime: 19:35 mins
1.3. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, the world-known ruins in Peru, is one of the top destinations for honeymooners. Machu Picchu is all about romance and adventure with magnificent scenery at every turn. Stand at the Sun Gate where the Incans stood when the Spaniards arrived and witness a view that will never be forgotten. Walk the narrow and winding trail of the Inca Trail, which ends at the forgotten city of Machu Picchu, and hike the peak of Huayna Picchu for a view from a different angle.
Stay in the luxurious Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge located right at the entrance to Machu Picchu for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. With views of the ruins from your room, a Jacuzzi to relax, and rose petal and candlelit dinner service provided upon request for an intimate experience, there is no place in the world like Sanctuary Lodge.
Another unique dining experience is the tea time at the old Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel. Served fresh from the hotel’s own orchid, guests can enjoy coca tea, coffee, or wine while they relax in the Tampu great house. With so much history around, every minute in Machu Picchu feels like a journey back in time, and that is something that honeymooners will never forget.
Founded in 1539, Cusco is a beautiful city with a blend of Incan and Spanish culture. With historical churches and museums, San Blas (the artist’s quarter), and the awesome Plaza de Armas, there is no shortage of things to do. Money can be tight during and after planning a wedding, and in that respect, Cusco is perfect. As it is the hub of tourism in Peru, almost everything is noticeably cheaper than in Lima or the US, with the exception of a few things.
Fine dining is also available at a realistic price, with a great choice of international cuisine and fusion, as well as traditional Peruvian food. Try a restaurant with a view over the city and relax with great food in a comfortable climate. With all these factors combined, Machu Picchu and Cusco make for a perfect honeymoon destination.
1.4. Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena is a beautiful city which will leave you spoiled for choice on what to do or see – but with its perfectly preserved colonial architecture, historic attractions, and nearby Caribbean beach resorts. Secluded on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, Cartagena is the perfect place to hide away from the world and celebrate your new love. A sunset stroll along the city’s centuries-old stone walls is the perfect way to kick off a romantic evening.
Afterward, head to a cozy cafe in the old town for exquisite Colombian cuisine or perhaps a candlelit dinner at one of Cartagena’s many fine restaurants. And don’t forget to sample the local version of Spain’s classic rice dish at a charming restaurant in the Getsemaní neighborhood, a very colorful place with a simply spectacular life and fun atmosphere. Along with a vibrant nightlife and various romantic settings. With its warm, sultry Caribbean climate and amenable exchange rate, culinary treats, and historical old town, you may never want to leave!
Having thought seriously about never leaving, a visit to a Spanish language school will enable you to extend your stay forever and call Cartagena home. This city is Caribbean paradise with a dash of sensuality and an incredibly rich history. The country and its Caribbean coast are safer than they have been in years and there is so much to do and see around the city that it makes Cartagena a perfect location for an extended stay.
1.5. Patagonia, Chile
Patagonia is not the most accessible location in the world. The southern Andes are surrounded by lush forests, lakes and rivers to the east and a large expanse of desolate pampas to the west. But if you have the time and money, Patagonia is an extremely romantic location for honeymooners looking for adventure.
Patagonia is the ultimate destination for all nature-lovers and adventurers. The scenic landscape is an ideal spot for hiking across the mountains and glacial fields. There are tours available for horseback riding, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. If you are looking for a more relaxed way to spend your honeymoon, Patagonia is also a great place to sit back and take in the sights. A stay at the world-class hotel, Explora Patagonia, is an experience within itself. The hotel offers stunning views of the surroundings and will aid in finding activities suited to your degree of adventurism. No matter what you choose to do while in Patagonia, you will be sure to have an exciting and unforgettable experience.
2. Romantic Activities
Beach Hopping in Brazil: The most obvious amorous spot in South America’s largest nation is the beach, where glistening sands and a backdrop of samba beats provide the perfect setting for stealing a kiss or two.
The most famous stretches of coast are in Rio, with Ipanema and Copacabana the two beaches most synonymous with the city itself. The former is where the beautiful people hang out, so if you and your partner have been hitting the gym hard for the honeymoon, this is the place to show off the results. Copacabana is more down to earth and less touristy, making it a better spot to mix with locals and soak up the culture (there are free, open air samba shows down at the Forte de Copacabana on weekend afternoons from about 6.30pm).
Away from Rio, there are countless horseshoes of sand with swaying palm trees up and down the coast of Brazil, from the exclusive resorts frequented by the rich and famous in Florianopolis, to the spiritual island of Itaparica in Bahia, to the pretty and pristine Praia do Espelho in the southern part of the state of Bahia. But the possibilities of beach locations in Brazil are endless – in a country with 4,500 miles of coastline, you’re truly spoilt for choice.
Tango Lessons in Argentina: The ultimate in passionate dances, tango is something that has to be experienced for its romantic qualities alone. Why not get to grips with it in style and take a course while visiting Buenos Aires with your partner? An excellent way to signal your intent is to source out the classes performed in the milongas before actually attempting to crank out a few moves – watching the passion and sensuality of the older couples still twirling and gliding is an inspiration in itself.
Any porteño worth his or her salt will tell you that you can do worse than to start at Confitería Ideal, on Suipacha, a languishing time-warp of a building with high, frescoed ceilings and a worn wooden floor worn smooth from use. Lessons run everyday and are for all abilities. A three hour private course here would cost around 60 pesos.
2.1. Beach Hopping in Brazil
Beach Hopping: Brazil boasts over 2000 beaches, so it may be a hard decision to find the ideal location for your honeymoon. The most famous and exclusive coastal destination is Buzios, a small peninsula jutting out from the coastline of Rio de Janeiro. The former fishing village has over 20 beaches, often empty during the week, which makes for a romantic setting for a picnic lunch. Those looking for a more secluded Brazilian beach could try the beach of Lopes Mendes, on the Ilha Grande.
Although this island is becoming more popular with tourists, its lack of vehicle traffic and miles of pristine coastline can create the feeling of being on a desert island with your loved one. To experience Brazil’s famous beach culture, a visit to Ipanema beach is a must. The lively beach scene and bustling nightlife could make for an exciting honeymoon, especially during carnival, and this will be a great way for newlyweds to meet and interact with other couples and travelers.
2.2. Tango Lessons in Argentina
Tango, a dance known for its subtle sophistication and display of romanticism, is the ideal way to begin a marriage. Honeymooners can take a four-day tango immersion course at The Argentina Independent, a cultural newspaper. The course is taught by professional dancers and is an introduction to tango’s essential movements, designed for both couples and individuals.
Classes are held Monday through Thursday from 7pm until 9pm, leaving plenty of time to enjoy the sights and sounds of Buenos Aires. All Aboard Travel offers a two-hour group tango class with instruction in English, followed by a dinner tango show at El Querandi. Participants will learn the basico, ocho cortado, and gancho, and will gain a meaningful insight into the world of tango. For a full immersion, try renting an apartment in Buenos Aires with a kitchen and exploring local markets.
By playing “House” in a foreign country, couples will learn about themselves and each other, which is what a honeymoon is all about. And finally, for a complete getaway, couples can take an intensive Spanish course with Rock Spanish and learn tango Spanish terms with a qualified Spanish teacher and tango dancer.
2.3. Hiking the Inca Trail in Peru
The Inca Trail is situated in the Andes mountain range and is Peru’s claim to fame among the best honeymoon destinations. It is not just a hike, but a physical, mental and spiritual journey. What makes the Inca Trail lasting hiking the Inca Trail in Peru experience is arriving by foot to Machu Picchu after several days of uphill and downhill trekking, through splendid landscapes, the cloud forest and amazing Inca paving stones.
When you finally arrive to the Sun Gate on the final day and have your first glimpse of the magnificent Machu Picchu below, it will all seem worth it. The feeling of accomplishment mixed with the beauty of the site and the surrounding mountain landscapes will bring a sense of peacefulness and relaxation to your soul.
You can’t help but feel touched by the magic of the Incas on this truly amazing Peruvian tour. Most people would agree, taking a trek before coming would be the best way travel to the ruins, this would allow an understanding of the Inca empire and the various ruins along the way.
The 4-day hike is 45 kilometers long and is done over 3 days of hiking when the final day has tourists arriving at Machu Picchu at daybreak. When you consider trekking on the Inca Trail you must remember that only 500 permits are given each day with 300 of those going to trekking staff (i.e. guides, cooks etc). This means only 200 tourists are able to hike the trail and permits often sell out very far in advance so it’s best to plan in advance.
2.4. Exploring the Walled City in Cartagena
Nested in the heritage listed city of Cartagena, which looks today almost exactly as it did during the colonial period when pirates used to attack the city to steal its treasures, wandering through the incredibly preserved colonial architecture amongst its maze of cobbled alleys, balconies covered in bougainvillea, massive churches, and plazas in the hot Caribbean sun, it is not hard to imagine that the city is the most romantic in the continent.
The best way to see Cartagena is on foot and just wandering aimlessly hand in hand with your loved one until you get lost and stumble across an outdoor cafe to share a limonada de coco (a traditional drink of lime juice, fresh coconut, and water blended with ice and sugar). After that, aim to find a lookout over the city before the sun sets and later meander towards the Plaza Santo Domingo and enjoy a romantic meal while being serenaded by local musicians.
South America really is a paradise for those seeking a second honeymoon. With its variety of romantic activities, there is something for everyone and every type of couple. So don’t spend your hard-earned annual leave sitting around listening to the neighbor mowing the lawns, get online and book a trip to one of the world’s most diverse and colorful continents, the memories will last a lifetime!
2.5. Cruising the Fjords in Patagonia
This romantic experience is perfect for nature lovers who should be sure to pack plenty of film for the astonishing views. Both the Chilean and Argentine sides offer access to the fjords. Most people do so by cruise ship from Puerto Montt to Puerto Natales (or vice-versa). One gets to see untouched rainforests, outstanding mountains, hanging glaciers and narrow passages.
Most cruise ships go through the Chilean inside passage, this is smooth sailing with breathtaking views of several different fjords throughout the journey. The ships usually make several stops at fishing villages and native communities allowing the visitor to interact with the locals. Kayaking and guided excursions are usually options at these stops. The major highlight of the journey is the ship’s entrance into the southern ice field to see the glaciers at close range.
3. Luxury Accommodations
Elegant resorts in Buenos Aires: Alvear Palace Hotel is known for its outstanding service. Each room comes with a personal butler, bathroom, and jacuzzi. The hotel’s classic Belle Époque building is located in the heart of the city’s shopping district.
Eco-lodges near Machu Picchu: Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel is located on 12 secluded acres of cloud forest. The Andean village-style hotel strikes the perfect balance between colonial luxury and eco-sensibility. After a day of exploring the Machu Picchu ruins, take advantage of the full-service Andean Sauna at the UNU Spa.
Boutique hotels in Rio de Janeiro: At the end of a day filled with sightseeing and sunbathing, retreat to Rio’s Santa Teresa Hotel. Once a coffee plantation owner’s mansion, this restored colonial building is located amidst a tranquil tropical garden. The glass chandeliered hallways lead to spacious rooms furnished with antiques.
3.1. Boutique Hotels in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro’s boutique hotel scene offers worldly travelers the ultimate amenities and intimate atmosphere for a very comfortable stay. Usually nestled in the city’s more affluent areas (Ipanema, Leblon, and Copacabana), these hotels exude the Carioca’s cultured way of life—and have an edge on their beachfront neighbors.
The cozy and elegant boutique hotel La Maison is perched on the hillside overlooking Ipanema and Leblon beaches.
This luxury pet-friendly hotel has a strong balance of elegance, comfort, and personalized service—leaving many travelers feeling like they never want to leave. Rooms are equipped with marble and granite bathrooms, Egyptian cotton sheets, bathrobes and Havaianas (flip flops)—complimented by flat screen TVs, wireless internet and “Nespresso” coffee machines. The hotel also offers a pool area, a fitness room, and an “award-winning” French restaurant. La Maison has a minimum age requirement of 14 years, creating a quiet and relaxing atmosphere for couples.
3.2. Elegant Resorts in Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is famous for its elegance, and it is quite evident from the luxurious resorts in and around the city. The elegant rural surroundings and luxurious resorts make it an ideal honeymoon destination. More and more newlywed couples are heading to Buenos Aires for their honeymoon. Most of the resorts have private chauffeur and limousine services and guides for the city tour. There are resorts which have polo fields, golf courses, and tennis courts. These resorts also offer nightlife entertainment such as discos and bars. Some of the resorts have facilities for water sports on the riverside. These resorts are ideal for those who are looking for elegance in their honeymoon.
The elegant resorts and rural surroundings of Buenos Aires provide an ideal honeymoon destination for those looking to combine city and country living. You can relax in the beautiful settings and calm atmosphere and yet be a stone’s throw from the bustling capital of Argentina. Most resorts are equipped with their own unique style and charm and provide ample opportunity for doing your own thing. With a private chauffeur or limousine service offering city tours, exploring the capital is also an easy and enjoyable option.
3.3. Eco-Lodges near Machu Picchu
A major draw for many eco-minded honeymoons to Peru is the opportunity to stay at one of the country’s fantastic ecolodges, scattered throughout the country from the Amazon to the Andes. Typically, ecolodges are small, comfortable, sometimes luxurious, and tend to have a minimal adverse impact on the surrounding environment. They offer a deep rainforest or cloudforest experience where visitors can engage in and learn about nature and local culture.
While coupons for discounts on cheaper non-eco-lodge accommodation can often be found in guidebooks and the internet, it’s usually quite difficult to get deals or discounts directly from the ecolodges, due to their high demand and often all-inclusive pricing; though some of the cheaper lodges offer significant discounts for volunteers.
The most popular honeymoon combination is to spend a few days at one of the lodges in the beautiful cloudforest around Machu Picchu before or after hiking the Inca Trail. Also, due to the altitude in Cusco and the Sacred Valley, many couples enjoy a night in a cloudforest ecolodge as an initial stop to help acclimatize and shake off jet lag before proceeding to higher elevations.
A lesser-known but excellent option is to visit the even lusher and lower-altitude cloudforest of Manu National Park, either from Cusco or from the lower jungle city of Cusco. Be aware that there are different sectors of the park, some of which must be visited with organized tours, and the most pristine and least-visited sectors may be off-limits to honeymoons on a romantic escape due to the level of adventure, difficulty, and rustic conditions.
3.4. Colonial-style Hotels in Cartagena
Many honeymooners want to experience history and romance in beautiful surroundings, and Cartagena, a perfectly preserved colonial city, offers a feast of architecture, history, and legends. It was chosen by the editors of Latin Trade as “the most romantic city in the Caribbean or Latin America.” There are two outstanding hotels in the colonial style. The first is the Santa Clara Boutique Hotel. A former convent, it is located in the heart of the old walled city, just a few steps from Las Bovedas and the Parque de San Diego. It is approximately 5 miles from the Convention Center and Getsemani, 10 miles from the beaches of Bocagrande, and 15 miles from Rafael Nunez International Airport.
The second hotel is Casa San Agustin. Just a few blocks from Santo Domingo Square, this romantic hotel is in the heart of Cartagena’s old city. The Casa de la Sal, a small, inviting B&B, is another option for visitors who are interested in staying in an authentic colonial house. Many colonial houses have been restored for the purpose of boutique hotels, so there are many options for those who want to have an authentic experience in the old city.
3.5. Remote Lodges in Patagonia
One of the first and still one of the best is the Rio Palena Lodge, situated at the meeting of the Azul and Palena rivers (mile 62 towards La Junta). Built in 1992, it set a new standard for lodging in remote austral Chile. It provides access to some of the best fishing waters in Chile, and that is the main attraction for many. Fly fishing is done by drift boat on smooth river flats, by raft when the river gets choppy, or wading.
They also offer trips into the nearby national parks to visit the volcanoes or glaciers, and horseback trips can be arranged. The lodge is quite large with 12 guest rooms and a spacious common area. Fly fishing packages start at $350/day and all-inclusive (including guided trips) at $500/person.
The Patagonia region of Chile and Argentina offers some of the world’s most mind-blowing scenery and romantic settings with its mix of jagged mountains, pristine rivers, huge glaciers, and temperate rainforests. It can be very rugged and desolate here, so a luxury lodge makes the ideal headquarters for exploring the region. Most are all-inclusive and specialize in guided excursions to relish the natural setting.
4. Practical Tips
Weather in South America is varied as the continent is crossed by the Equator, with North and South America both experiencing different seasons. Weather in tropical South America is relatively unvarying. Thus, Brazil, Ecuador, and Peru have a monsoon type of climate or are entirely free from meteorological seasonal variations, such as temperature. The loads of travelers who visit tropical South America go in the December to March period. Yet, the Christmas and New Year period is also a busy one, and where air fares may be higher than usual.
The weather is mainly hot and at times can be very wet in the rainy season variety areas, particularly for travelers going to the Andes or the tropical regions. In the Southern Hemisphere, summer (June to September) is, of course, reversed.
Time zones are also of importance with South America being from GMT -5 in the Guyanas and areas of Brazil and Suriname through to -8 in Peru and -4 in parts of Canada. This can cause confusion when booking international flights to Brazil or when making transits, especially when daylight savings is taken into consideration. Many tourists use the American city of Miami as a stopover point when traveling to South America. Make sure you are in the right place at the right time to avoid complications or missing a connecting flight.
4.1. Visa Requirements and Travel Documents
If you’re a citizen of the United States, Canada, or the European Union, you won’t need a visa to enter most South American countries. Upon arrival, you’ll typically receive a tourist visa that is valid for 30, 60, 90, or 180 days. If you’d like to stay longer than this period of time, you may extend your visa by visiting an immigration office in any capital city. Be sure to research the specific visa requirements for your nationality. A visa is not required for entrance into Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela for citizens of the United States, Canada, and the European Union if the visit is for tourism.
A valid passport is the only thing that is needed for entrance and the passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay. This last requirement is the most important. If you are planning to visit Brazil or Paraguay, you should check with the consulate in your area to see if a visa is necessary. At the time of writing, citizens of Australia must present a valid passport and pay a “reciprocity fee” to enter Argentina at the Buenos Aires international airport.
The reciprocity fee is the same amount that Argentine citizens must pay for a visa to enter Australia. This fee is valid for multiple entries and is valid until the expiration of the passport.
4.2. Health and Safety Precautions
Health and safety precautions should, however, begin long before your plane touches down in Latin America. One primary aspect of ensuring safety is getting good travel insurance. It’s an unfortunate reality that healthcare can be expensive and of poor quality in many areas of the continent. Step one is thus avoiding illness or injury in the first place.
The CDC’s travel website is a good starting point for vaccination requirements, health notices, and other medical information for travelers. Remember to allow several weeks (or even months) before your trip for any required vaccinations. It’s also a good idea to visit a travel clinic or your doctor at this stage for a general check-up and to discuss health considerations specific to your individual itinerary.
South America is a continent of substantial beauty and high contrasts. There are beaches, jungles, big cities, and ruins. The continent has a troubled history and a lot of poverty – it’s not the easiest place in the world to travel. While there’s no reason to be paranoid, one primary concern for travelers to Latin America is safety. Street crime is a major problem in many areas of South America. This is backed by years of forum posts and travel articles recounting muggings, express kidnappings, and other dangers directed at tourists.
At the same time, these potential dangers must be balanced with the fact that there are an awful lot of backpackers and independent travelers exploring the continent with little more than a few traveler’s checks and a plane ticket. South America is not Southeast Asia. But, with the right precautions and a healthy amount of paranoia, it is possible to travel South America safely.
4.3. Best Time to Visit South America
The best time to visit South America is generally in the summer or between December and February. This might vary significantly based on the area. As a general rule of thumb, it is best to avoid visiting during February, March, and September, as these are generally peak times for rain, hurricanes, and tropical storms. In the Andes, it is generally best to visit in the winter between June and August. This makes conditions far more comfortable for trekking and traveling to sites such as Machu Picchu, as you will avoid the rains and chilly nights.
The Amazon Rainforest is a prime destination for many visitors to South America. It is best to visit the Amazon in the dry season, which does vary depending on the country that you are visiting. Dry season can be from May to September in Peru and July to November in Brazil. The advantage of visiting in the dry season is that the animals congregate around the rivers and waterholes, as there is less standing water in the forest. This makes it easier to spot wildlife and also makes travel by river much more convenient.
4.4. Currency Exchange and Payment Options
Most people traveling to South America wait until they arrive in the country or countries they are visiting to obtain local currency. Airports and border crossings are the most convenient places to exchange money, but the rates are not always as good as those offered by banks and reputable money changers. Except for Argentina, the US dollar is widely accepted and often used in the tourist industry. Travelers can reduce exchange fees by bringing US dollars with them and exchanging cash only as needed.
Travelers checks in US dollars are the safest and easiest to exchange, but often receive a less favorable exchange rate than cash. Credit cards are not accepted everywhere and often charge a fee of around 5-8% on top of the discounted exchange rate. MasterCard is the second most popular credit card, behind Visa. It is a good idea to inform your bank of your travel plans and the countries you will be visiting to avoid a frozen account for suspected fraud.
Finally, ATMs are widely available in major cities and towns throughout South America and are the most convenient way to obtain local currency. ATM fees for international withdrawal vary widely between banks and countries. Most ATMs accept Visa and MasterCard. Make sure to confirm with your local bank that your card has been authorized for use in the countries you plan to visit.
4.5. Local Customs and Etiquette
It is important for one to be culturally sensitive while in a foreign country as there are social norms that may be different from one’s own. Below are a few tips on what to expect in South America. The people of South America are generally warm and friendly and it is the norm to greet people with a handshake, smile and direct eye contact. It is also common for women to pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder and men to embrace each other. If you are greeted with a kiss on the right cheek do not be alarmed, this is a common custom between friends and is seen as a sign of warmth and affection.
If you are invited to someone’s home it is polite to bring a small gift such as wine, chocolates or flowers. When receiving the gift, the host may not open it immediately as this is seen as being greedy. In South America, punctuality is not a major issue and it is quite acceptable to be a little late for social occasions, although guests are expected to arrive on time for a dinner invitation. If you are running late, let your host know as this is considered polite. It is good manners to send a thank you note or small gift after being entertained at someone’s home.
