Travel Tips

A little preparation goes a long way. On this page we've pulled together the questions UK travellers ask most before a South America adventure – visas and entry, the best time to travel, what to pack, food, culture and altitude. For the day-to-day essentials – money, staying connected, luggage, safety, tipping and health – see our Practical Information page.

Get these sorted a few weeks before you fly and you'll arrive relaxed and ready to enjoy every moment.

Good news: British citizen passport holders don't need a visa in advance for tourism in any of our main destinations. Always check the latest guidance at gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice before you travel, but as a general guide:

• Peru – visa-free for up to 90 days (within a 180-day period); entry is registered on a virtual migration card (TAM).
• Bolivia – visa-free for up to 90 days (officials may stamp 30 days at first).
• Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Brazil and Costa Rica – visa-free for up to 90 days.

Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months beyond arrival with a couple of blank pages. You may be asked for proof of onward travel and accommodation. Rules can change, so treat this as a starting point and confirm before you fly.

South America spans both hemispheres, so the best time depends on where you're going – and remember the seasons are reversed below the equator.

• Peru & the Andes (Machu Picchu, the Inca Trail): the dry season, May to October, is ideal for trekking and clear mountain views. The classic Inca Trail closes each February for maintenance.
• Patagonia: the southern summer, November to March, brings the best weather for hiking.
• The Galápagos is rewarding year-round, with subtle seasonal changes in wildlife and water.
• Colombia and Costa Rica are largely year-round, with drier spells around December to April.

We're happy to advise on the best timing for your chosen route.

South America asks you to pack for several climates at once, so think layers. For the Andes you'll want warm layers, a fleece or down jacket and a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings; for the coast, Amazon or Patagonian summer, lightweight, breathable clothing.

Useful things to bring: a waterproof jacket, comfortable broken-in walking shoes, a sun hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, a reusable water bottle, insect repellent for jungle areas, and a universal adapter. A small daypack is ideal for day trips. Most hotels offer laundry, so you can pack lighter than you think.

Eating your way around the continent is a highlight in itself: Peru's celebrated ceviche and its world-renowned cuisine, Argentina's asado and superb steaks, empanadas, fresh Amazonian fruits and Colombian coffee. Restaurants and hotels serve a mix of local and international dishes.

Dietary requirements – vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, allergies – can almost always be catered for, especially with a little notice, so please tell us when you book. Stick to bottled or filtered water, be a little cautious with street food and unpeeled fruit, and enjoy a cup of coca tea in the highlands – it's a local favourite for altitude.

A little cultural awareness goes a long way and is always appreciated.

• People are generally warm and courteous – a friendly greeting (often a handshake, or a light kiss on the cheek among friends) comes before getting to the point.
• A relaxed sense of time is normal, so go with the slower pace and enjoy it.
• Always ask before photographing people, especially in indigenous communities and markets – a small tip is often appreciated.
• Dress modestly at churches and religious sites, and cover up away from the beach.
• A few words of Spanish (or Portuguese in Brazil) are warmly received – locals love it when visitors try.

You don't need to be fluent, but a few words open doors and always raise a smile. Most of the continent speaks Spanish (Brazil speaks Portuguese), and English is limited outside the main hotels, so it's worth learning a little.

A few in Spanish:

• Hola – hello
• Buenos días / buenas tardes – good morning / afternoon
• Por favor / gracias – please / thank you
• ¿Cuánto cuesta? – how much is it?
• ¿Dónde está…? – where is…?

In Brazil (Portuguese): olá (hello), obrigado/obrigada (thank you – male/female speaker), por favor (please).

A few simple habits keep you feeling good. At altitude, take the first days gently, drink plenty of water, eat lightly and go easy on alcohol (see the altitude notes on our Practical Information page). Drink bottled or filtered water, be sensible with street food, and carry a few basics – rehydration sachets, plasters, antihistamine and any personal medication in your hand luggage.

The sun is strong, especially high up, so reapply sun cream and wear a hat. Journeys can be long, whether by internal flight or scenic bus, so bring something to read and a refillable bottle. Make sure your travel insurance covers medical evacuation and high-altitude activities, and pace yourself – it's a big continent.

Once-in-a-lifetime moments

Some experiences are worth planning around: reaching Machu Picchu early to beat the crowds, the mirror-like Uyuni salt flats in Bolivia, the thunder of Iguazú Falls, and the trails of Patagonia. Your guide will help you make the most of each – ask questions, and don't try to cram in too much. The joy of South America is in slowing down and soaking it up.

Photography tips

The light in the Andes is spectacular, especially early and late in the day. Carry spare batteries (cold and altitude drain them faster), protect your gear from dust on salt flats and trails, and always ask before photographing people. And remember to put the camera down now and then – some views are best enjoyed with your own eyes.