The New York Times recently released a study of what countries people from the United States travel to most, and no South American country made it into the top 10, and only one made it into the top 20. Say what?! Why aren’t more people traveling to South America? It’s closer than Australia, cheaper than Europe, and most of the continent speaks a language many of us learned (or kinda learned) in high school. What gives?
As you start to think about your upcoming travels, here are 7 reasons The Line Trek loves South America and thinks you should too.
7. It’s easy to get to. Well, not all of it – but a lot of it is! Colombia is just a 3.5 hour flight from Miami, or a 5 hour flight from New York City. And Ecuador and Peru aren’t that much further. With great cities like Cartagena and Bogotá to explore, and natural wonders like the Inca Trail in Peru, you should be going here! Plus most of the major destinations – Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Bogotá – all have direct flights from New York or Los Angeles.
6. The food is fantastic (and familiar). For folks from the United States, meals in South America offer an opportunity to be adventurous while still working with the primary foods we’re used to at home – lots of beef, chicken, rice, potatoes, etc. But there’s also stuff we don’t get a lot of in North America like amazing empanadas or creamy dulce de leche. And contrary to what John thought on his first trip to South America, the food has no Mexican influence (silly American!). Whet your appetite with our Buenos Aires food blog.
5. The people are friendly. This is a mass generalization, but on the whole people in South America are friendly, proud of their country, and happy to have tourists. Nearly everyone we encountered on our travels was helpful and kind, and a number of them spoke English (certainly better than our Spanish!). As long as you’re polite people will most often go out of their way to help you.
4. It’s beautiful. Whether you’re into natural wonders like the Inca Trail, Patagonia, or Iguazu Falls – or prefer cities like Buenos Aires, Bogota, or Rio – there’s so much beauty on this continent. There’s literally something for everyone, from beaches to mountains to vineyards and everything in between.
3. It’s a good deal! Most of South America is much less expensive than North America, and tons less expensive than popular destinations in Europe. We generally spent $50/day or less on food and drinks for the two of us, and lodging was usually $50-$100 per night for a nice Airbnb in a good neighborhood. The dollar goes further in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia than it does in Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, or Chile – but none of them are what most Americans would consider “expensive”.
2. It’s safer than you think. All cities have bad neighborhoods, whether you’re in Chicago or Buenos Aires, and all require you to be alert and to keep your wits about you. While certain South American barrios are more dangerous than what many of us are used to in the US, there are also beautiful, safe parts too. Whether exploring Ipanema in Rio or Palermo in Buenos Aires, you’ll likely be surprised at how safe and modern these neighborhoods are. As Scott’s mom said about Buenos Aires, “It’s a lot like New York…but cleaner”.
1. Your friends will think you’re a pioneer. Everyone goes to Europe, but how many people do you know that have been to South America? Travel outside the lines and check out some of these amazing places before they end up in The New York Times’ list of places every American is going. Beat the crowds!
Planning a trip to South America? Let us know how we can help!