REGION GUIDE

South America travel guide

Visas, money, safety and the best time to go — plus every South America city guide.

All 11 South America cities covered by Wander360°.

Know before you go: South America

Visas & entry

Many nationalities enter visa-free for tourism; a few require visas — check ahead.

Money

Varies by country (peso, real, sol and more); carry some cash.

Tipping

Around 10% in restaurants where service isn't included.

Safety

Take normal city precautions; avoid flashing valuables.

Best time to go

The dry season varies widely — check each city's best months.

Explore South America

São Paulo

South America's cultural megacityRead the guide →Brazil

Rio de Janeiro

Carnival, Christ & CopacabanaRead the guide →Argentina

Buenos Aires

The Paris of South AmericaRead the guide →Peru

Lima

South America's food capitalRead the guide →Colombia

Bogotá

High-altitude city of art & coffeeRead the guide →Chile

Santiago

Andes at the city's doorstepRead the guide →Colombia

Cartagena

Caribbean coast, walled city & Colombia's most colourful streets.Read the guide →Peru

Cusco

Inca capital, Machu Picchu gateway & high-altitude Andean magic.Read the guide →Colombia

Medellin

City of Eternal Spring — Colombia's reinvention story & paisa ...Read the guide →Chile

Valparaiso

Chile's bohemian port — painted hills, funiculars & Pacific vi...Read the guide →Argentina

Ushuaia

End of the World — Patagonia's frontier town & gateway to Anta...Read the guide →