Overview
- Travelling through South America
- How to travel through South America
- Choosing your route
- South American culture
- Embracing authentic experiences
- What to pack for South America
- How to carry valuables
Travelling through South America
Before embarking on your South American journey, it's essential to plan meticulously. Consider joining a small group tour for hassle-free travel and expert guidance, ensuring you make the most of your time on the continent.
How to travel through South America
Getting around South America can be an adventure in itself, with a variety of transportation options available. From domestic flights and long-distance buses to scenic train journeys and river cruises, choose the mode of transport that best suits your itinerary and budget. We organise travel via train, coach, boat and plane during our tours of the region.
South America is a continent where domestic travel is very affordable, it can be worth spending a few extra dollars to opt for a flight over a long-haul bus. This can save a lot of travel time and avoid unnecessary discomfort and are included on tour.
Choosing your route
South America offers a plethora of routes to suit every traveller's preferences. One of the most common routes that tourists take around South America starts in Colombia and ends in Argentina, which can also be done the other way around.
Whether you're drawn to the ancient ruins of Peru, the lush rainforests of Brazil, or the vibrant cities of Argentina, there's a route to match your interests. You can city-hop or seek out the coastlines and natural wonders, South America is an enormous continent and there is a lot to see. Consider factors such as time constraints, budget, and must-see attractions when mapping out your itinerary.
We offer a range of routes through the South American continent as part of our small group tour designed to show you more of what you came to see.
South American culture
One of the highlights of travelling through South America is immersing yourself in its rich cultural heritage. From the rhythmic beats of Brazilian samba to the melodies of Andean panpipes, each region boasts its own unique traditions and customs.
Don't miss the opportunity to sample local cuisine, learn traditional dances and interact with communities along the way.
Embracing authentic experiences
While iconic landmarks such as Machu Picchu and Iguazu Falls are must-visit attractions, the true essence of South America lies in its off-the-beaten-path experiences. You may have travelled here as a backpacker previously and experienced the inside of the hostels and bars but, perhaps this time you can visit remote villages in the Andes or indigenous communities in the Amazon, where you can learn about age-old traditions and customs firsthand.
An experience like no other, on tour we’ll journey to a nearby village to make a donation based on the needs of the community - this could include such things as clothing, school essentials or even livestock!
Supporting local communities in countries where we have enjoyed our travel experiences is a great way to practise ethical travel; at Bunnik Tours we pride ourselves on our ability to do so. This includes staying in local accommodation, dining in local restaurants, buying handmade arts and crafts, hearing ancient stories, seeing dance, music and theatre performances, and more.
We strongly believe in playing our part to preserve cultural traditions and customs – this supports the communities and gives travellers the most memorable experiences.
What to pack for South America
Carry essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, and a basic first-aid kit to ensure a smooth journey. Chemists are well-equipped and accessible in South America, you can get almost anything you need over the counter. The climate in South America is varied as you travel across differing altitudes, so bring clothing that you can easily layer with you.
As you pack, leave some space in your bags for shopping. Your spending money will go a long way in most countries!
How to carry valuables
Keep your possessions safe by using an under-clothing money belt/bag which is preferable to keep any cash and your passport. Take a second wallet or purse to keep a small amount of cash in for spending money in a handier location and if that one goes walkabout, it won't be a huge loss.
If possible, leave the fancy jewellery and watches at home to avoid flaunting wealth unnecessarily.
Bunnik Tours guiding you through South America
Travelling through South America is a journey of discovery, offering incredible landscapes, cultures, and experiences. With careful planning, an adventurous spirit and a willingness to embrace the unknown, you can embark on an unforgettable adventure through this captivating continent.
We want you to have a completely stress-free holiday experience. That’s why we include airfares on a range of our small group tours, using only reputable carriers. We include return flights from Australia on our classic international tours, including all internal flights. So pack your bags and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime. View our tours online or speak with one of our travel specialists.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best country to visit in South America for the first time?
There are 12 countries in South America and is a continent of extremes, being home to the world's largest river (the Amazon), as well as the world's driest place (the Atacama Desert). Where you go will depend on your interests, schedule and budget constraints.
Is it hard to travel around South America?
South America, is the fourth-largest continent, extending from the Gulf of Darién in the northwest to the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego in the south. The area can be challenging to navigate at times, but it's budget-friendly, diverse and relatively safe.
Deciding where to go and how to plan travel to South America can be overwhelming. Group tours are a great option, leave the planning, safety considerations and itinerary to the experts.
What is the best month to go to South America?
The best time to visit South America is between September and November. Summer in South America is November-February and the winter season is June-August. The rainy season is between January and March.
