Traveling to South America means opening the door to a continent full of contrasts, breathtaking landscapes, and moving cultures. From the Amazon Rainforest to Patagonia, from colonial cities to pre-Columbian ruins, this region offers authentic experiences for every kind of traveler.
At Qwerty Travel, as specialists in custom trips across Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Brazil, Uruguay, and Antarctica, we’ve gathered in this guide everything you need to know to prepare your trip with confidence and make the most of your adventure.
Each country has specific requirements, but there are some general rules to keep in mind. Always present original documents and carry a copy as a backup in case of loss. Make sure your documents (ID/passport) are valid and in good condition — driver’s licenses are not accepted as travel documents.
Travelers from the USA, Canada, and Australia must apply for an eVisa to enter Brazil for tourism or business purposes. This visa can be obtained online through the official Brazilian government site: here.
To enter Argentina, nationals of certain countries such as Afghanistan, Cuba, Egypt, the Philippines, Haiti, India, Iran, Iraq, Morocco, Nigeria, the Dominican Republic, Syria, Taiwan, Vietnam, among others, require a visa.
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As of July 1, 2025, Argentina requires travel insurance with medical coverage for all tourists and foreign visitors.
Citizens of Mercosur countries (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, and Bolivia) can travel within the region using only their national ID card (DNI or cédula de identidad).
Most countries do not require mandatory vaccinations, but some are commonly recommended across South America, including: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, Diphtheria, MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella).
However, the Yellow Fever vaccine is recommended (and sometimes mandatory) for travelers to Brazil, Peru, and Bolivia, especially if visiting Amazon regions or high-risk areas.
At Qwerty Travel, we always recommend carrying your vaccination card, particularly if you plan to visit more than one country.
South America has a wide thermal amplitude. The best time to travel depends on the region. Here’s a quick guide:
If your trip includes multiple countries or regions, check the specific weather for each destination to pack accordingly.
South America is a welcoming destination, but like anywhere, it’s important to take basic safety measures.
Stay alert in public spaces and on transportation. Don’t leave your belongings unattended. In crowded places, wear your bag on your front and avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets.
Being cautious in the streets is key to enjoying your trip safely.
This can be surprising for travelers who are used to Europe, where a 10-hour drive may cross several countries. In South America, a 10-hour journey might only take you from one city to another.
The continent spans 17.84 million km², and travel between destinations often takes at least 5 hours.
Most countries accept credit and debit cards, and local digital wallets like Mercado Pago (Argentina), Pix (Brazil), Ualá, Yape (Peru), and others are widely used.
Still, we recommend carrying some local currency in cash, especially in case of a poor signal or card rejection.
South America is a vast and diverse continent, where each country offers something unique. With spectacular landscapes, rich living history, and warm people, it’s the perfect destination for those seeking meaningful, life-changing travel experiences.
Planning and getting expert guidance makes all the difference. At Qwerty Travel, we design custom itineraries to ensure you travel with safety, comfort, and the spirit of adventure that drives you.
Ready to dream up your South American adventure? Contact us, we’ll design your trip together, just the way you imagine it.