I'm going to south america, any tips??

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bonitaisabel19

You're going to have the BEST time ever! Visit as many major cities as possible like Buenos Aires! Do NOT walk around with flashy jewelry, try to be as 'hippie' as possible so you don't attract muggers, and trust me, they can be VERY sneaky. Eat and drink the typical food from wherever you are staying you will always remember those dishes and may even learn to prepare new ones! Visit museums, historical places, sometimes that sounds boring but they will leave a lasting impression forever. Go dancing at local discos. If you do visit Buenos Aires, visit a tango show.
In Chile, trek to the Andes or visit the coast to see the sea lions! ENJOY! Oh yeah, bring a camera with lots of memory cards. :)

trikster85

i dont think all this americans that have never been to s. america have their own assumption about all of south america been this really bad third world country in general! First of all wherever you go in south america ppl are very nice and very welcoming! Now if you go showing off that your american and that your better than them then trust me you will have problems! and plus Bush hast helped in making us look better abroad! as to any country you go to, becareful with your personal belongings! Always make sure you have everything with you! its an aweosme place to visit!
Ive been to europe twice and im originally from s. america.. and honestly ive founfd more mugging problems in europe than in s. america.
Just keep in mind that your going to someone elses country and the deserve respect and trust me they will be thankful and helpful once you show them you want to learn theit culture and customs!

Have fun!

mickey diddly

dont drink the water

marylou

try to learn a little spanish/ portugese, depending on where you go. Doing drugs/ illegal activity can be a bad idea. Be nice, be aware of your surroundings, and you will be fine. Talk to other travelers about crossing borders... that part of your journey will be the trickiest... sometimes borders close at certain times on certain days, some might be open 24-7, it depends on the crossing. If you feel safe, you probably are. If your in a big city, you might want some company if walking late at night... just ask yourself a few questions:
If I was in a big city, and didnt know where the bad neighborhoods were, would I carry expensive jewlery/ cameras/ tons of money/ etc with me and show it off? Of course not. Not such a bad idea either to keep money in different pockets, if one gets picked... you still have money!
Been there, done that, had a blast... and learned a lot!
oh yeah... it can be a difficult journey without a map

sailor

Don't bring any drugs back

amanda c

If you are going up into the Andes, take it slowly and avoid flying straight in from sea level. Altitude sickness takes the form of persistent headache, confusion and vomiting. You will be given coca products such as mate (tea) and sweets to help you cope with altitude. This means that the doggies at the airports will smell it on you so don't carry anything that you shouldn't. And be careful because taking Chilean pisco into Peru is a criminal offence.

Tap water in Chile and Argentina is bacteriolgically safe but the mineral content may make you vomit so drink bottled water which is cheap enough.

Argentina and Peru charge departure tax at their airports. Chile and Uruguay do not.

If you like beef and you plan to visit Montevideo then lunch at the Mercado del Puerto is a must. I like Montevideo but very little ever happens there. It's the banking centre of South America so your bank may have a branch there.

Car rental seems quite expensive and in many places you need a 4x4. It is often cheaper to take a bus then rent locally

If you are planning serious trekking, the south american explorers club might be worth checking.

If you are going to Machu Picchu by train, you must buy your ticket in US$ cash and you must buy your entrance ticket in Machu Picchu pueblo (aka Aguas Calientes) before ascending the mountain.

http://www.samexplo.org

WAYNE T

Get your shots
Be sure it is safe to drink the water
Treat your pass port like your hair you always have it with you.
Keep excess money out of your wallet a couple $$ in your sock
Tell someone at home when you will be getting there -----
-----I will call you when I do.

lanyon

enjoy yourself

jack the ripper

just get on with it stop looking for excuses not to go

Melkiha

Yeap, have tons of fun!
Try the local food, drinks...
Mingle with the locals.
And remember South America comprehends a huge area!

Ribena(:

Have fun! :]

Blondie Bear

Learn Spanish. When you get there do an immersion course, otherwise you will struggle.

Also never let your bags out of your sight and ignore all the letchy Latino men (yuk!)

Latina_Rica

Don't let Hollywood tell you how to think and have fun over there in SouthAmerica.

Best places are :

Peru- The world wonder, the amazing...."Machupichu"
Brasil - Rio de Janeiro (the carnival in February)
Argentina- The capital, Buenos Aires.
Venezuela- (the caribbean beaches)

Dick Turpin

A moneybelt.

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