Best & Worst of Visiting South America

5 Love & Hates of Visiting South America
Heading to Brazil or Peru or Argentina and want to know some of the best travel advice you can get? Well, here are some general do's and don'ts and loves and hates of visiting South America, whether you are heading to Colombia or Ecuador.
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[@danielbuckley9501]

I lived in Sao Paulo back in the 90s loved it there. My son was in first grade at the American school. We would stop at a coffee shop and have breakfast before school. Great memories of weekends and holidays at the beach. Just a wonderful time in my life.

[@theodoresmith5272]

As someone who has been to all 10 of the big countries in south america, it is my favorite place to go. I also have a set of rules that i travel by that have kept me out of trouble. Im in my room by 11pm at the latest and usually by 8pm. If i drink at all, i start early and end early. I go where tourist go. The backpackers towns are about as native as i want to go. The people are what make south america for me. I enjoy being with them.

[@luangalvao5918]

I am a global traveller from Salvador Bahia and i assure u will have a truly unique experience when u come to Brasil, specially Bahia! ❤️✈️

[@JacintaAndrews23]

Im in Colombia now! 3 months here. I’m so keen to see Brazil! Hope it’s amazing for your family ☺️

[@ElGatoTriste]

Cool! If you can, visit Florianópolis, its one of the most touristic and safest cities in Brazil. There’s a lot of nature, hikes and beaches, really amazing city. The only thing that can be a problem its the slow traffic depending on the place you’re visiting.

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

Going in July 😊

[@JacintaAndrews23]

@@Michaelpalmer4k that’s awesome! Hope you have an amazing time ☺️

[@Michaelpalmer4k]

@@JacintaAndrews23 I know some Spanish plus a friend living there so I'm sure it'll be good

[@chrisdufala7917]

The people are incredibly friendly and accommodating. Even not speaking a whole lot of spanish. Lima was a little a more aggressive, but cuzco was great. Everyone in Quito was friendly and the in the galopogos. If you are heading to the Ushuai just remember the international airport is seperated from the domestic airport by about 1.5 hrs. Make sure to use the airport taxi service. Don't be fooled by someone grabbing you off the plan.

[@stacyk716]

We visited Ecuador and Colombia a few years ago. We stayed in Quito and there was so much air pollution, it really turned me off. We absolutely loved Cartagena and hope to go back.

[@Mr_and_Mrs_Seiler]

I'm 🇪🇨🇨🇴 & family is from Quito/Bogota & they are cities. Were from NY & if you don't like NYC or the boroughs then I get you wouldn't like yet another city lol. But my 🇪🇨 family does live outside of Quito heading to the Andes up in Cotacachi. That might be better to visit, the snow covered mountains & much more peaceful & fresh air.

[@AdamGordon1977]

I loved Cartagena too.

[@Ben-zg4vg]

found cartagena to be a cesspit of prostitution, medellin is way better

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@Mr_and_Mrs_Seiler popayan and Tunja are nice medium sized historical cities in colombia. Many people don't like cities so big. Cartagena too may feel too big for some

[@ScipioAfricanus_Chris]

@@Ben-zg4vg cesspit???? Brit alert 😂😂😂😂

[@sunflowerfields4409]

I loved Argentina! Buenos Aires and Mendoza (my favorite with the fabulous wine and intro to Malbec). I was there in August so it was Winter but I had a blast. I even got to go sledding. It was hilarious as an adult who hadn't been sledding in 30+ years. I would love to go back! The Andes were wonderful too. Managed to take a day trip to Uruguay as well. So amazing. I spoke a few words in Spanish but kept coming out with Italian since I studied that. Oops. Grazie.... I think they understood but how embarrassing!

[@thephoenix3155]

Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego aren’t hot, humid and sticky. They are cold and have snow even in summer! The weather there is more like Alaska, South Island New Zealand or Norway.

[@kaedro1987]

Nice to see so much clips from Cuenca Ecuador! hope you had a good time

[@shanhad1572]

Loved Peru! Heading to Colombia in June.

[@Ichsukatanuka]

Another banger from Wolter

[@laurenr5095]

I love going to Peru.... In the winter, obviously. Lol 😂

[@Rafinharmp]

The fact that you need to clarify that when it's winter in North America, it's summer in South America just blows my mind! I mean, kudos to you for being an amazing KZbinr, but I can't help but chuckle at the thought of your North American audience scratching their heads, going, "Wait, what?!" You're not just dropping knowledge bombs; you're also educating the masses on seasons like a global weather wizard! 🌍🔮 I'm stationed at a venue in Sydney, Australia, and here comes a lady from America, confidently handing me a $50 American bill like it's the golden ticket to entry. I break the news gently that we don't roll with the greenbacks here. Her response? She labels our Aussie dollars as "Monopoly money" - you know, the kind you'd find in a board game. Apparently, we're living in a real-life game of economic Monopoly down under! 😄💸

[@Miminini79]

Mark represents a true American: kindness Al the way! Obrigada Mark por colocar a América do Sul de uma maneira tão realista, incentivando a valorização e o entendimento da cultura! Way to go Mark!

[@officialwillieg2001]

This is fantastic Mark!

[@SpeakLikeAColombian]

I really like your vibe dude, and awesome content! 🏆

[@tobiojo6469]

Hey Mark, cool video

[@Funeeman]

Good advice Mark. My wife found it very hard going with the heat when we visited Brazil(Rio de Janeiro) in 2007.

[@MiaHessMusic]

Super interesting. You have me rethink traveling to SA.

[@norseguy89]

Great video

[@AK-hi4hm]

that last point you made reminded me of my recent trip to the dominican republic. staying outside of the resort you don't meet many other tourists it's just you and the locals

[@Ndstars1]

Best sleep of my life was the 18 hour overnight bus from Buenos Aires to Iguazu Falls. Get the cama-style seats... like sleeping in a luxe dentist chair.

[@thephoenix3155]

Hi Mark, I think your videos are wonderful and absolutely fantastic! I would love you to do some videos about Patagonia and Tierra Del Fuego, because it is a phenomenal part of the world that is more beautiful than Alaska, South Island New Zealand and Norway.

[@bccom3684]

Boats and beaches always burns you as a traveler. Do not underestimate water reflection, even with some distance.

[@adammoore7447]

Great points... I agree. I'm currently in a small town in Peru and haven't seen another caucasian ;)

[@politta]

I love all the BBQ clips that Mark has of Brazil hahah

[@lucasalbuquerque2402]

I didn't know you lived here in Brazil. Good surprise

[@jsilverchannel]

South America is the only continent I haven't been to (aside from Antarctica). I'm hoping to visit in the next few years.

[@Mr_and_Mrs_Seiler]

🇪🇨🇨🇴 If your in the cities or Andes mountains its not that hot in summer. I cant stand heat either lol were from the poncho wearing kind of weather

[@lydian.773]

Seems super fun. But heat really does me in. You can’t get away from it.

[@dreamthedream8929]

So why don't you visit a colder place in Latin America then?

[@user-vw3kp2zu9c]

Você é um cara incrível! Que prestigia a realidade da vida...tudo isso é realmente verdade, natureza clima gastronomia e cultura haminica entre os tratamentos com as pessoas ❤

[@paulkoza8652]

Great video. I think you oversimplified the weather issue. The equator runs right though the northern part of the continent, so that seasons are not completely reversed. From what I understand, it is more like a dry vs. wet season, geographic considerations - low vs. high elevations, and yes, the latitude. I'm happy that you brought up personal security. Right now, Ecuador is experiencing a crime wave that is caused by drug trafficing. This is also affecting the Galapagos. There are also political disruptions and protests in many of the countries. Best to consult the US State Department, the British Foreign Office, and the Australian Foreign Ministry on travel advisories. One also needs to consider the limitations that the governments have placed on visiting historic sites. Ex. Machu Picchu has a limited number of visitors allowed on a daily basis.

[@TravelwithTravelarii]

Fantastic insights! Excited for my South American adventure. Thanks for the heads-up on weather and bugs. 🦟

[@petek5523]

Everyone should visit Rio during carnival at least once in their lifetime, it’s nuts 🎉😅

[@Jungle1048]

Great to see you again! You have a beautiful family take care sir.

[@lunaoak6741]

My fiancé and I are traveling to Japan for our honeymoon and I was wondering if you had any new tips for travel to Japan?

[@ItsGroundhogDay]

I like the no tourists part, though the big cities are massive. I don't like crowds and lines.

[@theworldbysiege]

I just returned from Lima. I had an amazing time but something really wrecked my sinuses. I think it was the sand in the air.

[@adi91216]

So underrated..I heard it's easier and cheaper to visit from US. Compared to booking a vacation from Europe and elsewhere.

[@DicksonMaimouth]

Oh my goodness. You’ve just convinced me never to visit South America. I despise the heat and humidity.

[@dchavezc86]

It's not all heat and humidity. The weather in the south of Chile and Argentina (Patagonia) it can be very cold in the winter, much more nice in the summer, and it doesn't have a thing in common with the tropical climate. Check out the weather in those areas before decide.

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@@dchavezc86plenty of places are not hot including bogota, Quito, cusco and so on

[@purpletc1]

The food❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@parkerburrus289]

Feels like South America is underrated even through out Latin America

[@neonunderground5972]

I love the beard

[@billiondollardan]

I used to be Mormon and I went to Venezuela on my mission. It's so hard to get used to the pace of life outside the US when you leave. Most of the time I was cool with it all, but waiting at the ATMs to get money out would drive me nuts. The line would usually be 45 minutes long and the machines would regularly run out of money. One day in Barcelona I pretty much lost my mind after a machine ran out of cash after I had already waited 40 minutes

[@michaelosgood9876]

SOLD!!!😉

[@hockey1freak]

"Bring your after-bite"... did you say "Tiger Balm" Mark?

[@Miminini79]

Mosquitos😂 I’m a southern Brazilian living in Florida. I have so much fun scaring my fellow Americans when they say mosquitos are bad in here!😂😂😂 nope! Florida: mosquito’s good! Southern Brazil: mosquitos bad!😂😂😂 Also, I would recommend getting your own bug spray if you have insect bites. My kids had many problems with severe reactions from mosquitos bite before moving to Florida. Mark, I would recommend visiting Santa Catarina! It’s a jewel state!

[@mshermann2502]

Compatriota americanos sendo brasileiro 😂😂👌

[@chrisdufala7917]

Don't forget the altitude differences. When I was in peru, machu picchu was hot, but rainbow mountain was cold. Ecuador was always hot.

[@vermontvoice13]

He mentions altitude in the video

[@chrisdufala7917]

@@vermontvoice13 sorry about that, I was commenting before I got to the end of Mark's video. He covered everything pretty well about S. America. I have not been to Brazil, but i have hit Argentina, Peru, & Ecuador. Everything Mark said was true.

[@vermontvoice13]

@@chrisdufala7917 good to know, would love to visit Brazil or most anywhere else in SA someday when I can afford to. Esp going to visit Machu Picchu is something that looks beautiful

[@chrisdufala7917]

@@vermontvoice13 Picchu is very beautiful. But can be a bit challenging to get there from cuzco. It's better to have it coordinated through a travel group. I would definitely avoid driving in Peru.

[@vermontvoice13]

@@chrisdufala7917 oh yeah I would try to do some type of travel tour deal or whatever since I’ve never traveled outside of USA aside Canada before. Would for sure not drive in another country haha I wouldn’t feel safe doing so

[@edcap6017]

Oi Mark! Sou canadense. I learned Portuguese during Covid because I wanted to go to portugal. However, I ended up learning Brazilian (and not European) Portuguese. I traveled to portugal and loved it. One of the most rewarding parts was speaking with locals in my broken (Brazilian) accent. While acquiring the language, I learned a lot about Brazilian culture, foods, and places. As a result, I’m ready to travel to Brazil for, say, a 2 week trip. I was thinking of Rio and ilha grande and one of iguazu falls, bonito, or the pantanal. What do you think of Floripa? Any other suggestions for me? Muito obrigado.

[@Brunnu]

Hello! I’m not Mark but I’m Brazilian myself haha. Everything you said it is quite “close” to Rio, so it wouldn’t take so long to get there. Bonito is absolutely fantastic. Florianópolis is a really pretty city and also safe. You’re gonna love the Iguaçu falls, they’re also in the south, the state of Paraná wich is right in the side of São Paulo state. You’re gonna love this trip and the places you chose are fantastic! But I can’t forget to mention the northeast region, the most beautiful beaches of Brazil are in there, and also cities with amazing vibes! Such as são Miguel do gostoso, Pipa, Natal, Salvador, Fortaleza, Jericoacoara, lençóis maranhenses etc. of course you can’t visit all in once but who knows in a next time, the northeast is really worth of visiting.

[@Tramptraveller]

❤❤❤❤

[@Freedomone153]

Hi... from Australia 🇦🇺

[@darrenambler9431]

Great video Wolter! I’m going to South America next week, but I’m concerned about how to get cash in Argentina. As a U.K. citizen, I don’t naturally carry U.S. Dollars with me and it’s difficult to pre-order Argentinian Pesos, so I’m hoping cash is easy to withdraw from ATMs… I also need to get a Subte card, so hoping they’re are easily available! 🤞🏻

[@theodoresmith5272]

The card is super easy. As for atms. Get as much as you can when you go. Go in the mornings. I don't remember any problems with atms in Argentina. Call your bank and see which banks they work with and who will charge you the least. Lastly, Argentina is somewhere you need to pay attention and have some rules as to when and where you go. Be in your hotel by 9pm and you will avoid a lot of problems.

[@darrenambler9431]

Thank you - that’s very helpful 👍🏻

[@Arthur76180]

Check in the internet for "Libra Esterlina Blue", it's commonly the parallel market price, so you can get a lot more pesos for less pounds western union's fees are also very good

[@vitorrocha7306]

western union is a good option to exchange money from foreign bank accounts too

[@darrenambler9431]

Thank you - I did look into this, but it’s quite a bit of time and effort to get this set up and get money transferred in (I think there is a minimum holding period too). There also seem to be llong queues at WU outlets to get hold of cash. As I’m only spending not much more than a week in BA (and a couple of days in Mendoza) it just didn’t seem worth the effort!

[@cutiem24]

Add Guyana to your itinerary

[@tabasca007]

We're going to Sao Paulo & Rio in July, I'm asking about transferring in Panama. Many connections show 2 hours or less. Does that work ok there? And if of a long transfer time, say 8 hours, is it easy to sightsee a little? bit?

[@stefansjogren7885]

Feels a bit strange to deal with a whole continent like this. South America is more diverse than North America. There is a marked difference between Venezuela, Ecuador, Brazil and Chlle... As much as I like the video it is a bit misleading.

[@kimmontenegro2258]

I went to Manaus just to avoid Americans and have no other option than to use my Portuguese and connect with locals❤

[@oldskool731]

have they got taps in south america

[@sdrawkcabUK]

❤Paraguay❤

[@jamesmack3314]

No one hardly mentions it,definitely not a top destination which probably makes it worth visiting…I bet English is rarely spoken there compared to other more popular places

[@sdrawkcabUK]

@@jamesmack3314 yep... very little tourism, very little English spoken. Very chilled out place.

[@jamesmack3314]

@@sdrawkcabUK I bet it would be very cool to visit I would like to, but I probably would prefer to go with someone who can help me with the language since I’m pretty bad at Spanish, but I bet the country is great and that it’s still the way it has been for years, not ruined by mass tourism like many places

[@fitta74]

Would like to travel to South America,but the crime there is really the elephant in the room.

[@josephusanthonybumaat9690]

Worst: No Snow❄️☃️⛄️

[@vermontvoice13]

Not for folks who hate snow, ice and cold weather

[@manuelquiroga7994]

No snow?? Dude, just google pictures of the andes!!

[@josephusanthonybumaat9690]

@@manuelquiroga7994 LOL I prefer real 🤣

[@dreamthedream8929]

​@@manuelquiroga7994most locals never touch or even see snow in many places in Latin america. Doesn't matter if it's somewhere in the mountains there in this case

[@johntziannis359]

You forget to mention cold showers.

[@vitorrocha7306]

not a thing at all here lmao

[@johntziannis359]

@@vitorrocha7306 Where is here?

[@vitorrocha7306]

@@johntziannis359 south america

[@silviastanziola659]

Where in South America is that a thing? I've heard that in the North of Brazil (Amazon area) that can be a thing, but I don't see how they'd need hot showers there very often...

[@johntziannis359]

@@vitorrocha7306 In the Galapagos Islands hot water was very limited.

[@gustavtracchia1341]

The host of this video speaks about South America in a typical USA perspective They viewed us as a single country. Are they ever are going to learn. Shame.

[@jotapeuy]

Totally. He said that he wasn't going to generalized things and he did that. 90% of the things he said (good and bad) don't apply to Uruguay, for example, and he has been here, so you realize that they can't take away they prejudices