Part of our Central South America guide.
5 places and guides from our South America coverage, gathered into one page.
Related travel guides: Things To Do In Central South America and Transformational Music Festivals In South & Central America To Add To Your Bucket List.
Best Gluten-Free Cities In South America
Buenos Aires, Lima, and Santiago lead with dedicated gluten-free bakeries and menus clearly labeling allergens. In Buenos Aires, many parrillas now offer gluten-free empanadas and grilled meats, while Lima’s cevicherías naturally avoid wheat. Santiago’s Bellavista neighborhood has several cafes with gluten-free pastries and breads. Always confirm with staff, as cross-contamination practices vary.
Bus Rides In South America: Your Survival Guide
Long-distance buses in South America range from basic “colectivos” to luxury “cama” sleeper services with reclining seats and meal service. In Peru, Cruz del Sur and Oltursa offer cama seats for overnight routes like Lima to Cusco (around 21 hours). In Argentina, FlechaBus and Via Bariloche cover the 18-hour Buenos Aires to Bariloche route. Book tickets in person or via each company’s website; prices fluctuate by season. Bring a jacket — air conditioning is often set to cold, and blankets may not be provided.
The 5 Best Party Hostels In South America
Party hostels in South America combine dorm beds with nightly bar crawls, pool parties, and common-area socials. In Buenos Aires, Hostel Suites Florida organizes pub crawls to Palermo clubs. In Rio de Janeiro, El Misti Copacabana runs caipirinha nights on its rooftop terrace. In Cusco, Pariwana Hostel has a bar with live music and salsa lessons. In Medellín, Los Patios offers a rooftop pool and weekend BBQs. In Cartagena, Casa Bunker Hostel features a pool and daily happy hours. These hostels typically cost $10–$20 per night for a dorm bed (prices as of 2023–2024).
The Best Glamping Spots In South America
Glamping in South America ranges from geodesic domes in Chile’s Atacama Desert to luxury tents in Ecuador’s Amazon. In the Atacama, Awasi Atacama offers private villas with guides for stargazing and salt flat tours. In Peru’s Sacred Valley, Skylodge Adventure Suites hang from a cliffside, accessible via zip line. In Patagonia, EcoCamp Patagonia provides domes with wood-burning stoves and all-inclusive excursions to Torres del Paine. In Brazil’s Pantanal, Caiman Lodge combines safari-style tents with guided jaguar tracking. Book months ahead for high season (December–March).
Traveling In South America
Stretching from Colombia to the southernmost tip of Argentina, South America encompasses a myriad of countries with rich histories, unique cultures, and breathtaking landscapes. The region showcases a blend of indigenous traditions and European influences, resulting in a vibrant tapestry of customs, languages, and cuisines. One of the biggest draws is its remarkable biodiversity, from the Amazon rainforest to the Andes mountains. For travel planning essentials in Colombia, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your arrival date. If you are considering countries border Venezuela, those are Colombia, Brazil, Guyana, and Bolivia (though overland crossings into Venezuela are currently discouraged due to safety concerns). For travel inspiration in Peru, the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu requires permits booked months in advance. For travel tips in Guatemala, note that the quetzal is the local currency and ATMs are plentiful in Antigua but scarce in rural highlands.
