Travel in South America

The fourth largest continent in the world, South America comprises of twelve countries. It is home to the huge Amazon River, as well as the largest tropical rain forest in the world, and Andes Mountains along the length of the continent. On the west is the Pacific Ocean as well as on the North and East is the Atlantic Ocean. To its northwest lie North America and the Caribbean Sea. South America is an area of almost 6.9 million square miles; it has 12% of the earth’s land with nearly 379 million people. South America has the fifth largest population in the world.
It was first inhabited by people crossing the Bering Land Bridge, which is now known as the Bering Strait. Earliest agricultural production in South America was in 6500 BC, with potatoes, chillies and beans cultivated in the highlands of the Amazon Basin. Manioc, which remains a staple foodstuff today, was being cultivated as early as 2000 BC. Fishing took place along the coast to make fish as a major source of food. The Irrigation systems that were developed supported the rise of an Agrarian society.
Due to histories of high inflation in nearly all South American countries, interest-rates remain high and investment low. On average, interest rates are about 22% in Venezuela and 23% in Suriname. The exception is Chile, which has been implementing free market economic policies since seventies and increased its social spending since the return of democratic rule in the early nineties. This brought economic stability and reduced interest rates to low single digits.
South America depends on the exports of goods and natural resources to make it successful. On an exchange rate basis, Brazil leads with exports at $138 billion dollar’s followed by Chile at 58 billion and Argentina with 46 billion. The economic gap between the rich and poor in most South American nations is larger than in most other continents. In Venezuela, Paraguay, Bolivia as well as many other South American countries, the richest twenty percent own over sixty percent of the nation’s wealth, while the poorest twenty percent own less than five percent. This is testified in large South American cities where shacks and slums exist next to skyscrapers and luxury apartments.

Travel in Brazil

This area is known to be a pretty western country. It’s a place that is easy to travel and have a great time. Travelers can also find some of the world’s most beautiful scenery, especially along its southern coast. The jungle regions may disappoint since the prices are high and most of the tours offered aren’t likely to have you seeing wood for trees as they say. All of the trips of this nature mostly focus on flora and not fauna. Trips to the Pan Anal, or the Wet Land areas, are far more worthwhile. It can still be quite the tourist experience, costs are still comparatively high and there are more than a few stories running around of cheap tours turning into a complete disaster.

What really sets Brazil apart is that unlike the rest of South America it is fairly void of tourists, since they are scared off by the distances and stick mainly to the run to Bolivia and Argentina. Keep in mind that English or Spanish are rarely spoken in this area, and that day to day living costs are much higher than they would be in Argentina or Peru, or anywhere else south of the USA for that matter. So, generally speaking as great as Brazil can be, don’t have any illusions of a bargain travel, or a place that you can speak English freely. If you’re looking to hit the big cities or stay at a great beach it can be very pricy, sometimes more than 100R, or more than US $50.00 a day. If you do speak Portuguese, and would like to avoid crime and being disposed to the beach life, then you could very well have a great time in Brazil.

Costs US $30- $45 per day

Travel in Bolivia

This are is the poorest, and from an independent traveler’s budget, the best as far as cost goes of all the South American nations. Bolivia is well known, and is generally very busy with backpackers who come for a cheaper stay than what they would find in other regions of the area. There is much diversity to see, inducing the history, amazing scenery, reasonable trekking opportunities and a hugely accessible jungle. This Tibet of the Americas is as popular as the Asian original since Bolivia is the most indigenous country on the continent, with more than 50% of the population maintaining traditional values and beliefs.

This area does have its downside also that is worth noting. The countries road system is terrible due in part to the topography, and partly to the lack of maintenance. This can make long trips in the area somewhat unpleasant, and there is no established budget airline network. To avoid such journeys and fly can become quite pricey for this reason. You’ll also find that it is worth about a month of your time and a few Spanish lessons, other than that, don’t expect to have anything to yourself except the remotest jungle.

Cost: US$15- $30 per day

Travel in Chile

The flight to Santiago is beautiful, where you are able to see mountains and the ocean both at one quick glance. Like Brazil, Chile is far from a budget destination. Spanish is spoken, but at a very rapid rate and to a beginner it can be quite hard to understand. If you are looking to go north once you land in Santiago, you may be disappointed since this is a vast and uninteresting region that turns into the visually stunning altiplane at the border of Bolivia. If you are more of an outside personality, then you’ll want to head south to the Lake District to Patagonia, where the weather is beautiful. Getting to this area does cause problems since it requires a flight, or even a long bus ride. This area is known to be a large outdoor destination, with beautiful national parks that leave travelers breathless. There are also opportunities to ski at great value resorts.

Costs: US $40- $60 per day

Travel in Colombia

Downsides to Colombia are well known, it is a dangerous area. There are large sections of this are that are controlled by very nasty and unpredictable revel groups. Generally there are large amounts of kidnapping incidents that are reported. This is a figure that increases as cocaine looses its popularity in the US and drug lords look for other revenue streams. Statically speaking, 70% of the world’s kidnappings take place in Colombia.

A better side to Colombia is that it is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and is mostly vacant of tourists. More often than not, travelers debate long and hard about visiting this area, mostly finding only negative comments on the internet. There are some that make the decision to go and normally come back with the opinion that Colombia shouldn’t be missed. You’ll want to stay on the beaten path in this are, if you are flying or sailing to Cartagena and traveling to Ecuador, then you are not likely to have any problems other than the theft rate. Try to leave your bags somewhere and travel lightly keeping your belongings in a day sac so that they can be near you at all times. Colombia in places is spectacular – take care and enjoy.

Costs: US $30- $40 per day

Travel in Peru

This are is the home of the Incas, Machu Picchu, and the amazing sacred valley. Peru is the image of South America that most people bring to mind. Machu Picchu is somewhere that everyone will want to see. There is certainly a lot to see, but most ancient sights, if not destroyed by the Incas where finished off by the Spanish. What is left outside of Machu Picchu and Nasca can be a little dull unless you specialize in archaeologist. Peru is a huge country, which means two things, first that you will have to go great distances to see things. Secondly you have Spanish knowledge, then there are many different things that you’ll be able to explore off the beaten track like jungle river trips, or great treks. All places there are different, Cusco for instance can take up a week of your time, where Lima is not overly interesting, and good cheap food can be hard to come by.

Costs US $35- $45 per day

Travel in Argentina

Just recently travel in Argentina changed for the budget traveler. This are went from being prohibitively expensive to very cheap. This change came with the devaluation of the US dollar pegged Peso. Now, Argentina finds itself with the worst of the economic crisis, Argentina is a bargain when comparing it to places like Brazil. Coupled with the cost being low, Argentina is a very likable place. Buenos Aires is known to be a fairly laid back city, which is big enough to escape the crowds that can be overwhelming. Countrywide, there is a well known traveler’s network, and this area is stunningly beautiful with huge variations. Even the Spanish language sounds gorgeous here!

Costs: US $30- $45 per day

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