Latin America, a land of fiery rhythms and vibrant colors, is an enchanting destination that offers a kaleidoscope of travel experiences. Explore the mystical ruins of Machu Picchu, where ancient Incan history whispers through the stone walls, or venture into the dense Amazon rainforest, where the symphony of wildlife creates an immersive natural orchestra. Immerse yourself in the lively energy of Mexico City, where centuries-old traditions meet contemporary art scenes, or traverse the arid landscapes of Patagonia, where glaciers stand as testament to the earth's ancient history.
But Latin America is not just about its landscapes; its cultures are equally rich and diverse. Dance to the beats of salsa in Havana's cobblestone streets, or savor the bold flavors of Peruvian ceviche. Engage with the indigenous cultures of Guatemala's highlands or immerse yourself in the lively Carnaval celebrations of Brazil. Each country in Latin America is a chapter in a vibrant story, inviting travelers to explore a fusion of history, art, and nature that is uniquely captivating.
Varies by country
Varies by country
Varies by country
With over 12 different countries on our destination list, there are so many amazing cities to see. We travel to all the best-known capitals (Quito, Buenos Aires, Lima, Mexico City, Bogota), as well as other cities that might not spring to mind as readily (Santiago in Chile, La Paz in Bolivia, Rio in Brazil).
Whilst South American food is not as well known as other cuisines, those people in the know understand just how delicious and varied it can be. Here is a list of unforgettable culinary experiences you should try in Latin America
Ceviche in Peru - This started in Peru but is widespread across South America. It involves raw white fish cured with citrus juice, chilli, onion and coriander. Think of it as the South American sashimi
Empanadas in Argentina - The crispy, semi-circle-shaped pastry is served hot and filled with meat, veggies and cheese.
Pisco Sour in Chile - This popular cocktail is becoming more famous around the world and whilst it started in Chile, it can now be found in almost every bar in Latin America. Pisco is a local brandy, and it is mixed with egg whites, angostura bitter, lime juice and sugar.
Dulce de Leche in Colombia - Dulche de Leche is a popular confection that is found in many Latin American desserts. It is a milky caramel made from milk, sugar and vanilla and is served with everything from doughnuts to toast.
Platanos Fritos - Fried plantains are a staple South American delight and can be found on almost every corner!
The climate of Latin America can be generally described as wet and humid, however as it is such a large continent each region will have its own climate and weather patterns. Unsurprisingly, the further south you go (think Patagonia) or the higher up (think La Paz in Bolivia) the colder the temperature.
Visas may be required in order to enter or transit through certain countries depending on your passport nationality, your reason for travel and how long you intend to stay.
Visa, passport and entry rules are subject to change and you should check the most up-to-date information from the relevant embassy or visa specialist.
To make things easier we have teamed up with The Travel Visa Company who are one of the UK’s leading travel visa specialists. You can use their website, alongside embassy websites, to find out the specific entry requirements for the countries you intend to travel to.
For a fee, their dedicated team of experts can also apply for visas on your behalf, taking away the hassle and streamlining the process for you if you wish. For more details on the services they provide please click here – The Travel Visa Company
Passports must be kept in good condition. Travellers with damaged passports may be refused entry at immigration. It is the responsibility of the traveller to ensure that all travel documents are in good condition before they travel. Most countries will also require at least 6 months of validity on your passport from the time you finish your trip.
Some countries will require proof of certain vaccines, such as yellow fever or covid, in order to gain entry. Please check with the relevant embassy or a visa specialist before travelling.
The majority of Latin America speaks Spanish as their primary language, however, there are a few notable exceptions such as Brazil (Portuguese) and Belize (English). Outside of Belize, English is not widely spoken so polish up on a few phrases for your travels!
There’s a lot of variation in plug sockets across Latin America and sometimes even within one country! Sometimes they’re 2-pin, sometimes 3, sometimes round pin, sometimes flat. Your best bet is to bring a compact universal adaptor.
Don’t get involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Latin American drug trafficking detection methods are sophisticated and anyone attempting to traffic drugs should expect to be arrested. Conviction leads to severe penalties.
Ayahuasca, or yage, is a traditional plant used in ‘spiritual cleansing’ ceremonies by indigenous communities in Latin America. It is not recommended to try this yourself as the drink contains a hallucinogenic drug called DMT which can cause serious complications.
No doubt you’ll have a happy and healthy trip. However, it’s always good to take some precautions. Health considerations differ across countries, but some advice is applicable across most of Latin America:
The large majority of Latin America is safe and most travellers come home without running into any issues. However, pick-pocketing and theft are always a risk, particularly in tourist areas, so keep your valuables safe, secure and out of sight. Never carry too much cash on your person and pay special attention when withdrawing money from cash machines. There are often safes at your accommodation where you can leave valuables before heading out. Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office website for any specific safety concerns relating to your destination.
We do not recommend hiring motorbikes, scooters, ATV vehicles, quad bikes or other types of motorised vehicles whilst abroad. Safety and quality of vehicles vary considerably and the traffic conditions can be much more dangerous than what UK travellers are used to. Should you wish to go against this advice, you should ensure you are hiring from a reputable company and that your travel insurance covers you for such activities.
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