Transportation in South America varies by country and region. Long-distance buses are economical and connect major cities with services ranging from basic to executive sleeper with wifi. In countries like Argentina, Chile, and Brazil, modern and reliable bus networks exist. For long distances, low-cost airlines like JetSmart, Sky Airline, and Viva Air offer domestic flights at competitive prices if you book in advance. In large cities, metro systems operate in Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, Medellín, and Rio de Janeiro. Taxis and apps like Uber, Cabify, or DiDi are available in urban centers, being safer than street taxis. For rural areas or remote destinations like Patagonia or the Amazon, consider organized tours or vehicle rentals. In Peru and Bolivia, shared colectivos are common for short routes. Always verify schedules and purchase tickets in advance during high season, especially for popular tourist routes like Cusco-Machu Picchu.

South America offers accommodation for every type of traveler. Hostels are abundant in tourist cities, with shared dormitories from 8-15 USD per night and private rooms from 20-35 USD. Platforms like Hostelworld and Booking.com facilitate advance reservations. For mid-range budgets, boutique hotels and Airbnb apartments offer good value for money, especially if traveling in groups. In destinations like Buenos Aires, Lima, or Cartagena, safe and central neighborhoods include Palermo, Miraflores, and Getsemaní respectively. For unique experiences, consider stays at colonial haciendas in Ecuador, Amazon lodges, or estancias in Patagonia. During festivals or high season, book months in advance. Many accommodations include breakfast, which reduces daily expenses. Verify cancellation policies and read recent reviews. In rural areas or small towns, options may be limited, so plan ahead.

Safety varies considerably between South American countries and cities. Generally, avoid displaying valuables, use crossbody bags worn in front, and keep digital copies of important documents. In large cities like Bogotá, Lima, or Rio de Janeiro, avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar neighborhoods and use official taxis or transport apps. Common scams include unofficial taxis charging inflated fares, fake police asking to check your money, and distractions at ATMs to steal cards. Never accept help from strangers at ATMs and withdraw cash only at banks or shopping centers during the day. In markets and public transport, watch your belongings for pickpockets. The stained bill scam is common in Argentina and Chile: someone stains your clothes and while helping you clean, an accomplice steals your things. In tourist areas, verify prices before buying and negotiate in markets. Hire tours with established companies and avoid deals that are too cheap. Stay informed about local situations and follow advice from your accommodation.

South America is culturally diverse but shares certain customs. Greetings include cheek kisses, even between people meeting for the first time, especially in Argentina, Chile, and Uruguay. Punctuality is flexible in social contexts but expected in formal situations. In restaurants, service may be slower than in North America, reflecting a more relaxed pace of life. Tips are expected: 10% in restaurants is standard, although in some countries it's already included in the bill. Learn basic phrases in Spanish or Portuguese, locals appreciate the effort. In Andean countries like Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, chewing coca leaves is traditional for altitude sickness and has no negative connotation. Respect indigenous sacred sites and ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural communities. Dress is generally casual, but in churches and religious sites cover shoulders and knees. In Brazil, beach culture is relaxed and thongs are normal. Avoid sensitive political topics and show respect for the continent's cultural diversity.

Finding economical flights to South America requires flexibility and planning. Use comparison sites like TICKETS.CR to check prices from multiple airlines simultaneously. The cheapest flights from Costa Rica usually have stopovers in Panama, Bogotá, or Lima. Airlines like Copa Airlines, Avianca, and LATAM offer frequent connections. Book 2-3 months in advance for better fares, although last-minute deals occasionally appear. Low season (April-May and September-November) offers lower prices and fewer tourists. Consider flying to hub cities like Lima, Bogotá, or Buenos Aires and then taking economical regional flights with low-cost airlines. Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually have lower fares than weekends. Subscribe to price alerts and airline newsletters for flash deals. If your final destination is flexible, compare costs between different entry cities. Overnight flights or those with long layovers are cheaper but consider the cost of time and comfort. Accumulate miles with frequent flyer programs for future discounts.

South American cuisine is extraordinarily varied and accessible. In Peru, try fresh ceviche, lomo saltado, and anticuchos at local markets where you'll eat authentically at low prices. Argentina is famous for its steakhouses: a bife de chorizo at a neighborhood parrilla costs less than in tourist areas. In Brazil, experience feijoada on Saturdays, açaí on beaches, and rodizio churrascarias with unlimited meat. Colombia offers arepas, bandeja paisa, and ajiaco, hearty and economical dishes. Ecuador stands out for its shrimp ceviche, encebollado, and hornado. Municipal markets are ideal for cheap and authentic food: Mercado Central in Santiago, Mercado de San Miguel in Lima, or Feria de Mataderos in Buenos Aires. Local bakeries sell empanadas, pastries, and sandwiches perfect for quick breakfasts. Avoid restaurants in main tourist areas where prices double. Ask locals for their favorite places. Try unique tropical fruits like lúcuma, chirimoya, or maracuyá in fresh juices. Tap water is not always drinkable, buy bottled water or use portable filters.

Planning an itinerary in South America requires considering the continent's enormous distances. For 2-3 week trips, focus on 2-3 neighboring countries rather than trying to cover everything. A popular circuit includes Peru (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu) and Bolivia (La Paz, Salar de Uyuni) in 14 days. Another option is Argentina and Chile: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, crossing to Santiago and Valparaíso. Consider geography: traveling north to south in a single country is more efficient than jumping between distant countries. Book popular tours in advance, especially Machu Picchu which requires permits weeks ahead. Leave rest days between destinations to acclimatize to altitude changes in Andean zones. Use domestic flights for long distances and overnight buses to save on accommodation. Verify visa requirements between countries: Costa Rican citizens generally don't need visas for short tourist stays in most South American countries. Research local festivals that can enrich your experience but also raise prices and require advance reservations. Download offline maps and translation apps for areas with limited internet.

Packing for South America depends on your specific destinations due to climate diversity. For Andean zones like Cusco, La Paz, or Quito, bring layers: t-shirts, sweaters, and waterproof jacket, as temperatures vary drastically between day and night. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, preferably hiking boots if you plan trekking. For tropical coasts like Cartagena or Rio de Janeiro, light cotton clothing, swimsuit, hat, and high-factor sunscreen. A universal adapter is necessary as plugs vary: type C in Argentina and Chile, type A in Colombia and Peru. Personal medications should go in carry-on luggage with prescriptions, include altitude sickness pills if visiting areas above 2,500 meters. Insect repellent with DEET is crucial for Amazon zones. A reusable water bottle with filter will save you money and reduce plastic. Carry cash in dollars to exchange, as they get better rates than cards in many places. A small anti-theft backpack for daily excursions protects your belongings. Digital copy of passport, insurance, and reservations in the cloud will save you if you lose physical documents.