See what the experts are saying about Falkland Islands. Get expert advice on how to get there what to see and more.
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Planning a trip
In this section, we provide you with regionwide tips and general information that will help you plan your trip. Packing Tips Regardless of where you're traveling in South America, the sun is always very strong, so be sure to bring sunbl... Continue reading »
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When to go
South America is a huge continent (it crosses both the Equator and the Tropic of Capricorn), and climatic conditions vary widely. In June, when it's freezing cold at the southern tip of Argentina, it's hot and humid in Venezuela. You can take... Continue reading »
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Calendar of events
February Carnaval. Generally celebrated during the week before the start of Lent, the liveliest Carnaval festivities are held in Argentina, Uruguay, and, most famously, Brazil. In Salta, Argentina, citizens throw a large parade, which incl... Continue reading »
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Getting there
Buenos Aires, Santiago, Lima, and São Paulo receive the greatest number of international flights to South America. If you're planning to explore the whole continent, you might consider starting off at one of these gateways and hooking up ther... Continue reading »
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Health & insurance
Travel Insurance Check your existing insurance policies and credit card coverage before you buy travel insurance. You may already be covered for lost luggage, canceled tickets, or medical expenses. The cost of travel insurance varies widel... Continue reading »
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Entry requirements & customs
The passport and visa information in this section is for quick reference; see individual country pages for complete details about the entry requirements for your destination. Due to concerns about parental abductions, there are special req... Continue reading »
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Getting around
In general, the roads in South America are often in very poor condition. But there is an enormous network of bus lines, and if you have the time, patience, and a butt of steel (the roads are bumpy and the seats are lumpy), you can travel easi... Continue reading »
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Money
Inflation has been a perennial thorn in the economies of every South American nation. Ecuador has responded to this problem by befriending the U.S. dollar -- in Ecuador, the U.S. dollar is the official currency. In other South American countr... Continue reading »
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Escorted tours & independent package tours
Before you start your search for the lowest airfare, you may want to consider booking your flight as part of a travel package such as an escorted tour or a package tour. What you lose in adventure, you'll gain in time and money saved when you... Continue reading »
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Special-interest vacations
Here's a list of companies offering educational and volunteer opportunities in South America. AmeriSpan (tel. 800/879-6640 or 215/751-1100; www.amerispan.com) helps students arrange programs that combine language study, travel, and volunte... Continue reading »
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Tips for families
Family values are very important in South America, so if you're traveling with your whole family, you can expect locals to welcome you with open arms. Children are treated with the utmost respect. When you take your kids out to eat, the staff... Continue reading »
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Tips for gay and lesbian travelers
Most countries in South America are Catholic and conservative. However, in most large cities, there is a thriving underground gay community. To avoid offending local sensibilities or inviting possible verbal harassment in other parts of the c... Continue reading »
