South America Travel Guide - Cash and Financial Tips For a South America Vacation

Travelers have little difficulty with currency and money changing during a South America vacation, but the standard advice to traveling anywhere abroad is to take a mix of cash, plastic and traveler's checks, for the sake of both convenience and security.

CASH

The US dollar is by far the most accepted and easily changed foreign currency across the entire continent. In many places, you can use dollars to pay for goods and services directly, and receive the change either in dollars or the local currency. The exchange rate for this kind of transaction varies significantly depending on the country and the store or service provider.

Aside from these options, you'll have no problems changing major currencies (euros, sterling, Canadian dollars) in banks or at the airport. The exchange rate will be less competitive here, but probably still better than in your home country.

For a Peru vacation, US$ are accepted in all the major supermarkets as well as in hotels and popular tourist restaurants. You can choose to receive your change in dollars or nuevo soles. The supermarket exchange rate is probably the best you'll find, making them convenient places to change smaller denominations (they'll refuse $100 bills.)

Outside each supermarket and around Lima's busier districts you'll find money changers, or cambistas who also offer a reasonable exchange rate. These money changers are properly registered and can be trusted although take sensible precautions, always check your bills and don't flash cash visibly in the street.

Away from the busier urban environments, dollars are less accepted and you'll need a supply of nuevo soles. There is a large quantity of counterfeit bills in circulation so appear vigilant to avoid receiving fakes and check larger bills carefully. There should be a clear watermark, a silver strip and embossed detail across the top of the note. If in doubt, ask for another bill.

For an Argentina vacation, dollars and euros are often accepted in major cities at supermarkets, hotels and popular restaurants and change can be received in pesos. Cambistas offer a reasonable exchange rate but take precautions when handling money in public.

As in Peru, banks and airport counters are convenient and secure but tend to offer a less competitive rate

When venturing into more rural regions, be sure to have a sufficient supply of pesos, because changing dollars will be less easy and they may not always be accepted in stores.

During a Brazil vacation you can change your dollars for Brazilian reais at banks and large hotels but it is advisable not to use street changers due to the risk of receiving forgeries. Banks are likely to be closed on Saturdays and Sundays so be careful not to get caught short during the weekend.

Meanwhile, on a Costa Rica vacation, US dollars are not widely accepted other than for specific tourist-related services (tours, park fees, hotels etc), and even less so in the more rural areas. They are easily exchanged in banks, along with euros, while changing other currencies may not be so easy. Exchanging with street changers is not recommended due to the number of forgeries in circulation. Whenever receiving bills in dollars or colones, only accept pristine standard notes, as worn bills are likely to be rejected elsewhere.

International ATM networks are well established across Latin America and it's easy to find ATMs (cajeros automaticos) in busy, urban environments. It will be fairly easy to find machines that are connected to the Visa Plus, Cirrus and Link networks and many will dispense either in dollars or the local currency. Depending on your own bank's charges this may be the most cost-effective way to travel in Latin America. Exercise caution when using an ATM: be sure no one is looking over your shoulder and try to avoid using ATMs if alone at night.

PLASTIC

Credit/Debit cards are widely accepted across the continent, with the most predominant network being Visa, closely followed by MasterCard. Amex, Diners and other smaller networks are less frequently accepted.

Rather than use your card to pay for meals, souvenirs, etc, it may be more advisable to withdraw cash from ATMs to benefit from the better exchange rate, although this depends on your own bank's tariffs.

Some establishments, especially hotels, independent tour operators and some restaurants will charge hefty (sometimes up to 10%) fees for credit card payments. Check the final cost carefully before agreeing to purchase.

TRAVELER'S CHECKS

Traveler's checks remain popular for visitors, largely due to the added security they offer in the event of being lost or stolen. Checks issued in US dollars are preferred and most easily cashed in banks across the entire continent.

The commission on cashing traveler's checks varies from country to country. In Brazil, it may be high as $20 per check, while on a Costa Rica vacation, banks tend to charge a fixed rate of 1-3%. Meanwhile in Argentina you might be in for a long wait at the bank, and in Peru cashing checks in remote, jungle regions can be tricky.

In the event that your checks are lost or stolen, it is worth getting a police report to support your claim.

And most importantly of all, enjoy your trip! Buen Viaje!

This Central and South America travel guide was written by a travel-loving South America vacation expert at Latin America For Less, a member of the Latin America For Less family.

Latin America For Less, a US travel agency established in 1998, offers a complete South America travel service to destinations across Latin America, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

The company is unique in its ability to offer a price match guarantee as well as the highest standards in quality and customer service.

Fully customized itineraries coupled with personal and friendly service are the hallmarks of a Latin America For Less vacation.

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Travel South America

South America cradles several wonders of the world. In this continent lie five of the most popular vacation destinations: the Patagonia, Salar de Uyuni, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca, and the Galapagos Islands. Travel buffs from all over the world flock to see these South American tourist spots - and they have good reason.

But before you pack your backs and head to this beautiful continent, there are some things you should prepare for.

Plan your itinerary. South America is a very big continent, and it can become pretty overwhelming if you do not know exactly where you want to go. Try to book with a travel agency if you can - they can make your life so much easier by enabling you to visit as much as possible in as little time as possible. If you want to plan your trip on your own, though, then choose your destinations depending on your interests, fitness levels, and even language skills. Do not book trekking adventures if you are not the outdoorsy type, or if your doctor does not think it is safe for you to go. Also be sure to only traverse inner provinces if you at least understand Spanish. Very few people in the inner regions of South America speak English, and you might get lost in translation.

Get your travel documents in order. Each country in South America has different travel or visa requirements, and the deadline for getting those vary as well. You can inquire about these directly from the embassy or consulate of the South American country you intend to visit.

Register with the Department of State, especially if you plan a stay in one place for longer than a few weeks, or in an area where communications are poor. How do you do this? Simply visit https://travelregistration.state.gov and catalog your itinerary. If you forget to do this while you are still in the U.S., then register in the U.S. embassy of the South American country you are visiting as soon as you arrive.

Pack your bags with essentials. Traveling long hours (especially by airplane) to South America can be distressing if you do not have the right tools with you. Bring a lightweight pillow, a sleep mask, a travel blanket, and basic pain relievers such as back gel wraps. These items will make you feel more comfortable during the flight, so you can recharge and use your energy for exploring South America when you land.

South America [http://www.i-SouthAmerica.com] provides detailed information on South America, Travel South America, South America Tours, South America Cruises and more. South America is affiliated with Wine Tours In South America [http://www.e-SouthAmericaTours.com].

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Latin America and Small Group Travel

In Latin America, small groups are an ideal way to tour the 12 countries that make up South America. Smaller groups allow you to experience the culture, history, and geography without the distraction of lots of people, so you get to feel like you are part of the land. Guides have travelled extensively in South America and are able to answer adventurers' questions and keep them safe. Their job is to pass on their knowledge and experience as well as act as a translator in the region. This removes the stress of the language barrier that comes with many holidays and can open up the cultural exchange.

The atmosphere of small group travel is a lot different from going with large groups. In a small group, the traveller gets to know the members of his or her group, which is a key element to the experience of the vacation. During these small group tours, people make lifelong friends that they continue to correspond with. As part of your small group travel around Latin America, there may also be people in the group from other countries around the world, so not only is the cultural experience with that of Latin America, it is also a cultural experience with the people in the group and allows you to make network connections with people from many parts of the world. It is also a chance to learn the unique culture and heritage of the country, whilst also learning about the various home countries of the other tour group members.

Fully guided small group tours of Latin America make use of a guide during all portions of the journey, ensuring that your well-being and safety are paramount at all times. While semi-independent tours have limited options, a guided tour tends to have a wider range of choices when it comes to the experiences that you will encounter. These tours range in length of durations but can last up to a month exploring the Amazon or travelling between different Latin American counties. Given that Latin America is made up of 12 countries, there is a lot to do and see so it is highly recommended that you book a tour with the longest duration that you can afford.

Small group travel around Latin America involves planning by an independent tour company. They are pre-organised with the company making all the necessary travel arrangements, such as lodgings, flights, activities, and tours. This ensures that lodgings and transports are reliable and safe. The trip dossier gives the group some idea of what they may expect on their adventure with daily itineraries, though circumstances may take the group off course.

This form of touring offers tourists a comprehensive exploration of many of Latin America's sites and attractions, which may include the Inca Empire where you will experience Machu Picchu, an Andean train journey, a flight over the Nazca Lines, or a boat trip on Lake Titicaca. Look online today for 'small group travel in Latin America' to find a company that best suits your travel preferences.

Latinlink - Latin America Tours. Since 1992 Latinlink has been dedicated to making your adventure to South America your trip of a lifetime. Our reputation has been built on providing safe, excellent value-for-money adventures. Latin Link Adventure is your one-stop-shop for the best adventure holiday value available to South America. We are New Zealand owned and operated offer you our expertise, experience, personal service and above all - our passion.

All our Tour Managers have travelled extensively in Latin America. Your Tour Manager's job is to pass on their invaluable knowledge and experience - not to mention being able to translate as you go. You can just relax and enjoy your escorted adventure knowing that everything is taken care of. Latin Link Adventure is a division of South America Journeys Ltd which is a fully bonded Travel Operator with Contractors Bonding Ltd.

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South America Travel Tips From Frommer's Author

Neil Schlect, co-author of several Frommer's travel guides, including the vast South America guide as well as Peru and Buenos Aires Day By Day, shares his experiences of researching and traveling throughout South America, plus his tips and advice for travelers.

Latin America For Less: Is there anywhere in particular that sticks in your memory during your time researching the South America guide? 

Neil Schlecht: There are so many places and so many memorable moments; it's a huge and wildly colorful and fascinating continent, with an overload of spectacular places to experience. Over 25 years I've had the great fortune to travel extensively across Latin America: from Mexico to Cuba and the Caribbean coast of Colombia all the way down to Patagonia and back up to the northeast coast of Brazil.  

Off the top of my head, two recent experiences stick in my mind: hiking to the top of the hill on tiny, privately owned Isla Suasi in the middle of Lake Titicaca, experiencing a surreal and mesmerizing sunset stretching out over the sea-like lake; and driving hours over one of the bumpiest dirt roads I've every driven, white-knuckled, through stunning high-desert topography to at last arrive at a gorgeous winery in Argentina's northern Calchaqui Valley, beyond Salta, and have a memorable birthday lunch with Argentine friends.

But a couple of glasses of Argentine malbec today would provoke a half-dozen more memories, I'm sure.

LAFL: How would you describe the Latin American character? Is there such a thing? How about its variations and vagaries as you travel across the continent?

NS: It's tempting, but dangerous to generalize, and I'm not sure how you delve into such a question without writing a dissertation (that would be ultimately picked apart by everyone who read it!).

Even the Spanish spoken across South America has myriad country-by-country nuances and presents plenty of opportunities to trip up even fluent speakers. And then you get to Brazil and realize that not only is the language wholly different, of course, but Brazilians are very, very different people from most of their Latin brethren; I learned that the first time I arrived in Rio in the midst of carnaval and flipped on the TV -- which is not an exercise for prudes.

I'd prefer to leave a question like that to Latin Americans themselves to answer, but if I can say anything about commonalities, it would be the Latin welcoming spirit and cheerful, almost playful disregard of rules and strict adherence to things like deadlines and expectations that restrict so many of us in northern countries.  Of course, like any nation or people, there are complicated aspects to character, too, and one need only look at Latin America's troubled political past for an indication of that.  

LAFL: This is a continent famed for its fiestas. Are there any that stick in your memory as being well worth a visit during a vacation?

NS: Oh, boy. I have to say I'm particularly fond of Brazil's ability to oil its collective hips and throw a dance party in the middle of the street. I've probably never had a better time in my life than living and breathing carnaval in a rented house in Olinda with 3 dozen Brazilians, all of us catching catnaps on mattresses on the floor and spending every other waking moment dancing in the streets and drinking cachaça in 42-degree heat.

Every country in Latin America has its own unique, amazingly vibrant and photogenic fiestas. I'm particularly fond of the deeply rooted indigenous folkloric festivals in Peru and Bolivia. The diablada (masked demon dance) during La Candelaria in Puno, on the shores of Titicaca, and the surreally costumed celebrations of La Virgen del Carmen, in Paucartambo, a remote village in the highlands beyond Cusco, are true revelations. 

LAFL: Can you recommend a journey for someone with just two weeks to spare?

NS: My immediate counsel is always not to try to do too much. It's a temptation to see as much as one can in a limited time span -- it's certainly how I started traveling myself as a college bum -- but often you see and experience so much more by slowing down and taking in the detail of one country (or less, a particular region!).   

I'd concentrate regionally. Quito and the Galapagos plus a rainforest excursion in Ecuador. Cusco, the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Machu Picchu, a bit of trekking and Lake Titicaca in Peru. Buenos Aires, the wine country of Mendoza plus Bariloche and a quick taste of Patagonia.  

The immense territory and terrain of South America makes it tough (although the good thing is that it practically demands you return again and again). If you're certain this is your one and only shot at South America and you have no choice but to zip from country to country by plane, I guess I'd pick out three absolute highlights: Rio de Janeiro and its coast (such as the gorgeous colonial town of Parati); Cusco and its incredible Inca ruins and culture; and perhaps a detour to the Peruvian Amazon. 

Talk to three people who know South America well, and I'm sure you'd get three different recommendations. But that's what makes discovering places for oneself so great.

This interview was written by a Central and South America travel expert at Latin America For Less, the Latin America travel specialists offering a wide range of fully customizable and excellent value Central and South America travel deals.

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South America Travel Guide - Top Five South American Sporting Events

Ask any Latin American and they'll tell you one of the things that define their continent and their own national identities is a burning passion for the competitive spirit of sport. These days the continent's many historic rivalries are expressed through a healthy sporting spirit, producing world famous spectacles that rank among the top of any South America vacation experience. Even non-avid sports fans can't help but get swept away in the atmosphere and energy of a major Latin American sporting event.

The Brazilian Grand Prix is just one of many major Latin American sporting events. For followers of other sports, here are five more that you should look out for while making your South America travel plans.

The Best of the Beautiful Game: Copa de Libertadores

Soccer and Latin America are virtually synonymous. The beautiful game is revered everywhere from the buzzing streets of the continent's cities to the most remote outposts in the distant wilderness. And of all the soccer tournaments in South America, it is the Copa de Libertadores that draws the most attention and passion. The competition sees old tensions such as those between Brazil and Argentina or Peru and Chile turned into a healthy sporting rivalry, while the stadiums of the continent's biggest teams are packed with flag waving fans, endless Mexican waves, flaming red flares, songs and chants.

The tournament's 38 teams are drawn from the top-ranking teams from national competitions, who play a number of preliminary rounds before entering a group stage and then the finals. By the time the final stages begin, virtually everyone in South America has focused their attention on the competition.

The atmosphere of a major South American soccer match is a unique experience and you don't get much bigger than the finals of the Copa de Libertadores. Before your South America vacation begins check the tournament website for a rundown on upcoming fixtures and don't miss the chance to see this most Latin American of sporting spectacles.

A Touch of Class: The Argentine Polo Open Championship

For those seeking a less raucous, more elegant spectator sport, look no further than the great polo traditions of Argentina. Polo is an old passion for Anglophile Argentines, and the sport attracts some of the best players and finest horses in the world.

Held every December, the Argentine Polo Open Championship in Buenos Aires is one of the world's most important club level polo events. Despite the sport's elegant charm, the game is actually a highly demanding one, requiring great skills in horsemanship as well as effective teamwork in order to drive the small wooden ball into the opposing team's goal using an unwieldy, long-armed mallet.

Argentina is the only South American country in which polo is played professionally and having won three world championships, the country is a world leader in this refined sport. There are three big opportunities to catch a professional polo match during your Argentina vacation, at the Open Championships of the Hurlingham and Tortugas Clubs, or the national Argentine Open Championship.

Riding the Waves: The ISA World Surfing Games

2009 is a special year for a much younger Latin American sporting passion as the ISA World Surfing Games arrive at the blissful sands of Costa Rica's Jaco beach. Known as "the biggest surf show on the planet" the games are right at home in the lively, atmospheric and beautiful beach side town of Jaco. The Olympics of Surfing sees over 200 surfers from nearly 30 countries congregate every year to do battle on their boards, with the competition alternating between the world's best surf spots.

Surfing is a popular activity during many Costa Rica travel experiences and the country has become famous for its great surf and beaches that are world renowned for their quality and cleanliness. Jaco is a must-see destination during your Costa Rica vacation and timing your trip to coincide with the most important surfing event of the year is sure to add a touch of adrenaline to your vacation memories!

Aiming High: The South America Volleyball Championship

Volleyball is one of the few sports in Latin America that is widely popular among female competitors and spectators. The pinnacle of the game's annual calendar is the South American Volleyball Championship, held biannually since 1951 at alternate locations usually in Peru, Colombia, Brazil and Argentina.

The sport is taken very seriously and demands extreme levels of fitness, agility, coordination and teamwork. Brazil, where the sport has become a passion second only to football, has been the traditional leading country, with occasional challenges from Argentina, Peru and Venezuela. To catch a game during your South America vacation, check the latest fixtures listings on the South American Confederation of Volleyball website.

Hole in One: Tour De Las Americas

Ironically, it is the ancient sport of golf that is the youngest addition to Latin America's professional sports scene, having only been established as a permanent international tour in 1999. The Tour de las Americas (TLA) provides an opportunity for the best national players from Latin America and the Caribbean to compete at an international level and has rapidly developed into a major sporting occasion, involving over 30 events in almost 20 countries and a total prize money of over $3 million. The rise of golf on the continent has also contributed to a growth in dedicated golf courses, especially in some of the more luxurious Costa Rica hotels.

These days the Tour includes such prestigious events as the Argentine, Brazilian, Venezuelan and Peruvian Opens, plus the TLA Nations Cup. The annual calendar includes events throughout the first half of the year and the 2010 session is due to be announced shortly.

This Central and South America travel guide was written by a travel-loving South America vacation expert at Latin America For Less, a member of the Latin America For Less family. More Latin America vacation tips, guides and ideas are available at the Latin America travel blog. Latin America For Less, a US travel agency established in 1998, offers a complete South America travel service to destinations across Latin America, including Peru, Brazil, Argentina, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Chile and Bolivia.

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South America Air Travel

Travelling around South of America means exploring the rich culture, fascinating fusion of Spanish and Portuguese languages, and congenial values of Latin America. South America Air Travel delivers limitless choices, versatility and friendliness in your jet-setting journey-whether for business or pleasure.

South America Air Travel fares may be a little higher but with the friendly competition that's tagging along with tourism boost, travel agents and airlines are offering better prices to tourists from all over the world. In South America, you have the chance to know how passionate people from Southern American cities are. Your options are Asuncion in Paraguay, Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena in Columbia, Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina, Caracas in Venezuela, Iquitos, Cusco and Lima in Peru, La Paz and Santa Cruz in Bolivia, Manaus, Rio de Janeiro and Salvador in Brazil, Quito in Ecuador, and Santiago in Chile. These tourist destinations provide the same aura of hospitality and sophistication influenced largely by Spain and Portugal.

Your access to 34 cities found in 10 countries of the Latin blooded South America are made possible by South America Air Travel airlines like Royal Jordanian Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Finn Air, West Caribbean Airlines, Santa Barbara Airlines, American Airlines, Cathay Pacific and Qantas. All of them are committed to provide smooth sky rides while maintain a consistently rewarding trip to every tourist. It is in South America where the most number of value air passes are afforded to avid travelers. To find the latest offers and discounter airfare rates, you might have to consult some travel agencies online.

South America Air Travel offers travel air passes like the Mercosur Air Pass, One World South America, Star Alliance South America, Star Alliance Brazil, TAM Air Pass, South America Pass, Bolivia Air Pass, Discover Columbia and Argentina Air Pass. These passes offer extensive travel privileges to different tourist spots around the country. Respective inclusions are defined in each of the passes in reference to every tourist's preferred travel itinerary.

There are discount airlines that are available for tourists. Airline rates vary from time to time. Taking the South America Air Travel, you will be warmly met by friendly staff as you land on Southern American airports in Colombia, Peru, Brazil, Guyana, Chile, Costa Rica, Argentina, Bolivia, Venezuela, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Panama. Premium air travel services are also offered by South American airlines both in domestic and international voyages, to include cargo flights. Some private aircrafts also operate to cater to the higher end market, officials and big businessmen.

South America Air Travel is a spectacular itinerary to get hold of. Getting a window seat at the airline will give you that breathtaking bird's eye view of how vast natural resources in South America are. Travelling weekdays is suggested so that you could avail of lower airfare rates.

Ian Pennington is an accomplished niche website developer and author. To learn more about South America travel [http://travelandhealthguide.info/south-america-air-travel], please visit Travel and Health Guide [http://travelandhealthguide.info] for current articles and discussions.

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Travel to South America - How to Start

You set your mind and you're ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I've traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare yourself for an unforgettable adventure.

Common Sense

We all hear the unpleasant stories and South America has a fame of being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahía (Brazil) and had the party of a lifetime during carnival. Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is giving you the "something is wrong" sign then take a taxi to your destination.

Travel Guide Book

The first thing that you will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. I can highly recommend Lonely Planet´s South America on a Shoestring

to get you started. The book covers all you need to know to get the most out of your trip and is ideal to plan your journey ahead. I've used the guide extensively during my 18 month adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides of all the countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I've used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.

Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages. Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks you can invest in a Spanish and/or Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book. English is not widely spoken and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and/or Portuguese makes the trip so much more rewarding (they're extremely willing to help you, so don't worry, be happy).

If on the other hand you're planning to travel for a few months I can highly recommend taking a language course. Ideal would be in a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for $2.50/h).

Walking Shoes

South America's nature is overwhelming. You'll walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in high quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.

Health Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox

Medical Kit:

Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following:

Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet

Note: malaria pills are required in the amazon basin, please be aware that those pills are very strong and you should check with your doctor before departure

Traveling Gear

Backpack:

Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately. Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If it's the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it's the beach, buy your t-shirts there (cheap).

Camping and Climbing Gear:

You can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible. I traveled 18 months with my own tent and various camping utensils.

Photography

Pictures are something personal. Some people just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic. All my pictures were taken with a cheap Nikon F50 camera.

I had two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. I also dragged a tripod and an excellent flash with me. I used FUJI slides (100 ASA) but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours tremendously on sunny days.

Conclusion

South America will embrace you with open arms. It's nature, people and history are overwhelming. With the right preparation and set of mind you're ready to travel South America and enjoy an unforgettable adventure.

Mark Van Overmeire is a passionate musician, photographer and traveler. He has traveled extensively in South America and Southeast Asia.

After spending 4 years in South America he released his critically acclaimed world music CD Impresiones, a musical adventure traveling from world to jazz, from folk to classical, from ambient to soundtrack. The 6 compositions on Impresiones were composed, arranged and produced by Mark.

As a passionalte traveler Mark has been able to shoot many wonderful photographs and various pictures have been published in magazines and websites.

Mark founded Travel Amazing South America, a travel website at travel-amazing-southamerica.com on June 2005. Travel Amazing South America offers many wonderful photographs, stories and tips for a journey to south america.

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