South American Adventures: From the Andes to the Amazon

Getting There: Flight Options for Canadians

South America is more accessible from Canada than ever before, with multiple airlines offering direct routes to major cities.

Direct Flight Options:

• Toronto to: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Lima, Bogotá, Santiago (seasonal)
• Montreal to: São Paulo, Bogotá (seasonal)
• Vancouver to: No direct flights currently, but connections through the U.S. or Panama are common

Best Connection Points:

For destinations without direct service from Canada, the most efficient connection points are:

• Panama City (Copa Airlines): Excellent connections throughout South America
• Bogotá (Avianca): Good for connections to Colombia and northern South America
• Lima (LATAM): Ideal for Peru and surrounding countries
• U.S. Hubs: Miami, Houston, and Atlanta offer numerous South American connections

From Eastern Canada, flights to northern South American destinations like Colombia can be as short as 5-6 hours, comparable to flying to Western Europe. Southern destinations like Argentina and Chile involve longer flights (10-14 hours) that are often overnight.

Visa Requirements for Canadians

Visa requirements for South American countries vary widely for Canadian passport holders. Here's the current situation for major destinations:

• Visa-Free Entry: Argentina (90 days), Bolivia (90 days), Chile (90 days), Colombia (90 days), Ecuador (90 days), Peru (183 days), Uruguay (90 days)
• eVisa Required: Brazil (90 days) - must be obtained before travel through the Brazilian consulate website
• Visa Required: Venezuela (tourist card and application required)
• Reciprocity Fees: While Argentina previously charged Canadians a reciprocity fee, this has been suspended since 2016. However, policies can change, so always check for updates before travel.

Always verify the most current visa information before booking, as requirements can change. The Government of Canada's Travel Advisory website provides up-to-date information for Canadian travelers.

Top Destinations by Country

1. Peru: The Heart of the Andes

Peru remains one of the most popular South American destinations for Canadian travelers, offering a perfect blend of ancient history, stunning landscapes, and culinary excellence.

Must-Visit Destinations:

• Machu Picchu: The iconic Incan citadel can be reached via the classic Inca Trail trek (book 6+ months in advance) or by train from Cusco.
• Sacred Valley: Explore Incan ruins, traditional markets, and stunning scenery in towns like Ollantaytambo and Pisac.
• Cusco: The former Incan capital sits at 3,400m and serves as the gateway to Machu Picchu. Allow 2-3 days to acclimatize to the altitude.
• Lima: Peru's capital is now recognized as one of the world's great food cities, with three restaurants in the World's 50 Best list.
• Rainbow Mountain: This vividly colored mountain has become an Instagram sensation and can be visited as a challenging day trip from Cusco.

Canadian-Specific Tips:

Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto to Lima, making Peru one of the most accessible South American destinations. The Canadian dollar typically offers reasonable value in Peru, with prices lower than in Canada but higher than in neighboring Bolivia. Most Canadians find Peru's combination of infrastructure and authenticity to be an ideal introduction to South America.

2. Colombia: The Rising Star

Colombia has transformed its image in recent years to become one of South America's most exciting destinations, offering Caribbean beaches, coffee plantations, colonial cities, and Amazonian rainforest.

Must-Visit Destinations:

• Cartagena: This Caribbean colonial jewel features colorful buildings, excellent dining, and nearby beaches.
• Medellín: Once notorious for drug violence, Medellín is now celebrated for its perfect climate ("City of Eternal Spring"), innovative urban planning, and vibrant culture.
• Coffee Region: The zones around Armenia and Salento offer lush coffee plantations, cloud forests, and the striking wax palm trees of Cocora Valley.
• Tayrona National Park: Pristine beaches meet jungle in this coastal paradise on the Caribbean.
• Bogotá: Colombia's high-altitude capital offers excellent museums, including the Gold Museum, plus a vibrant food scene.

Canadian-Specific Tips:

Air Canada and Avianca offer direct flights from Toronto to Bogotá, while Montreal has seasonal direct service. Colombia offers excellent value for Canadians, with prices generally lower than in Canada across all categories. The country's improved safety situation has made it increasingly popular with Canadian travelers, though normal precautions should still be taken, especially in major cities.

3. Argentina: European Elegance in South America

Argentina offers a European feel with South American passion, featuring sophisticated cities, world-class wine regions, and the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia.

Must-Visit Destinations:

• Buenos Aires: The "Paris of South America" captivates with its elegant architecture, tango culture, and excellent dining.
• Mendoza: Argentina's premier wine region sits at the foot of the Andes, offering wine tours, mountain activities, and culinary delights.
• Patagonia: The glacier-studded mountains around El Calafate and the hiking paradise of El Chaltén showcase nature at its most dramatic.
• Iguazú Falls: On the border with Brazil, these massive falls are among the world's most impressive natural wonders.
• Salta and the Northwest: Explore colorful mountains, salt flats, and indigenous culture in this less-visited region.

Canadian-Specific Tips:

Air Canada offers seasonal direct flights from Toronto to Buenos Aires. Argentina has experienced significant economic fluctuations, which can affect the value for Canadian travelers. In recent years, the favorable exchange rate has made Argentina relatively affordable, though inflation can cause prices to change rapidly. Canadians should bring US dollars as a backup currency option and be aware that many businesses offer preferential rates for cash payments.

4. Brazil: The Continent's Giant

Brazil's immense size and diversity offer experiences ranging from the Amazon rainforest to the beaches of Rio, from colonial towns to the wetlands of the Pantanal.

Must-Visit Destinations:

• Rio de Janeiro: The "Marvelous City" captivates with its stunning setting, famous beaches, and lively culture.
• Amazon Rainforest: Manaus serves as the gateway to Amazon adventures, from luxury river cruises to jungle lodges.
• Pantanal: This massive wetland offers Brazil's best wildlife viewing, including jaguars, capybaras, and countless bird species.
• Iguaçu Falls: The Brazilian side of these falls offers panoramic views that complement the more intimate Argentine perspective.
• Salvador: The heart of Afro-Brazilian culture features colorful colonial architecture, vibrant music, and distinctive cuisine.

Canadian-Specific Tips:

Air Canada offers direct flights from Toronto and Montreal to São Paulo. Canadians require an e-visa to visit Brazil, which must be obtained before travel. Brazil tends to be more expensive than other South American countries, with prices in major cities like Rio sometimes approaching Canadian levels, especially during peak seasons like Carnival. The language barrier can be more significant in Brazil, as English is less widely spoken than in Spanish-speaking countries, so learning basic Portuguese phrases is recommended.

5. Chile: From Desert to Glaciers

Chile's extraordinary geography stretches nearly 4,300km from the driest desert on Earth to the glaciers of Patagonia, offering incredible diversity for adventurous travelers.

Must-Visit Destinations:

• Torres del Paine National Park: The crown jewel of Chilean Patagonia offers world-class hiking amid spectacular mountain scenery.
• Atacama Desert: This otherworldly landscape features salt flats, geysers, and some of the world's best stargazing.
• Santiago: Chile's sophisticated capital sits in a valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with excellent museums and dining.
• Chilean Wine Country: The valleys surrounding Santiago produce world-class wines in picturesque settings.
• Easter Island: This remote Pacific island (a 5-hour flight from Santiago) is famous for its mysterious moai statues.

Canadian-Specific Tips:

Air Canada offers seasonal direct flights from Toronto to Santiago. Chile is one of South America's most developed and stable countries, with an infrastructure that many Canadians find familiar and comfortable. It's also one of the continent's more expensive destinations, with prices in Santiago and Patagonia similar to those in Canada. Chile's extreme length means climate varies dramatically; Canadians visiting multiple regions should pack for everything from desert heat to sub-Antarctic chill.

When to Visit: Seasons and Weather

South America's seasons are reversed from Canada's, and the continent spans multiple climate zones, making timing considerations complex.

General Seasonal Guide:

• December-February: Summer in the southern cone (Argentina, Chile, Uruguay); rainy season in the Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador) and parts of Brazil.
• March-May: Fall in the south; transition season in the Andes with decreasing rain; good time for the Amazon with lower water levels.
• June-August: Winter in the south (good for skiing in Chile/Argentina); dry season in the Andes (peak time for Machu Picchu); high water in the Amazon.
• September-November: Spring in the south; transition season in the Andes as rains begin to return; shoulder season with good value across much of the continent.

Special Events and Considerations:

• Carnival: Brazil's famous celebration occurs in February/March (dates vary) and requires advance booking, especially in Rio.
• Inca Trail: Peru's famous trek to Machu Picchu closes annually in February for maintenance.
• Patagonia: The hiking season in Torres del Paine and Los Glaciares runs roughly from October to April.
• Amazon: Each season offers different experiences; high water (December-May) allows deeper boat access, while low water (June-November) means better hiking and fishing.

Health and Safety Considerations

As with any international travel, proper preparation can help ensure a safe and healthy South American adventure.

Vaccinations and Health:

• Yellow Fever: Required or recommended for parts of Brazil, Colombia, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Venezuela. Some countries require proof of vaccination if you've visited yellow fever zones.
• Altitude Sickness: A concern in the Andes, particularly in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador. Allow time to acclimatize gradually when arriving in high-altitude cities like Cusco (3,400m) or La Paz (3,640m).
• Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Dengue fever, Zika virus, and malaria exist in parts of South America, particularly in lowland and jungle areas. Use repellent and consider prophylaxis for malaria if visiting risk areas.

Canadian travelers should consult a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for the most current recommendations. Provincial health insurance offers limited coverage abroad, so comprehensive travel insurance is essential.

Safety Tips:

• Urban Safety: As in any major city, be aware of petty theft and scams in urban areas. Use hotel safes, avoid displaying valuables, and use registered taxis or ride-sharing apps.
• Regional Considerations: Some border areas and specific neighborhoods have higher crime rates. Check the Government of Canada travel advisories for current information.
• Natural Hazards: Be aware of risks like earthquakes in the Andean region, wildlife hazards in the Amazon, and extreme weather in Patagonia.
• Transportation Safety: Bus standards vary widely; research companies when taking long-distance buses. For remote areas, consider flying or hiring reputable tour operators.

Money Matters

Financial preparation is especially important in South America, where banking systems and currency situations vary widely between countries.

Currency Considerations:

• ATM Access: Major cities have reliable ATMs, but fees can be high. Consider a bank account that reimburses international ATM fees.
• US Dollars: Bring some USD cash as a backup, as it's widely accepted in emergencies and sometimes preferred for tourist services.
• Credit Cards: Widely accepted in urban areas and tourist destinations, less so in remote regions. Notify your bank of travel plans to prevent security blocks.
• Inflation Awareness: Some countries (notably Argentina) have high inflation rates that can affect prices during your stay.

Budgeting Guidelines:

Daily costs vary significantly across South America, but as a general guideline for Canadian travelers:

• Budget Travel: $50-70 CAD/day (hostel dorms, public transportation, street food and simple restaurants)
• Mid-range Travel: $100-150 CAD/day (3-star hotels, occasional taxis, mid-range restaurants)
• Luxury Travel: $250+ CAD/day (boutique or luxury hotels, private transfers, fine dining)

Country-specific variations: Bolivia and Ecuador tend to be least expensive; Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay are generally most expensive; Argentina, Peru, and Colombia fall in the middle though can vary based on economic conditions.