So you're planning your first trip to South America. Where would you go? What would you count as a must-see? How long would you spend there? See one country or cram in as many as you can? Would you go for the popular destinations only or try to get off the beaten path? Check the Atlas de Rutas (South America Road Atlas) (direct buy) for highways, routes and distances between destinations.
If you're planning to join an arranged tour, where does the tour begin and how will you get there? Does the tour company make your flight reservations to and from or is that up to you? Is this travel covered in the tour price or is it extra? Are there entrance or exit fees from the country you'll be visiting? Check this out. You don't want to be leaving the country and detained for lack of an exit fee.
If you are traveling with an all-inclusive tour group where all you have to do is show up at the airport on time with your tickets and your documents, skip this portion of the feature and move on to Prepare Yourself for Travel.
If you are traveling on your own, then you will be responsible for all your own travel arrangements, reservations and for verifying them as needed. You'll want to find the best flights for the price with the most convenient airports. You may want to rent a car and explore on your own. You'll certainly want to find a place to stay. One way to explore the possibilities is to use the resources about Getting There. Another option is to let Kayak do the comparison searching for you. Explore your flight options, hotels and cars for your travel booking needs.
Once you've decided on a destination, you will need to get there. There are many airlines who fly internationally to South America and within the continent. Additionally, there are many airlines who fly domestically. Some of the latter are very reputable and you should have no problems. Some may not be so. I've flown on national flights on planes that I could have sworn were held together with bubble gum and chicken wire taken from the chicken coops in the rear of the plane. Flying over the Andes was quite an experience.
You may prefer to use combination transportation, such as air and sea, by flying one way and taking a cruise either back, or by adding a cruise such as the ones in Tierra Del Fuego which sail between Argentina and Chile. This is an excellent way to combine your travel time with sightseeing, relaxation and some great photographic opportunities.
Once in-country, you may use public transportation, either by choice or by need. Some countries have excellent bus service between cities, others may leave a lot to be desired in comfort and reliability but may be all there is to get you where you're going. Check into the local railroads. Again, they vary greatly, but remember, travel is a way to broaden your horizons and learn how others live.
You'll need accommodations. Browse through the detailed, comprehensive links for the cities and towns in the countries you will be visiting. There are many hotels, inns, posadas, bed and breakfast inns, hostels and campgrounds, and resorts listed. They range from the simplest hostel to very expensive, five star hotels. Check through them, look into the prices and amenities offered and make your choice. You may reseve by email or the online reservation form provided. Make allowances for time zones in expecting an answer, and be prepared with second or third alternates if your first choice is unavailable. Start with finding out what is available with this hotel search.
There are some travelers who prefer to get where they are going and then find a place to stay. This may work for them, but I've always wanted to know I have a room, a bed and a shower waiting for me when I get off the plane.
You may need to make reservations for entrance to specific tours or activities. For instance, the Peruvian government is limiting the number of people who daily set out on the Inca Trail, so you may need to reserve a slot. Angel Falls are accessible only by air and you will need reservations for flights and lodging at nearby Camp Canaima
