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South America is home to abundant nature, a vibrant culture and warm, hospitable people one of the top destinations for Americans this year.
In 2023, several countries on the continent registered a record increase in bookings due to relaxed entry rules, attractive prices and improved flight connectivity following the end of the health crisis.
While the ongoing spike in arrival numbers is unlikely to abate anytime soon, there are four very important updates that American travelers heading south early next year should be aware of: others not so much.
We’ll start with the happy stuff, but make sure you read to the end or you may be in for an unpleasant surprise in the future.
Buenos Aires is the cheapest and safest capital of South America
If you’re planning a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina’s charming capital and South America’s most prominent foodie hotspot, you’re in for a treat.
Famous for its European-inspired architecture, wide boulevards, large parks and award-winning restaurants, BA (in its short form) has been a source of fascination for decades, but it has really exploded in popularity this year for two reasons.
It’s one of the cheapest city breaks for Americans going abroad, thanks to the “tourist dollar” program effective doubles the value of your money when buying pesos in Argentina, compared to the official rate applicable to purchases abroad, and the low consumer prices.
According to BudgetYourReisa two-week trip to Buenos Aires can cost as cheap as $354 if you are traveling on a budget.
Then there are the lower risks citywide for robberies, scams, and urban violence in general: aside from being mesmerized by tango street performers and finding out that empanadas are their new favorite snack, visitors feel terribly safe walking the streets in downtown BA.
The same cannot be said for the majority of South American capitals, especially when Argentina stands out as just one of the few countries in the region currently enjoying Level 1 status as defined by the US Department of State.
This means that it could be on par with Iceland, Finland and Norway in terms of safety, which brings us to point number two.
Colombia is becoming more dangerous to visit… Again
Colombia, on the other hand, has received another Level 3 warning from the same entity, meaning this is the case not a low-risk destinationand Americans should even “rethink” travel.
Since the 1990s, the South American gem has made great strides in increasing security in its cities and tackling its gang-related problems, but it is still miles behind other states in the region in terms of security.
This year, scores of tourists have reported falling victim to violence while traveling in Colombia, and Medellin is once again on track to become the continent’s crime capital.
And US citizens are particularly concerned because they are perceived as having money and being easy targets.
If you visit Colombia in 2024, make sure you get a high level of situational awarenessAvoid walking alone late at night, even in touristy areas, and leave valuables at your hotel, preferably in a safe.
Read more about common crimes faced by tourists in Colombia and how you can reduce your risk.
Machu Picchu will allow more tourists to visit every day
On a happier note, more tourists are now allowed to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wonder of the world, Machu Picchu.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions for country hoppers in South America and offers iconic postcard-like views well-preserved terraces and ruined yet impressive pre-Columbian dwellings that rest high on a mountain in the Peruvian highlands.
If you’re lucky, you might be able to feed an alpaca and try the locals pisco drink, which should help you with altitude sickness, and the best part is that you no longer have to fight so hard for a spot on a tour or plan your visit far in advance.
In the past, Machu Picchu received up to 3,800 visitors per day not everyone was lucky to get tickets in time.
However, from January 1, the Ministry of Culture, responsible for overseeing visits to Machu Picchu, will allow as many as 4,500 guests per day, and as many as 5,600 on busier days, accommodating more tourists and ensuring no one has to to miss. Wonder of the world.
Visa for Brazil. For Americans.
Perhaps the most serious update on this list: Brazil’s latest reshuffling of entry rules is something you don’t want to read inattentively – if you are American.
As we reported a few months ago, South America’s largest country is bringing back visa restrictions for U.S. passport holders in a tit-for-tat move interpreted as a response to America’s own tough visa policy on Brazilians.
As promised, the visa will be digital, but what we didn’t know at the time was that the application process is very similar to a typical visa procedure, which is cumbersome as you are about to learn.
No, you do not need to travel to the nearest Brazilian consulate to apply for an entry permit and interview. You can provide your details from the comfort of your home here.
However, you are expected to have a exhaustive list number of documents:
- The completed application form itself
- The relevant information on your passport
- A colored digital passport photo*
- Confirmation of outward and return flights
- Bank statements for the past 30 days showing a balance of at least $2,000 for travel
*Passport photos are usually taken a white background, and the individual’s face must be fully visible. If they wear glasses, they must ensure that there is no light reflection. More information can be found in the application form.
The application costs $80.90and the application platform is managed by VFS Global.
It’s now live and you can already submit your application if you arrive in Brazil after January 10 and have a US, Canadian or Australian passport.
European, British, New Zealand, Japanese and most foreigners do not need a visa for Brazil, as Brazilians can travel to those countries and territories visa-free.
After receiving a visa, Americans are allowed to travel to Brazil with one visa 10 years.
This means that within ten years of obtaining a visa approval, you can enter Brazil for up to 90 days on various trips.
Meanwhile, Canadians and Australians will receive a five-year visa once approved.
Are you traveling to South America soon and not sure how to plan your multi-country adventure? Start getting inspired here.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
