Surviving South America: Essential Tips to Avoid Common Travel Traps 🥹

Sisters! I just returned from an incredible journey through five countries in South America, and the landscapes were absolutely breathtaking, but the aftermath was quite a rollercoaster! 😎

To say I didn’t face any challenges would be a total lie! There are so many travel guides on Xiaohongshu that it can make your head spin 🤯. Altitude sickness, language barriers… it felt like one wrong move and I’d step into a minefield 💣! So today, I’m here to share my real experiences, hoping to help as many of you as possible!

First off, let me say that this time I joined a group tour, with a small, young, and vibrant group, and we had a blast laughing and joking along the way! 💃 The accommodations weren’t luxurious, but they were all clean and comfortable.

📌 My Suffering Experiences & Blood, Sweat, and Tears Advice!
👾 Cusco, Peru: Altitude Sickness Warning ⚠!
Cusco is stunningly beautiful! 😍 Wandering through the ancient city, you feel like you’ve been transported back to the Inca era. But! At 3,400 meters above sea level, it’s no joke. As soon as I stepped off the plane, I started feeling dizzy and nauseous, like my soul was about to leave my body 😵‍💫!

Advice: Take Rhodiola rosea in advance, and bring glucose tablets. After landing, take it slow, drink plenty of water, and avoid strenuous activities! One of our group members had to rest for half a day before they felt better.

👾 Valparaíso, Chile: Beware of Scams ⚠!
The colorful houses in Valparaíso 🌈 are indeed very photogenic, but the prices can be sky-high! A simple seafood noodle dish 🍜 can set you back over $200!
And many small shops are tourist traps, selling souvenirs of questionable quality.
Advice: Do your research in advance, avoid the overly touristy spots, and explore the local markets instead; you might find some delightful surprises.

👾 Brazil: Theft Warning ⚠!
The mountains in Rio de Janeiro ⛰️ are truly spectacular! Overlooking the entire city, it feels like everything was worth it! 👏 But! Safety in Brazil can be a bit concerning 😨
Advice: Remember the guide’s words: “In Brazil, don’t act like a tourist!” Avoid wearing expensive watches or jewelry, skip the beach shorts, and use your phone 📱 as little as possible. Take photos in crowded areas or ask for help from security. Don’t wander around at night!

✅ There were also amazing experiences!
Of course, the trip to South America wasn’t all about suffering! The Moreno Glacier in Argentina and the historic city of Colonia in Uruguay were so enchanting that I didn’t want to leave! I won’t say much about the scenery, just look at the pictures! 📷

In summary: The beauty of South America is definitely worth overcoming some difficulties to experience! 😎 By doing your research and taking care of your health, you can have a more enjoyable and memorable trip! ❤