Catrin, our South America product manager, gave us her top tips for travelling in Latin America, exclusively for Loyalty Club members. Here’s what she recommends:
- Learn a few local phrases – some basic phrases, simple greetings or even just a thank you in Spanish (or Portuguese for those travelling to Brazil) go a long way.
- Understand local customs – Latin Americans are warm people and greet each other as such – like in Europe, hugs or cheek kisses are very common. Mealtimes are often later and more leisurely than in the UK and a relaxed sense of time is part of the culture.
- Embrace a flexible mindset – things don’t always run exactly to schedule in Latin America but that can be part of the charm.
- Be aware of altitude – some parts of Latin America sit high above sea level but don’t let that put you off. Allow time to acclimatise, take things slowly, and stay hydrated.
- Pack layers – temperatures can drop in the evenings when at altitude, Patagonia can be notoriously windy, and even in more tropical climes of Costa Rica temperatures can be cooler in the cloud forest. Longer sleeves to help protect against mosquitoes is also something to consider.
- Be culturally curious – Latin America is rich in history and traditions. On tour with us, local guides will help bring all this to life, weaving stories around incredible monuments like Machu Picchu.
- Try the local cuisine – each region has its own specialities from street snacks to regional dishes. Latin American food can offer a wide range of flavours that reflects its varied cultures and geography.
- Travel with confidence – travelling with our expert guides and carefully constructed itineraries offers a comfortable, well-supported way to explore.
