In times of inflation and full aircraft, we all are still eager to travel and see the world. With the old dream of traveling to South America still being alive, we wonder: Can we still afford a trip to South America?

Flights

Flying to South America is still a great deal. Southwest and JetBlue for example are flying to the North of South America, including Peru. A lesser known Brazilian budget airline, Azul, is flying to Brazil.  Therefore competition is intense and brings overall prices down.

Whereas flight prices to Europe are becoming more and more expensive as airlines merge or work together in alliances, new airlines from SouthAmerica, especially from Chile and Colombia are adding competition.

And of course, South America is closer! Remember, Colombia is just 2 hours flight away from Florida, the Amazon is just 4 hours from Miami!

Accommodations

Hotels are generally less expensive in South America! And what makes it easy for us to shop around for a nice hotel is the fact, that by law all taxes must be included in the advertised price. NO hidden fees! So-called resort fees are either mostly absent or just illegal. You can still find a room in a nice 4star hotel in Lima for 80 USD – no problem!

You might have to fork out US prices for US chain hotels. Why would you stay at Holiday Inn, Marriott or Radisson, when you can stay in a less expensive equivalent place with some local flavor, right? But are those hotels in safe areas? Generally yes, because otherwise they would go out of business!

Hostels are not a good deal, again mostly. Hostels upgraded their rooms and services in past years and during the pandemic and now costs almost as much as 3-star hotels. But in essence are still hostels and no hotels with all the services usually attached to them.

South American Cuisine

Now, to the food in South America: That can be extremely cheap or extremely expensive: Some of the world’s best restaurants are in South America now. Think meat in Brazil and Argentina or the sophisticated fusion cuisine of Peru, where they bring together the flavors of the rain forest, the ingredients from the high lands of the Andes and everything you can think of from the sea. Many of the “super” foods that we started to eat only recently come from Peru: Quinoa, Avocados, Chia, Maca, Lucuma etc…

You can eat these in fancy places or in rather modest establishments. Just make sure your meal was freshly boiled, cooked or roasted!

Conclusion

Comparing the cost of visiting different countries in South America, Argentina is still a great deal. (Beware of sudden exchange rate changes!) Chile and Uruguay are probably the most expensive places to visit. Peru is very reasonable, especially for the quality you get. Colombia too, to a certain extent. Bolivia and Paraguay come out at the affordable end. In Brazil, it depends where you go! Rio and São Paulo can get quiet expensive, whereas inland and in the North East of Brazil you can find bargains.

So, yes, South America is still very affordable, not quite as much as it once was, but still a great place to visit for your wallet. And remember: You generally stay within the US time zones going there, so you do not lose a day because of a jet lag!

Happy travels!

Can we travel to Peru again?

Some other news item

Day trips from Rio de Janeiro are ideal for those who wish to get out of the city and experience more of what Brazil has to offer. While there’s so much to see and do in Rio, the city also acts as a gateway to incredible places that you can reach in a day’s time. The following recommendations are all places you can arrive and explore within a day of travel, or for a longer duration of time if your Brazil trip itinerary permits. From beautiful beaches to the lush countryside, read along for my favorite day trips from Rio de Janeiro…

1. Buzios

First on our list of Rio de Janeiro day trips is Buzios. Just 100 miles from Rio de Janeiro, this small and sophisticated paradise has more than 20 magnificent Brazil beaches such as Geribá, João Fernandes, Ferradura. This old fishing village houses trendy bars, restaurants, and designer stores in the relaxed “Rua das Pedras.” Additionally, the Orla Bardot has a boardwalk by the sea where you find the famous bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot.

Walking around Buzios is pleasant both day and night. During the day, you have the scenery of Praia da Armação and the colorful boats moored. As the night falls, the atmosphere changes with friendly locals, curious tourists, and the lights of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs.

It is best to visit Buzios during April and May when you can enjoy the city with tranquility and sunny days. I also recommend visiting Buzios from September to October. During Brazil’s summer season, Carnival and long holidays make the city very busy.

How far away is Buzios from Rio

100 miles from Rio (2.5 hr journey)

How to get to Buzios from Rio

The journey between Rio de Janeiro and Búzios is usually done by car or bus. The trip by car takes an average of 2h10, while by bus takes around 2h30 between Novo Rio bus station and the city of Búzios.

2. Arraial do Cabo

Next on our list of day trips from Rio de Janeiro is Arraial do Cabo. Arraial do Cabo is known as the “Diving Captial” and is more rustic than the neighboring Buzios, just 36 km away. This is an excellent option for those who prefer a more peaceful environment with dining and accommodation options that are less expensive and smaller than Buzios.

At Arraial, enjoy some of the most beautiful beaches of the Brazilian coast, with lagoons and crystal clear sea, white sand dunes, and sandbank vegetation. Additionally, there are cliffs providing gorgeous views of the surrounding area.

How far away is Arraial do Cabo from Rio

164 km, 3 hr

How to get to Arraial do Cabo from Rio

The best way to get to Arraial do Cabo from Rio is by land. Car and bus are the most common options. The nearest airport is Cabo Frio Airport (CFB), which is 10 km from Arraial do Cabo however, this is a very small airport and not many flight options.

3. Ilha Grande (Big Island)

The Green sea, wild beaches, and waterfalls are the main attractions of Ilha Grande. Nature was generous with the bay of Angra dos Reis, presenting it with no less than 365 islands splashed in a sea of crystalline waters.

If you are looking for excitement, settle in Vila Abraão, with inns, restaurants, bars, shops, and tourist agencies. Ilha Grande also offers a huge variety of nautical tours, such as schooners and speedboats. There are also walking and cycling tours, excellent for those looking to enjoy the exuberant nature.

How far away is Ilha Grande from Rio

The distance from Rio to Ilha Grande is a bit complicated. In fact, Google maps didn’t even have an answer! The closest pier to take a boat ride to Ilha Grande is located at Conceição de Jacarei (115 km away from Rio). However, there’s no bus access only by car. Angra dos Reis is the main city (160 km from Rio) used to travel to Ilha Grande. You’ll find busses and groups departing from there.

How to get to Ilha Grande from Rio

There are two ways to get to know its natural beauty – by boat, or by helicopter since there are no vehicles. The boats to Ilha Grande leave from Conceição de Jacareí (115 km from Rio) and Angra dos Reis. Therefore, the first stage of your trip will be to go by car or bus to any of these places to embark.

Conceição de Jacarei is the most practical point of departure because there are several fast boats that leave during the whole day, and the trip lasts only 20 minutes.

4. Petrópolis

Petropolis, also known as the “Imperial City,” is located in a mountainous region about 70km from Rio de Janeiro. The mild climate, historic buildings, and abundant vegetation make Petropolis a major tourist attraction. In fact,

Here, you will find tree-lined streets, small wooden bridges, and well-kept mansions where counts and barons lived at the historic center. Each house of historical relevance has a sign with a description telling when it was built and to whom it belonged. The main attractions of Petropolis are almost all in the historic center: The Imperial Museum, the Santos Dumont House, the Cristal Palace, the Bohemia Brewery.

The palace that now houses the Imperial Museum was the summer residence of Dom Pedro II. In the visitation circuit, you slide in slippers between rooms, sometimes assembled as in the empire’s times, sometimes displaying showcases with relics of the imperial family. There is the golden feather that Princess Isabel used to sign the Golden Law, the crowns and the scepters of the emperors, and the throne of Dom Pedro II.

How far away is Petropolis from Rio

70 km, 1.5 hour

How to get to Petropolis from Rio

You can get there by car or there are buses from Novo Rio bus station every 30 minutes.

5. Teresópolis

Just 91 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro, the city was founded in honor of Teresa Cristina, Dom Pedro II’s wife. It was the place where the empress and the royal family used to spend their holidays. At the central point of the Várzea neighborhood is the Teresa Cristina Palace. The colonial-style building is one of the most beautiful in the region.

For soccer fans or those interested in a Brazil adventure, you must visit the famous Granja Comary. Here is the preparation stage of the Brazilian team, which houses five training fields and an artificial lake overlooking the peaks of the “Serra dos Órgãos National Park.” This is one of the best places for mountain sports, in addition to having fantastic waterfalls. There are more than 200 miles of trails at all levels of difficulty. Choose from a suspended trail (accessible to wheelchair users) to the heavy Petrópolis-Teresópolis Crossing, with 30 km of uphill and downhill high mountains.

Among the climbs, we highlight the Dedo de Deus (God’s Finger), considered the initial landmark of climbing in the country, and the Devil’s Needle, chosen one of the 15 best rock climbs in the world.

How far away is Teresópolis from Rio

97 km, 1.5 hr

How to get to Teresópolis from Rio

Enjoy the ride from Rio by car on windy roads or there are buses leaving every hour from Novo Rio bus station.

6. Niterói

Niterói is only 21 kilometers from Rio de Janeiro. To get here, you must cross the Rio-Niterói bridge. This city is runner-up to Brasília for the largest number of works designed by the architect Oscar Niemeyer. One of the must-see attractions here is the Museum of Contemporary Art, designed by Oscar Niemeyer, with hundreds of works of concrete art and temporary exhibitions. From there, you can still see Guanabara Bay and Sugarloaf Mountain. Niterói houses by the edge of Guanabara Bay an architectural complex promoting art and culture called the “Niemeyer Path.”

The Museum of Contemporary Art the MAC ‘is born’ from the ground on a single cylindrical base that supports the entire building, anchored in a giant shoe. Its look is completed with a water mirror that gives lightness to the construction. The large external ramp of red concrete leads the visitor through free curves to the upper floors’ entrances.

Along the shore, you’ll find important constructions such as The Tourist Service Center of Niterói, located in the area where the Niemeyer Path begins, the Roberto Silveira Memorial, the Museum of Science and Creativity, the Oscar Niemeyer Popular Theater, the Juscelino Kubitschek Square, and the Petrobras Movie Center.

How far away is Niterói from Rio

20km, 45 min – 1hr

How to get to Niterói from Rio

Another way to get to Niteroi is by ferry departing from Praça XV de Novembro in downtown Rio. The trip to Praça Arariboia, in Niterói, takes about 20 minutes. The waiting time for the next ferry can be 5 to 20 minutes, depending on the time of day.

7. Paqueta Island

Last on our list of the best day trips from Rio de Janeiro is Paqueta Island. The beautiful island is full of natural beauty with 6 kilometers of coastline and dozens of beaches. Travel is limited here as it’s an auto-free zone, making it an even better destination for relaxation. Swim, snorkel or sunbathe on this gorgeous island. For a little more activity, hike to the Mirante Boa Vista in the Parque de Darke de Mattos. Here, you can enjoy incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain and Christ the Redeemer.

How far away is Paqueta Island from Rio

15 km

How to get to Paqueta Island from Rio

Get to Paqueta Island from Rio by boat crossing through Guanabara Bay. This is a journey of approximately 70 minutes on board ferries that depart from the historic Praça XV de Novembro. The traditional motorboat slowly moves away from the turbulent city to get closer to the tranquility of Paquetá.

More Info on Day Trips from Rio de Janeiro

Are you interested in more day trips from Rio de Janeiro? Contact one of our expert Travel Consultants. We have on-the-ground operations and offices in Rio de Janeiro, so we keep well up to date with the best day trips from Rio. Call us today and learn how you can best plan your upcoming trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Adventurous Honeymoon Ideas Perfect for You

After figuring out all your plans for the wedding day, there’s nothing better to think about than your ideas for the honeymoon. Some might even argue that the honeymoon is the best part of the entire wedding process! While many choose relaxation, peace, and idleness, you might be interested in something different. Possibly an experience filled with adrenaline, excitement, and new adventures? If that sounds like you, I have some amazing adventurous honeymoon ideas for you, and they all are in South America.

South America honeymoon tours boast some of the most romantic and adventurous destinations for you and your partner. As an experienced Travel Consultant and passionate traveler, I can share my expert recommendations – in fact, I was lucky enough to visit some of the adventurous places below during my own honeymoon trip! My Colombian husband and I were looking for a special mix of romantic and fun, postcard-pretty and exciting, and we found all of that in our South America tour. Browse my adventurous honeymoon ideas below and see if they live up to your expectations for your trip.

1. Hiking Machu Picchu and zip lining in Peru

Some of the best adventure honeymoon packages revolve around Peru travel, with a focus on history and nature. Hiking to Machu Picchu is one of the top activities clients request and makes for an incredible honeymoon experience. Peru offers a variety of hikes that feature the Inca culture, breathtaking landscapes, and vibrant nature. Stay in a comfortable hotel in Cusco and decide on the length of hike you’d like to try; there are varying treks that will all lead you to Machu Picchu. The most popular trek is a traditional 3 nights/4 day Inca Trail trek. For something less demanding, opt for a shorter hike (1 night/2 day itinerary).

For those who want to combine adventure and luxury, I recommend our Lodge to Lodge trek. It is an excellent choice, swapping camping for a cozy mountain lodge (featuring that hot shower you’ve been looking for!). For those in search of a rustic, raw adventure (featuring tents), sign up for the Lares trek or the Salkantay trek. These are traditionally less crowded, as many choose the classic Inca Trail.

Another excellent adventure honeymoon idea is ziplining in Peru! In the Sacred Valley, I enjoyed the Via Ferrata and zip-lining. The Via Ferrata is a climbing route including some ladders, steps, and hanging bridges incorporated into the rocks. You approach it with special equipment given to you on the spot. After more than 2 hours of climbing the wall of the mountain, you are ready to descend the hill using 7 different zip lines each of different lengths. That experience for sure makes your heartbeat almost as strong as it beats for your honeymoon partner!

2. Horseback riding and trekking in Patagonia

Next on our list of adventurous honeymoon ideas is horseback riding and trekking in Patagonia! Patagonia is a true playground for adventure seekers. My romantic recommendation in Patagonia is horseback riding across huge pampas overlooking gorgeous snow-capped mountains. You don’t have to be experienced to embark on this journey. Just grab your partner’s hand and you can do it together enjoying a slow, romantic ride into the sunset.

In addition to horseback riding, the most popular and active honeymoon ideas here include hiking in Torres del Paine National Park, trekking or mini trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier, kayaking, etc. The best thing about honeymooning in Patagonia is that you can forget about cold tents or basic hotels and get ready for pure luxury. The Torres del Paine area is well prepared for honeymoon couples offering excellent lodges and resorts. Check out Patagonia Camp, Explora Patagonia, or Ecocamp Patagonia to see what I’m talking about!

3. Snorkeling in San Andres Island, Colombia

When you think about your dream honeymoon, what do you normally think of? For me, it’s true that when I pictured my honeymoon, I thought of turquoise water and warm sun on my skin. A relaxing activity like this is incredibly easy to combine with sea or water sports like diving and snorkeling. That’s why our third adventure honeymoon idea is snorkeling in San Andres Island! San Andres in Colombia is perfect for those looking for a tropical adventure.

From Cartagena, reach San Andres Island seamlessly by plane (1h and 30 min). The island is famous for its snorkeling Colombia tours. Due to its astonishing palette of water colors, the area is called the “Sea of Seven Colors”. What can be more romantic than that? Idyllic landscapes and the slow pace of the island contrast well with the adventurous activities offered such as cave diving, coral reef excursions, and wildlife spotting. I’ve experienced these amazing things to do and truly recommend them to anyone looking for something unique for their honeymoon!

Additionally, there are some adult-only hotels available in San Andres where you can find peace and quiet which is sometimes not easy to find in typical family-oriented resorts.

4. Diving with sharks on Galapagos Islands

While snorkeling in Colombia is fun and enjoyable, swimming or diving with sharks in the Galapagos is a next-level adventure honeymoon idea. The Galapagos Islands certainly attract nature and endemic species lovers however you can easily incorporate some exciting activities into each itinerary as well. Apart from volcanoes hikes, biking or kayaking you can go swimming with sharks, because why not?

Galapagos is one of the not many places where you can experience diving with up to 15 meters long whale sharks. What is more, you can spot scalloped hammerheads, gray reef sharks, Galapagos sharks, whitetip reef sharks. Also, it is easy to spot seals, marine iguanas, and Galapagos penguins. Talk about a unique company to share your honeymoon time with! They say that “a couple who travels together grows together.” Imagine a couple of diving with sharks together…

5. Treehouse experience in the jungle

Last on our list of adventure honeymoon packages is a treehouse experience! I surprised my husband with an Amazon trip to Colombian Leticia where I decided it would be nice to spend a night or two in a treehouse in the middle of the jungle. What an experience it was! Nothing can beat those romantic moments with no wifi and the sounds of the jungle waking you up in the morning. Being forced into no internet connection is a great chance for you to concentrate on each other and your passion for traveling.

6. Swim in natural hot springs & hike tabletop mountains

If you and your partner are looking for natural hot springs, birdwatching, and hiking, then Jalapão Brazil is for you! Jalapão is a relatively undiscovered area in one of the most overlooked biomes of Brazil. Adventure honeymoon packages here feature the Jalapão state park, a particularly beautiful part of the cerrado (a hotspot of savannah and dry forest) with canyons, river beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, and tabletop mountains.
There are plenty of hiking trails to choose from, all that feature gorgeous views of the surrounding area. Then, visit Fervedouro Soninho, a pool formed by natural springs and surrounded by banana trees. It’s the ideal, romantic end to your day of activity. At night, cozy up in a comfortable safari camp and listen to the sweet sounds of nature as you drift to sleep.

Need More Adventure Honeymoon Ideas? Contact us!

All of the suggestions above are my favorite adventurous honeymoon ideas. Of course, there is much more to cover in South America, so do yourself a favor and start exploring the options now. Those unforgettable moments of your honeymoon should end with passion for adventure, great memories, in-the-moment photos, and hunger for more trips like that in your future married life. If you need help planning your South America honeymoon, please contact us at any time!

Elsewhere in South America:

Elsewhere in South America:

Elsewhere in South America:

Chile Travel

Elsewhere in South America:

Elsewhere in South America: