Amongst the 14 countries, I choose five of the most kid-friendly countries in South America for this section. I am not saying that other countries are not kid-friendly... they are all also worth visiting. While we have only visited Peru so far. There is so much to discover. We can’t wait to return and explore more of South America. So, please keep checking for updates ◕‿◕ 

.

🔸 𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔 

There are many reasons to travel to this spectacular country. Because of its vast size, Argentina offers various things to see and do for every type of traveler. In fact, Argentina has some of the world’s best waterfalls, mountains, glaciers, and deserts. Must-have experiences in Argentina are wandering the European-influenced city of Buenos Aires, exploring the wine-country Mendoza, and being in awe at the majestic Patagonia glaciers.

.

You may be wondering if this beautiful country is a kid-friendly destination. The answer is a big YES. As a matter of fact, Argentina seems tailor-made for family travel which is a culture to always welcoming children. Plus, there are tons of fun things to do for kids... from exploring ice cream shops in Buenos Aires to whale watching to penguins spotting. 

.

And, if you think that having adventures in majestic Patagonia is only for adults, think again. Yes, many activities will depend on the age of your children. Still, there are plenty of options for any level and any age. Another reason why Patagonia is an excellent destination for families is because of the non-existence of mosquito-borne illnesses and fewer bugs that may bite your kids. This is VERY important for our family since Daniel is allergic to mosquitoes & bugs bites. Yes, it is a real thing. But, bugs don't stop us from exploring nature and tropical destinations.

.

🔸 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗟 

Brazil is the fifth-largest country on earth and the largest country in South America... so it is a massive country to explore. The best part, Brazil is home to 60% of the Amazon rainforest - the largest jungle in the world. Another fantastic thing about Brazil, it is also home to the world's wonder Christ Redeemer. Those are not all. There are SO many amazing things to discover in this beautiful country. The challenge is not finding things to do but how to narrow your option, seriously!

.

And YES, Brazil is a kid-friendly destination and a perfect place to take the kids on vacation. Brazil is also a safe country. Plus, Brazilians love kids by nature, and they do their best to make sure children have looked after. There are plenty of kid-friendly activities to do. And major tourist attractions tend to be very kid-friendly... from waterfalls to kid-friendly beaches to short little treks and train rides. Your trip of a lifetime to Brazil can finally include the little ones in your family.

.

🔸 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘 

Geographically, Chile is a vast long thin shape country along the South Pacific Ocean coastline. Plus, it has nearly 1,000 remote islands. No wonder that Chile is one of the most naturally and culturally diverse places in the world. With so many breathtaking places, Chile has a little bit of everything for everyone, including kids of any age.

.

Take the time to experience what the country has to offer... from the otherworldly Atacama Desert in the country's Northern parts to the impressive 2,500 miles of Andean Peaks in the Central and the majestic Patagonia glaciers in the Southern region. Don't miss admiring the mysterious Moai sculptures on Easter Island when you still have time and energy.

.

And there are still more. Chile is one of the top wine producers in the world. If you are a wine lover, go wine-tasting in some finest award-winning wineries while traveling the country. Vineyards and wineries are dotted from north to south. There is no shortage of it. A wise man said that traveling is better with wine, and I agree entirely with him ◕‿◕

.

🔸 𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥 

Ah, the country that has been on my bucket list for a while now. Ecuador is one of the most fabulous destinations for families in South America. Be ready to be amazed by this stunning but compact country, as Ecuador has almost everything you could ask for an unforgettable family trip. From breathtaking natural beauty to wildlife to colonial cities and tasty foods. Some of the best activities in Ecuador for children include horse-riding, hiking, rafting, cycling, swimming, and snorkeling.

.

Ecuador is divided into two main destinations - the Ecuador mainland and the Galapagos Islands. The biggest draw to the country is the most distinctive and unique wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Many animals are unique to the islands and couldn't be found anywhere else on earth. To name a few are wide-eyed sea lions, giant tortoises, Darwin's finches, marine iguanas, blue-footed bobbies, sally lightfoot crabs, and more. Frankly, there is no place on earth as exquisite as the Galapagos Islands... and I really want to visit and discover it so badly, hopefully soon.

.

The Ecuador mainland shouldn't be overlooked and skipped. It might be compact by size, but it has many fascinating things to discover: the Andes mountains, active snow-capped volcanoes, Amazon jungle, cloud forests, majestic colonial cities, and diverse cultures.

.

The beauty of the Amazon jungle isn't to be missed. It offers an unforgettable and once-in-a-lifetime experience for both adults and kids alike. Two best ways to experience the Amazon rainforest are taking a riverboat cruise or staying at one of those family-friendly jungle lodges. There are plenty of activities for everybody include paddling canoes, playing with pink river dolphins, observing toucans, interacting with indigenous people, and more.

.

🔸 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗨

Peru will always be special in my heart because this 𝙇𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙤𝙛 𝙄𝙣𝙘𝙖 marked my very first adventure in South America. I don't know what took me so long to travel to this great continent. Anyway, Peru is a beautiful country that offers a wide range of great things to enjoy. Be in awe of the Andes mountains, Amazonia jungle, Colca Canyon, Nazca Lines, Sacred Valley, and many more. There is more of Peru than just the Inca ruin Machu Picchu.

.

I understand that the main reason for most visitors to Peru is the world’s wonder of Machu Picchu. And, it truly is A-MA-ZING... worth every step. And the awesome news for families is that you can bring your kids along to Machu Picchu. It feels so surreal to step into the lost city of Inca for the very first time. There are a few different ways to go to Machu Picchu. In my opinion, the most suitable way for families with kids is by taking a train to Aguas Calientes town - 𝘔𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘶 𝘗𝘪𝘤𝘤𝘩𝘶 𝘗𝘶𝘦𝘣𝘭𝘰. Then take a designated bus to Machu Picchu entry point. That's what we did. Even though I always imagined myself stepping into Machu Picchu to see the sun sets on the horizon... after trekking the once-in-a-lifetime Inca trail for days.

.

And there are still many other great things to experience in Peru. To name a few: the Amazon jungle, Nazca lines, the rainbow mountains, the second-deepest canyon on earth, Lake Titicaca - the highest elevation lake in the world, colonial towns, Inca cultures, foods, and many many more.

.

Some of the best family activities in Peru are cycling, hiking, sandboarding, watching wildlife in the Amazon jungle, visiting floating islands in Lake Titicaca, wandering through the local markets, learning to make chocolate. Oh, don't miss petting and feeding some cute alpacas and llamas. This is enjoyable for both kids and adults alike, super fun!

.

Have you been convinced to visit Peru yet?  ◕‿◕

.

Frankly, South America is a great travel destination almost all year round. There is no bad time visiting South America. It greatly depends on what you want to see and do.

.

🔸 𝙎𝙥𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 (September to November) is a shoulder season, where the weather is getting warmer and still dry. The crowd usually is thinner as well. Spring is an excellent season to travel the Amazonia. It’s not very busy, with more trails to explore and fewer mosquitoes. This period is also fantastic to explore the Galapagos Islands, with minimal rainfall, fewer crowds, and active wildlife.

.

🔸 𝙎𝙪𝙢𝙢𝙚𝙧 (December to February) is when the continent enjoys warm temperatures and longer daylights. Summer is noted to be the best time to visit Brazil for its beautiful beaches, outdoor activities, dense rainforest Amazon, and summer festivals. It is also a perfect time to travel the Antarctic when the wildlife is most active. However, the Andean regions (Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador) are often experiencing a wet summer season. So, you may want to avoid trekking the Machu Picchu during this period due to the high amount of rainfall.

.

🔸 𝙁𝙖𝙡𝙡 (March to May) is another excellent shoulder season when you will still enjoy warm weather with thinner crowds and more affordable prices across the board. Autumn is considered the best time to explore the abundant marine life of the Peruvian Pacific, the volcanic islands in Brazil, the roaring waterfalls of Iguazu, and the untouched wildlife of the Galápagos Islands. It is also the beginning of a busy season to trek the Machu Picchu, hit the trails in the Amazon rainforest, and enjoy the dry season in Venezuela.

.

🔸 𝙒𝙞𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧 (June to August) in South America offers an exciting season and most pleasant weather, unlike other continents. The dry winter months are the best time to travel to the Andean regions (Ecuador, Bolivia, and Peru). If trekking the Inca trails to Machu Picchu is on your bucket list, it is the perfect time to do it. The dry winter season is also the best time to visit Columbia, coinciding with whale-watching season along the pacific coast. Please note, it is also usually a peak and busiest season for tourists, so expect to see some crowds. Winter enthusiasts will also enjoy some fantastic skiing and snowboarding in Chile and Argentina.

.

🔸 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.

𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙞𝙧 / 𝙁𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 —Getting to South America has gotten much easier due to massive increases in international flights to the continent. You can fly from almost anywhere in the world, either from Asia, Africa, Australia & New Zealand, North America, Central America, Europe, or other countries. The primary destinations are accessible easily with international airports in bigger cities. Brazil has the most extensive international airports in South America.

.

Here are some major international airports in South America:

• Buenos Aires Ezeiza Airport (EZE), Argentina
• Aeroparque Airport (AEP), Argentina 
• Rio de Janeiro–Galeão International Airport (GIG), Brazil
• Sao Paulo Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), Brazil
• Brasilia International Airport (BSB), Brazil
• Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL), Chile
• Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG), Colombia
• Medellin José María Córdova International Airport (MDE), Colombia
• Quito Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO), Ecuador
• Guayaquil José Joaquín de Olmedo International Airport (GYE), Ecuador
• Lima Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru (LIM)

.

𝘽𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙖 — There are a couple of ferries linking Panama and Colombia. They are also the only way to get a car from Central to South America. Some cruise liners cover the towns in the lower Caribbean (Cartagena, Santa Marta, Margarita Island). 

.

𝘽𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙡 /𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 — There are no railroads between Panama and Colombia, so you can't enter the continent by train. Traveling within South American countries is not often the best option or even an option, as most lines have been neglected for most of the last decades. Some lines offer the chance to see breathtaking scenery.

.

𝘽𝙮 𝙍𝙤𝙖𝙙 — Although it looks like there is a land connection with the Pan-American Highway, there are actually no roads connecting Panama with Colombia through the infamous Darien Gap. Hence, it is not possible to drive from Central America.

.

Read More >>>

.

🔸 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗚𝗢 𝗔𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.

𝘽𝙮 𝘼𝙞𝙧 / 𝙁𝙡𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩𝙨 — For longer distances, consider flying. In South America, international flights are usually from capital to capital with domestic flights (the exceptions to this are São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro with flights all over the continent). Some airlines, like Aerolineas Argentinas, have incredible discounts on domestic connections if arriving on their intercontinental flights. The Oneworld alliance offers a flight pass which might be a smart choice if you plan a more extended South American tour. South America does not have many low-cost airlines like in Europe, Asia, and the USA. International flights can be surprisingly expensive. A domestic flight within the continent can be as expensive as an intercontinental connection. 

.

𝘽𝙮 𝙎𝙚𝙖 — You can go from Montevideo to Valparaiso by cruise, touching Falkland Islands, Ushuaia and Puerto Montt. Or with an extension to Antarctica. Also along the South American coast from Buenos Aires up to Brazil. You can do all the Amazon River by boat, starting in Peru, through all of Brazil. Between Argentina and Uruguay, you can cross Rio de la Plata by ferry. There are also all kinds of boats along the Amazon river.

.

𝘽𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙡 /𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 — There are no cross-country train services in South America, except for Argentina and Chile. Domestic train networks are pretty limited, and furthermore, many service networks have been reduced too. So, traveling by train within South American countries is not the best way. Fortunately, there are several scenic tourist train rides, including the 445-km Quito to Guayaquil in Ecuador. Argentina's spectacular tren a las nubes (Train to the clouds) is the highest train in South America. 

.

𝘽𝙮 𝘽𝙪𝙨 —Buses are the main form of land transportation in South American countries. They are widely available and also more economical but than flying. Long-distance buses have three general comfort levels: Semicama, Cama, Cama Suite. Please note that these names tend to shift from country to country, but you get the idea.

.

Also, please be aware that some parts of South American borders are still not entirely safe. And crossing those borders by bus might not be a wise idea. It is always a good idea to research how to stay safe when visiting any country anywhere in the world.

.

𝗪𝗛𝗘𝗥𝗘 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔 

Accommodation options are abundant throughout Asia. You can find some of the most luxurious and expensive resorts in the world, unique capsule and container hotels, scenic getaway in the mountains remotely, eco-friendly and sustainable resorts, traditional inns like ryokan and yurt, homestay with the locals, budget hostels that cost a mere buck or two, and anything else in between. It all depends on your destinations, personal choices, and budgets.

.

It can be overwhelming to decide which best hotel to stay on a massive continent, especially for your first family trip to Asia. Worry not. We are here to help and won’t let you hanging to dry. You are in the right place; we have made a list of some best-value family-friendly accommodation options at different budgets and categories. It will give you an idea and big picture to narrow down your choice.

.

🔸 𝗟𝗨𝗫𝗨𝗥𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗦 & 𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦

When in comes to quality and services, luxury and high-end hotels and resorts throughout Asia are generally comparable (or better) to hotels and resorts in Europe, North America and Oceania. Hotel staff will likely speak English well. The rooms can be very extravagant with wonderful views looking out the city, water, or mountain. The beds are very comfortable. The bathrooms are clean and modern with a nice shower and sink. You will even find very nice rooftop pools available for guests.

.

🔸 𝗠𝗜𝗗-𝗥𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗦

.

🔸 𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧-𝗙𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗟𝗬 𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗟𝗦 & 𝗚𝗨𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗦

.

🔸 𝗔𝗜𝗥𝗕𝗡𝗕 & 𝗩𝗔𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦

.

🔸 𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗤𝗨𝗘 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗠𝗢𝗗𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦

.

🔸 𝗛𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗪𝗜𝗧𝗛 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗟𝗢𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗦

.

𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧-𝗧𝗥𝗬 𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗𝗦 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.

Many people will agree that one of the best parts about traveling is tasting out authentic local dishes. It is genuine for our family that eating new foods is a fabulous travel experience. We always hunt for the best local cuisine in every place we are visiting. While we love dining in a fancy restaurant, we also enjoy eating on the street and local markets, as long as the food is tasty. Our best motto to sampling foods when traveling is to eat where the local eats. So, when we see a long line, we would join the line without any hesitation ◕‿◕

.

You will soon notice that corn, potatoes, chili peppers, and lima beans are widely used across the continent. There are also unique ingredients only used by the indigenous people of South America. Some of them are quinoa and kiwicha (grains), queso fresco (fresh cow’s milk cheese), yuca (also known as cassava), alpaca, and guinea pig. On top of those yummy foods, enjoy one of the many delicious sweet desserts. South America offers a wide variety of unique local drinks, like coca tea, yerba mates, and Inca Cola.

.

𝗣𝗥𝗢 𝗧𝗜𝗣 - 𝘚𝘰𝘮𝘦 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘣𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘵𝘰 𝘵𝘳𝘺 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘢 𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘴, 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘢 𝘵𝘦𝘢 𝘴𝘸𝘦𝘦𝘵𝘴, 𝘤𝘩𝘰𝘤𝘰𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦, 𝘣𝘦𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦. 𝘖𝘯𝘭𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘸𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘦 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦. 𝘈𝘯𝘥 𝘣𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘦𝘵 𝘳𝘪𝘥 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘳𝘢𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘴𝘦 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘣𝘦𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘤𝘳𝘰𝘴𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘢𝘭 𝘣𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴. 𝘐𝘵 𝘪𝘴 𝘐𝘓𝘓𝘌𝘎𝘈𝘓 𝘵𝘰 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘢𝘯𝘺 𝘤𝘰𝘤𝘢 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘥𝘶𝘤𝘵𝘴 𝘰𝘶𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘶𝘯𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘴, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘮𝘢𝘺 𝘧𝘢𝘤𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘰𝘶𝘴 𝘭𝘦𝘨𝘢𝘭 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘣𝘭𝘦𝘮. 

.

You will have an unforgettable culinary experience in South America. The cuisine is as diverse and colorful as its people and culture. Whether you favor sit-down dinners or on-the-go treats from street vendors, you’ll find something to delight your taste buds. No matter where you are traveling, you will find good surprises because each country proudly boasts its food to be the best on the continent.

.

Here are some must-try foods by each country when you are traveling in South America:

.

🔸 𝗔𝗖𝗥𝗢𝗦𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗡𝗧

There are a few foods that unite all gastronomy South American countries. They can be found anywhere across this beautiful continent. Here are some of those unique dishes:

.

𝙀𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙖𝙙𝙖𝙨 - It is one of a few foods that unite all Latin American countries. Empanadas are hand-sized soft pockets of dough that are stuffed with tasty savory filling savory pies. It is a daily staple food in South America, where every household has its own empanada recipe. They are very popular because it is simply delicious.. also a versatile dish. It can be consumed anywhere as a snack or main dish.  There is literally endless empanadas variety. Every country, province, state, and the region has its own. You can find empanadas in every street corner, from street food vendors to specialty gourmet bakeries.

.

.

🔸 𝗔𝗥𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗔

When you think of the food in Argentina, what comes to mind? It might surprise you to know that Argentina has so much more to offer beyond the expected. Argentina has a great gastronomic history and heritage. 

.

𝘼𝙨𝙖𝙙𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝘽𝙌 - This is the star of Argentinian gastronomy and the nation’s traditional dish. Asado is essentially any kind of meat grilled in its purest form. Most of the time, Asado is made from vacuno (beef),  Cordero (lamb), cerdo (pork), and oveja (mutton). As part of Argentinian tradition, Asado is being prepared by grilling the whole animal. And then being consumed by dishing up in respectful orders starts with the less noble parts (such as tripe & other intestinal), and ends with the best piece of the meat like rib steak. Asado is served with various sides like potatoes and veggie salad, then topped with a special chilis sauce Chimichurri. You should try it when you are visiting Argentina.

.

𝙇𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖 𝙈𝙚𝙖𝙩 𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙖𝙯𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙖 𝙙𝙚 𝙇𝙡𝙖𝙢𝙖 - For most of us, llamas are cute exotic animals. But in South America, llamas are raised for their wool and have been the staple meat source for thousands of years. And cazuela de llama is the star of this traditional stew which is commonly consumed throughout northern Argentina. The dish is typically made by simmering pieces of llama meat with ingredients such as carrots, rice, and colorful Andean potatoes (papas andinas). The combination is cooked until the meat and vegetables become tender, and it is then served while still warm. You can find this hearty dish in numerous local restaurants across the country. 

.

𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙥𝙖𝙣 - Choripan is one of the most iconic street foods in Argentina. It is an Argentinian specialty sandwich made of a long split roll, a grilled or griddled chorizo, and herby chimichurri sauce on the bread. Chorizo is a smoky and lightly spicy sausage usually consists of pork or a mix of pork and beef. It is slowly cooked until well-seared, then put together with other ingredients on a sandwich roll. You can find choripan stands in busy areas like city center parks, sports stadiums, outdoor markets, and street fairs. 

.

𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙢𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙞 𝙎𝙖𝙪𝙘𝙚 - It is a sauce made with finely-chopped fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Chimichurri is the most versatile sauce in Argentina & South America, from table condiments to grilled meats. Chimichurri tastes bright, fresh and elevates any food that is served... cuts through the savory & fatty flavors of grilled meats. 

.

𝙔𝙚𝙧𝙗𝙖 𝙈𝙖𝙩𝙚 - It is a caffeinated drink from yerba mate herb - an herb native to South America. Natives believed yerba mate was a gift to sustain life, increase vitality and heal the sick. It was used for spiritual worship, religious and other important tribal ceremonies. These days, yerba mate is consumed 6 to 1 over coffee. It is often described as a beverage with the energy kick of coffee, the smooth flavor of traditional tea, the healing components of herbal tea, and the feel-good factor of chocolate. The taste is a good mixture of earthy, vegetal, herbaceous, and bittersweet.

.

.

🔸 𝗕𝗥𝗔𝗭𝗜𝗟

Brazilian gastronomy is best described as a combination of European, African, and indigenous Amerindian influences. The typical cuisine varies from region to region. You may find different authentic local foods in different parts of the country. In any case, local markets in town are always the best place to find some authentic local Brazilian dishes. Our best motto is to eat what and where the local eats!

.

𝙁𝙚𝙞𝙟𝙤𝙖𝙙𝙖 - It is considered the national food of Brazil and it's the most famous of all Brazilian dishes. It comes from the word feijão - which means beans in Portuguese. And, you can find feijoada literally on every corner street throughout the country. This hearty stew consists of black beans cooked with different pork meats, tomatoes, cabbage, and carrots to enhance the flavor. Traditional feijoada is made using slow-cooked offal such as trotters and ears. Then it is served with fried kale mixed with bacon bits, rice, farofa - toasted cassava flour, and a slice of orange. 

.

𝘾𝙝𝙪𝙧𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙞𝙖 𝙤𝙧 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙯𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙂𝙧𝙞𝙡𝙡 - Churrascaria is a traditional Brazilian grill using premium ribs, Portuguese sausages, lamb kebabs, chicken, and fish. These meats are skewered, seasoned with coarse salt, and then grilled to pink perfection over charcoal or wood. You can find churrascaria in almost every Brazilian restaurant, even at home cooking. So, it's literally everywhere across the country.

.

𝘾𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙖𝙘𝙖 - Pronounced kah-SHAH-sah. Cachaca is an exclusive Brazilian distilled spirit made from sugar cane juice. It tastes sweet, fruity, and a little spicy. Cachaca is often erroneously thought of as a style of rum. It can be drunk on its own, on the rocks, or as a rum substitute in many cocktails. And by law, this drink must be produced in Brazil and contains alcohol levels between 38-48 percent.

.

.

🔸 𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗘

Gastronomy Chile is as colorful as its people and culture because Chile is a melting pot. As a result, Chilean foods vary from region to region. Nonetheless, they are flavorful and tasty. Here are some must-try Chilean foods when you explore the country.

.

𝘾𝙖𝙯𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙖 - Cazuela is a popular stew made with peppers, quinoa, chili, corn, potatoes, and chicken or other meats. Some cazuela consists of rice or noodles. Chilean cazuela is prepared by cooking all the ingredients separately and then uniting them when served. The stew is typically eaten by consuming the liquid stock first, then eating the meat and the larger vegetables last.

.

𝙋𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙡 𝙙𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙤𝙘𝙡𝙤 - It is a Chilean iconic grilled corn pie with pino filling. Traditionally, Pastel de choclo is usually cooked in a clay dish inside a wood-burning oven. The flavors of the meat and corn mingle delightfully in this casserole. This Chilean shepherd pie is a popular dinner dish across the country. You can find it easily in almost every restaurant's menu.

.

𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙤 - Curanto is a traditional Chilean cooking method using hot stones and rhubarb leaves nalca in an underground pit. Common main ingredients for curanto are mostly a variety of meats, seafood, shellfish, and potatoes. These ingredients are laid down layer by layer, on top hot stones based, and then covered by nalca leaves. These leaves are waterproof and used to hold the hot steam inside the pit. The process is about an hour or so. Surprisingly, all of the foods are very tender, juicy, never overcook or mushy. I am drooling as I write this, yum!

.

.

🔸 𝗘𝗖𝗨𝗔𝗗𝗢𝗥

Ecuador is famous for its beautiful landscapes and wildlife but not necessarily known as a foodie destination. It is too bad because there are so many authentic foods only unique to the country and couldn’t be found anywhere else on earth. Every region has its own traditional foods. You will find different foods on the coastal, highlands, Amazon jungle, and Galapagos. Let’s dig into some must-try authentic Ecuadorian dishes when you travel to Ecuador.

.

𝙀𝙣𝙘𝙚𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙖𝙙𝙤 or fish soup - Encebollado is the national dish of Ecuador, originated from the coastal region. Encebollado is a fish-based (albacore) soup with onions and vegetables - yucca root, tomatoes, onions, pepper, and various spices. It is scrumptious. You can’t miss this traditional dish during your stay in the country.

.

𝙇𝙡𝙖𝙥𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙖𝙘𝙝𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙋𝙤𝙩𝙖𝙩𝙤 𝙋𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙖𝙠𝙚 - Llapingacho is one of Ecuador’s most famous dishes, originated from the highlands Andes. Llapingacho is made from potato patty stuffed with cheese, cooked on a hot grill until crispy. And then served with a fried egg, avocado, meat, and peanut sauce. You can these in locals markets or street food stalls across the country.

.

𝘽𝙤𝙡𝙤𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙑𝙚𝙧𝙙𝙚 𝙤𝙧 𝙂𝙧𝙚𝙚𝙣 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙩𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 - Bolon de verde is another national dish of Ecuador from the coastal region. This classic Ecuadorian breakfast dish consists of mashed green plantains stuffed with cheese or pork or both, formed into round balls, and then fried until golden outside. It is then served with vegetables, chorizo, and egg on the side.

.

.

🔸 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗨

Peru offers a great culinary experience. It is one of the countries in South America that has a truly defined cuisine. Peruvian food is a cuisine of opposites: hot and cold on the same plate, robust and delicate at the same time. No wonder that many Peruvian dishes are recognized globally. Lima, the capital city of Peru, is often noted as the food capital of South America. It is well worth spending time here exploring the wealth of great restaurants and markets on offer here.

.

𝘾𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙘𝙝𝙚 𝙋𝙚𝙧𝙪𝙖𝙣𝙤 - Ceviche is the most popular dish in Peru. In fact, it is considered the national dish and can be found throughout the country. Ceviche is a fresh raw seafood dish (often white fish) mixed with lime, chili peppers, aji, and other seasonings. Then garnished with thinly sliced red onion and cilantro. It is a unique dish with intense flavor. Ceviche is DELICIOUS, yum!

.

𝙇𝙤𝙢𝙤 𝙎𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙖𝙙𝙤 𝙤𝙧 𝙎𝙩𝙞𝙧-𝙁𝙧𝙮 𝘽𝙚𝙚𝙛 - Lomo Saltado is a mix of Chinese stir-fry and classic Peruvian cuisine. It is made from marinated tender beef strips mixed with onions, tomatoes, aji chilies, and other spices. Occasionally, you will find Lomo Saltado made with alpaca meat. The ingredients are stir-fried together until the beef/alpaca meat is the right level of cooked and the tomatoes and onions turn into a gravy-like consistency. It serves with white steamed rice and french fries.

.

𝘼𝙟𝙞 𝙙𝙚 𝙂𝙖𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙤𝙧 𝘾𝙧𝙚𝙖𝙢𝙮 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣 - This is another popular Peruvian dish that you can find across the country, from street food vendors to gourmet restaurants. Aji de gallina is made from shredded chicken breast and prepared with curry-style thick cream sauce. It serves with boiled potatoes and white rice, sometimes topped with boiled eggs and black olive too.

.

𝘾𝙪𝙮 𝙤𝙧 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙙 𝙂𝙪𝙞𝙣𝙚𝙖 𝙋𝙞𝙜 - Pronounced Kwee. Cuy is a unique Peruvian delicacy made from whole (fried or grilled) young guinea pigs. I understand the feeling of eating a dish made from a furry critter rodent may sound unconventional. It probably would help if you know that guinea pig is the second-largest source of meat in Peru, after alpaca. In fact, cuy is a staple food for Andean Peruvians for over 5,000 years. It is actually considered a delicacy dish.

.

Cuy is prepared by squishing (under stones) and deep-frying or grilling the whole guinea pig. In traditional Peruvian cooking, cuy is stuffed with local herbs and slow-roasted over an open wood fire. It serves with potatoes or rice. And cuy is usually eaten by hands - it is acceptable even in gourmet restaurants.

.

𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣 - 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙡𝙤 𝙖 𝙡𝙖 𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙨𝙖 𝙤𝙧 𝙍𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙧𝙞𝙚 𝘾𝙝𝙞𝙘𝙠𝙚𝙣 - Pollo a la Brasa is a Peruvian rotisserie chicken made with a marinade that consists of salt, pepper, huacatay (Peruvian mint), panca peppers, cumin, and other ingredients. It is a staple of Peruvian cuisine and one of the most popular fast foods in the country. What is so special about this rotisserie chicken? It is delicious comfort food. The secret remains in the marinated sauce and grilling method. You should go to a local Polleria to try an authentic traditional Pollo a la Brasa. The chicken is served with a side of french fries and salad - sliced tomatoes, lettuce, and sliced cucumbers with a vinaigrette dressing. 

.

𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙖𝙧𝙤𝙣𝙚𝙨 - And for a sweet treat in Peru, definitely try to pick up some picarones from a street vendor. These delicious desserts look like a doughnut but are actually a pastry made from sweet potato. They are served with a delightful sticky sugar cane sauce.

.

𝙋𝙞𝙨𝙘𝙤 𝙎𝙤𝙪𝙧 - Pisco is ultimately the Peruvian national spirit and an absolute South American favorite. Pisco sour is an alcoholic cocktail made from fermented and distilled grape spirit. Pisco must be aged for a minimum of three months in vessels that cannot in any way alter the flavor. The best pisco is generally acknowledged to come from the Ica Valley in Peru and the Elqui region of Chile. It is best consumed neat or in a Pisco Sour, including lime juice, sugar, and egg white. You definitely have to try a pisco sour when you travel to Peru or Chile, even if you are not a big fan of cocktails.

.

𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗜𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗖𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.

What to pack and wear greatly depends on where you go, when you go, and what activities you do on your vacation. This ultimate packing guide consists of essential must-have items for most hot climates and tropical beach destinations. 

.

Clothing is one of the hardest things to pack for traveling. You need to bring enough for the trip without over-packing. The struggle to pack light and still be cute is real, especially for women. I understand that perfectly. I hope this ultimate packing guide helps you for your next vacation to a tropical and beaches destination. 

.

The secret to packing for vacation is to bring 𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘧𝘰𝘳𝘵𝘢𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘦 clothing pieces. What are versatile clothes? They can be combined well with many other garments, worn for many occasions, and in different ways (opened, closed, or half-closed; layer on top or underneath; tucked-in or loose; belted or not, etc.). Choose neutral colors and basic style for a more effortless mix and match. Then add a few coordinated patterns and colors statement pieces to create cuter outfits.  

.

🔸 𝗜𝗠𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗧 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗙𝗙

• Copies of all important travel documents such as passport, visa - if applicable, and insurance. 
• Make a note of the hotel address & phone number (at least the first hotel).
• Airport transfer reservation & contact number.

🔸 𝗠𝗨𝗦𝗧 𝗛𝗔𝗩𝗘 𝗚𝗘𝗔𝗥𝗦

• Packing cubes
• Lightweight carry-on suitcase
• Day backpack = foldable
• Portable Travel Clothesline
• Microfibre towel
• Filtered reusable water bottle

.

🔸  𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛𝗬 

• Medication & prescription 
• Imodium or other tummy meds, i.e., Pepto-Bismol
• Dramamine or other motion sickness meds
• First aid kit
• Reusable water bottle = filtered one if possible
• Streri-Pen or Life-straw for emergency
• Hand sanitizer, sanitizing wipe & disinfectant spray 

.

🔸 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘𝗧𝗬

• Money belt or pocket bra
• Anti-theft crossbody
• RFID wallet or card wallet 
• VPN = virtual personal network 
• Lightweight combination locks - for a piece of mind when needed 
• Travel insurance

.

🔸 𝗖𝗟𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 - Everyone has different styles and preferences, so please adjust accordingly. The key to packing light is choosing versatile clothing pieces. And layering during a colder time when necessary. Always... Always pick comfortable items over style. Although it's possible to have both, comfort comes first.

.

Choosing suitable fabrics is also important to keep you comfortable when traveling to tropical and hot climate destinations. My family and I are in the process of replacing most of our regular cotton and polyester blend with lightweight wool basic shirts and undergarments. It's an excellent investment.

.

• Cotton blend, hemp, and linen are fantastic lightweight fabrics for low sweat activities. Choose wrinkle-resistant clothing pieces is super helpful, especially when traveling.
• Lightweight wool and bamboo fibers are great options for outdoor activities. 
• 𝗣𝗥𝗢 𝗧𝗜𝗣 - Good quality lightweight merino wool is AWESOME for any season and destination, even for summer and tropical places. YES, you read correctly. It keeps your body temperature cool when it's hot AND keeps you warm when it's cold. Not the thick and itchy wool of the past -- but rather thin, stretchy, super-soft to touch, breathable, natural anti-bacterial, moisture-wicking, UPF 50+, and wrinkle-resistant. Just like regular cotton shirts, only better. 

.

𝙏𝙤𝙥 - Stick to plain neutral colors, versatile style, neutral coordinated patterns, and colors for statement pieces. 

• • Tank tops and no-sleeve tops
  • Short sleeve shirts 
  • Long sleeve shirts 
  • Button-down shirt = white, denim, or plaid flannel
  • Lightweight wool sweater = merino, cashmere, or alpaca

𝙀𝙭𝙩𝙧𝙖 𝙄𝙩𝙚𝙢𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙃𝙚𝙧 

• • Blouse 
  • Dress or jumpsuit 

𝘽𝙤𝙩𝙩𝙤𝙢 - I usually choose neutral darker colors like black, dark grey, navy, olive, dark beige. 

• • Short or Bermuda - quick drying 
  • Travel pants - water repellent - great for light hiking too 
  • Hiking & adventure pants - for more intensive hiking activities - water repellent, durable fabric
  • Lounge pants or comfy all-day sweat pants = great for almost everything, from hiking, walking, to sleeping
  • Legging - insect repellent legging is excellent for tropical destinations, especially if you have sensitive skin 
  • Skirt (for her) - mix short or knee-length and maxi

𝙊𝙪𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙇𝙖𝙮𝙚𝙧 - lightweight and waterproof whenever possible. There are times when the weather is kind of chilly, even in tropical and hot climate destinations. 

• • Ultra-light rain jacket/windbreaker - for wet days and hiking
  • Vest
  • Hoodie - lightweight fleece or wool - for colder days
  • Cardigan - for her
  • Kimono - for her - dual function as a beach cover-up

𝙎𝙬𝙞𝙢 𝙒𝙚𝙖𝙧 & 𝙂𝙚𝙖𝙧𝙨

• • Swimsuit or bikini - few pairs if you swim a lot
  • Rashguard - for intensive snorkeling 
  • Snorkeling gears - compact travel size
  • Dry bag
  • Beach cover-up 
  • Microfibre travel towel
  • Reef-safe sunscreen

𝙊𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙧 𝙀𝙨𝙨𝙚𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙡

• • Undergarments - made from lightweight wool whenever possible
  • Wool socks - yes, even for tropical & hot climate destinations
  • Pashmina or scarf - for HER
  • Hat
  • Eye mask 

𝘼𝙘𝙘𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙧𝙞𝙚𝙨

• • Good Sunglasses 
  • Belt - money belt is a good idea
  • Crossbody bag - I have an anti-theft Pac Safe crossbody
  • Jewelry for her - 2-3 versatile pieces  

.

🔸 𝗦𝗛𝗢𝗘𝗦 & 𝗦𝗔𝗡𝗗𝗔𝗟𝗦

• Comfortable lightweight walking shoes - sneaker or slip-on (waterproof whenever possible)
• OR Comfortable Flats - an alternative
• Sturdy lightweight hiking shoes - if you do intensive hiking and adventure activities 
• Comfortable travel sandals - leather with water repellent - great for any occasions / even semi-formal occasion
• Flip flops 
• Water shoes - for beach and water activities 

.

🔸 𝗧𝗢𝗜𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦 & 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗨𝗧𝗬

• High SPF sunscreen - bring many
• Bug repellent
• Deodorant
• Skin cares - that you can't live without - transfer it to travel size containers 
• Toiletries - travel size & get solid option over liquid whenever possible 
• Clear toiletries TSA-approved bag for liquid stuff  
• Toiletries bag = for other things - pick a style that can be hanging if possible
• Beauty and cosmetics for HER

.

🔸 𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗖𝗧𝗥𝗢𝗡𝗜𝗖𝗦 & 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗚𝗥𝗔𝗣𝗛𝗬

• Universal travel adapter
• Power bank 
• Electronic devices + all chargers
• Photography gears = camera & lenses, GoPro for actions, smartphone, lightweight tripod or camera stick
• Camera bag / waterproof case for smartphone
• Headphones / earphones

.

Happy packing!

.

𝗕𝗨𝗗𝗚𝗘𝗧 𝗙𝗢𝗥 𝗧𝗥𝗔𝗩𝗘𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipisicing elit. Optio, neque qui velit. Magni dolorum quidem ipsam eligendi, totam, facilis laudantium cum accusamus ullam voluptatibus commodi numquam, error, est. Ea, consequatur.

🔸 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗦𝗔𝗙𝗘 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.

South America as a whole is a safe and welcoming continent, and as long as you use common sense, you shouldn’t have a problem. Violent crime is rare in tourist destinations, but petty crime can occur. We all need to stay vigilant wherever we are, it doesn't matter in which country we are traveling. If you have any questions or concerns, ask local guides about best practices for staying safe in each area. They are locals from the regions and will have the best advice. 

.

Here are some general tips on how to stay safe in South America:

• Leave expensive jewelry and valuable at home.
• Use the hotel safe.
• Just carry enough cash for that day’s activities.
• Be alert to pick-pockets, keep things in front pockets. Consider using a money belt or anti-theft crossbody bag.
• Keep purses and handbags on your lap in restaurants rather than on the floor or back of your chair.
• When exploring inside the cities, take one credit or debit card with you and leave another in your hotel safe. Also, carry a copy of your passport and leave the original in the hotel safe.
• When traveling outside cities, you may want to take your original passport with you. A copy passport would suffice in most situations unless you visit specific places to bring the original one.
• Keep walking at night to a minimum – ask your hotel to arrange a taxi for you or use Uber.

.

🔸 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗬 𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗟𝗧𝗛𝗬 𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛 𝗔𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗔

.