Local tips for 10 of South America’s top cities

South America’s cities have an edginess and raw energy that other continents don’t. If you’re visiting to study, relocate or simply explore this fascinating continent, you’re inevitably going to be spending time in some of them. To help make your stay that little bit more authentic, here are 10 tips from my time there…

Buenos Aires, Argentina – Get yourself a SUBE Card

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Photo courtesy of Alex Proimos

The Argentinean capital’s underground system is known as the ‘Subte’. To get around you can buy single tickets, but if you’re planning on spending a bit of time in BA, then you need to invest in a SUBE Card, which are valid for buses also. You’ll need your passport when getting a card, and with them you’ll save money and make travelling quicker.

Bogota, Colombia – Wander down Pasaje Rivas

file Photo courtesy of Julian Sorel

As steeped in history as it is, this small alleyway still manages to specialise in cheap, yet non-touristy types of goods. Whether you’ll pick something up is another thing, but it’s worth a visit nonetheless due to it’s Diagon Alley-esque setting.

Lima, Peru – Save money by visiting a free museum

file Lima has many free museums. These include the Museum of Congress and Inquisition (Jr Junín 548) that focuses strongly on the Spanish Inquisition, the Numismatic Museum of Peru that displays a unique collection of coins and begins with the origin of Peru’s currency is Colonial times, and Museo de la Nación (Av Javier Prado Este 2466) which is a tribute to the victims of Peru’s internal conflicts between 1980 and 2000.

Santiago, Chile – Go on your own wine tour

file Photo courtesy of Terry Feuerborn

There are lots of vineyard tours operating in Santiago. But instead of going on one, visit the Concha y Toro winery independently. During your visit you’ll get to explore the vineyards, see the cellars where the wine is stored, and of course sample some too. The winery is just a short taxi ride from Plaza de Punete Alto metro station – the last stop at the southern end of the L4 line.

Get the best seat in the house from Santiago to Mendoza

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If you’re getting the bus between Santiago in Chile and Mendoza in Argentina, book your seat at least two days in advance and ask for the seat at the front of the bus on the top deck. This way you’ll enjoy panoramic views of the Andes along the way.

Mendoza, Argentina – Free concerts in Museo Municipal de Arte Moderno

file Photo courtesy of Miguel

There are all sorts of free performances and activities in this museum throughout the week. These range from theatrical performances to workshops. Check out this page for listings, or just drop in to see what’s going on if you’re fortunate enough to be in that part of the world.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – Enjoy a street party in Lapa

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First things first about Rio – it's not as scary as you might think. Keep your wits about you, be streetwise and you’ll have no issues.

In terms of partying, there are lots of bars in Copacabana and Ipanema, but if you want to let your hair down the same way the locals do (and they really know how to party), try to coincide your visit to Brazil’s most famous city with a Friday night. This is when thousands descend on the neighbourhood of Lapa for a street party you’ll never forget.

La Paz, Bolivia – Visit Witches Market and others

file Photo courtesy of Nathan Nelson

While this is slightly touristy, a visit here still gives you an insight into local Bolivian culture and lifestyle. Here you can pick up things such as dried frogs, dried herbs and more. If you’re feeling adventurous you might even sample some street food. Also…watch out for the Witch Doctors (genuinely).

Quito, Ecuador – Socialise in the Guapolo neighbourhood

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One of the best-known areas to go out in in Quito is a neighbourhood called Mariscal. There’s a lot of activity here, but it can be quite young. Instead if you want a more local vibe, go to the beautiful hillside neighbourhood of Guápolo. Just make sure to plan to get there before it gets dark – it boasts a stunning location.

Cusco, Peru – Shop around for the best tour prices

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While Cusco is an extremely beautiful city with a lot going for it, it is primarily known as the gateway to the Inca Trail and Machu Picchu. As a result, tour signs are omnipresent here. To make sure you get the best price when (and if) booking one, make sure to shop around. Even better, ask your homestay host and they’ll be able help you get the best price possible.

10 Sao Paolo, Brazil – Check out the extremely colourful Beco do Batman

file Photo courtesy of Nicolas de Camaret

Known as ‘Batman Alley’ in English, this long, narrow, cobbled lane is covered in graffiti from start to end. But don’t worry if Bruce Wayne doesn’t rock your boat – it’s not all about the caped crusader. The murals by the extremely talented local artists are beautiful to look at, extremely colourful and of things non-Gotham city related.


Got a tip for South America to share? Tell us in the comments below!

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