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A Guide for Travel to South America during COVID-19

With 20 years’ experience, our own local offices, and specializing only in South America, we’re best placed to guide you healthily through South America. We’ll ensure you have an enjoyable and safe trip whether you’re looking to travel soon or are planning well ahead.

Much of South America is open for travel again. We’re operating trips in several countries right now, with more following soon.

If a Covid-19 test is required for you to return from South America to your home country, we’ll plan your itinerary to ensure that you have time to get a test. Antigen and PCR tests are widely available in South America. Following the announcement that the US will require Covid-19 tests to re-enter the country, we’re now arranging antigen tests before your flight home at no extra cost.

Current travel status

Country
(Click below for more info)
Open without quarantine? Covid-19 test required before travel?
Antarctica See entry country details (Argentina or Chile)
Argentina YES No
Bolivia YES No
Brazil YES No
Chile YES No
Colombia YES No
Ecuador & Galapagos YES No
French Guiana YES
Guyana YES No
Paraguay YES No
Peru & Machu Picchu YES No
Suriname YES
Uruguay YES
Venezuela YES
Updated May 12, 2023
See IATA Travel Centre for more detail

Planning your trip
The beauty of a customized trip to South America is that you can decide what style of travel will give you the most enjoyment and peace of mind in these changing times. For example, you might prefer private tours and transport throughout your trip, or a combination of private and small group excursions, or maybe you’d like to include some self-drive in your tour. Let us know your preferences, and we’ll fit the trip to your requirements. Perhaps you’d like to focus on the landscapes and nature of South America or explore cities in a way that avoids crowds.

When you fly
This video from IATA gives a good overview of what to expect when flying.

Planes have HEPA air filtration systems – similar to those used in hospital operating theaters. Wearing a mask is required by most airlines and is recommended by IATA for the entire journey – from entering your departure airport, on the plane, through to leaving the airport at your destination. Online check-in is recommended (required in some cases). Regular hand washing is recommended too, and avoid traveling if unwell.

While some airlines will leave middle seats empty if they are not very full, if you’d like to be sure of more space on board the plane, consider flying in a premium cabin. Within South America, Latam (who fly within and between most countries) offer premium economy on most flights and this is often reasonably priced at about 25 to 35% above economy class. If you’re interested, ask your travel consultant about premium economy when planning your flights. Choosing a flexible ticket is a good idea too, rather than simply booking the very cheapest fare.

On arrival in South America
Some countries have specific entry requirements in relation to Covid-19. For example, you may need to show a negative test result taken shortly before travel, complete a health questionnaire, or give proof of health insurance. These requirements are subject to change. IATA has a summary of the current requirements for each country here. Travel insurance including medical cover is essential, regardless of coronavirus, so be sure to take out a policy whether your destination requires proof or not.

During your time in South America
We’ll be carefully following all local coronavirus regulations – which vary a little from country to country and region to region. They can include having your temperature taken, mandatory wearing of masks and health questionnaires. In all destinations, we’ll follow best practice including extra hygiene measures on tours, the wearing of masks where needed and social distancing.

We have our own offices in South America and long-standing relationships with local guides. We provide 24/7 support and have the knowledge and contacts to assist in the event of an emergency.

What if I need to change my plans?
We currently have a flexible booking policy in place which applies to many of our trips. Ask your travel consultant if you have any questions.

Our Flexible Booking Policy

If there’s one silver lining in all that’s happening right now, it’s that travel will be more appreciated than ever when things get back to normal. While it is hard to travel right now, we’d like to inspire wanderlust and help our travelers plan their future dream vacations. When you’re ready to start dreaming up your next adventure, we’re ready to listen, advise, and make the best recommendations.

Of course, we can’t predict what’s going to happen with the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, but we’ve got more than 20 years of experience, and we’re well-practiced to dealing with global issues. So you know you’re in safe hands with specialists who are experts in their destinations and remain your single point of contact.

Plans Change? Free date changes!

Don’t worry if your plans change. Our trips are very flexible! In most cases, this means you can change your travel dates and put all the money paid towards new dates – so long as the change is made 45 days or more in advance. Talk to your travel consultant before booking for exact details for your specific itinerary.

woman petting a llama at machu picchu peru

Well Informed Travel

We have offices on the ground in South America and are constantly monitoring the changing situation in each country with regards to travel restrictions and Covid-19 cases. Booking a trip with us, you are booking with a knowledgeable, well informed South America expert – this matters now more than ever.

woman looking at the kicker rock in the galapagos

Changing Your Destination

If you cannot travel to a particular destination due to government-imposed Covid-19 travel restrictions and you do not wish to postpone, you can change to another destination in South America. In most cases, there will be no penalty if the change is made at least 45 days before travel. In all cases, we’ll do what we can to facilitate this change with as little penalty as possible. Click here for more information.

Aerial view of rushing waterfalls of Iguazu Falls

Travel Safely. Avoid crowds!

All our itineraries are hand-crafted, personal itineraries. If you’re looking for remote destinations and hidden gems, we have lots of great travel tips to share with you. From cozy lodges in Patagonia to remote beaches in northern Brazil, you’re sure to find the travel plan that fits your needs.

Couple enjoying views of the Patagonia mountains

Personal Assistance 24/7.

Contact an Expert Travel Consultant anytime via phone or chat. We will take care of all the moving parts and logistics, so you can keep peace of mind and travel when the time’s right for you.

two people planning a south america trip while looking at a map

Looking for More Information?

Create Your Own Custom Tour

Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. Be as specific or general as you like - or click Help Me Decide! We'll spice it with hidden gems & personal tips to create your perfect trip.

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Create something unique!

Create your personalized South America trip in a few easy steps.

Create Your Own Custom Tour

Click your preferences: Destinations & Activities. Be as specific or general as you like - or click Help Me Decide! We'll spice it with hidden gems & personal tips to create your perfect trip.

Choose Amazon destinations (optional)
Choose destinations (optional)
Choose Bolivia destinations (optional)
Choose Brazil destinations (opt)
Choose Chile destinations (opt)
Choose Colombia & Panama destinations (optional)
Choose Ecuador & Galapagos destinations (optional)
Choose Paraguay & Uruguay destinations (optional)
Choose Patagonia & Antarctica destinations (optional)
Choose Peru destinations (optional)
Choose Guianas destinations (optional)
Choose Interests
Choose activities
What category of accommodation?

You can choose more than one!

When would you like to go?
for
How many travelers?
age groups
age groups
Review my trip summary
destinations

activities

accommodations

when

who

Highly recommended - Phone: We ❤️ to talk! A brief chat with your personal Travel Consultant helps us create your perfect trip!

Hooray! Thanks for Sharing!

If you have an additional 30 seconds we’d love to learn more about you…

Custom Tour Request Popup

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