🌎 Why South America Is So Special
South America feels smaller than Asia or Africa on a country-count map, but the actual travel distances are enormous. A route can move from tropical coast to high-altitude Andes, from Amazon rainforest to European-feeling capitals, or from desert landscapes to glaciers all within the same continent.
South America is not only my current homebase, but also my favorite continent to travel: football stadiums in Argentina, rooftop views in Colombia, parties in Brazil, colonial cities, local buses, and a travel rhythm that felt more relaxed and social than in many other regions.
🗺️ All 12 Countries in South America
These are the 12 UN member countries in South America.
🧭 South America Travel Guides
These are the South America country guides currently live on the 195 Blog, with personal route notes, photos, practical tips, and the stories that made each country memorable.
Get Travel Insurance for South America
South America is huge and varied. A single trip can include altitude, jungle, long buses, remote hikes, major cities, and changing political or transport situations.
For South America, I usually compare two different types of travel insurance: SafetyWing for longer, more flexible trips, and Heymondo for fixed-date holidays with clearer start and end dates.
SafetyWing
Best for backpackers, digital nomads, remote workers, and longer routes through several South American countries.
- Good for open-ended travel
- Useful if you do not know your exact return date
- Works well for multi-country routes
- Subscription-style coverage for long-term travelers
Heymondo
Best for fixed-date holidays, Patagonia trips, Galapagos-style itineraries, family trips, and single-country routes.
- Good for trips with fixed dates
- Useful when you want cancellation options
- Often strong for medical coverage limits
- Flexible add-ons depending on the trip
The simple rule: if you are traveling around South America for weeks or months, check SafetyWing. If you are booking a specific South America trip with set dates, check Heymondo.
✈️ Practical Notes for South America Travel
South America is often easier to travel independently than people expect, but distances can be huge and altitude, safety, seasons, and border routes all matter. It is a region where slow travel usually makes the experience much better.
- Do not underestimate bus distances
- Prepare for altitude in Andean countries like Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Chile.
- Keep a flexible safety mindset in large cities and around bus stations.
- Plan seasons carefully for Patagonia, the Amazon, and mountain regions.
- Use condoms ;)
- Leave time for football, markets, local food, and spontaneous city wandering.