By plane

With massive increases in flights to the continent via global airlines, it has never been easier to visit South America!  While getting there by international flight is generally expensive, travelling within each country is generally a lot more reasonable!  In fact, it may be even more economical (cost-wise) to fly to a border city and cross the border by bus or car and, then, fly from across the border.

By train

Unfortunately, domestic train service, cross-country being non-existent, is quite limited.  There are a few wonderful ones, such as from Oruru to Villazon, passing through Uyuni, Tupiza, and other places, and a Brazilian railway, linking some regional capitals such as Belo Horizonte and Vitoria.  Don’t let that stop you though!  There are quite a few scenic “tourist trains,” specifically for the sights and sounds of South America.

By bus

Buses are not only cost-efficient, but they are also the main form of transportation across most of the continent.  That being said, you are much better off flying for very long distances!

Spanish is the most-spoken language of South America and is official in every country except Brazil, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana, and is still widely spoken even in those countries due to close proximity!  Portuguese is the language of Brazil, the country that comprises half the population and landmass of the continent. If you go off the beaten track, many indigenous peoples here speak their own languages, and there is a smattering of English, Dutch, and French through Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana respectively!

South American is not only a beautifully varied continent, not to mention hospitable, but it also offers many unique travel experiences and destinations.  The adventure in all of us can find any number of stunning and one-of-a-kind places to start the adventure!