South America is the continent that has all of it. There are huge jungles, epic waterfalls, crimson sand deserts, pristine seashores, and a complete host of geographical oddities lovingly crafted by Mom Nature herself to make you say, “wow.” Then there’s a wealth of various cultures, starting from the traditional and enduring traditions discovered within the rural villages of the Sacred Valley in Peru to the feisty, modernized nightlife of Bogotá or Rio.
However getting the perfect out of South America requires a savvy traveler—by way of security, respecting cultural variations, and practicalities. That is very true for LGBTQ+ vacationers. So, right here’s your final information to having fun with this various continent and embracing its many cultures whereas staying safe, respectful, and trendy.
Is South America Secure to Journey?
That is the large query, isn’t it? The quick reply is sure, albeit with barely extra warning. Be mindful, the continent is large, and security ranges range not solely from nation to nation but additionally from metropolis to metropolis. Political stability, crime charges, native legal guidelines, and the presence of regulation enforcement all play a task. There are just a few guidelines of thumb you’ll be able to comply with, irrespective of the place you’re.
Keep Knowledgeable – Analysis every nation’s journey advisories and security rankings earlier than you go. Governments and respected journey web sites usually present up-to-date info.
Attempt to Mix In – Let’s be actual: it’s not straightforward to cover the truth that we’re fresh-faced vacationers. Our naïve pleasure is usually palpable. Nevertheless, there are some things you are able to do to keep away from drawing pointless consideration to your self. All of us worth our individuality, however dressing modestly may also help—until you’re at a Delight pageant or Rio Carnival, when the other is true. Fixed cellphone use is asking for hassle. Take pictures rapidly and discreetly, name your mother on the lodge somewhat than on the road, and guarantee your cellphone—and different valuables—are in a safe internal pocket or cash belt in public areas. Vacationer areas are usually safer, however petty crimes like pickpocketing nonetheless happen.
Watch out for Scams – Be cautious of overly pleasant strangers providing assist or companies. Pickpocketing and theft are widespread in busy vacationer areas. Be careful for “hugger muggers,” who hug you to distract and rob you, or the “distract and swipe” maneuver, the place one individual grabs your consideration whereas one other pickpockets you. Transfer away from anybody suspicious and head to a populated space or regulation enforcement officer.
Transport Security – Use official taxis or ride-sharing apps like Uber. Keep away from strolling alone at evening, particularly in unfamiliar areas. Should you plan on utilizing public transport, analysis your route beforehand to keep away from wanting misplaced.
Have a Security Internet – Having somewhat security fund within the financial institution is prime. Preserve a card for accessing this cash safely saved in your lodge room. Don’t carry your passport with you.
Well being Precautions – Take precautions in opposition to diseases like Zika and malaria when heading into rural areas. Vaccines or prophylactic treatment ought to be organized at the least a month earlier than journey.
LGBTQ+ Security Ideas
Touring as an LGBTQ+ particular person in South America requires specific concerns. Whereas acceptance is rising in lots of city areas, cultural attitudes towards LGBTQ+ folks can range extensively:
Be Discreet The place Obligatory – In conservative areas, public shows of affection (PDAs) may draw undesirable consideration. Save affection for LGBTQ+-friendly areas.
Keep in LGBTQ+-Pleasant Lodging – Platforms like Misterb&b or LGBTQ+-friendly lodges usually present secure areas for LGBTQ+ vacationers. Motels with IGLTA accreditation or the Journey Proud stamp are dependable choices.
Know Native Legal guidelines – Whereas some international locations have progressive legal guidelines defending LGBTQ+ rights, others criminalize same-sex relationships. Analysis native legal guidelines earlier than you go.
Interact with Native Communities – Attend LGBTQ+ occasions or meet locals via apps like Meetup to get insider tips about secure and welcoming areas.
Belief Your Instincts – If a state of affairs or individual feels unsafe, go away instantly. “You possibly can all the time go away” is an efficient rule for all times typically.
Which Nations Are Greatest for LGBTQ+ Vacationers
The highest international locations for progressive LGBTQ+ rights in South America are Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, and Chile. Colombia has additionally made nice strides over the past decade. Identical-sex exercise is barely unlawful in Guyana. In the meantime, in Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, and Venezuela, there are only a few anti-discrimination legal guidelines defending LGBTQ+ folks. Be aware that journey to Venezuela shouldn’t be advisable because of its unstable political state of affairs.
For LGBTQ+ nightlife, it’s laborious to beat Bogotá in Colombia and Rio in Brazil. Montevideo in Uruguay can be massively underrated—it won’t have a big homosexual scene, however it doesn’t want one as most bars are gay-friendly.
Tradition and Forex
Tradition shock doesn’t need to be stunning! Listed here are just a few ideas to assist with immersion:
Be taught Primary Phrases – Nobody expects vacationers to talk Spanish like Cervantes, however understanding a little bit of the native language goes a good distance. English isn’t a given, although in huge cosmopolitan cities like Buenos Aires, you’re extra prone to discover English audio system. Talking primary Spanish or Portuguese (in Brazil) endears you to the locals.
Perceive Native Customs – Analysis traditions and practices distinctive to every nation to keep away from offending locals. South America isn’t Mars; you’ll discover you might have rather a lot in widespread with its folks. Nevertheless, keep away from discussing politics, faith, or cultural stereotypes until initiated by locals.
Assist Native Companies – It’s straightforward to fall into the vacationer lure eating places close to huge points of interest, however a little analysis can information you to genuine treasures. Staying with an area household—like on the floating reed islands on Lake Titicaca—can present a very distinctive expertise.
Forex – Every South American nation has its personal forex. For instance, the Argentine peso shouldn’t be the identical because the Colombian peso. Have some native forex when hopping between international locations. In lots of international locations, USD is extensively accepted or simply exchanged. Withdraw native forex from respected ATMs, however be cautious of fraud.
See it All…However Little by Little
There are some issues in South America which are on everybody’s bucket listing for good motive: the traditional Inca ruins of Machu Picchu, the floating villages on Lake Titicaca, the towering statue of Christ the Redeemer, the world-famous Copacabana Seashore, Iguazu Falls, Bolivia’s salt flats, the Galápagos Islands, and Bogotá’s superclub, Theatron. Nevertheless, seeing all of those in a single journey is unattainable, and a few require reserving properly upfront.
The Off-the-Overwhelmed-Path Dilemma
Vacationers usually hear that stepping off the crushed path is the easiest way to have genuine experiences. Whereas this avoids overcrowding, helps smaller companies, and fosters native interactions, the crushed path usually gives security and comfort that may’t be assured elsewhere. Many tour corporations mix authenticity with security. LGBTQ+-specific corporations, like Out in Colombia or View Signature Travels and Ecuador Delight Journey design excursions that embody LGBTQ+-owned companies, fostering each security and group.
Should you discover independently, analysis completely, particularly in bigger cities. Your Airbnb host, lodge receptionist, or native LGBTQ+ teams can present beneficial recommendation.
Methods to Make Mates and Be (Positively) Influenced by Folks
Latin American males are scorching—that’s an undeniable fact. Apps like Grindr, Tinder, and Scruff are as standard in South America as elsewhere. Nevertheless, security is essential:
Meet in Public Areas First – Should you join with somebody on-line, meet in a public space earlier than heading to a personal location. A lodge room is all the time safer than somebody’s home.
Keep away from (Too) Impulsive Choices – Should you’re in a bar or membership (like Bogotá’s well-known Theatron), be cautious about going house with somebody in case you’ve been consuming. Alternate contact info and organize to satisfy sober.
Be Cautious in Cruising Areas – Whereas cruising spots exist in lots of South American cities, discretion is essential in additional conservative areas. Keep away from bringing valuables, and let somebody know your plans.
Use Security Apps – Apps like bSafe help you share your location with pals or emergency contacts.
So, there you might have it: a complete continent of journey beckoning you. Whether or not you’re misplaced within the Sacred Valley or discovering the darkroom in Theatron, embrace the Latin American spirit and keep secure within the course of.