The months of April, May, September, and October typically offer the best fares for flights to South America from El Salvador. During these off-peak periods, airlines reduce prices to attract travelers. Avoid traveling in December, January, July, and August when prices skyrocket due to school holidays and festivities. To get the best prices, book 2-3 months in advance. Flights departing on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday are generally cheaper than weekend flights. Use price alerts on TICKETS.SV to receive notifications when fares drop to your favorite South American destinations.

Salvadorans need a valid passport with at least 6 months validity to travel to South America. Some countries like Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Uruguay do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, Brazil requires a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you come from risk areas. Venezuela and some other countries do require a prior visa. Check the specific requirements of the country you will visit at their embassy or consulate. Carry copies of your passport, hotel reservations, and return ticket. Some countries may request proof of financial solvency upon entry. Review current health restrictions before traveling.

Prices vary depending on destination, season, and booking advance. Flights to Colombia or Ecuador can cost from $350-$500 USD round trip in low season. Destinations like Argentina, Chile, or Brazil are usually between $600-$900 USD. Peru and Bolivia range around $450-$650 USD. Prices increase 40-60% during high season (December-January, July-August). Flights with layovers are cheaper than direct flights. Low-cost airlines offer fares from $300 USD but with baggage restrictions. At TICKETS.SV we compare prices from multiple airlines to show you the best available deals. Booking with flexible dates can save you up to 30% of the total ticket cost.

Avianca offers connections to multiple South American destinations via Bogotá or San Salvador. Copa Airlines connects through Panama with excellent coverage throughout South America. Aeroméxico flies via Mexico City to major South American cities. LATAM Airlines connects with Santiago, Lima, and São Paulo. Iberia offers routes via Madrid to Argentina, Chile, and Brazil. United and American Airlines have connections via Houston or Miami. Spirit Airlines and JetBlue offer economical fares with layovers in the United States. Each airline has different baggage policies, onboard services, and mileage programs. At TICKETS.SV we compare all these options to find the ideal combination of price, duration, and comfort for your trip.

The yellow fever vaccine is mandatory to enter Brazil and recommended for visiting jungle areas of Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, and Venezuela. You must get vaccinated at least 10 days before the trip. Hepatitis A and B vaccine is highly recommended for all South American destinations. Typhoid vaccine is advisable if you will visit rural areas or eat at local markets. Keep your tetanus vaccine updated. For Amazon areas, consider malaria prophylaxis. Bring high-concentration insect repellent. Consult with a travel medicine specialist at least 6 weeks before your departure. Keep your international vaccination certificate, they may request it at immigration.

South America is generally safe for tourists who take basic precautions. Countries like Chile, Uruguay, and Argentina have safety indices similar to Europe. Colombia, Peru, and Ecuador are safe in main tourist areas. Avoid showing valuables, use official taxis or apps like Uber, do not walk alone at night in unfamiliar areas. Keep digital copies of important documents. Use ATMs in shopping centers or banks during the day. Purchase travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and cancellations. Stay informed about the current situation in each country. Tourist areas have greater police presence. Trust your instinct and avoid situations that seem risky. Millions of tourists visit South America annually without problems.

Daily budget varies by country and travel style. In economical countries like Bolivia, Peru, or Ecuador, $30-50 USD daily covers basic accommodation, meals, and transportation. Colombia and Argentina require $50-80 USD daily for travelers with moderate budget. Chile and Brazil are more expensive, you will need $70-120 USD daily. These amounts do not include flights or special tours. Bring a mix of cash in dollars (new bills), international credit cards, and debit card. Inform your bank about your trip to avoid blocks. ATMs are available in major cities. Keep money in different places. Consider bringing 20% extra for emergencies. Tips are appreciated but not always mandatory.

Spanish is the official language in most South American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela. Brazil speaks Portuguese, which although similar to Spanish, has important differences. In main tourist areas you will find people who speak basic English. Guyana speaks English, Suriname Dutch, and French Guiana French. Many indigenous communities maintain their native languages like Quechua, Aymara, and Guaraní. Learning basic phrases in Spanish greatly facilitates your trip. South Americans appreciate when you try to speak their language. Download translation apps that work without internet. Accent and vocabulary vary between countries but they will understand you. Communication with gestures and good attitude always helps.

Domestic flights are ideal for long distances and saving time. Low-cost airlines like Sky, JetSmart, and Viva Air offer economical fares between countries. Buses are extremely popular and economical, with luxury services on main routes. Companies like Cruz del Sur in Peru or Andesmar in Argentina offer sleeper seats and meals. Trains are limited but scenic, like the train to Machu Picchu or the Train to the Clouds in Argentina. Uber and similar apps work in large cities. Renting a car is viable in Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay, but complicated in other countries. For the Amazon, boats are essential transportation. Combine different means according to your budget and available time.

Each country has its own currency: Argentine peso, Brazilian real, Chilean peso, Colombian peso, Peruvian sol, Bolivian boliviano, Paraguayan guaraní. Ecuador officially uses the US dollar, facilitating transactions for visitors. Bring US dollars that you can exchange at local exchange houses with better rates than at airports. Visa and Mastercard credit cards are accepted at formal establishments. Withdraw cash from ATMs in local currency for better rates. Avoid exchanging money on the street due to risk of counterfeit bills. Some tourist areas accept dollars directly. Keep currency exchange receipts. Apps like XE Currency help calculate conversions. Negotiate prices at local markets, it is part of the culture.

Pack clothing in layers to adapt to different climates. Include light clothing for tropical and coastal areas, but also warm clothes for mountains and cold nights. Comfortable walking shoes are essential, plus sandals for beaches. High-factor sunscreen, insect repellent, basic first aid kit with personal medications and for diarrhea. Universal plug adapter, portable chargers, and waterproof bags. Small backpack for daily excursions. Padlocks to secure luggage. Copies of important documents in physical and digital format. Sunglasses, hat, and reusable water bottle. If visiting high altitude, bring altitude sickness pills. Quick-dry towel. Do not forget your camera and extra memory to capture incredible landscapes.

Unlocked phones work perfectly with local SIM cards that offer economical mobile data. Buy prepaid chips at airports or authorized stores for $10-30 USD with several GB of data. Companies like Claro, Movistar, and TIM operate in multiple countries. Activate international roaming with your Salvadoran operator, but it will be more expensive. Free WiFi is available at hotels, restaurants, and cafes in major cities. Download offline maps on Google Maps before traveling. Apps like WhatsApp work with WiFi to communicate for free. Consider eSIM if your phone supports it, it is more convenient. Save local emergency numbers. Coverage is excellent in cities but limited in remote areas like the Amazon or Patagonia.