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I agree, it's a great experience but not for everyone. More "street smartness" is required, especially in big cities, and there is the non-spoken resentment against "gringos" that can translate into higher prices for goods and/or services.
I've seen a lot of comments refuting what I'm saying, based on their experience in touristic places. Of course, they pay more just to be safer. Every local knows that touristic places are more expensive and more limited.
I think everyone that can afford it should visit the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador. As for other locations in South America, it depends on what one is interested in.
Too broad a question, that is a big continent with different climates, cultures, and places.
Backpacking in Peru might not be for some people, but they might be just fine catching a taxi from their hotel to the opera in Santiago. Same other way around.
Too broad a question, that is a big continent with different climates, cultures, and places.
I agree. There are HUGE differences between most countries (and regions within each country, for that matter!) in South America.
Also, I don't think there is such a thing as "a trip for everyone". People have such diverse opinions and tastes it is virtually impossible to please everybody, no matter how amazing a place might be. Oh well.
I spent 6 months traveling the length and breadth of South America. I don't think you have anything to worry about, common sense will do fine. Be extra cautious in Caracas, Venezuela; parts of Lima, Perú at night and all big cities in Brazil at night. Rio is fine at night in the city but travel in the central areas where there are people and you'll be fine...i've stayed out late until 4am in Rio (Lapa) and come back by bus to Copacabana, no issues. The key is to stay on the main boulevards because there are people 24/7 there, venture into the back streets and you're asking for trouble.
The possibilities of something going wrong in South America is, for the most part much higher than just about anywhere else in the first world.
I have Brasilian friends who were robbed at gunpoint in the middle of a crowded park. Anything can happen there.. that's not to say I wouldn't go there, but people should be well informed.
My grandma was robbed at Copacabana beach in the middle of the day, and she is Brasilian
Last edited by intelfan11315; 01-21-2012 at 04:54 AM..
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