Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Machu Picchu?
Between April and October is the dry season, with the historic landmark becoming more crowded during the months of June and August. The hottest weather here also corresponds with the wet season – November to March. It’s worth noting that while Machu Picchu is open throughout the year, the Inca Trail is closed during February due to intense rainfall. Additionally, please keep in mind that the Inca Trail is restricted to 500 visitors per day – make a reservation in advance to avoid disappointment.
What language is spoken in Brazil?
The people of Brazil speak Brazilian Portuguese. While many phrases and words are similar to that of European Portuguese, you will find that there can be drastic differences in pronunciation and meaning when it comes to Brazilian Portuguese. We’d recommend bringing a phrasebook specific to Brazil for your convenience.
What’s the official currency of Chile?
The Chilean currency is the peso, which is divided into 100 centavos. You may hear locals informally refer to banknotes by the name of whoever is featured on them, such as an arturo for Arturo Prat on the 10,000 peso note, and a gabriela for the 5,000 peso note.
Lively cities dancing to the beat of a Samba drum, impeccable cuisine, ancient ruins and a hugely varied melting pot of historic culture and traditions – South America has something to offer everybody.
Why you’ll love South America…
• Climbing the volcanic rock formations of the Atacama Desert
• Trekking the famous Inca Trail
• Exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
• Witnessing the force of Iguazu Falls
• Enjoying succulent steaks in Buenos Aires
• Marvelling at the blue hues of the Grey Lake glaciers
• Dancing the night away at one of Rio’s samba schools
• Observing the enigmatic Nazca Lines
• Discovering the rustic villages of the Sacred Valley
• Riding a cable car to the top of Sugarloaf Mountain
• Gazing up at the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue
• Watching the beautiful people on Copacabana Beach
Did you know?
• There’s a painting of the Last Supper in the Peruvian Cathedral Basilica depicting Jesus and his disciples dining on roast guinea pig
• An underground river has been discovered 13,000 feet beneath the Earth’s surface, underneath the Amazon River
• In 1946, 50 beavers were introduced to Tierra del Fuego by the Argentinian government to help create a fur industry. Today their numbers have soared to over 100,000, and they have destroyed 16 million hectares of forests.
