Continental overview
4 countries · 5 guides · Top regions: South America
Discover the authentic stories and cultural insights that locals across South America share with CoraTravels. Explore the countries, popular travel styles, and standout guides that make this continent unique.
Browse 4 countries guides like a local.
Experience authentic Argentina beyond Buenos Aires' tourist tango shows and Patagonia's glossy brochures. From Mendoza's vineyard families to Salta's indigenous traditions and porteño café culture, discover Argentina through passionate locals who understand that 'che' isn't just a greeting - it's the soul of Argentine identity.
Experience authentic Brazil beyond Rio's beaches and Amazon jungle fantasies. From jeitinho brasileiro (creative problem-solving) that drives locals crazy and keeps country running, to futebol religion and Carnival obsession, feijoada Saturday rituals, and warmth that makes strangers family - discover Brazil through eyes of Brazilians who navigate bureaucracy, embrace diversity, and party harder than anywhere on Earth.
Experience authentic Colombia from locals tired of narcos stereotypes - Bogotá's intellectual cachacos navigate altitude and safety reality, Cali's salsa locals dance every night you don't, Cartagena's gentrification prices out Afro-Colombians who built culture tourists consume. Where locals navigate 'paisa' warmth vs robbery paranoia, berraquera (grit) through 60-year conflict trauma, aguardiente toasts masking inequality. Digital nomads discover COP 2.5M-4M/month ($600-1,000) paradise locals can't afford. Medellín's transformation story incomplete - locals remember Pablo, resent transformation tourism, embrace economic reality.
Experience authentic Peru beyond Machu Picchu's crowds and Lima's coastal districts. From Cusco's Inca traditions to Arequipa's mestizo culture and Amazon communities' ancestral wisdom, discover the land of the Incas through locals who understand that 'ayni' (reciprocity) and 'sumak kawsay' (good living) define Andean philosophy.
Trending themes locals say define South America right now.
Hand-picked destination notes to help you experience South America like a true local.
Popular local notes to get you started.
Argentina Buenos Aires, South America
European Complex: Porteños think they're more European than Latin American - don't call them Latino. Therapy Culture: Everyone has a psychoanalyst, Freudian psychology part of daily conversation. L…
Brazil Florianópolis, Santa Catarina
Silicon Island Nickname: Tech startup hub of Brazil, locals (manezinhos) watch newcomers transform island, love-hate relationship with development. 42 Beaches Selection: Island offers beach for eve…
Colombia Medellín, South America
Paisa Pride: Antioquia region has distinct identity, locals more proud of being Paisa than Colombian. Pablo Escobar Tourism: Locals tired of narco-tourism but understand economic necessity, complic…
Peru Cusco, South America
Altitude Shock Reality: 3,400m elevation hits visitors hard, locals chew coca leaves daily and have enlarged lung capacity from birth. Inca Stone Foundations: Colonial buildings built on perfect In…
Peru Lima, South America
Gray Sky Syndrome: Overcast 8 months yearly, locals call it 'eternal winter' despite no rain. Ceviche Time Rules: Only eaten at lunch, never dinner - locals will judge you for ordering it at night.…
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