Big, generous cities where the right few blocks change the whole trip.
South American cities are rarely enjoyed by staying 'central' in the abstract. One neighbourhood can be walkable, leafy and full of dinner options; another a short ride away can be louder, cheaper or better placed for the airport. Choose the area for the kind of days you want, then check the walk home at night and the transfer cost before you book.
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South America
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São Paulo · Salvador · Florianópolis · Mendoza
Continent hub
The cities we have mapped in detail — neighbourhood by neighbourhood.
South America01Mountains, ocean and neighbourhoods that each have their own rules.
South America02A late-night city of cafés, parrillas and neighbourhoods built for walking.
Sample nightly ranges, checked quarterly. Not live quotes.
South America · 2 country hubs
A venue address and a hotel address in the same district can imply very different evenings. Look at what is open around the door after dark, how the last few hundred metres feel, and whether you would be comfortable walking them with a bag.
Airports here are often well outside the centre, and the gap between the cheapest and safest option is worth understanding before arrival. Arrange a transfer or use a licensed app where available; agree the fare first if you take a street taxi.
Cards are widely accepted in the cities covered here, but small shops, market stalls and some taxis still run on cash. Keep a modest amount separate from your main card, and use official exchange channels rather than street offers.
Tell me the cities you’re weighing and how you like to travel. I’ll answer with a specific neighbourhood, not a list.
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Ask about your route“I’d rather tell you which area to skip than sell you another list of ‘best hotels’.”
The guides are independent. Booking links may earn a commission; they never change the shortlist.
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