Traveling in South America: A User's Guide

I've learned and continue to learn many things about traveling in South America, through time living in Costa Rica and Ecuador and in visiting other South American countries. A lot of wisdom and interesting anecdotes have been passed on to me: here they are so far.


:: The art of jaywalking: crossing the street wherever convenient is not lawfully unacceptable. Look out and go quickly because pedestrians do not have the right of way. 

:: Remember the wise warning from 'Elf': "The yellow ones don't stop!!"

:: When the crosswalk light is green, look both ways to see if all is clear and cross quickly. When the light is red, look both ways to see if all is clear and cross quickly.

:: I often prefer to walk with the crowd. Trust natives to know when it's safe to cross, and walk with others. 

:: Don't sit alone in the back of a bus, because you'll be more susceptible to being robbed. Keep belongings close and pay attention to surroundings. 

:: When walking, don't stand talking on the phone. If you need to use it, keep moving so as not to be an easy target for robbery. Don't count money in public or flash wallets or valuables. Keep things close, out of sight, and be aware of who is around you.

:: Walking alone at night is not recommended. If you have to, know where you're going and walk there purposefully and quickly. Don't act lost or aimless; keep moving. Have your keys out and ready to get inside as soon as you're home, so you're not standing for longer than necessary at your gate.

:: When traveling in motorized rickshaws in places like Peru and Honduras (and also in taxis in many other places), remember the words from the song "Sarala" by Caedmon's Call: "Rickshaw driver asks the question, 'Are all these red lights just suggestions?' Oh, it'll be okay, they know dead men can't pay!" It can be a crazy ride.

:: When driving in taxis, make sure the driver has the meter turned on OR decide on the price of the trip in advance.

:: Street entertainers are common. Acrobats, jugglers, clowns, and more. Once, I was hit by a wave of smoke from a fire breather while running across the street.

:: There are many people selling things on buses, from candy or gum to 80's mix CD's It's like the old Bill Cosby skit 'There's One In Every Car', about riding the subway with drunks and other colorful characters. There's one in every bus.