Other than Antarctica, South America is perhaps the world’s least explored continents. From the vast expanse of the Amazon rainforest to the towering peaks of the Andes, South America is a beautiful yet mysterious place, and it’s this juxtaposition that attracts so many visitors every year.
For the nature lover, South America is truly a dream destination. The country has one of the most diverse ecosystems on earth. If you’re planning to take a wildlife tour in South America, we’ve got some advice to help you prepare. Read on to find out more.
What Kind Of Wildlife Can You Expect To See?
South America is absolutely enormous, so you are going to have a significantly different experience depending on where you go. Similarly, you will see different wildlife at different parts of the continent, so it’s important you research ahead of time to make the most out of your trip.
The jaguar is perhaps the most famous South American animal and is synonymous with the might and danger of the jungle. This large cat is a notoriously elusive apex predator, which hunts everything from caiman to capybara. Taking a trip into the Amazon rainforest with a guided tour can be a fantastic way to catch a glimpse of this impressive big cat.
South America isn’t just about jaguars. You can expect to see an incredibly diverse range of wildlife during your trip, including things like sloths, eagles, anteaters, river dolphins, and river otters.
Stay Safe
A South American wildlife expedition can be an exciting and thrilling experience. However, it also comes with a degree of danger. Spending time in the great outdoors in close proximity to wild animals is always risky, and the remoteness of some of the locations you visit can make accessing medical services both difficult and expensive.
This is why booking travel insurance ahead of your South American wildlife trip is so vital. For those of you planning to fly frequently between different parts of South America over the course of a year or so, you may want to look at annual cover instead of single cover. As an example, check out apolicy offer from Staysure, this way you will understand what kind of package you should be after.
Pack For An Adventure
A wildlife spotting journey in South America isn’t like your traditional beach or city break getaway. This will be a physically demanding trip where you will be constantly exposed to the elements and at the mercy of nature, so you’re going to need to pack to reflect this.
If you are visiting the jungle, you’ll need to keep the unique climate and weather in mind. As the Amazon is close the equator, the climate will be warm and extremely humid. While loose fitting clothing is recommended, it’s important to wear long sleeves and trousers to protect your skin against insect bites. Mosquitos pose a real threat and can carry dangerous bloodborne diseases.
There’s a reason they call it the rainforest, the region sees up to 3,000 mm of precipitation every year. You’ll need to bring something to protect you should the heavens decide to open. A waterproof poncho is ideal, they’re lightweight, easily foldable, and cheap. Remember to bring lots of spare socks too, nobody wants to explore the rainforest with wet feet.
However, if you’re skipping the rainforest and visiting the Andes instead, you’re going to have to pack different things. The Andes are an enormous mountain range, so bring sturdy walking boots and warm clothes to cope with the chilly mountain conditions.
Conclusion
If you’re a fan of animals and the great outdoors, a wildlife spotting journey to South America can be a life changing experience. However, there a number of things you need to keep in mind when preparing to ensure your trip is a success and you make the most out of your holiday. Protect yourself by booking travel insurance ahead of time and pack appropriately with everything you’ll need to enjoy your time in South America.
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