Travel Tips and Hints: Top Central and South American Destinations for 2021-2022

Costa Rica is endlessly captivating, with nature that embraces you. From rainforest majesty to coastal elegance, the sounds of howler monkeys to the colorful images of thriving marine life, Costa Rica is continually a top destination for Zicasso travelers. Zicasso Costa Rica travel specialist, Catalina, offered her thoughts on what it will be like to travel to Costa Rica over the next few months.

Zicasso: Costa Rica has done well with safely welcoming travelers. What advice do you have for someone wanting to travel late this fall or over the winter months?

Catalina: For me, the fall is the best time because everything's so green and blooming, wildlife is very active and it is whale season on the Pacific coast and an amazing time to travel. It is summertime in the Caribbean side with very crystalline water and animals become more active. Our winter months are usually nice, sunny mornings and rains in the afternoons, so you have the chance to experience day trips in the mornings but still, the rain is not that bad, it is the tropics!

Zicasso: What is one travel tip to consider when planning a Costa Rica vacation?

Catalina: Always express what you really want to experience. The more information you provide to your travel designer, the best, and most memorable, vacation you will have. We will design the best trip based on your needs and preferences, so for us is very important to get to know you, our traveler!

Learn more: Costa Rica Tours & Vacations

With some of the most captivating diversity in South America, Peru celebrates the Amazon Rainforest, the Nazca Desert, pristine Pacific coastline, and the Andes Mountains crowned by the renowned Inca ruins of Machu Picchu. For all these reasons and more, Peru is always alluring to Zicasso travelers interested in a future family vacation or an immediate retreat. We asked Paul, one of our Zicasso Peru specialists, for his thoughts on travel to Peru over the next few months.

Zicasso: What has it been like to travel to Peru over these last few months?

Paul: Peru is on the up and up with international travelers returning and enjoying all that this magical destination has to offer. Covid cases have fallen greatly in Peru and in the last months, and foreign visitors are returning with confidence. The only entry requirement is a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours of arrival. Peru’s main attractions, hotels, and restaurants are open and readily receiving visitors. As always, robust Covid-19 protocols remain in place to ensure travelers' wellbeing and safety. Not only is there a sense of anticipation and excitement with the return of international visitors, Peru also sees the commencement of filming of the new Transformers movie both in Machu Picchu and Cusco.

Zicasso:  For a traveler thinking of a trip this fall or winter, what is one piece of advice?

Paul: Travel with a strong sense of confidence to a great destination. Peru might seem like a lesser-developed country in terms of tourism and advancing with Covid-19, but this simply isn't the case. The tourism infrastructure is second to none and with some of the best hotels, services, and transportation in Latin America. Covid-19 vaccination rates are high, and just this week 18-25-year-olds are being offered the Pfizer vaccine. The tourism industry in Peru understands the importance for international tourism to return with full force and every effort is being made to ensure visitors get the very best experience possible.

Learn more: Peru Tours & Vacations

Ecuador is a kaleidoscope of wonders that feature unparalleled wildlife and surprising variety, with white-sand beaches, Andean cultural villages, Amazonian rainforest, and the marvels of the Galapagos Islands. Zicasso travelers are more and more interested in uncovering the famous natural grandeur and cultural preservation of Ecuador and the Galapagos whether as a distant goal or a last-minute adventure. Juan, a Zicasso Ecuador specialist, offered his ideas on travel to Ecuador and the Galapagos for late 2021 and early 2022.

Zicasso: What is the best reason to consider a trip to Ecuador and Galapagos this fall or winter?

Juan: The Galapagos have almost 100% of its adult population already vaccinated, with 80% vaccinated on the mainland, so we are ready to offer a healthy vacation destination for our visitors. Travelers can still find available last-minute cabins and rooms and great deals on both land tours and cruises, which will surely not be repeated in 2022. We also have fantastic weather that starts in September between 70 and 86 degrees.

Zicasso: A cruise is one of the best ways to see the islands. What should a traveler expect in terms of safety protocols?

Juan: Being such a remote and uncrowded destination, the Galapagos cruises have applied safety protocols to create a secure travel bubble. Strict protocols are applied for all involved, beginning with a health declaration, temperature checks, disinfection, use of facemasks, social distancing, and a la carte menus instead of buffets. With all travelers to the Galapagos required to to travel with a negative PCR test, a Galapagos cruise is very safe.

Zicasso: Do you have one travel tip for those considering a Galapagos vacation?

Juan: Travelers should stay for at least five days in the Galapagos to really get a good taste of the archipelago, explore its biodiversity and different landscapes. Taking a cruise and then staying a couple of days in one of the inhabited islands could be a perfect combination. It allows you to discover further islands while sailing, but also to relax and enjoy other activities at your own pace while staying in a land accommodation.

Learn more: Galapagos Tours & Vacations

Argentina: We anticipate Argentina to open in early November. The upcoming months are an ideal time to visit Argentina, and if you are interested, now is the time to connect with a travel specialist to learn more about what will be possible. Learn more: Argentina Tours & Vacations

Belize: Open now to travelers, all must present a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival. A fantastic time to visit, enjoy incredible wildlife, remarkable Mayan ruins, the second largest barrier reef in the world, and so much more. Learn more: Belize Tours & Vacations

Brazil: Also open now, travelers must provide a negative Covid-19 test upon arrival.  With incredible cities, sandy beaches and splendid natural beauty, we are coming into some of the best seasons to visit. Learn more: Brazil Tours & Vacations

Chile: To date, Chile is open to travelers, but a five-day quarantine is currently required. As of November 1, it is anticipated that vaccinated travelers arriving with a negative Covid-19 test will be welcome. For those interested in travel in the next few months, particularly over the Christmas holidays, connect now with a travel specialist to put plans in motion. Learn more: Chile Tours & Vacations

Colombia: Open now to travelers, American travelers are welcome without restrictions. With lush hills and colonial charm, and so much to explore, the holiday season is a fantastic time to visit.  Learn more: Colombia Tours & Vacations

Central and South America offer a unique combination of layered culture and a diverse landscape. From the splendors of the Amazon or the unique wonders of the Galapagos, you can plan a perfect discovery trip to your choice of Central and South American countries. Learn more about how to ensure your Central or South America trip by filling out a Trip Request or calling our team at 1-888-265-9707.