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Before You Go

 

TO: LATIN AMERICA  
ARGENTINA  
Visas Health issues
Currently most nationalities will not need an entry visa. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A. Vaccines sometimes advised: typhoid; diphtheria; hepatitis B; rabies; tuberculosis. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to January. January to April is hote and humid in the north and cold in the south. May to August (winter) is warm in the north and extremely cold in the south. September to December is hot in the North and cold in the far south. Andes Mountains: Snow falls from June to August. Tango Festival 28 Feb - 7 March. Buenos Aires - Carnival 8 - 25 September
COSTA RICA  
Visas Health issues
Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Currently citizens of the USA, Argentina, Brazil, Canada, Israel, Japan, Panama, Romania, South Korea, Uruguay, the UK, France and most other Western European countries do not need a visa for a 90-day stay. Citizens of Australia, Ireland, Iceland, India, Mexico, New Zealand, Russia, South Africa, Vatican City and most of Eastern Europe and Latin America can stay 30 days without a visa. If you do need a visa, it will cost approximately US$20 from a Costa Rican consulate. Dengue fever, malaria, low risk of cholera and hepatitis. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
Late-December to mid-April dry season is the most pleasant. But of course, this is when everyone else goes to Costa Rica, so in genral prices are increased and hotels are often fully booked. Although some roads are impassable in the wet season, it's still worthwhile to visit at this time, and things are much quieter. A 4X4 is always advisable if travelling in the wet season. April, May and mid-October to mid-December should give you the best of both worlds. The country just about closes down during Easter week, and the week between Christmas and New Year's Day tends to be an unofficial holiday, especially in San JosÈ. Various towns celebrate their own saints' days and other significant dates. San JosÈ's day (Saint Joseph's Day) is March 19, while Virgin of Los Angeles Day (the patron saint of Costa Rica) is August 2. Juan Santamaria's Day on April 11 celebrates the national hero who helped see off William Walker in 1856, and Columbus Day on October 12, as elsewhere in the Americas, is a national holiday.
BELIZE  
Visas Health issues
Citizens of the US, European Union and Commonwealth countries do not require visas if they have a passport and return ticket. All other nationalities require a visa. British embassies frequently handle Belize's diplomatic affairs. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Cholera, dengue fever, hepatitis, malaria, typhoid Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
The dry season is from November to May, but this is also the busy winter tourist season, when prices rise and hotels fill up. November to May is the 'non-windy' season, which is the best time for kayakers. It's cheaper to travel in summer (July to November), but keep in mind that this is hurricane season. The big national holidays are dictated by the Roman Catholic calendar, but other celebrations include the wonderfully titled Baron Bliss Day (March 9), which honors a philanthropic British nobleman who fell in love with Belize and upon his death willed the bulk of his fortune in trust to the people of Belize. Belize National Day (September 10) commemorates the Battle of St George's Caye; celebrations continue until Independence Day (September 21). More festivities occur on Colombus Day (October 12) and GarÌfuna Settlement Day (November 19). The latter commemorates the arrival of the Garinagus (Black Caribs) in dugout canoes from Honduras in 1823. Dangriga is the place to celebrate this festival: the small town explodes in a frenzy of dancing and drinking. There is also a music festival Feb 27 - March 4in Belize City.
BOLIVIA  
Visas Health issues
Currently most nationalities do not need a visa to enter Bolivia. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever (east of Andes such as the departments of Beni, Cochabamba, Santa Cruz and sub tropical part of La Paz Department). Vaccine sometimes advised: hepatitis B; rabies; diphtheria; tuberculosis. Malaria precautions are essential in most areas below 2500m. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
March to May, and September to November. Autumn is March to May with an average temperature of 18. Winter is June to August has almost no rain. It is also a good time to with an average temperature of 17. May to August is the coldest. Spring is September to November and summer is December to February. Rains are mid-November to March. Candlemas (Candelaria) February 02. Candlemass is a Roman Catholic holiday with a three-part purpose: to celebrate the purification of the Virgin Mary, the first presentation of Jesus as a child, and his first entry into the temple. In Bolivia, festivities begin a week in advance of Candlemas, when the Aymara Indians come into town playing music and spinning wool. Village by village, people dance into town and don't stop until the whole festival comes to an end. As is typical of many Catholic holidays in Latin America, Candlemas festivities in Bolivia combine the Christian and native traditions to create a hybrid spectacle. Alongside adorned images of the virgin, you'll find sorcerers, chanters and soothsayers who bless visitors or make predictions for them for a price. Forest drummers, costumed dancers, wooden bulls who charge the crowd all add to the frenzy of the week-long celebration.A special performance in the main square of Copacabana on the eastern shore of Lake Titicaca features the Incas of Oruro, who perform a play of sorts that depicts the Spanish conquest of the Andean region, complete with Inca gods and sun virgins. When the day of the mass arrives, a duplicate image of the virgin is carried through town, flanked by priests in robes of gold and silver, and surrounded by specially blessed candles lighting the way. Feast Day of Saint James the Apostle July 23. Saint James - considered the god of thunder and lightening - is honored in a nationwide celebration, including ceremonial battles in certain towns around the country.
BRAZIL  
Visas Health issues
Citizens of Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Us will require an entry visa for Brazil. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. diphtheria. Vaccines sometimes advised: hepatitis B; rabies; tuberculosis; yellow fever (mainly for Western and Amazonian areas). Malaria precautions are essential in Amazon regions all year round. There is very little risk in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. Avoid mosquito bites by covering up with clothing such as long sleeves and long trousers especially after sunset, using insect repellents on exposed skin and, when necessary, sleeping under a mosquito net.Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
May to August. May to October is the dry season. Southern region is hot, damp and has rain througout the year, but mainly November to March. Northern region is humid with temperatures average at 32. Rains are heaviest in October to March. Afternoon downpours throughout the year. Brazilian Grand Prix in Sao Paulo. Octoberfest is in the south, Octoberfest is celebrated in Blumenau. It is based on the Bavarian harvest festival and involves much merrymaking, beer drinking and sausage eating. Carnival is Rio's main event. It happens at the peak of summer, when Cariocas are at their best. Festivities attract thousands of people from all corners of the world. Carnaval, as spelled in Portuguese, is a 4-day celebration. It starts on Saturday, and ends on Fat Tuesday, or Mardi-Gras. Dates change every year. Carnival Sunday is seven weeks before Easter Sunday. The origins of Carnival are unclear, but most agree that it started as a pagan celebration in ancient Rome, or Greece. Carnival balls were imported from Italy in the late nineteenth century, and had their golden era in the thirties, with legendary balls at the Copacabana Palace, and the Municipal Theater.
CHILE  
Visas Health issues
Currently most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Chile. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A. Vaccines sometimes advised: typhoid; rabies; hepatitis B; diphtheria; tuberculosis. Malaria not normally present. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
Central Chile: Ocotber to March. Best time for skiing: June to early October. Central Chile has warm summers which 28 from December to February. WInters are June to August and rains are May to August. Winter rains average six days a month. Independance Day Chile, Sep 18: On the 18th of September, Independance Day is celebrated, as the day Chile achieved independence. The occasion is marked each year by a gala parade which includes, marching bands and other spectacles highlighting the nation's achievements.
COLUMBIA  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Columbia for stays less than 30days. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: typhoid; yellow fever; hepatitis A. Vaccines sometimes advised: rabies; hepatitis B; tuberculosis; diphtheria. Malaria precautions are essential for all areas below 800m, all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to February. Andean zone is wet from March to June and from September to November, dry from June to August and December to March. Norther Plain zone is wet from April to November and dry from December to March. June - XIII International Poetry Festival of Medellin: Some 60 poets from 50 countries from around the world read and perform during the festival. Near 180.000 people, basically youngsters, meet all the long of the event with 80 readings of poems, in 20 Colombian cities; for confirming their deep trustfulness about the liberating strength of poetry. Independence Day July 20, Colombia celebrates the beginning of its struggle for independence from Spain on this day in 1810. It took nine years for full independence to be achieved when Simon Bolivar finally defeated the Spanish.
ECUADOR  
Visas Health issues
Citizens of most countries can stay a maximum of 90 days without needing a visa. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; diphtheria; yellow fever. Vaccines sometimes advised: rabies; hepatitis B; tuberculosis. Malaria precautions are essential in most areas below 1500m, all year round. There is no risk in Guayaquil, Quito or Galapagos Islands. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
Anytime of the year! End of December, Ano Viejo. New Yearís Eve in Guayaquil is a time for sending bad luck up in smoke and wiping the slate clean for the coming year. The Ecuadorian custom of burning life-size puppets becomes a childrenís parade in Guayaquil, where kids bring their puppets, complete with wills containing all of their misdeeds for the year, to the center of town for a giant community display before theyíre burned at midnight. Much feasting follows! August 10 Independence Day, Ecuador declared its independence from Spain on this day in 1809, but only attained full independence in 1822.
EL SALVADOR  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will need an entry visa for El Salvador. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: rabies; hepatitis B; tuberculosis; diphtheria.Yellow fever certificate required if over 6 months old and entering from an infected area. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling. Malaria precautions are essential, in Santa Ana Province and in rural areas near to Guatemala, all year round.
When to travel Festivals
December to April. Dry season is November to April, 32. Heavy rains May to November which average 19 days a month. First Call for Independence Day, November 5. commemorates the first battle for independence in 1811, led by Padre Josi Matias Delgado. Independence Day, September 15. Commemorates the declaration of independence of Central America in 1821.
FRENCH GUIANA  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for French Guiana. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever. Vaccines sometimes advised: tuberculosis; diphtheria; hepatitis B; rabies. Yellow fever certificate mandatory as condition of entry from those over 1 year of age. Malaria precautions are essential in all areas, all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
August to October. Dry season is August to October with the rainy season being December to June with average rain fall of 21 days per month. Republic Day (Mashramani) February 23, The word Mashramani is derived from the Amerindian language and in translation means "the celebration of a job well done". Mashramani, sometimes referred to as "Mash", is usually observed on the 23 February - Guyana's Republic Day - to commemorate the "Birth of the Republic". It is probably the most colorful of all the festivals. There are spectacular costume competitions, float parades, masquerade bands, and dancing in the streets to the accompaniment of steel band music and calypsos. Masquerades frequent the streets performing acrobatic dance routines, a vivid reminder of Guyana's African heritage. Calypso competitions with their witty social commentaries are another integral part of "Mash", and this culminates in the coronation of a King or Queen for the particular year.
GUATEMALA  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Guatemala. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: rabies; hepatitis B; tuberculosis; diphtheria. Yellow fever certificate required if over 1 year old and entering from an infected area. Malaria precautions are essential in all areas below 1500m, all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to April. Dry season is November to May but along the coast it is dry January to May. The wet season is May to October, but along the coast is May to December. Easter Week is the fiesta of Guatemala City. All Saints' Day is a fiesta in Todos Santos.
HONDURAS  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa to enter Honduras. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: tuberculosis; hepatitis B; rabies; diphtheria. Yellow fever certificate required if entering from an infected area. Malaria precautions are essential in most of the country, including Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
November to April. Wet season is May to October and the dry season is November to March. All towns and villages have an annual fiesta patronale to commemorate the local saint. Some last only a day, some for a week or more, with a variety of events attracting people from far and wide. One of the largest is Carnaval in La Ceiba, more correctly known as La Feria de San Isidro. Held during the week leading up to the third Saturday in May, the festivities culminate in a street parade through the centre of the city, followed by performances of live music on sound stages until the early morning. The celebrations in San Pedro Sula in the last week of June, culminating on June 29 (a holiday in the city), and in Punta Gorda (Roat·n), from April 6 to 12, celebrating the arrival of the GarÌfuna, are both worth making an effort to get to. The biggest festival of all, however, is that of the Virgen de Suyapa - patron saint of the country - in the first week of February, when pilgrims from around the country flock to Tegucigalpa to worship and celebrate.
MEXICO  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Mexico. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: diphtheria; tuberculosis; rabies; hepatitis B.No vaccine certificate required. Malaria precautions are essential in some parts. The infection is unusual in developed tourist resorts but there is some risk throughout the year in rural areas along the west coast and in the south of the country. The risk in Cancun is very small but malaria is present in nearby rural areas. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
October to April. Rains are June to September and October. During the wet season the mornings are usually sunny and downpours occur in the late afternoon. Noche de Los Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) End of December Oaxaca, Mexico. During this pre-Christmas festival - the Night of the Radishes - skilled artisans and just plain farmers show off strangely shaped hybrids and intricate carvings of radishes depicting anything from the Three Wise Men to the Baby Jesus - even weird-looking interpretations of spaceships and accompanying aliens. Baja Reggae Festival February 06 - February 08. Full moon Bob Marley birthday celebration. Festival starts on the full moon, Friday night, February 6th (Birthday anniversary of Bob Marley) and go until after sunset on Sunday, Feb 8th. Cabo Jazz Festival July 22 - July 25, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Three nights of Jazz under the stars. Famed resort destination Cabo San Lucas plays host to the Cabo Jazz Fesival for three nights and four days this July. It is the perfect location to experience some of the world's best jazz. Come experience the sound of the world in a good mood.
NICARAGUA  
Visas Health issues
Citizens of Canada, USA, UK do not need entry visas. Most citizens that will need an entry visa can obtain them on arrival. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: diphtheria; tuberculosis; rabies; hepatitis B. Yellow fever certificate required if over 1 year old and entering from an infected area. Malaria precautions are essential in most areas, although the risk is less in Madriz, Carazo and Masaya, all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to April. Dry season is December to April and wet season is May to October. These festivities last up to eighty days beginning on September 20th with ìel DÌa de la Bajada,î day when the statue of the saint is ìbrought downî into town, and ending the first week of December. The celebration reflects the popular religious and indigenous influences in the region. The Masaya-born poet, Julio Valle Castillo, has written extensively about the cultural and Catholic aspects of these festivities, remarking that the celebrations honoring San JerÛnimo are ìÖlike popular parties, and at the same time like traditional festivities, because religion, village life and ancient customs all constitute some of the most vigorous sources of current traditions, passed down from the XVI century, when colonization was beginning and the lives of the indigenous people began to change.
PANAMA  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Panama. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever.Vaccines sometimes advised: diphtheria; tuberculosis; rabies; hepatitis B. Yellow fever certificate recommended for all travellers to Chepo; Darien and San Blas. Malaria precautions are essential in Bacas de Toro in the west and Darien and San Blas in the east, all year round. Risk is small for those passing through the canal.Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to April. Dry season is December to April and the rainy season is May to November. November receives the most rain. Panama City Mardi Gras February 15 and also St. Patrick's Day Celebration - Panama City March 15
PARAGUAY  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will need an entry visa for Paraguay. Currently citizens of the UK do not need a visa if staying less than 90 days. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid. Vaccines sometimes advised: diphtheria; tuberculosis; hepatitis B; rabies; yellow fever.Yellow fever certificate mandatory if departing TO or coming FROM an infected area Malaria precautions are essential in rural areas of Caaguazu. Alto Parama, Amambay and Canendiyu (along the borders with Brazil) all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
May to September. Most months are reasonably good. May to September is dry season with a daily temperature of 25. October to April are warm months with January being the hottest month with the hightest humidity. Independence Days is May 14 - May 15. Paraguay celebrates it's independence from Spain, in 1811, with street parades and other festivities that usually include traditional foods, music and dancing, in particular the "bottle dance."
PERU  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need a visa. Most nationals are granted a 90-day stay on arrival and they can be extended. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Altitude sickness, cholera, hepatitis, malaria (in the lowlands), rabies and typhoid. A yellow fever vaccination is essential if you plan to visit the eastern slopes of the Andes or the Amazonian Basin. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
Peru's peak tourist season is from June to August, this is the dry season in the highlands, and the best time to go if your interest is hiking. Travelers do visit the highlands all year, though the wettest months, January to April, make trekking a muddy proposition. Many of the major fiestas occur in the wettest months and continue in spite of heavy rain. On the coast, Peruvians visit the beaches during the sunny months from late December through March, although few beaches are particularly enticing. The rest of the year, the coast is clothed in mist. In the eastern rainforests, it naturally rains a lot. The wettest months are December through April, though travelers visit year-round since it rarely rains for more than a few hours and there's still plenty of sunshine to enjoy. Many of the main festivals favor the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar. These are often celebrated with great pageantry, especially in highland Indian villages, where the Catholic feast day is usually linked with a traditional agricultural festival. Some of the major events include: Carnaval (February-March), which is particularly popular in the highlands and features numerous water fights; Inti Raymi (24 June), the greatest of the Inca festivals with spectacular dances and parades; Peru's Independence (28 July); All Souls Day (2 November), celebrated with gifts of food, drink and flowers which are taken to family graves; and Puno Day (5 November), which features flamboyant costumes and street dancing in Puno.
SURINAM  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities (except UK passport holders) will need an entry visa for Suriname. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever. Vaccines sometimes advised: diphtheria; tuberculosis; rabies; hepatitis B. Yellow fever certificate required if entering from an infected area Malaria precautions are essential in all areas (except Panamaribo city and the other seven coastal districts where the risk is very low) all year round. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
Dry seasons are February and March, September and October. Main wet season is April to August and November to February. Independence Day November 25. Independence from the Netherlands was granted in 1975. Activities are held throughout the country, with the largest in Independence Square in Paramaribo, the capital city. There are parades and street parties with lively music and dancing.Eid ul Fitr - End of Ramadan November 25 - November 27. This event signifies the end of the Ramadan fasting by Muslims.
URUGUAY  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities will not need an entry visa for Uruagay for stays less than 90 days. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A. Vaccines sometimes advised: typhoid; diphtheria; hepatitis B; rabies; tuberculosis. No vaccine certificate required. Malaria not normally present. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
November to March. The coolest time is June with average temperatures being 15. Rains are heaviest in April and May with occaisonal thunderstorms in summer, December to February. Independence Day August 25. Uruguay declared its independence from Brazil on this day in 1825.
VENEZUELA (including Margarita Island)  
Visas Health issues
Most nationalities do not need an entry visa for Venezuela. Visa requirements often change, so always check with the consulate for the most up-to-date information. Courses or boosters usually advised: hepatitis A; typhoid; yellow fever. (Yellow fever has not been reported recently on Margarita Island). Vaccines sometimes advised: tuberculosis; hepatitis B; diphtheria; rabies. No vaccine certificate required. Malaria precautions are essential in rural areas and Amazon regions, all year round. Risk is minimal in Caracus, Margarita island and the central coastal regions. Always check with your local health professional 60 days prior to travelling.
When to travel Festivals
December to April. The rainy season is in the winter which is May to November with an average rainfall of 15 days per month. The dry season is summer, December to April. Independence Day July 05. Venezuela gained independence from Spain in 1811 and was one of the three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830; the others being Colombia and Ecuador. The nation celebrates independence with music, dancing, a military parade, and more.