Are you Ready for Latin America?
Lingo Society · Travel Readiness Quiz
Are You Really Ready to Travel South America?
This is not your average travel quiz. We go beyond the basics — testing your cultural fluency, language instincts, regional awareness, and real-world travel know-how across 10 challenging questions.
⚡ Advanced Level — Are you up for it?
🗣 Language
🏭 Culture
🏈 Safety
🗺 Logistics
10 Questions
Max 30 pts
Language
Result
0
/ 10
Your Answer Summary
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🇲🇽 🇨🇴 🇦🇷 🇵🇪 🇨🇱 🇧🇷 🇨🇷
Know Before You Go —
LATAM Culture Briefings
Everything the guidebooks skip. Real cultural intel on greetings, tipping, safety, food and getting around — country by country.
🇲🇽
Mexico
"Warm, passionate and deeply proud — Mexicans love when visitors make an effort to respect their culture."
SpanishMXN PesoGMT-6 to GMT-8Catholic traditions
Food & Dining
Meals run late — Lunch is the main meal, served 2–4pm. Dinner rarely starts before 9pm.
Tortillas are sacred — Never use a fork to eat a taco. Pick it up, fold it, eat it. Two hands.
The bill won't arrive until asked — Waiters consider it rude to rush you. Say “La cuenta, por favor.”
Water is not always safe — Always order bottled water, even in good restaurants.
Salsa etiquette: Never pour salsa directly from the bowl — use the spoon provided, or ask for a separate dish.
Safety
Use app taxis only — Uber, InDriver and Cabify are far safer than flagging street taxis, especially at night.
Keep small bills accessible — Avoid flashing large notes or phones in busy markets or transport hubs.
Tourist police exist — CDMX has dedicated tourist police in green uniforms who speak basic English.
Neighbourhood awareness matters — Research specific colonias — quality and safety vary block by block.
ATM safety: Use ATMs inside banks or supermarkets, never freestanding street machines. Cover your PIN always.
Greetings
Handshakes for first meetings — Once friendly, men often do a half-hug (abrazo), women kiss one cheek.
Titles matter — Use Señor/Señora until invited to use first names.
Eye contact equals respect — Looking away while someone speaks can be read as dismissive or rude.
“Mande” not “Qué?” — When you don't hear someone, “Mande” is far more polite in Mexico.
Personal space: Mexicans stand closer in conversation than most North Americans expect. Don't step back — it reads as cold.
Dress Code
Church visits require cover — Shoulders and knees must be covered. Scarves tied at the waist work perfectly.
Casual is fine — Mexico City has smart-casual culture in nicer restaurants but beach towns are very relaxed.
Sun protection is non-negotiable — Hats and light cover-ups are practical and respected.
Overly revealing clothing draws attention — In smaller towns, dress conservatively out of respect for local norms.
Footwear tip: Cobblestone streets are everywhere in colonial towns — comfortable shoes beat sandals every time.
Tipping
10–15% at restaurants — Expected and appreciated. Check the bill — some add “propina sugerida” automatically.
Porters and hotel staff: $1–2 USD — Standard per bag. USD is widely accepted and appreciated.
Tour guides: $5–10 USD — Per person for a half-day tour. Guides often work primarily for tips.
Taxis: round up the fare — Not always expected but appreciated, especially after helping with bags.
Cash tips preferred: Card tips don't always reach the server. Hand cash directly to the person who served you.
Transport
Metro is excellent in CDMX — 9 pesos a ride, one of the world's cheapest. Avoid rush hour 8–9am and 6–8pm.
Women-only carriages on metro — The first carriage is reserved for women and children — pink signs mark them clearly.
Combis are local minibuses — Cheap and authentic but routes are unlabelled. Ask your hotel to explain the system.
Long-distance buses are world-class — ADO and ETN offer first-class buses between cities, often better than flying short routes.
Pickpockets on Metro Line 1 and 2: Keep phones in front pockets or bags at chest level during busy periods.
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🇨🇴
Colombia
"Colombians are famously warm and hospitable — parcero culture means you're a friend the moment you arrive."
SpanishCOP PesoGMT-5Catholic & festive
Food & Dining
Menú del día is the move — 3-course set lunch for $3–5 USD. Always fresh, always authentic.
Tinto equals black coffee — Asking for “un tinto” gets you a small, sweet black coffee. Colombian coffee culture is serious.
Aguardiente is everywhere — The national anise spirit. Refusing it at a social gathering can feel awkward — take a small sip.
Fruit variety will blow your mind — Try lulo, maracuyá, guanábana and feijoa in fresh juice form.
Cilantro warning: It goes into almost everything. If you hate it, say “sin cilantro por favor” the moment you sit down.
Safety
Scopolamine awareness — Never accept drinks, cigarettes or food from strangers you've just met.
Ride apps only — InDriver and Uber are the gold standard. Never hail unmarked taxis off the street at night.
Don't display valuables — Leave expensive watches, jewellery and cameras at the hotel for casual exploration days.
Bogotá altitude hits suddenly — At 2,600m, rest your first day, avoid alcohol and stay hydrated.
Express kidnapping: A rare but known risk. If forced to withdraw cash at ATMs, take only the daily limit and stay calm.
Greetings
One cheek kiss for women — Women greet with a single left-cheek kiss, even with strangers at a first meeting.
Handshake plus eye contact for men — Firm handshake with sincere eye contact. Weak handshakes are read as insincere.
Parcero signals trust — When a Colombian calls you parcero, you've been genuinely accepted.
Usted is respectful — Colombians use usted even with friends — it signals warmth, not distance.
Punctuality: Colombian time means events start 30–60 mins late. For social occasions, arriving on time means arriving early.
Dress Code
Medellín is style-conscious — El Poblado and Laureles are trendy — smart casual is the baseline at restaurants and bars.
Cartagena is beach-casual — Light fabrics, breezy dresses and sandals — the heat makes anything else impractical.
Bogotá runs cool — At altitude with frequent rain, pack layers and a light jacket for evenings.
Religious sites require modesty — Cover shoulders and knees for churches. Cartagena's historic chapels are particularly strict.
Bogotá weather: It rains nearly every afternoon. Pack a compact umbrella — always.
Tipping
10% service charge often included — Check your bill for “propina incluida” — if present, extra tipping is optional.
Voluntaria means your choice — Restaurants must ask if you want to add it. You can say no without any issue.
Hotel porters: 2,000–5,000 COP — About $0.50–$1.25 USD per bag. Cash is always preferred.
Tour guides: 10,000–20,000 COP — More for private guides. Coffee farm tours especially deserve generous tips.
Tipping in USD: Widely accepted in tourist areas. Keeping a few $1 bills makes tipping effortless throughout your trip.
Transport
TransMilenio in Bogotá — The BRT system is fast and cheap but very crowded at peak times. Keep valuables secure.
Cable cars in Medellín — The Metro Cable connects hillside comunas — a remarkable urban feat and great local experience.
Domestic flights are cheap — Colombia is large — flying Medellín–Cartagena often costs less than a long bus ride.
Mototaxis in Cartagena — Common and cheap — always agree on price before getting on.
Bus station safety: Terminal de Transportes in Bogotá requires extra vigilance. Keep bags on your lap or between your feet.
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🇦🇷
Argentina
"Porteños are passionate, opinionated and incredibly proud of their culture — especially their food, football and Malbec."
Spanish (Rioplatense)ARS PesoGMT-3European-influenced
Food & Dining
Asado is a ritual — A barbecue invitation is a serious cultural event. Arrive on time, don't rush the host, and eat everything offered.
Dinner is very late — Restaurants don't fill until 9–10pm. Arriving at 7pm marks you as a tourist instantly.
Milanesa is everywhere — Breaded cutlet, a staple across all settings. Milanesa a caballo (with fried egg on top) is essential.
Never rush the meal — Argentine dining lasts 2–3 hours. Asking for the bill early is considered rude.
Vegetarians: Argentina is steak country — options exist but require effort. Always ask for opciones sin carne specifically.
Safety
Buenos Aires is generally safe — By LATAM standards, BsAs is very walkable. La Boca is only safe around Caminito in daylight.
Pickpockets in crowds — San Telmo market, Subte rush hour and tourist areas are prime spots. Use a money belt.
Remís over street taxis — Pre-book remís through your hotel — safer and often cheaper than flagging taxis randomly.
Currency scams are common — Use trusted exchange houses (cuevas) — never street strangers.
Counterfeit pesos: Check large notes ($1,000 and $2,000 pesos) with a UV pen before accepting. Counterfeit notes are common.
Greetings
One kiss on the cheek — always — Everyone greets with one cheek kiss, men included with friends. Don't offer a handshake instead.
Vos instead of tú — Argentine Spanish uses vos with different conjugations. Using it will impress locals enormously.
Porteños are direct — Buenos Aires locals are opinionated and love debate. Don't confuse directness with rudeness.
Avoid the Falklands topic — The Malvinas question is deeply sensitive. Steer clear unless you know someone very well.
Che is the ultimate Argentine conversation starter — used to get attention, express surprise, or punctuate a sentence. Use it freely.
Dress Code
Buenos Aires is chic — Porteños dress well for dining out. Smart casual at minimum — Palermo restaurants expect effort.
Patagonia means serious layers — Wind in Torres del Paine and El Chaltén is extreme — technical layers are mandatory, not optional.
Football shirts welcome — Wearing an Argentine football shirt is a guaranteed conversation starter.
Black is universal — Buenos Aires residents wear black more than almost any other city in the world — you'll fit right in.
Dress for altitude in Mendoza: Even at winery level it's warm, but mountain excursions require a warm layer — temperature drops sharply.
Tipping
10–15% at restaurants — Porteños always tip. Not tipping is noticed and considered rude. Cash is strongly preferred.
Inflation awareness — With Argentina's economic volatility, cash USD tips are deeply appreciated over pesos.
Hotel housekeeping: $1–2 USD per day — Leave daily — the room may be serviced by different staff each day.
Tango show staff — Tipping performers and waitstaff at milongas and tango shows is expected — generous tipping is remembered.
Cubierto charge: Most restaurants charge for bread and cutlery — this is not the tip. Add your tip on top of this separately.
Transport
SUBE card for Buenos Aires — Top up this card for the Subte, buses and trains — far cheaper than cash fares.
Subte is cheap but crowded — Fast and simple but avoid lines B and D during rush hour if you have luggage.
Long-distance buses are incredible — Cama buses offer reclining beds, meals and wine — often better than flying.
Driving in BsAs — Traffic signals are treated as suggestions by many drivers. Cross streets carefully and assume nothing.
Two airports: Ezeiza (EZE) is 35km from downtown for international. Aeroparque (AEP) is in the city for domestic — don't mix them up.
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🇵🇪
Peru
"One of the world's richest cultures — Peruvians are quietly proud of their Inca heritage and world-beating cuisine."
Spanish / QuechuaPEN SolGMT-5Inca & colonial heritage
Food & Dining
Ceviche is sacred — Only eat ceviche at lunchtime — it should be made fresh that morning. Never order it for dinner.
Altitude affects appetite — In Cusco, eat light for the first 24 hours. Heavy meals worsen altitude sickness.
Chicha de jora is ceremonial — Fermented corn drink offered in the Sacred Valley — accepting it is a mark of respect.
Tasting menus are world-class — Lima has 5 of the world's top 50 restaurants. Book Central, Maido or Kjolle months ahead.
Leche de tigre: The citrus marinade from ceviche is served as a shot and said to cure altitude sickness. Try it — it genuinely helps.
Safety
Tourist police (SERPOST) — Blue-uniformed tourist police patrol Cusco and Lima's Miraflores. Use them without hesitation.
Altitude sickness is the number one risk — Soroche affects fit, healthy people too. Ascend slowly, drink coca tea, skip alcohol day one.
Inca Trail permit scams exist — Only buy through licensed agencies. Permits are non-transferable and ID-checked.
Night bus precautions — Use reputable companies (Cruz del Sur, Oltursa). Keep valuables in your lap, not overhead.
Fake taxis at Cusco airport: Official taxis are pre-paid inside the terminal. Anyone approaching you outside is unauthorised — walk past them.
Greetings
Handshake plus slight nod — In the highlands, a more reserved nod is common. Don't over-impose physical contact.
Quechua greetings go a long way — Allianchu? (are you well?) in the Sacred Valley will create moments you'll never forget.
Peruvians are modest — Don't openly boast or over-compliment in an exaggerated way — sincerity is valued over enthusiasm.
Indirect refusal is common — If a Peruvian says “perhaps” or “we'll see” — it almost always means no. Respect it gracefully.
Photography etiquette: Always ask before photographing people in traditional dress in the highlands — and expect to pay a small propina if they agree.
Dress Code
Cusco is cold at night — At 3,400m, nights drop to 5–8°C even in summer. A warm layer is always needed after dark.
Sun protection is critical — UV radiation is extreme at altitude — SPF 50+, hat and sunglasses are not optional.
Modest dress in communities — Indigenous communities in the Sacred Valley appreciate conservative dress — shorts are often unwelcome.
Lima is coastal and casual — Miraflores and Barranco are smart-casual. The coast is cool and cloudy — light layers, not beach gear.
Alpaca clothing: Buy genuine alpaca in Cusco markets — the most practical and beautiful souvenir, and you'll use the warmth immediately.
Tipping
10% at restaurants — Not always included — check the bill. Tipping in soles is fine; USD also accepted in tourist areas.
Inca Trail porters — The most important tip of your trip. $20–30 USD minimum per porter for the full trail.
Museum guides — $5–10 USD for private guides at Machu Picchu or Cusco — they depend heavily on tips.
Taxi drivers — Not expected unless they helped with bags — rounding up is always appreciated.
Tip your Machu Picchu guide in cash before leaving the site — once back on the bus, the moment is gone and they've already moved on.
Transport
Inca Rail and Peru Rail — Two competing train services to Aguas Calientes — book well in advance, especially Jun–Sep.
Collectivos are shared minibuses — Cheap and ubiquitous for inter-town travel in the Sacred Valley — ask your hostel which ones to trust.
Lima traffic is brutal — Allow double the expected time for any Lima journey — the city has some of LATAM's worst congestion.
Domestic flights save huge time — Lima–Cusco is 1h15 by air vs 22+ hours by bus. Flying is worth every penny on this route.
Bus to Machu Picchu ruins: Consettur buses from Aguas Calientes fill up fast at 5:30am. Buy tickets the night before to get the first bus up.
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🇨🇱
Chile
"Chileans are reserved, precise and quietly proud — but incredibly warm once you earn their trust."
Spanish (Chilean)CLP PesoGMT-4Pacific coast culture
Food & Dining
Once is everything — The late-afternoon tea (5–7pm) of bread, butter, avocado and tea is a cherished daily ritual. Join one if invited.
Palta (avocado) on everything — Chile puts avocado on nearly every dish. It's a food group here, not a trend.
Wine culture is serious — Always ask for a regional wine — Maipo (Cab Sav), Casablanca (Sauv Blanc) or Colchagua (Malbec).
Lunch is the main meal — Almuerzo runs 1–3pm and is the social centrepiece of the day. Dinner is lighter and later.
Completo: Chile's iconic hot dog loaded with avocado, tomato and mayonnaise. Order one from a street stall — it's a cultural experience.
Safety
Santiago is very safe — By LATAM standards, Providencia, Las Condes and Vitacura are extremely safe neighbourhoods.
Peripheral comunas require awareness — La Pintana and Puente Alto — avoid at night unless with locals.
Valparaíso at night — The hills (cerros) are beautiful by day but navigate with care after dark — stick to lit main paths.
Earthquake readiness — Chile is seismically active. Know your hotel's evacuation procedure and don't panic during minor tremors.
Tsunami zones: Coastal cities have marked tsunami evacuation routes. Locate yours in Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and Puerto Montt.
Greetings
One cheek kiss between women and mixed groups — Men shake hands on first meeting, then move to abrazo with closer friends.
Chileans are reserved initially — Don't interpret quietness as coldness — trust is built over time and warmth emerges gradually.
Cachai is everywhere — This tag question (from catch) ends most sentences in casual speech — using it signals cultural fluency.
Direct feedback is rare — Chileans are diplomatic and will rarely say no outright. Read between the lines in all settings.
Don't confuse Chileans with Argentines: They are culturally and linguistically distinct in ways both groups feel strongly about. Never mix them up.
Dress Code
Santiago is smart — Las Condes and Providencia restaurants expect smart-casual. Shorts and flip-flops at dinner are frowned upon.
Atacama demands layers — Days hit 30°C, nights drop below zero. You need both a T-shirt and a winter jacket simultaneously.
Patagonia means technical gear — Wind speeds at Torres del Paine exceed 100km/h. Proper waterproof layers are mandatory, not optional.
Beach towns are relaxed — Viña del Mar and La Serena are casual coastal — light fabrics and comfortable shoes throughout.
Bring a packable rain jacket everywhere in Chile — microclimates shift in minutes, from desert to drizzle to wind within a short drive.
Tipping
10% propina voluntaria — By law, Chilean restaurants must ask if you want to add it. Most people do — it's expected in practice.
Café staff — Round up or leave 500–1,000 CLP at cafés. Tips are small but appreciated.
Tour guides: 3,000–8,000 CLP — More for wilderness guides in Patagonia or the Atacama — these trips demand serious skill.
Parking attendants (cuidadores) — Informal helpers with orange vests expect 500–1,000 CLP. Pay on arrival, not departure.
Receipt check: Some tourist restaurants add the propina without asking — always scan the itemised bill before adding your own tip.
Transport
Santiago Metro is world-class — Clean, safe, punctual and inexpensive. Bip! card is essential — cash not accepted on board.
Micro buses (red buses) — Cover every corner of Santiago — Moovit and Google Maps make navigation straightforward.
Long-distance buses are excellent — Pullman and Turbus offer lie-flat cama seats — the overnight Santiago–Puerto Montt bus is a classic.
Renting a car unlocks Chile — The Carretera Austral and Atacama backroads require a car to explore properly.
Carretera Austral requires 4WD: Large sections are unpaved gravel. A regular sedan will not make it through the southern stretches.
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🇧🇷
Brazil
"Brazil runs on warmth, rhythm and spontaneity — Brazilians are among the world's most generous and joyful hosts."
PortugueseBRL RealGMT-3 to GMT-5Carnival culture
Food & Dining
PF (prato feito) is your friend — Rice, beans, meat, salad for $2–5 USD. Served everywhere and never skip it.
Feijoada on Wednesdays and Saturdays — Brazil's beloved black bean and pork stew. Always order it on these days.
Churrascaria rodízio system — Flip your token to green to keep receiving meat — red means stop. Pace yourself.
Coffee is tiny and sweet — A cafézinho is small, strong and sugary. It's a social gesture as much as a beverage. Accept one always.
Açaí in Brazil is nothing like the export version — thick, savoury-sweet, topped with granola and banana. Order at any lanchonete.
Safety
Arrastão awareness — Mass pickpocket events happen on busy beaches. Don't bring valuables to Copacabana or Ipanema.
Use 99 or Uber exclusively — These are the only safe options in Brazilian cities. Street taxis carry significant risk.
Beach rule: nothing visible — Bag at front, phone face-down, nothing valuable on display.
Favela visits — Only enter favelas on organised tours with licensed local guides — never independently.
The Good Samaritan scam: Someone spots bird droppings on your bag and offers to clean it — an accomplice pickpockets while you're distracted. Walk away immediately.
Greetings
Two cheek kisses in São Paulo — In Rio, one kiss is the norm — watch and match what locals do.
Tudo bem / Tudo bom — The call-and-response greeting used constantly. Use it and Brazilians will light up immediately.
Physical warmth is normal — Brazilians touch shoulders, arms and backs in conversation. It's affection — relax and match the energy.
Time is fluid — Brazilian time for social events means 30–60 minutes late is standard. For business, punctuality is expected.
Saudade is untranslatable — a bittersweet longing for something loved. If a Brazilian shares a moment of saudade with you, receive it with sincerity.
Dress Code
Beach culture defines dress — Brazilians wear as little as possible at the beach and as much style as possible everywhere else.
Havaianas are formal footwear — The famous flip-flops are worn everywhere from beach to boteco to corner shop. Join in.
São Paulo is fashion-forward — Paulistanos dress sharply. Smart casual in Vila Madalena and Jardins is the baseline for dinner.
Amazon trips require cover — Long sleeves and light trousers for jungle excursions. Mosquito protection outweighs all fashion concerns.
Brazilian swimwear: Smaller is more appropriate at Brazilian beaches, not larger. Board shorts signal tourist immediately.
Tipping
10% serviço usually included — Check your bill — if it says 10% serviço incluído, extra tipping is optional but appreciated.
Boteco bar staff — Round up the tab or leave 5–10 BRL. Street bar culture runs on small, consistent tips.
Hotel housekeeping: 5–10 BRL per day — Leave daily in the room — cumulative tips make a real difference to hotel staff.
Capoeira and samba performers — At street shows and capoeira circles, 5–20 BRL per person is appropriate.
PIX is Brazil's payment revolution: The instant transfer system is used for everything including tips. A QR code from locals is legitimate and convenient.
Transport
Metrô in São Paulo is excellent — Clean, reliable and extensive — the best way to navigate the world's 4th largest city.
Rio's metro is limited — Only covers select areas — Uber fills the gaps. SuperVia trains to suburbs require extra caution.
Ônibus (city buses) — Cheap and covering everywhere, but confusing for newcomers. Download Moovit before arriving.
Domestic flights save time — Brazil is enormous — flying between cities is almost always worth the cost over long bus journeys.
Never take buses after midnight in Rio or São Paulo — risk increases significantly after 12am.
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🇨🇷
Costa Rica
"Pura Vida isn't a slogan — it's a genuine philosophy of gratitude, slowness and joy that infuses every interaction."
SpanishCRC Colón / USDGMT-6Eco & wildlife culture
Food & Dining
Gallo pinto is national identity — Rice and beans fried together — the breakfast staple. Eaten daily by most Ticos. Never decline it.
Casado is the lunch anchor — Rice, beans, plantain, salad and a protein. The complete Costa Rican plate. Order it everywhere.
Coffee is sacred — Costa Rica produces some of the world's best single-origin coffee. Only drink it locally roasted and fresh.
Sodas are local restaurants — A soda is a small family restaurant — cheaper, more authentic and usually far better than tourist spots.
Chifrijo: Fried pork, beans, rice and pico de gallo in a bowl — Costa Rica's perfect bar snack. Order it at any local bar.
Safety
Costa Rica is safe by LATAM standards — But petty theft is common in tourist zones. San José's downtown requires basic awareness.
Car break-ins are very common — Never leave anything visible in a rental car — not even a charging cable. Thieves work fast.
Riptides on Pacific coast — Several beaches have dangerous currents. Always check beach conditions and swim between the flags.
Wildlife encounters — Don't touch wildlife. Bullet ants and fer-de-lance snakes are not photo opportunities.
Rental car windshield scam: Staged accidents involving rental cars exist. Always photograph your car fully before driving away from any agency.
Greetings
Pura Vida answers everything — Use it as hello, goodbye, you're welcome, no problem, that's great — Ticos will grin every time.
Handshake for first meetings — Ticos are warm but slightly more reserved than Colombians or Brazilians on a first encounter.
Mae for everyone — Gender-neutral dude used constantly between Ticos — using it signals total cultural integration.
Diay fills every pause — Costa Rica's unique filler word meaning roughly “well” or “what can you do”. Sprinkle into conversation.
Punctuality: Tico time is famously relaxed for social events. Arriving 20–30 mins late is standard. For tours and transport, be on time.
Dress Code
Biodegradable sunscreen only — Required in national parks. Chemical sunscreen damages coral and is increasingly enforced.
Packing light wins — Breathable, quick-dry fabrics you can wear for hiking and dinner are the ideal solution.
Rain gear is essential — The green season (May–Nov) means afternoon downpours daily. A packable poncho beats an umbrella.
Jungle hiking gear matters — Closed-toe shoes and long trousers for national park trails — sandals and shorts invite bites and scratches.
Laundry is easy and cheap — Most towns have lavandería services for $5–8 USD. Pack less and wash more to travel lighter.
Tipping
10% service legally offered — Costa Rican law mandates offering the service charge — you can decline, but it's unusual to do so.
Tour guides: $5–10 USD per person — Wildlife guides at national parks deserve generous tips — their expertise is extraordinary and under-compensated.
USD widely accepted — Most tourist businesses price in dollars. Tipping in USD is universal and eliminates exchange confusion.
Surf instructors: $5–10 USD — Jaco, Tamarindo and Nosara surf schools rely on tips to supplement low base wages.
Colón coins for locals: Keep small colón change for sodas, bus fares and market stalls — locals appreciate native currency.
Transport
4WD rental is non-negotiable — River crossings, unpaved roads and steep jungle tracks make a 4WD essential for any off-road destination.
Shared shuttles are the sweet spot — Interbus and Grayline connect tourist towns affordably — safer than public buses, cheaper than private transfers.
Public buses are cheap — The Tica Bus network is extensive — slow but incredibly cheap and genuinely used by locals.
Domestic flights save days — Sansa and Skyway fly tiny planes to remote destinations (Tortuguero, Drake Bay) — completely worth it.
Google Maps fails in Costa Rica for rural roads — it frequently routes through rivers and impassable tracks. Use Waze and ask locals at every junction.
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🇨🇴 Colombia
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🇦🇷 Argentina
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