5 Countries in South America Filipinos Can Visit Visa-Free – Plus, Their Top Attractions!
Are you thinking of backpacking around South America and wondering where to start? More importantly, do you want to know what the visa situation is for us Filipinos who almost always need preapproved visas to enter countries outside of Southeast Asia?
South America is a magnificent continent with everything in terms of landscape. You have the Andes, the wetlands, the forest, the Caribbean and the beaches. It’s a huge continent with few countries, but each one is unique in terms of culture and people.
If you’re going for the first time, know that it’s a big place and that it’s impossible to see everything on a limited holiday. In fact, I’m sure it would be tricky to see everything even if you devote a lifetime to doing so. In any case, let me help you jumpstart your plan.
Start with the 5 countries in South America that Filipinos can visit visa-free. I’m going to name 2 attractions per country, which by no means represent its country as a whole, but are meant to work as a mere introduction.
5 Countries in South America Filipinos Can Visit Visa-Free – Plus, Their Top Attractions!
5. Brazil
Brazil is the biggest country in South America. Philippine passport holders get 90 days to stay upon entry after flying in. I got 30 crossing the border from Colombia (Leticia to Tabatinga). I had to extend my visa in Rio de Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro is probably the most familiar attraction to us Filipinos in Brazil because of our Catholic background. The art deco statue of Jesus Christ with arms outstretched has actually been voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.
Iguazu Falls, Brazil
Iguaçu Falls is an impressive waterfalls system that borders Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay. I’ve only seen the sight from the Brazilian side. Apparently, the Argentinean side has 80% of the falls, though, so I believe the view must be better from there. You can take a helicopter ride for $100 for an aerial view of the whole system, too.
4. Bolivia
Bolivia was out of my radar. I only decided to go because I didn’t need a visa yet. Well, it turned out to be one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. Philippine passport holders can get 90 days in Bolivia.
Salt Flats of Uyuni, Bolivia
Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. It’s so white and wide, it’s been attracting more and more tourists within the past 20 years. It is famously used as a backdrop to take creative fun shots.
Dali Valley, Bolivia
Salvador Dali Desert is a beautiful valley in southwestern Bolivia that is part of the 3 day Salar de Uyuni jeep tour. The landscape resembles Dali’s surrealist paintings.
3. Peru
Peru is the land of Inca and we get 90 days to explore it. Someone told me you could also get 180 days if you ask, though.
Heritage Town of Cusco, Peru
Cuzco is the capital of the Inca world. It is an attractive city with a great nightlife and serves as the jump-off point to Machu Picchu.
Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu is an ancient citadel that was once a center of learning. It housed royalties, scholars, and scientists. It was buried for centuries and was rediscovered in 1911 but the mysteries still remain. This is one of the most desired site to visit in South America, however there is a limit to the number of visitors allowed in per day. Machu Picchu is reachable by the famous Inca Trail hike or the faster Inca Train. Check out When in Manila in-depth Guide to Traveling Machu Picchu.
2. Ecuador
Ecuador might be small, but it’s fully-packed. Filipinos have 90 days to explore its jungles, mountain, beaches, and the land trapped in time: the Galapagos Island.
Giant Tortoise, Galapagos, Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands is the most magical place in the world. My only goal arriving here was to dive with the hammerheads. However, upon getting there I was so taken by the land animals, too: oh my God, the giant tortoise and the seals that lounge on the park benches in San Cristobal malecon were just so sweet.
Intiñan Park, Quito, Ecuador
Quito is one of the highest capital cities in the world. And the view of the snow-capped mountain as a backdrop to the city is just super stunning. One of Quito’s main attractions is the equator line that runs across the middle of it. There is an official Equator Line park and also another park beside it. The Inti-ñan museum is fun and worth a visit, too.
1. Colombia
Colombia probably does not have the best reputation with its tainted history of drugs and violence. However, it is slowly rebuilding its position in the tourist circuit. While the country is rich with everything adventure, history, and dance; it is the people that will capture your heart and you will never want to leave (like my friend Ismael) or you will come back (like I did). Colombia gives 90 days upon entry.
Colonial Town in the Caribbean, Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena de Indias is an amazing colonial city with history of piracy and slavery. I was super impressed the first time I stepped inside the walled city. However, my heart was also overcome with grief and a little bit of jealousy at the same time. For as I walked though the beautifully preserved buildings and cobble stone roads, I could imagine that Manila could be as magnificent as this had it not been bombed during the war.
What I love about this place is that as touristy as it is, with the hotels, hostels, and souvenir shops, people actually still live here. The locals and the tourists populate the center and it makes the city feel authentic and alive. It is located in the Caribbean, so it is a few steps from the beach, among other attractions.
Amazon River EcoTour, Puerto Narino, Colombia
The Amazon Rainforest is not to be missed when you travel to South America. As 9 countries, which I can still name by heart, border it, you will definitely encounter the massive jungle at some point. The Amazon is best known for its unmatched biodiversity. It houses more species than the rainforest of Asia and Africa combined. Taking a trip into the jungle is very magical surrounded by lush greens, exotic flowers and birds.
Technically, Suriname is another country in South America that we can visit without a visa. However, I never made it there, so I wouldn’t be able to make any credible recommendations for it. The 5 countries I mentioned, though, can fill your itinerary without any problems, whether you are going for 2 weeks or 2 years. As for me, I spent about 6 weeks each in Brazil and Ecuador; and one month each in Bolivia, Colombia, and Peru. I felt like I dashed through the whole experience with so many places left unseen. As such, it is in my plan to go back to visit one day.
Hopefully this was helpful in jumpstarting your plan to travel South America. You may also check out Mega Magazine feature of Anne Curtis in South America to be more inspired.
