Welcome back to La Paz!
Today we’re leaving Bolivia for a bit and heading out to explore this beautiful continent, with the eyes of a cultural explorer, looking for experiences you simply won’t find anywhere else in the world. I’ve written before about making your own itinerary when traveling to South America, but this time it’s different. Today we’re talking about those amazing moments you can only have once you’ve already decided to come here when the ticket is booked and all you want to do is dive deeper into the culture of this incredible continent.

La Paz Happenings: When Football Becomes Culture

Just a quick shout out from La Paz, and a cultural moment to share before we dive deeper into the rest of this adventure. A few days ago, Brazil was here for a World Cup qualifier, and yes, I’ve written about football before, but it’s worth mentioning again. If you’re in La Paz when there’s a match, whether it’s La Liga with the best Bolivian teams, a Copa América clash between South American rivals, or even a national game, go and watch. Of course, it’s about football, and the passion is on another level. But what really makes La Paz soccer stand out isn’t just the style of play, it’s the altitude. At 4,000 meters in El Alto, even giants like Brazil struggle to keep up.

So when you’re here, check our weekly TravelZine updates for games happening in the city. And remember, whether you’re a football fan or not, it’s not always just about the sport, it’s about the people, their passion, the food, and the connection that brings everyone together (and well, yes, sometimes a bit apart as well).

Beyond Landscapes: Discovering the Soul of South America Through Culture

When most people think of South America, it’s often about the amazing nature. Beautiful waterfalls, endless green jungles, and the dramatic peaks of the Andes. You can also picture the salt flats here in Bolivia, the deep blue lakes high up in the mountains and the white beaches meeting the deep blue Atlantic Ocean. The continent is full of landscapes that seem almost unreal.

But today, let’s put nature aside for a moment and dive deeper into the culture of this continent. South America is alive with traditions, flavors, sounds, and daily rituals that are just as unforgettable as its views. These cultural experiences are not only fun to see, they are things you can join in, taste, and feel for yourself.

In this post, I’ll share some of the most unique experiences you can only have here. From festivals that turn whole cities into dance floors to small daily habits that tell the story of a community. I’ll try to pick just a few (from way too many!) to inspire you. And hopefully, some of them will find their way into your travel itinerary.

Festivals, Dance & Music

South America is never quiet for long, there’s always music, dancing, or a festival just around the corner. These moments aren’t only about fun; they’re how people tell their stories and keep traditions alive. And the best part is, as a traveler, you’re always welcome to join in.

Carnival in Brazil
Rio’s Carnival is the party of all parties. Samba schools, parades, street bands, and costumes that light up the whole city, for a few days, Rio becomes a non-stop celebration where everyone is dancing.

I’ve never been to the real Carnival in Rio, but there’s one moment as a travel guide I’ll never forget. I took a group to the Sambódromo about a week before the big event, just to watch the final rehearsals. It was a simple afternoon, no party, no drinking,just us there to see the practice.

And then something unforgettable happened. My group was Swedish, and let’s be honest, Swedes don’t usually start dancing unless the party is really good. But that afternoon in the stands, the rhythm took over. The music, the drums, the dancers, the energy… it was impossible to sit still.

Within minutes the whole group was going wild, dancing like crazy. Old men, women, the young ones, even the quiet ones, no one looked like samba professionals, but it didn’t matter. The feeling was contagious, and for that afternoon we were all part of it!

Deep Traditions in Bolivia
In Bolivia, festivals and dances carry layers of history and meaning. Think of powerful steps like caporales or the slower, symbolic morenada, each costume, drumbeat, and move connects to centuries of tradition, and you can really feel the pride behind them.

Tango in Argentina & Cumbia in Colombia
These two rhythms couldn’t be more different, but both define their countries. Tango in Buenos Aires is elegant, dramatic, and full of emotion, while cumbia in Colombia is all about joy, rhythm, and moving together. Even if you don’t dance, just being there to watch or listen is an experience in itself.

Indigenous Wisdom & Ancient RitualsI

One of the most special things about South America is how ancient traditions are still part of daily life. From the high Andes to the deep Amazon, people keep practices alive that connect them to nature, history, and community. As a traveler, joining even a small part of these rituals can be an unforgettable experience.

Aymara New Year in Bolivia
Every June 21, people gather to welcome the sun with open hands at sunrise. It’s a moment that mixes hope, gratitude, and tradition, reminding you how closely life here is tied to the natural world.

Shamanic Rituals in the Amazon (Peru/Brazil)
In the Amazon, shamans work with plants and ceremonies that have been practiced for centuries. These rituals are about healing and connection, and even just learning about them gives you a new perspective on nature’s power.

Pachamama Offerings in the Andes (Peru/Bolivia/Ecuador)
Pachamama, or Mother Earth, is at the heart of Andean culture. Offerings of coca leaves, sweets, and flowers show gratitude and respect, a tradition that makes you pause and feel the bond between people and the land.

Football as the South American Religion

I put “sport” in the title, but let’s be honest, here it’s really all about football. Soccer is the religion of South America, the thing that brings whole cities together (and sometimes divides them too). The passion is so strong that even if you don’t normally care about football, you’ll find yourself cheering in the middle of it all.

Boca Juniors vs. River Plate in Argentina
This rivalry is legendary, two teams, one city, and an energy that takes over Buenos Aires. On match day, the noise, the flags, and the songs make it feel like the whole world is watching.

El Clásico Paceño in Bolivia
Bolivia’s football might not be the most famous, but it is the highest. Watching The Strongest play Bolívar at over 3,600 meters is a one-of-a-kind experience. Local players are used to running in the thin air, but when Bolivia faces a neighboring country, the altitude becomes a huge advantage, visiting players often struggle, while fans proudly make it part of the show.

Flamengo in Brazil
Brazil breathes football, and nowhere more than in Rio with Flamengo. The red-and-black wave of fans, the chants, and the fireworks make every match feel like a celebration of identity and pride.

Food as Culture & Connection

Food in South America is never just about filling your stomach, it’s about history, family, and community. Every country has its flavors, and the best part is you don’t just eat them, you share them. Whether in a busy market or around a family table, food is where culture truly comes alive.

Ceviche in Peru
Fresh fish “cooked” in lime juice with chili and onions, ceviche is simple but full of flavor. Eating it by the coast, with the ocean just steps away, is one of those experiences that sticks with you.

Salteñas in Bolivia
Salteñas are little baked pastries, sweet and savory at the same time, usually filled with meat, potatoes, or even veggies. They’re the perfect morning snack, and you’ll see locals grabbing them on the go with a coffee or juice.

Asado & Mate in Argentina
An asado (barbecue) isn’t just about the meat, it’s about gathering with friends and family. And mate, that shared cup of herbal tea, is a daily ritual that shows how important community is in Argentina’s culture.

Traditional Markets & Handicrafts

Markets in South America are more than just places to shop, they’re where life happens. You find colors, voices, smells, and a whole lot of culture packed into one place. From food to textiles, every stall tells a little piece of the story of the country.

Otavalo Market in Ecuador
One of the most famous craft markets in South America, Otavalo is overflowing with textiles, ponchos, and handmade jewelry. Bargaining is part of the fun, but the real experience is soaking in the energy of the market itself.

San Telmo Market in Argentina
In Buenos Aires, San Telmo is the place for antiques, street performers, and local bites. On Sundays especially, the whole neighborhood turns into a cultural fair with tango music around every corner.

Witches’ Market in Bolivia
Right in La Paz, the Witches’ Market mixes tradition, belief, and daily life. From herbs and healing potions to tiny llama figures used in offerings, it’s one of the most unusual markets you’ll ever walk through.

So Much Culture, So Little Space (Here’s More!)

When I first sat down to write this, it felt so easy in my head, because there’s just so much to say about culture in South America. The hard part was choosing; I’ve been sitting here weighing one cultural experience against another, and it’s honestly not easy to leave things out. To make up for that, I’ve put together a freebie with even more unique cultural experiences you can check out across the continent.

HERE

And if you want to go deeper, don’t miss the podcast, where we share stories, fun facts, and even chat with travelers about their favorite cultural experiences in South America. Tune in, download the freebie and of course, stop by our Inspiration Station for more travel tips, local info, and cool things happening right now.