The number of Australians travelling to South America is increasing despite the economic downturn, recent travel data reveals.

The Brazil Trade Bureau shows that the number of visitor visas issued to Australians has increased 16% since 2003. Visa applications are up 38%, with 16,000 visas issued to Australians in 2008 compared to just 7,690 in 2003.

Australians apply for visas for South American adventures, like Machu Picchu

Travel industry experts attribute the South America travel frenzy to cheaper flights, which have led to more promotion of flight routes and greater competition amongst airlines. It’s possible to fly between Sydney and Argentina or Chile for just over $1200, and to Brazil or Peru for around $1400.

Claudia Manwarring of Brazil’s Trade Bureau says: “We know for a fact that extra flights and extra packages with new destinations within Brazil have been contributing to this increase.

“These products would not have come into the market if there was no demand. Our perception is that the current traveller is looking for something different.”

South America holds plenty of ‘different’ activities and destinations within its borders, but it’s also a springboard for another very different leisure pursuit: Antarctica cruises, which depart from Argentina. Increased South American travel is a lucky by-product of rising demand for the cruises.

Visa requirements vary in South American countries based on travellers’ destination, country of origin, and reason for visiting. Brazil is known for having more stringent requirements for foreign travellers compared to surrounding countries. UK passport holders do not currently require visas to travel in Brazil, however, nationals of the US and Australia must obtain tourist visas.