Menu
Top travel scams in South America
Beach scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Version 1: a crab seller offers you a crab leg claiming it is a free sample. He will keep forcing you to have more and you will…
Read more…
Isla del Sol scams in Bolivia
7 0How it works: Situation: at the Isla del Sol trail, you only have to pay 10 bolivianos at the start and 5 at the end. Scam 1: however, locals along…
Read more…
Ferry day tour scams in Colombia
7 0How it works: Opening: after you alight from a ferry, you may encounter touts offering cheap day tours with grand claims and promises. Set-up: after you pay however, you will…
Read more…
Longhauling taxis in Colombia
7 0How it works: Situation: in Bogota, a confusing tariff/pay band system (laminated sheet is provided) is used to determine the final fare. Set-up: as such, some drivers take a longer…
Read more…
Snatch thefts in Brazil
7 6How it works: Flash mob robbery: a crowd swarming an area stealing whatever they can. Beach, restaurants, bar: where tourists are relaxed, or when they head to the water. Bike/moped: riding…
Read more…
Machu Picchu scams in Peru
7 0How it works: Scam 1: some companies sell fake train tickets to get here and fake entry tickets online. Scam 2: guides and operators will claim that you cannot enter…
Read more…
Christ the Redeemer transport scams in Brazil
7 0How it works: Situation: besides walking, there are two options to go up: (1) Cab to the Paineras car park (halfway up) and transfer to a van to reach the…
Read more…
Fraudulent tour operators in Bolivia
7 0How it works: There have been horror stories with unofficial, fraudulent tour operators, where tourists were overcharged and promises were not delivered. For instance, being stranded in the desert for…
Read more…
Shoe shine scam in Colombia
6 0How it works: Situation: there are plenty of shoe shiners in the cities. Some areas are fine while others are out to scam. Opening: when you enquire about the price,…
Read more…
Fake baby alpaca, Inca pottery, silver in Peru
6 0How it works: Version 1: baby alpaca products are commonly faked. Cheap imitations are made with blends of synthetic fibres and brushed acrylic available at very low prices. Version 2:…
Read more…
Pelourinho scams in Brazil
6 0How it works: Scam 1: unofficial guides who latch onto you, provided unsolicited advice or directions and then ask for a fee (e.g. 100 real) for their “tour services”. Scam…
Read more…
Galapagos cruise scam in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Version 1: you may encounter touts who offer a boat cruise to Galapagos at a knock-down price. However it usually comes with a range of hidden costs…
Read more…
Fraudulent hiking tours in Colombia
6 0How it works: Version 1: rogue guides take you to a remote area and then rob you of your valuables. Version 2: some threaten to leave you in the middle…
Read more…
Unlicensed tour operators in Peru
6 0How it works: Situation: Of the ~800+ tour operators in Cusco, a massive 600+ are unlicensed. Set-up: Guides are also not on salary but are compensated on a commission basis…
Read more…
Ayahuasca scams in Ecuador
6 0How it works: Opening: like in Peru, Ayahuasca tourism is an emerging market and involves taking a psychedelic herb with a shaman who performs a ritual to ‘cleanse you spiritually’…
Read more…