Dealing with Culture Shock in Latin America as a Backpacker
When we think of backpacking around Latin America, we often think of all the incredible destinations and history we will see. And rightfully so, given these regions have both in spades between Mexico and Chile!
What we don’t tend to think about so much when we travel is culture shock, and especially when it’s our first trip or when it really takes us by surprise. And trust us when we say that it can still happen down the line when heading to a Latin country.
As seasoned backpackers we have both had our fair share of experiences traveling through this continent, and we continue to suprise ourselves, even today.
Culture Shock in Latin America
In this guide, we’ll take a look at how to deal with culture shock when traveling around Latin America, including some of our very top tips based on personal experience.
What is Culture Shock like as a Backpacker in Latin America?
Quick answer: for everyone it can be slightly different, however we would personally define culture shock as feeling out of sorts and restricted in what you feel you can do given you are not used to your environment.
Culture shock is usually thrown around as a term for when we head to exotic destinations that are really not like back home, and also tend to be reserved for those on luxury destinations who rarely leave the hotel resort.
However, it can happen to backpackers too, and often more so as we dive head-first into a new country.
For backpackers in Latin America, most culture shock is either caused by the difference in living standards (such as traveling in poorer areas, more poverty, hectic markets), as well as not understanding the local language given this restricts communication.
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Our Experiences with Culture Shock in Latin America
Below you can read about our own personal tales, and what we did to quickly get over that hump when feeling out of sorts when here in Latin America.
George’s Culture Shock Experiences
Out of all the countries I’ve visited here (which is pretty much all by this point), there’s definitely two cases which stick out most to me – and served as great learning points.
The first time it happened was on my first long backpacking trip when I arrived into Mexico. Whilst I had done a small stint in Puerto Rico prior, that island was much easier since it has a lot of US customs as well as English being spoken by many.
Once I arrived into Baja California, I quickly learned that things move differently over here – and that you need to be wary of what you bring out with you (or will have lots of potentially ill-motivated eyes on you). This unfortunately ended up with me getting robbed of my phone whilst drunk on a beach one night – which gave birth to my own concept about being 100% responsible for my experience and safety at all times.
The second time it happened was when I flew into Venezuela for the first time. By this point I had much more travel experience under my belt, and had just finished a stint around Central America.
However upon arriving into Caracas airport I was quickly spun on how things work over here, and especially with corrupt officials. It took me a few days to work out how to deal with them, however again proves that culture shock isn’t just something that happens to beginners on our first trips.
✍🏼 Read more posts by George to see what he’s been up to.
Dan’s Culture Shock Experiences
The most significant culture shock experiences that I can remember having happen to me was in Mexico. This one trip alone managed to change the course of my life.
Learning Spanish for me is a like the car key for my next adventure. I pull it out of my pocket whenever I want. However, when I got invited to stay with Araceli’s family (the wife of my friend Omar who lives in London) in Mexico City, little did I know what to expect.
The only Spanish I knew was what I had learned prior. In other words, very little. This was some weeks before the Spanish homestay with a family in Guatemala that I did.
Okay… So I wasn’t complety new to the language. I did know a bit of Spanish from what I had learned leading up to this cultural experience. I’d used Duolingo up until this point, and did some Skype calls with Araceli, but my comprehension was more than basic.
I’d write all the new words and conjugations down in my travel journal so I could recall them later. This is also something that I’d continue to do for years after, too.
Araceli’s family spoke no English, and neither did Araceli. In fact, Araceli was not even going to be in Mexico at the time. I was supposed to be meeting her sister at the Airport, then from there, I went to go stay with her Mum and the rest of family for 2 weeks.
They had different properties dotted around the city and the surrounding region. I did things like attend a Mexican Wedding, visit Mexican cities such as Cuernavaca, Puebla, Oaxaca and attended huge family functions all leading up to the huge wedding ceremony.
I communicated in Spanish with tens if not almost a hundred Mexiacans who all wanted to meet me. Not only that, but I felt like a celebrity. People began to invite me to many different events and family functions. Araceli’s husband Omar (my friend) told me that I had to forget my English. This is where it hit me. I was in full immersion.
For my Spanish, this was a like a crash course. I was in the deep end of Mexican family culture. This was not only a culture shock but a priceless, life-altering experience for.
✍🏽 Read more posts by Dan to see what he’s been up to.
The Best Countries for A First-Timer Heading to Latin America
You can definitely make things easier for yourself when coming for the first time, which can help you hit the ground running quicker.
Below we will mention the best Latin American countries for avoiding culture shock – however keep in mind that it may be different for you depending on where you live, what cultures you are used to and also your personal preferences.
Costa Rica
Out of all the countries possible, Costa Rica is the clear winner here in Latin America. Now in San José (the capital) you may feel some, especially if you stay in different suburbs here, however if you head straight out then it’s likely you’ll feel little.
Destinations in Costa Rica such as Manuel Antonio, Puerto Viejo and Monteverde are extremely safe, and are really easy to get used to.
Argentina
The clear winner for South America, culture shock isn’t as pronounced in Argentina when compared with say Colombia or Peru.
This is because the country feels much more European compared with the others, so you can expect a higher level of education as well as more organized streets when walking around.
Again, this may be different for you depending on what country you are from, as well as the cultures you are used to.
Mexico
Mexico rounds-off our list, given the country has a lot of American influence in many parts (where English will be commonly spoken in various destinations).
Culture shock is especially lower in places like Playa del Carmen, Cabo San Lucas and Tulum, however it can take a bit of adjusting in the bigger cities like Mexico City and Guadalajara.
Our Top Tips for avoiding Culture Shock in Latin America
- Pick an Easy First Country — Again you’re free to do what you want, however if it takes you a bit longer to adjust when traveling, then heading to Venezuela straight off the bat may not be the best idea. Countries like Costa Rica or Argentina would be better, given you may feel more relaxed quicker.
- Learn some Spanish or Portuguese — Ideally you’ll want to know some phrases before coming, and this is where apps like Duolingo will be your best friend. If you are already in Latin America, then you can also have a unique homestay experience which will help you to learn the local language (and also understand the culture on a more intimate level).
- Leave your Judgments at the Airport — A good mental trick is to simply accept what’s around you when you arrive, and not to think of it as “bad” or “good” since this can further reinforce culture shock. Instead, come open and ready to learn, and you’ll find things will run much smoother during your first few days!
Overview of Dealing With Culture Shock In Latin America As A Backpacker
And that’s all for our guide on how to deal with culture shock as a backpacker in Latin America.
Sometimes it can take a bit of time to fully relax in a new country, and this definitely is the case for quite a few of them over here in Latin America.
This is why we recommend a simple trip for your first time, and also taking it slow your first few days as you get adjusted to the new culture and learn how things are done.
In this guide, we’ve covered how to deal with culture shock as a backpacker in Latin America, and also the best countries to visit in order to avoid feeling too stretched the first time around.
We’ve also shared our own experiences too from our time spent backpacking through Latin America.
Are you still planning your big trip? Today you can get your hands on our South America Travel Bible which covers a LOT more on dealing with culture shock as a pro, as well our very best tips to hit the ground running over here.
👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.
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