How to Become a Travel Agent in South America
Let me paint a picture for you. You are sipping coffee in a Bogota cafe, arranging flights to Disney World for a family of five from São Paulo, while booking a luxurious Patagonia tour for a couple from Buenos Aires. While doing all that, you get a message from a couple from the US, who are eager to make their way to the Inca Trail. Sounds like a dream? Well, this is Tuesday for a good travel agent in South America!
What many people don't know is that South America is one of the most promising travel destinations in the world – but it is also one of the least serviced by travel agencies! According to Statista, the online travel market in Latin America was worth $26.97 billion in 2024, with the market forecasted to reach $44.54 billion by 2030, growing at a fast rate! The air capacity in South America is one of the fastest growths in the world. And yet, the travel agency industry is fragmented, poorly developed, and up for grabs for anyone with knowledge and professionalism!
Our guide is for those, who reside in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, or Peru – or plan to move there to become a travel agent! Keep reading to learn how to enter the most lucrative travel market of today from a continent that your competitors haven't considered yet!
The Two Business Models
Whereas the cities guides of North America present only one way to start a business in travel, South America provides you with two distinct possibilities. Choosing between them will affect everything you do, from the host agency to pick up to the type of certifications needed.
Model A: Outbound Agent (Selling Trips To South Americans Going Abroad)
By far the most obvious possibility, Model A can be described as the most profitable as well. You work with South Americans (Brazilians, Argentines, Colombians, Chileans), who wish to visit the United States, Europe, the Caribbean and other popular destinations. You know the language and culture, so you advise people about places they have seen in pictures and dream about visiting but can't figure out how to go there properly. Here's a little piece of advice, the data regarding the destinations where South Americans travel is not what you would expect.
Model B: Inbound Agent (Selling Trips To International Tourists Visiting South America)
It's basically the opposite of Model A – you are working with American, European and Asian tourists who wish to see Patagonia, Machu Picchu, the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon jungle, Cartagena and other places. You are the specialist who knows which Patagonian lodge deserves money and which doesn't even deserve a single cent despite its picture-perfect appearance. International travelers are actively searching for such information and the United States alone sends millions of tourists to South America annually!
The most successful South American travel agents use both models simultaneously, and this dual market position is your main competitive advantage compared to other agents!
If you’re thinking about becoming a travel agent consider joining us here at MainStreet Travel, we have a great training program, zero booking requirements, a free CRM, a warm community of agents, and incredible FAM trips!
The Legal Lay of the Land (Every Country Is Different)
It would be dishonest not to say that South America's regulatory environment can vary dramatically depending on the particular country. While the US principle "No license, just an IATA number" applies widely enough, some South American countries have actual licensing procedures for travel professionals. Below, let's examine the top South American markets.
Brazil
Being both the largest and the most promising destination, Brazil has quite a complex legal framework for the travel industry. If you're operating as a travel agency in Brazil, you'll need to comply with:
EMBRATUR registration: The national body responsible for the development of tourism industry in Brazil and determining the standards of operation for agencies.
Registro no Ministério do Turismo: The registration of the travel agency at the Ministry of Tourism.
CADASTUR registration: The national register for tourism service providers — obligatory if you want to operate legitimately.
CNPJ: Your Brazilian equivalent of a US EIN.
ABAV membership: The Association of Brazilian Travel Agencies is the main professional organization of travel agents in Brazil, much like ASTA in the US.
The key point about Brazil is that the laws are strict but not always enforced. However, the fact of your being legally registered in Brazil will give you an advantage over those who operate without a license. You'll get access to supplier programs, FAM trips and other perks that will make you more competitive.
Colombia
ProColombia (national tourism promotion agency) and ANATO (National Association of Travel Agencies) oversee the work of travel agencies in Colombia. What you need to know:
Registro Nacional de Turismo (RNT): All tourism service providers are obliged to register at the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism. The registration is obligatory and needs to be renewed each year.
ANATO membership: Recommended. ANATO organizes the annual trade fair Vitrina Turistica attended by 55,000 professionals in the industry. As a member, you'll gain access to supplier relationships and professional training!
Colombia's MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) segment generated $2.4 billion in 2025 and continues to grow. So, if you're living in Bogota, Medellin or Cartagena, consider specializing in MICE bookings
Argentina
The travel industry in Argentina is governed by the Instituto Nacional de Promoción Turística (INPROTUR) and Ministerio de Turismo y Deportes. To operate as a travel agency in Argentina, you will need:
LEGAJO registration at the National Directorate of Tourism Agencies
Habilitación municipal: Local license to operate in your municipality (there are special conditions for Buenos Aires)
General business registration (AFIP/CUIT for taxation purposes)
What's unique about Argentina is the dual citizenship of many locals. Argentinians frequently hold Italian, Spanish and German passports. As a result, there's a whole range of differences in visa requirements, fares and booking policies for travelers with such passports. Understanding all these things inside out gives you a competitive edge!
Peru and Chile
In Peru, all travel agencies need to register at the Ministerio de Comercio Exterior y Turismo (MINCETUR), while in Chile – at SERNATUR. Neither Peru nor Chile require a travel agent license, however, being a registered tourism service provider opens many doors in terms of supplier relationships and opportunities. Moreover, having a tourism service provider registration is crucial if you're targeting the luxury adventure and ecotourism segment.
The Remote Travel Agent Option for South America
There's one aspect that is mostly overlooked by South American travel agent guides and it might actually become a really great choice for you.
Some of the major US-based host agencies (like MainStreet Travel) allow international independent contractors to work remotely from any part of the world! You may join a US host agency, use their IATA number to book flights for your customers and receive commissions in US dollars. The benefits of this approach include:
Access to US suppliers and US client base
Ability to book US cruises, Disney vacations and European itineraries offered by US airlines and cruise lines
This remote travel agency approach requires you to be well aware of your taxes in the US (if applicable) and in your country of residence. You will need a good accountant who will be able to help you manage your international freelance income!
Your IATA Number on This Continent
The IATA number works the same way globally, it's your seven-digit professional credential that unlocks supplier systems, commission tracking, and industry recognition. In South America, you can obtain one through:
A local host agency (the easiest path for new agents in any country)
A US-based host agency that allows international affiliation (best for agents targeting US-bound travel from South American clients)
Independent IATA accreditation in your country (requires meeting volume thresholds and financial stability requirements — typically realistic after a few years of building your business)
CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) accreditation is worth pursuing separately if you're planning to sell cruises and in South America's growing cruise market, you should be! CLIA membership gives you access to cruise line training, FAM cruises, and preferred booking status that independent agents without accreditation simply don't get!
Finding a U.S. Host Agency
Host agency choice is just as important in South America as everywhere else; perhaps even more so, since you're working in a market where the major players (Disney, cruise lines, luxury hotel groups) are located far away from you, and where the personal connections to obtain the best rates and amenity programs can be harder to establish yourself.
Some specific questions to ask in host agency evaluation for the South American market:
Does the host agency accept international independent contractors? Not all do. Among those who are more accommodating, MainStreet Travel is at the top of the list; others to consider include Yeti Travel.
Do they have good supplier relationships in the relevant products? Say your Brazilian clients are interested in Disney packages; you need a host with solid Disney supplier connections, ideally through the Authorized Disney Vacation Planner program.
How does international commission payment work? Clarify payment methods (bank wire, PayPal, Wise), as well as timing and currency conversion issues.
Is training accessible in your time zone and language? It may sound obvious, but not all US-based hosts schedule their live training outside of Eastern or Pacific Time zones, which is not very convenient for South Americans.
Are there other South American agents you could reach out to in this host? Community matters, especially when your day-to-day context is different from the majority of a US-based network.
The Credentials That Travel Globally
The certifications offered by The Travel Institute (CTA, CTC, CTIE) are recognized around the world and are quite valuable among suppliers and top-end clients wherever you happen to be located. The TAP Test will be your first step, the CTA your main certification, and the Destination Specialist certifications the unique advantage that South American agents can have!
Consider doing the following, the certification for a Destination Specialist in Peru, Patagonia, or Galapagos is not only the recognition of your expertise but also proof that you have experience with this destination that cannot be replicated by any US-based agent from his desk in Cincinnati. Such uniqueness will be of immense value in the luxury and adventure markets.
The Disney College of Knowledge is also an extremely important certification for South American agents given the number of Brazilian and Argentinian clients traveling to Orlando. The College of Knowledge is free, comprehensive, and successful completion will make you a certified Disney agent. This will give you access to all sorts of tools, including FAM trips!
ANATO (Colombia), ABAV (Brazil), and similar organizations in every country will provide you with training programs, certifications, and access to trade events. Take advantage of both!
The Niches Wide Open Right Now
These are where the real markets get interesting! These are markets that not only have potential, but are actively under-served by today's travel industry.
The Disney + Theme Park Niche
There is one key statistic I hope you remember from this entire guidebook. 35.7% of all Brazilians traveling to the US go to Orlando. Specifically, that is 700,000+ Brazilian tourists heading to the land of Mickey and Minnie every year!
There is a tradition in Brazil of throwing huge parties for your child's 15th birthday. Another version of this tradition sees whole families taking a trip together to Orlando – which results in a thousand more bookings at Walt Disney World. Disney tracks Brazilian attendance numbers with great interest, with the company's CFO citing Brazilians as driving a 7% year-over-year increase in international attendance.
As mentioned above, Argentinians love Florida too, putting Miami and Orlando first as a US destination. Argentinian peak travel times are December through February (summer vacation) and again during July (Winter school holiday) – which gives you a completely different annual cycle of bookings than an agent based in the US.
A Disney travel specialist based in Brazil or Argentina, speaking Portuguese or Spanish, knowing the culture and how multigenerational travel works in this region, and fully understanding how to plan an Orlando vacation including Universal and SeaWorld is sitting on what will be, in your local market, almost an unbeatable position!
Adventure Tour and Ecotourism: Taking US Clients to Your Backyard
Americans are increasingly interested in transformative and experiential travel – and nowhere else can provide this like South America can. In terms of luxury and adventure, South America is the ultimate destination. Let's look at some hot US inbound travel niches for South America.
Patagonia (Argentina/Chile): Luxury lodges, glacier treks, private estancias, and fly fishing – all the makings of the perfect bucket list destination
Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): Focus on wildlife viewing, sustainable tourism, and regulation – making it pricey – and high commission
Machu Picchu and Sacred Valley (Peru): Newly carbon neutral certified, positioning as world's premier sustainable luxury destination. Very strictly regulated – so knowledge about entry requirements, time of year, and luxury lodge access becomes invaluable
Amazon River (Brazil/Peru): Luxury river cruise tours, wildlife viewing, indigenous culture – growing niche of adventurous travelers looking to experience it.
Iguazu Falls (Argentina/Brazil): One of the world's greatest natural wonders – becoming increasingly popular as part of a wider South American itinerary.
Cartagena and Colombia's Gold Coast: Emerging luxury travel destination – hot, charming, walkable, and safer than its historic image might suggest
And what is your competitive advantage? You live in South America. You know the area; you have been there, or will be going soon! You know the best guides at the best lodge – you know when the weather is good for Machu Picchu, the best trails for non-athletic trekkers in Patagonia. The biggest selling advantage you can have in luxury travel is local knowledge – and it cannot be found on Google!
Corporate and MICE Tours
This is another niche exploding in popularity across major urban centers in South America. Colombian tourism generated $2.4 billion in impact for MICE tours in 2025. This country has positioned itself as the third-biggest MICE destination in Latin America, hosting over 95,000 international MICE travelers annually, with Bogota, Medellin, and Cartagena leading the pack.
Other major South American cities such as São Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Lima are fast becoming MICE destinations with burgeoning convention facilities. Large corporations like Boeing, Avianca, LATAM Airlines, and Shell Oil all have major regional operations generating corporate travel. Corporate tour packages generate the holy grail of travel agency business….repeat business at full price!
Outbound European Tours from South America
Another market many people do not realize is highly active! Many Argentinians carry an Italian, Spanish, or German passport, and can travel to Europe visa-free, which they do with regularity. European tours from Argentina are one of the biggest niches, with river cruises of Portugal and Spain, multi-generational family vacations, and luxury villas for Argentineans reconnecting with their ancestral lands.
In contrast, Brazil still requires visas and extensive preparation for visiting Europe, and that is precisely where a travel agent earns their money in this niche.
Antarctic Tours (Yes, You Read That Right)
Here is the final niche that will never appear in any travel guide, Antarctic tours are easily organized in Argentina – specifically from Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city and main departure point for Antarctic Expedition Cruises. Tourists visit Antarctica in very small groups on very expensive luxury ships – costing between $15,000-$50,000 per traveler per trip. The commission margins on Antarctic tours are outstanding! Seriously, you won’t believe the market for this!
Where South American Clients Actually Want to Go
It’s always best to know your clients favorite places to visit, so here’s a list of the top places your clients in South America love visiting!
Brazilian Clients' Favorites:
Orlando (Disney World, Universal, SeaWorld) - by far their #1 destination in the US
Miami – Luxury shopping, beach vacation and connection to Latin culture
New York – Iconic city, especially for newcomers to the US
Caribbean cruise vacations departing from Miami and Fort Lauderdale
Europe - especially Italy, Portugal, France, and Spain
Argentina and Chile for regional travel
Argentine Clients' Favorites:
Florida (Miami + Orlando) – Their number one destination in the US
New York – Evergreen destination
Europe – Especially Spain, Italy, and France (Many have connections)
Caribbean – Punta Cana, Cancun, and Aruba
Brazil – Regional destination within South America
Colombian Clients' Favorites:
Miami – Strong connection with the large Colombian community
Orlando – More and more interested in theme parks
New York
Spain – Language and cultural affinity
Caribbean cruise vacations
National Parks in the US - increasingly popular among young, educated Colombians
Chilean Clients' Favorites:
Europe – especially Spain
US – New York, Miami, California
Regional within South America – Argentina, Peru, Colombia
South American clients, specifically Brazilian and Argentinian, often travel in bigger groups than North American clients. Group family travels with multiple generations to Disney World with groups of 8–15+ members is a very common occurrence, not an exception. And if you specialize in organizing group travel and Disney vacations, expect bookings worth $30,000-$100,000+ per group, year-round!
How to Build Your Client Base in South America
To attract customers here, you’ll need some good strategies! I’ve compiled a list here of some things you could do to help:
WhatsApp is your major client contact platform. In the United States, people use emails to communicate. However, in Brazil, Colombia, Argentina, and in all South America WhatsApp is used for business contacts, discussions, and even to send referrals. It is very important to create an appropriate profile and use it properly!
Instagram is your portfolio. The travelers who come from South America are very visual. They are also active on Instagram. If you create a good profile representing the places you work with, for example, pictures of Patagonia lodging and wildlife, Disney holidays, and Machu Picchu at sunrise, your Instagram will become your marketing tool.
Community networks provide you with referrals. Referrals in countries such as Brazil and Argentina often come via communities and family networks. Booking a group trip to Disneyland for a quinceañera of 15-years-old may give you three more bookings from families in that community next year. All you need to do is provide exceptional service!
Partner with local wedding planners and quineañera organizers. Those people work directly with people organizing vacations, in particular – group vacations. For example, you might get many bookings from one quineañera planner in São Paulo. You might want to develop your relation with this kind of person!
If you work with Americans but target people coming from South America, it is possible to join their community Facebook groups, their church, or other cultural organizations. You know the language and the culture, and you are ready to organize holidays of their dreams – back home.
Attend the trade events organized by ANATO and ABAV. ANATO event which happens once a year in Colombia gathers 55,000 people from the industry. ABAV is also very popular among tourism professionals.
Let’s Talk About Money (Everyone’s Favorite)
Income levels in the travel market of South America fluctuate much greater than in the US due to currency issues, especially in Argentina and Brazil, and because it covers a larger demographic spectrum when compared to the US market.
On a positive note, the travel market of Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina is strong and expanding fast. Argentine tourists spending in the US averages $4,717 per trip. Typical costs associated with group Disney bookings from Brazil top $50,000 per group. Patagonia luxury travel for Americans may cost $25,000-$80,000.
As far as commissions go, they are earned in US dollars, which removes exchange rate risk. Commission percentages are standard and range between 10-20% on luxury bookings, 10-15% on cruise bookings.
A realistic timeline in the US would be one year of building up, second of getting things off the ground, by the third year you are making money consistently – much faster if you specialize in a certain type of service, such as Disney/Orlando or Patagonia luxury travel. Understand that this timeline can change based on how much time and effort you put into everything. A new agent can easily do training, get clients, and start making good money in their first year!
The Perks and More!
All benefits that can be enjoyed by US-based travel agents will also apply to you regardless of where you come from! Your IATA/IATAN ID Card entitles you to discounts in more than 100,000 hotels across the globe, cheaper flights, and reduced rates when you shop in more than 300,000 merchants worldwide. Whether you're visiting Patagonia to review lodges, going to Orlando to experience the fun of Disney as a tourist yourself, or travelling to Cartagena to check out luxurious resorts, it's all done at industry rates which will make your friends green with envy!
It is very exciting being a travel agent in South America because all the tourism boards in Latin America such as PROMPERÚ (Peru), VisitChile, ProColombia, and Visit Argentina have a great deal of interest in welcoming travel agents to conduct FAM trips. And since you're local, you get invited ahead of everyone else!
FAQ’s
Can I work as a travel agent in South America working with US clients?
Yes, definitely! There are several US-host agencies like MainStreet Travel that hire foreign independent contractors! You can use their IATA number to sell the tours in the US and US-based suppliers to South Americans. This way you can provide services not only to the Americans looking to travel in South America but also for the South Americans willing to travel to the US. You should organize taxes yourself in both countries, so having an accountant who specializes in freelance income taxation abroad would be crucial.
Do I need to speak English in order to become a travel agent in South America?
This is not necessary for serving the purely domestic clients but speaking English would significantly open up your options. Most luxury inbound clients (Americans and Europeans visiting South America) speak English. Companies that have multinational relations often talk in English. Also, most of the host agencies, supplier portals, and certification courses are in English. Speaking two languages (Spanish or Portuguese + English) would be a huge advantage for practically any specialty.
What country in South America would be the best for me to settle and establish my travel agency?
Colombia and Brazil would be the best choices from this point of view. They have the largest customer base and are the most developed regarding tourism infrastructure. Colombia also had been making large investments in building its tourism infrastructure and is friendly toward people working in the tourism business. If you want to focus on high-end clients and specialized products like Patagonia or Antarctic tours, you should choose Argentina.
Is the Disney specialization a lucrative market for South America travel agents?
It is a really large one. Almost a third of the tourists from Brazil going to the US go to Orlando (35.7%). Over 700,000 Brazilians visit Orlando each year. Multigenerational family tours involving 8 to 15 people in total and spanning three generations traveling to Disney World is a legitimate tradition in Brazil and increasingly becoming so in Argentina and Colombia. Speaking Portuguese or Spanish and knowing this customer well, a Disney specialist can make a really good business specializing in Disney!
How do I minimize currency risks?
It is done similarly to the US, i.e., by working through a host agency in the US and earning your commissions in US dollars thus eliminating currency risks altogether. In particular, many agents from Argentina prefer this way of earning commissions due to the historical volatility of the national currency. Your clients will pay in local currency (sometimes, US dollars in case of Argentina where dollarization takes place), while your commission would be paid in a stable currency by the supplier.
Is South America suitable for working in luxury travel?
Absolutely! What is more, this niche is underserved. The segment of wealthy clients in Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina is sizable, growing, and served poorly in comparison to other tourist markets in the world. Patagonia, Antarctica, Galapagos Islands, and tours to luxury wineries of Argentina are some of the most expensive destinations worldwide. If you are interested in high-end clients, South America might be great for this purpose!
What associations in South America would you recommend to join for a travel agent?
First, you should start with a national association like ABAV (Brazil), ANATO (Colombia), FAEVYT (Argentina), ACHET (Chile). Secondly, you may look into international associations such as ASTA (American Society of Travel Advisors) and CLIA in case you plan to sell cruises.
Can I become a Disney specialist for sending South Americans to Disney even if I live in South America?
Sure, you can! Actually, there are many specialists doing exactly that. Having settled in South America, you will get a great advantage in relation to US-based travel agents in terms of language and cultural knowledge. You will be able to communicate with customers, answer questions about their culture, and be online at their time of day.
The Continent Is Waiting
It's South America's time to shine. The travel market in Latin America is growing at 8.9 percent per year. Airline capacity in South America is increasing faster than anywhere else in the world by a considerable margin! This region is exporting millions of wealthy tourists on their way to Disney, to Miami, and to Europe while welcoming others looking for Patagonian treks, Galapagos excursions, Peruvian food, the hospitality of Colombia, and Argentine culture.
While all of this happens, the travel agent market in this part of the world remains divided, relatively unexploited, and open to competent agents who have received proper training and certification!
A degree is not required. It will help but is certainly not essential for your success. No need to be rich. You may have a chance of making money but no need to start off that way. Location doesn't necessarily matter although a major city would be a huge advantage! All you require to succeed is a true passion for travel, a solid training and certification program, a good working relationship with a host agency, and an intimate understanding of what your South American clientele wants.
You’re an agent in Brazil! You know more about a multigenerational Disney vacation than anybody else does. Create that niche. You have connections in Bogota's corporate sector. You know about the meeting, incentive, conference, exhibition industry like the back of your hand. Take it in your stride. In Buenos Aires, you have hiked Patagonia. Let that experience form the basis of your luxury adventure company. You are from the United States, fluent in Spanish and you wish to cater to Colombian-Americans in Miami. There is an opportunity out there just waiting for you!
