South America Travel Guide

This backpacking South America travel guide with tips & advice for your trip can give you enough information for planning and starting your ultimate adventure. I’ll cover topics ranging from “backpacking South America on a budget” to “finding the best country in Latin America for backpacking.” Yup, I also know how difficult deciding where to go in South America can be. That is why I’ve packed everything you need to know about traveling through South America in this guide.

Backpacking South America had always been a dream of mine. I’d always had a fascination with this vast continent. The Nazca Lines, the Andes, diverse set of cultural traditions, it had all entranced me at one point or another! The memories that I have from the 2 months I spent both volunteering and backpacking in South America are some of the fondest of this part of the world.

There are countless beautiful places to explore and plenty of sights that rival backpacking hotspots like Thailand and Vietnam. Аdd into this the least expensive countries like Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia and you have a great backpacking destination. It may easily take up to several months in itself. Because it’s a continent where travelers tend to get lost, especially if they get drawn into hiking, trekking and experiencing the one-of-a-kind landscape!

Let’s get started: This is the ultimate backpacking South America travel guide!

Traveling South America Alone

Why travel to South America Solo? It’s one of the best regions of the world to get in touch with the local culture. South America truly has everything a solo traveler could ask for.

Are you a foodie on an eating spree? Go check ceviche in Peru, empanadas in Argentina and coxinhas in Brazil.

Want to take some pretty good photos? Visit Salar de Uyuni in Bolivia, Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina, Cotopaxi in Ecuador or Marble Caves in Chile.

A party goer? Don’t miss Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires and Montanita, Ecuador.

Fascinating colonial cities like Cuenca and Cuzco? The colorful Rainbow Mountains of Peru? The stunning beaches in Ecuador? Gorgeous men or women? (Hey… Brazil and Argentina. I’m talking about you!) Not only does South America have all of those things, but the continent also has dozens of destinations that have each of those things.

Also, know that it’s extremely common for backpackers to travel solo in South America. While you may be the only one of your friends who has traveled solo, nobody in South America will give you a second glance for being on your own. Traveling alone in South America promises diversity. You’ll enjoy many cool South America backpacking routes and have many stories to tell at home. Just be sure to brush up on your Spanish (or Portuguese) language skills!

Getting Around South America

Traveling By Bus in South America

Traveling by bus through South America can be a unique experience. They are cheap, relatively comfortable and allow to keep your itinerary flexible.

No doubt, any bus experience depends on the bus company and the route. In most countries throughout South America, the more expensive buses have an onboard toilet and a baggage handler. He/she will often help organize your carry-on luggage. Smaller buses often don’t have a toilet but do stop at major bus stations to pick up passengers. I recommend checking this out before buying the ticket.

Only a handful of bus companies will supply snacks and drinks. So it’s wise to bring your own food (as well as tissues). Most long-haul buses have reclining seats and an aircon that can be both a blessing and a curse. Overnight buses often get bitterly cold so make sure to bring a sleeping bag or a blanket to wrap yourself and protect from shivering.

In general, more basic options are of great value when compared to air travel and hitchhiking. Since I don’t speak Spanish, backpacking on a budget and want to avoid travel scams, buses are easily the most cost-effective mode of transport that offer both safety and reliability.

Flying Within South America

Air travel between countries in South America is expensive. While flying within a given country is cheaper, finding a decent option often takes time and requires adapting your travel plans. Unfortunately, there is no equivalent of low-cost airlines like Nok Air or AirAsia here. The local flight operators keep prices at higher levels because international passenger traffic here is significantly lower than in Europe or Southeast Asia. This makes prices go up.

Most low-cost carriers operate within certain countries but sometimes they offer cheap international flight deals too. Colombia’s VivaColombia, for example, operates routes between Cartagena and Lima, as well as to Iquitos in Peru. Argentinean Airlines also runs flights to Europe (Germany, Croatia), Bolivia, Brazil, and Colombia. While Chile’s LATAM Airlines operates flights to a few different destinations in Brazil and Chile. Aside from these flight operators, there may be a no-frills carrier offering cheap flights to the particular destination you are looking for.

Trains in South America

Trains aren’t the primary mode of transportation in South America. However, there several spectacular routes that run for tourists. These are the Andean Explorer Train between Cuzco and Puno, Vistadome from Cuzco to Machu Picchu and the Tren a Los Nubes in Argentina. Expect these trains to be more expensive than other forms of transport but they offer a unique travel experience. Particularly in Ecuador where they seem to rejuvenate passenger rail service.

Is it Safe to Travel in South America?

So is South America actually dangerous?

When I set foot on the continent starting in Rio de Janeiro, I got to know many backpackers coming from Colombia and Bolivia on their way south to Ushuaia, Argentina. A couple from Italy have spent three months in South America and have had the bad experience related to getting their backpack and IPad stolen. Obviously hearing this wasn’t something I could ask for. And I was afraid this kind of thing could happen to me during my two months in South America. Perhaps a few personal recommendations will help.

Regardless of your destination and itinerary, I’d suggest that you always take care of your belongings. When staying at hostels use lockers and never leave your stuff unattended.

When traveling by public bus, place your backpack with valuables like passport, gadgets, credit cards and cash on your lap. Never put your things in the overhead racks, in the overhead or even under your seat. These are the blind spots inside the bus that no one will monitor, making it easier for the thieves to grab your possessions from there.

How Can I Afford to Travel

If a random guy approaches you, claiming to be a bus attendant and asking you to put your backpack on the overhead rack above the seat, ignore this request. It’s a common scam in the continent. Especially in Ecuador. For safety purposes wear the backpack in front when the bus gets crowded and at bus terminals.

As you may have already guessed, being aware of your surroundings is very important. With 12 different countries, each with specific safety concerns. Don’t walk your neighborhood alone after dark, or use EasyTaxi, Uber or Laudrive if you’re a female backpacker. Be aware of pickpockets, travel during the day, hide your stuff when traveling by overnight bus, and never flash your valuables around in public.

You’ve probably heard a lot of horror stories about travel scams, robberies and even murders that happen all across Latin America. Unfortunately, South America indeed has a bit of a bad reputation. However, after spending two months in South America, the worst thing that happened was someone stealing my iPhone charger (my fault).

I found locals to be hospitable, friendly, welcoming and extremely helpful if I ever needed anything. In general, use your common sense and listen to your gut instincts to avoid troubles in South America.

Backpacking South America Budget For 2 Months

How much does it cost to travel to South America? I’ve spent a whopping two months traveling in South America, and I’ve tracked every single dollar I spent while doing so. I’ve spent two weeks hanging out on the Atlantic Coast, three weeks in southern Brasil, Bolivia and inland areas. Plus three weeks making my way to Colombia. There are a lot of incredible places to visit and I’m excited to share this budget breakdown with my readers.

Honestly, the costs of traveling in South America vary greatly depending on your itinerary, travel style and the countries on your bucket list. If you’re looking for volunteering opportunities in Bolivia, you could expect to spend as little as $20 a day. But this South America travel guide assumes an average budget travel style, not ultimate shoestring travel.

What Motivates People to Travel

Giving a quick figure like $50 a day can do pretty well in more expensive countries like Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Less expensive Bolivia, Ecuador, and Paraguay will require at least $35 a day. Bucket-list trips to the Galapagos Islands in Ecuador or hiking to Machu Picchu in Peru will take up a big chunk of your backpacking South America budget. But these are once-in-a-lifetime experiences, which you should definitely budget for if you can.

To make your dollar go further in South America I’d recommend checking exchange rates and picking the moment when the local currency is weak. This will help you to see more and travel for a longer time. It’s also wise to bring enough US dollars that you can easily exchange into local currency. While most accommodation facilities do offer to exchange money, they will rarely offer you the best exchange rate.

Street money changers offer much better rates but you should know where to exchange money safely. For example, in Peru, you will find cambistas who exchange dollars and euros to Peruvian soles. They are officially registered and offer the best rates in Miraflores, Lima. For safety purposes, change small amounts of money with cambistas and stick to casa de cambio when you need to change larger amounts.

Backpacking South America Travel Guide: Daily Budget

Where to Stay in South America. Backpackers’ Accommodation

South America has an impressive range of accommodation, whether you’re taking a South America backpacking trip and want to find more budget options, or are seeking out the most expensive hotels in the world. Certainly, I stayed in many different hotels and hostels in South America. From the luxurious Hotel Fasano on Ipanema Beach in Rio de Janeiro, to the simple Windmill Hostel in Mendoza, Argentina.

If you are backpacking South America on a tight budget, you could try camping, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels. Although hostels in South America are plentiful, you can also save money on accommodation by renting from a local on AirBnB. If you have never used Airbnb before, use this link to sign up and get up to $35 credit to use on your first trip! When visiting more expensive regions like Patagonia you may want to bring a tent to stay at the campsite.

Here are some of my favorite hostels in South America:

Favorite Accommodation in Argentina:

Mendoza – Windmill Hostel
Cordoba – 531 Hostel
Buenos Aires – Art Factory Palermo | Art Factory San Telmo | Milhouse
Ushuaia – Hostel Cruz del Sur
El Chalten – Rancho Grande Hostel
El Calafate – America Del Sur Calafate Hostel
San Carlos de Bariloche – Periko´s Youth Hostel

Favorite Accommodation in Peru

Lima – Flying Dog Hostel | Red Llama Eco Hostel | Kokopelli Hostel
Huaraz – El Jacal Backpackers | Churup Mountain Lodge
Huacachina – Wild Rover Hostel
Paracas – El Buen Samaritanos Backpackers
Arequipa – La Puerta del Sol
Cusco – Tupackers Hostel
Ollantaytambo – Killari Hostel Ollantaytambo

Favourite Hostels Stayed in Bolivia

La Paz: Wild Rover Backpackers | Hostel Rosario La Paz
Sucre: Color House | Mi Pueblo Samary Boutique Hotel
Uyuni: Hotel Salcay | Hotel de Sal Casa Andina

Favourite Accommodation in Brazil:

Foz de Iguazu – Tetris Hostel
Sao Paolo – Hostel Sao Paolo Backpackers
Salvador de Bahia – Acai Hostel
Ilha Grande – Marlin Hostel Ilha Grande
Paraty – Chill Inn Paraty Hostel
Rio de Janeiro – Books Hostel

Favorite Accommodation in Uruguay:

Montevideo – Buena Vibras Hostel Montevideo
Punta Del Este – El Viajero Punta del Este

Favorite Accommodation in Ecuador

Quito – Hostal Revolution
Banos – Las Rocas Hostel
Laguna Quilatoa – Hostal Chukirawa

Where to Start Traveling in South America

If you’ve decided you want to come to South America, you must have a reason. Was it that you really wanted to take some great Salar de Uyuni pictures? Drink aguardiente in Argentina? Do you have Brazil ancestry? Or was it Peru in general that appealed most to you?

Or was it that you found a great flight to, say, Rio de Janeiro, and thought ‘That seems like as good a place as any to discover South America from’?

Either way, having in mind all major hubs in South America allows you to arrange your backpacking trip in a quick and affordable manner.

By the way, if you find that your top destination and that bargain transatlantic flight aren’t in the same place, don’t worry – local buses in South America are incredibly cheap and a great way to get around this vast territory.

you’ll probably find there’ll be a direct bus route to where you want to go that won’t cost you a fortune. Compare prices on buses between your destinations to see how cheap they can be.

2 months: South America Backpacking Route

Another possible itinerary suggests flying into Lima, Peru, and exploring the coast before heading to the Andes. After spending several days of hiking the Inca trail, drop down on the other side of the Andes and explore the Amazon basin. You can also do a 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu if couldn’t get the permit. Hop on a touristic bus to hopefully see the two sides of lake Titicaca, reach Bolivia and then eventually Argentina and Patagonia.

OR you can slowly start traveling north along the Coast. You could easily spend four weeks (or more) before you reach Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela respectively.

Personally, I started my trip in Rio de Janeiro, went all the way to Buenos Aires and made my way north through Paraguay, Bolivia and Peru en route to Ecuador and Colombia. As I already mentioned it was a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You can expect veeeery long bus rides (be sure to pick comfortable buses though) and put in plenty of time because backpacking in South America is rarely a quick affair.

South America Itinerary 2 Months: Where to Go

If you have 2 months in South America you have enough time to explore a few countries in-depth, or rush around and see the highlights. Make sure you have time to enjoy your travels and take time to avoid travel burnout!

You could start your backpacking trip in Fortaleza, Brazil and travel south to Uruguay and Argentina, taking in Iguaçu Falls, Buenos Aires, and Patagonia as well as Ushuaia and Santiago de Chile. Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia are well connected and easy to travel through together.

Alternatively, you can start in Colombia and work your way south. For a more genuine experience, visit the Amazon in Peru or Colombia and take a boat down the river to Brazil. Then check out the beautiful coastal towns along the Brazil coastline. The possibilities are vast, and there are no wrong choices here!

Backpacking Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America and visit to the continent would be complete without spending some time in this country. While it’s not the cheapest country around here, Brazil is a hugely rewarding challenge. The country is home to truly gorgeous scenery and numerous hiking trails (yes! Hiking trails!) spread throughout the country.

Backpacking in Brazil offers up the chance to experience legendary beaches, amazing people, the carnival in February and parties like you’ve never seen, as well as landscapes that would make even the most experienced backpacker say “God damn, how real is this?”

Backpacking Argentina

The country is known for its empanadas, red wine, barbeque, gaucho traditions, and tango dancing. It has the only unspoiled natural area in South America: Patagonia. Backpacking through Argentina and exploring its many treasures takes time, and can be a challenging task if you decide to travel primarily by bus (still the best choice for backpackers).

If you don’t have 2 months to travel in Argentina it may be wise to focus on a single region or catch some expensive internal flights. Of course, there’s always a chance to outsmart the airlines and save yourself some cash. Book your flights far enough in advance so they can often be cheaper than buses. It’s definitely worth spending time in each part of Argentina to appreciate its diversity instead of rushing to see it all.

Backpacking Peru

I know what you’re thinking about right now! Machu Picchu, eh? Indeed, a lot of backpackers visit the country just to see this magnificent city hidden high in the mountains. But there’s so much more to Peru than Machu Picchu. There are plenty of other pre-Inca civilizations, which left their mark in Peru. From the mysterious Nazca Lines to the ruins of Chan Chan and Chachapoyas. Peru obviously caters to history buffs and culture lovers.

Foodies will find plenty of options here to indulge their taste buds. From the classic Peruvian dish called ceviche to lomo salteado and chifa, Peruvian cuisine is exceptional.

Because of its proximity to the Andes, there are plenty of trails ranging from moderate to difficult. If you have at least 4 days in Peru I’d recommend paying a visit to the Rainbow Mountain, Huayna Picchu, Laguna 69 in Huaraz and Colca Canyon. These treks are moderately difficult so you won’t need special equipment. Acclimatizing is absolutely essential before the hike though!

Oh yeah one more thing! Consider doing a 5-day Salkantay trek to Machu Picchu. It’s a nice, cheaper and more scenic alternative to the Inca Trail and in my opinion. Peru has some truly fascinating colonial cities as well including Cuenca and Cuzco, which is the gateway city to Machu Picchu.

Backpacking Chile

As I already said above, Chile isn’t the cheapest country to visit in the continent. However, with its natural scenery ranging from the bone-dry Atacama desert to historically active volcanoes, as well as the highest mountain range outside Asia, Chile is arguably one of the most awe-inspiring places to visit in South America.

Like Argentina, Chilean Patagonia is a mecca for hikers and adventure seekers. It definitely takes some time and money to reach Patagonia but the trip is well worth the effort. Experiencing some of the world’s last truly wild places is an indescribable feeling that one can feel only by getting out and doing it.

I wish I had more time to see all the highlights Chile has to offer. Now this country is a huge gap in my backpacking South America trip. This fact makes me want to return there for more and experience outdoor, wine tastings, volcanos and deserts and the remote island of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) from a more local perspective!

Backpacking Bolivia

In my opinion, Bolivia is a very under-the-radar destination to visit in South America. With more than 30 native ethnic groups living here and numerous foreign cultures influencing the local culture, Bolivia is a potpourri of culture and traditions. Expect hospitable locals, iconic landscape of the salt desert, incredible mountain landscapes, and backpacker-friendly prices. In fact, Bolivia might just be the cheapest country in South America for backpackers.

One could easily travel in Bolivia with only $25-35 daily budget and even less if you look in the right places. Bolivia is home to plenty of extreme and thrilling activities including the Yungas Road, which in essence is a road down through the mountains in which people ride bicycles to the bottom at top speed. The ride goes on for at least 43 miles and it is straight down and thus is known as “Death Road”. There are several popular treks running through the Bolivian Andes. So if you’re an avid hiker like me, consider doing El Choro Trek or Muela del Diablo Hike. Bring along a good sleeping bag as temperatures can drop below freezing at night.

Many backpackers travel Bolivia for the Salar de Uyuni, Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley) just 10 kilometers from downtown La Paz, and the mysterious Lake Titicaca that has become far too touristy. But nevertheless worth a visit.

Backpacking Ecuador

Ecuador can’t boast about having as many direct flights from Europe as Argentina or Brazil but the country certainly isn’t lacking in diversity or awesome things to do. Situated right on the equator, Ecuador is known for its incomparable natural landscape, the world-famous Galápagos Islands, and the massive snow-capped mountains, that are perfected by a stunning coastline. You will also find a rich indigenous heritage in Ecuador and a magnificent colonial architecture of the capital city of Quito.

You can spend weeks or months exploring the Ecuadorian coast before heading to the Andes mountains and vice versa. If you have some extra cash in your budget, you can arrange a boat trip to the Galápagos Islands for some wildlife and nature spotting. Going there isn’t cheap, so prepare yourself to spend your hard-earned money!

Also if sunbathing or surfing is your thing, head the coast to improve your surfing or just learn how to surf. Towns like Montañita and Canoa are famous surf beaches and party hotspots.