Backpacking in South America: Everything You Need To Know

Are you planning to go backpacking in South America? Here is everything you need to know before your big trip down south — including the most popular backpacking routes, travel advice and safety tips.

South America is home to the globe’s longest continental mountain range; the world’s largest river by volume; the largest rainforest; the largest salt flat; and the highest capital city.

Backpacking South America means traveling through otherworldly landscapes that’ll make you question why you haven’t visited sooner. Each country’s cuisine is as bold as the landscape around it. Cultures tied to ancient civilizations will leave you in awe.

That’s what you can expect from backpacking in South America.

Use this guide to plan your ultimate South America backpacking trip: It’s time to discover one of the most diverse yet under-visited continents in the world.

10 Things To Know Before Backpacking In South America

1. Consider learning some Spanish. English isn’t widely spoken in South America, even in popular tourist spots. Knowing basic Spanish will make backpacking in South America a whole lot easier.

2. Flying between countries in South America is expensive. Consider researching and beyond your flights ahead of time. Most backpackers travel by land — we did!

3. Bus travel is widely available and extremely popular. You can travel everywhere in South America by bus. Keep in mind that accidents are common, which is why I recommend avoiding overnight buses in rural or mountainous regions.

4. It’s not as dangerous as you’ve heard. Bigger cities are generally less safe than smaller towns and mountain villages, but I never felt particularly unsafe while backpacking South America. I’ll go into more detail about safety below.

5. You can bargain for everything. Bargaining is part of the culture in South America. Always be mindful about your bargaining, though. As an impactful traveler, you should support local businesses — and not hurt them over a few extra dollars saved.

6. The weather is unpredictable. South America’s landscape is very diverse, and odds are you’ll run into the Andes at some point or another. The vast change in altitude can bring all kinds of weather.

7. Pack plenty of sunscreen. The ozone layer over Peru is damaged, and certain parts of the country receive very high levels of UV radiation. The worst sunburn I’ve ever gotten was in Peru! Make sure to bring plenty of sunscreen with you.

8. Carry cash. You can use your credit card and withdraw cash easily in big cities like Santiago or Rio de Janeiro. But you’ll find that cash is the preferred method of payment in more remote parts of the continent.

9. Be wary of the food and water. It’s best to avoid tap water while backpacking South America. Use your judgment when ordering food in more remote, rural areas; sometimes it’s best to cook your own meals at home.

10. Don’t expect to have reliable WiFi everywhere. It’s available in nearly all of the hotels and hostels you’ll stay in, but not so much on buses, trains or airplanes.

| READ MORE: How To Visit Machu Picchu on a Budget

Is Traveling In South America Safe?

Much of the South America continent is perfectly safe to visit. While the news that reaches the U.S. and other parts of the world is quite negative, it typically focuses on one-off events in areas off the tourist track.

Rio de Janeiro, for example, is often described as one of the most dangerous cities in South America. As someone who lives here, though, I can tell you that this is an exaggeration. The drug and gang violence that happens in Rio typically takes place far outside the tourist areas.

As long as you know what neighborhoods to avoid, you should have no issues backpacking in South America. Pick-pocketing and petty crime are common, so it’s important to keep an eye on your belongings. Be aware of your surroundings, and don’t flaunt your expensive gear like cameras when in a big city like Rio.

South America Travel Advice

1. Try not to look like a tourist. You’ll likely already stand out as a backpacker but let’s try to keep it low-key. Walk with confidence, know where you’re going and stay aware of your surroundings.

2. Read up about your destination before arriving, and keep up with local news while you’re there. While I was backpacking in Ecuador, there was a daylong bus strike that left me stranded in Quito, for example. In Buenos Aires, I read about protests happening downtown so I knew to stay away from the area on those days.

3. Learn some basic Spanish. Like I mentioned previously, English isn’t widely spoken in South America. Knowing basic Spanish can help you avoid iffy situations or being taken advantage of.

4. Keep an eye on your valuables at all times. Unfortunately, petty thieves will target tourists and they’ll be waiting for you to let your guard down. Don’t leave your iPhone sitting on top of the table while you’re looking the other way, for example. Keep it in your pocket or bag, and keep that near you, too.

5. Avoid unnecessary overnight bus travel. I took tons of overnight buses while backpacking South America but looking back, I see how risky it was. If I were to do it again today, I would try to travel mostly by day. Accidents and bus thefts are more common at night.

6. Familiarize yourself with a city before visiting. Look up the best and safest places to stay. And learn about any areas you should avoid.

| READ MORE: Best Countries To Visit in South America

10 Must-Haves When Backpacking in South America

Here are a few things I wouldn’t travel to South America without:

• A sturdy pair of waterproof hiking boots
• Rain jacket or windbreaker
• Lightweight thermal jacket
• eBags packing cubes to stay organized
• Daypack to carry valuables like camera and lenses while sightseeing or hiking
• Scrubba wash bag for small laundry items
• Travel adaptor to charge your phone and laptop
• External battery to keep your phone charged
• Pocket blanket that you can lay out anywhere
• And a travel backpack, of course!

Best Time To Visit South America

South America’s diverse landscapes, altitudes and climates mean there’s no single best time to visit.

Generally speaking, September to October is a pretty good time to visit most countries. Expect moderate spring temperatures and dry weather.

Other countries closer to the equator like Peru or Ecuador can be year-round destinations, although you can expect more rain between January to April.

I personally backpacked South America from December to March and rarely ran into weather issues. Some high-altitude destinations like La Paz in Bolivia were of course colder than others, but overall, I didn’t have any plans ruined by rain or harsh weather,

Here’s a pretty decent breakdown of when to visit each country in South America.

| READ MORE: How To Visit The Salar de Uyuni Tour in Bolivia

Accommodation in South America

If you’ve traveled through Europe or Southeast Asia, you’ll know that $10 can land you a bed in a pretty decent hostel or even hotel. Budget travel is a well-paved industry in either continent, and the tourism infrastructure has caught up to it.

South America remains one of the under-visited regions of the world. To better put this in perspective, the most popular European countries welcomed 20 million to 80 million visitors in 2019, while Argentina, the most visited country in South America, welcomed only 7.4 million.

This is all to say that a one-star hotel or hostel in Europe or Southeast Asia is likely more comfortable than one in South America.

Still, hostels and budget hotels are readily available across the continent. If you’re traveling from the U.S. or Europe, the currency is certainly in your favor.

Many times you’ll find that Airbnb might give you more bang for your buck. I personally used Airbnb quite a bit in South America. My boyfriend and I often rented a private room in someone’s apartment, which allowed us to connect with locals in every country.

| READ MORE: Hiking the Famous Pichincha Volcano in Quito, Ecuador

Getting Around South America

The bus is the most common mode of transportation for backpackers in South America.

It’s important to note that the continent is massive. While traveling by bus is the most cost-effective option, it does take up a lot of time. Overnight bus rides are readily available if you don’t want to waste a day traveling, but they’re also more prone to accidents and robberies.

That being said, I never ran into either while I was backpacking South America. Every country has at least a couple of reputable companies that offer “luxury” long-distance buses equipped with beds and bathrooms. Some even offer meal service. 

| Travel Tip: The best way to book your bus tickets is to book in-person at the city’s local bus station. However, you should always bring snacks on board to be safe! Sometimes certain long-distance buses don’t offer many bathroom or meal breaks.

Best Places to Visit in South America

There are so many incredible places to visit in South America, it’s hard to choose just a few. If I truly had to, though, these 7 destinations would be at the top of my bucket list.

The following places are home to the most incredible experiences I had while backpacking in South America.

Machu Picchu, Peru

Not much compares to Machu Picchu in Peru, the architectural masterpiece hidden in the heights of the Andes Mountains. Whether you’re tackling the multi-day hike or riding the glass-walled train, the journey there is just as exhilarating as the final destination. Machu Picchu is the No. 1 place you must see when backpacking South America.

Cartegena, Colombia

The colorful city of Cartagena is a common stop on the South America backpacking route. Most come to soak up the laidback yet vibrant atmosphere created by the mixture of Caribbean and Colombian cultures. Picture pastel-colored buildings, turquoise blue water and Spanish colonial architecture. 

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Home to the largest party in the world, Rio de Janeiro is worth a visit even when it’s not Carnaval season. The landscape is like nothing you’ve seen before: A sensory overload of lush green mountains and white sandy beaches. Come for the beaches and stay for the lively Brazilian culture.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Salar de Uyuni is one of the top bucket list destinations in South America. It’s the largest salt flat in the world, and the three-day road trip to get there will take you through some of the most beautiful and untouched landscapes on the planet.

The Amazon Rainforest, Brazil

The world’s largest tropical rainforest can be found in several of the counties in South America — but the Brazilian side is probably the most famous. The Amazon is still on my bucket list for its incredible biodiversity and the wealth of ecotourism it offers.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

San Pedro de Atacama is the main backpacker town in the Atacama Desert, also known as one of the driest places on earth. Backpacking South America is all about encountering the planet’s most extraordinary places, and the Chilean desert delivers. Hot springs, volcanoes, lagoons and moon-like valleys can all be explored with day trips from San Pedro. 

Torres del Paine, Chile

Chile’s crown jewel lies in the south of the country, where Patagonia continues to stun hikers from all over the world. Torres del Paine National Park is the gateway to Chile’s Patagonia and its many glaciers, waterfalls and mountains.

South America Backpacking Routes

I remember a time when a friend told me they wanted to backpack South America in a week. They wanted to hit Brazil, Colombia and perhaps a third country in a span of a few days.

While a quick, multi-destination trip like this is possible in Europe, South America is a whole other animal. First of all, the continent is absolutely massive. It’s the fourth largest continent and nearly twice the size of the U.S.

Backpacking in South America requires a lot more time than backpacking in Europe. And since most of the travel is done overland, you tend to move pretty slowly.

South America also isn’t the kind of place you want to rush through. Unlike a city like Paris, where you can see the Eiffel Tower and Arc de Triomphe in a single day and be done with (if you were rushing), sites like Machu Picchu require days of exploration, not to mention the journey it takes to get there.

That being said, here are three South America backpacking itineraries that range from 4 to 6 months. You can cut any of these routes down by choosing to visit fewer countries. If you’re looking for a month-long South America adventure, here’s a good place to start.

The Gringo Trail (The Classic South America Backpacking Route)

Estimated Duration: 4-5 months
Best for: Hitting all the main highlights

The Gringo Trail is a classic, tried and true South America backpacking route.

The travel itinerary hits all of the main attractions across Western South America — skipping Uruguay, Brazil and everything east of Colombia, including Venezuela.

While some travelers steer clear of this route because they deem it too touristy, The Gringo Trail does hit many of the best highlights on the continent, including Machu Picchu, the Salar de Uyuni and Patagonia.

Of course, the route is not an actual “trail” but rather an invisible line that passes through six countries in South America. Here’s a quick overview of the main highlights:

• Colombia (Bogota, Ciudad Perdida, Cartegena, Medellin)
• Ecuador (Quito, Banos, Galapagos)
• Peru (Lima, Nasca, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Puno)
• Bolivia (La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, Sucre)
• Chile (Atacama Desert, Valparaiso, Santiago, Patagonia)
• Argentina (Ushuaia, Buenos Aires)

The Gringo Trail stretches up toward Central America, too. It essentially weaves down from central Mexico to the southernmost tip of Patagonia.

The Loop

Estimated Duration: 5-6 months
Best for: Exploring beyond the main tourist sites

The Loop is another popular South American backpacking route that covers a bit more ground than The Gringo Trail.

As the name suggests, this South America backpacking itinerary loops around the entire continent. Unlike the Gringo Trail, it features stops in Brazil, Uruguay, and even Venezuela, depending on the current political climate of the country.

Here’s an overview of the route:

• Brazil (Manaus, Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, Foz do Iguacu)
• Uruguay (Montevideo)
• Argentina (Buenos Aires, Bariloche, Mendoza)
• Chile (Santiago, Valparaiso, Atacama Desert)
• Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni, Sucre, La Paz, Lake Titicaca)
• Peru (Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Nazca, Lima, Huaraz)
• Ecuador (Banos, Montanita, Quito, Galapagos)
• Colombia (Bogota, Salento, Medellin, Cartegena, Santa Marta)

This is an ideal backpacking route for travelers looking to delve deeper into each country they visit, beyond the most touristic sites.

My Backpacking Route

Estimated Duration: 4 months
Best for: A good mixture of tourist highlights and lesser-known destinations

I spent four months backpacking in South America between 2017 and 2018. It was one of the most thrilling travel experiences — and a whole lot of sensory overload.

My route included top sites like Machu Picchu and the Salar the Uyuni as well as off-the-beaten off towns like Huancacho in Peru and Pucon in Chile.

We spent the most amount of time in Peru, where we backpacked for about a month, only traveling by land. We also spend a good amount of time backpacking through Chile, while Argentina and Ecuador were quicker stops.

Fun Fact: We crossed over the border of Ecuador to Colombia on foot because it was incredibly cheaper than flying.

Here’s a round-up of the destinations I visited:

• Brazil (Salvador, Rio de Janeiro, Porto Alegre)
• Argentina (Buenos Aires)
• Chile (Santiago, Vina del Mar, Pucon, San Pedro de Atacama)
• Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni, La Paz, Copacabana)
• Peru (Puno, Cuzco, Machu Picchu, Ollantaytambo, Lima, Huanchaco, Vichayito, Mancora)
• Ecuador (Quito, Tulcan)
• Colombia (Pasto, Medellin, Cartagena)

| Travel Tip: Traveling by bus can be a lot cheaper than flying in South America. My boyfriend and I traveled mostly by land. A few of the bus services we used included Bolivia/Peru Hop, Turbus, and Pullman.

Visas for South America

Visa rules aren’t as strict for travelers coming from the U.S., the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Regardless of where you’re coming from, it’s advised to travel with a passport that’s valid for at least six months.

Here’s a breakdown of the different South America visa requirements by country:

• Argentina:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $160 for Americans
    • $150 for Canadians
    • $100 for Australians
• Bolivia:
  • Visa on arrival required for residents of the U.S., but not the UK, Australia, Mexico and many EU countries
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $160, plus a $25 departure tax
• Brazil:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
• Chile:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $160 for Americans, $132 for Canadians, $95 for Australians, $23 for Mexicans to be paid at the airport
• Colombia:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $50 for Canadians, plus a universal $56 departure tax that is sometimes included in the price of a plane ticket
• Ecuador:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
  • Fees:
    • $25 departure tax
• Guayana:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, Australia, Canada and the EU
• Paraguay:
  • Visa on arrival required for citizens of Australia, Canada, the U.S., New Zealand, Russia, and Taiwan
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $160
• Peru:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
• Suriname:
  • Citizens of the U.S., UK, Canada, New Zealand, Australia and much of the EU must obtain a Tourist Card from a local embassy
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $54
• Uruguay:
  • No visa required for citizens of the U.S., UK, South Africa, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
• Venezuela:
  • No visa is required for citizens of the UK, Australia and New Zealand. U.S. citizens must have a tourist card from a Venezuelan diplomatic mission
  • Reciprocity fees:
    • $30

I hope this guide to backpacking in South America helps you better prepare for your trip! Don’t forget to pin this article for later!