Backpacking South America
I personally backpacked through South America for over eight months, starting in Colombia, traveling down to Patagonia, and then heading up to Brazil. All by land and on a limited budget.
Whether you’re planning a two-week trip or a multi-month adventure, you’ll find plenty of useful information and tips in this article to help you better plan your backpacking trip to South America.
Quick menu
- When to go to South America
- Documents and vaccinations for going to South America
- Backpacking South America: where to go and costs
- Backpacking itineraries in South America
- Backpacking South America: what to bring
- Backpacking South America: safety
Iguazu falls.
When to go to South America
Due to its vast size, determining the best time to visit South America can be challenging. Broadly speaking, we can identify three climate zones (click on the respective countries for more detailed information).
Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, and Paraguay have very similar climates. There are two distinct seasons, the rainy season that runs roughly from November to March and the dry season that runs from May to October.
While the dry season is preferable, I have visited all of these countries during the rainy season and have never had major problems as rainfall is often concentrated within a few hours in the afternoon, sites are less crowded, and prices are lower.
It is also good to remember that all these countries (with the exception of Paraguay) are traversed by the Andes where altitude profoundly affects rainfall and temperature.
Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and southern Brazil have a climate with four usually distinct seasons, hot summers and cold winters.
Lastly, in the far south of the continent lies Patagonia, where winters are extremely harsh, rendering the region virtually inaccessible with many activities and facilities closed from June to September. The optimal time to visit this region is typically from October to April.
Documents and vaccinations for going to South America
For all the countries I’ve visited and listed at the beginning of the guide, you typically receive a 90-day visa-free entry upon arrival at the airport or when crossing the land border.
Regarding vaccinations, Hepatitis A and B are always recommended. The yellow fever vaccine is advised only if you plan to visit high-risk areas. It’s important to note that some countries, such as Colombia and Bolivia, officially require proof of yellow fever vaccination if you’ve recently been to a high-risk country. For instance, if you’re arriving from Brazil, immigration officers may request certification.
For more detailed information on visa renewals, duration, and mandatory vaccinations, I suggest referring to the specific section in each guidebook.
Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
Arequipa, Peru.
Backpacking South America: where to go and costs
Below, you’ll find mini travel guides for all the countries I’ve visited, highlighting the best destinations and places to visit, along with an overview to give you an idea of what to expect. For more detailed information, I recommend referring to each country’s specific guide.
Each country section begins with a recommended daily budget. This budget can vary depending on your travel style and the activities/tours you plan to undertake but provides a reliable estimate for budget-conscious travelers. It typically covers expenses such as hostels, local street food/restaurants (with occasional cooked meals in more expensive countries), public transportation, occasional tours, and moderate nightlife.
If you plan to volunteer, cook your own meals, and adopt a more frugal approach, you can reduce your expenses to less than half of the recommended budget.
Colombia
Daily budget: 30-35€.
Hostel night: 6-9€.
Colombia falls into the midrange in terms of cost. While there are destinations much cheaper than Colombia, such as Peru and Bolivia, there are also more expensive countries like Argentina and Brazil.
The country is renowned for its rich biodiversity, colonial cities, and hospitable people. Having kept a distance from mass tourism for years, largely due to its past reputation related to drug trafficking, Colombia can now be considered a safe country to visit, comparable in safety to other popular Latin American countries like Peru.
Colombia offers something for every traveler, from Caribbean beaches in the north and colonial cities like Cartagena and Villa de Leyva, to the modern cityscape of Medellin, the ancient ruins of Ciudad Perdida, the coffee region, and easy access to the Amazon rainforest. In short, the country provides a wealth of options.
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I recommend consulting my Colombia travel guide.
Ciudad Perdida, Colombia.
Ecuador
Daily budget: 30€.
Night in hostel: about €6-9.
N.b. In the Galapagos expect to pay at least twice as much for anything.
In terms of costs, Ecuador is slightly cheaper than Colombia. Its compact size ensures that travel between destinations is relatively short, reducing expenses and downtime. However, the situation changes drastically when discussing the Galapagos Islands, which are much more expensive than the mainland.
Despite its small size, Ecuador offers a wealth of attractions: colonial cities like the capital Quito and picturesque Cuenca, easy access to the Amazon rainforest, and numerous volcanoes to climb and admire. The Galapagos Islands, if budget allows, are one of the most incredible places on Earth.
For itineraries, costs, tips and more, check out my Ecuador travel guide.
Laguna Quilotoa, Ecuador.
Peru
Daily budget: 25-30€.
Night in hostel: about 6-9€.
In terms of costs, Peru is the second cheapest country on the continent after Bolivia. However, certain attractions, particularly Machu Picchu, can be quite expensive, especially if you opt for the Inca Trail, which alone can cost over 500€. Nevertheless, Peru remains extremely affordable, where you can enjoy a full meal for about 2€.
In the southern part of the country, which is the most touristy region, you’ll find Cusco, the ancient Inca capital, the charming colonial city of Arequipa with nearby Colca Canyon (one of the deepest canyons in the world), Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake in the world), the Nazca Lines (giant geoglyphs etched into the ground), and easy access to the Amazon rainforest via Puerto Maldonado.
The less visited but equally stunning northern region offers spectacular treks in the Cordillera Blanca near Huaraz, numerous archaeological sites including the ruins of Chan Chan and Kuelap, surfing and nightlife in Mancora, and Iquitos, nestled in the Amazon rainforest and the world’s largest city inaccessible by land.
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, I recommend checking out my Peru travel guide.
Machu Picchu.
Bolivia
Daily budget: 25€.
Hostel night: about 6-8€.
If you’re seeking the cheapest country on the entire continent, look no further. Bolivia offers much more than just the Salar de Uyuni.
The country shares with Peru the famous Lake Titicaca. La Paz, while not conventionally picturesque, has its own unique charms and serves as an ideal base for hiking the famed ‘Death Road’ (Ruta de la Muerte). For those acclimatized, climbing Huayna Potosi, considered one of the world’s easiest 6,000-meter peaks, is a notable option.
In the south, Bolivia features the beautiful colonial city of Sucre, the historic mining town of Potosi, the tranquil towns of Tupiza and Tarija, and of course, the renowned salt flats. Bolivia also boasts its share of the Amazon rainforest, with Rurrenabaque known as one of the most affordable gateways to explore it.
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I recommend checking out my Bolivia travel guide.
Laguna colorada.
Chile
Daily budget: 35-40€.
Hostel night: about 10-15€.
Chile ranks among the most expensive countries on the continent in terms of cost of living. To stay within budget, cooking meals yourself is essential more often than in the previously mentioned countries. Particularly along the Carretera Austral and on Easter Island, as well as in remote areas, especially in the southern part of the country, food and transportation costs can be high, comparable to European standards.
Chile left a lasting impression on me during my journey through South America. From the Atacama Desert in the far north (the driest desert in the world) to the vibrant city of Valparaiso, and down to the legendary Carretera Austral in the south—a route that traverses Chilean Patagonia amidst fjords, mountains, and glaciers. Not to mention the Lakes Region further north and Torres del Paine National Park in the far south—these are all destinations that any nature lover must experience.
For detailed itineraries, cost-saving tips, and more, I recommend checking out my Chile travel guide.
Torres del Paine.
Argentina
Daily budget: 35-40€.
Hostel night: about 10-15€.
N.b. The high inflation that has been present in the country for years can render prices obsolete within months.
As mentioned earlier, prices in Argentina can fluctuate rapidly due to inflation, but overall, it is an expensive country. Similar to Chile, regional differences play a significant role: the northern regions are notably cheaper compared to the southern Patagonia.
Argentina boasts an abundance of attractions, including natural wonders like the famous Iguazu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier, as well as cultural richness, colonial cities, and excellent wine.
For detailed itineraries, tips, and more, I encourage you to check out my Argentina travel guide.
Perito Moreno.
Uruguay
Daily budget: 30-50€.
Hostel night: about 10-25€.
The significant price range in Uruguay stems from its reputation as a beach destination, where prices, particularly in major resorts like Punta del Este, soar during the summer months. Even in the off-season, Uruguay remains relatively expensive compared to other Latin American countries.
While Uruguay lacks standout tourist attractions, it is primarily known for its beaches. Despite being overlooked by many travelers, it’s a great destination to visit, especially during the shoulder seasons when the weather is pleasant, the atmosphere relaxed, and prices more affordable. Alongside its expansive beaches, visitors can explore the tranquil capital of Montevideo, the charming colonial city of Colonia del Sacramento, and savor some of the world’s finest meat in a country known for its safety in Latin America.
Check out my Uruguay travel guide.
Colonia del Sacramento.
Paraguay
Daily budget: 25 – 30€.
Hostel night: about 7-10€.
After Bolivia and Peru, Paraguay is likely one of the cheapest countries in the region.
Similar to Uruguay, Paraguay is often overlooked by travelers, and its tourism industry is relatively undeveloped.
While the capital city of Asuncion may not be known for its beauty, the nearby Jesuit mission ruins, situated near the borders with Argentina and Brazil, offer an extraordinary and tranquil experience that remains largely undiscovered by tourists.
I would recommend visiting Paraguay as part of a longer journey with multiple stops. Spending a few days exploring this country, still untouched by mass tourism, can be a rewarding experience.
For detailed itineraries, tips, and more, I invite you to check out my travel guide to Paraguay.
Santisima Trinidad de Parana.
Brazil
Daily budget: 30-40€.
Night in hostel: about €7-12.
Costs in Brazil are comparable to those in Chile and Argentina, and the vast distances between destinations can significantly impact your budget. It’s worth noting that the northern regions tend to be more affordable than the south.
Brazil is unquestionably an extraordinary country, offering colonial cities, Caribbean beaches, pristine natural landscapes, and extensive access to the Amazon rainforest that spans much of its territory.
Security concerns, particularly in large cities, are frequently discussed, and it’s important to take precautions. However, these concerns should not deter you from visiting. Despite hearing occasional negative stories, I personally spent about a month in the country without encountering any issues.
For detailed itineraries, tips, and more, I recommend checking out my Brazil travel guide.
Rio de Janeiro.
Venezuela
I haven’t personally visited Venezuela, but it’s important to acknowledge the country’s deep economic and political crisis. Many Venezuelans have fled to Colombia in search of better opportunities, highlighting the severity of the situation.
However, I’ve also met travelers who have reported no issues while staying away from major cities. Due to hyperinflation, bringing strong currencies like the dollar or euro can result in very low living costs. Despite this, I personally believe it’s not the ideal time to visit.
That said, some travelers still choose to visit Venezuela. You can find a comprehensive guide here.
Guyana, French Guiana, and Suriname
Although I haven’t visited these countries personally, I can confirm that all three are notably expensive. French Guiana, using the euro as its official currency, stands out as possibly the priciest country in Latin America.
Apart from the high cost of living, budget travel in these countries is further hindered by a severe lack of infrastructure, including affordable hostels. When available, hostel accommodation can easily cost upwards of €30 per night.
In conclusion, for a multi-month trip in South America, a good budget averages around €1,000 per month. This estimate accounts for varying expenses across different countries, drawing from both personal experience and insights shared by other travelers.
Travel itineraries in South America
For country-specific itineraries I refer you to the dedicated section within the individual guides that I link below for your convenience.
Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Peru, Paraguay, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil.
For those planning a trip across multiple countries or even the entire continent, a common itinerary follows a route similar to the map below. Detailed information on border crossings can be found in each country’s respective guides.
If you’re including Patagonia in your South America trip, it’s crucial to visit between October and April. Outside of these months, tourism in the region is largely inaccessible. Otherwise, don’t worry too much about seasons; I’ve traveled extensively during the rainy season without major issues.
Backpacking South America: what to bring
The clothing you need depends largely on the countries you plan to visit. For instance, if your itinerary includes two weeks in Brazil lounging on beaches and enjoying caipirinhas, lightweight summer clothing will suffice.
However, if your plans involve visiting countries straddling the Andes or embarking on an itinerary across varied climates, I strongly recommend packing some heavier clothing as well. Many countries, despite being located at warm latitudes (Ecuador sits on the equator), can experience cooler temperatures due to high altitudes. Cities like Quito and Bogota are over 2,000 meters above sea level, La Paz in Bolivia reaches 4,000 meters, and nights can be quite chilly.
This advice applies especially to Patagonia, where even in summer, nights can be cool. Traveling light is entirely feasible. I invite you to review my comprehensive list of essential items for traveling in South America, which helped me navigate diverse climates without any issues
In conclusion, many people ask me which sim is best to choose, the fact of the matter is that there are no roaming agreements between countries as there are in the European Union. If you want to be always connected, I recommend buying a local sim whenever you enter a new country.
If you have a phone that supports eSIMs and you want the convenience of surfing right away without having to buy a local sim, then I recommend using a service like the one offered by Airalo and Ubigi. If you opt for this solution, however, there are at least a few considerations to make. First of all, with rare exceptions, you pay much more for gigs than it would cost using a local sim; second, their local partner is not always the one with the best coverage in the area.
Basically, I think most travelers would be better off buying a local sim (or maybe try buying an eSIM from a local provider) but I encourage you to make your own considerations as there is no shortage of exceptions. For example, when I visited Japan, the plan offered by Ubigi was cheaper than any local sim I could buy without proving I was a resident.
That said, I don’t think it is absolutely necessary to do so; you can safely travel far and wide without being perpetually connected to the Internet. It may sound absurd, but in the course of my entire travel between South and Central America, I never had a local sim. I only ever used wifi whenever I had the opportunity and in general I think staying disconnected is not that bad. To navigate the cities you can just download Organic Maps and the various maps you need.
Backpacking South America: safety
Is it safe to go backpacking in South America? In general, yes, with a few exceptions.
Many people perceive Latin America as an inherently dangerous continent where violence and theft are rampant. The reality, however, is more nuanced. While security is a concern in many South American countries, particularly in major cities, it’s important to note that similar safety issues exist in cities worldwide, including many western countries.
Violence, as reported in the media, rarely involves tourists or tourist areas. By exercising common sense, the likelihood of encountering any serious incident is quite low. At worst, you might experience minor theft, such as losing a wallet or an electronic device, which can typically be reimbursed by your insurance.
Personally, during my travels of over 8 months relying on public transportation and often walking alone, even at late hours, I’ve encountered minimal issues. The only incident was having a pair of shoes stolen, likely by another traveler.
The truth is, traveling in South America, even solo, is much safer than commonly perceived. For tips on traveling safely, check out my recommendations—you’ll likely find it reassuring.
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