- \r\n \t
- When to go to South America<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Documents and vaccinations for going to South America<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking South America: where to go and costs<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking itineraries in South America<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking South America: what to bring<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
- Backpacking South America: safety<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n
![\"Le](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/cascate_iguazu_lato_argentino.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nIguazu falls.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nWhen to go to South America<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
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).<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Colombia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ecuador<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Bolivia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Peru<\/span><\/a>, and <\/span>Paraguay<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Chile<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Argentina<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Uruguay<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>southern Brazil<\/span><\/a> have a climate with four usually distinct seasons, hot summers and cold winters.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Lastly, in the far south of the continent lies <\/span>Patagonia<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nDocuments and vaccinations for going to South America<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For more detailed information on visa renewals, duration, and mandatory vaccinations, I suggest referring to the specific section in each guidebook.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Colombia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Ecuador<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Bolivia<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Peru<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Paraguay<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Chile<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Argentina<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Uruguay<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Brazil<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
![\"mirador](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/mirador_Yanahuar-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nArequipa, Peru.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
<\/div>\r\nBackpacking South America: where to go and costs<\/b><\/h2>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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 <\/span>budget-conscious travelers<\/span><\/a>. 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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Colombia<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 30-35\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Hostel night: 6-9\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, and more, I recommend consulting my <\/span>Colombia travel guide.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n
![\"La](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/citta\u0300_perduta_colombia-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nCiudad Perdida, Colombia.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Ecuador<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 30\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Night in hostel: about \u20ac6-9.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
N.b. In the Galapagos expect to pay at least twice as much for anything.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For itineraries, costs, tips and more, check out my <\/span>Ecuador travel guide.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n
![\"Trekking](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/laguna_quilotoa_trekking-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nLaguna Quilotoa, Ecuador.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Peru<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 25-30\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Night in hostel: about 6-9\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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\u20ac. Nevertheless, Peru remains extremely affordable, where you can enjoy a full meal for about 2\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, <\/span>I recommend checking out my Peru travel guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
![\"Machu](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/machu_pichu_lama-1.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nMachu Picchu.<\/em><\/p>\r\n
Since I no longer run ads, if you found this article helpful, please consider purchasing your travel insurance<\/a> through one of the links on this site. Doing so supports my work at no additional cost to you. For EU and UK residents, I recommend True Traveller<\/a>. For everyone else, I recommend HeyMondo<\/a>, which offers a 5% discount. Thank you for your support!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Bolivia<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 25\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Hostel night: about 6-8\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
If you’re seeking the cheapest country on the entire continent, look no further. Bolivia offers much more than just the Salar de Uyuni.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For detailed itineraries, costs, tips, and more, <\/span>I recommend checking out my Bolivia travel guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n\r\n
![\"La](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/laguna_colorada_bolivia.jpg\")
<\/h3>\r\nLaguna colorada.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Chile<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 35-40\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Hostel night: about 10-15\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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\u2014a 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\u2014these are all destinations that any nature lover must experience.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For detailed itineraries, cost-saving tips, and more, I recommend checking out my <\/span>Chile travel guide<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
![\"parco](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/07\/torres_del_paine.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nTorres del Paine.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Argentina<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 35-40\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Hostel night: about 10-15\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
N.b. The high inflation that has been present in the country for years can render prices obsolete within months.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
For detailed itineraries, tips, and more, <\/span>I encourage you to check out my Argentina travel guide.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\r\n
![\"Il](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/09\/ghiacciaio_perito_moreno.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\nPerito Moreno.<\/em><\/p>\r\n\r\n
Uruguay<\/b><\/h3>\r\n
Daily budget: 30-50\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
Hostel night: about 10-25\u20ac.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
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.<\/span><\/p>\r\n
- Documents and vaccinations for going to South America<\/span><\/a><\/li>\r\n \t
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/edifici_coloniali_Colonia.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n![\"Tour](\"https:\/\/ilbackpacker.it\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/santisima_trinidad_de_parana_notte.jpg\")
<\/p>\r\n