Tips for Backpacking Through South America

Essential Information About Travelling Around this Huge Continent

Feb 15, 2009

The fourth largest continent on the planet, South America is a plethora of sights and sounds. Adventure seekers must decide where to go and plan an appropriate budget.

Because it's such a big place and costs vary considerably from one country to the next, it's a good idea to take a combination of cash, traveller's cheques and credit cards. Bolivia, Ecuador and Peru are by far the cheapest nations in South America and some remote corners of Argentina will offer good value for money too.

Where travellers really have to watch their wallets is in the urban centres of Brazil, Chile, the Galápagos Islands, Easter Island and French Guiana. These places come in at the top in terms of everyday costs. This article will cover some helpful tips about transportation, food and drink, weather and safety while exploring this fascinating continent.

Getting Around by Bus or Plane

Shoestring travellers will likely use the extensive bus network when getting from one city to another. In Brazil buses are the way to go. Everyone uses them and the vehicles are well maintained. Ask for a seat on a leixo (pronounced: lay-shoo) which has reclining seats, blankets and bathrooms. Buses go everywhere, even as far as the Amazon. Brazil is huge and distances are very long so choose a more expensive and comfortable class of bus. Taking buses in Peru or Bolivia will be bumpier since these places are mountainous and many roads are not paved.

Another option for getting to multiple destinations is to buy the Mercosur Airpass. Travellers must buy this before leaving home and the flights are not changeable once booked. Easter Island is not included on this list. A trip to this remote territory will entail a flight from Santiago, Chile.

The Visit South America Pass is more flexible. It allows visitors unlimited travel in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and six other countries. This must also be bought before departure.

What's on the Menu in South America?

Budget travellers can stuff themselves with rice and beans on a Brazilian beach, or enjoy a nice cut of steak in Buenos Aires. In all but the cheapest countries, dining in restaurants will lighten the wallet pretty quickly so stock up on supermarket foods instead. South America has plenty of these as well as street stalls selling grilled meats, sandwiches and fruit shakes. Make meals on your own and save a bundle. Go easy on the alcohol since it can be dearer around the touristy areas.

Hitting the Beaches and the Highest Mountains

When it's winter in North America and Europe summer is getting into high gear in South America. Brazil's weather will be hot and extremely humid particularly in Rio de Janeiro, the Pantanal and along the coastal regions. The Patagonia regions in Chile and Argentina will experience milder temperatures.

With the exception of Brazil, Venezuela, Suriname, Guyana and the Amazonian portion of Colombia the rest of South America is a hodge-podge of deserts, sub-tropical forests, grasslands and snow covered glaciers. The weather changes unexpectedly. Bundle up if heading down to the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina since these areas are within reach of Antarctica.

Bring a warm poncho if trekking in Peru and Bolivia. Travellers going to Brazil should bring light cotton clothing, sunglasses and some good sunscreen. Altitude sickness can be serious in the Andes so it's important to take a couple of days to get used to the high elevations, especially in these cities:

Safety Issues in South America

Chile and Argentina are considered to be the safest countries. Both experience lower crime rates than the rest of South America. Backpackers should exercise more caution in Brazil, Colombia and Guyana where pickpocketing and robbery occur with greater frequency. A good rule of thumb is to blend in with the locals and to make it look it like you know where you're going even if this isn't the case.

Communicating in South America

With the exception of Guyana the other countries use languages other than English. Take a course and/or a phrasebook if you're not familiar with them.

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