A Complete Guide to Backpacking Across South America

6 October 2025

So, you're dreaming of trading your daily grind for an epic backpacking adventure across South America? Excellent choice. This continent is a traveler’s treasure chest – bursting with vibrant cultures, jaw-dropping landscapes, ancient wonders, and hearty cuisines that'll make your taste buds dance. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in Brazil, hiking the rugged Andes in Peru, or dancing through the colorful streets of Colombia, South America has a little something for every type of traveler.

This guide? Yep, it's your new best friend. We’re going to cover everything – and I mean everything – to help you prep, plan, and pull off the ultimate backpacking journey.

Why Backpack South America?

Let’s start with the big question: why backpack South America? Because it’s the definition of adventure. You’ve got everything from steamy jungles to icy peaks, bustling cities to remote villages, and let’s not forget – ridiculously affordable travel if you do it right. The continent delivers on adrenaline, culture, food, and those life-changing moments you’ll be talking about for years.

Feeling the wanderlust yet?

When’s the Best Time to Go?

Now, timing is everything – especially when your plans involve hopping between multiple countries and climates.

- Summer (December to March): Great for Patagonia and the southern parts of Chile and Argentina. Expect sunshine – and other travelers.
- Winter (June to August): Perfect for the Andes and Amazon regions. Dryer and cooler, ideal for hiking Machu Picchu or jungle treks.
- Shoulder Seasons (April-May and September-November): Fewer crowds, milder weather, and often cheaper prices. Golden time.

In short, South America’s vast, so research your destinations and plan accordingly.

Must-Visit Countries in South America

Alright, let’s break it down country by country. Each place offers something wildly different, so mix and match based on what excites you most.

🇵🇪 Peru

You can’t talk South America without putting Peru at the top. It’s home to the crown jewel: Machu Picchu. But there’s more than Incan ruins—think rainbow mountains, desert oases, and Amazonian jungles.

Highlights:
- Trek the Inca Trail or Salkantay to Machu Picchu
- Dune buggy rides and sandboarding in Huacachina
- Ceviche feasts in Lima

🇧🇴 Bolivia

Small but mighty! Bolivia is a backpacker’s secret weapon—cheap, raw, and insanely diverse.

Highlights:
- Salar de Uyuni (those endless salt flats)
- La Paz cable cars (the highest capital in the world!)
- Death Road biking (not for the faint-hearted)

🇨🇱 Chile

Chile is long, thin, and full of surprises—from the Atacama Desert to Antarctic-like Patagonia.

Highlights:
- Torres del Paine trekking in Patagonia
- Stargazing in Atacama
- Wine tasting in the Central Valley (yes, backpackers deserve wine too!)

🇦🇷 Argentina

Tango, steak, and glaciers? Say no more.

Highlights:
- Bustling Buenos Aires nightlife
- Hiking in El Chaltén
- Iguazú Falls (they’ll make Niagara look like a faucet)

🇧🇷 Brazil

Lively, loud, luscious. Brazil is a sensory overload in the best way possible.

Highlights:
- Christ the Redeemer and Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio
- Amazon River adventures
- Beach bumming in Florianópolis

🇨🇴 Colombia

Once off-limits, now a backpacker favorite. Safe, friendly, and full of good vibes.

Highlights:
- Cartagena’s colorful colonial charm
- Medellín’s transformation and nightlife
- Jungle treks to Ciudad Perdida

🇪🇨 Ecuador

Small but mighty, especially if you love mountains and markets.

Highlights:
- Chimborazo and Cotopaxi volcano hikes
- Otavalo market shopping
- Galápagos Islands (okay, splurge-worthy side trip!)

Travel Tips for First-Time Backpackers in South America

Alright, rookie or not, here are some solid gold pro tips.

1. Travel Slow

Don't rush. Less is more here. Stick to fewer countries and soak them in. Trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

2. Learn Basic Spanish

You don’t need to be fluent, but a few phrases will go a long way. Locals appreciate the effort, and you'll connect way better.

3. Pack Smart

Here’s the deal: South America throws all four seasons at you, sometimes in one day. Go for layers. Think moisture-wicking tees, a solid rain jacket, hiking boots, and a warm fleece.

Oh—and always keep copies of your travel documents.

4. Safety First

Most places are safe if you use common sense. Don’t flash expensive gear, avoid sketchy neighborhoods, and keep your bag close.

Pro tip: Use a money belt or hidden pouch in crowded areas.

5. Use Trusted Transport

Long-distance buses are your best bet. They’re cheap and comfy (mostly). For safety, stick with reputable companies like Cruz del Sur (Peru), Cata (Argentina), or Bolivariano (Colombia).

Budgeting: How Much Does It Cost?

Good news: Backpacking South America can be super budget-friendly if you play your cards right.

Daily Costs (Rough Estimates):

- Budget: $25–$40 (hostels, street food, buses)
- Mid-range: $50–$75 (private rooms, tours, nicer meals)
- Luxury: Sky’s the limit!

Save with:
- Free walking tours
- Overnight buses (save on accommodation!)
- Cooking your own meals

Where to Stay?

Hostels are your go-to. Most offer free breakfast, kitchen access, and are social hubs. Check Hostelworld or Booking.com for reviews.

Love meeting locals? Try Couchsurfing (just be safe and read reviews). Airbnb's growing, too—great for group travel or when you need a break from bunk beds.

How to Get Around?

Forget planes unless you’re hopping from, say, Argentina to Colombia. Buses rule here.

- Local Buses & Collectivos: Super cheap and great for short distances
- Long-Distance Buses: Often overnight, decent comfort level
- Flights: Consider for big jumps (LATAM and Avianca often have deals)
- Car Rentals: Possible in Chile or Argentina for Patagonia road trips

What to Pack?

Packing is an art when you need to be prepared for jungle humidity, high-altitude chill, and beach heat.

Must-Bring Items:
- Backpack (40–60L max)
- Packing cubes (game-changer)
- Reusable water bottle with filter
- Waterproof hiking boots
- Daypack for treks
- First aid kit
- Travel insurance (non-negotiable!)
- Quick-dry towel
- Universal adapter

Fun (and a Little Weird) Facts to Know

- In Bolivia, zebras (well, people dressed as them) help you cross the street.
- Argentina has amazing ice cream—seriously, Italian-level.
- Ecuador literally has 12-hour days year-round, thanks to the equator.
- Peru’s guinea pig dish, cuy, is a local delicacy (yes, it’s a guinea pig).

These quirky things? They make the trip memorable.

Stay Healthy and Safe

No one wants to talk about it, but getting sick sucks on the road. Take care of yourself, amigo.

- Avoid tap water – use a filter or buy bottled
- Eat cooked food over raw if you’re unsure
- Get vaccines before you go (yellow fever, hepatitis A/B)
- Altitude sickness is real – stay hydrated and ascend slowly

Connecting with Others

One of the best parts of backpacking? The people. Fellow travelers become friends for life. Locals teach you things no guidebook can.

Want to meet people? Hit up:
- Hostel common areas
- Group tours or treks
- Language exchange meetups
- Public markets (bonus: amazing food)

Final Thoughts

Look, backpacking across South America isn’t just a trip. It’s a journey that cracks your heart wide open. You’ll learn how little you need to be happy, how kind strangers can be, and just how capable you are when you're out of your comfort zone.

It won’t always be smooth. You’ll miss buses, get lost, maybe even lose your patience. But those hiccups? They’re part of the magic.

So, grab that backpack, book the ticket, and don’t look back. South America is calling – and if you’ve read this far, you know it’s time to go.