Introduction
With intriguing culture, breathtaking scenery, low-cost travel, and exciting adventures, South America is a backpacker’s paradise. Traveling on a budget lets you spend longer immersing yourself in these amazing destinations without breaking the bank.
Overview of Backpacking in South America
Reasons South America is ideal for backpacking include:
- Inexpensive accommodation, food, and transport
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure
- Outdoorsy adventures and wildlife viewing
- Ancient ruins and fascinating history
- Vibrant cities and varied landscapes
Benefits of Backpacking Around South America
Backpacking South America lets you:
- Meet other adventurous travelers along the way
- Deeply experience destinations at a slower pace
- Save money for extended travel
- Have flexibility for spontaneity and hidden gems
This guide covers the top South American countries for unforgettable backpacking trips.
Peru
From the Andes to the Amazon, Peru packs in adventures. Low costs and well-worn trails make it very backpacker-friendly.
Why Peru is Ideal for Backpackers
Reasons Peru rocks for backpackers:
- Very budget-friendly country
- Route through the Andes to Amazon
- Machu Picchu and famous Inca Trail
- Well-developed tourism infrastructure
- Awesome backpacker party scene
Top Backpacking Destinations in Peru
Must-visit spots include:
- Cusco – Base for visiting Machu Picchu
- Inca Trail – Epic Andean hike ending at Machu Picchu
- Huacachina – Oasis with massive sand dunes, great backpacker vibes
- Lima – Vibrant capital with history, culture, and food
- Máncora – Surf and party town along the Pacific
Travel Tips for Peru
- Avoid the rainy season from December to April
- Get cash from ATMs and negotiate taxis in advance
- Trek the Inca Trail with a guide booked months in advance
With jaw-dropping scenery and culture, Peru is every backpacker’s dream.
Ecuador
From the Galapagos Islands to the Amazon jungle, Ecuador packs huge diversity into a compact country perfect for backpacking.
What Makes Ecuador Great for Backpackers
Reasons Ecuador is amazing for backpackers:
- Compact region makes getting around simple
- Inexpensive accommodation and transport
- Fascinating indigenous culture and history
- Adrenaline activities like hiking, rafting, and climbing
- Island paradise of the Galapagos
Top Backpacking Spots in Ecuador
Must visit destinations include:
- Quito – Charming historical capital surrounded by volcanoes
- Quilotoa – Stunning turquoise crater lake in the Andes
- Baños – Adventure activities like rafting, hiking, and ziplining
- Otavalo – Handicraft market trading handmade textiles and crafts
- Galapagos Islands – World-class island wildlife and diving
Tips for Backpacking Ecuador
- Prepare for diverse regions from mountains to beaches
- Brush up on your Spanish before arriving
- Budget extra to visit the famous Galapagos Islands
You’ll never run out of natural beauty and culture to explore in Ecuador.
Chile
With staggering landscapes and efficient infrastructure, Chile provides thrilling backpacking adventures through its thin but expansive length.
Why Chile is a Top Backpacking Country
What makes Chile fantastic for backpackers:
- Dramatic scenery from deserts to glaciers, volcanoes, lakes, and forests
- Affordable buses make getting around easy
- Excellent hostel network and tourism infrastructure
- Captivating history and culture in cities
- Vibrant nightlife as well as nature activities
Best Backpacking Sites in Chile
Top spots to visit include:
- Santiago – Lively capital with vibrant arts and food scene
- Pucón – Outdoorsy town beside stunning Lake Villarrica
- Valparaiso – Bohemian coastal city with colorful hillside homes
- Patagonia Region – Untamed natural beauty and amazing trekking
Chile Backpacking Travel Tips
- Bring layers and be prepared for rapidly changing climates
- Take buses for cost-effective inland transport
- Allot ample time for hiking and seeing Patagonia’s vast region
With stunning landscapes and modern convenience, Chile excels at hassle-free backpacking.
Argentina
From cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to thunderous Iguazu Falls, diverse adventure awaits in Argentina on an affordable shoestring budget.
Why Argentina is Amazing for Backpackers
What makes Argentina awesome for backpackers:
- World-class highlights like Iguazu Falls and Perito Moreno Glacier
- Vibrant nightlife and foodie culture in Buenos Aires
- Endemic wildlife in the Patagonian region
- Colorful desert landscapes in the Salta region
- Well-connected overland transport system
Top Backpacking Destinations in Argentina
Must visit spots include:
- Buenos Aires – Passionate city with street tango and nightlife
- Iguazu Falls – Astounding natural wonder with walking trails
- Mendoza – Outdoor adventures amidst epic wine regions
- Bariloche – Stunning Patagonian lakes district for hiking
- Ushuaia – Boutique hotels and outdoor fun – world’s southernmost city
Argentina Backpacking Advice
- Prepare suitable gear for activities like hiking and penguin viewing
- Print physical copies of your important travel documents
- Master basic Spanish phrases and etiquette
Whether you crave culture, adventure or natural beauty, Argentina delivers.
Colombia
With a tragic past but bright future, Colombia is an unforgettable backpacker destination full of nature, ancient ruins, and vivacious Latin spirit.
Why Colombia is Incredible for Backpackers
Reasons Colombia rocks for backpackers:
- Endless coastlines, jungles, coffee regions, cities and more to explore
- Improved safety and stability opening the country to tourism
- Ultra-friendly locals and travelers eager to rediscover Colombia
- Affordable prices for transport, activities, and crazy nightlife
- Delicious cuisine and passionate culture
Best Backpacking Places in Colombia
Top spots to visit include:
- Bogotá – Colombia’s exciting capital with thriving food and arts
- Medellín – Innovative city rich with nightclubs and salsa bars
- Tayrona National Park – Pristine beaches and jungles near Santa Marta
- Calí – Salsa dancing and authentic Colombian vibes
Tips for Backpacking Colombia
- Practice your dance moves before enjoying Colombia’s vibrant salsa culture
- Improve your Spanish but hand gestures go a long way
- Treks and expeditions book out – reserve activities you want to do in advance
With a tragic past but bright future, Colombia is an unforgettable backpacker destination full of nature, ancient ruins, and vivacious Latin spirit.
Conclusion
With stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and low budgets, South America was made for backpacking adventure. By traveling light, staying in hostels, using public transit, and seeing the key sites across these amazing countries, you’ll fully immerse yourself in all the magic South America has to offer. Follow the tips in this guide to easily plan an epic backpacking journey you’ll cherish forever. Where will your backpack lead you?
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best ways to reduce my backpack weight?
Pack minimal, versatile clothing. Use lightweight travel towels, daypack, and toiletry bottles. Share items like guidebooks where possible.
What should I budget each day as a backpacker?
$50 per day or less for accommodation, food, transport, and activities. Budget extra for splurges in spots like Chilean Patagonia.
How far in advance should I book key activities?
Book major hikes like the Inca Trail 6-12 months out. Other tours and treks 1-2 months ahead. Build in flexibility too.
What safety tips should I follow while backpacking?
Keep valuables secure, research dodgy areas to avoid, only take registered taxis or Ubers, and stick to your instincts if somewhere feels unsafe.
What vaccines should I get before backpacking South America?
Recommend getting vaccines for hepatitis A, typhoid, yellow fever, and malaria. Bring medications and first aid supplies.