South America is a land of wonders, boasting the world’s highest uninterrupted waterfall, the largest river (by volume), the driest place on earth, the longest mountain range and the largest rainforest. If you want to visit South America, our guide will cover the best places to hit while backpacking across the continent.
There are several countries on the continent of South America, including (but not limited to) some well-known destinations such as:
There are also two non-sovereign states: French Guiana (an overseas territory of France) and the Falkland Islands (a British overseas territory), plus some lesser-known South American countries like Guyana, Paraguay, Uruguay and Suriname.
So pack your bag, your trusty walking shoes and travel insurance and discover everything South America has to offer.
First-time backpackers and visitors to South America should do their research before leaving home, so they can be as prepared as possible for anything that comes their way.
Spanish and Portuguese are the two main spoken languages in South America. Communication, especially in rural areas, may be difficult even with a smattering of travel guidebook Spanish so brushing up on the languages before departing is a good idea.
When planning your South American backpacking route, understand that transport can be unreliable at the best of times and include a lot of long bus journeys. It may be better to lean into the laid-back lifestyle of Latin America and visit fewer destinations with more time at each stop than try and overpack your itinerary. That said, it’s important to still have an itinerary to help keep you on track and on budget.
If your dietary restrictions include no meat, you might struggle to find appropriate meals, especially outside big cities. South American cuisine varies widely from country to country and from urban centres to more remote destinations; however, one constant is that vegetarian options may be limited and difficult to come by.
However, the challenges of South America will pale in comparison to touring some of the world’s greatest historical, cultural and natural wonders.
Dreaming of hitting all your bucket list South American destinations is one thing, but affording it is another. Although South America may be considered ‘cheap’ by some backpacking standards, it’s typically more expensive than other backpacking destinations like Central America and Southeast Asia.
Budgeting AUD$50-$70 per day should cover you in most places, with big cities carrying a higher daily price tag.
A few travel tips for saving money include:
Accommodation should be readily available throughout the year, although we recommend booking in advance for Carnivale or one of the other popular festivals. International standard hostel accommodation is available in most large cities throughout South America, but outside of urban centres, smaller less-equipped accommodations are generally the norm. Be prepared to spend more than one night without hot water.
How many places you visit won’t just depend on your budget, but also the amount of time you have to travel around. For example, visiting Machu Picchu can take a week, and trips to the Amazon are typically four days at a minimum.
To get started on an itinerary, look at a few of the guided tour companies that specialise in South American tours for an idea of how much you can get through in a certain time frame. However, it’s worth keeping in mind that guided tours will pack more into a shorter time span, because they often operate their own transport and know how to smooth the way when necessary. These are luxuries you won’t have when backpacking around South America by yourself.
Consider guided tours for all or some of your South American adventures. Guided tours offer first-time visitors a great introduction to an area and often use local travel guides to take visitors off the beaten track to places that you, as a lone backpacker, wouldn’t know about or be able to get to. You may find getting into the Amazon or up to Machu Picchu almost impossible without being on a guided tour anyway!
Famous for steak, red wine and their staple snack of empanadas, Argentina’s also well known for inventing the fiery dance of lovers – the Tango! Spanish is the official language, and pesos are the currency. Top spots for backpacking in Argentina include:
Safety tips: Major cities, tourist locations and public transport are hotspots for theft and robberies, so be cautious in those areas and keep valuables out of sight.1 Don’t use ATMs unless you’re in a shopping centre or bank, and watch out for ATM skimming.
Often referred to as the Tibet of the Americas, Bolivia is one of the most remote countries in the Western Hemisphere. The currency is Boliviano and the official language is Spanish, although Bolivian Indigenous languages may be more common in rural and remote communities. Having said that, if you’re looking to study Spanish abroad, Bolivia’s a great place to do it since their accent is clear and makes picking up Spanish easier.
Learning Spanish in a homestay situation is popular with visiting tourists and, as such, homestay programs in Bolivia abound and are usually very safe and reputable. Top spots for backpacking in Bolivia include:
Safety tips: Don’t hail taxis off the street, as criminals often pose as drivers.2 You should avoid political protests, as they can become violent. It’s not recommended to go on hiking trips without an experienced tour guide, and if travelling between November and March, natural disasters such as flooding and landslides may occur, so follow the advice of the local government officials.
Famous for Rio’s Carnivale, long stretches of beautiful beaches and the Amazon rainforest, Brazil offers visitors a wealth of cultural, historical and natural must-see destinations. Portuguese is the official language, the official currency is the Brazilian Real and football is the unofficial religion.
Brazil is a vast country, with the top spots for backpacking in Brazil including:
Safety tips: During the rainy season, flooding, landslides and severe storms are common, so be prepared to make unexpected changes to your travel plans.3 It’s best to avoid going out alone, especially at night, and try to avoid travelling through ‘favelas’ or shantytowns.
Famous for its volcanos, glaciers and fjords, Chile is sandwiched between the Andes Mountains and the Pacific Ocean. It’s only 180km wide at its widest point, but the coastline covers more than 4,300 kilometres, earning Chile the nickname of the world’s longest country.
Spanish is the primary language, and the currency is the Chilean Peso. The capital Santiago is a small, thriving, cosmopolitan city. It’s also making a name for itself as a foodie’s dream with plentiful markets, artisan produce and an array of exciting restaurants, not to mention Chile’s world-renowned wines.
Top spots for backpacking in Chile include:
Safety tips: It’s best to avoid any political protests as they can become violent, and foreigners may be deported or detained for attending.4 Robberies and petty theft can be common, so it’s best to stay alert on public transport and not travel at night. A variety of natural disasters are also common in Chile, so be sure to follow the advice of local authorities if one occurs.
Colombia is considered one of the world’s megadiverse countries. Spanish (and, in urban centres, English) is the official language, and the Colombian Peso is the currency. Colombia’s famous for coffee and its wealth of natural resources; it’s the world’s leading source of emeralds.
Top spots for backpacking in Colombia include:
Safety tips: Colombia has high levels of crime, terrorism and kidnapping in some parts of the country.5 Check Smartraveller for places you may want to reconsider travelling or avoid altogether. If you want to go hiking, hire an experienced, trustworthy guide instead of going alone, as robberies may occur. Some diseases, such as yellow fever and the Zika virus, are common; make sure your vaccinations are up to date before travelling.
With something for everyone, this slightly smaller country is perfect for adventurous backpackers. You’ve got everything from volcanos to heritage architecture to hot springs – the list is almost endless. Spanish is the official language, and the currency is the US Dollar.
Starting with the capital, Quito, every tourist should straddle the equator at least once. Other top spots for backpacking in Ecuador include:
Safety tips: In 2022, there were a number of violent protests in Ecuador.6 Keep up to date with any advice from the Ecuadorian government as the situation can change suddenly. Criminals can also target tourists, so be careful when travelling alone or at night, especially if you’re a female traveller.
Famous for the Incans, llamas and their cocoa trade, Peru’s the epicentre of cultural tourism. Spanish and Quechua are the official languages in Peru, though Quechua is more prevalent in highland areas.
The currency is Peruvian Nuevo Sol (soles), but USD is also accepted in some places. Starting in Lima, take in some of the region’s unique local cuisine and cliffside views.
Top spots for backpacking in Peru include:
Safety tips: Due to protests, there may be local curfews in place; you can use local media to monitor for updates.7 Don’t leave luggage unattended on public transport; even placing it under your seat or in the overhead compartment is not recommended. Never hail taxis from the street – use reputable companies only – and when driving, always lock the doors and windows.
Also a diverse country, Venezuela is known for its natural wonders and for being a tropical paradise. The national currency is the Venezuelan bolívar, and the primary language is Spanish.
Starting in Caracas, take in the Cathedral Metropolitana, Museo Sacro de Caracas and El Ávila National Park. Don’t forget to try an arepa (famous Venezuelan corn meal cake) and cool down with a refreshing papelón con limón (raw hardened sugar cane with water and lemon or lime juice).
Some of Venezuela’s top spots for backpacking in Venezuela include:
Safety tips: As of February 2023, Smartraveller has a ‘Do Not Travel’ warning for Venezuela due to the unstable political climate.8 If you do travel, be aware there are shortages of food and water, and pharmacies are currently not stocking basic medication. You will also need a negative COVID-19 test, and proof of your vaccination.
Guyana, Suriname, Paraguay and Uruguay are lesser known, but no less exciting countries you may want on your South American itinerary. Guyana and Suriname are located on the continent’s north-eastern tip and are bordered by the Caribbean Ocean.
If you’re looking for some of the best beaches in South America that aren’t packed with tourists, backpacking in Guyana or Suriname could be ideal. There are many wonderfully preserved colonial heritage architecture, museums and lush landscapes.
Paraguay and Uruguay are also great ‘off the beaten track’ destinations for international tourists. Check out Punta del Este in Uruguay, a summer oasis often compared to St. Tropez, and do a wildlife cruise down the Paraguay river through the wetlands.
When planning to travel for weeks or months, it’s important not to overpack and only take what you need. When packing for your South American adventure, you should consider including:
Keep in mind that this list is a basic example of a packing list for South America and will vary depending on your individual needs and your itinerary.
South America is an enormous continent full of wonderful people and places to visit. However, it’s historically been a site of much internal conflict and political and social upheaval. Due to high poverty levels, crime is also an unfortunate concern for travellers to South America, as many tourist areas are also crime hotspots.
Be smart, use common sense and don’t take unnecessary risks (like leaving your belongings unattended in public). If you can, backpack with a friend or join a group of like-minded travellers; you can usually find safety in numbers. Keep your passport, ID documents and money on you at all times, don’t flash cash around and don’t wear flashy jewellery or clothes.
Bureaucracy and corruption are rife in certain parts of South America, so ensure your paperwork (including visas, transit stamps and passport validity) is in order before leaving Australia.
Whether it’s altitude sickness in Peru, malaria in the Amazon or falling off your mountain bike on Yungas Road, be mindful of unexpected foreign illnesses and accidents. You might also consider what vaccinations you need before travelling to South America. Ensure all your vaccinations are up to date and ask your doctor about any medical precautions you could take before your trip.
Apart from your passport, travel insurance is the next most important item to consider for your South American backpacking adventure. If your belongings get stolen or you contract an illness, travel insurance can help cover the financial losses you may face.
Policies vary, so make sure you compare your travel insurance options and select one that covers you for all the countries and activities you want to enjoy on your trip (some snow and adventure sports carry extra charges).
If you’re looking to keep your journey going through Central America, travel upwards to North America and visit the U.S., Mexico and Canada, or travel the well-trodden backpacking trip through Europe, a comprehensive travel insurance policy can keep you financially protected against the unexpected.
So, what are you waiting for? Compare travel insurance today!
1 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Argentina. Last updated October 2022. Accessed March 2023.
2 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Bolivia. Last updated February 2023. Accessed March 2023.
3 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Brazil. Last updated February 2023. Accessed March 2023.
4 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Chile. Last updated February 2023. Accessed March 2023.
5 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Columbia. Last updated October 2022. Accessed March 2023.
6 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Ecuador. Last updated February 2023. Accessed March 2023.
7 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Peru. Last updated February 2023. Accessed March 2023.
8 Smartraveller, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. Venezuela. Last updated January 2023. Accessed March 2023.
