How Long Does It Take To Backpack South America?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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What is this? Here, we present to you three popular itineraries through South America that take at least 3-6 months to complete. This could easily be extended to a year or more if you fit more places in between.

How long does it take to travel all of South America?

If you want to explore more than one country in South America, you’re gonna need more than 3 weeks . For surf bums, you could easily spend a month heading beach to beach from Southern Peru all the way to Colombia, in 1 month. Or you could do 2 weeks in Argentina followed by 2 weeks of hiking in Chilean Patagonia.

How much does it cost to backpack South America for 3 months?

South America on a BACKPACKING BUDGET

-A Comfortable backpacker’s budget when sleeping in a hostel dormitory bed, cooking for yourself or eating in cheap local restaurants, being selective on activities and traveling with public transport should be around $35 per day, so $1000 per month .

How long do you need in South America?

About South America

The continent extends c. 4,750 mi (7,640 km) from Punta Gallinas, Colombia, in the north to Cape Horn, Chile, in the south. At its broadest point, near where it is crossed by the equator, the continent extends c. 3,300 mi (5,300 km) from east to west.

Is South America cheap?

Although it may not compare to the likes of South East Asia, South America is still a solid budget travel destination . Yet some regions are distinctly more pricey than others, so it really pays to know where to go when trying to traverse the continent on a shoestring.

What is the cheapest country in South America?

Bolivia is always made out to be the cheapest country in South America — and while a case can certainly be made for it — you must be clever about where and what you spend your money on if you really want to get the best bargain out of Bolivia.

Is it safe to backpack in South America?

South America’s long had a bad reputation which, although not completely unfounded, is unfair. Yes, parts of the continent are dangerous for backpackers. But, the vast majority places you’ll likely visit when you’re traveling around South America are incredibly safe .

Can you travel South America in 3 months?

Rainbow Mountain, also known as Vinicuna, is a relatively new tourist destination and a must on a 3 month South America itinerary . If you like a little challenge and adventure, plan a trip to Rainbow Mountain! It’s a full-day trip from Cusco and the journey through the Andes is jaw-dropping.

How hard is Machu Picchu?

The easiest approach is by train from Cusco along the floor of the Urubamba Valley, then by bus up to the entrance of the ruins. Alternatively, from the station at Aguas Calientes you can opt to take a strenuous walk up to Machu Picchu – expect it to take 90 minutes to two hours .

Is South America expensive?

South America is an amazing continent to travel on a budget, though you would be wrong to assume that every country in South America is cheap ! The least expensive countries are Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia and Colombia, each attracting large numbers of budget travellers.

How much money do you need for 2 months in South America?

All this can bring down your costs a lot. A good rule of thumb is you’ll need about $1100 a month for traveling on a budget in South America (for one person). Of course, your average could get a lot lower if, say, you end up staying in a rural village in Bolivia to volunteer.

How can I go to South America for cheap?

  1. 1) Pick the Right Destination(s) ...
  2. 2) Avoid Brazil. ...
  3. 3) Make Lunch the Big Meal. ...
  4. 4) Head to the Market. ...
  5. 5) Drink What’s Local. ...
  6. 6) Don’t Book All Your Hotels in Advance. ...
  7. 7) Take Your Time. ...
  8. 8) Learn Some Spanish.

Why is South America not developed?

The first is geography. Over 70 percent of Latin America is in the tropics, which makes everything more difficult . The region is more exposed to disease—malaria, yellow fever, dengue, cholera, and others—and it is far from key markets.

Is Mexico apart of South America?

Latin America is generally understood to consist of the entire continent of South America in addition to Mexico , Central America, and the islands of the Caribbean whose inhabitants speak a Romance language.

What country is at the bottom of South America?

Cape Horn Country Chile Region Magallanes y la Antártica Chilena Region Subregion Antártica Chilena Province

How safe is Chile?

Chile is amongst the safest countries on Earth

Chile is a very safe destination for travelers in South America. According to the Global Peace Index (updated every year), Chile currently ranks as the 27 th safest country on the planet. It is usually considered the safest country in South America, together with Uruguay.

Which is cheapest country in the world?

  • Sudan – 38.29.
  • Kyrgyzstan – 40.38.
  • Azerbaijan – 40.56.
  • Burma – 41.08.
  • Sierra Leone – 41.32.
  • Nepal – 41.85.
  • India – 42.86.
  • Tajikistan – 43.51.

Which South American country is the safest?

Uruguay tops this list as the safest South American country in 2021 with an overall score of 1.817 on the most recent Global Peace Index. This number also places the South American nation as the 47th safest country in the world and safest Latin American country after Costa Rica.

What is the nicest country in South America?

  • Venezuela. Venezuela for a long time has had the reputation of being one of the most physically beautiful and culturally warm countries in all of South America. ...
  • Colombia. ...
  • Guyana. ...
  • Brazil. ...
  • Suriname. ...
  • Peru. ...
  • French Guiana. ...
  • Bolivia.

Is it cheaper to live in South America?

A major draw is unquestionably its affordability. South America is quite a cheap continent to live on the whole , certainly when compared to North America or Europe. Medellin is cheap even by South American standards with renting accommodation great value, even if you’re looking to live in the very heart of the city.

Can you use US dollars in South America?

Each country in South America has its own currency except Ecuador which uses the US Dollar . The easiest currency to exchange is the US Dollar. Euros can also often be changed. Other currencies can sometimes be exchanged but it is best not to rely on it and rates may be poor.

How long does it take to go around South America by boat?

In all, the trip took 65 days . We traveled 15,987 nautical miles aboard ship and took 21 of the 90 tours offered, including three overnight flights inland.

Is South America safe for female backpackers?

All of the countries in Central and South America are generally safe to visit as a solo female traveller . There are, however, some areas that pose a risk and these should be avoided.

How long can I stay in South America?

If you are travelling as a tourist and do not require a visa, you will usually be granted a 90 day stay on a multiple entry basis. This allows you to enter the country numerous times within the period granted. 90 days is the maximum that can be given.

Is Colombia safe?

The short answer from us is yes, it is safe to travel to Colombia – as long as you keep your wits about you and stay away from known dangerous areas, this is one of the most incredible destinations in South America.

Is Peru safe?

The threat of violent crime in most of Peru is no greater than many of the world’s major cities. Traveling around Peru is relatively safe , and the Shining Path Maoist rebel group has been largely disbanded. The Peru of today is a far cry from the militaristic repression, rebellion, corruption and terror of the past.

Can you drive South America?

Can a person drive to South America? Yes, you can drive to South America with a small caveat that you will have to ship your car from Panama to Colombia because there is no road connecting the two countries and continents.

Timothy Chehowski
Author
Timothy Chehowski
Timothy Chehowski is a travel writer and photographer with over 10 years of experience exploring the world. He has visited over 50 countries and has a passion for discovering off-the-beaten-path destinations and hidden gems. Juan's writing and photography have been featured in various travel publications.