Backpacking South America

I was just curious if anyone has backpacked much of south America? I'm a 23 y/o male and Ive backpacked Europe already and I've been thinking about doing SA. How much is it for cost of living? how are traveling conditions? In Europe i had the luxury of using the rail system but i know its different in SA, anyone know the best ways? How do people treat backpackers. Is there as much of a backpacking society there? I was thinking about starting in Ecuador then going south through Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and Brazil before coming home. Any advice on these countries? Thanks for any info.

Sorry I can't be much help with SA, but I would love to hear about some of where you went in Europe. Which countries did you visit, what are some of your highlites, best bang for your buck hostels, etc. A friend and I are planning to backpack Europe next summer. Any advice or tips would be very welcome!

Allyssa

Brazil is pretty nice, but it is quite a culture shock for most Canadians - forget law and order and get ready for some serious fun and freedom.

Brazil is a huge country and therefore has a very big diversity - from the northeast ful of beaches, warm water and easy-life-easy-going to the south, hard working and well-kept city where I live, Curitiba, surrounded with mountains and rainforest. It's worth the trip - but trust me, get yourself a good guide (such as the lonely planet) for general reference and THEN talk to locals - they'll keep you away from the standard tourist points and get you the cream.

[Backpacking in Peru it is easy, but of course hotels can be cheaps but not the same quility as in other countries. There are many people backpacking here in Peru, food can be get to 1 us dolar 1 menu, but this can maybe give some stomac problems to travellers not use to.

If you want to know about trips to the jungle just mail me.

Just have medications ready and liberating freedom set. You'd experience quite a culture shock. But it's really fun (so says my brother)

It's a piece of cake. You have nothing to worry about. Fantastic region of the world and perhaps only Africa can touch it in terms of the natural landscape and culture.

Absolutely go.

I traveled to Peru and Bolivia this spring and it was fantastic. I think I flew down with $2500 in my account, spent three months there, and flew back with about $500 leftover. And mind you, I did everything I wanted, and ate generally well.

Hostels in the tourist cities of Peru like Cusco, Arequipa and Lima range in price, but I'd say around $10-15 a night is average if you want a nice place with all the amenities of home. Cheaper ones can obviously be found if you put in the effort and are adventurous.

Buses are real easy to go from city to city on. Most places in Peru have central terminals where you can roll up and reserve a seat for the next day, or even shorter notice depending on the company and length of the trip. The cost is generally quite cheap, working out to about $1usd/hr. Some of the companies have enroute movies, hot food, blankets and everything else you'd associate with a discount airline.

For daytime trips, take the cheaper buses - they're more exciting. Pay a little more overnight trips, remember you're saving on hostel costs.

Food varies, but it's cheap, and if you like chicken and rice you're in the right place.

Bolivia is comparable to Peru with regard to everything I've said here... except it's cheaper, and way more fun. The people are cooler too.

Go. Go. Go!!!

I had literally zero trouble during the three months I spent there. I met countless others travelling alone and while there were some negative stories, you have to expect that things can get hairy sometimes. Just talk to people you meet, get recommendations, and be open to inconvenience.

Okay, if you have any specific questions with regard to Peru or Bolivia I will try and answer as best I can.

I only can recommend Ecuador. It's an amazing country an I fell in love with it!!!!