Feb 14, 2017 welcome to a firstofitskinda definitive rundown of the best backpacking spot in each state plus two runnersup based on a survey of backpacker readers. I originally visited in 2008 with g adventures and did a brazilargentina tour followed by a separate tour to peru a fantastic trip. I then flew to columbia where i camped on the beach in hammocks and explored the beautiful walled city of cartagena before sailing north to panama. Go solo hiking backpacker your backpacking, hiking. Feb 04, 2017 chile, bolivia, peru and colombia for 3 months. As i see it, solo travel is the ultimate responsibility. Learning basic spanish before your arrival in south america will make the transition much easier for you. How did you travel between south america countries, that is did you travel between countries by aircraft, or did you bus it between countries. Holagringo 6 month backpacking through south america.
Whether its your first time traveling alone or youre a seasoned lone ranger, heres some top tips for solo travel in south america. Download our backpacking south america pdf so you can access it on the. To help them out, i list some suggested sights, a list of bus times as i know them really hard to find. I spent three amazing months backpacking around south america. South america offers a unique backpacking experience for those who are adventurous enough to go.
Hiking pants 3 pairs long sleave top 1 flannel 1 jeans 1 fleece down coat 850 fill down vest 600 fill beanie gloves buff hiking boots running shoes flip flops sandals 7 pairs underwear 5. How i packed for 3 months in south america in 1 carryon. Obstacles are your opportunities to prove your resourcefulness, your equanimity, and your resolve. Given the size of the united states, there are plenty of ways to save money when you travel america but it varies a lot by region as ive been repeating a lot. Tips for traveling solo through south america budget travel. Most visitors follow a similar itinerary, known as the gringo trail, which winds through the continents top destinations. South america travel bolivia, chile, colombia, peru. This lonely planet is also available as kindle ebook and covers the highlights in argentina, bolivia, brazil, chile, colombia, peru etc. A tale of ignoring life advice while backpacking around south america.
Backpacking south america, my route, total cost and few tips solo. If youre planning a solo trip in south america, heres everything you need to know. This sort of challenge just doesnt happen on a bus tour when there are 39 other people who look just like you in close proximity. This post will tell you exactly what you need to pack for a backpacking trip around south america. Let us help you to plan a lifechanging backpacking adventure in south america. Backpacking southamerica for 5 months backpaco world. It is like a ride in the back of an old pickup truck over unpaved roads of south america with the indigenous people exploring the beauty of south american landscapes, experiencing its rich culture, visiting the lively towns and cities, exploring its ancient ruins, witnessing its scenic treasures, and learning about the untold stories of the. An independent backpacker s guide to travelling in latin america. If you want to come well prepared the following guides are great resources to take with you mostly also available as ebooks for your time in south america. Nov 17, 2015 the key to traveling alone here is not to stay alone all the time make an effort to meet other travelers and you will increase your overall safety, and make great friends on the way. But he makes clear how chavez, alone among venezuelan politicians of the postindependence era, has. Should i purchase a money belt, pepper spray, or anything like that. Why south america is the best destination for backpackers.
South america is now one of the most popular gap year and backpacking destinations in the world, so youre sure to find some fellow travelers in your hostel. Great times, tales and tips through the adventurous southern continent. Sep 15, 2019 backpacking in south america you dont have to rough it accommodation in south america can be both cheap and cheerful. I have been 8 months in south america backpacking through peru, bolivia, argentina, chile and uruguay. Ive spent some time backpacking around south america myself including your beautiful country. Reflecting back on my trip, i have put together 12 tips for backpacking south america. Best backpacking holidays in america backpacking tours. So you have decided to finally backpack south america. Note that we say readers, plural, which means that our results are not one persons opinion. Good job im here with the top things to do in each country and the best way to travel between them. On the approach, skirt outcrops at bald rock and see table rock mountain looming to the south. Looking for more tips for backpacking in south ame rica. And unless youre a total lone wolf, youre probably a bit worried about being by yourself so often.
Backpacking in south america free travel guide backpacker steve. Naturally there are a number of things one does need to take into account as a woman traveling anywhere alone, and south america certainly has its own issues to look out for as a solo female traveller. May 30, 2015 the backpacker trail through south america is full of solo female travelers, happily making their way through across the continent. Aug 02, 2017 backpacking junkie will take you from clueless, newbie backpacker to savvy, seasoned backpacker to travel the world by yourself. A packing guide to backpacking south america youtube. The 12 best books about south america to add to your reading list. From poring over brochures, to shopping for a shiny new set of hiking boots, to the. You want a bag big enough to carry the essentials but not so big that it gets in the way when you are on trains or buses and you may not realize how often you are going to have that bag on your back. Backpacking around the countries of south america could keep you entertained for years, and it could take you almost as long planning it. A backpackers high camp near white rock lake on the ptarmigan traverse backpacking route. Hardly anything felt genuine there, with only a few less.
I will begin a 5 weeks backpacking tour through the u. We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. Before we begin, lets start with this major premise. That said, it is easy to travel south america on a budget. When i travel through south america, my idea has always been to connect with families and to be living in different households.
Oct 20, 2014 when solo backpacking, you wont be alone. My parents have some concerns about me going alone, and so i was wondering if you might have any insight into safety in these countries. The first couple of times you do things solo, yes, it may feel weird. Jan 03, 2014 to help them out, i list some suggested sights, a list of bus times as i know them really hard to find. I just had this vague idea that i wanted to travel. No one i knew wanted to come along, but i still wanted to go, so i did it by myself. If you still need some backpacking in south ame rica travel advice, we recommend reading about the best things we packed for south america, and what not to do in south america a guest post on probe around the globe. I know i definitely was before my first trip backpacking alone through central america. Jan 10, 2014 last year, laura yan spent seven months in colombia, ecuador, peru and bolivia. Even if youve never backpacked before, wed implore you to give it a shot.
We have teamed up with audible to bring you our top 10 travel audiobooks to. Some travellers come for the beauty of the varied nature, others venture here to experience new cultures, while many come to see the famous landmarks that pop into mind at the mention of the words south america. But soon, those moments you felt unsure of, arriving into a big city as the sun goes down, heading out for a meal alone, will become enjoyable parts of the experience the promise of new friends in new destinations, the chance to sit and appreciate the view over dinner without needing to engage. South america is a large continent consisting of a diverse array of climates, from the hot and humid amazon jungle to to the arid and cold andean mountains, so obviously this really depends on where you plan on going exactly. Unfortunately i have lost some footage from chile but even like this its a tad bit longer than i was. Traveling solo in south america as a woman the legendary. Im a 24 year old female looking at backpacking solo in south america namely bolivia, peru, ecuador possibly more. My annual list of audiobooks for hiking backpacking light.
Best backpacking holidays in america backpacking tours usa. How much did 5 months travelling in south america cost. I agree with both of the above, although obviously different peoples ideas about budget and what constitutes backpacking can be very different. If you are contemplating backpacking central america, then this is a great place to start. In todays post, tfgs backpacking guru is sharing her tips from living in and backpacking south america. I quickly discovered that i liked it more than hiking with a partner or a group.
South america is one of the worlds most spectacular and intriguing trekking destinations. How to map out where to go next on your travel that is economical and fun while being spontaneous all at the same time. Such are the stories you collected when you travel alone. Last year, laura yan spent seven months in colombia, ecuador, peru and bolivia. From its ranges rise the western hemispheres most impressive alpine peaks, and it is home to traditional indian peoples, as well as intriguing sites of aymara, inca, and preinca civilizations. Depending on where you start and finish, you could possibly be going from cold to tropical weather in the span of a day. I was working at a law firm in new york city, and i knew i wanted to quit my job after a year.
Not only that, but you also need to pack for different geographies and climates which will range from bonechilling mountains ranges to sweatinducing. Home forums campfire chaff my annual list of audiobooks for hiking viewing posts 1 through of total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends campsaver. Not all prices include the full cost of accommodation as i was working in exchange for free stays, so please check the individual costs for each country below. Solo travel is a great way to get outside your comfort zone and do something courageous. Here i give you all information needed for backpacking in south america from preparation and tips to detailed guides. South east asia was a lot of fun, but the backpacker trail has worn heavy on the countries. This offers some unique difficulties when it comes to packing a backpack.
Whether you want to hike the andes, selfdrive brazil, delve into the guianas or take the train to machu picchu, these eight journeys will inspire a latin adventure. I was alone so i needed to bring absolutely everything in my own luggage, while i was expecting hot weather in the beginning and then heading into south american winter so i needed quite a range of clothes. Here are the countries i visited as well as the average amount i spent each day. From the summit, gaze across pristine forest and spy 6,000foot peaks lying on the horizon. Tips and travel advice for people interested in backpacking south america. I show some of my moments backpacking in south america. Backpacking essentials for traveling south america. Discover the best solo travel guides in best sellers. Backpacking junkie will take you from clueless, newbie backpacker to savvy, seasoned backpacker to travel the world by yourself. Covered with sights that give testimony to the continents chaotic yet captivating history, across a series of nations as unique as they are huge, this is a region where few are disappointed and many cant help but return. I got started when i hiked the long trail in vermont in 2008.
The rich culture of these latin american countries makes it easy to have an experience at ground level, from the man grilling up intestines on the corner to the locals dressed in indigenous clothing. First of all you should check out all the free south america travel guides i published. Although travelling alone in south america might feel like a daunting prospect, youre never likely to be far away from potential travel companions. These books about south america will charm, teach and inspire you in equal measures. South americas strangeness and beauty comes from the fact that often the most deliberate tourist attractions still give you that transcendent feeling only usually.
Kindleebookapp to read ebooks is essential for every book lover, like myself. It shows you want to learn more about how to plan your own 30day south america backpacking route. This blog post is available as a convenient and portable pdf that. Colombia travel guide south america travel guide, backpacking colombia, medellin travel, bogota travel, cartagena travel, leticia travel. Solo backpacking in south america americas south america. Get in quickly, however, because backpackers are beginning to discover south america in droves. Hi, this is an awesome post about budgeting travel for south america. Latin america takes in a fair few countries, so travellers tend not to stick to just one. French citizen christy offret shares her tips and adventures from the road, two months into her south american backpacking journey. Dec 16, 2016 my backpacking central america budget. Without a doubt, we encountered our fair share of disappointing hostels but with our tips, you can skip right to the best of the best. You want a bag big enough to carry the essentials but not so big that it gets in the way when you are on trains or buses and you may not realize.
Three friends are planning separate trips to south america in 2014 one is world cuprelated. Backpacking through south america is completely immersive. Every year thousands of young people from all over the world find that our group backpacking holidays offer. Also, i lived in south america mostly peru for those five months. Whilst this is true for some things, south america is not as cheap as backpacking in india or southeast asia. Explore for up to six months with this south america travel itinerary.
I will start my backpacking trip in early september starting in texas and heading to mexico city via bus, then hitch rides from there through central america and plan to take a boat from panama to colombia, once in colombia i plan on hitching rides to venezuela, ecuador, peru, bolivia, argentina, and chile, not necessarily in that order. South america packing list your perfect travel checklist. For a hiker of moderate experience, backpacking alone for several days may be just as challenging, and rewarding, as a free solo ascent is to honnold. I have experience travelling solo in europe, and also spent 6 months abroad in southeast.
Backpacking central and south america alone hey, i am a 23 year old girl who is trying to plan a 3month ish trip to central and south america. How i packed for 3 months in south america in 1 carryon bag. Home forums gear forums gear general most ready available fuel source in latin america viewing 6 posts 1 through 6 of 6 total forums are supported by our merchant partners disclosure rei coupons zpacks hyperlite patagonia arcteryx rbtr drop backcountry feathered friends. I originally visited in 2008 with g adventures and did a brazilargentina tour followed by a separate tour to peru a fantastic trip in todays post, tfgs backpacking guru is sharing her tips from living in and backpacking south america. A tale of ignoring life advice while backpacking around south america baker, amy on. A list of south america travel guides on go backpacking, as well as links to blog posts for the various countries. What to bring on a long backpacking trip so youre going on a big backpacking trip across south america and you need to pack for several months on the road. But can you encounter unexpected obstacles on even the safest itinerary. If budget allows, then i actually think international flights within south america are pretty reason. Backpacking south america travel advice green toad bus. Thankfully, i always had my kindle and a good audiobook on hand to occupy myself. Now, lets talk about some of the amazing things ive learned while backpacking through south america.
Backpacking solo through mexico, central and south america. I spent my firstmonth hiking around peru, exploring machu picchu and camping in the amazon. For those of you who have already made up your mind, then youre in the right place. This backpacking in south america cost overview is based on notes from my own travels as well as uptodate research. Apart from brazil or mexico its quite common to travel in several countries on one trip and not uncommon to cover the whole region. Written by backpackers for backpackers, this website offers travel guides, inspirational articles, itineraries and trip planning advice. South america is an incredible continent with so much to offer the adventurous traveler. Tips for solo travel in south america lonely planet. It is the common belief that backpacking in south america is dirt cheap. I am researchingplanning a trip to south america for later this year, similar to the places listed in this blog. The backpacker trail through south america is full of solo female travelers, happily making their way through across the continent. The complete packing guide to backpacking south america. As the story unfolds it becomes clear that this is not going to be a typical story of a western backpacker. Obaidur rahaman, a native of india, embarks on a solo journey in south america.