Backpacking South America Travel Tips
There really is no right or wrong when it comes to traveling.
Given everyone has different goals, preferences, and tastes, it would be silly to try to follow what everyone else is doing.
However, having said that, there are definitely some ways that are better than others. Having spent years living this kind of lifestyle, I’ve made way too many mistakes, whilst also picking up some useful habits and tips along the way.
South America Backpacking Tips
Below I’m going to share 7 of my best South America travel tips, which range from eating authentic foods to finding remote destinations. You can even use them in Central America too if you’re passing though there on your travels.
So without further ado…
1. Eat the Menu Ejecutivos
When it comes to food, Latin America really is something else. Even if you’re not great with spices (I’m terrible too), there are plenty of other great dishes you absolutely must try when here.
Eating at restaurants is pretty standard, and even then it’s nice to change things up every now and then. However, if you’re backpacking, then sticking to a budget is probably going to be pretty important.
The Menu Ejecutivos are the best piece of advice I can give here.
Usually, you’ll find them in local restaurants, and consist of a starter, main and drinks all included. Whilst they can vary in price, they usually cost between $1-3 per person. An absolute bargain if you ask me, and it’s also a great way to try local dishes whilst also experiencing the local culture.
Of course eating new foods (especially local) has its risks, so make sure to take out some solid travel insurance before leaving home.
2. Grow Eyes in the Back of your Head
The trouble nowadays is that everything shared online makes traveling seem like roses and good times only. Whilst Latin America is full of awesome experiences, there are also many dangers that you need to be aware of.
Just like any other third-world place, petty theft is pretty common here, so you’ll need to start being more careful with your things.
Whilst others may say I’m paranoid, I’ve had nothing stolen yet, so take my word for it. This also means avoiding heading out alone late at night, since assault and rape can be more of a risk in certain areas.
And it’s not just the people either! In some areas like the Amazon, other things are going to be eyeing you up too… From poisonous snakes to hungry mammals, it’s best to stay alert.
3. Keep Forcing Yourself to be Open
At times I can be pretty stubborn, and this may or may not be the case with you too. Whilst this is handy sometimes, it can also somewhat limit your experience traveling though.
Sometimes it’s easy to think something just isn’t worth going to, so instead, you chill in your room or distract yourself with other things.
Knowing this was a habit of mine to kick, I deliberately forced myself to do things daily, regardless of how I felt. At the start it was hard, but like with any habit, I got better over time. And in fact, 90% of the time I found I actually enjoyed these things, made some new friends or had a memorable time.
Delay your judgment for after you’ve done something new, not before!
4. Pack Smart, Not Hard
Packing for a new trip can be both exciting and daunting at the same time. Given you can only pack once before leaving, it’s worth taking your time to get it done right.
As we’ve covered here in this guide on what to pack for Peru, some countries are going to have multiple climates, and you’ll need to prepare for pretty much anything and everything.
My golden tip here is to pack less, rather than more. Firstly, you’ll be carrying a lighter bag, and less likely to need to pay fees on planes. As well as this, you’ll have more space too for souvenirs or other things you pick up along the way.
Also be sure to pack many multi-functional items that can be used in many different situations. These hiking boots are great (guys click here, and girls click here) for all kinds of uses
Aim for a Backpack that’s 3/4 Full.
5. Stay around the Plaza de Armas (or the main Plaza of the city)
Most Latin American cities have a main plaza. Whilst the names can vary (In Peru it’s the Plaza de Armas), they’re usually pretty easy to find on a map. Either Google the main plaza of that place or look on maps for a square with garden patterns.
These plazas are usually the birthplace of the cities or towns, home to the main cathedral as well as having other important buildings dotted around.
So why would you want to stay near here?
As it’s the epicenter of all the bustle. It’s usually lined with the best restaurants and bars around, and you’ll find a hostel or two close by. In major cities like Cusco, you’ll also find lots of tour vendors offering day trips here too.
6. Be Flexible with Accommodation
Following on from this, we have the actual places you’ll be sleeping at. Pretty much everyone will agree that hostels are the way to go, considering the social atmosphere and cheap costs.
As well as using Booking.com, I also recommend downloading Airbnb and exploring your other options. In some places, I managed to get a private room somewhere with an en-suite, which was the same cost as a nearby dorm bed in a hostel!
Yes I love staying in hostels too, but after a while, you’ll want your own space and privacy too…
7. Get Off The Beaten Path
Most who usually travel in this style are usually open to getting off the beaten path. And when heading to Latin America, you’ll be rewarded with experiences with virtually no other tourists there with you.
I always liked traveling this way, as it gives you a real sense of the place, rather than seeing a sea of heads in a queue in front of you waiting for their pic of the day.
Paraguay was one of my favorites, where it still remains authentic when compared to other countries that feel, well, touristy to say the least.
This multi-day tour to the El Chacho region in Paraguay is unforgettable, where you’ll see many rare animals such as Jaguars, Capybara as well as the Giant Anteater.
South America Backpacking Tips
And that’s my seven top tips for a backpacking South America.
Regardless of how you travel, you’ll have a memorable time here. This continent really does have everything for everyone, so it’s now just a case of exploring and seeing what works best for you.
Be sure to come back and read this guide every now and then for a refresher. Maybe you’ll find some of these tips pretty useful, and help to make your days better when on the road.
Do you have any tips you can offer? How about something useful a new backpacker should know? Drop a comment below and let us all know!
Also, see our backpacking South America guide for trip planning ideas.
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