Do you want to go to South America? Plan to hike Peru’s Inca Trail? Cruise around the Amazon River? Walk on the lovely streets of Cartagena? Or check out Galapagos Islands? Do you want to discover South America through backpacking your way around it? This guide is for you! We’ll give you Backpacking Survival Tips!

South America is massive; it includes Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela. The views are not only mindblowing; it is also rich in cultural heritage. People are friendly and the cuisines are delicious.

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If yes, reading this is a good idea. South America is indeed a great place to backpack as countries are beside each other and it’s cheap. Although a bit harder than the South East Asia route, it is an adventure that’s worth it.

In your South America journey, challenges may be up ahead due to language barriers, vast jungles, and longer treks but it is doable and a fantastic experience. If you want to come back home in one piece with many stories to tell, here are my tips on how to survive backpacking in South America.

1. Learn Spanish

When in another foreign country, it is better to learn their language. When traveling to South America, you need to learn basic Spanish, as it is widely spoken and could help you in wandering around. You could understand what is going on and determine if one person is threatening or not. When you know Spanish, you could also talk to the locals which is a terrific experience, and they will be in awe with you speaking it. You could ask for directions from residents or give one to the driver who doesn’t speak English. Using their language can also help you in ordering food or getting explanation on what it is. Indeed, there are many perks in knowing Spanish, so try to download a book or an app and start practicing your ¡Hola!

2. Do Your Research and Plan Your Initial Route

When going to South America, plan a rough itinerary. Figure out which countries you are going, how many days you are spending there and which places are a must-do. When you research a country, you may know what places are a bit dangerous so you can avoid it. Also, you can search ahead on how to travel from one country to another (via bus or plane). However, not all things will go as planned so be flexible and go with the flow. Here are my tips on how you can find cheap flight routes from Manila to South America.

3. Money Matters

Have a budget in traveling to South America and stick to it. It’s better also to have an extra amount saved especially if something goes wrong. Know where you can deal with a reasonable rate when you exchange your money. Pick between a money changer or withdrawing cash in your ATM. If you also have money in you, don’t keep it in one place, scatter it as much as possible. I suggest bring US Dollars.

4. Pack Light

You will be carrying your backpack all over South America, so pack well and smartly. You don’t want your back to hurt while in South America because it’s heavy. Overpacking or underpacking could ruin your trip too, put in essentials (your needs). If you need more packing tips, here are 11 Convenient Tips On How To Pack For Your Trips - Pack Smart & Light.

Check the weather, it might be cold, and you might forget to put your jacket inside. Comfort over style, you may want that awesome red flowing dress however it won’t be gorgeous wearing that on a trail or on a busy street as it might get unwanted attention. If you don’t have a backpack yet or planning to buy a new one; here is my Best Backpacks List. It will be cold from June to August while warmer during the Christmas season.

5. Keep Your Valuables Safe

Don’t wear or flash your valuables in South America that will make you a target for thieves or pickpockets. Invest in anti-pickpocket clothes or bags, keep money on different places; your wallet, underwear or socks. Don’t walk on the street with your phone in hand, it might get snatched. If you have many gadgets and you are paranoid to lose it, it is better not bring it on your trip, you might get obsessed about keeping your things safe and won’t enjoy your expedition because of that.

6. Stay in groups

We have heard of many dangerous things happening in South America, countless may have been an exaggeration, but it is better safe than sorry. When traveling within South America, try doing it with a group rather than being alone. It is still safe to go solo backpacking but to be honest, you’ll never be alone when you travel solo since you’ll always meet fellow backpacker on the road.

You can make friends in hostels, couch surfing or maybe a Facebook group. In meeting up and traveling with fellow backpackers, you could know more tips on your travel too. Never walk in the streets alone, especially at night. Better to always bring a friend with you. If you’re traveling alone, and want to go out, ask the locals for a safer route to your destination.

7. Do what locals do

Observe how they dress, how they use their phones, how they pay; it will help you blend in and not be a target. It is also great to interact with locals. Residents can give you advice on your journey and recommend places that they only know.

8. Enjoy the Local Food

Enjoy the locals' dishes and try as many as possible. However, mind your health, if you have allergies; always ask about the ingredients. If you are also not used to the local’s water, always buy distilled water bottles in the store. If you’re on a diet, be very careful as South American dishes will ruin it; not only is it delicious, it’s cheap too!

9. Go Hiking

If you plan to hike or trek on mountains; exercise or train beforehand. You need to strengthen your muscles and build endurance to support yourself especially while carrying your bag when you are climbing. South America has many gorgeous trails, so it’s quite impossible not to try. Condition yourself so you won’t feel sick afterward. If you need to buy new shoes for hikes, check this article.

10. Get Travel Insurance

Travel insurance gives us protection in case of unforeseen events; from medical emergencies, vehicular accidents, flight delays, or losing belongings. We never know what happens in our journey, lately, in my Pakistan trip, I got into an accident, but with my insurance, my medical bills were covered by them. The process was smooth too, and the hospitals were terrific. If you want you can get yours here.

It’s confusing where to start or what to choose from because each country has countless of unique things to offer. I hope this article will give you invaluable tips in making your way to this gorgeous continent. Keep safe and Happy Travels!

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