10-12 week Backpacking Trip in South America
Nov 12th, 2015, 01:53 PM
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10-12 week Backpacking Trip in South America
Hey all,
I'm new to this forum and figured I'd make a post to get some solid advice. I am studying abroad next March in Lima, Peru. Since my winter semester ends in December, I figured I could backpack in South America from that time until my classes start! I haven't been given a specific date in March yet, but I'm guessing it is mid-to end of March. I plan on leaving right after New Year's, hence the 10-12 week approximation.
My very rough itinerary:
-Fly into possibly Ushuaia, or a nearby airport. I want to hit Patagonia early. Especially Torres Del Paine National Park and Tierra Del Fuego. (Are these part of Patagonia?)
-I want to spend half a week to a week in Buenos Aires. I am slightly concerned because this is kind of out of the way, but does anyone have recommendations on the best way to do this?
- I then plan to get back into Chile, spend a few days in Santiago, before heading to the Atacama Desert.
-Bolivia will be next. I'd like to spend a considerable amount of time here, since I've read it's very cheap. La Paz seems to be very affordable. I read it's easy to get a sickness here due to the altitude. How much of an issue really is this?
- I really want to get an extended look at parts of the Amazon forest. Would Bolivia or Peru be better for this? This will impact how much time I spend in Bolivia.
- I will then hit up Cusco for a some time. I'd like to see some Incan ruins.
- I will then finally make my way over to Lima, hopefully in time for the start of classes!
I'm not too worried about getting an extended look at Peru in this time period of January-March, since I will be studying there for months afterward; I figure I can visit Machu Picchu and such when I have time off classes.
So....does this sound realistic? Will I have enough time to do all this? Also, I plan on spending $2500-$3000 for the backpacking portion. Is this reasonable? Feel free to give me all the criticism you want. Thanks guys!
I'm new to this forum and figured I'd make a post to get some solid advice. I am studying abroad next March in Lima, Peru. Since my winter semester ends in December, I figured I could backpack in South America from that time until my classes start! I haven't been given a specific date in March yet, but I'm guessing it is mid-to end of March. I plan on leaving right after New Year's, hence the 10-12 week approximation.
My very rough itinerary:
-Fly into possibly Ushuaia, or a nearby airport. I want to hit Patagonia early. Especially Torres Del Paine National Park and Tierra Del Fuego. (Are these part of Patagonia?)
-I want to spend half a week to a week in Buenos Aires. I am slightly concerned because this is kind of out of the way, but does anyone have recommendations on the best way to do this?
- I then plan to get back into Chile, spend a few days in Santiago, before heading to the Atacama Desert.
-Bolivia will be next. I'd like to spend a considerable amount of time here, since I've read it's very cheap. La Paz seems to be very affordable. I read it's easy to get a sickness here due to the altitude. How much of an issue really is this?
- I really want to get an extended look at parts of the Amazon forest. Would Bolivia or Peru be better for this? This will impact how much time I spend in Bolivia.
- I will then hit up Cusco for a some time. I'd like to see some Incan ruins.
- I will then finally make my way over to Lima, hopefully in time for the start of classes!
I'm not too worried about getting an extended look at Peru in this time period of January-March, since I will be studying there for months afterward; I figure I can visit Machu Picchu and such when I have time off classes.
So....does this sound realistic? Will I have enough time to do all this? Also, I plan on spending $2500-$3000 for the backpacking portion. Is this reasonable? Feel free to give me all the criticism you want. Thanks guys!
Nov 13th, 2015, 08:08 AM
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I would suggest starting in BA rather than Ushuaia. You might find my two month trip itinerary useful - click on my name for my TR. Also, depending on your nationality, you may need visas (or to pay reciprocity fees).
Why does it matter whether somewhere you want to see is in "Patagonia"?
Why does it matter whether somewhere you want to see is in "Patagonia"?
Nov 13th, 2015, 09:05 AM
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"I plan on spending $2500-$3000 for the backpacking portion. Is this reasonable?" - What do you mean by the backpacking portion?
That works out at around $35 per day which, IME, is unrealistic even for basic food and lodging, except perhaps for Bolivia.
That works out at around $35 per day which, IME, is unrealistic even for basic food and lodging, except perhaps for Bolivia.
Nov 13th, 2015, 06:37 PM
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Thanks for the replies. To answer your questions:
There is no one specific I want to see in Patagonia. I just really want to see the area, and logistically it makes sense to start there and work up. Also, I am a US citizen. How will this affect my visa requirements?
By the backpacking portion, I mean not including airfare, and not including my time spend in Lima taking classes. Just the traveling portion. Seems like I'll be spending an extended amount of time in Bolivia then.
There is no one specific I want to see in Patagonia. I just really want to see the area, and logistically it makes sense to start there and work up. Also, I am a US citizen. How will this affect my visa requirements?
By the backpacking portion, I mean not including airfare, and not including my time spend in Lima taking classes. Just the traveling portion. Seems like I'll be spending an extended amount of time in Bolivia then.
Nov 13th, 2015, 08:12 PM
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You need to go to the embassy websites for the countries you want to visit. Search on, eg., "bolivia embassy washington".
I agree with crellston, not enough money. Check Lonely Planet for current costs. Maybe Colombia would work also?
I agree with crellston, not enough money. Check Lonely Planet for current costs. Maybe Colombia would work also?
Nov 13th, 2015, 09:47 PM
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With a US passport you will need a visa for Bolivia and a reciprocity fee paid online before you embark for Argentina. Nothing for Chile. I am not sure how much the Bolivian one is, apparently possible to get at a border entrance to the country but check what you need to have, but last time I heard it was US$135. The fee for Argentina is currently US$160. That could go up if the US increases the cost of a visa application for Argentines.So that is already a chunk out of your budget.
Your budget is not enough for Chile, especially Patagonia. You may be willing to sit on a bus rather than fly but distances are huge and travel is not cheap. You would be hitting Patagonia, and everywhere else, in high season as well. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most expensive places you can go as you need tours to get to the surrounding sites. You can take the 3-4 day tour into the Uyuni salt flats from there, an amazing sight, which would take you into much cheaper Bolivia. It will be the rainy season which may affect some travel there.
In Argentina you will have to watch and see what happens with the exchange after the elections as present costs may rise considerably.
Any good library will have guidebooks. Borrow one to have a look at distances and possible itineraries to get where you want. Try to check per day costs for different places or some prices. You can always lower what you spend on food a bit but entrance fees and buses won't change cost.
When you have a small budget you can stretch it by choosing destinations you can afford, staying longer in fewer places or shortening the number of days you will spend on the trip.
Your budget is not enough for Chile, especially Patagonia. You may be willing to sit on a bus rather than fly but distances are huge and travel is not cheap. You would be hitting Patagonia, and everywhere else, in high season as well. San Pedro de Atacama is one of the most expensive places you can go as you need tours to get to the surrounding sites. You can take the 3-4 day tour into the Uyuni salt flats from there, an amazing sight, which would take you into much cheaper Bolivia. It will be the rainy season which may affect some travel there.
In Argentina you will have to watch and see what happens with the exchange after the elections as present costs may rise considerably.
Any good library will have guidebooks. Borrow one to have a look at distances and possible itineraries to get where you want. Try to check per day costs for different places or some prices. You can always lower what you spend on food a bit but entrance fees and buses won't change cost.
When you have a small budget you can stretch it by choosing destinations you can afford, staying longer in fewer places or shortening the number of days you will spend on the trip.
Nov 13th, 2015, 10:26 PM
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Thanks for the clarification budge. Given your budget, I would be inclined to spend all your time in Bolivia and for a shorter time. No hardship really as there is so much to see and, having spent a lot of time on the continent, it is probably my favourite place to visit.
Basic accommodation can still be found for $10 pn although $20 will make a world of difference. Eating in small local places and markets will get you a good and very filling meal for $2-3. Bus travel is cheap but usually just about acceptable as far as comfort is concerned but distances are vast and roads not always great so it does take time.
You will need to account for tour costs e.g. jungle, salar de uyuni etc.. But these are cheaper than anywhere else In South America.
Here is a link to our blog of our last trip tom SA. Please don't take our itinerary as the best way as it really isn't as, for a variety of reasons, I ( or fate) managed to screw up our plans occasionally!
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/6/tpod.html
Staring and finishing in Lima should provide opportunities to see a bit of Peru without too much difficulty.
Finally, a weather warning. We were there July - Sept which was great. Not sure about Jan - March weather.
Have fun planning and happy to answer any questions which arise.
Basic accommodation can still be found for $10 pn although $20 will make a world of difference. Eating in small local places and markets will get you a good and very filling meal for $2-3. Bus travel is cheap but usually just about acceptable as far as comfort is concerned but distances are vast and roads not always great so it does take time.
You will need to account for tour costs e.g. jungle, salar de uyuni etc.. But these are cheaper than anywhere else In South America.
Here is a link to our blog of our last trip tom SA. Please don't take our itinerary as the best way as it really isn't as, for a variety of reasons, I ( or fate) managed to screw up our plans occasionally!
http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog...ai/6/tpod.html
Staring and finishing in Lima should provide opportunities to see a bit of Peru without too much difficulty.
Finally, a weather warning. We were there July - Sept which was great. Not sure about Jan - March weather.
Have fun planning and happy to answer any questions which arise.
Nov 25th, 2015, 06:43 PM
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Hi,
Just want to add in a few things to help your planning:
I've been slow backpacking South America for the past year on a budget of £15 ($25) per day, . Apart from some parts of Peru, this has been enough APART from in the south of Chile (the Patagonian parts of the country which you want to visit like Torres del Paine) and Argentina - for various reasons it was next to impossible. Torres del Paine charges 18,000 Chilean (about $35US) for entry and accommodation in the park for those hiking is expensive too (around $35+ without food). Throw in your transport there and back and if you plan on seeing Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina, then you will have burned through A LOT of your travel fund in your first week! Patagonia is just not a cheap destination to visit. Argentina in 2015 is just not possible on a tight budget either. I'd hate for that to happen to you, so I'd advise against it if your budget of $3000 for 10-12 weeks is strict.
Second, your budget works out at $250 per week, which is more than I've been on ($175). In Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, you will get by with that so long as you budget backpack, d.i.y. a lot of activities and limit your movement. In the south of Peru, Chile and Argentina, travelling on that budget will be EXTREMELY difficult. Thrown in that to enter Argentina Americans have to pay a sizeable entry fee, and you might want to reconsider that visit to BA.
My girlfriend and I have a website - www.alongdustyroads.com - where we list the costs of backpacking in each Latin American country, our budgets from each country, routes and activity suggestions, budget travel tips etc etc, so take a look and hopefully that can give you some more ideas for the big adventure!
All the best
Just want to add in a few things to help your planning:
I've been slow backpacking South America for the past year on a budget of £15 ($25) per day, . Apart from some parts of Peru, this has been enough APART from in the south of Chile (the Patagonian parts of the country which you want to visit like Torres del Paine) and Argentina - for various reasons it was next to impossible. Torres del Paine charges 18,000 Chilean (about $35US) for entry and accommodation in the park for those hiking is expensive too (around $35+ without food). Throw in your transport there and back and if you plan on seeing Perito Moreno glacier in Argentina, then you will have burned through A LOT of your travel fund in your first week! Patagonia is just not a cheap destination to visit. Argentina in 2015 is just not possible on a tight budget either. I'd hate for that to happen to you, so I'd advise against it if your budget of $3000 for 10-12 weeks is strict.
Second, your budget works out at $250 per week, which is more than I've been on ($175). In Colombia, Ecuador and Bolivia, you will get by with that so long as you budget backpack, d.i.y. a lot of activities and limit your movement. In the south of Peru, Chile and Argentina, travelling on that budget will be EXTREMELY difficult. Thrown in that to enter Argentina Americans have to pay a sizeable entry fee, and you might want to reconsider that visit to BA.
My girlfriend and I have a website - www.alongdustyroads.com - where we list the costs of backpacking in each Latin American country, our budgets from each country, routes and activity suggestions, budget travel tips etc etc, so take a look and hopefully that can give you some more ideas for the big adventure!
All the best
Dec 8th, 2015, 07:54 AM
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Hey,
I spent 11 months in Bolivia (which is hard work to organise as you need a completely different visa) but it did mean I got to see most of the country.
Yes altitude sickness can be a problem in La Paz, but ultimately as long as you come gradually up from sea level, rather than attempting to fly in then you should be fine. Drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep and not having too much alcohol, as well as taking it easy when you walk around, should all make sure that you don't feel the effects too much either.
La Paz is a great city - I lived there for about 6 weeks and I really enjoyed it. It's pretty mental as it's fully of traffic and on a huge slope so can be a bit tough physically, but there are some great places nearby to visit (I camped and volunteered at http://colibricamping.com/ which is further down the valley,quite close to the Valley of the Moon which many people visit). There's also Coroico and Sorata which are beautiful places to visit, but just be aware that you will be there during the rainy season which can make some roads quite dangerous.
You definitely have to go to the Salt Flats near Uyuni and I think that the jungle in Bolivia is a better choice than in Peru. Mainly because a) there are still fewer tourists going to Parque Madidi near Rurrenabaque, and thus it's still regarded as one of the most diverse areas of rainforest in the world. The tours are also significantly cheaper (although I would recommend flying from La Paz to Rurre which is about £100/ $150 but does save the 18 hour bus journey which I doubt would be much fun in rainy season).
Finally, Bolivia is super cheap and I managed to travel on about £15 or $22 a day during my time there. I tend to avoid organised tours and speak good Spanish though which does help, but Bolivia is definitely a lot more affordable than the other countries!
Good luck!
Steph
I spent 11 months in Bolivia (which is hard work to organise as you need a completely different visa) but it did mean I got to see most of the country.
Yes altitude sickness can be a problem in La Paz, but ultimately as long as you come gradually up from sea level, rather than attempting to fly in then you should be fine. Drinking lots of water, getting enough sleep and not having too much alcohol, as well as taking it easy when you walk around, should all make sure that you don't feel the effects too much either.
La Paz is a great city - I lived there for about 6 weeks and I really enjoyed it. It's pretty mental as it's fully of traffic and on a huge slope so can be a bit tough physically, but there are some great places nearby to visit (I camped and volunteered at http://colibricamping.com/ which is further down the valley,quite close to the Valley of the Moon which many people visit). There's also Coroico and Sorata which are beautiful places to visit, but just be aware that you will be there during the rainy season which can make some roads quite dangerous.
You definitely have to go to the Salt Flats near Uyuni and I think that the jungle in Bolivia is a better choice than in Peru. Mainly because a) there are still fewer tourists going to Parque Madidi near Rurrenabaque, and thus it's still regarded as one of the most diverse areas of rainforest in the world. The tours are also significantly cheaper (although I would recommend flying from La Paz to Rurre which is about £100/ $150 but does save the 18 hour bus journey which I doubt would be much fun in rainy season).
Finally, Bolivia is super cheap and I managed to travel on about £15 or $22 a day during my time there. I tend to avoid organised tours and speak good Spanish though which does help, but Bolivia is definitely a lot more affordable than the other countries!
Good luck!
Steph
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