Hello all 
. I'll be going on a 10 day trip with my parents to Lima and Cusco this May. And while that trip's pretty much planned out already, I've decided to extend my trip an extra 2 months after and go solo (I just got dumped - I figured instead of moping, I'll turn that experience to something positive - travel!).
I'm a 23 year old female, and I'll be backpacking this leg of the trip. I'm looking to stay mostly in hostel dorms, and giving myself a $40 budget a day (this would include bus travel in between, but not my international flight as that's already been purchased - just need $90 to change the return). I've read through several backpacking blogs that touched on SA recently, and that seems to be the general budget. However, if you guys think that's not doable, feel free to let me know.
Off the map, I'm thinking of going south once we fly back to Lima from Cusco, and going to Ica-Nazca-Arequipa-Puno, then on to La Paz in Bolivia. But after that, I'm really kind of at a loss. I'd like to go explore Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina primarily, and maybe Paraguay in transit as well.
I'd love to see more of the Andes, maybe Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls. While I love looking at nature, I'm not much of a hiker. I do love being immersed in culture, though, and I love art and museums.
I've backpacked through Europe solo before, but I know SA will be a LOT different (not just culturally, but logistically), and I'd have to travel much slower. I'd appreciate any input on what cities/towns to stop by, and help on building a doable itinerary that'll fit within the 2 month frame I have.
Any tips or help you could give me would be much appreciated. Thanks, all!
Help for planning a 2-month SA trip
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Congrats on your trip.
www.saexplorers.org good general resource for you.
Have done your journey.
In 2 months travel by Grupo Ormeno best bus from
Cusco to www.titicacaperu.com then www.boliviabella.com
then Salta Iguazu BsAs Medoza Santiago/Valpo Salar Nasca Lima.
www.hostelbookers.com best hostels
www.travel.state.gov for entry safety info
www.insuremytrip.com always wise doen there.
Had a blast if you are careful with planning and play it safe
you will too..
Happy Planning,
I can only suggest a place in LA PAZ close to the witch Market, Hotel Majestic, nice place and great location.
I would also recomend DUMBO for snacks and ... take a bus to ORURO and from ORURO the bus to the Argnetinian border, by any of the trains. Wara Wara del sur or Expreso del sur.
You can get more info at www.fca.com.bo Avoid reaching LA PAZ late and if you have no choice, do not trust fake cops. YOu will find some travel mates for sure. Get close to them.
When you reach Argentina, you can cross the border, go to the bus Station at LA QUIACA, you can also take a bus not to SALTA but to Humahuaca ort Purmamarca...
Do not miss Purmamarca!!!!! you can also stay a night at least there and see the salt flats...
In Salta do not miss Cafayate...
Good luck.
Flintstones/Angie
While I didn't travel as a backpacker, I have travelled thru Peru, Chile and Argentina. I really enjoyed by time in Arequipa. We went onto Lake Titicaca from there. I know you can cross the border near there (which we didn't). I HIGHLY recommend spending a good deal of time in Argentina. I think you will find it cheaper to travel thru and you could hit Salta, Argentina, which is near the Bolivian border, which is a town I enjoy. I you then head West, you can run down the Argentina side of the Andes. I also love Mendoza and would recommend stopping on the Argentine or Chilean side of the lakes district or beyond (we stopped there unfortunately). Good luck with your itinerary - remember its the journey not the destination - be flexible!
Lots of good stuff above. Regarding budget, $40 per day is perfectly possible if a little challenging. For 2 months it is definitely worth paying the $40 to join http://www.saexplorers.org/ as mentioned by qwovadis above. This will give you access to their clubhouses and genuine discounts on accommodation, tours, restaurants.
Also, consider joiniong one of the hoestelling orgs for discounts.
We spent 5 month in SA mostly in Argentina, Peru and Chile and found getting around very easy - the bus system is excellent - cheap and comfortable and you can save a lot on accomodation by taking overnight buses on longer trips.
More info on our trip at http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog/candcthai/1/tpod.html entry #55 onwards cover South America
Crellston took the words right out of my mouth. Don't hesitate to take overnight buses. They really are comfortable and you save a night's accommodation.