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South America
South America: Epic Routes, Endless Variety
South America is a dream destination for adventurous travellers who want scale, culture and wild beauty in one trip. From the colourful streets of Medellín to the iconic Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro, the continent is packed with unforgettable stops. Whether you're chasing waterfalls in the Amazon, hiking the Inca Trail or staring up at Patagonian peaks, this is where backpacking dreams become reality.
Planning a route across Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina or Brazil? We’ll build your custom travel itinerary so you can spend less time planning and more time exploring.
Why Backpack South America?
Few places offer the same scale and variety. Within one trip, you can bounce between bustling cities, jungle treks, salt flats, beaches and high-altitude mountains. There’s a mix of rich history, vibrant culture and jaw-dropping landscapes, and the longer you stay, the more you’ll get from it.
That said, South America does require some prep. Distances are big, and travel days can be long. Language barriers are common, but even a little Spanish helps massively. It’s worth it, though: this is a region that rewards the effort.
How Much Will
You Spend?
Budgets vary a lot depending on the country. Here’s a guide (excluding return flights):
• Shoestring Budget (£600–£900/month): Stick to northern/western countries like Peru or Bolivia and travel slower
• Backpacker Budget (£900–£1200/month): Mix of cheap hostels, domestic flights, guided tours
• Casual Traveller (£1200–£1500/month): Faster travel, private rooms, food variety and mid-range experiences
For trips to Brazil, Argentina or Chile, you’ll want to budget more — prices in southern/eastern countries are noticeably higher.
When to go..?
Spring (Sep–Nov)
Mild, colourful and quieter, though weather can vary across regions.
Summer (Dec–Feb)
Peak season in Brazil and Argentina. Expect great festivals, hot weather and higher prices.
Autumn (Mar–May)
Perfect for trekking, with cooler days and fewer crowds. Rain starts in some areas.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Peak season for Peru and Bolivia. Dry skies and crisp weather make this ideal for outdoor adventures but some bookings may need to be made in advance.
Plan Your Personalised Itinerary for South America
This isn’t a place where you want a generic tour. Our travel itinerary planner service helps you build a route that fits your time, style and spend — from bustling cities to wild nature. As a UK-based itinerary planner, we’ll handle the complexity so you can enjoy the journey.
From custom routes to practical tips, your plan will be built around you.