BACKPACKERS IN SOUTH

AMERICA

Backpacking in South America is a wonderfull experience. South America will embrace you with open arms. It’s nature, people and history are overwhelming. With the right preparation and set of mind you’re ready for an unforgettable adventure.

South America is a popular destination for world travellers and especially for backpackers, adventure enthusiasts and those taking a gap year. The country certainly has plenty to offer and a wonderful variety of landscapes from tropical beaches to the spectacular Andes Mountains, Amazon rainforest, Iguazu Falls, active volcanoes, and fascinating wildlife of the Galapagos Islands. Many Backpackers choose to take in the exciting and colourful fiestas and carnivals, or visit the sites of ancient civilizations. (Tip: To avoid disappointment, tickets to visit the Inca Trail and ruins at Machu Picchu should be purchased in advance).

america south

Adventure backpackers and adrenalin junkies will find plenty of outdoor activities and thrills. Activities like kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, hiking, mountain biking and mountaineering are popular.

You set your mind and you’re ready to be a backpacker in South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand.

To All backpackers, especially those with pre-existing medical conditions, should have a thorough check-up and necessary vaccinations before leaving home. Diseases like yellow fever, dengue fever, cholera, and malaria are problematic in many areas. Evidence of valid inoculations may be required to travel between some countries in South America.

vacation in south america

Some tips for Backpackers to prepare an unforgettable adventure (Mark Van Overmeire).

Common Sense

The backpackers must be use your common sense. Avoid badly lit streets at night and if your sixth sense is giving you the “something is wrong” sign then take a taxi to your destination.

Travel Guide Book

The first thing that backpackers will need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your search for adventure. (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I’ve used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.

Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and the South American Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because backpackers want to travel light, would be to enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and either the Rough Guide or the Handbook.

amazon river

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The best travel advice for backpackers is to do lots of research and set off armed with as much knowledge as possible. Take a quality guide book and Spanish and Portuguese phrase books.

Walking Shoes

South America’s nature is overwhelming. The backpackers will walk for many hours day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on your feet.

galapagos vacation

Health Vaccinations

Yellow Fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon Basin), Typhoid (consists of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), Diphtheria-Tetanus, Polio, Cholera (only when necessary), Smallpox.

Medical Kit:

Depending on what backpackers plan to do. Can include the following: Antiseptic cream, aspirin, lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, motion sickness medication, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip salve, foot and groin powder, thermometer (in a case), surgical tape, assorted sticky plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, first-aid booklet.

holiday adventure

Traveling Gear

Backpack:

Obviously a high quality backpack is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments that can be opened separately. Very handy if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is destined to undermine your traveling pleasure.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If it’s the mountains and the jungle, get some quality clothing from home. If it’s the beach, buy your t-shirts there (cheap).

Camping and Climbing Gear:

Backpackers can rent camping and climbing material in South America but the quality may be questionable. Always check the material. Bring your own gear if possible..

Photography

Pictures are something personal. Some backpackers just want some snap shots, others want to publish in the National Geographic..

Used two zoom lenses, a 35-80 mm. and a 70-210mm. FUJI slides (100 ASA) can be used but you definitely need 200 to 400 ASA if you plan to go to the jungle. A polarize filter enhances the colours tremendously on sunny days.