South America

What can I expect from South America?

By far the most long-awaited continent I have visited. With plans of spending months exploring Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia and many more this year. Unfortunately, my trip was cut short due to Coronavirus. I had just arrived in Cartagena, Colombia, when the borders started to close and Central & South America went into lockdown. Luckily I made it back to the UK safely – but sadly it has meant my trip has been postponed until a later date.

Watch this space for upcoming content and don’t forget to subscribe for regular updates. In the meantime, check out my post on South & Central America Travel During Coronavirus for an peek into my final week of travelling before lockdown.

You can also find my posts on Central America in this section.

Things to See and Do in South America

Visit Machu Picchu

Iguazu Falls

Bolivian salt flats

Torres del Paine National Park

Food tour around London

Atacamo Desert

Galapagos Islands

Buenos Aires

Carnival in Brazil

Colourful streets

Flores, Guatemala, colourful doorway and Absolutely Lucy

Cute little towns

Typical Costs When Travelling

Accommodation – Hostels are great in South America, or you can also look at WWOOFing, working for accommodation, Airbnb and couchsurfing for budget friendly options. If you fancy a treat, there are also luxury hostels and the full range of hotels depending on your budget.

Food – Always go for street food and local restaurants – not only is it a lot cheaper and fresher, but it’s part of the experience. Look for local stalls and popular places with the locals, or find markets.

Transportation – Usually fairly affordable – skip internal flights unless necessary – instead go for buses and the local “chicken buses” for the most affordable options.

Jungle vines pic of Absolutely Lucy in corridor outside, Flores, Guatemala

Suggested daily budget – 50-100 GBP / 60-120 USD (Note: This is a suggested budget assuming you’re staying in a hostel, eating out a little, cooking most of your meals, and using local transportation. Using the budget tips below, you can always lower this number. However, if you stay in fancier accommodation or eat out more often, expect this to be higher!)

Money Saving Tips

Eat local Head to the markets, tiny street stalls and local restaurants to find the best quality and freshest food. Avoid chains and support the local people.

Shop around for hostels Don't always go for the most well-known hostel, look for new ones that have just opened and you might score a great deal.

Book trips as a group Activities can be expensive, so get a group together at your hostel and you might get a discount or reduced rate.

Couchsurf or house-sit If costs are mounting – why not look into Couchsurfing or options for house-sitting? It could help save you a lot of money on accommodation and you may find a friend/guide!