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Backpacking through South America was one of the best decisions of my life, and I'm going to share it all here.

The stunning landscapes, cultural diversity and feeling of freedom made this trip an unforgettable experience.

If you also want to embark on this adventure, here is the itinerary I followed, with essential tips to make your backpacking trip perfect.

Starting in Uruguay, the backpacking journey through South America

My backpacking adventure through South America began in Uruguay, a small but charming country.

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Montevideo was my first stop, where I was enchanted by the Ciudad Vieja and its historic architecture.

Strolling along the Rambla at dusk is a must! At the Mercado del Puerto, I tried the famous Uruguayan parrillada, a real feast for meat lovers.

So after exploring Montevideo, I headed to Punta del Este, where I enjoyed paradisiacal beaches and the iconic “La Mano” sculpture.

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I ended my trip to Uruguay in Colonia del Sacramento, a small colonial town full of history and charm.

Second stop on the backpacking trip through South America was Argentina

From Colonia, I took a ferry to Buenos Aires, a vibrant and exciting city.

I walked around San Telmo, watched a tango show in La Boca and enjoyed the best empanadas of my life.

For meat lovers, the Argentine chorizo steak is a must.

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So, I continued my journey to Mendoza, where I took a tour of the wineries and tried the best wines in the region.

But the great adventure came in Patagonia, in Bariloche.

However, the trails in Nahuel Huapi National Park provided me with breathtaking views, and the town's artisanal chocolate was a real treat for the palate.

Chile: From Desert to Modernity

Crossing the Andes Mountains, I arrived in Chile.

The Atacama Desert was one of the most impressive places on my trip.

I saw geysers at dawn, explored the Valle de la Luna and bathed in salt lakes.

The feeling of immensity and silence of the desert is indescribable.

I continued to Santiago, where I climbed Cerro San Cristóbal and had a panoramic view of the city.

I took the opportunity to try Chilean food at the Mercado Central and enjoy the nightlife in the Bellavista neighborhood.

From there, I went to Valparaíso, a city full of street art and colorful houses.

The fourth stop on our backpacking trip through South America was Bolivia.

My next stop was Bolivia. The Salar de Uyuni was, without a doubt, one of the highlights of the trip.

The white immensity of the salt desert creates a surreal setting, perfect for creative photos.

Then I went to La Paz, the highest city in the world.

Riding the urban cable cars was a fun experience and an amazing way to explore the city.

The Mercado de las Brujas is a great place to learn more about the local culture and buy souvenirs.

Peru: The Charm of Machu Picchu

I arrived in Peru and was enchanted by Cusco, the ancient capital of the Inca Empire.

The energy of the city is special, and the ruins around it are fascinating.

I took a tour of the Sacred Valley and prepared myself for the biggest adventure of the trip: Machu Picchu.

I decided to do the Inca Trail and, despite the effort, every step was worth it.

Arriving at Machu Picchu at dawn and seeing the lost city of the Incas surrounded by mountains was one of the most exciting experiences of my life.

Tips for a perfect backpacking trip through South America

Smart Planning

Although spontaneity is part of backpacking, planning the main stretches and booking accommodation in advance can avoid headaches, especially in very touristy destinations.

Economical Transport

Traveling by night bus is an excellent way to save time and money on accommodation. In addition, traveling along South American roads is an experience in itself, with incredible landscapes along the way.

Safety Always

Keep an eye on your belongings, avoid showing off valuables and prefer to withdraw money in safe places. Small precautions can make a difference in avoiding problems.

Respect Your Body

Some regions, such as La Paz and Cusco, are at high altitudes. Take a few days to acclimatize and avoid overexertion in the first few days.

Keep an Open Mind

Traveling through South America means immersing yourself in different cultures, languages, and customs. Be open to new experiences, talk to locals, and make the most of every moment.

A Journey of a Lifetime

But this backpacking trip through South America was a true journey of self-discovery.

Firstly, I met incredible people, tasted delicious food, saw breathtaking landscapes and had experiences that will remain in my memory forever.

If you're thinking about backpacking around the continent, my advice is: go for it! Plan, but leave room for the unexpected.

Some of the best experiences come at the most unlikely times.