Suggested Travel Routes in South America

South America in One Trip

Duration

For those who want to explore all of Latin America, six months is the absolute minimum, and a full sabbatical year is even better to fully enjoy the journey. With just 3 or 4 months, it’s best to focus on a specific part of the continent, such as the Andean countries.

Challenges

South America is a relatively accessible region and can suit travelers with just a little experience, provided they avoid the occasional security issues. However, it’s still important to take precautions, especially against theft in countries like Peru, Brazil, and certain areas of Amazon Rainforest. The same goes for socio-political unrest, which is fairly common in places like Bolivia or especially Venezuela. Beyond that, the main concerns are climate and nature, particularly the risks associated with high altitude in the Andean countries.

Pros and Cons

Pros

No prior paperwork (visas) required for French citizens and many other nationalities. Customs rarely check for an onward ticket.

Just one language, Spanish (plus Portuguese in Brazil), is enough to get by. Learning the basics is useful for such a trip, though English is also spoken in tourist areas.

Daily budget for backpackers is relatively low, though costs can rise in heavily touristed spots.

An excellent "mix of experiences"—nature, adventure, culture (Indigenous, Spanish, Portuguese, and pre-Columbian), and relaxation. Perfect for switching things up when needed.

Overland travel (including buses) is entirely possible, though occasional flights can save time and energy.

Few crowds outside of popular areas like the Machu Picchu region or beach resorts in Argentina and Brazil.

Cons

Very few downsides, just basic precautions for safety in big cities (Caracas, Rio, Venezuela) and certain areas like Colombia.

Transportation isn’t always straightforward in Amazon Rainforest and some Andean regions. Some overland routes in Argentina and Brazil can also be long and tedious (though flights are an option).

Sample Itineraries

In practice, few travelers complete a full circuit of the continent. Most long-term trips focus on either the Andean countries, Argentina/Chile and neighboring areas, or Brazil.

Entry Points (Air)

Entry and exit points depend on your plans. A mix of flights is often the best approach, with major regional carriers like U.S. airlines and Iberia (if coming from Europe) being strong options.

For those treating Latin America as a stop on a round-the-world trip, São Paulo (and secondarily Buenos Aires) is ideal for connections to/from Africa. Argentina also works well for Australia, with the option of Santiago/Easter Island/Pacific/Australia. North America is well-connected, with Ecuador, Venezuela, and Colombia as good gateways to Central America or the Caribbean. For Asia or the Far East, a few options exist via São Paulo, but most routes go through the U.S. or Australia.