If you’re reading here, you’re likely beyond excited to grab your backpack, tie your boots down, and dive headfirst into the wilds of South America. I totally get it—I was in your position not too long back. Having deliberated on it for months and researching loads of travel blogs, I simply booked that one-way ticket to Bogotá. That move unleashed this incredible world of breathtaking vistas, hip cultures, and some serious self-knowing.
Backpacking in South America is not merely a trip—it’s a rite of passage. A little rough, a little wild, but absolutely breathtaking and sometimes frustrating. But really, each moment only makes the experience all the better.
In this post, I’m going to tell you about the top five backpacking trips that absolutely completed my South American experience. If you have some weeks or months available, these trips are a perfect combination of adventure, nature, and interacting with locals. Grab your backpack and join us!
1. The Gringo Trail: The Classic Backpacker Route
What Makes It Awesome
The Gringo Trail is, basically, the go-to backpacker route in South America—and seriously, it’s no wonder. It covers all the coolest places in the continent and receives heaps of visitors, which is perfect if you’re a first-time solo traveler. It passes through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina, so it’s pretty much a best-of South America list.
You’ve got everything from ancient cities and high-altitude towns to relaxed surf spots and the Amazon rainforests, so there’s something for everyone. Getting around is also really easy because there’s heaps of backpacker stuff established—like hostels, tour operators, and all sorts of transport.
When I finally arrived on the Gringo Trail, it was like hanging out with this relaxed crowd. I’d bump into people I’d met in Quito in Cusco or La Paz a few weeks later. There was such a great feeling of camaraderie and everyone was always sharing advice, travel tips, and tricks.
Highlights
- Bogotá, Colombia: artsy, gritty, and surprisingly modern
- Quito and Baños, Ecuador: Andean charm + adrenaline sports
- Cusco and Machu Picchu in Peru—pure Inca country.
- Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia: like stepping onto another planet
- San Pedro de Atacama, Chile: incredible desert landscapes and fantastic stargazing.
- Mendoza and Buenos Aires, Argentina: wine, steak, and partying!
2. The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu: Seriously, it’s the most incredible hike!
What Makes It Awesome
The Inca Trail is not some mere hike – it’s an entire experience. We’re talking about four days and 26 miles traversing some incredible sacred valleys, incredible cloud forests, and really cool Incan ruins. Literally, you get to travel along the original Inca trails and camp under the Andean stars.
And the kicker? Walking into Machu Picchu via the Sun Gate in the morning, as clouds clear and you catch sight of one of the most breathtaking vistas ever. Seriously, it’s the sort of thing that stays with you forever.
So, on the Inca Trail, I was absolutely amazed by how beautiful everything was and this surreal sense of having been connected to the past. We were talking with our guide about the amazing Incan engineering, all of that Andean spiritual history, and how they oriented their cities by the stars. By the time we arrived to Machu Picchu, I wasn’t the only checking it out—I felt it.
Highlights
- Limited permits maintain the chill on the trail and preserve the area.
- Dead Woman’s Pass is the highest and most difficult place, reaching 13,828 feet.
- The night skies are full of stars and the Milky Way.
- Rare flora and fauna unique to the Andean highlands
- A powerful sense of accomplishment upon arrival
3. Patagonia, Nature Playground, man!
What Makes It Awesome
Patagonia, divided between Argentina and Chile, is arguably one of the last remaining true frontiers. With lakes formed by glaciers, wild wind-sculpted peaks, and all the untouched terrain, it’s like heaven on earth for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and climbers. It’s extremely isolated, untamed, and relaxed—just what you require to escape it all.
The weather is highly volatile and extreme, and this makes each hike that more of an adventure. In less than three hours, you can watch the landscape change from golden-valley to snowy passes.
I stayed in Patagonia for nearly a month, starting in El Chaltén. The hikes were not easy, but honestly, the vistas were incredible. I mean, I get shivers now just remembering Mount Fitz Roy bursting out of the clouds. I traveled into Chile to Torres del Paine and did the W Trek, which was amazing. Every evening, I’d be hanging out by the campfire with fellow travelers, swapping stories as our boots dried.
Highlights
- El Chaltén: Argentina’s trekking capital and home to Mount Fitz Roy!
- W Trek in Torres del Paine: 4–5 days of pure backcountry bliss.
- Los Glaciares National Park: witness the Perito Moreno Glacier calving into the lake.
- Wildlife: condors, guanacos, and even pumas if you’re lucky
- Cool hangouts and hidden campsites beneath the stars.
4. The Amazon Rainforest: Journey Through the Jungle
What Makes It Awesome
The Amazon Rainforest spans nine nations, but backpacking’s easier in Peru, Brazil, and Ecuador. When in the Amazon, you’re transported into another world—here, nature is king and you hardly get to see any humans. No roads here; trails and rivers are the ways. The diversity of life is mind-boggling, and when the jungle is alive in the evenings, you’ll truly understand how rich our world is.
I visited the Peruvian Amazon from Iquitos, where you can only arrive by boat or airplane. We camped out in this eco-lodge and ventured out daily to visit medicinal plants, scan for critters, and paddle in silence along flooded woods. One evening, our guide led us out on a walk to observe nocturnal creatures—such as spiders, frogs, and even glowing fungi. I’d never felt more in touch with nature.
Highlights
- Tree houses providing fantastic, nature-infused adventures.
- Fantastic walks with indigenous Aboriginal insights!
- Wildlife: pink river dolphins, sloths, monkeys, jaguars, parrots
- Nights spent walking and canoeing along watery woods.
- Complete disconnect: patchy Wi-Fi, nature vibes only.
5. Colombia’s Lost City Trek: Completely a Hidden Gem!
What Makes It Awesome
The Lost City Trek, or Ciudad Perdida, is similar to the Inca Trail, but with way fewer crowds, and you get the full-on jungle experience. You’re walking into the Sierra Nevada mountains along Colombia’s northern coast and seeing these really ancient ruins that predate Machu Picchu.
It’s a five-day backpacking adventure along some pretty strenuous trails, wading along riverbeds, and sleeping in hammocks with mosquito nets.
I was absolutely drenched on this hike—through rain, sweat, or maybe just splashing about in jungle streams. But in all seriousness, that’s half of what the fun is about. We tromped along areas where the natives live, and our guide educated us about the Kogi people’s traditions and customs, which are still alive and kicking. When we finally arrived in the Lost City, I was left wordless for what even seemed like forever. It felt like I was on sacred soil, secluded from time.
Highlights
- A 5-6 day jungle trek involving some river crossings and steep ascents.
- Exceptional indigenous cultures and hosts who are sharing their own stories.
- It is not as crowded as Machu Picchu, but equally awesome.
- Rustic campsites, hammock sleeping, and cold river baths
- The incredible terracing and ceremony site of the Lost City are the ultimate reward.
Bonus: 6 Tips for Backpacking South America
Before I conclude, here I’ve got some incredibly useful advice that I wished someone hammered into me from day one.
1. Pack lightly, but pack smart
A 40–50L backpack is ideal. Prioritize acquiring some moisture-wicking apparel, solid hiking boots, and a decent rain jacket.
2. Brush up on your Spanish
You don’t need to be fluent or anything, but knowing the fundamentals will enhance your experience so much.
3. Buses are really the best!
South America’s long-distance buses are amazing. Bring some snacks, put on some layers, and relax.
4. Go with the flow
Plans will change. Buses get delayed, weather shifts. Roll with it—it’s part of the journey.
5. Take out travel insurance
You absolutely should, believe me. You don’t know when you might need to reschedule your flight or visit the doctor.
6. Embrace the unknown
Talk to strangers, try local foods, accept the discomfort. That’s where the magic is.
Final Thoughts
Backpacking in South America completely transformed me in ways I didn’t know I needed. I started off really nervous and in the dark, but I just rolled with my plan—by the final stretch, I was hitchhiking like a pro, walking through secret valleys, and having the time of my life.
There’s this amazing atmosphere here. It’s the kind of place where you get lost and discover something even better. If you’re considering it—then do it. Take that flight, grab your backpack, and get on the road. The adventure is out there waiting on you.