Patagonia, Argentina

The huge area designated as “Patagonia” stretches from mid-Argentina, into Chile, and all the way to the Southern tip of Ushuaia. The area is home to absolutely stunning glaciers, all of which are suprisingly dissimilar. Frozen landscapes extending up into and through the mountains are one of the main attractions here, although there are many cultural and more populated areas in between the major destinations too, making Patagonia a favorite destination for backpackers. This destination is a popular spot for vocational tourism, an enviable profession to be sure. In fact, many people decide to study for tourism degrees after making their own trips to Patagonia.

San Pedro de Atacama, Chile

Deserts, high skies, and stars are the main attraction in this village midpoint between Chile and Bolivia. This spot is a popular destination for those traveling from Northern Argentina as well. The village is quiet and relatively uneventful (keep in mind its in the middle of a dry, desert landscape). Bikes are always available for rent, and of course two legs and a backpack are always a viable option. Head out in any direction and get some amazing photos from the many desert vistas, but keep in mind that you are likely to not find any other humans there (which is part of this spot’s allure).

Machu Picchu, Peru

You have heard of this spot and for good reason. Nestled within the imposing Peruvian mountains, it is definitely one of the must-see spots in the world. What could be better than backpacking through rolling mountains and discovering ancient ruins? Take the Lares Trek–it will not disappoint, but be sure to search Global Travel Blogs for more details on this backpacking Mecca.

Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Home to more than 10,000 square kilometers of salt, Salar de Uyuni is one of the most popular destinations in the world for backpackers. The area can be visited from Uyuni in southern Bolivia on a day trip involving trips to the various salty sights. We recommend traveling through the deserts of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile in a Jeep in order to see more of this amazing spot.

Cuenca, Ecuador

So far, most of the recommended destinations suggested have been more remote destinations. Ceunca, Ecuador provides a different appeal for backpackers: a very affordable spot with plenty of nice towns in and on the way. This area is not necessarily known for vibrant nightlife (this is backpacking after all); however, the food is cheap and amazing. Eating well for cheap makes any backpacking trip much better, agreed?

Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina

This place is great for waterfall enthusiasts. You are a waterfall enthusiast just like everyone else because waterfalls are undeniably worthy of everyone’s enthusiasm. This destination brings together everything that makes backpacking great: affordability, world-class sights, and a new destination every day. There is also an abundance of hostels competing for your business, as this area is a popular destination for travelers of all kinds.

South America has no shortage of great spots for backpackers of all experience levels. This list is, however, hardly comprehensive, so check out the following resources for more great reviews and ideas for backpacking South America.

Backpacking South America – this website takes a destination-by-destination approach and provides travelers of all kinds with great information on South America.

Our first step was to figure out how to reach the village of Ollantaytambo, since this was the town we were to catch our train to Aguas Calientes. I knew we had tons of time to get to Ollantaytambo considering that our train was scheduled at 6pm that evening, but at the same time I wanted to tour around the village and explore a bit of the Sacred Valley. So I planned to arrive in the village of Ollantaytambo around noon.

Around 10am in the morning we ended up taking a semi-private taxi from Cusco to Ollantaytambo, which ended up to be a journey of two hours. By semi-private, I mean there were other locals in the taxi. The drive was uncomfortable and slightly scary given that our driver was gliding around tight corners and missing on coming traffic by just inches. Though at the same time it was a thrill to experience how it actually feels to be driven by a true local Peruvian. As we drove within the Andes, the beauty surrounding us was astonishing. With its patterned farm fields and vast terrain the region’s agriculture was magnificent. We couldn’t stop taking pictures and staring. But as soon as we arrived in Ollantaytambo, the view got even better. Located in the western end of the Sacred Valley and built on top of original Inca foundations, the village was breathtaking. It was so incredible, that I wanted to get exploring right away. 

There were two main tourist attractions in the village, the Fortress and the market. The site of the fortress was lovely, with its several ancient burial sites and stone steps that were cut out so perfectly. Both Konrad and I were scrambling around with our cameras for a few hours. But as we came to the market, our eyes were fixed on many different small handcraft items. I quickly knew I would be purchasing tons of souvenirs during this trip considering how cute they all were.

Around 6pm we boarded the train to Aguas Calientes. The train was filled with tourists, just like us. But what was so incredible, was the feeling knowing that we were off to see one of the 7 wonders of the world – Machu Picchu. You could even feel how much excitement was in the atmosphere on the train. Although, the bad part about the train was it was just as scary as the taxi journey over to Ollantaytambo. With the train swinging side to side and feeling a little off balance I kind of wanted to get to Aguas Calientes pretty quickly. Plus, since it was pitch dark outside, and not being able to see anything, it was even a little more nerve racking. After the two hours of a train ride, we finally made it to the city of where the Machu Picchu journey would begin! I was so happy to reach our hostel, have some food and to just sleep. We went to bed fairly early since we wanted to wake up at 5am to be at Machu Picchu for 6am. But sleeping was so difficult, for I was way to excited, for the next day! MACHU PICCHU day!!! 

After finally reaching our hostel called Pariwana hostel we decided to take a small stroll around the main city’s tourist attractions. Yet, after a few steps going up very small hills, we suddenly felt completely out of breath and exhausted. Forgetting about the altitude of  3,800 meters , we soon got really bad headaches. It never really occurred to us how the high altitude would affect us. It caught us off guard, but with some quick luck we found a semi cure. Cocoa leaves! Eating or drinking cocoa leaf tea helped unbelievably, plus ibuprofen also worked. After getting lots of meds into us, we continued to explore Cusco. Since it was already late in the afternoon we headed towards a well-named pizzeria. It was called Carlos Pizzeria. Oh this place was incredible cute!!! It was a hole in the wall with a small little oven. The kitchen was open to the dinning area that included three small tables, just enough to fit about 8 people. The chef/server made up a home-cooked pizza that tasted extraordinary. It was a restaurant that you just wish every city had, something charming that included yummy food and a great price. After our stomachs were full, we knew it was time for a nap or even bed time for the day, since the 24 hours of traveling to Cusco made us completely exhausted. But we first headed over to the bus station to purchase our bus tickets to Puno. Our plan was to visit after our Machu Picchu adventure, which was in two days. The bus station was an experience in itself. Locals from every angle of the station were running up to us, talking loud in Spanish, and sometimes grabbing us only to encourage us to purchase a ticket with their bus company. We decided very quickly to go where all the other tourists were going to get their tickets too. We purchased our return bus tickets from Cusco to Puno and back for only $40USD in total for the both of us. Very cheap and the buses are actually much better than North American buses. They are double-decker with lazy boy chair styles, very comfortable .

Since the bus tickets were purchased and the plan for tomorrow was already set, our bed time turn out to be 7pm. It was the best feeling, laying on a bed and not experiencing any sort of light-headedness.  We both slept through the night and woke up feeling amazing. Today was the day we were off to start our adventure to the village of Ollantaytambo and Aguas Calientes. Machu Picchu was only one day away now!!! …. See NEXT post!

Since it has been so long since backpacking for me, I decided to book most of the hostels, trains, and tours ahead of time. Just to feel that extra safety net, but at the same time I hope planning so far in advance won’t hinder any random fun activities. A few things I had to book in advance, such as the train to Machu Picchu and the entrance fee. I was so excited yesterday because I got one of the last booking spots to experience the sunrise on Huayba – Machu Picchu. Limited amounts of people are allowed to climb up to Huayba to see the sunrise at 7:30am. And I got one of the spots! WHOOOOO. With that being said, I also booked a tour in the Amazon for two nights. It’s a kayaking tour, which will be interesting considering I rarely kayak. So with a few booked activities underway the next step is figuring out what to bring. The weather is suppose to mildly warm in most areas of Peru, but I was told that Puno can reach negative five during the evenings. That won’t be so enjoyable since I haven’t been in cold weather for the past four months. My backpack will have to be neatly organized with lots of cool wear, hiking gear, and a few jackets for those cool nights. I must keep in mind that for most of this trip I will be in the outback and enjoying the nature things. It’s not one of my typical adventures, where many cities are apart of the journey.
If anyone knows, what the ideal backpacking gear would be to bring for my trip to Peru in October, write me a quick email. I would love to hear your ideas and advice.

This is my plan… well so far.

First step – Flight from Toronto to Lima.
I am not so excited about Lima, so I am going to go directly to Puno to see Lake Titicaca and visit the Floating Islands of Uros. I plan to stay there for two nights. I scanned through some hostels already and so far it looks like the best one is The Point Hostel. Since it does over look the highest lake in the world. When I am in Puno, I wouldn’t mind crossing over to Bolivia too, but that is still on my maybe list.
Second step – is to take a bus over to Cuzco. I plan to see the small town for a day and following that I want to do a two-day hike up to Machu Picchu. Only reason why I want to do a small hike is because I have little time on my agenda. I would have to take the train half way up and from there the 105km hike would begin. Now getting back to Cuzco would be the train. Since I am only doing a two-day hike that would leave me enough time to explore the Amazon.
Third Step – A flight from Cuzco to Puerto Maldonado would only take me a day. Once I am there I would directly go to the hostel, at which I have already found one that seems good. It’s called the Anaconda Lodge. It is built like little bungalows surrounded by tropical vegetation of the jungle. Plus it offers a pool!Sounds already good to me. I think I would just find a local tour to help me explore the jungle a little. Maybe even do a little fishing.
Once the jungle adventure is complete. I would fly back to Lima in order to catch my flight home to Toronto.
Now this is just a plan, now for all of you who have traveled Peru please let me know what you recommend! From hostels, transportation, to highlights! Cheers.