what are some must see highlights while backpacking south america?

Question

i'm thinking something like brazil, argentina, peru, chile colombia, belize, etc

Answer 1

Must see would be Tiwanaku in Bolivia, Puno, Amatani Island/ Lake Titicaca, Cusco, Machupiccu, and Nazca lines in Peru.

Travel in November would be cheaper as it's the beginning of low season. Weather is good, except it rains a little bit, but rarely.

I spent almost one month in Bolivia and Peru. I loved these two countries. People are very nice & friendly, it would have been better if I speak Spanish. Backpacking is fun and easy, but some places you might consider join local tours, even cheaper than travling on your own. For example, I joined local tour in Cusco, only paid about $70/per person for three days.

Train and bus are very convenient in Peru, domestic flights are cheap. Hostals are located in very convenient locations. They are clean, nice, and cheap. Here are some of my suggestions if time & budget permits:

Bolivia
Day1: La Paz city tour, museums
Day2: Moon Valley, then the historical & archaeological site of Tiwanaku.
Day3: (optional) Valle de Los Yungas (Coroico)

Bolivia - Peru
Day4: La Paz to Huatajata by bus, then take hydrofoil from Huatajata to Sun Island & Moon Island-Copacabana (small town), visit church, then from Copacabana to Puno (Peru) by bus.
Day5: Full day Cutimbo, Juli / Pomata, and Chucuito (entrance tickets could be purchased in a package)
Day6-7: Taquile Island and Amatani Island (Lake Titicaca). (Stay w/ the native Inkas family on Amatani Island, you don't have to pay them, just buy some sugar, fruits, eggs, or other snacks at the pier b4 you take the boat, all the meals (simple)on the island will be provided by the host). Visit the Inka Temple on Amatani Island during sunset, great for pictures. At night, your host will dress you in their native custums so you could dance with all the natives and tourists. Stay one night at the island, leave the island after breakfast. PM-back to Puno visit Sillustani.
Day8: Take train from Puno to Cusco (select train by budget)
Day9: Valle Sagrado, Pisac typical market (famous Inka Market, only available Sun, Tues, & Thur), Ollantaytambo, Urubamba, then take train to Machupicchu in late afternoon.
Day10: Visit Machupicchu during am, take train back to Cusco in pm.
Day11: Visit Moras and Moray
Day12: Pisac y Ruinas, Sacsayhuaman, Qenqo, Tambomachay, Pucapcara, Cathedral, and Koricancha. (One entrance ticket good for all Cusco sites)
Day13: Cusco to Lima by bus, train, or flight.
Day14: Lima half day city tour, free in the afternoon
Day15: Take bus from Lima to Nazca
Day16: Take flight (helicopter) over Nazaca lines (hotel + flight =$70) during am, then visit the mummies near by, take bus back to Lima

If time and/or budget permits, continue your trip from Lima to Trujillo then head to Chiclayo. It takes about one week total. I had a great time at these two cities. Tons of things to see, you can find out more online.

Answer 2

Peru - Cuzco and Machu Picchu (Nature and History + Party)
Bolivia - Salar de Uyuni (Largest salt flat in the world)
Chile - Parque Torres del Paine (World class trekking)
Argentina - Patagonia, BA, Salta and Iguazu Falls
Brazil - Rio, Bahia (Northern Beaches)
Equador - Not much, language schools, Montiñitas for surfing
Colombia - Everything, seriously. I liked it so much I now live there.

Answer 3

Machu Pichhu, Lake Titicaca, Nazca lines, Buenos Aires, iguazu falls!

Answer 4

Lima and Cuzco, ...and if you like nature, take the Inca Trail to Macchu Picchu. ...and dont forget to try the delicious peruvian dishes, as lomo saltado, chifa, aji de gallina and the excellent peruvian cebiche. ...the best of peru is its food

Answer 5

The Iguazu falls is a must (from the Argentinian side)

Answer 6

u shoul go to Brazil.... go to Rio de Janeiro... São Paulo(maybe)... the northeast beaches...