Subject to taking the usual precautions of a backpacker does anyone have any useful advice on backpacking in South America? Safe / unsafe places? Places to see, places to avoid?
Thanks everyone!
2006-09-22 14:59:59 · 3 answers · asked by roy d 3 in Travel ➔ Other - Destinations
I have traveled extensively all over the world and THE BEST HIKING I HAVE EVER DONE was hiking the Inca trail to Machu Piccu. You go to Cuzco, Peru, hang out a few days visiting the ruins around the town, acclimating to the elevation, and then you get on a train and hop off in the middle of nowhere and take a 3-4 day hike depending on how slowly you want to go to enjoy the scenery. The hike ends up at Machu Piccu, one of the seven wonders of the world. I advise getting there (to the ruins) as early as possible. Most people wait around to take a picture of sunrise over the old man mountian, but if you go down to the ruins themselves you will have them to yourself for a good hour or so. It made me cry to see what man can accomplish. If you go to South America and don't do this hike, especially if you are a backpacker, you are gonna miss out on a great great experience.
Other than that, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina are all excellent places to visit with plenty of natural and cultural places of interest. I think that as long as you are aware and don't do stupid stuff like walk around with gold chains and cash hanging out of your pockets, you won't have a problem. I had heard stories of Peru being very dangerous but always felt safe and comfortable there. I lived in Oakland, CA for a long time where I rarely felt safe so that might have something to do with it.
2006-09-22 15:52:43 · answer #1 · answered by kraikaikaigai? 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
South America is a big continent, what do you prefer to visit?
Mountains, lakes, cold places, glaciers, hot places, beaches, cities, you have too many places and countries to go.
2006-09-22 15:25:27 · answer #2 · answered by FERNANDO D 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My advice is don't die, don't sleep with any dangerous women and don't eat yellow snow. :)
2006-09-23 00:47:24 · answer #3 · answered by renaultfi69 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋