The Best South America Itinerary: 1 Week to 1 Month (With Maps)

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Picture this: Standing alone at sunrise as the mist clears over Machu Picchu, sharing mate with new friends on a Rio rooftop, or hiking through the Amazon rainforest with your carefully researched guide. After spending years backpacking solo through every country in South America – including an unexpected three-month stay in Peru during the pandemic – I’ve learned exactly what works (and what really doesn’t) for solo female travelers. That’s why I’ve put together this South America itinerary to save you weeks of planning.

Why Trust My South America Travel Advice?

In 2021, I landed in Colombia with a one-way ticket, a very nervous family back home, and absolutely no idea what I was doing. Fast forward through years of solo travel, countless overnight buses, some definite mistakes (like that time I tried to “save money” on the Uyuni Salt Flats tour), I’ve built this comprehensive guide based on my real experience exploring the natural beauty of South America.

Best Time to Visit Each Region

The Andes (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador)

• Peak Season (June-August)
  • Pros: Clear skies, perfect hiking weather
  • Cons: 40% higher accommodation prices, crowded Machu Picchu
  • Average hostel price: $20-40/night
• Shoulder Season (April-May, September-October)
  • Pros: Lower prices, mild weather, fewer tourists
  • Cons: Occasional rain showers
  • Average hostel price: $15-20/night
• Rainy Season (November-March)
  • Pros: Lowest prices, lush landscapes
  • Cons: Muddy hiking trails, some routes closed
  • Average hostel price: $15-18/night

Brazil & Colombia

• High Season (December-March)
  • Pros: Awesome festivals, beach weather
  • Cons: Carnival prices triple in Brazil
  • Average hostel price: $20-45/night
• Shoulder Season (April-June, September-November)
  • Pros: Pleasant weather, reasonable prices
  • Cons: Some afternoon rain
  • Average hostel price: $20-30/night
• Low Season (July-August)
  • Pros: Lowest prices, fewer tourists
  • Cons: More rain in Amazon regions
  • Average hostel price: $15-20/night

Patagonia (Argentina & Chile)

• Summer (December-February)
  • Pros: 16+ hours daylight, all trails open
  • Cons: Peak prices, crowded trails
  • Average hostel price: $25-35/night
• Shoulder Season (March-April, October-November)
  • Pros: Fall colors, fewer tourists
  • Cons: Variable weather
  • Average hostel price: $20-25/night
• Winter (May-September)
  • Many trails closed
  • Limited services
  • Not recommended for solo travelers

Essential Pre-Trip Planning

Visa Requirements for South America

• Brazil: E-visa required
• Bolivia: Visa on arrival
• Peru: 90-day free visa
• Colombia: 90-day free visa
• Chile: Free visa
• Argentina: Free visa

These rules change pretty often, so always check the official embassy websites a few weeks before your South America trip. Requirements can be different based on your passport!

Vaccinations Recommended for South America

Nobody loves getting shots, but trust me – you don’t want to mess with Yellow Fever in the Amazon. Here’s what you really need:

• Required Vaccinations
  • Yellow Fever: Required only if entering certain countries from an at-risk area (e.g., Bolivia may require proof if arriving from Brazil or a country with Yellow Fever risk).
  • COVID-19: Entry requirements vary; check current regulations before travel.
• Recommended Vaccinations
  • Hepatitis A: Highly recommended for all travelers.
  • Typhoid: Recommended for extended stays or if eating street food.
  • Malaria Pills: Necessary for the Amazon region (Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia). Check with a doctor for the best medication option.

Travel Insurance – Your Safety Net

Look, a South America trip is amazing, but stuff can go wrong. Here’s what your insurance needs to cover:

• High Places: Heading to Cusco or La Paz? You’ll be way up there. Make sure your insurance covers high-altitude problems – most basic plans don’t.
• Fun but Risky Stuff: Are you into hiking, rafting, or paragliding? Get a plan that covers adventure sports. Regular insurance usually won’t help if you get hurt doing these.
• Getting You Out: If you break your leg in the Amazon or Patagonia, a helicopter rescue could cost a fortune. Your insurance should cover getting you to a hospital and back home if needed.
• Changed Plans: Sometimes trips get canceled or cut short. Good insurance pays you back for flights, hotels, and helps with extra costs if you need to head home early.
• Your Stuff: Cameras, phones, laptops – get them covered for theft or damage. Just check the limits – cheap plans often won’t pay much for electronics.

Now that we’ve got all the boring (but essential) stuff out of the way, let’s plan your adventure!

Detailed South America Itineraries

1-Week Itinerary: Peru’s Greatest Hits

Got a week to explore Peru? Here’s your day-by-day guide to seeing the best bits without rushing. Perfect for first-timers!

Route at a Glance: Lima → Cusco → Sacred Valley (day trip) → Aguas Calientes → Machu Picchu → Cusco

Day 1: Hello Lima!

Land in Lima and head straight to the cool Miraflores district. Grab the Airport Express – it’s safe and way cheaper than a taxi.

Where to Sleep: Naia Miraflores is your best bet. Pay $15 for a dorm bed or $45 for a private room. Super safe with 24/7 security.

Today’s Adventures:

• Walk around Kennedy Park (spot the local cats!)
• Check out Huaca Pucllana ruins
• Catch sunset at Larcomar
• Grab dinner at La Lucha (amazing sandwiches) or Mercado 28

Day 2: Exploring Old Lima

Spend your morning in the historic center – think gorgeous colonial architecture and lots of gold.

Must-sees:

• Plaza Mayor (the heart of old Lima)
• San Francisco Catacombs (if you’re into spooky stuff)
• Larco Museum – trust me, it’s fascinating

End your day with a food tour. You’ll try local dishes, visit markets, and learn to make pisco sours. Worth every penny!

Day 3: Up to Cusco

Catch a morning flight to Cusco. Fair warning: the altitude is no joke! Take it easy today.

Where to Stay: Viajero Cusco Hostel has great vibes and includes free wifi. Dorms from $14, private rooms $68.

Easy First-Day Activities:

• Drink lots of coca tea (it helps!)
• Wander through artsy San Blas neighborhood
• Join a free walking tour (walk slowly!)
• Check out San Pedro Market (but save shopping for later)

Day 4: Sacred Valley Day Trip

Book a full-day tour to the Sacred Valley – it’s the easiest way to see everything. You’ll visit:

• Pisac: Incredible ruins plus a market for souvenir hunting
• Ollantaytambo: Massive Inca fortress with mind-blowing views
• Chinchero: Watch traditional weaving demos
• Moray: Ancient Inca agricultural terraces
• Maras: Those Instagram-famous salt mines

Virtual Tour: Maras Salt Mines: Ready to check out the Maras salt mines? Use your mouse to look around! You’ll see the salt ponds on the slopes where people have collected salt since Inca times.

Day 5: Heading to Machu Picchu

Today’s mainly a travel day. Take the train to Aguas Calientes (book this way ahead!).

Afternoon Chill:

• Soak in the hot springs
• Get an early dinner
• Pack your daypack for tomorrow
• Early to bed – tomorrow’s the big one!

Day 6: Machu Picchu Day!

Rise and shine – early morning is the best time to visit Machu Picchu.

The Basics:

• Entry ticket: $57
• Guide: $50+ (definitely get one – makes a huge difference)
• Bring water and snacks

Want More Adventure? Add on a hike:

• Huayna Picchu ($30) – steep but amazing views
• Sun Gate (free) – easier option, still great photos
• Inca Bridge (free) – quick but cool side trip

Virtual Tour: Huayna Picchu: Want to see Machu Picchu from above? Use your mouse to explore Huayna Picchu peak! You’ll get breathtaking views of the ancient city and surrounding mountains from this steep trail the Inca once climbed.

Day 7: Final Cusco Day

Choose your own adventure:

• Early riser? Do Rainbow Mountain
• Foodie? Take a cooking class
• History buff? Explore Sacsayhuamán ruins
• Shopper? Hit up San Pedro Market

Done with week 1 in Peru? Let’s keep the adventure going in Bolivia! Here’s how to make the most of your second week.

2-Week Peru & Bolivia Adventure

Route at a Glance: Cusco → La Paz → Death Road → La Paz → Uyuni → Salt Flats → Desert → Uyuni → La Paz

Day 8: Welcome to La Paz!

Hop on a flight from Cusco to one of the world’s highest cities. The views flying in are incredible!

Where to Sleep: Wild Rover La Paz is your best bet. Dorms are $12, private rooms $43. Super secure with 24/7 cameras and keycard access.

Take It Easy Today:

• Ride the cable car system – best way to get your bearings and amazing photos
• Visit San Francisco Church
• Rest up – you’re now at 11,975 ft

Day 9: La Paz Discoveries

Start with a walking tour – the guides here are fantastic. Then dive into:

Morning Weirdness: Hit up the Witches’ Market – it’s wild! You’ll see dried llama fetuses (yep, really), traditional medicines, and all sorts of mystical stuff.

Virtual Tour: La Paz Witches’ Market: Want to see something totally bizarre? Explore the Witches’ Market with your mouse! But heads up, it can be pretty disturbing. You’ll spot things like dried llama fetuses and other unsettling items used in traditional rituals. It’s definitely a unique (and creepy) experience!

Afternoon Fun:

• Learn about coca at the Coca Museum
• People-watch at Plaza Murillo
• Explore local food markets

Evening Options:

• Join a food tour – try local dishes without the guesswork
• If it’s Thursday, don’t miss Cholita wrestling – it’s like Bolivian WWE!

Day 10: Death Road Day

Choose your adventure:

Option 1: Death Road Biking The classic choice! Includes:

• All safety gear (you’ll want it!)
• Pro guides who know their stuff
• Meals and snacks
• Photos of your brave moments
• Pool access after (you’ve earned it!)

Virtual Tour: Death Road: Dare to take a virtual ride down the infamous Death Road? Use your mouse to navigate the narrow, winding path that clings to the mountainside.

Option 2: Chill City Day Rather stay in town?

• Take the Valle de la Luna tour – weird moon-like landscapes
• Ride all the cable car lines
• Try urban rappelling if you’re brave!

Now it’s time to start your Salt Flats adventure!

Day 11: Getting to Uyuni

Choose Your Transport:

• Night bus: 12-hour ride from La Paz
• Flight: 1-hour hop, more expensive but saves time

Before Your Tour:

• Book your 3-day adventure
• Get cash – ATMs are rare out here
• Stock up on snacks and water

Day 12: Salt Flats Day

Your first day of the Uyuni tour includes:

• Train cemetery – rusty trains in the desert make epic photos
• The actual salt flats – time for those crazy perspective photos!
• Lunch on Incahuasi (Cactus Island) – a rocky outcrop covered in giant cacti
• Sleep in a salt hotel – yes, the walls are made of salt!

Virtual Tour: Incahuasi (Cactus Island): Want to see an incredible island in the middle of the salt flats? Click around with your mouse and take a peek at Incahuasi! It’s this rocky spot covered in huge cacti that pop up out of nowhere in the sea of white salt. Crazy, right? Trust me, it’s a mind-blowing view!

Day 13: Into the Desert

Today you drive deep into the Eduardo Avaroa National Reserve:

• Visit the multi-colored lakes (Laguna Colorada and others)
• Spot three different types of wild flamingos
• Drive through Salvador Dalí Desert (looks just like his paintings!)
• Soak in natural hot springs with mountain views
• Night in a basic desert hostel – the middle of nowhere means amazing stargazing!

Day 14: Final Desert Morning

Early start for:

• Sol de Mañana geysers at sunrise – steaming pools and bubbling mud
• Visit the striking green Laguna Verde
• Drive back to Uyuni
• Fly to La Paz for your evening flight home

3-Week Adventure: Adding Colombia!

Finished Peru and Bolivia? Let’s add some Caribbean flavor! Here’s how to spend your week in vibrant Colombia.

Route at a Glance: La Paz → Medellín → Guatapé → Medellín → Cartagena → Rosario Islands / Playa Blanca → Cartagena

Day 15: Hello Medellín!

Catch a flight from La Paz to this modern, creative city.

Where to Stay: Los Patios Hostel is perfect – dorm pods are $16, private rooms $70. Great spot in the cool El Poblado area.

Tonight: Take it easy – wander around El Poblado, grab dinner at one of the trendy restaurants, and get your bearings.

Day 16: City Vibes

Morning Exploration: Join a walking tour (seriously, do it!) to see:

• Plaza Botero – check out those chunky statues!
• San Antonio Park – great local hangout
• Learn about Comuna 13’s amazing transformation

Virtual Tour: Comuna 13: Ready to explore the vibrant neighborhood of Comuna 13? Use your mouse to navigate the colorful streets and see how this once-troubled area has been transformed through art and community projects.

Afternoon Fun:

• Ride the cable car to Parque Arví for city views
• Chill at the Botanical Gardens
• Get artsy at the Modern Art Museum

Evening Options:

• Learn some moves at a salsa class
• Join a food tour – try local dishes like bandeja paisa!

Day 17: Guatapé Day Trip

Take a full-day tour to this colorful town. You’ll:

• Climb El Peñol rock (649 steps but those views!)
• Cruise around the lake
• Explore the most colorful town you’ve ever seen
• Take pics of the famous zócalos (colorful wall designs)
• Enjoy a local lunch

Day 18: Local Life in Medellín

Morning: Visit a coffee farm – see how your morning brew is made!

Afternoon: Free time to shop or revisit favorite places

Evening: Time to party Paisa-style!

• Join a pub crawl – great way to meet people
• Hit up local dance clubs
• Stay safe in numbers

Day 19: Caribbean Vibes in Cartagena

Hop on a quick flight from Medellín to colonial Cartagena.

Where to Sleep: Socialtel Cartagena – dorms $25, private rooms $90. The rooftop pool is perfect for those hot afternoons!

Evening Wandering:

• Walk the old city walls at sunset
• People-watch at Plaza Santo Domingo
• Try local sweets at Portal de los Dulces
• Sunset drinks at Boticario Bar

Day 20: Exploring Cartagena’s Old Town

Morning History:

• Explore massive San Felipe fortress
• Stroll along historic cobblestone streets
• Shop at Las Bóvedas (old jail cells turned shops!)
• Wander through Plaza de la Aduana
• Pass through the iconic Clock Tower

Virtual Tour: San Felipe Fortress: Ready to see Cartagena from above? Click around and explore the San Felipe fortress! You’ll get stunning views of the city and sea from the ramparts of this historic stronghold.

Afternoon & Evening:

• Street art hunting in Getsemani
• Lunch at La Cevicheria (Anthony Bourdain ate here!)
• Book tomorrow’s island trip
• Dance salsa at Café Havana

Day 21: Beach Day!

Choose your paradise:

Option 1: Rosario Islands

• Speed boat to pristine islands
• Snorkel in crystal waters
• Fresh seafood lunch
• Island hopping adventure

Option 2: Playa Blanca

• Local transport experience
• Chill on beach chairs
• Fresh fish lunch on the beach
• Beautiful sunset return

4-Week South America: Choose Your Adventure

Finished Colombia? Now you’ve got a choice to make: head into the Amazon rainforest or south to visit Patagonia’s mountains. Then we’ll all meet up in Rio de Janeiro!

Option 1: Amazon Route (Days 22-28)

Fly to Iquitos for the real jungle magic. Fun fact – Iquitos is the world’s largest city you can’t reach by road!

Route at a Glance: Cartagena → Iquitos → Heliconia Lodge → Amazon River → Iquitos → Lima → Rio de Janeiro

Your Jungle Home: Heliconia Lodge ($100/night all-inclusive)

Daily Amazon Adventures

• Day 22: Arrival & First Tastes
  • Flight to Iquitos
  • Boat ride to lodge
  • Evening jungle walk
  • Night wildlife spotting
• Day 23: River Life
  • Morning pink dolphin watching
  • Afternoon fishing
  • Night caiman spotting
• Day 24: Jungle Exploration
  • Canopy walkway adventures
  • Monkey sanctuary visit
  • Night walk for nocturnal creatures
• Day 25: Local Culture
  • Village visits
  • Traditional medicine walk
  • Local craft demonstrations
• Day 26: Final Forest Day
  • Last wildlife walks
  • Return to Iquitos
  • Visit floating markets
• Day 27: Iquitos Exploring
  • Morning market visits
  • Souvenir shopping
  • Last jungle meals
  • Stay at Casa Morey Hotel
• Day 28: Travel to Rio
  • Morning flight to Lima
  • Evening connection to Rio de Janeiro
  • Get ready for beach life!

Option 2: Patagonia Route (Days 22-28)

Fly to El Calafate – Your gateway to glacier country and the natural beauty of Patagonia!

Route at a Glance: Cartagena → El Calafate → Perito Moreno Glacier → El Calafate → El Chaltén → Laguna de los Tres (Fitz Roy) → Cerro Torre → El Chaltén → El Calafate → Rio de Janeiro

Where to Stay: America del Sur Hostel – it has amazing mountain views and it’s a great place to meet hiking buddies.

Daily Activities

• Day 22: Arrival
  • Flight to El Calafate
  • Town exploration
  • Trip planning
  • Sunset at the lake
• Day 23: Perito Moreno Day
  • Early bus to glacier
  • Choose your adventure:
    • Basic viewpoint walks
    • Mini-trek
    • Big Ice trek
• Day 24: Lake & Town
  • Lake Argentino boat trip
  • Bird watching
  • Prep for El Chaltén
• Day 25: Arrival to El Chaltén & Easy Start
  • Bus from El Calafate
  • Condor Viewpoint (2 hours)
  • Evening prep for big hikes
• Day 26: Fitz Roy Day
  • Laguna de los Tres trek
  • 8-9 hours round trip
  • Packed lunch needed
  • Best mountain views
• Day 27: Cerro Torre
  • 6-7 hour hike
  • See the iconic spire
  • Easier than Fitz Roy
• Day 28: Final Walks & Travel
  • Short morning hike
  • Afternoon bus to airport
  • Evening flight to Rio de Janeiro

Virtual Tour: Perito Moreno Glacier: Want to see one of the world’s most incredible glaciers up close? Use your mouse to explore Perito Moreno! You’ll be amazed by the sheer size of this icy giant!

Virtual Tour: Laguna de los Tres: Ready for some jaw-dropping mountain views? Click around and take in the stunning sight of Laguna de los Tres! This turquoise lake sits at the base of the iconic Mount Fitz Roy, and the surrounding peaks are sure to take your breath away.

Days 29-30: Everyone Meets in Rio de Janeiro!

After all that trekking on your South America tour, it’s time to swap hiking boots for flip-flops and chill out in Rio. Whether you’re here to soak up the sun, explore famous sites, or end your trip with a bang, Rio is the perfect place to wrap up your South America journey.

Route at a Glance: Lima / El Calafate → Rio de Janeiro → Christ the Redeemer → Santa Teresa → Sugarloaf Mountain → Copacabana Beach → Lapa Steps → Lapa

Where to Stay: Choose between:

• Books Hostel – party vibe, great for meeting people
• Sociatel Lapa – more upscale, better facilities

Day 29: Rio Classics

• Early Christ the Redeemer
  • Book 8am slot
  • Beat the crowds
• Afternoon in Santa Teresa
  • Street art walks
  • Local cafes
• Sugarloaf sunset

Day 30: Beach & Goodbye

• Morning: Copacabana Beach
  • Stick to Posto 1 area
  • Chair rentals available
• Afternoon: Lapa Steps
• Evening: Final Brazilian feast

Virtual Tour: Copacabana Beach: Welcome to Rio’s most famous stretch of paradise! Click around to experience the vibrant pulse of Copacabana Beach.

South America Itinerary Overview:

Estimated Budget for Each Itinerary

Not sure how much to budget? I’ve made a super handy trip cost calculator that’ll help you figure out your expenses. While you’re crunching those numbers, here’s a quick look at typical costs:

• Budget: Hostels, local food, buses, DIY activities, occasional tours
• Mid-Range: Private rooms, mix of local & restaurant dining, domestic flights, paid tours
• Luxury: Hotels, fine dining, flights over buses, private guides, premium activities

Quiz: What’s Your Perfect South America Itinerary?

1, Your ideal travel pace is:
A) Fast and furious – I want to see it all!
B) Balanced – Mix of sightseeing and chill time
C) Slow and steady – I like to really know a place
2, Your perfect day includes:
A) Hiking to epic viewpoints
B) Exploring local markets and trying street food
C) Beach time and city wandering
3, Your biggest travel priority:
A) Adventure and outdoor activities
B) Culture and local experiences
C) Food and nightlife

Results:

• Mostly A’s: The Classic 1-Week Peru Route:
  • You’ll love our Peru itinerary! From Machu Picchu to the Sacred Valley, it’s perfect for active travelers who want to hit the highlights.
• Mostly B’s: The 2-Week Peru & Bolivia Adventure
  • The Peru-Bolivia combo is your jam! You’ll get culture in Cusco, adventure in La Paz, and those incredible Salt Flats.
• Mostly C’s: The 3-Week Colombia Addition
  • Add on Colombia! You’ll love the mix of Caribbean beaches, cool mountain cities, and amazing food scene.

Want all of the above? Go for the full 4-week route!

Solo Female Travel Safety in South America

Been there, done that – here’s what I learned about staying safe (and confident!) as a solo female traveler in South America:

Key Safety Tips

Accommodation Smarts:

• Book female dorm rooms when possible
• Choose hostels with 24/7 reception
• Stay in well-reviewed locations
• Get to new cities before dark
• Trust your gut about a place

Street Safety:

• Walk confidently, even if lost
• Keep belongings close and secure
• Dress like locals in each city
• Have your hostel address ready
• Know basic Spanish phrases

Solo Travel Life:

• Share your location with family
• Join free walking tours to meet people
• Use hostel buddy systems for nights out
• Be firm with unwanted attention
• Make friends with hostel staff

Common Scams & How to Avoid Them

I learned some of these the hard way (that “broken” card machine trick got me twice!). Here’s what to watch out for and how to stay safe in South America:

Getting Around Safely

Taxi Tips

• Always agree on the price before getting in – those “broken” meters are rarely actually broken
• Carry small bills – suddenly “no change” becomes a common excuse
• Your hostel isn’t closed or “dangerous” – it’s just a scam to take you to their “friend’s place”
• Keep Google Maps on – those “shortcuts” often mean extra $$
• Use Uber or hostel-recommended drivers when possible

Bus Travel

• Only buy tickets at official terminal offices – those “cheap deals” on the street usually aren’t real
• Keep your valuables close – that overhead storage isn’t as safe as you think
• Check prices online first – the “special tourist price” is rarely special
• Take a photo of the bus they promise – amazing how often the “VIP” bus becomes very basic
• Research border crossing fees beforehand – those “special taxes” usually aren’t real

Tourist Area Street Smarts

Market Shopping

• That “100% alpaca” scarf for $5? Probably not real alpaca
• Learn what real bills look like – I got some creative “change” more than once
• Ask your hostel about local prices – knowing what things should cost helps a lot
• Use a cross-body bag – those friendly bumps aren’t always accidental
• Book activities through your hostel or official sites

Nightlife Safety

• Watch your drinks being made – new “friends” buying rounds aren’t always friendly
• Stick to cash in bars – my card got cloned in a very nice-looking place
• Join hostel pub crawls – safety in numbers is real
• Use Uber or official radio taxis at night
• Leave clubs with your hostel group – late night is when things get sketchy

What to Pack for South America

Look, you don’t need to pack your entire house! After months of traveling here, these are the real essentials you’ll actually use:

Must-Have Documents

• Passport (valid for 6+ months)
• Travel insurance info (seriously, don’t skip this!)
• Yellow fever certificate (some borders check)
• At least 2 bank cards (keep them separate)
• Emergency contacts & passport copies

Basic Electronics

• Universal adapter (Type C for South America)
• Portable charger
• Phone + camera
• Headphones (for those long bus rides!)
• Head torch (essential for Amazon/hiking)

Region-Specific Clothing

For Andes (Peru/Bolivia):

• 2-3 warm layers (it gets COLD at night!)
• Rain jacket
• Good hiking boots
• Warm socks
• Sun hat & sunglasses (altitude sun is intense)

For Tropical Areas (Brazil/Colombia):

• Light, quick-dry clothes
• Swimsuit
• Light rain jacket
• Walking sandals
• Something modest for churches

Actually Important Toiletries

• High SPF sunscreen (altitude sun is no joke)
• Strong bug spray (with DEET)
• Basic medications
• Altitude sickness pills if heading high

Quick Guide to Spanish in South America

You don’t need to be fluent, but knowing some basic Spanish will make your life SO much easier (and locals really appreciate the effort!). Here’s what you actually need to know:

Absolute Must-Know Phrases:

Click on the speaker icon in Google Translate to hear how to pronounce these phrases.

• “¿Cuánto cuesta?” – How much? (You’ll use this 100 times a day!)
• “¿Dónde está…?” – Where is…? (Your hostel, the bathroom, the bus station…)
• “No entiendo” – I don’t understand (Trust me, you’ll need this one)
• “La cuenta, por favor” – Bill please (Useful after all that great food)
• “¡Ayuda!” – Help! (Hope you won’t need it, but good to know)

Super Helpful to Learn:

• Numbers 1-100 (for prices and bargaining)
• Basic food words (menu navigation!)
• Transportation words (bus, train, taxi)
• Directions (left, right, straight)

Heads Up: Brazilian Portuguese is different from Spanish – but hey, those charades skills will come in handy! 😉

From My Travel Journal to Yours

When I first landed in South America with my overpacked backpack and nervous smile, I had no idea this continent would completely change my life. Yes, Machu Picchu and the Salt Flats were incredible, but my best memories? Learning salsa from patient locals, sharing mate with strangers in Buenos Aires parks, and cooking midnight pasta with new friends in hostel kitchens.

Here’s what really matters:

• Talk to locals (even with broken Spanish!)
• Say yes to hostel dinners
• Don’t over-plan – the best days are often unplanned
• Trust your gut
• Get a little lost sometimes

Ready to visit South America? Let’s get lost together!