Visiting South America is nothing short of an adventure. With its stunning landscapes and adventurous activities, the continent offers experiences that are as rewarding as they are diverse. However, as stunning as it is, travelling to South America comes with its challenges.
Over 18 months of backpacking through South and Central America, I encountered more than my fair share of hurdles. From long, uncomfortable bus rides and unpredictable public holidays to persistent stomach issues and car accidents, the journey tested my resilience in ways I hadn’t anticipated…
In this article, I will combine my own stories with testimonies from fellow backpackers. Together, we’ll explore the main challenges of travelling in South America, including navigating the language barrier, managing unreliable public transport, dealing with safety concerns, and finding comfort on the road.
My goal isn’t to discourage you from visiting South America, on the contrary! It’s to help you prepare. By sharing testimonies and tips, I hope to equip you with the knowledge to face these potential challenges ahead, so you can overcome them and focus on enjoying your trip!
Language barrier
by Carolin from Happy When Abroad
My four-month journey through several Central and South American countries was one of my absolute travel highlights so far. Colombia, in particular, stood out to me with its diverse landscapes, impressive cities, and warm-hearted locals. However, it was also the country where I faced the greatest communication challenges. As a German, English is already my second language, and aside from the French I learned in school, I can only understand a few sentences in Spanish and can speak even fewer.
I quickly realized that Colombians, although incredibly warm, have a somewhat chaotic nature. This led to a few situations where my English simply wasn’t enough.
For instance, I wanted to book a guided tour to Guatapé through our hotel and asked at the front desk whether the tour would be in English. I was assured that an English-speaking guide would be there. However, as it turned out, the guide could barely say more than “Good Morning” and “Thank you” in English, and since I was the only non-Spanish speaker on the tour, it was ultimately conducted entirely in Spanish.
Don’t get me wrong – it was still a beautiful tour but unfortunately, I missed out on much of the background information about the places we visited. One takeaway from this experience was to book tours online through providers like GetYourGuide or Viator and to check the comments beforehand to see if the tour is suitable for non-Spanish speakers.
For everyday communication with locals who don’t speak English, there are thankfully useful translation apps now, like DeepL or Apple/Google Translate. Not only can you type and translate your text, but you can also speak into the app and have the text read out loud. Highly recommended!
Of course, try practising and memorizing the most important vocabulary and phrases you’ll need on our trips such as essential phrases for emergencies (like how to call for help, how to report something stolen, or how to ask for directions).
Short language courses in your home country or at your destination, online language courses, or even meeting locals can also help you feel more at ease and make your trip even more enjoyable.
💡Places like Sucre, Bolivia or Medellin, Colombia are ideal cities to start your trip and take a couple of weeks learning Spanish. The locals’ accent is easier to understand and many hostels offer this type of service. You can even volunteer at your backpacker during that time to practice your Spanish and reduce the cost of staying put for a bit.
Roadblocks and Strikes
by Shandos from Travel Nuity
Before travelling to Bolivia, I was aware of the chance of blockades on the roads. Roadblocks are used as a political bargaining tool by disaffected locals and organisations and can block the only highways connecting the cities for days on end, affecting tourists as well as trade.
During our time in Bolivia, searching online for any current blockades turned up nothing, and as we wrapped up our time in Santa Cruz, I thought we had escaped them. All that was left was an overnight trip to the small town of Concepción, home to a World Heritage-listed mission church, and then an overnight bus to the Argentinian border.
However, after leaving the spectacular church and walking to the bus ticket office in Concepción, our limited Spanish was enough to find out that no buses were running in any direction, thanks to a blockade in the region, protesting transport regulations.
For the next four days, we had no option but to relax at our small hotel, thankful there was still money in the local ATM and that we could top up our local SIMs with data. Luckily, the weekend brought a reprieve, and we took the five-hour return bus to Santa Cruz, and then made our way to the border, without further incident.
For those travelling to Bolivia, I would recommend regularly looking at the government website, which shows roads currently affected, plus local news. Make sure you carry extra money, and be prepared for the unexpected, anywhere in the country!
Altitude sickness
by Michelle from Moyer Memoirs
One of the main challenges when travelling in South America is the altitude. While Peru reaches an altitude of over 2,400 meters above sea level (masl) at Machu Picchu, many attractions and cities are higher. Cusco, for example, is 3,400 meters and the famous Rainbow Mountains reach 5,036 meters.
Peru is not the only country in South America where you will need to deal with the altitude. La Paz, Bolivia, is the highest capital city in the world at 3,650 masl and Quito, Ecuador comes in second at 2,900 meters.
The challenge as a tourist in these destinations is breathing! Anyone can start to feel the effects of high altitude sickness beginning at 2,500 masl. Physical fitness doesn’t seem to prevent altitude sickness, but it doesn’t hurt to be in good shape.
It does take time for your body to acclimate to high altitudes. I didn’t believe how bad altitude sickness could be, but by the end of our walking tour in La Paz, my head was pounding and I felt dizzy and out of breath!
The most helpful tip to avoid altitude sickness is to take things slow. This means taking time to adjust to the elevation and not exert yourself. Don’t go on a high-altitude hike as soon as you land, prefer short activities and take taxis when you can.
Plus, listen to your body. If it says it doesn’t feel good, the remedy is to descend and go to a lower elevation so that you can feel some relief. ([EN] Make sure to discuss this topic with your doctor before your travel)
Some South Americans believe that coca helps alleviate altitude sickness. You can start your day with a nice cup of coca tea (broadly served in hostels) and then go for a leisurely hike through the mountains to enjoy the views that will take your breath away both literally and figuratively!
💡 A good sign your body is adjusting is HAFE… which means High-altitude flatus expulsion. In a nutshell, if you fart, it’s good news, your body is acclimitising!!
Currency Exchange in Argentina
by Rebecca from Becci Abroad
Argentina takes the challenges of managing a foreign currency when travelling to new levels of complexity! For several years, Argentina has had two currency exchange rates: the official and the unofficial exchange rates.
In Argentina, the unofficial exchange rate is also known as the “blue” rate and is offered on a local black market for currency exchange. On the other hand, the official exchange rate is offered by the local Argentinian banks and official exchange offices.
It took me a good amount of getting used to the double exchange rates when travelling and living in Argentina. The general rule of thumb I developed was that the “blue” rate would mostly be better than the official rate.
Using the “blue” rate means you will get more Argentinian pesos for your foreign currency – and can travel more!
Sometimes, exchanging at the local black market exchange offices, also known as cuevas, isn’t the best idea. The cuevas can be challenging to deal with if you speak poorly Spanish or like me don’t look Argentinian! The people in the cuevas are infamous for trying to scam foreigners by offering you fake Argentine peso bills or giving you a horrible rate…
Instead, I found that it is better to use online services like Western Union where the exchange rate is somewhere in between the official and the unofficial “blue” rate. But the transactions are safe and the risk of ending up with fake Argentine pesos is a lot lower.
Lately, the difference between the official exchange rate and the “blue” rate is relatively small, so it might be as easy and beneficial for you to drop by an official exchange office, instead of exchanging at a cueva.
Vegetarian Struggle
by Sam from Relentless Roaming
‘You’ll have to eat meat in South America’, everyone warned me. ‘Nahh, we’ll be fine’, I naively responded.
Vegetarianism in South America is tough, not completely impossible, but you really do have to work hard. We would order a seemingly innocent cheese toastie (with no mention of meat anywhere) that would turn out to be a ham and cheese toastie. We would head to a proper local restaurant and ask for their vegetarian options, only to be greeted with an awkward smile that suggests ‘good luck’.
So this has been our vegetarian game plan while travelling South America that I recommend you try too if you don’t eat meat:
- Research local vegetarian dishes so that you know what to look out for on menus;
- Specify exactly what it is that you don’t eat, instead of just using the term ‘vegetarian’; (and learn the words in the local language)
- Use Happy Cow to see veg options all over South America;
- Be flexible. Mistakes will be made. If you reject a dish served to you because it mistakenly contains meat, it will be thrown away. So, is that the right thing to do?
- Avo sandwiches and papas fritas will be your best friends!
- Local markets are filled with fruits and veggies. If you don’t mind cooking a bit, you’ll find a lot of options.
Unreliable tour agencies
by Lo Lee from Carry Oner
During my travels across South America, I learned firsthand that booking tours with local agencies can sometimes be more of an adventure than the tour itself. I often scheduled, and paid, for tours in advance, picking companies with decent reviews online.
Unfortunately, things didn’t always go as smoothly as expected. I’d wait for my pick-up, only to find it happening much later than planned—or worse, not happening at all! More than once, I was left stranded because my name didn’t make it onto the pickup list. This happened to me in both Brazil and Ecuador, so I quickly realized it wasn’t just a one-off bad experience but a common issue across agencies!
After a few close calls, I figured out a few tricks to help avoid these issues and haven’t been left behind since! Here are my top tips for dealing with tour agencies across South America:
- Get the tour agent’s WhatsApp number and message them the day before to confirm the details. This reminds them of your booking in case they’ve forgotten.
- Call or message the agent if the driver is more than 15 minutes late. Often, they can still arrange a pickup if they realize you’ve been missed.
- Plan your must-do tours early in your trip. If you get left behind, you’ll still have a chance to reschedule the most important experiences!
- Keep calm and always have a plan B! Not everything in life can be perfect, so try to keep calm and not stress too much in case your tour leaves you behind! To minimize frustration, I always have an easily accessible activity option in my back pocket in case things with the scheduled tour do not go as planned.
- Always get everything in writing. Sometimes agencies promise a lot of things will be included (transport, lunch, entry fees, etc.) to only find out it is not the case. If they don’t have enough people to run the tour, agencies will “sell you” to another tour which doesn’t include what was initially agreed. Having everything in writing will save you headaches and an overall bad experience.
Safety in Rio de Janeiro
by Tess from Tess The Traveler
“I don’t want you to worry, nothing will happen to you,” said my tour guide, just about 30 seconds before I felt a tugging on my neck… I didn’t even process what was happening until I turned to see someone running off with my gold necklace dangling from his hand.
It was my 25th birthday, and I was in Downtown Rio de Janeiro, on a walking tour that was supposed to teach me about the city’s African culture and history.
I’ll admit, everything that happened on the rest of the tour was a complete blur, apart from my apologetic guide offering to take me to the police (an offer I quickly declined, knowing that my necklace was a lost cause.)
The next few hours were spent sulking in my hotel room. I felt anxious, violated, and sad about the sentimental item I’d lost.
But as unfair as it was that I had been robbed — and on my birthday, nonetheless — I remembered just how lucky and excited I was to be in Brazil, a country I’d dreamt about visiting for years, and apart from the whole robbery incident, was completely living up to my expectations. I was grateful that I was safe. I understood that the safety issue is complicated in Rio, and is something that deeply impacts locals, not just tourists, daily.
And, that doesn’t diminish how amazing Rio de Janeiro is. I knew that wasting more time sulking would just take away from the once-in-a-lifetime experience I was having.
Before embarking on my solo trip through Brazil, which began in Rio, I’d been warned about safety. As a relatively seasoned traveller, I shrugged it off, figuring it was mostly exaggerations and biases about Latin American countries. I knew all the basic safety precautions like keeping any electronics hidden, not carrying all your money at once, etc. Still, I’d neglected one glaring piece of advice: not to wear gold, and I had paid the price.
Although I now avoid wearing any jewellery when I travel to big cities. I also know that sometimes, you can do everything right, and it’s just out of your control. I’ve returned to Rio multiple times since then, and I’m always extremely cautious. I don’t always feel totally safe, I’ll be honest. But it’s my favourite place, and that’s worth the risk.
Scarse public transports
Patagonia’s breathtaking landscapes offer some of the most spectacular scenery on the planet. But getting around this remote region is far from straightforward.
During my time in Patagonia, I quickly realized that relying solely on buses or other public transport could be limiting. Unlike many parts of South America where buses are frequent, in Patagonia, they often run on limited schedules—sometimes only once a day, or even just a few times a week. If you miss the bus, you may find yourself stuck for days especially if you travel in the off-season!
Often, the only way to move forward was to stick out my thumb and hitchhike.
During my 3 months travelling around Patagonia, one of the most memorable stretches was the Carretera Austral in Chile. Public buses along this route are practically nonexistent, so hitchhiking became not just an option but a necessity.
If you’re planning to explore Patagonia, here are some tips for navigating its sparse public transport system:
- Be prepared to hitchhike: While it’s not for everyone, hitchhiking is common in Patagonia, and locals are often used to helping out travellers. Always prioritize safety—travel with a buddy if possible, and trust your instincts. We have an article about hitchhiking like a boss!
- Plan for delays: Where they exist, transport schedules are infrequent and can change without notice. Build flexibility into your itinerary.
- Check ahead: I recommend going to the bus stations a day or two before taking the bus or even as soon as you arrive. It will more than likely be the same terminal. Check the schedule ahead and learn about the different routes and companies running to your next destination.
Avoid Common Scams
Scams are an unfortunate reality for travellers in South America, and while the majority of people you’ll encounter are kind and genuine, it’s important to stay vigilant. From sneaky pickpocketing tactics to elaborate schemes targeting tourists, knowing the common scams in advance can save you a lot of trouble—and money.
During my travels, I encountered a few scams firsthand and learned about many others from fellow travellers. I have an article about the most common scams in South America if you want to give it a go. Here is a summary of the main ones and how to avoid them:
- Dirt on Bags: Scammers smear dirt or food on your backpack and offer to help clean it, distracting you from stealing valuables. Cover your backpack with a protective cover, keep valuables secured under your clothes, and politely refuse unsolicited help.
- Overhead Backpack Thief on Buses: Thieves steal bags from overhead compartments during boarding or while passengers sleep. Keep your bag in sight, use locks, and place it at your feet or in your lap. Avoid unsolicited advice about storing luggage.
- Card Cloning at ATMs: Skimming devices at ATMs clone your card, leading to fraudulent transactions. Use indoor ATMs within banks, inspect the machine, and regularly monitor your bank statements.
- “Your Bus Isn’t Coming” Scam: People claim a bus isn’t coming to sell overpriced tickets or push for taxi rides. Only speak to official staff, research bus schedules in advance, and avoid engaging with strangers at stations.
- Extra “0” Scam: Vendors or waitstaff add an extra zero on card terminals, overcharging significantly. Double-check the amount on the terminal and use a calculator to convert to your currency before paying.
Managing money
By Alex of Career Gappers
After spending six months backpacking across South America during a travel sabbatical, managing money proved to be one of our biggest challenges. You will often find that you need small change handy when travelling in South American countries, especially in rural areas. Cards are not always accepted in shops and restaurants outside of cities, and you will also encounter fees for using services like public toilets.
Loose change came to our rescue on a long bus journey during our month in Peru, when the bus toilets didn’t work late at night and we needed to use bathrooms at a rural village shop.
In most countries, we explored, ATMs charged for withdrawals. These fees are typically around $5–$10, and usually the same amount regardless of the amount you withdraw. So, take out large amounts when possible to keep these charges to a minimum. Carrying large amounts of cash does present other challenges, of course. Ensure you have somewhere in your accommodation where you can securely lock cash away.
Another challenge is that once you leave most countries, your currency won’t be of much use in the next destination, and exchange rates on exit are always suboptimal. With this in mind, aim to spend up before you leave.
However, when leaving some South American countries, you may need to pay an exit fee. When crossing from Bolivia into Chile, we had to pay 15 bolivianos each to obtain the passport stamp; we didn’t have any cash left, and luckily some friends were able to help out. So, it’s best to look up any exit requirements ahead of time.
Long distance buses
Travelling by bus is often the most practical and affordable way to explore South America, especially when flying is either too expensive or simply not an option. However, long-distance bus journeys in this part of the world come with their own set of challenges if you’re not prepared.
I’ve had my fair share of marathon bus rides, including two 24-hour journeys to get from Buenos Aires to Puerto Natales and more than 35 8-to-15-hour bus rides over 18 months of travel! That’s simply the day-to-day reality of anyone backpacking around South America for a few months.
One of the biggest issues with these buses is the lack of comfort. Unless you’re travelling on one of the premium services that offer fully reclining seats (and even these aren’t available in every country), you’ll often find yourself stuck in a seat that reclines to a mere 45 degrees.
Another challenge is the onboard environment. Buses can get cold—the air conditioning is often cranked up to an Arctic chill, while noise can also be a significant issue. Drivers love to blast the bus TV at full volume, and locals often play local soap operas or football matches on their phones without headphones.
Bathrooms on buses are another notorious pain point. More often than not, the toilets are “broken”—a convenient excuse for staff who don’t want to deal with the hassle of cleaning them. This means loo stops are few and far between, and when they do happen, they’re often rushed and at less-than-ideal facilities.
Here are some tips to deal with the long-distance buses in South America:
- Opt for overnight buses whenever possible. This allows you to sleep through much of the journey and avoid wasting daylight hours. Even if sleep is less than perfect, it’s better than enduring the monotony of a long bus ride during the day.
- Double-check the type of seat offered when booking. There are multiple seat types: cama ejecutivo (40-degree recline), semi-cama (55-degree recline), and cama (80-degree recline). Each comes at a different price point, and in my experience, I’ve often been told I was booking a “semi-cama”, only to end up with a standard seat. Be extra careful—this is a common scam, as semi-cama and cama options are significantly more expensive. Once you’re onboard, there’s little you can do if the seat isn’t what you expected.
- Preparation is key. Download entertainment ahead of time—Netflix, Disney+, podcasts, or audiobooks can be lifesavers on these long trips. Ensure all your devices are fully charged, and if you have a power bank, bring it along. Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs are a must, as is a sleep mask.
- Stay warm and secure. Bring a sleeping bag or blanket, not just for warmth but also for security. I can only recommend keeping your bag inside your sleeping bag—it will give you some room to put your feet more comfortably and will keep thieves away.
- Pack plenty of food and water. Don’t rely on the occasional rest stop to get food, as the quality and availability of snacks can vary greatly. In some countries, you may be able to book a seat that includes meals, but this is quite rare, and the quality is often subpar. It’s always safer to bring your own supplies to ensure you stay fueled and hydrated during long journeys.
Hostel: lack of comfort & privacy
For many travellers in South America, hostels are the go-to option for accommodation. They’re affordable, social, and often located conveniently close to city centres or popular attractions. However, staying in hostels also means accepting a certain lack of comfort and privacy, which can sometimes become a challenge, especially on longer trips.
During my travels, I’ve stayed in countless hostels and hostals, and while they’ve been great places to meet fellow adventurers, the trade-offs have been hard to ignore. Shared dormitories, often with bunk beds, mean you’re sleeping in close quarters with strangers. This can lead to disrupted sleep due to late-night arrivals, early risers, or the inevitable snorer in the corner. Even with earplugs, the noise can be hard to block out completely.
Privacy is another significant compromise. Changing clothes in a shared dorm requires some creativity—or you may find yourself waiting for the single bathroom to free up. If you’re someone who values downtime, it can also be challenging to carve out personal space in a communal environment.
Then there’s the question of comfort. While some hostels offer upgraded dorms or private rooms with better amenities, the budget-friendly options often come with thin mattresses, limited blankets, and squeaky bedframes.
Over time, I’ve found a few ways to make hostel life more bearable:
- Choose your hostels wisely. Read reviews on sites like Hostelworld or Booking.com to find hostels that match your priorities, whether it’s quieter dorms, comfortable beds, or strong Wi-Fi. Sometimes just a couple of euros more will get you a hot shower – and I am not joking!
- Bring the essentials for better sleep. A good sleep mask, earplugs, and even a lightweight sleeping bag liner can make a world of difference. Some hostels offer curtains around the beds, but if they don’t, a sarong or scarf can be improvised for a bit of extra privacy.
- Pack for comfort. A small travel pillow, your own blanket, or even a comfortable hoodie can help to feel better.
- Opt for private rooms occasionally. If your budget allows, treat yourself to a private room every few nights. It’s worth it for a good night’s sleep and some personal space to recharge.
Travelling Around Argentina
by Mikala from unanchoredpassenger.com
Argentina is my absolute favourite country in the world, but I found travelling around the country to be challenging at times. It’s a massive country, and some of the best places to visit are quite remote.
If you’re in Buenos Aires, you can get just about anywhere in the country, either by plane or bus. However, if you’re trying to travel from one countryside city to the next, that’s where you might encounter challenges…
In fact, flights and buses sometimes only run on certain days of the week, which can be a challenge to work around if you are visiting for a short period of time. I found myself having to rework my entire two-week itinerary several times because of very long travel days.
I recommend planning ahead of time your itinerary, so you can ensure you can adjust your plans if needed. Once you’ve verified that the itinerary works, then you can start booking your travel.
I also recommend being mindful of the number of locations you visit on your trip. In just two weeks, you can’t see Buenos Aires, Mendoza, multiple cities in Patagonia, and Iguazú. Think about what’s most important to you and try to pick a few of your top destinations to focus on for your trip, unless you will be backpacking in Argentina for a longer period.
Travelling during public holidays
Public holidays in South America are a double-edged sword for tourists. On one hand, they offer an incredible opportunity to experience the vibrant culture, colourful festivals, and local traditions that make the continent so unique. On the other hand, they can present significant logistical challenges, from overcrowded attractions to inflated prices and limited availability of transport and accommodation.
Popular destinations, especially larger cities and well-known attractions, often become overrun with crowds of locals taking advantage of their time off to celebrate or travel. This means packed streets, long lines at attractions, and higher prices for everything from accommodation to transport. It’s not uncommon for buses and flights to sell out completely weeks in advance.
On the flip side, some remote or less touristy areas can become ghost towns during public holidays. This is exactly what I experienced one Easter, while staying on Chiloé Island in Chile. We chose the island to escape the crowds, and while we succeeded in avoiding the throngs of tourists, we discovered another challenge: finding open restaurants and accommodations was a struggle. Many businesses had closed for the holidays, leaving us with very few options. Despite this, the lack of crowds allowed us to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the island, which made it worth the inconvenience.
During my travels, I quickly learned that planning a trip around major public holidays requires extra preparation and flexibility. One of the most surprising experiences was during Census Day in Chile. We hadn’t realized that the government mandated all citizens to stay home to ensure they’d be counted, which meant everything—literally everything—was closed. Restaurants, grocery stores, and even gas stations were prohibited from opening. Caught completely off guard, we found ourselves scrambling for food. Thankfully a local opened (illegally) the back door of their shop so we could get some sandwiches and eggs!
If you’re travelling in South America during public holidays, here are some tips to navigate the challenges:
- Stay Put: Consider staying in one location during the holiday period. You can also volunteer during that time to avoid paying extra for accommodation or transport (I spent Christmas in Costa Rica volunteering for a turtle rehabilitation charity and didn’t spend a dollar for 2 weeks).
- Plan Ahead: Book accommodations and transport well in advance, especially if you’re visiting a popular destination.
- Stock Up: If you’re heading somewhere remote, bring enough food and supplies to last a few days, as many businesses may close.
- Research the local calendar: Public holidays vary by country and region. Knowing when and where they occur can help you plan your itinerary to either join the festivities or avoid the chaos.
Overcrowded popular places
South America is home to some of the world’s most iconic destinations—Machu Picchu, Iguazú Falls, Torres del Paine, and Rio de Janeiro’s Christ the Redeemer, to name a few. These breathtaking landmarks deserve a spot on anyone’s bucket list, but their popularity often comes with a downside: overwhelming crowds, sustainability concerns, and ethical challenges.
During my travels, I’ve experienced the reality of visiting such high-demand spots. Long lines, shoulder-to-shoulder crowds, and difficulty capturing a photo without a dozen strangers in the background can sometimes detract from the magic of these places. At times, it’s even hard to fully appreciate the natural or cultural beauty because you’re focused on navigating the masses or waiting for your turn to get the best view.
However, the real challenge extends beyond personal inconvenience—many of these iconic sites are bearing the brunt of excessive tourism.
Take the Rainbow Mountain in Peru as an example. This once-pristine natural marvel has seen a dramatic surge in popularity over the past decade, largely driven by social media. What was once a remote and untouched area is now inundated daily by tour buses and hikers. This dramatic increase in foot traffic has caused significant environmental damage along the trail and disrupted local communities, which often struggle with the negative effects of over-tourism while receiving only a small share of its economic benefits.
It’s entirely understandable that as travelers, we’re drawn to visit these iconic landmarks at least once in our lives. But it’s crucial to recognize our role in preserving them. Education and conscious decision-making are key. Opt for tours and operators that directly support local communities and adhere to sustainable practices.
Another way to minimize your impact is by seeking out lesser-known alternatives. For example, while Machu Picchu is undeniably awe-inspiring, the nearby Choquequirao ruins offer a similarly stunning experience with far fewer visitors. Similarly, while Iguazú Falls in Argentina is famous for its bustling main platforms, exploring quieter trails on the Brazilian side provides a more serene yet equally spectacular perspective.
Knowing when to rest
One of the most important lessons I learned on the road was knowing when to rest. When you’re on an epic journey, it’s tempting to pack your days with as much exploration as possible. FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, and the desire to “make the most” of your time can push you to move too fast.
Travel fatigue isn’t just about physical tiredness—it can also take a toll on your mental well-being. Constantly planning routes, navigating unfamiliar places, and adapting to new cultures is rewarding but also draining. And when you’re on the road for weeks or months at a time, the lack of routine can leave you feeling ungrounded.
You might as well stop being awed and just visiting places to say you were there. I have been there, and that feeling is entirely due to not knowing when to stop being on the road and rest.
I remember a moment during my trip when I was in Sucre, Bolivia, after a few months of non-stop exploring Patagonia and Chile. I just was not enjoying what I was visiting. It was yet another market and another waterfall. Oh look another alpaca.. blah, I had no interest. So, I took 2 weeks off, stayed in Sucre, took Spanish classes, worked in the hostel, and just enjoyed the slow pace of the town and getting back into a small routine.
It gave me the energy to continue my journey. Afterwards, I made sure to take a day off here and there and just chilled in the hostel watching series on Netflix or reading.
Not knowing when to rest might sound like a trivial challenge at first, but it’s a very real struggle for many backpackers. It’s one of those things where, if you know, you know—so don’t underestimate the importance of this advice.
- Find moments of routine: Long-term travel often means a lack of structure, so creating small rituals—like a morning coffee or journaling—can provide a sense of stability.
- Slow down your itinerary: Allow for longer stays in one place, especially after strenuous activities like multi-day hikes. Spending a few days in a quiet town or on a beach can be incredibly rejuvenating.
- Choose comfortable accommodations: While hostels are great for meeting people, sometimes upgrading to a private room or splurging on a nicer place can give you the downtime you need.
- Have “off” days: Dedicate a day to do nothing but sleep in, read a book, catch up on Netflix, or hang out at a café.
- Stopping doesn’t mean you are wasting a day: it’s okay to rest. The world will still be there tomorrow!
Food Hygiene
Food is an essential part of any travel experience, and South America offers a feast of culinary delights—from Peruvian ceviche and Argentinian empanadas to street food in local markets. However navigating food hygiene can be a challenge, especially when travelling in unfamiliar environments where your stomach isn’t accustomed to local bacteria or preparation methods.
I have seen terrifying scenes at the local meat market. I won’t share the images here but I can tell you that meat hygiene is not up to our usual standards.
For me, backpacking through South America came with persistent stomach issues. For 18 months on the road, my gut never fully adjusted. It was mostly a constant discomfort rather than a full-blown illness, but it felt like my stomach was just waging a battle I couldn’t win.
I am not a doctor, so I can’t give any recommendations on gut health while travelling but I can give some insights on what I did to manage my stomach pain.
- Simplify Your Diet: Stick to easily digestible foods, especially when your stomach feels off. I often relied on plain rice, bananas, crackers, and broth-based soups when I needed a break from heavy or spicy meals.
- Hydration Is Key: Dehydration can make everything worse, so I made sure to drink plenty of safe, bottled water and oral rehydration salts when necessary. Electrolyte powders became a staple in my backpack, especially in altitude. Your body works harder to process the lack of oxygen, so drinking water (and avoiding alcohol) is key.
- Probiotics: I started taking a daily probiotic to help balance my gut bacteria. While it wasn’t a miracle cure, it did seem to ease some of the discomfort.
- Cook for Yourself: Whenever I stayed somewhere with a kitchen, I took the opportunity to cook. It gave my stomach a break from the local market food and let me control the ingredients.
- Avoid raw food at the market: the fresh juices sold at most local markets are very tempting but give it a miss if you have a sensitive stomach because tap water isn’t always safe to drink.
- Bring Water Purification Tools: Products like water filter bottles (e.g., LifeStraw), UV sterilization pens or Water purification tablets are very useful especially in remote places or when hiking.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jen – Owner, writer & photographer – has lived for the past 10 years across Oceania and Ireland while also travelling long-term in Latin America, North America and Europe. She has visited more than 60 countries and set foot on every continent in the world!
>> Favourite countries: New Zealand, Bolivia, Iceland.
>> Wishlist: Svalbard, Japan, Botswana, Alaska.
>> Philosophy: “We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us.
Jen is a coffee nerd, passionate about photography, wildlife and outdoor activities. Her organisation and curiosity make her a great travel companion always looking for DIY and off-the-grid adventures. For more info, check out the About page.
If you’ve found this travel guide useful and want to say Thank You, you can now buy me a virtual coffee!