6-Week South America Backpacking Itinerary
Are you yearning for a South American adventure but don’t know where to go, what to do, what to see?
A South American backpacking excursion is precisely what you need.
This article outlines a comprehensive 6-week South America Backpacking Itinerary, with optional add-ons for endless weeks of exploration.
In our guide, we go through the best things to do in South America, highlight the best places to visit, and ensure you know how to make the most out of your Backpacking trip through this most fascinating of continents.
We start by taking you overland through Colombia, a much-maligned, misunderstood country, before snaking South through the mountains of Peru. A whistle-stop tour of Bolivia follows before we finally head East towards the carnival-clad beaches of Rio De Janeiro, Brazil.
Note: This is a 6-week itinerary that covers 4 countries in South America. You can quickly adapt the itinerary to cater for any length of backpacking. The general rule with any travel experience is that the slower you take it, the better.
Disclaimer - this blog post contains affiliate links where we can earn a commission if you make a purchase through them (at no extra cost to you).
Useful Travel Resources For Planning Your South America Trip
- 🏠 Book your perfect stay on Booking.com
- 🛏️ Find a hostel with Hostelworld
- 🎡 Discover more in South America with Viator
- 📲 Buy a handy South America eSIM that covers all countries
- ✈️ Buy cheap flight tickets to South America on WayAway
6-weeks in South America
Colombia
Cartagena (2-5 Days)
Medellin (3-5 Days)
Bogota (1-2 Days)
Peru
Lima (1-3 Days)
Ica (2-3 Days)
Arequipa (2-3 Days)
Cusco (7-10 Days)
Bolivia
La Paz (3-7 Days)
Uyuni (2-3 Days)
Rurrenabaque (2-4 Days)
Brazil
Foz Do Iguacu (2-3 Days)
Rio De Janeiro (3-7 Days)
Colombia
Colombia is not the country that our parents grew up knowing. Gone are the days when Medellin was, statistically, the most dangerous city in the world.
Colombia has gone through a transformation in the last few decades, and tourism dollars are contributing to this process.
Modern-day Colombia is one of the most vibrant destinations in South America. From the tropical beaches in the North to the vast rainforests in the East, Colombia is a haven for backpackers looking to get off-the-beaten-track and discover true Latin America. Colombia’s epic hiking trails also offer the chance to explore some of the country’s incredibly diverse landscapes.
That’s why we start our 6-week South America round-up in Colombia.
Top tip: buy the Lonely Planet South America Guidebook - we used it religiously during our South America backpacking experience and it really became a life-saver!
Cartagena (1-3 Days)
Walled City (Old Town) - as a relaxing welcome to the continent, admire the colonial architecture of Cartagena while strolling aimlessly through the streets of the old town - walking around the walled city is one of the best things to do in Cartagena.
Day-trips/Overnight Stays on the Nearby Islands - Cartagena is home to a vast array of tropical beaches and resorts. For a backpacking itinerary, the islands of Rosario or Tierra Bomba are the most popular options, and for good reason. Budget-friendly hostels are easy to find.
Trip to San Gil (Optional) - San Gil is the adrenaline-sport capital of Colombia and can be reached via a 17-hour bus journey from Cartagena. The reward for such a long journey is mountain biking, paragliding, bungee jumping and white-water rafting. Paragliding over the breathtaking Chicamocha Canyon is undoubtedly one of the most incredible things to do in Colombia.
The most popular Activities in Cartagena
- 🏛️ Discover Walled City, San Felipe Castle and other sights of Cartagena during this Cartagena City Tour with a guide
- 🚶🏼♂️ Explore Cartagena at your own pace: Private Walking Tour in Cartagena with a guide
- 🛥️ Sail out to the Rosario Islands on this Excursion to the Rosario Islands with Lunch and Snorkeling
- 💥 Get some extreme during this Cartagena ATV Tour with an experienced guide
- 🌅 Enjoy a romantic boat trip: Sunset Cruise in Cartagena
View from El Peñón de Guatapé - Colombia
Medellin (3-5 Days)
Guatapé - conquer the 740-step ascent of El Peñón De Guatapé and marvel at the colourful buildings in the nearby Guatapé town. Combine El Peñon and the Gautapé with a boat trip to visit Escobar’s former dwelling. We went on a brilliant tour that offers all 3 activities in one day-trip.
Comuna 13 - once Colombia’s most notorious neighbourhood, Comuna 13 is now home to graffiti walking tours and a 1260-foot-long outdoor escalator.
Free Walking Tour - learn about Medellin's incredible history and how the locals have turned around their fortunes in the space of a decade.
Medellin has to be a significant part of any Colombia itinerary, and one of the things to know before visiting Medellin is that it was famously the home of a certain Pablo Escobar.
As the city desperately tries to escape the shackles of it’s tumultuous past, his name is, understandably, not uttered on the streets with a particular fondness. As a result, many locals aren’t too happy for tourists to come into the city to learn about the one man they despise more than any other.
Therefore, we recommend not taking part in any tours or activities in the city that focus solely on Mr Escobar. Medellin’s past is unfortunately inescapable, but the least we can do as tourists is to not remind them about it every time we visit.
Medellin is also widely considered one of the best cities in Latin America for expats and digital nomads but before you pack your bags right away, you should consider some things to know before living in Medellin.
Street Art lining the walls of Bogota
Bogota (1-2 Days)
Street Art/Graffiti - spend an afternoon wandering around the district of La Candelaria, where owners commission pieces of artwork on the side of their homes to prevent others from graffiti-tagging the building.
Bolivar Square - the city's main square is a great place to grab a world-famous Colombian Coffee while watching the locals go about their day.
Monserrate Cable Car - riding the cable car up to the top of Monserrate Mountain to experience panoramic views of the city below is one of the best things to do in Bogota. The cafe at the top of Monserrate is a great place to try Hot Chocolate con Queso. Hot chocolate and cheese is not a combination found often in Europe and North America but is a traditional staple in many Colombian households.
Monserrate Cable Car
Peru
Peru is synonymous with Machu Picchu, understandably so, but the country offers so much more than that - particularly for Backpackers. That’s why it features so prominently on this backpacking itinerary and why you should spend plenty of time in Peru during your 6 weeks in South America. A 2 week Peru Itinerary is enough to see all the major highlights, but the longer you can spend in the country, the better.
A brilliant transportation network of coaches and overnight buses makes travelling through Peru a breeze, even for those of us with very little Spanish. Any South American backpacking itinerary, whether for 2 weeks, 6 weeks or 6 months, has Peru at the heart of it, and we’re not about to tell you otherwise.
As one of the most diverse countries on the continent, Peru provides rich Andean culture, fascinating reminders of colonisation, and an abundance of incredible landscapes. There are many unmissable sights when backpacking in Peru, so we are going to outline the highlights for you.
If you need even more inspiration for your Peruvian adventure, then this 10 day Peru Itinerary that takes you through the heart of the Andes and the Amazon is sure to provide that South American wanderlust.
Huaca Pucllana
Lima Night Markets
Lima (1-2 Days)
Huaca Pucllana - it’s scarcely believable that such an ancient structure has survived for so long in the centre of a Metropolitan city like Lima but it has, and you should definitely pay it a visit.
Explore the Night Markets - Lima truly comes alive at night. The bustling markets in the Miraflores district offer a wide array of Peruvian treats and souvenirs.
Try Ceviché and Pisco Sour - two delicacies Peruvians are very proud of. Ceviché is made from raw fish cured in citrus juice, while a Pisco Sour is the much-revered national drink of Peru (Be warned, it can be very strong!).
Larcomar Shopping Centre - there can’t be many shopping centres in the world built into the side of a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, so it’s definitely worth adding Larcomar to your itinerary.
Huacachina (2-3 Days)
An adventure in Huacachina is sure to be one of the highlights of your trip to Peru - the desert Oasis really doesn’t disappoint!
Dune-Buggying - believe us when we say that Dune-Buggying in Huacachina is one of the best experiences you can have in the whole of South America. You’ll repeatedly be flung from your seats as the driver launches the buggy over the top of the intimidatingly big sand dunes at truly hair-raising speeds.
Walk to the top of the Dunes - climb to the top of one of the sand dunes for the best view possible of the desert oasis town.
Sandboarding - it’s difficult to truly appreciate the sheer size of the dunes surrounding Huacachina until you velcro-strap a makeshift sandboard to your feet and attempt to ride down the side of them.
You can combine the Dune-buggying and Sandboarding with a sunset tour of the Dunes - we recommend going for sunset as the heat is certainly more manageable.
Sun setting over the sand dunes in Huacachina
Arequipa (2-3 Days)
Altitude Warning: Arequipa is where the altitude starts to affect some travellers in Peru. Tourists use it as a stop-off point to acclimatise to the altitude, so if you start to feel the effects (Dizziness, Nausea, Headaches, etc.), keep drinking lots of water, take a rest and get yourself to a local cafe and order some Coca Tea (Yes, coca leaves are the raw material for cocaine but don’t worry, drinking a little coca tea isn’t going to do you any harm).
Colca Canyon - at almost twice the depth of the Grand Canyon in the US, Colca Canyon is the second deepest canyon in the world. Couple that with the certainty of spotting Peruvian Condors, one of the largest birds in the world, and you will understand why Colca Canyon is an absolute must for any South American backpacking itinerary. Taking a day trip from Arequipa to Colca Canyon means a very early start, potentially 3 or 4 am, to make it worthwhile. You can opt to do Colca over two days, but we found that the 1-day Colca Canyon Tour was more than enough time to see Colca Canyon comfortably.
Explore the City - walking around the historic centre in Arequipa is like walking back in time. Soak up the sun on one of the many coffeehouse balconies overlooking the Plaza De Armas and take a wander around the wondrous Basilica Cathedral.
| Tip
If you want to discover Arequipa better, then we recommend taking this half-day sightseeing tour with a knowledgeable and expert guide. You will explore Arequipa's many top sights and attractions and learn about the city’s history.
Rainbow Mountain
Cusco (7-10 Days)
Quite simply, Cusco is the gateway to some incredible Peruvian activities and adventures. A brief list of the best day trips from Cusco is outlined below so you get a feeling for what is going to be in store.
Rainbow Mountain - at over 5000m above sea level, reaching Rainbow Mountain is certainly not a stroll in the park, but visiting this spectacular place is one of the best things to do in Cusco. Even if you are generally quite fit, be prepared to take plenty of breaks to catch your breath. The reward is a spectacularly colourful mountain view, only unearthed in recent years due to the melting of the ice that once covered the beautiful minerals below. The easiest and least stressful way to see Rainbow Mountain is through a Rainbow Mountain trek from Cusco as there isn’t public transport directly to Rainbow Mountain.
Maras Salt Mines - located in the heart of the Sacred Valley, the collection of tiered salt pools dates back to Incan time and continues to be extracted and used by families to this day. There are many sacred valley tours available throughout the region.
Quad-Biking Tour - a perfect way to explore Peru is on the back of Quad-Bike. Be prepared to get sand and dust in all sorts of places as you explore the wonders of the Sacred Valley. The quad-biking tour is a perfect way to combine the Maras Salt Mines with the Moray Ruins.
Machu Picchu - there isn’t enough space in this article to write all about Machu Picchu, but we will go into greater depth in another destination guide. Every South American Backpacking Itinerary has Machu Picchu at the heart of it, it’s one of the seven wonders of the world and for good reason. Is Machu Picchu worth the money? Absolutely! We experienced Machu Picchu in a day, and although we didn’t have time for the Inca trek, we instead opted for the best day-tour to Machu Picchu (from Cusco), and it worked out to be even more incredible than we expected!
Quad-biking in the Sacred Valley
Other Options for Extended Stay in Peru
Moray Ruins - an archaeological site about 50km from Cusco. The site is a series of unusual, terraced, circular depressions in the ground, the largest of which is approximately 30m deep.
Humantay Blue Lagoon - 4200m above sea level, the magnificent Humantay Lake can only be accessed by hiking up a moderate trail. The hike is certainly worthwhile when you are greeted by one of the most stunning views in South America - the snow-capped Andean Peaks tower of the turquoise lagoon. It truly is a sight to behold.
Lake Titicaca - the world’s highest lake straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia and is said to be the birthplace of the Incas. Titicaca is a great stop-off point between the countries.
Maras Salt Mines
View from an Incan house at Machu Picchu
Bolivia
The next stop on your 6 weeks in South America is going to be Bolivia. Bolivia can often get overlooked when backpacking in South America, but we believe it should feature on every South America itinerary.
Bolivia is a country famous for its mountains and the bowler hat, a brightly-coloured dress worn by indigenous Cholita women.
For backpackers, though, Bolivia screams adventure. It is home to the world’s highest capital city, the world’s most dangerous road, and the world’s largest salt flat. It means there is a lot to discover in this criminally underrated country.
While backpacking around Bolivia, be sure to try the local’s favourite dish - fried Guinea Pig. The Guinea Pig is a staple meat for many Bolivians as it is high in protein and low in fat.
La Paz (3-7 Days)
Death Road Tour - rising to prominence in 2009 after featuring on the BBC’s Top Gear, the Death Road is a series of stomach-churning hairpin bends overlooking the mighty ravine below. Day tours from La Paz offer the chance to cycle a stretch of the famous highway, while crosses and shrines lining the side of the road act as a stark reminder of how it got its fatal name.
Witches Market - there are very few places in the world where Dehydrated Llama Fetus’ and Bolivian Armadillos are the main avenues of attraction, but the Witches Market in downtown La Paz is one of them. Hiding away in a small corner of the old town of La Paz, the Witches’ Market is sure to send a shiver down your spine.
Cable Cars in the City - the 17-mile long cable car system in La Paz is certainly one of the most impressive transportation systems on the planet - rivalling Communa 13’s outdoor escalator - and is a perfect way to reach the outskirts of the world’s highest capital city.
Uyuni (2-3 Days)
Uyuni Salt Flats - a 9-hour coach ride from La Paz, Salar de Uyuni, is home to an estimated 11 billion tonnes of salt. A thin layer of moisture lying on top of the salt flats gives the appearance of being the largest mirror in the world. A haven for any budding photographer, the Uyuni salt flats offer the chance to capture spectacular optical illusions on camera in a landscape that wouldn’t look out of place on the surface of the Moon.
The Salt Flats are certainly one of those bucket list places to see in Bolivia. It’s difficult to imagine a Bolivia travel itinerary without incorporating a trip to Salar de Uyuni.
Cruising down the Amazon in the Pampas
Sunset in the Bolivian Pampas
Rurrenabaque (2-4 Days)
Pampas Tour - right in the heart of the Amazon, the Bolivian Pampas is teaming with wildlife and provides the opportunity to get within touching distance of some of the most extraordinary creatures on the planet. Capybaras (the world’s largest rodent), Squirrel Monkeys and Pink River Dolphins provide endless entertainment while cruising down the Amazon in a motorised canoe.
Although the chances of spotting a Leopard are slim in the Pampas, you can never escape the intimidating glare of a 50kg adult, male Caiman. Throw deadly anacondas and spectacularly beautiful sunsets into the mix, and you have the recipe for a truly unforgettable backpacking experience.
It is worth pointing out that going on a 2-4 day Pampas tour means that you will need to be prepared by taking plenty of fresh, bottled water with you on the tour. Supplies are very limited in the Pampas so it pays to be as prepared as possible. We go through many other clever survival tips for South America backpacking in our guide how not to end up in a Bolivian hospital while backpacking South America.
Brazil
The land of famous footballers, Samba dancers and flamboyant carnivals. Brazil is the final stop on our South America itinerary, which means you’ll finish your 6 weeks in South America on a high.
Brazil is the world’s fifth-largest nation and is the largest in South America. While you could quite happily enjoy a 3-week itinerary in Brazil, we are going to highlight the main attractions so you can get the most out of your stay there.
Stunning beaches, jaw-dropping waterfalls and lively cities await you on your backpacking adventure.
The Incredible Iguazu Falls
Foz Do Iguacu (2-3 Days)
Iguazu Falls - the waterfalls straddle the border between Brazil and Argentina. You get to see the Falls from above from the Argentinian side, but it’s from the Brazilian side where you get the incredible views. The Waterfalls, over 2.5km wide, cascade over 85m before crashing into the Iguazu river below. Iguazu Falls consists of 285 different waterfalls that can be observed from the viewing platform that is suspended high over the Iguazu River.
Marias and Maria Bakery - walking through the main doors, you are greeted by the marvellous Brazilian treats and cakes aroma. In our opinion, though, the best part of Marias and Maria Bakery is the restaurant's savoury buffet. You walk in, go straight to the buffet line, and pile the food as high as you can. It’s great value and locals go there every day - which is always a great sign of quality!
Rio De Janeiro (3-7 Days)
If you’re a little short on time come the end of your backpacking adventure, perhaps our Rio de Janeiro weekend itinerary will be better suited. Spending 48 hours in Rio may feel rushed, but with our guide, you will be able to make the most of your time.
Botanical Gardens - in a city of over 6 and a half million people, it can be tricky to find some peace and quiet in Rio. The Botanical gardens, in the handily named Jardim Botânico district, offer the rare chance to escape the hustle and bustle of Rio De Janeiro.
Christ the Redeemer - the most traditional way of visiting the famous monument is to take the cog train. The train snakes up the Corcovado Mountain before dropping you off just below the statue. A short walk up a few flights of stairs, and you will be staring up from the base of the most iconic structure in Brazil. It’s difficult to appreciate the size of Christ the Redeemer until you are right underneath it.
Sugarloaf Mountain - sitting at the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf Mountain towers over Rio De Janeiro and presents panoramic views of the city below. Hiking will take you around 2 hours to get to the top, but the most popular route to the summit is via the world-famous cable car.
Escadaria Selarón - the world-famous set of stairs were the work of Chilean-born artist Jorge Selarón. His tribute to the Brazilian people has become a tourist hotspot in Rio De Janeiro. It's worth visiting - but good luck trying to get a photo without another tourist in.
Escadaira Selarón - Rio de Janeiro
Christ the Redeemer
Centro Cultural Municipal Parque das Ruínas - located in the Santa Teresa district of Rio, the Parque das Ruínas is a small public park that regularly hosts free live music events. It’s a wonderful spot to grab an iced coffee and gaze out across the stunning Guanabara Bay.
Ipanema / Copacabana Beach - you cannot envisage a trip to Rio De Janeiro without visiting the iconic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana. The inspiration behind many, many famous songs, the sandy beaches present the perfect place to relax and take in your last few days on the glorious continent of South America.
Carretao Ipanema Classic Grill - if you want to get a real flavour of Brazil, then this cannot be missed. The Carretao Ipanema is a traditional steakhouse that serves a full buffet, while hosts come around with platters of barbecued meat to accompany the meal.
Garota de Ipanema - order a drink at the Garota (previously Veloso Bar), the former bar where composers Tom Jobin and Vinícius de Moraes first spotted the infamous Girl from Ipanema.
Planning the ultimate 6-week South America itinerary is just stage one of everything you need to know before backpacking South America. The beginning of stage 2 is to invest in a handy South America Guidebook - we found every destination we visited in this guide, as well as reading travel blogs.
We have always maintained that backpacking is a great option for long-term travel as a couple. Our experience of backpacking through South America has certainly not changed this opinion. We absolutely loved the adventure we have, and we hope that this 6-week South America backpacking itinerary will help you to have a similarly brilliant experience.
6 weeks in South America is just about enough time to get a flavour for the continent but know one thing, it will only inspire you to visit South America for even longer next time around.
