Hi AcrylicAce,
I'll go over your questions one by one.
1. Food
The most common travel related illnesses are gastrointestinal diseases usually picked up from poorly prepared foods or untreated water. To avoid the diarrhea, stomach pains, nausea and vomiting associated with these illnesses:
- Use boiled or bottled water, or water purifiers or tablets.
- Avoid ice in drinks.
- Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.
- Avoid fruit and vegetables that have been washed in local water.
- Eat thick-skinned fruit and vegetables that you can peel yourself, such as bananas, oranges and mandarins.
- Make sure food is cooked thoroughly and eat it while it’s hot
A good rule of thumb is... there is nothing to worry about if you see lots of locals at a place.
2. Safe countries
All countries are safe for US citizens. Chile and Argentina are considered safest countries to travel in but do not let this be a guide to choose your travel destination. You'll have lots of fun everywhere.
Read more about
travel safety and
backpacking in South America 3. Weather
In the Andean countries (Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador) and Brazil you have a dry and wet season. Travel is difficult during the wet season. The wet season sets in around mid-November and lasts till April. Best time of travel is between April and November.
Chile and Argentina cover such a large range of latitudes and elevations that overall generalizations are not particularly useful, though specific regions have somewhat predictable weather patterns. Patagonia, the southern region of these two countries, commonly has temperatures below freezing during their winter months, May to September. During the summer, daytime temperatures may climb into the 50s or 60s. Be prepared for incessant winds anytime of year, especially summer. In the shoulder season months - November and March - you are likely to find the winds not as strong as they are during the peak of summer.
4. Daily budget
Yes, it's US dollars. This allows for basic backpacking and includes accommodation and restaurants.
5. Backpacking
I have a page about
Backpacking in South America
It's a good idea to always have water, some snacks and... toilet paper with you on the road.
You should not be worried about your gear not arriving at your destination. Have all your valuable belongings in your day pack and carry this with you on the plane.
Hope this helps you out.
Best wishes,
Mark