Some questions

[AcrylicAce]

I just had a few questions about traveling in South America.

1. Do I need to worry about different foods I eat? I was told when I went to Mexico to not eat beef or drink the water... just wondering if this is the same sort of situation in South America or if I don't have to worry about this stuff.

2. I was under the impression before visiting this site that Chile and Argentina were the safest countries and El Salvador, Bolivia, Columbia, etc were not safe to travel around. Are these other countries safe for someone from the U.S.?

3. Can you lay out how the weather is in what months. Which are the best months to travel around? Which are the worst?

4. When you say that you should estimate $12-$15 per day is this talking about eating out at restaurants or buying cheaper food at stores? Also, is this U.S. dollars per day?

5. When backpacking (I have never gone backpacking before!!) what types of foods do you bring with you in your bag so that you don't starve if you aren't near a town to eat. Can you buy this food when down there or should I bring stuff along?

I think these are all the questions I have for now. Thanks a ton!

AcrylicAce

[AcrylicAce]

Just two other things...
As far as the weather question goes. I have read on other pages how different the weather is all over. I am just wondering... how can I possibly plan a backpacking trip around South America when the weather is so drastically different in different areas at different times of the year. I mean, should I be trying to carry a warm jacket, rain coats, swimming trunks, etc. Seems like a lot to carry around.

I also had one other question. Do I need to be worried at all about checking luggage and having it not show up when I get off the plane in say Chile or Argentina? Should I try to just carry my bag on?

I hope I am not asking to many questions... there is just a lot I feel I need to know before I dive into the unknown.

Thanks!!

[Mark]

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

[AcrylicAce]

Thanks a TON mark... I really appreciate your help.

I just had one more question if you don't mind. I couldn't find the answer anywhere so I guess this is the place to ask.

I am wondering. If you are doing an activity where you can not have your bag with you (snorkeling, surfing, etc) what do you do with your bag? Are you forced to rent a private room when you want to do one of these activities? It is probably not a good idea to leave your bad in a hostel that you share with many people correct?

Thanks again for your help. What a great website you have here.

[Mark]

Great to hear you like the site! Just leave your backpack in the dorm room locked with padlocks or in the hotel's safe storage room (they all have one just for such occasions).