Hi guys...
I want to spend a few months traveling around South America in the next year or two but I'm not sure how getting around there actually works. Is there any kind of continental train ticket thing like that in Europe? Or would I need to hire a car etc? Also are there any crazy legal limitations that I need to be aware of? Thanks so much for your help!
Dave.
Reply to this Hello Dave 😊
Busses and planes are the best way to get around S. America.
Last I heard the train service in S. America is not very good.
I personally wouldnt drive.
Mel
Reply to this Awesome... Thanks Mel. Do you know of any sorta big round trip tickets available for buses? Or is it a bit at a time?
Reply to this When I was in S. America I just went to the bus stations and took the next bus going. I never had to wait for long. I dont know if there is a bus pass available or not. I just bought individual tickets. You will need to know which routes the busses take from each particular town. I found the Lonely Planet book good for this. They have a getting there and away section at the end of each town or city which says where you can take a bus to.
I took one domestic flight when I was in S. America. That was in Peru. I was getting tired of the desert after going through it for 3 days and decided to fly over the rest of it. :D I think I might have just gone to the airport and bought the ticket there. I dont remember using a travel agent.
Mel
Reply to this awesome, that sounds great. and, one last question...how much money would you recommend i take with me for...say 2 months of travelling, with a view to fitting in as many countries as possible?
Reply to this It has been 9 years since I was last in S. America Dave, so I will let somebody else answer the money question.
Reply to this Car hire in South America is expensive (relative to buses) but it can be a good idea if you want to get to off the beaten path locations where there isn't a great bus service. We hired a car in the Lake Districts of Chile & Argentina and it gave us freedom to see so much more.
Costs of living vary widely per country, e.g. In Brazil & Chile prices are not too different to Western Europe, while in Argentina, Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador you can live very cheaply. We've been travelling in South America for 9 months and we average about 50 to 60 USD per day between 2. This doesn't include one-offs like Machu Picchu, airfares, etc.
Reply to this Excellent cheers, that amount includes all your accomodation and food and all that? I mean to bring the maximum for safety, would I wanna average something like 100 USD per day? Thanks so much for your help!
Reply to this Yes, that amount includes fooe, accommodation, transport, and everyday sightseeing like museums, churches, etc.
100 USD per day for one person is excessive. Unless you plan to live very well and only visit the expensive countries.
Reply to this 
