Lonely Planet America

You set your mind and you're ready to travel to South America, a magical place of immense beauty where myth and legend continue to walk hand in hand. I traveled 18 months in South America and can give you some tips on how to prepare you for an unforgettable adventure.

Common Sense

We've all heard the stories unpleasant and South America has a reputation for being dangerous. I traveled thousands of miles traversing cities, jungles, islands and mountains. I survived 6 weeks in a street child care center in the favelas of Salvador da Bahia (Brazil) and was part of a lifetime during carnival. Nothing, I repeat, nothing happened. Use your common sense. Avoid unlit streets at night and if your sixth sense gives you "something is wrong" sign, then take a taxi to your destination.

Book travel guide

The first thing you need is a travel guide book. It will be your best companion in your quest for adventure. I can highly recommend Lonely Planet South America on a budget to begin. This book covers everything you need to know to make the most of your trip and is ideal to prepare your journey ahead. I used the guide extensively during my 18 month adventure. They offer excellent separate travel guides from all countries (besides using the Lonely Planet Shoestring I've used their separate travel guides of Peru and Brazil). Their guides are the most popular among backpackers.

Other popular guides are The Rough Guide to South America and South America Handbook. Ideal, but not practical because you want to travel light, would enjoy the adventure with a Lonely Planet and Rough Guide is or Manual.

Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese

The most rewarding thing for me was the fact that you can travel in a huge continent like South America with only 2 languages. Spanish and Portuguese. If you plan to travel just for a few weeks, you can invest in a Spanish and / or Brazilian Portuguese Phrase Book. English is not widespread and even a basic knowledge of Spanish and / or Portuguese makes the trip even more rewarding (they are very willing to help you, so do not worry, be happy).

But if you plan to travel for a few months, I can recommend you take a language course. Ideally, a school in South America (I took lessons in Quito, Ecuador, and had a private teacher for $ 2.50 per hour).

Walking Shoes

Nature in South America is overwhelming. You walk for hours, day after day. It would be a shame to walk in the footsteps of the Incas with blisters on the feet. My biggest recommendation is to invest in quality walking shoes with Gore-Tex.

Vaccinations Health

Yellow fever (if you plan to go to the Amazon), typhoid (consisting of two injections taken 4 weeks apart), diphtheria-tetanus, polio, cholera (only if necessary), Smallpox

Medical Kit:

Depending on what you plan to do you can include the following: Antiseptic cream, aspirin, Lomotil for diarrhea, antibiotics, throat lozenges, ear and eye drops, antacid tablets, medicines motion sickness, alcohol swabs, water purifier, lip balm, foot powder and groin, a thermometer (one case), tape, assorted plasters, gauze, bandages, butterfly closures, scissors and last but not least, the first-aid booklet

Note: pills against malaria are needed in the Amazon basin, please be aware that these pills are very b and you should consult your doctor before starting

Travel Accessories

Backpack:

Of course, a pack of high quality is a must. Choose the type that has different compartments can be opened separately. Very useful if you need something quickly. Travel as light as possible. A heavy backpack is intended to affect leisure travel.

Clothing:

Depends on where you go. If.