The Best Backpacking Destinations in South America

Cusco, Peru

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Base yourself out of here to hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, raft the Sacred Valley, or see the rainbow dirt of Vincuna or Palcoyo Mountains. In Cusco proper, shop at the Central Market for ceviche, fresh fruit juices, chocolates, tinctures, and remedies for altitude sickness (the city is 11,152 feet above sea level). Invest in the Boleto Turistico, a type of tourist pass, if you want to visit nearby ruins, some of the museums, and cultural shows. No matter what you do, try a pisco sour, the favored cocktail of Peru. Stay in the Centro Historico, full of hostels, ruins, and dining options, it’s also easy to walk to many of Cusco’s main attractions from here. Once night falls, head to nearby Plaza de Armas for some of the city’s best-known bars and clubs.

Torres del Paine, Chile

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See massive condors glide above you as you kayak around Grey Glacier and hike up to the centerpiece of this Chilean national park: the granite towers of the Cuernos del Paine. While Torres del Paine isn’t known as a cheap spot, it is possible to hike there on a budget far below the $1,000 price tag a multi-day group tour will charge you for the W (the most popular trek in the park). If you take your own gear, camp, and cook your own food, your only costs will be a few camping fees, transportation, and the park entrance fee (the equivalent of $27). Kayaking and glacier-walking will be extra, but you can easily cut costs to just a few hundred dollars if you plan accordingly and stick to your budget.