Routes & Itineraries in Central & South America
Central and South America are perfect for flexible, multi-country backpacking, with natural north-to-south routes that are easy to follow and adapt to your time, budget, and interests. Whether you’re travelling for a few weeks or several months, most backpackers follow variations of the routes below to link colonial cities, jungle landscapes, mountain trails, beaches and world-famous landmarks into one unforgettable journey.
The Gringo Trail
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile
Perfect time: 12–16 weeks
Overview
The true South American Gringo Trail — a north-to-south backpacker corridor linking colonial cities, Andean culture, ancient wonders, salt deserts, tango capitals, and Patagonian wilderness. This is the route thousands of backpackers follow every year because it’s logical, affordable and unbelievably varied.
Route
Cartagena → Medellín → Quito → Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → La Paz → Uyuni → Salta → Buenos Aires → Patagonia (Chile)
Highlights & Landmarks
Colombia: Cartagena old town, Medellín nightlife, coffee region
Ecuador: Quito historic centre, volcano landscapes, market towns
Peru: Lima food scene, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Bolivia: La Paz viewpoints, Uyuni salt flats jeep tour
Argentina: Salta desert scenery, Buenos Aires culture & nightlife
Chile: Patagonia trekking, Torres del Paine, glacier landscapes
Best for: Long-term backpackers, dramatic scenery, iconic bucket-list sights, social hostels, overland travel
Typical budget: £45–£80 per day
Central America Classic Backpacking Route
Mexico · Guatemala · Costa Rica · Panama
Perfect time: 8–10 weeks
Overview
A smooth overland route linking colourful colonial cities, volcano hikes, lake villages, dense jungle, surf beaches, and finishing at the Panama Canal. Buses connect most of this route easily, hostels are everywhere and the variety is huge within short distances.
Route
Mexico City → Oaxaca → San Cristóbal de las Casas → Antigua → Lake Atitlán → Acatenango hike → La Fortuna → Monteverde → Santa Teresa → Panama City
Highlights & Landmarks
Mexico: Street food, markets, historic centres, mountain towns
Guatemala: Antigua streets, Acatenango volcano hike, Lake Atitlán villages
Costa Rica: Arenal volcano, cloud forests, waterfalls, wildlife, surfing
Panama: Casco Viejo, skyline views, Panama Canal
Best for: First-time backpackers, culture, volcanoes, nature, beaches, easy logistics
Typical budget: £45–£80 per day
Central + South America Grand Backpacking Route
Guatemala · Colombia · Ecuador · Peru · Bolivia · Argentina · Chile
Perfect time: 14–18 weeks
Overview
A true continent-spanning journey that starts with Central America’s volcano towns and flows into South America’s colourful cities, Inca history, salt deserts, tango culture and Patagonian wilderness. This is the route for travellers who want everything in one trip.
Route
Antigua → Lake Atitlán → Fly to Medellín → Salento → Quito → Baños → Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → La Paz → Uyuni → Buenos Aires → Patagonia (Chile)
Highlights & Landmarks
Guatemala: Colonial streets, volcano hikes, lake villages
Colombia: Medellín nightlife, coffee region, mountain towns
Ecuador: Quito old town, waterfalls in Baños, volcano scenery
Peru: Lima food scene, Sacred Valley, Machu Picchu
Bolivia: La Paz viewpoints, Uyuni salt flats jeep tour
Argentina: Buenos Aires culture, architecture, nightlife
Chile: Torres del Paine, glaciers, dramatic hiking trails
Best for: Long-term backpackers, huge variety, iconic sights, culture + nature, social hostels
Typical budget: £45–£80 per day