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[mercenarri]

Hey everyone,

So I've planned a trip to South America (and some USA and Canada) and I'm planning on leaving October this year. I have no idea when I'll get back, but its not on my mind at the moment. I'm going to get a single flight to Rio de Janerio, and then go from there with a general plan on where I want to go and see.

Here are the places I wish to see, in order, from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil all the way to Vancoucer, Canada. There are many little towns that I've researched that I will be passing by for a day or two, but these is the main sights I wish to see:

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Iguazu Falls, Brazil/Argentina
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Ushuaia, Argentina
Patagonia, Chile
Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Rurrenabaque, Amazon, Bolivia
Machu Picchu, Peru
Lake Titicaca, Peru
Nazca Lines, Peru
Panama City, Panama
San Jose, Costa Rica
Guatemala, Guatemala
Belize City, Belize
Mexico City, Mexico
Los Angeles, United States
San Fransisco, United States
Seattle, United States
Vancouver, Canada

A couple of questions about this trip if I may. I'm not fussy at all when it comes to living standards, accommodation, travel times, etc. Living in youth hostels every day would be okay for me, I'd like to do everything on the cheap. I will also be going overland everywhere, so will not require flights. What would you suggest my budget will need to be for a trip like this? I'm thinking around £6,000. Would this be okay or too little? Note that the USA and Canada isn't as much as a priority as South America for me, so I can sacrifice them.

Another question, looking at the itinerary, are there any places that you can recommend I visit that I've missed? Anything like small towns and sights would be much appreciated

Any kind of advise would go a long way for me. As you can imagine going solo around South America is making me a little nervous. Thanks for reading! I'll post updates of planning, and pictures of the trip as I go.

[mercenarri]

Cheers nataschab! I've put this on the back burner lately, I realized I was getting way too excited about it all before even having the money for it.

That's excellent advice, and it so happens the region of Panama/Guatemala and onwards I wasn't so sure of. I'll be sure to research the areas you mentioned and take note of it.

If you don't mind me asking, what was your budget for your trip? My target is £6,000, so far I've saved half that, but I just want to be sure its not too little.

Many thanks.

[nataschab]

I think 6000 pounds would be fine. I had 8000 euros for 9 months and started during carnaval in Brazil which is very expensive and yyou won't have that so you'll be sweet.

Couple countries are more expensive like Brazil, but you won't stay there long enough and then there is very cheap Bolivia and Peru. Argentina is quite cheap although Patagonia is a bit more expensive. Chile is similar to Brazil prize wise.
Overland busing is very comfortable and very cheap in South America. And if you were to go to colombia i would suggest to boat to Panama. Same cost as flying but with tropical islands;-)

Central America is a tad bit more expensive then south (just a bit) but still cheap. It's just the States that took a big chuck of my budget and I only stayed there for 3 weeks.

As long as you hostel, bus as much as you can and try to have a weekly budget you'll be fine with 6000 pounds.

[jeremystravels]

You should add a day or two in Las Vegas if your money is open. Expensive, but you are so close to it when going from Arizona to California [it looks like].