I Traveled the Clockwise Route in South America — Here’s What I’d Change
Hello~ Everyone, Today I want to share my experience traveling the clockwise route around South America! I have some useful information for you guys~ Shall we find out right away? 😊
🧭 Planning the Perfect Route Through South America
When I first started planning my South American adventure, I was overwhelmed with choices. So many incredible countries, landscapes, and cultures to explore!
I ultimately decided on the classic clockwise route: starting in Colombia, then heading to Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, and finally Brazil.
This is one of the most popular routes for travelers, and for good reason - it follows a logical geographical path that minimizes backtracking.
However, after completing my journey, I realized there were several things I would change if I could do it all over again.
| Season Considerations | Budget Range |
| Dec-Feb: Avoid Patagonia Jun-Aug: Perfect for Andes |
Backpacker: $30-50/day Midrange: $50-100/day |
| Mar-May: Shoulder season Sep-Nov: Best for Amazon |
Premium: $100-200/day Luxury: $200+/day |
| Time Needed | Transportation |
| Minimum: 3 months Ideal: 6+ months |
Buses: Most affordable Flights: Time-saving |
🌎 Regional Focus - Quality Over Quantity
The biggest change I'd make to my journey would be focusing more on fewer regions. 😌 I tried to see everything, which meant I was constantly on the move.
While I technically "saw" most major attractions, I never stayed long enough to truly experience the local culture and develop a deeper understanding of each place.
For example, I rushed through Colombia in just two weeks, hitting Bogotá, Medellín, and Cartagena. But I missed the coffee region and the Amazon, which I later heard were incredible experiences.
If I could do it again, I'd choose 3-4 countries to focus on during a 3-month trip, rather than trying to see all 8 countries. 🤔
This would allow for more meaningful connections with locals, the opportunity to take Spanish or Portuguese lessons, and time to venture off the typical tourist path.
🚌 Transportation Choices - Mix It Up
Another aspect I'd reconsider is transportation. I primarily relied on long-distance buses to save money, which meant spending countless hours on overnight journeys. 😴
While some buses in Argentina and Chile were quite comfortable, many others were exhausting experiences that left me too tired to enjoy the next destination.
Looking back, I would have mixed transportation methods more strategically. For longer distances (like Santiago to Buenos Aires), a budget flight would have saved an entire day of travel for just $100-150 more.
Night buses make sense for certain routes, but I'd be more selective about when to use them.
I also wish I had considered more alternative transportation like the Bolivia-Peru Lake Titicaca ferry or the Amazon riverboats in Brazil. These journeys become memorable experiences themselves, not just ways to get from point A to B. 🚢
| Must-Visit Hidden Gems | Worth Skipping | Best Food Experiences |
| Minca, Colombia | La Paz city center | Ceviche in Lima |
| Huacachina oasis, Peru | Copacabana, Bolivia | Asado in Argentina |
| Pucón, Chile | Miraflores, Lima | Arepas in Colombia |
| Ilha Grande, Brazil | Santiago (brief visit only) | Feijoada in Brazil |
🏔️ Altitude Adjustment - Take It Slow
One of the biggest physical challenges of the clockwise route is dealing with altitude, especially when heading from Ecuador into Peru and Bolivia. 🥵
I made the classic mistake of ascending too quickly. I flew from coastal Ecuador directly to Cusco (3,400m), and spent my first two days there with a pounding headache and fatigue that prevented me from enjoying the city.
If I could do it again, I would plan for a more gradual ascent. Perhaps stopping in Guayaquil, then Cuenca (2,500m), then Cajamarca in northern Peru (2,750m) before eventually reaching Cusco.
Alternatively, I could have flown directly to Lima and then taken a bus to Cusco, which allows for a more gradual adjustment.
Don't underestimate altitude sickness - it can ruin several days of your trip if you're not careful! 🤒 Listen to your body, drink coca tea, and avoid alcohol during your first days at high altitude.
💰 Budget Management - Daily vs. Experience Spending
I started my trip with a typical daily budget approach - allocating about $50/day for everything. This worked fine in some places but led to missing out on some incredible experiences. 😞
If I could restart my journey, I'd switch to a two-tier budget system: a baseline daily budget for accommodation, food, and transportation, plus a separate "experiences" budget.
Some experiences are simply worth spending extra on. The $200 for a flight over the Nazca Lines or $150 for a high-quality tango show in Buenos Aires creates memories that last a lifetime.
I regret skipping the Galápagos Islands because of budget concerns. In hindsight, I should have extended my trip by a few weeks and worked remotely to afford this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Remember that you can always earn more money, but you might never get the chance to return to these amazing places! 💸
🧳 Packing Differently - Climate Versatility
South America has incredibly diverse climates, from the humid Amazon to the freezing Patagonian peaks. 🌡️
I made the mistake of bringing too many clothes for warm weather and not enough layers for cold nights in the Andes and the far south.
My new packing strategy would focus on versatile items and layering. Merino wool t-shirts work in both hot and cold weather. A good quality lightweight down jacket packs small but provides warmth when needed.
I'd also bring better rain protection. My cheap poncho didn't hold up during the unexpected downpours in Bolivia's rainy season.
And finally, I'd pack more activewear. There are so many amazing hiking opportunities throughout South America, and I wasn't always prepared with the right clothing and footwear.
| Is it safe to travel solo in South America? |
| While caution is needed in certain areas, most tourist routes are quite safe, especially if you take basic precautions. I traveled solo for 4 months without any serious issues. Stay alert in big cities, avoid flashing valuables, and research neighborhoods before booking accommodation. |
| What's the best way to handle money while traveling through multiple countries? |
| I recommend bringing two debit cards from different banks, a credit card for emergencies, and keeping about $200 USD cash hidden as backup. ATMs are widely available in cities, but can be scarce in rural areas. Some countries (Argentina) have favorable "blue dollar" exchange rates for cash. |
| Do I need to be fluent in Spanish or Portuguese? |
| No, but learning some basic phrases goes a long way! English is commonly spoken in tourist areas and hostels, but much less so in rural areas. I used a combination of basic Spanish and translation apps. Taking a week-long Spanish course at the beginning of your trip is an excellent investment. |
The South American clockwise route remains one of the most rewarding travel experiences I've ever had. 🌟 Even with the changes I'd make, the journey was incredible. The vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and warm people make this continent truly special.
Remember, travel plans should be flexible - allow yourself the freedom to stay longer in places you love and move on quickly from those that don't connect with you.
See you next time with a better topic! 👋 Bye Bye~