Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in South America

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Although each country in South America is very different, after 5 months of travel, we noticed a few universal truths...

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Latin American food and culture is incredibly different from country to country....

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Farm fresh fruits, veggies, and meats - not to mention cheese, nuts, olives, and chocolate - are sold at the mercados.

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But working airbags? Backseat seat belts? They mostly don’t exist in South America. Just find something to hold on to.

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Any taxi not using a meter will try to charge you a gringo tax, and you are well within your rights to haggle. But they're usually very cheap!

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You don't need to pack a whole roll of TP in your suitcase, but make it a habit to snag a few extra sheets every time you go and stash them in your pocket.

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We brought along a Steri-Pen, which saved us loads of money and cut down on plastic water bottle waste (not to mention sickness)!

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Don't act surprised when someone expects payment for a "gift" or photo. Don’t take anything expecting it to be free - this is how many people earn a living!

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Swipe up to find out all 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in South America!

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Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in South America

Although each country in South America is very different, after 5 months of travel, we noticed a few universal truths...

We've compiled our observations into this list of things no one tells you about backpacking in South America!

Latin American food and culture is incredibly different from country to country....

Latin American food and culture is incredibly different from country to country....

...And it has absolutely nothing to do with Mexican food. You will not find a decent taco, burrito, quesadilla, or even a lone tortilla floating around South America.

...And it has absolutely nothing to do with Mexican food. You will not find a decent taco, burrito, quesadilla, or even a lone tortilla floating around South America.

Farm fresh fruits, veggies, and meats - not to mention cheese, nuts, olives, and chocolate - are sold at the mercados.

Farm fresh fruits, veggies, and meats - not to mention cheese, nuts, olives, and chocolate - are sold at the mercados.

Always visit the local Mercado for groceries and fresh food!

Always visit the local Mercado for groceries and fresh food!

But working airbags? Backseat seat belts? They mostly don’t exist in South America. Just find something to hold on to.

But working airbags? Backseat seat belts? They mostly don’t exist in South America. Just find something to hold on to.

Transit is AMAZING. Even the most middle of nowhere towns have public transit.

Transit is AMAZING. Even the most middle of nowhere towns have public transit.

Any taxi not using a meter will try to charge you a gringo tax, and you are well within your rights to haggle. But they're usually very cheap!

Any taxi not using a meter will try to charge you a gringo tax, and you are well within your rights to haggle. But they're usually very cheap!

You don't need to pack a whole roll of TP in your suitcase, but make it a habit to snag a few extra sheets every time you go and stash them in your pocket.

You don't need to pack a whole roll of TP in your suitcase, but make it a habit to snag a few extra sheets every time you go and stash them in your pocket.

Never get caught without toilet paper!

Never get caught without toilet paper!

We brought along a Steri-Pen, which saved us loads of money and cut down on plastic water bottle waste (not to mention sickness)!

We brought along a Steri-Pen, which saved us loads of money and cut down on plastic water bottle waste (not to mention sickness)!

In most places, tap water is not drinkable and will make you sick.

In most places, tap water is not drinkable and will make you sick.

Don't act surprised when someone expects payment for a "gift" or photo. Don’t take anything expecting it to be free - this is how many people earn a living!

Don't act surprised when someone expects payment for a "gift" or photo. Don’t take anything expecting it to be free - this is how many people earn a living!

Swipe up to find out all 30 Things Nobody Tells You About Backpacking in South America!