South America is almost entirely surrounded by water with the Pacific Ocean on the west coast, the Atlantic Ocean on the east coast and the Caribbean Sea to the North. As all but two countries in South America have coastal access, travelers to South America will see the influence of the sea in the cities and people who live in them.

When you travel South America don’t forget to visit the following countries and attractions:

Chile:
A narrow country that runs along the west coast from the southern tip of South America to the midpoint of the continent, Chile offers a tremendous amount of ecological and geographic diversity. Visitors will marvel at the numerous volcanoes, geysers and glaciers that make Chile an adventure travelers dream in South America.

Argentina:
From Chile’s eastern border to the Atlantic coastline, Argentina occupies the balance of South America’s southern tip with one of the most European-influenced cultures on the Continent. Don’t let recent economic troubles discourage a visit to Argentina, as falling prices make it one of the most economical countries within South America for travelers to visit.

Brazil:
South America’s largest individual country Brazil is one stop no traveler should miss. From the liveliness and excitement of large cities like Sao Paolo and Rio de Janiero to the remote Amazon jungle, Brazil is a unique nation full of social, environmental and economic complexities that must be seen first-hand to appreciate. Travelers to South America should not miss the Brazilian celebration of Carnivale; one of the most impressive displays of national culture anywhere in the world.

Bolivia:
Even though it is one of the poorer countries in South America, Bolivia offers travelers with amazing Andean landscapes that are the home of mysterious, ancient civilizations. Visitors will be welcomed by the cultural wealth of Bolivias people.

Peru:
On the Pacific coast, the nation of Peru offers multiple layers of many great civilizations. Travelers should not miss the city of Lima and the magic of the ruins of the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu.

Ecuador:
Ecuador is home to one of the world’s most amazing natural resources: The island of the Galapogos chain are home to the unique plant and animal species that provided Charles Darwin with the observations that led to his theory of evolution. Today, travelers to South America can visit the Galopagos islands and view the same species that Darwin did.

Venezuela:
Venezuela is home to South America’s largest lake, third largest river, and some of the world’s most amazing waterfalls. Travelers to Venezuela should ignore its political controversies and visit it for the amazing natural and cultural wonders they can experience.

Columbia:
The Columbia of Hollywood movies is far removed from the snow-capped mountains and white-sand beaches that travelers will experience. Visit this South American nation, and enjoy all that it has to offer in relative security.

Before you leave home, in fact when you are in the planning stages of your trip you should get comprehensive backpacker-specific insurance. Many of the countries you will visit think health and safety is optional so you the responsibility of dealing with any accidents, illness or losses will fall heavily on your shoulders, so make sure you are prepared.

In the event of an injury or illness, make sure you have a first aid kit, preferably in your hand luggage. You may only ever need the plasters and painkillers, but it’s essential that you take too many precautions when it comes to your health. You will probably get ‘Delhi-belly’ and not just on trips to India, so keep re-hydration sachets and Imodium tablets handy.

No doubt you’ll take a vast number of photos whilst you’re away; probably more than you can deal with and definitely more than you need. So instead of cropping and deleting on the move, periodically download them on to memory sticks and keep copies for yourself and send copies back home in the post.

You will avoid losing your image library and spending costly hours in Internet cafes painstakingly choosing which ones to save and which to discard. Save this job for the comfort of your bedroom back home.

Your passport is arguably the most valuable item you will take with you on your travels so guard it with your life. However, just in case something does happen to it, keep a photocopy in your hand luggage, stored separately from the original. It’s also worth keeping details of your flight connections and numbers to call if you lose or have you bankcards stolen.

You may feel a head torch unnecessary and it is most definitely a ticket to loserville, right? Well you’re wrong. This small, inexpensive piece of kit can come in mighty handy in a variety of situations. From reading on a dark night bus to finding a safe route to the toilet on the campsite, you will be surprised just how useful a head torch can be.

You will probably walking long distances, hiking through rainforest, and climbing mountains so a rucksack is far more practical than a handbag or shoulder bag. Although it may look a little geeky, you can carry a rucksack safely on your front whilst still carrying your main bag on your back.