Hitchhiking in South America

Hitchhiking South America brings you into the Bolivian Andes

Is hitchhiking in South America possible?

Unfortunately, if this question intrigues you, and you’re on this website, then it means that you haven’t read anything of the travel narrative. If you take a moment to read on chapter, one entry, or one paragraph, then you will have read a snippet of information that tells you that yes, hitchhiking in South America is possible.

What are the dangers of hitchhiking in South America?

This is a relative question. It’s relative to several things. How well you watch out for yourself is one factor; do you wander the streets of large South American cities in the dead of night? Do you wear the most expensive clothing and gear you can find? Are you especially clean and innocent-looking? Are you a woman, are you a boy? It all depends.

The true dangers of hitchhiking in South America revolve mostly around doing stupid things. If you don’t do stupid things, then you’re probably going to be OK. Also, you should soak up the language while your motivation is strong–because linguistic inspiration will always dwindle eventually.

What are the best countries in South America for hitchhiking?

Despite what you might expect as an answer from someone who has traveled and traveled by hitchhiking in almost every country of South America, I’m going to give you a straight response. Ecuador is the best country for hitchhiking in South America, if by “best”, you mean the country that has the shortest wait times. Chile is also a very good country for quick rides in South America. Argentinians have a reputation for hitchhiking, but inside that country, hitchhiking can be very slow, especially in the north. Patagonia is easy. They say Bolivia is unmanageable, but you can get by hitchhiking as long as you make it clear you aren’t a paying passenger. Colombia is difficult. Brazil is also difficult, and you’ll be in gas stations much of the time. Peru is wonderful for hitchhiking. Paraguay is small. Uruguay is good for meeting people, but the hitchhiking is slow.

What is the best time of year to hitchhike in South America?

Anytime. Really. If you’re someone who prefers heat, then go in January and February. If you prefer the cold, go from June to August. Rain is common in the Amazon most of the year. The sun is damn hot where the humidity is strong, and where it’s not, it’s damn hot because you’re damn close to it. Anytime is a good time to hitchhike in South America, because there are always cars, or whatever. Where there is a road, the hitchhike will be successful, eventually. Patience.