# South America backpacking: 4 week route for a first timer?
**URL:** https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-america-backpacking-4-week-route-for-a-first-timer/46455
**Category:** Trip Planning Tips
**Created:** [May 26, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-america-backpacking-4-week-route-for-a-first-timer/46455 "2026-05-26T22:35:13Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@derek](https://community.tourradar.com/u/derek)
#### Post date: [May 26, 2026, 10:35pm UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-america-backpacking-4-week-route-for-a-first-timer/46455/1 "2026-05-26T22:35:13Z")
I’m 26, never been to South America, and I have 4 weeks plus about $2,500 USD (not counting flights). I speak basic Spanish from high school.
Where should I go? The obvious route seems to be Peru and Bolivia (Lima, Cusco, Machu Picchu, La Paz, Uyuni) but I’m also interested in Colombia. Is it realistic to do Peru + Bolivia in 4 weeks, or is that already too rushed? Should I just pick one country and go deep?
Also, how rough is the budget travel scene? I’m fine with hostels and street food but I don’t want to feel unsafe. Is $60 to $70 a day doable including transport?
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### Author:  [@TravelNotes](https://community.tourradar.com/u/TravelNotes)
#### Post date: [June 2, 2026, 4:40am UTC](https://community.tourradar.com/t/south-america-backpacking-4-week-route-for-a-first-timer/46455/2 "2026-06-02T04:40:06Z")
I would include Colombia as well.
> [@Colombia: Medellin or Cartagena for a first timer?](https://community.tourradar.com/t/colombia-medellin-or-cartagena-for-a-first-timer/40523):
>
> I only have 6 days to visit Colombia and I know I can’t do both justice. I love history, walking around colorful streets, and good coffee. Cartagena looks gorgeous but I’ve heard the street vendors are super aggressive. Medellin looks incredible but maybe less “vacation-y”? Which one is better for a first time visit?
🌍 [Michel](https://tnot.es/Visit).