Backpacking Central & South America: Confidence, Cover & What to Know Before You Go

Backpacking Central and South America isn’t just a trip. It’s an experience that reshapes you.

One week you’re hiking up a volcano at sunrise. The next you’re crossing a border by bus, navigating a new currency, or learning salsa in a colonial city square. It’s raw, colourful, unpredictable, and that’s exactly why so many UK travellers are choosing this region for their next big adventure.

But with longer distances, remote landscapes and ever-changing plans, this style of travel also requires preparation. Having the right backpacking travel insurance in place isn’t about ticking a box. It’s about travelling with confidence, knowing you have protection and support when you need it most.

Read on for why backpacking Central and South America is so great, travel tips for each region, and how to prepare for peace of mind.

Why Central & South America Are Growing in Popularity

For years, South East Asia dominated the backpacking scene. Now, Central and South America are drawing travellers looking for something deeper, more varied and slightly more adventurous.

Here’s why:

• Incredible diversity — jungles, beaches, mountains, deserts, and megacities
• Strong backpacker networks and hostel culture
• Affordable travel in many countries
• Authentic cultural experiences
• A sense of freedom that feels less commercialised

If you’re comparing regions, be sure to explore your options for winter sun in South East Asia.

Central America: Compact, Cultural & Backpacker-Friendly

Central America is often the perfect introduction to the region for backpackers. It’s easier to navigate than many expect, with well-trodden backpacker routes and regular transport links.

🇲🇽 Mexico – The Gateway

Mexico offers everything from Caribbean beaches to ancient ruins and buzzing cities. It’s a favourite for first-time backpackers who want a balance of structure and spontaneity.

You might arrive planning two weeks and end up staying two months!

For shorter, defined trips like this, single trip travel insurance can provide straightforward cover for emergency medical expenses, trip cancellation and unexpected disruptions.

🇨🇷 Costa Rica – Adventure with Comfort

Costa Rica is famous for eco-tourism, wildlife, and surfing. It’s not the cheapest country in the region, but it’s one of the most organised and safest-feeling for solo travellers.

Activities like surfing, zip-linin,g and jungle trekking are common. Remember, many standard policies don’t automatically include these. That’s why having travel insurance policies designed for adventure seekers makes such a difference.

You will need to add on the appropriate Activity Pack with your Go Walkabout policy.

🇬🇹 Guatemala & 🇳🇮 Nicaragua – Budget-Friendly & Rewarding

Volcano hikes, colonial cities, lake towns, and strong backpacker communities make these countries favourites for longer stays.

However, medical facilities can be limited outside major cities. If you need treatment or evacuation, costs can rise quickly. This is why emergency medical cover is one of the most important elements of any backpacking travel insurance policy.

Peace of mind matters most when you’re far from home.

South America: Bigger Distances, Bigger Adventures

South America is vast. Travelling here takes time. But that’s part of the magic of backpacking, right?

🇨🇴 Colombia – A Backpacker Comeback Story

Colombia has transformed into one of the region’s most popular destinations. From Caribbean coastlines to coffee plantations and colourful cities, it offers incredible variety.

Long bus journeys, changing accommodation and flexible itineraries mean that trip interruption or delays are part of the experience. Having cover in place helps ensure those moments don’t turn into financial stress.

🇵🇪 Peru – Trekking & Altitude

Peru is high on most backpackers’ lists thanks to Machu Picchu and iconic trekking routes.

Altitude sickness is common, even among fit travellers. Trekking in remote areas also increases the importance of having protection for emergency medical expenses and, if necessary, evacuation.

Make sure you add the appropriate Activity Pack to your Go Walkabout policy.

For adventure travellers, reassurance isn’t optional, it’s essential.

🇧🇴 Bolivia – Raw & Remote

Bolivia is one of the most affordable yet logistically challenging countries in South America. Long journeys and basic infrastructure are part of the appeal.

But remote travel means access to healthcare may be limited. This is where backpacking travel insurance from a specialist UK provider offers real confidence, especially for long-stay travellers moving between multiple countries.

🇨🇱 Chile & 🇦🇷 Argentina – Patagonia & Long-Term Travel

Patagonia attracts hikers, photographers and nature lovers from across the world. If you are in this part of the world, do not miss Patagonia!

Distances are huge. Weather is unpredictable. Plans change quickly.

Many travellers in Chile or Argentina are on gap years or working holidays, combining travel with temporary work. If that’s you, flexible cover that adapts to longer trips is key.

Parents supporting younger travellers may find our Gap Year Travel: A Parent’s Guide helpful.

What Makes Backpacking Central America and South America Different?

Central and South America reward spontaneity, but they also require resilience. Backpacking these destinations is different from the Hippie Trail through Southeast Asia and Australasia.

In South and Central America, you can expect:

• Multiple border crossings
• Overnight buses
• Altitude changes
• Remote destinations
• Activity-heavy itineraries
• Longer trips than originally planned

It’s common for travellers to extend trips, add new countries or change routes mid-journey. Choosing travel insurance that allows flexibility can make those changes far less stressful.

Travel Insurance for Backpackers: Why It Matters

Backpacking travel isn’t a standard holiday. It’s longer. It’s less predictable. It often includes adventure activities.

That’s why specialist backpacking travel insurance exists to provide:

• Protection for emergency medical expenses
• Cover for trip cancellation or interruption
• Support when you’re far from major cities
• Reassurance for families back home
• Confidence to explore more freely

‘No one wants travel insurance, but everyone needs it.’ says the founder of Go Walkabout. We transformed cover for backpackers, according to Simon Calder from The Independent.

Whether you’re booking a shorter Central America route with single trip travel insurance or planning a multi-month South America adventure, having the right level of cover allows you to focus on experiences,not “what if” scenarios.

Planning Your Trip the Smart Way

Before you set off backpacking Central and South America, be sure to:

✔ Check the latest FCDO travel advice
✔ Check entry requirements and visa rules
✔ Research local healthcare standards
✔ Understand activity exclusions
✔ Choose travel insurance that matches your itinerary
✔ Make sure you’re covered for multiple countries

Thinking of setting off backpacking before Christmas? Amazing! Make sure you plan your departure just as thoroughly.

Travel With Confidence, Not Compromise

Backpacking Central and South America can be one of the most life-changing journeys you ever take.

The freedom. The people you meet. The unexpected detours!

Having the right travel insurance behind you means you can travel with confidence, knowing you have protection, reassurance, and support when you need it most.

Because the best adventures are the ones you can fully immerse yourself in, worry-free.