South America is an enormous continent, but unlike Europe, it’s not connected by railroads. Flights, even within a single country, are often prohibitively expensive. This makes bus travel the most convenient and economical option by far. If you travel for any length of time in South America, you will no doubt find yourself sitting on a few very long bus rides. You might even find yourself on an overnight bus or a multi-day bus journey.
Traveling by bus in South America isn’t difficult, but there are some important things to know before you go.
1. Be Aware That Buses Vary by Country
The quality, price and relative safety of taking the bus can vary drastically from country to country in South America. In Chile and Argentina, most passenger buses have plush reclining seats, bathrooms, meal service and even an attendant. On the flipside, in Bolivia or Paraguay, it’s not surprising to find yourself on a crowded and overheated bus with chickens squawking by your ear. The price of a ticket varies accordingly.
In each country, there are usually several classes of buses you can choose from which will also vary in price and comfort. In some countries it’s better to buy your tickets in advance, while in others you can really only get them on your day of departure. Before you embark on any bus voyages, you’ll want to do some research on what to expect in the country you will be traveling in.
2. Do Your Route Research
Once you pretty much know where you want to go, the next step is figuring out a viable route.
Some routes, such as the one going from Cusco to Arequipa, are extremely popular and will book up quickly, whereas other routes only run once or twice a day. Some parts of South America are dicier than others, and in some countries you may have to proceed with more caution on certain bus routes and at certain times of the day.
3. Keeping Your Belongings Safe
An issue to watch out for when it comes to bus travel in South America is the risk of theft. It’s unfortunate, but desperate thieves thrive on inattentive tourists with expensive equipment. Make sure you insure all your valuables before leaving home, but know that theft is not a forgone conclusion.
The biggest thing you can do to keep your stuff safe is to keep any and all valuables in your hand luggage and in your possession at all times. Your bigger luggage should go under the bus, but you have no way of keeping an eye on it there, and thieves have been known to sneak into cargo bays and go through luggage.
If you can, keep your hand luggage in your lap during the trip. Don’t put it under the seat in front of you or in the overhead compartment, as it’s easy for thieves to snatch things when you’re not looking. Be particularly vigilant during stops or when vendors come on the bus. If you’re going to sleep, keep your belongings attached to you in some way and keep them under the blanket. Ideally, you should always be touching your bag.
In addition the the buses themselves, keep your belongings close inside bus stations. Some bus stations are far away from the center of town. Know where you’re going once you arrive in a new city or at least how to get there.
4. Pack What You’ll Need
Long bus trips (think 5 or more hours) are kind of like running a marathon in that they can really test your physical endurance. Always get on the bus prepared for anything. Here are some must haves:
Layers
Temperatures can vary wildly on bus rides. Even if you’re in the tropics and it’s the middle of the afternoon it’s smart to bring a sweater and maybe even a blanket.
Dramamine
Long and windy routes through the Andes can cause serious motion sickness even among those with iron stomachs. I advise anti-nausea medication, but in a pinch, lots of water and closing your eyes sometimes helps.
Water and Snacks
Some buses take rest stops, some don’t. Some allow food vendors onboard, some don’t. You may not know ahead of time so bring along your own water and snacks.
Headphones or Earplugs
With distractions all around you, it can be difficult to take a nap or simply relax during a bus ride. Be sure to bring headphones or earplugs to enjoy a bit of peace.
Toilet Paper
Your bus may have a toilet, or it may take restroom breaks. Either way, you don’t want to be stuck without toilet paper.
Plan for Delays
No matter where you’re traveling in South America, it’s best to expect almost anything and to give yourself a hefty pillow of time for potential delays on the back end. Whether it’s mechanical difficulties, traffic, landslides or just the regional lax attitude towards time, bus trips may take longer than anticipated. Get used to this different measurement of time and try to relax and enjoy the scenery.
This post was written by Stephanie Yoder from Twenty-Something Travel. In 2010, Stephanie quit her office job, trading in corporate life for worldwide adventures and globetrotting across Asia, Australia, Europe, North and South America. Since then, she has climbed the Great Wall of China, been underground in the Colosseum, snorkeled the Great Barrier Reef, and even found love with another travel blogger along the way.
You can follow Stephanie’s adventures on her blog, as well as on Facebook & Twitter.
Photos by Stephanie Yoder at Twenty-Something Travel
Search and book your bus tickets and travel across South America directly on Busbud.com
Have you taken the bus throughout South America and have some tips you would like to share? Let us know in the comments below!
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Before the Zika outbreak, I look at a cruise from Europe to Brazil, then traveling by bus until I found a cheap flight to the U.S. One problem I encountered was that a couple of bus companies didn't have online info in English, just Portuguese.
Has this changed with the Olympics?