16 Tips For Surviving Bus Travel In South America (Essential!)
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Bus travel in South America is the most budget-friendly and scenic way to get around the continent.
After spending 13 weeks navigating the long-distance bus routes through Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Ecuador, I learned that the secret to a successful trip boils down to three things:
- flexibility with your schedule
- packing for self-sufficiency
- investing in “luxury” classes for overnight hauls (if it’s in your budget)
While it can be confusing and uncomfortable if you’re winging it, being prepared helps a lot. To help, I’m sharing essential tips to help you feel confident—and even enjoy—exploring South America by bus!
1. Don’t Book Early
Yes, you read that right. When traveling around South America it’s really easy to purchase your ticket the day you decide to depart.
When backpacking South America, plans can change quickly. You may fall in love with a city and decide to stay longer than you planned, or you might meet a group of travelers going somewhere else that sounds interesting and you want to tag along.
Give yourself room to have spontaneous adventures and wait to book your bus ticket until you’re completely sure of your next move.
2. Check The Departures Timetable When You Arrive
That being said, it’s a good idea to write down the departure timetable for the route you want as soon as you arrive at the bus station.
It’ll save you a trip back to inquire later, as well as aggravation if you realize no buses are running on the time/date you were hoping for.
3. Shop Around
Many times, bus stations have many different companies offering the same route for a different price. Ask around to find out who is offering the best deal.
4. …But Realize A Higher Price Means More Luxury
That being said, ask questions if one bus is exceptionally higher than the others. For example, Via Bariloche is one of the pricier bus companies in South America; however, it is luxurious.
Expect a super clean interior, comfortable reclining seats with footrests, multi-course meals, sparkling wine, and movies in English as entertainment.
5. Ask If There’s A Bathroom
South America is the land of long bus rides. In fact, many routes take longer than their anticipated times.
Before buying a ticket ask if there is a bathroom on board. If not, try to find a company that does have one, even if it’s a little more expensive.
That is one amenity you really don’t want to go without. Even as someone traveling solo in South America on a budget, I always paid extra for this.
Just note: bathrooms on South American buses are for #1 only. You’ll need to wait for scheduled stops to go #2.
6. Bring Bathroom Essentials
Even if there is a bathroom, you’ll typically need to bring your own toilet paper—which is handy to have on you whether you’re riding the bus or not.
Building on this, packing hand sanitizer and a small trash bag can also come in handy.
Personally, I also found it helpful to pack a face mask, as sometimes you may encounter some unpleasant smells, especially if you’re seated near the bathroom or you’re on a bus with a lot of winding turns (read: vomit inducing).
7. Be Prepared For Winding Roads
While not all bus routes will make you nauseous, there were a few where many passengers were puking due to the hair pin turns.
One of my craziest South American bus stories was between Cuzco and Lima in Peru, when I actually got puked on by another passenger. It was unpleasant to say the least.
Even if your bus does have a bathroom, it will be relatively simple and single use. So, be prepared to be sick in your seat if needed.
Bring a puke bag, anti-nausea tablets, and anti-nausea wrist bands or patches. You might also pack stomach settling foods like crackers, bread, and green apples.
8. Ask If There Is Food Served
Some buses offer meals and snacks in the ticket price, so you may want to ask beforehand if something will be served.
This way, you’ll know if you should eat a big dinner or not or if you should bring your own meal on board.
9. Bring Snacks
Even if food is served, however, you should still bring snacks. You don’t want to be stuck on a 20-hour bus ride with a rumbling stomach.
Moreover, it’s nice to have a backup plan if you don’t like the food being served on the bus.
10. Expect Delays
Just because a bus says it will depart at 3pm doesn’t mean it will. Be on time in case it does; however, plan with the thought in mind that it will probably be delayed, or at least late in getting you to your destination.
11. Bring Entertainment
While South America is home to some of the most inspiring and diverse scenery on the planet, there’s only so long you can stare out the window and not be bored.
Download offline games on your phone, charge your iPod, bring a journal to write in, pack a book and some crossword puzzles, and try to keep yourself entertained while on board.
Another idea is to interact with the locals on board to have an added cultural experience on the bus.
Personally, I always enjoyed having a language exchange with the person sitting next to me to sharpen my Spanish skills.
12. Prepare For Extreme Climates
Not only in your South American destination, but also on the bus itself.
In my experience, buses were often extremely cold or very warm. I recommend asking the bus company what the temperature will be like, but also preparing for both just in case.
To do this, wear layers that can easily be taken on and off, and keep a scarf shawl in your backpack, which can double as a small blanket.
13. If You’re Crossing A Border, Research The Rules Beforehand
While this usually isn’t a big deal (although always have your passport handy), some of the borders can be a little tricky.
For example, trying to smuggle fruit, vegetables, or other plant and animal products into Chile can result in an extremely large fine.
Moreover, crossing from Peru into Ecuador can be a harrowing experience, especially if you do the Huaquillas/Tumbes crossing.
Hint: Don’t ever take that route! Instead, opt to go through Macara, which can be aggravating but not at all as scary.
14. Appreciate The Culture
Many times the long bus rides award you an interesting glimpse into local culture.
You’ll see women in traditional dress carrying market goods, vendors coming on board to sell local street food, entertainers popping to perform a song, and local interactions.
Moreover, you’ll get to experience a piece of everyday life in the city you’re in.
15. Be Aware Of Your Belongings
One not-so-fun reality of bus travel in South America is having your stuff stolen while you’re sleeping isn’t unheard of.
I’m not saying it will definitely happen, just that you should take precautions. Make sure important items like your passport, money, credit cards, and ID are on your person and not in the backpack you stow under the bus.
Moreover, I recommend wearing some pickpocket-proof clothing—I love the hidden pocket scarves from Speakeasy Travel Supply—so you can hide valuables in hidden pockets.
Additionally, if you do go to sleep have your purse inside your shirt and your day pack looped around part of your body so you can feel if someone tries to snatch it.
16. Realize The World (Or Continent) Is Your Oyster
The bus system in South America may mean your overland travel is slow, especially compared to a train. That being said, it makes anywhere you want to go accessible as long as you have the time.
Go without a set itinerary and let the wind be your guide. I promise you won’t regret it.
What would you add to this guide to bus travel in South America?
