Hello friends! I hope you’re all doing well. As many of you know, I’ve picked my next big backpacking destination: South America, starting with Colombia and Ecuador. In this blog, I’ll take you through my entire planning process—what I’ve done, what I’m doing, and what I still need to do. From destinations and budget to accommodation and activities, I’ll cover it all.
Choosing the Destination
Why Colombia and Ecuador? As a solo backpacker who loves hostels, wild adventures, and meeting new people, these destinations offer everything I need. South America has always been on my bucket list, and now is the perfect time to explore it. Plus, I’m escaping the British winter, so heading south of the equator makes sense.
Destinations in Colombia and Ecuador
Colombia is vast, and I plan to spend significant time in cities like Cali and Medellin. I want to immerse myself in salsa dancing in Cali and explore Medellin, a hub for digital nomads and expats. Colombia also offers multi-day hikes, which I’m excited about.
Ecuador, being smaller, won’t take as long to backpack through, but the Galapagos Islands are a must-visit if budget permits.
Subscribe to Wanderlust Explorer!
Get special access to subscriber-only travel resources, photo tutorials, giveaways, blogging tips, and more!
Research and Recommendations
I rely heavily on recommendations from friends, blogs, and YouTube videos. I mark these recommendations on Google Maps for easy access when I’m there. Shoutout to Andrew and Emily from Along Dusty Roads—their blog is the ultimate resource for South America travel.
Booking Flights and Accommodation
I’m booking a one-way flight to keep my itinerary flexible. Once the flight is set, I’ll book my first accommodation. For the rest of the trip, I’ll book hostels a day or two in advance using Hostelworld. This approach offers security and flexibility without the stress of last-minute searches.
Budgeting for the Trip
Using Nomadic Matt’s Blog as a guide, I’ve estimated my daily budget for Colombia at $40 and Ecuador at $30. This brings the total for three months to around £2,750, not including international flights. I also budgeted £1,000 for flights, bringing the total to £3,750. Always plan to have extra funds for emergencies and unexpected costs.
No visas are required for 90-day stays in both Colombia and Ecuador for UK citizens. Always check the latest travel advisories before your trip. Safety is crucial, so stay informed and take necessary precautions.
Packing Essentials
I’m planning to travel with hand luggage only. Key items include versatile clothing, a good pair of trail running shoes, and possibly a new GoPro Hero 8 for capturing the adventure. Minimalist packing will make traveling easier and more efficient.
I’m brushing up on my Spanish using Duolingo and considering a Spanish school in Colombia to improve my language skills. Speaking the local language enhances the travel experience and helps in everyday interactions.
Final Preparations
As the trip approaches, I’ll book my flight and first accommodation, ensure all vaccinations are up-to-date, and keep adding to my list of recommendations. Watching travel vlogs keeps me excited and motivated for the journey ahead.
CONCLUSION
Backpacking through Colombia and Ecuador offers an incredible adventure filled with vibrant cultures, diverse landscapes, and unforgettable experiences.
From exploring the bustling cities of Cali and Medellin in Colombia to visiting the breathtaking Galapagos Islands in Ecuador, there is so much to discover.
Planning your trip with a focus on budgeting, packing essentials, and understanding local customs will enhance your journey.
Embrace the spontaneity of backpacking and immerse yourself in the rich heritage and natural beauty of these South American gems for an unforgettable travel experience.
Are you planning any trips? Where are you heading? Let me know in the comments!