Epic Americas Adventure: 126 Days, 16 Countries, and a Lifetime of Memories
I just wrapped up an incredible journey through the Americas, spanning 126 days from Canada in North America all the way down to Ushuaia and Antarctica at the very tip of South America!
The adventure took me through 16 countries and 3 territories, and I wanted to share some insights for anyone dreaming of a similar long-term trip. Here's a recap:
The Itinerary: A Whirlwind Tour
- 10/02 | USA 🇺🇸 🚗
- 06/03 | Colombia 🇨🇴
- 09/03 | Argentina🇦🇷-Antarctica🇦🇶 🛳️
- 24/03 | Chile 🇨🇱
- 31/03 | Panama 🇵🇦
- 02/04 | Dominican Republic 🇩🇴 🛳️
- 12/04 | Aruba 🇦🇼 🛳️
- 13/04 | Curaçao 🇨🇼 🛳️
- 15/04 | Barbados 🇧🇧 🛳️
- 16/04 | Saint Lucia 🇱🇨 🛳️
- 17/04 | Antigua and Barbuda 🇦🇬 🛳️
- 18/04 | Saint Kitts and Nevis 🇰🇳 🛳️
- 19/04 | British Virgin Islands 🇻🇬 🛳️
- 21/04 | Costa Rica 🇨🇷
- 28/04 | Nicaragua 🇳🇮
- 06/05 | Cuba 🇨🇺
- 18/05 | Mexico 🇲🇽
- 25/05 | Belize 🇧🇿
- 31/05 | Canada 🇨🇦 🚗
Visas: Keeping it Simple
For all the countries I visited, I either qualified for visa-free entry or obtained a visa on arrival. Having a US visa valid for more than six months and that had already been used for entry proved to be a great asset.
I had initially planned to explore Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil, but my Peru visa application from Santiago, Chile, was denied. Bolivia suggested applying at the border, but I decided to postpone those three countries for a future trip timed with Carnival in Brazil!
The Cost of Adventure
The entire trip cost around $492 million Vietnamese Dong, which includes the Antarctic cruise ($4,400 USD) and the Caribbean cruise ($1,400 USD). I took a total of 20 flights!
The most expensive countries, in order, were: USA, Canada, Costa Rica, and Belize.
The most affordable countries, in order, were: Cuba, Nicaragua, Colombia, and the Dominican Republic.
I only carried about $2,800 USD in cash throughout the trip, relying mostly on credit cards. I was down to my last $80 when I left Canada.
Getting Around: Buses, Road Trips, and More
Traveling between countries in Central and South America is easy thanks to a network of convenient buses (except for the Panama-Colombia border).
When taking buses, opt for tourist-specific services or keep your backpack close at all times, either next to you or at your feet.
In the USA and Canada, the distances are vast and public transport isn't always ideal. So, I rented a car for a road trip, spending an average of $120-$130 per day on car rental, food, and accommodation.
Safety and Security
In my experience, South America felt the least secure. By 7-8 PM, most businesses were closed, and the streets were deserted. Larger stores often had security guards with bulletproof vests and firearms. Many shops had sturdy iron fences with a small opening for transactions. Protests are common, and during my visit, I encountered five, mainly concerning corruption, discrimination against indigenous people, and new government policies.
Central America felt relatively safer.
The Caribbean islands boast beautiful beaches, friendly locals, and excellent English proficiency. Their currencies are often pegged to the US dollar, and they feel quite safe.
Language: Brush Up on Your Spanish
Except for the Caribbean islands, where English and Spanish are widely spoken, English proficiency is generally lower in other countries. However, people are incredibly helpful and willing to assist. Download Google Translate (offline mode) and Google Maps to navigate with ease.
Lessons Learned on the Road
- Flights in South America can get expensive, so book early for the best deals.
- When locals head home for the night, it's a good idea to follow suit.
- Many public transportation card vendors only accept cash, so exchange some money at the airport.
- Some tour operators offer discounts for cash payments to avoid taxes.
- Bring US dollars, as black market exchange rates can be much better in some countries (like Cuba and Argentina), or ATM fees can be steep.
- For cruises, waiting until 2-3 months before departure can land you some incredible last-minute deals.
- Keep a close eye on your belongings at land borders to prevent anyone from planting contraband.
- Try a "chicken bus" (converted American school buses) for a spacious and surprisingly breezy ride in the heat.
- Be aware of potential entry or exit fees when crossing borders, either included in the bus ticket or payable separately.
