Chile

Chile is generally one of the more expensive countries to backpack in South America, particularly compared with Bolivia and Peru. Patagonia can be especially pricey, but hostels, buses, supermarkets and self-catering can help keep costs under control.

As long as you've got! Chile is so long that trying to see everything in a couple of weeks means spending a lot of time travelling. Two weeks works well for focusing on one region, while three to four weeks gives you more room to combine places such as Santiago, the Atacama and Patagonia.

Chilean food is hearty and varied, with empanadas, pastel de choclo, completos, cazuela and fresh seafood all worth trying. And obviously, leave some room for the wine. Chile has an excellent wine industry, particularly around the Central Valley.

The Carretera Austral is one of Chile's legendary road trips, winding for more than 1,000 km through remote Patagonia. Expect glaciers, forests, fjords, mountains and tiny settlements, with plenty of gravel roads thrown in for good measure. You can tackle sections by car, campervan, bus or bike, but don't expect to rush it. The whole point is taking your time and seeing where the road goes.