Backpacking is undoubtedly popular in South America. Thousands of young North Americans, Europeans, and Australians descend on the continent every year in year of their adventures. These are often rugged souls that have a love for the outdoors and experiencing life.

You´ll also encounter backpackers who actually live in South America; however, these kids are often very different from their foreign counterparts. For example, in the national parks of Argentina, particularly in the Patagonian Andes, you will young people from the local towns that will take a backpack to spend a week or so in the park. Rather than hiking, these kids prefer just to hang out around the campfire, drink beer, smoke, talk amongst friends and have a general good time. Of course, everyone enjoys that. But, the image of the backpacker hiking through the wilderness isn’t as common in South America as in North America. Indeed, South Americans still know how to live and enjoy life without worrying about how to accomplish the latest trek.