Basics - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 29

can be a problem, especially in Patagonia, where
winds can reach 80km/hr, and be aware that bicycle
theft - particularly in larger towns - is common;
bring a good bike lock. Finally, remember that South
American drivers can be a hazard, so try to avoid
major roads and motorways if at all possible.

A good resource for budget accommodation in
South America is W hosteltrail.com.

Hospedajes, residencias,
albergues and pensiones
These categories of accommodation are all used
throughout South America and are interchange-
able terms, although pensiones (known as pensões
or pousadas in Portuguese) and residenciales are
o cially the most basic forms of accommodation.
Generally, the Andean countries are the least
expensive, and you should be able to find a decent
room in a residencial or pensión for under US$15
(US$8 for dorms). For this price you should expect a
bed, shared bathroom and intermittent hot water.
In Brazil, the room cost will usually include breakfast
but most other places are room only. In the south
of Argentina and Chile, you can expect to spend
around US$45 a night - check out the quality of the
local casas familiares (family houses where you stay
with a local family in a room in their house), which
can be the best value for money in these areas.

Hitchhiking
Hitchhiking is still fairly common in rural South
America, and it isn't hard to get a lift if you're on
the road early. Be aware, though, that many drivers
now expect to be paid - it's only in the Southern
Cone (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay) that hitchhiking
seems to be understood to be free. Prices are usually
around that of a bus fare, but if you head to the local
truck park or refuelling station (most towns have one),
ask around for the going rate. Hitchhiking in South
America, like anywhere in the world, is a potentially
perilous enterprise - travellers should be aware that
they do so at their own risk. Couples and groups are
safest; women should never hitchhike alone.

Accommodation
The range of accommodation available
in South America - and the variety of
price and quality that goes with it - is
enormous and, should you be leaving
on a multi-country tour, you'll find that
the US$10 that buys you a night's rest in
Ecuador won't even stretch to breakfast
in the Southern Cone or French Guiana.
Most local tourist of ces will provide a list of
available accommodation, but bear in mind that
establishments often pay to be included on these
lists and that they may include little outside the main
tourist hotspots. Generally, tourist boards will not
recommend specific accommodation, nor book it.
Usually there is no shortage of places to stay, but
use common sense if you plan to be somewhere at
the time of a local festival, such as in Rio for Carnaval.
Obviously, accommodation fills up quickly at these
times, prices skyrocket and it's best to book well in
advance. While the types of lodging described below
offer an overview of your options in South America,
names, classifications and prices vary from country to
country. For information regarding the nomenclature
in a specific country, check the “Accommodation”
section of the relevant chapter. Unless alternatives
such as dorms or camping are specified, prices
quoted for accommodation throughout the Guide
are for the cheapest double room in high season .

Hostales, hosterías and
haciendas
Hostales tend to fill the gap between the totally
basic pensión and hotels, and come in many shapes,
sizes and forms. Usually they include private
bathrooms and hot water, clean towels and maybe
a television, and cost from US$5 to US$20 per night.
In the southern countries, though, hostales may be
youth hostels.
Hosterías and haciendas are often old, sprawling
estates converted into hotels, and are perhaps the
grandest places to stay on the continent. They are
often furnished in period style and offer excellent
home-cooked meals, fires, hot water and maybe a
swimming pool. Be aware that hostería can also refer
to a family-style hotel complex out of town, so check
which kind of hostería you're getting first.

Camping
Camping is most popular in the southern region
of Latin America, particularly in the Southern Cone
areas of Argentina and Chile. It is wise to stick to
o cial sites, which are usually well equipped, with
hot, running water, toilets, firepits and maybe even a
self-service laundry. Camping is not really a popular or
viable option in the northern countries unless as part
of an organized tour, and is practically non-existent in
Colombia, French Guiana and Paraguay.