South Americans travel by bus

Buses are the primary mode of transport for South Americans and are by far the cheapest – if not the most time efficient – way to see the continent. While you can technically travel all the way from the tropical north of the continent to Tierra del Fuego by bus, there are few direct international services and you will usually have to disembark at the border, cross it, then get on another bus to a large city in the new country, from where you can travel pretty much anywhere within that country. The process is repeated at most border crossings – it’s not a particularly expedient way to travel, but it is by far the least expensive.

Terminals are usually situated somewhat out of town – follow the signs to the terminal (in Spanish-speaking countries) or the rodoviária (in Brazil). Levels of comfort vary, so a quick visual check in the terminal will give you an idea which company to go for. With better bus companies on long-distance routes the seating options usually include: normal seats, seats that partly recline and “cama” seats that recline fully to become beds. They are priced according to the level of comfort. Some of the cheapest companies only have one level of comfort and that can mean anything from wooden seats to springs in the backside or standing in an aisle!