Backpacking outside the US?

Gabbie · 09-07-2011, 10:12 AM

Do you think it is safe to go backpacking in other countries? Especially if you aren't familiar with the area. Would you hire a local guide to show you the places you want to go to? I have some friends who are thinking of doing this and was wondering how safe it would be.

ponderosa · 09-07-2011, 02:48 PM

That depends entirely on which country you're talking about.

ppine · 12-03-2011, 12:50 PM

A guide is not usually necessary, but it requires some information gathering. Start with the US State Dept. for their opinion of threats in each country. As an example, lots of parts of Peru are fine for backpacking, but don't go anywhere near the Shining Path hangouts or known drug growing areas in the Amazon.

Mexico, Canada, Puerto Rico and Costa Rica would be good starting points.

Judy Ann · 12-04-2011, 08:39 PM

What are your experiences ppine? I hope to hike the Inca Trail in the next year and would definitely plan to go with a guide/group for my own personal peace of mind and additional safety.

ejdixon · 12-05-2011, 05:07 AM

Agree with ponderosa. It really depends on the country you will be visiting. If you're not familiar with the area, getting a guide recommended by the local tourism agency will be safer. Of course, it will cost more than going on your own since chances are, you'll be going to be brought to all the more expensive locations.

ppine · 12-05-2011, 04:40 PM

JudyAnn,

I have spent 3 weeks in Peru and Bolivia, with a few day trips on the Inca Trail. Realize that the elevation is very diifficult to overcome for about a week. Cusco the Inca capitol is about 12,400 feet and the mountains go up from there. There is a tourist trail that is protected in Peru. Just stay clear of the Shining Path and other politically motivated groups in other parts of the country. How is your Spanish? If you have some a guide is really not required. Hope this helps. Feel free to ask specific questions.

Mountain Man · 12-10-2011, 09:47 PM

You can hike in lots of countries safely. Just be sure to follow the rules and take a map with you. If you're in doubt at all, go with a group or hire a guide. There are some spectacular hiking trails in Western Canada.

Lamebeaver · 12-11-2011, 08:05 AM

Canada, are you kidding? I hear some of those Molson smuggeling cartels can be vicious, eh?

Pathfinder1 · 12-11-2011, 10:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gabbie

Do you think it is safe to go backpacking in other countries? Especially if you aren't familiar with the area. Would you hire a local guide to show you the places you want to go to? I have some friends who are thinking of doing this and was wondering how safe it would be.

Hi...

There are no gaurantees...no matter where you go. A lady friend of mine hitchhiked through Southeast Asia...DURING THE VIET NAM WAR...!!

She since has hitchkiked through many South American Countries several times by herself...and always made it back (she spoke Spanish, which certainly was a plus).

You can only be so careful. There's little that anyone can do without taking some risks. I know I've taken plenty of them, as have many others.

Go forth and enjoy...!!

firedancer · 12-11-2011, 10:24 AM

Yes, are you talking about Switzerland...or Iraq? Kinda hard to answer. I've researched a backpack trip through the Swiss Alps and it seems pretty safe for a solo adventure. But every time I am ready to buy the flights, something in our own country beckons, so I haven't been overseas in quite a while.

You also should know that backpacking has a different connotation in Europe - a backpacker over there is more of the "hosteler" type traveling between cities with a backpack.