147 – How to catch a bus in Chile and Peru
South America is huge, and full of interesting places to explore. Distances between destinations aren’t short, there are no trains to speak of, and flights aren’t exactly budget, so you’ll probably spend a fair bit of time on buses. We’ve travelled a fair bit by bus in Chile and Peru, and we’ve picked up a few ideas that could help to smooth your journey.
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For journeys of less than six hours, your best bet is to travel by day and enjoy the scenery (at least in the south of Chile, in the north it’s quite repetitive). But for longer journeys, save your days for sight-seeing and travel by night.
The buses are generally safe and comfortable, and you can increase your comfort by paying more for a better seat. The names vary from company to company, but generally there are four classes of seats on night buses.
Choose a seat
The cheapest seats are similar to seats on a plane – they recline a little but not as much as you might wish. A semi-cama reclines more, (about 65 degrees) and sometimes comes with an extendable leg rest. A cama reclines to 160 degrees but your legs still aren’t horizontal, and a full cama is basically a bed – it reclines to a completely lie-flat position and the person in front of you doesn’t encroach on your space at all.
Buying tickets
A typical bus station ticket office, Chile - Bus travel in South America
Make sure you know which type of seat you want, and be aware that each bus usually only has one or possibly two types of seat – so if you’re travelling with people with different seat desires, you may have to split up. Also have an idea of what time of day you want to leave.
Usually there’s more than one company running each route, so ask around to compare prices. As always though, the cheapest isn’t always the best – a middle ground should give you the balance of comfort, reliability and price that you want. You can occasionally bargain down the price, but this isn’t really standard practice.
When you buy your tickets, find out where the bus leaves from. It might leave from a different terminal from where you bought your tickets.
Leaving
JAC terminal in Pucon, Chile - Bus travel in South America
Make sure you’ve packed a bag for carry-on that includes a jumper, ear plugs and your passport. It’s also a good idea to take some food and water – even though some companies advertise that they serve breakfast, it’s often very minimal. Most companies provide a pillow and blanket, but an inflatable neck pillow is a great idea for long night trips as well.
Your main bag goes into the storage compartment under the bus. Make sure you keep the ticket the conductor gives you, as you’ll need it to get your bag back. This system is relatively secure, but it’s always a good idea to keep your valuables on you and not in your main bag.
Bus travel in South America is a great way to travel – enjoy!
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This article was written by Craig and Linda
Craig and Linda Martin have been living on the road since February 2006. Both born and raised in Auckland, New Zealand they are ... somewhere in the world! Craig and Linda host the Indie Travel Podcast - you can get in touch with them here.
Since November 2006 the Indie Travel Podcast has evolved into an independent travel hub with regular audio and video podcasts along with articles by travellers from all over the world. 
Hosts Craig and Linda Martin started travelling in February 2006 and have been to over 50 countries. They were 
Heather said on April 12, 2010
Hi,
My boyfriend and I are about to set off on an RTW trip. We were planning on traveling mostly by bus through most of South America, but have heard recently that it is not safe to do so, almost at all. Is this true?
How do we know which companies are safe & reputable?
Any info would be great.
Thanks!
Craig and Linda said on April 13, 2010
No, that’s nonsense. We’ve been travelling trouble-free for over two months. Last night we had dinner with a family of four who regularly travel through South America.
You may be pick-pocketed in local buses or combis (minibuses that run a set route) and the quality of the mechanics and drivers can be below par for first world countries but overall there’s no need to expect danger.
While travelling long distances, choose an “executive” bus and you’ll be fine. We talk about some of the companies we’ve travelled on in the podcast, but you’re best to ask local friends that you make which bus is best for each particular leg of the journey.
Charlotte said on June 30, 2010
Your articles are so spot on! I have yet to identify any article that was not fact. Traveling America by bus is actually the most enjoyable experience, as you will also meet some wonderful and interesting characters whilst seeing the vast country. Often you will meet less than desirable, hence I would pay for a little more to get the best seat you can. I know this sounds trite, but their are some really strange people out there!
Mr Samui said on July 4, 2010
Hey again Linda and Craig, My travel agency is a firm favorite of your site, in case you had not noticed. I am particularly interested in South America and its culture as I have many clients considering travel to this beautiful, but often misunderstood Country. You know, it amazes me, the fear people promote within countries of different tongue and looks. We experience this often in Thailand and yet we travel to western countries and violence, theft, prostitution and all the negative human behaviors are ripe and big business. How do we break down these unreasonable and ill informed perceptions of Asia, South America, Africa and so on? I have many expat friends from around the globe living in and around South Asia, are they fearing their lives, no, they live fulfilling lives with all the complexities that occur in any country. Personal safety and safe keeping of your belongings is not a unique expectation to South America or Asia. Lets open our eyes and begin truly living and loving in this wonderful world of ours. Travelers can play a significant role in bridging perceptions. It is all too easy.
Jonny said on July 14, 2010
Agree with Craig and Linda here Heather – there really should be no probelm as long as you don’t nod off on a combi with all your valuables under your seat… Also in Peru, if you get slightly more expensive ‘luxury’ coaches then you have a coach stewardess on there as well, and they film you getting on and off the bus and take your passport details for security reasons – it really is quite thorough and comfortable, though these sort of buses don’t run every route and I’m sure everyone loves experiencing the more local kind of buses, though the luxury ones are a nice placer to start if you are feeling a little nervous.
lauren said on August 20, 2010
thanks so much, this is really helpful.
im planning a trip for next january, febuary, and march and want to go to the major cities on the west coast, but i cant seem to find any prices. does anyone know about how much bus tickets from cartagena-quito, quito-lima, lima-santiago, and santiago-buenoes aires will cost?
thank you!
Craig and Linda said on December 4, 2010
You should read this account of a traveller drugged and robbed on a bus journey in Peru.