Hi!
Oh, and i've just graduated as a marine biologist and am an avid diver.... any knowledge of places to volunteer on marine bio related projects or great spots for diving?
(When I said i've got a 'few' questions... i meant 'a lot' )
Forget the tent, hotels are cheap and plentiful there's a well trodden hostel trail as well.
for details.
Camping is not popular except for a few countries-like Colombia-where it's the norm to travel to the coast in groups for camping.
If you do a tour in the jungle the tour company-and there are lots of small operators in many places-you'll be supplied with tents/hammocks/whatever.
In terms of weather naturally altitude is everything-no need to bring too many clothes though if you're in the Bolivian highlands you can purchase a wool poncho for a decent price and discard it if it doesn't suit you later in the trip.
will 7-8 months be enough to have an amazing non-rushed time in all the countries?
Yes very much so.
Money wise, keep in mind that Brazil, Argentina and Chile (not sure about Venezuela/Uruguay) are much more expensive than some of the other countries you mention (Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador...). Much closer to European standards than what you might hope. I can't tell you exactly how far 5000 £ will get you but you might need to cut the time short in these countries and stay longer in the cheaper ones.
Also keep in mind that distances are very long, particularly Brazil is huge and Argentina/Chile extend very far into the south. Going overland all the way through Brazil is going to be very long and also expensive (Buses in Brazil are good value but as the distances are long, it adds up to major amounts). You might have to consider flights inside Brazil depending on where you want to go, which can be relatively cheap if you shop around, but can still eat some important parts of your budget.
Same applies if you want to go all the way down south to Patagonia in Argentina/Chile.
But in any case you'll have a great time!
I would hardly class Argentina as being close to European standards at all for the cost of living.
Plus you will not be wasting anytime on buses on the long trips if you travel overnight.Yes in Argentina it can take sometimes 12 hours to get to your next destination but thats the beauty of a luxury night bus.The seat can be put virtually flat and the price difference between a regular bus and full cama is nothing.
Bolivia is a MUST VISIT country.I only spent 2 weeks there but it was amazing.Cycle the most dangerous road in the world,go on a pampas tour where you will see so much wildlife,alligators,monkeys,fish for piranhas and see dolphins swimming in the same river.and then even swim in that river like i did.
Inca Trail book in advance and you should be ok.i did it with Llamapath which is part run by a Welsh woman who was so nice. I believe her name is Michelle and she was happy to sit down and talk to people about anything.
Thanks guys, your replies have been really helpful! I'm going to check out your links/suggestions now
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