Like the Banana Pancake Trail, the Gringo Trail will take you through the trek trails in a discovery journey through South America.
We already spoke about trail journey through multiple countries, like for the Banana Pancake Trail where backpackers travel for several months in a row through different Asian countries. We are now moving to the other side of the world, to South America, to discover the so-called Gringo Trail.
WHY IS IT CALLED GRINGO TRAIL?
Alike the Banana Pancake Trail, which owns its name to what Western backpackers are used to having for breakfast, the Gringo Trail has a specific origin too. It's common knowledge that North Americans and Europeans are nicknamed Gringo by South Americans and that they were the main adventurers exploring countries like Perù, Mexico and Paraguay.
WHICH COUNTRIES ARE INCLUDED IN THE GRINGO TRAIL?
It actually includes almost all South and Central American countries: Mexico, Bolivia, Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina and Chile.
The majority of travelers, however, decide to join the Gringo Trail only partially, picking up one country only, the most popular ones are usually Mexico and Peru; after all, Cuzco is one of the must-see cities before you die!
The great thing about it is that you can build your itinerary and select the places you would like to see the most.
SUGGESTIONS FOR AN UNFORGETTABLE GRINGO TRAIL
1. Don't even think to do the Gringo Trail for less than 2 weeks, you wouldn't get to see much, so, start saving on your annual leave or get ready to take a gap year and leave!
2. Wear comfortable clothes, you will get to walk a lot, especially if you want to visit Machu Picchu; make sure you pack only essential items.
3. Get binoculars, if you decide to do a tour of the Islas Ballestas, and you will get to enjoy the local fauna.
4. Depending on which countries you decide to visit, make sure you find out which vaccinations are required.
5. Opt for cooked food instead of raw one.
Are you ready to go?