BootsnAll Travel Community

I am planning a backpacking trip to South America for around 9 months. My plans were to spend 2 months in Brazil, 6 weeks in the each of the following in Peru, Bolivia & Argentina, one month in Columbia, and a few weeks each in Equador, Venezuela, Uruguay & Chile. I am not on a strict schedule but I want to form some sort of loose itinerary that will give me some direction. How do the time frames sound?

I am also trying to decide on the best place to start Columbia or Argentina and do a loop around the entire continent? Depending on which country I start in which is the best direction to proceed (From Columbia: go to Venezuela or Equador first, From Argentina: go to Brazil or Chile and Bolivia first)?

Language and $$ aren't really an obstacle. I have a pretty big backpack but don't want to overpack too much, so I would rather avoid Patagonia in the winter. How is traveling during the rainy season? Also, I plan on staying in hostels and with friends, will I really need to bring a sleeping bag? Just wondering because of areas like Patagonia, Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and other hiking areas.

I'd start whereever I'd get the best ticket. It tcould be Rio, BA, or Lima. Then I'd make my way round, mostly along the coast. The problem with transports in SA is that you can't go crisscrossing the continent. If you want to fly, it's mainly from the capitals, so busses, which are very comfortable, are the best way to go.
The whole of SA is well suited for independent travel. There are a lot of hostals and local tour agents to organize your tours and trekking.
You won't need a sleeping bag, as bed linen are always provided in hostals. On tours, like to Machu Picchu, you can hire a sleeping bag. Try to travel light, without too much stuff.