i landed in lima, peru. and i left south america from lima four months later. incredible experience. different world as we don't know it in our spoiled western world. i do have an advantage though. i grew up in communism, remember? i could relate to many aspects of life in south america.i saw a lot of poverty. that i do not miss. simplicity. that i do miss. common sense? yup, i enjoyed it then and enjoy it now.
if you are planning trip to south america, make sure you have enough time to experience it.