They told me exactly the same before I went. It´s utter rubbish. Use your common sense, there are a few places you should avoid, like Guerrilla-controlled areas in Colombia or the slums of Sao Paulo. Apart from these places, it´s "mostly harmless!". There is cheap accommodation in abundance, public transport brings you everywhere (as very few people have an own car).

I’ve lived in South America during 27 years and i have never found and major problem. I’ve only been robbed outside! knocks on wood

Seriously. All this thing about South America being freakin’ dangerous… mostly are urban myths. Of course, there are places and places.

Better talk to Klaus, he knows S.A better than i! ;D

I forgot to inform you about food. South Americans only eat chicken and rice. The Brazilians add beans. That´s it.
You can go to expensive restaurants. The food will be the same, but the waiters have a nice uniform.

Hahahaha. Truth n3 about food: we add rice to everything. We love rice.

quote:You can go to expensive restaurants. The food will be the same, but the waiters have a nice uniform.

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAha!!!!

quote:
Is it safe what do you think about it. I keeo hearings its not a good backpacking place is this true?

I don’t know why people insist so on this fallacy. There may not be a better suited place for backpacking than south america. There are very well traveled routes that almost every traveler somewhat follows and every major city has a well known "Gringo" bar where you can always find fellow backpackers and expats – it even seems like every one is australian or dutch owned.

Yes there are dangers from travel in south america, just like europe or north america. Yes you probably will stand out a little more and you will draw more attention but this doesn’t mean there are people waiting around the corner to jump you. I usually felt just as safer or safer in Buenos Aires or La Paz then I otherwise would in say Philly or NYC.

I read all these stories before I went and they had me a bit worried, but when I got there I saw how unfounded most of these things were.

Go to south america. It is certainly safe enough for travel. Use your head, mind your surroundings, and don’t put yourself into any compromising situations. Take normal safety procautions that you should take anywhere and you’ll be fine.