I was thinking of travelling around South America, whats your experiences? was it safe? highlights?

Favourite country and why?

I have done the whole backpacking thing before in the past and have been to some less than 'safe' countries like cambodia, but you hear stories on the negative side about S.America.

Was it ok to backpack there? Im planning to start in Peru, how did you find Peru?

Im from the UK

Was in brazil once and loved to ,will go again ,reason the water,women,food .....................wont stop.

and ya it was safe.

Good Luck

Peru is amazing, you'll find it safe. I've been to Colombia twice with no trouble. Suriname is strange and great. My favorite: Ecuador. The people are wonderful, the rainforests perfect, Quito is great. You'll love South America!

If you are going back packing in this continent you will have a fantastic time. Ideally you want to see all the countries as they are all so different. First thing I would recommend is try and get a basic understanding of the language (Spanish and/or Portuguese if you are going to Brazil as well). Although me and my friends speak English many people in South America do not, so I advice you to learn enough to get by.

Secondly most countries have there good bits and there bad bits. The countries in South America are no different. They are all beautiful and all safe if you are not stupid. There are still gangs, extremists, in my country we have the FARC, operating here (although less than ever), but as long as you stay away from trouble, trouble will stay away from you. It is like you going to somewhere like Peckham, or Penge in London you just do not do it because it is "dangerous".

If you do not have time my favourite countries are
Colombia (of course)
Peru
Brazil
Chile
Argentina

If you can fit those in to your trip you will have an amazing time, but every country here has its own special charm so which every you go to you will have a wicked time, they are just my personal favourites.

I was been in Perù...AMAZING country...I suggest to go there, nice people and very very beautiful place!
And it's safe as country, the important is to pay attention in the big city like Lima, in paticular some district, it's sufficient that you don't go around with a big gold watch and a digital camera around the neck!
Go to Perù and then tell me!!!

They are not safe countries but as long as you are sensible and have your wits about you, you will be fine. Don't get complacent with your belongings.
South American countries are amoung the most amazing in the world - there is so much to see and do out there. Backpacking is easy - many hostels and ssuch like set up for the industry. As mentioned before it will definitely help if you can speak some Spanish though.
All countries have their highlights and lowlights so impossible to pick a favourite! Would suggest visiting central america too if you can fit it in.