Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: South America
Experience authentic local culture on a shoestring budget with hostels, street food, and public transport
Daily Budget: $28-87 per day
Complete breakdown of costs for budget/backpacker travel in South America
Accommodation
$8-25 per night
Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, shared bathrooms, fan-cooled rooms
Food & Dining
$12-30 per day
Street food, local markets, empanadas, set meals at neighborhood restaurants, occasional self-catering
Transportation
$3-12 per day
Public buses, shared collectivos, metro systems, walking, occasional short taxi rides
Activities
$5-20 per day
Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking trails, occasional museum entries, budget day trips
Currency: Prices vary by country - major currencies include Brazilian Real (R$), Argentine Peso (ARS$), Chilean Peso (CLP$), Colombian Peso (COP$), and Peruvian Sol (S/). USD is widely accepted in many tourist areas.
Budget/Backpacker Activities in South America
Curated experiences perfect for your budget/backpacker travel style
Money-Saving Tips
Eat at local markets and neighborhood restaurants instead of tourist zones (typically 40-60% cheaper)
Use public buses and metro systems instead of taxis for 70-80% savings on transportation
Book accommodation directly with properties 2-3 months in advance for 15-30% discounts
Take advantage of free walking tours and self-guided activities instead of paid tours (save $20-50 per day)
Buy groceries and prepare some meals yourself when staying in hostels with kitchens (save 30-50% on food costs)
Travel during shoulder seasons for 20-40% lower accommodation and tour prices
Use overnight buses for long distances to save on both transport and accommodation costs
Common Budget Mistakes to Avoid
Taking taxis and ride-shares for all transportation instead of learning public transit systems (typically 3-5x more expensive)
Eating exclusively in tourist areas and hotel restaurants (usually 100-200% markup over local establishments)
Booking tours and activities at the last minute or through hotel concierges (typically 20-50% more expensive than advance booking)
Not researching free activities and attractions, missing out on savings of $15-40 per day