Mid-Range Travel Guide: South America

Accommodation

$35-85 per night

Private rooms in boutique hostels, mid-range hotels, guesthouses with private bathrooms, air conditioning

Food & Dining

$25-55 per day

Mix of local restaurants and tourist-oriented establishments, occasional fine dining, hotel breakfasts

Transportation

$15-40 per day

Combination of public transport, ride-sharing apps, domestic flights for longer distances, tourist buses

Activities

$30-70 per day

Guided tours, national park entries, museums, adventure activities, cultural experiences

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

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