How Much Should I Budget for Backpacking South America?

By Alice Nichols

Backpacking South America is a great way to explore the continent’s diverse cultures, landscapes, and people. But it can also be an expensive adventure if you don’t plan accordingly. To help you make the most of your trip, it’s important to know how much money you should budget for backpacking South America.

The amount of money you should budget for backpacking South America depends on a few factors. First, consider where you’re going.

Different countries have different costs of living, so prices may vary significantly from place to place. For example, Peru is generally cheaper than Chile or Argentina.

Second, consider how long you plan on staying in each location. If you’re just passing through a country or city quickly, then your expenses may be lower than if you plan on staying longer. Also keep in mind that costs can add up quickly when traveling from one destination to another.

Third, consider what type of activities and accommodations you’d like to experience while backpacking South America. Accommodation options vary from hostels and guesthouses to Airbnbs and hotels. Activities can include exploring local sights and attractions, going on hikes or treks in the mountains, or taking part in cultural events.

Transportation: Transportation is another important factor when budgeting for backpacking South America. While some countries have extensive bus networks that are relatively inexpensive (such as Bolivia), others may require airfare to get around (such as Brazil). Make sure to factor in these costs when planning your trip.

Food: Food prices will also vary by country and region but are generally quite affordable throughout South America. Eating at local restaurants or street food stalls is usually the cheapest option, but Supermarkets are also available if you want to buy food to prepare yourself.

Miscellaneous Costs: Don’t forget about miscellaneous costs such as visas (if necessary), vaccinations/medications (if needed), souvenirs/gifts for friends and family back home, etc.

Conclusion: How much money should I budget for backpacking South America? That depends on several factors including where you’re going, how long your stay will be, what type of activities/accommodations you plan on experiencing, transportation costs within the countries/cities visited, food expenses and miscellaneous costs such as visas/vaccinations/medications/souvenirs etc. It’s best to research ahead of time and create a detailed budget before embarking on your journey.