How to travel on a budget in South America

South America is no doubt one of the most beautiful regions on earth. From worlds second highest mountain range of Andes to famous surf beaches, the Amazon jungles, the worlds driest desert, huge meadows of lush prairie, glaciers, and unique wildlife that is found only in Latin America.

Each country is different and diverse from each other in budget spending and natural wonders to explore, to its size to wander around. Considering the time you might spend in Brazil vs Ecuador would affect the budget you spend too.

Also remember that major touristic objects like Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro, some major tourist spots in Patagonia and many more can sky-rocket your budget and won't be so wallet-friendly.

Average budget to consider for South America is

20$/day: Paraguay, Bolivia

25$/day: Ecuador, Peru

30$/day: Colombia, Argentina

40$/day: Uruguay

45$/day: Chile, Brazil

The Machhu Picchu alone entrance only costs 70$

A sum of 1000$ per month is a reasonable starting point for budget travel for the region. Visit highland of the Andean region of Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia and you can get by on less. Spend more time in Brazil and Chile, south of Patagonia and you will probably need more than this.

Argentina

• Bed - $10-15
• Meal $5-10
• Bus $20-50+
• Average daily $40 – $70+

Bolivia

• Bed $7-10
• Meal $2-5
• Bus $2-5
• Average daily $20 – $40

Brazil

• Bed $10-15
• Meal $4-9
• Bus $20-50+
• Average daily $40-50+

Chile

• Bed $12-15
• Meal $4-9
• Bus $10-40+
• Average daily $35 – $65+

Colombia

• Bed $8-10
• Meal $1-12
• Bus $5-30
• Average daily $35 – $60

Ecuador

• Bed $8-10
• Meal $2-5
• Bus $2-8
• Average daily $25 – $50

Peru

• Bed $8-15
• Meal $2-8
• Bus $5-45
• Average daily $30 – $60

Venezuela

• Bed $1-2
• Meal $.50-1
• Bus $1-2
• Average daily $10-20