## How Much Money Do You Need to Travel South America?
South America is a vast and diverse continent, with something to offer every traveler. From the towering Andes mountains to the lush Amazon rainforest, from the vibrant cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to the remote villages of the Patagonian fjords, there’s something for everyone to experience.
But how much money do you need to travel South America? The answer, of course, depends on your travel style and budget. But to give you a general idea, here’s a breakdown of the average costs of travel in South America:
Accommodation
Budget: $10-20 per night for a hostel bed
Mid-range: $30-50 per night for a private room in a guesthouse
Luxury: $100+ per night for a hotel room
Food
Budget: $5-10 per day for meals from street vendors and local restaurants
Mid-range: $15-25 per day for meals at sit-down restaurants
Luxury: $50+ per day for meals at fine dining restaurants
Transportation
Budget: $10-20 per day for local buses and trains
Mid-range: $30-50 per day for long-distance buses and trains
Luxury: $100+ per day for private transportation
Activities
Budget: $5-15 per day for activities such as walking tours and museum visits
Mid-range: $20-50 per day for activities such as guided tours and day trips
Luxury: $100+ per day for activities such as private tours and adventure activities
Other expenses
Visa fees: $50-100 per country, depending on your nationality
Travel insurance: $50-100 per month
Vaccinations: $50-150 per vaccine
Souvenirs and gifts: $50-100 per week
Based on these estimates, you can expect to spend the following amounts on a trip to South America, depending on your travel style:
Budget: $50-100 per day
Mid-range: $100-150 per day
Luxury: $200+ per day
Tips for saving money on your trip to South America
Travel during the off-season. Prices for accommodation and transportation are typically lower during the shoulder months (April-May and September-October) and low season (November-March).
Book your flights and accommodation in advance. This will help you secure the best deals and avoid paying last-minute prices.
Eat at local restaurants. Street food and local restaurants are much more affordable than tourist traps.
Take advantage of free activities. There are many free activities to enjoy in South America, such as walking tours, museum visits, and park visits.
Shop around for souvenirs. Don’t buy the first souvenir you see. Take your time to shop around and compare prices.
Additional tips for budgeting for your trip to South America
Consider your travel style. Are you a budget traveler who is happy to stay in hostels and eat street food? Or do you prefer to travel in more comfort and style? Your travel style will have a big impact on your budget.
Set a budget and stick to it. It’s important to set a budget for your trip and stick to it as much as possible. This will help you avoid overspending and getting into debt.
Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re traveling. Be prepared to adjust your budget as needed.
Have fun! Traveling South America is an amazing experience. Don’t let the cost of travel prevent you from having a great time.