## How Much Money Do You Need to Travel South America for a Year?
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 bustling cities to remote beaches, there’s something for everyone in South America.
But how much money do you need to travel South America for a year? 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 for a year of travel in South America:
Accommodation
Hostels: $10-20 per night
Guesthouses: $20-30 per night
Budget hotels: $30-50 per night
Mid-range hotels: $50-100 per night
Luxury hotels: $100+ per night
Food
Street food: $2-5 per meal
Local restaurants: $5-10 per meal
Tourist restaurants: $10-20 per meal
Transportation
Local buses: $1-5 per trip
Long-distance buses: $20-50 per trip
Trains: $20-50 per trip
Flights: $50-200 per flight
Activities
Entrance fees to museums and attractions: $5-10 per activity
Guided tours: $20-50 per tour
Adventure activities (e.g., hiking, rafting, zip-lining): $50-100 per activity
Other expenses
Visas: $20-50 per visa (depending on your nationality)
Travel insurance: $100-200 per year
Laundry: $5-10 per load
Incidentals (e.g., souvenirs, toiletries, etc.): $50-100 per month
Budget
Based on the average costs listed above, here’s a rough estimate of how much money you need to travel South America for a year:
Budget traveler: $10,000-15,000
Mid-range traveler: $15,000-25,000
Luxury traveler: $25,000+
Of course, these are just estimates, and your actual costs may vary depending on your travel style and budget. If you’re a budget traveler, you can save money by staying in hostels, eating street food, and taking local transportation. If you’re a mid-range traveler, you can upgrade to guesthouses or budget hotels, eat at local restaurants, and take a mix of local and long-distance buses. And if you’re a luxury traveler, you can stay in luxury hotels, eat at tourist restaurants, and take flights to get around.
No matter what your budget, South America is an amazing continent to explore. With its diverse landscapes, rich cultures, and friendly people, South America is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime.
Tips for Saving Money
Travel during the off-season. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are the best time to travel to South America, as prices are lower and there are fewer crowds.
Book your flights and accommodation in advance. This will help you get the best deals.
Take advantage of free activities. There are plenty of free things to do in South America, such as visiting museums, walking around town, and enjoying the outdoors.
Cook your own meals. This is a great way to save money on food.
Use local transportation. Local buses and trains are much cheaper than taxis and tour buses.
Haggle with vendors. This is especially important when buying souvenirs and taking tours.
Take advantage of discounts. Many museums and attractions offer discounts for students, seniors, and families.