Fourteen thousand Great British Pounds. That’s how much I blew on an 8 months trip around South America. Was it worth it? Fuck yeah. But obviously, there’s a spectrum of South America travel budgets. Let’s say from traveling on a shoe-string to a Louboutin budget…
Before embarking on my epic voyage I had no idea what budget to aim for. In fact, I was (and still am) pretty woeful with budgeting. So if you’re meticulous about numbers down to the penny this may not be for you. This is for the well-intentioned traveler (like myself) that gets drunk and buys everyone a round of beers. Or rents an Airbnb for a week to escape hostel dorm rooms…because why not enjoy yourself to the fullest.
The rule of thumb
Most travel-guides suggest $1000 USD is a reasonable amount to net out at each month (tell that to the guy who dropped almost double that each month…). And it is entirely possible on a shoe-string budget. However, It just depends on your financial penchant and how you pick your battles. Consider the following:
Note: I’m assuming you are traveling long-term here (6 months+)
How do you intend to travel?
On a shoe-string budget
If you’re meticulous with your daily budget and are selective with your tourist activities (and perhaps work in a hostel or volunteer here and there if you feel the need to reign in your spending) the coveted 1000 USD per month should work out for you.
On a Buckle-up budget
If you’re lucky enough to have saved up enough money (as I was) you’ll likely fall here. For me, this means traveling with a rough monthly goal rather than a daily budget. So seeing the “must do” tourist attractions and not passing up the opportunity to eat out or stay in the odd hotel/Airbnb instead of hostel dorms. $1400-1600 USD per month will give you a complete travel experience without the money worries.
On a Louboutin budget
I doubt anyone reading this is traveling luxury. But if you are, spare a thought for those you see walking back from Machu Picchu from the comfort of the Belmond Hiram Bingham. If you know, you’ll know…
Where do you want to go?
The most important thing in my opinion. If there are some magical places you’ve heard about, seen, or are “must go’s” then factor this in. They are the principal reasons for exploring this enchanting continent. And often the biggest expense. But don’t let money be the reason you don’t head down to Patagonia or take a boat to the Galapagos Islands.
Here’s a list of my expanding must go’s (obvs there are loads more!)
Iguazu Falls
The Argentinian view of las cataratas de Iguazú
Not a major expense per see… However, the pure power of Iguazu is still the most impressive thing I’ve seen in my life, and you cannot miss it under any circumstances! I took a bus from Buenos Aires for 18 hours not realising you can also fly to the Brazilian side of the falls and come back to Argentina. There are a gazillion articles about this trip that will explain better than I ever can.
Rough Expense: $15USD Park entrance + $120 USD one-way flight / $50USD one-way bus.
Patagonia
The Perito Moreno Glacier, Patagonia
The most expensive period of my travels but also the most rewarding. If you plan on heading down to the tierra del fuego it’s best to go early in your trip or keeping money aside. Not only is everything generally more expensive down there but the entrance fees and travel mount up.
WARNING: In the low season (June-August) Patagonia shuts down so plan around it.
Many friends told me I’d expect to spend at least £500 ($675) if I wanted to see the best of Patagonia. We pushed that figure closer to £700 ($945) but we experienced Patagonia to the fullest. I’ve included a complete breakdown here. Rough Expense: $800-$900 (this includes accommodation + park entrances + food) over 3 weeks.
Machu Picchu
Machu Picchu on a very clear day!
Pick your battle! (or route in this case). Is your dream to follow the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu or are you content with the more affordable Salkantay alternative? Both arrive at the same place. But with different experiences and price points.
TIP: Don’t book the Salkantay online! You can jump on a tour by booking in Cusco. There’s no shortage of operators trying to pull your pants down with the price. The Inca Trail does have limited availability so it would make sense to book in advance.
Rough Expense: $200 (Salkantay)
Salt Flats (Bolivia)
Isla Incahuasi (Cactus Island) Salar de Uyuni
Again, not a huge expense. In fact, on tours, you tend to save money on food and accommodation. That said if you’re spending time in Chile you’ll notice a difference in everyday costs for meals, etc.
Rough Expense: 150 USD + Stay in San Pedro de Atacama (Around 18% more expensive cost of living compared to Argentina)
Obviously, there are many more magical places to visit and things to do. This is to illustrate how you can go from a low daily spend to racking up a big expense quickly.
Misconceptions
Everything is WAY cheaper than in the UK. Obviously, the cost of living is remarkably cheaper in most countries in South America. Let’s illustrate that with the average cost of a beer
- UK: $7
- Uruguay: $ 3.19
- Chile: $ 3.14
- Argentina: $ 2.17
- Bolivia: $ 2.17
- Brazil: $ 2.10
- Peru: $ 1.84
- Ecuador: $ 1.50
- Colombia: $ 1.03
- Paraguay: $ 0.87
- Venezuela: $ 0.54
Source: The Latin American Post
Gringo Prices
However, if you’re a tourist prepare for “gringo prices”. Just don’t have your pants pulled down like the opportunistic taxi driver in Quito who tried to charge me $90 USD for a 20-minute cab ride.
Air Travel
Air Travel is similar to that of the UK with the exception of Colombia. Viva Air is the RyanAir of Colombia (and owned by them). If it makes sense to fly in Colombia fly. The roads can be dreadful! Just keep in mind that you may want to take a $250 dollar plane to your next destination.
Hostel Prices
I was expecting $3 a night and ended up paying $20 per night for a 4-bed dorm in my first destination Buenos Aires. Of course, you can sleep in a 12 person room for even less, but the thought of the stale smog permeating in the room was enough for a 4 bedder to be my limit.
Plan for your return
The last you want is to be sponging off your rents when you get back from your travels. Sure, you’ll be a little older and a little wiser, but a lot more broke. Your accounts of rich experiences may not cut it if you’re sat on your mum’s coach over 30 and not enough money in your account for a skinny latte. I put aside another 5k to survive on when I got back to the UK. This was enough to hang out with friends and cover my deposit for my flat in East London when I landed another job.
Plan for the unexpected
I never expected to lose my sunglasses on a bus in Argentina. To need a new waterproof jacket for a hike in Peru. Or miss a flight in Colombia. But the replacements add up. And how I ended up spending closer to $2000 each month. Admittedly, with more due care and attention I’d have avoided the added expense. But, one to keep in mind!
En fin.
Hopefully, this gives you an idea of the realities of long-term South America travel budgets. If you can be a stringent shoe-stringer I commend you. Although, I have a feeling you’ll fall into the silver-buckles though my dear adventurer. And if you’re fortunate enough to travel without shackles bloody do it. You only live twice as Confucious puts it…
So if you’ve not done so already put a saving plan in place. And, If you want more honest advice consider slapping your email in the box below.
