How to Travel South America on a Budget Without Missing the Best Spots

FitFashion
23 Sep, 2025

South America is a dream for adventurers, backpackers, and culture seekers. From the snow-capped Andes and the Amazon rainforest to colorful cities and stunning beaches, the continent is bursting with bucket-list destinations. The good news? Traveling South America doesn’t have to be expensive. With smart planning, you can explore its best spots on a budget—without sacrificing experiences.

Here’s your ultimate guide to budget travel in South America, complete with money-saving tips, cheap destinations, and must-see highlights.

Why South America Is Great for Budget Travelers

  • Affordable transportation – Long-distance buses, budget airlines, and even trains make getting around cost-effective.

  • Cheap food & drinks – Street food, local markets, and “menu del día” (daily set menus) let you eat well for under $5.

  • Low-cost accommodations – Hostels, guesthouses, and Airbnb rentals are widely available.

  • Free or low-cost attractions – Many cities offer free walking tours, natural wonders, and inexpensive cultural sites.

Budget Travel Tips for South America

1. Use Long-Distance Buses

Flights can be pricey, but buses are cheap and reliable. For example:

  • Argentina & Chile: overnight buses with comfortable reclining seats.

  • Peru & Bolivia: buses often include meals and entertainment.

👉 Bonus: Overnight buses save you money on accommodation.

2. Eat Like a Local

Skip tourist restaurants and head to local markets. In most countries:

  • Menu del día costs $2–$5 for soup, main dish, drink, and sometimes dessert.

  • Street food (empanadas, arepas, tamales) costs less than $1.

3. Stay in Budget-Friendly Accommodations

  • Hostels: $8–$15 per night (many include breakfast).

  • Guesthouses or family-run hospedajes: Cheap and authentic.

  • Couchsurfing: Stay for free with locals, great for cultural exchange.

4. Travel Off-Season

  • High season (Dec–Feb): Prices skyrocket at beaches and tourist spots.

  • Shoulder season (Mar–May, Sep–Nov): Lower prices, fewer crowds, still great weather.

5. Join Free Walking Tours

Many South American cities (like Bogotá, Buenos Aires, and Quito) offer tip-based walking tours—a great way to learn history while spending little.

The Best Budget-Friendly Destinations in South America

1. Bolivia – The Backpacker’s Paradise

Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America.

  • Must-see spots: Salar de Uyuni (salt flats), Lake Titicaca, La Paz cable cars.

  • Daily budget: $20–$30 (hostels $8–$12, meals $2–$5).

  • Budget tip: Book tours directly in Bolivia instead of online—much cheaper.

2. Peru – Ancient Wonders Without the Price Tag

Peru is affordable and full of world-class sights.

  • Must-see spots: Machu Picchu, Cusco, Sacred Valley, Arequipa, Lima food markets.

  • Daily budget: $25–$40.

  • Budget tip: Take the train or bus to Aguas Calientes instead of luxury packages for Machu Picchu.

3. Colombia – Colorful and Cheap

Colombia offers beaches, cities, and mountains at backpacker prices.

  • Must-see spots: Cartagena (colonial city), Medellín (innovation hub), Bogotá (street art), Cocora Valley.

  • Daily budget: $25–$35.

  • Budget tip: Domestic budget airlines like Viva Air can be cheaper than buses if booked early.

4. Ecuador – Small but Full of Value

Compact and affordable, Ecuador has everything: mountains, beaches, and jungles.

  • Must-see spots: Quito, Baños (adventure town), Cuenca (colonial city), Amazon tours.

  • Daily budget: $20–$30.

  • Budget tip: Public transport within cities costs around $0.25–$0.50—use buses instead of taxis.

5. Paraguay – South America’s Hidden Gem

Often overlooked, Paraguay is one of the cheapest destinations.

  • Must-see spots: Asunción (capital), Jesuit ruins, Iguazu Falls (on the border).

  • Daily budget: $20–$25.

  • Budget tip: Attractions are rarely crowded, meaning you can enjoy authentic experiences without tourist markups.

6. Argentina – Affordable Outside Buenos Aires

Inflation makes Argentina tricky, but it can be cheap for travelers using dollars.

  • Must-see spots: Buenos Aires tango shows, Mendoza wine country, Patagonia (budget tours).

  • Daily budget: $25–$40.

  • Budget tip: Use the “blue dollar” exchange rate (cash USD gets better rates than cards).

7. Chile – Expensive but Worth Balancing

Chile is pricier, but budget travelers can still enjoy it.

  • Must-see spots: Atacama Desert, Santiago, Valparaíso, Torres del Paine (Patagonia).

  • Daily budget: $30–$50.

  • Budget tip: Camp or use hostels in Patagonia to save on expensive hotels.

Sample Budget Itinerary (3 Weeks in South America)

  • Week 1: Peru – Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → Sacred Valley.

  • Week 2: Bolivia – La Paz → Uyuni Salt Flats → Lake Titicaca.

  • Week 3: Colombia – Bogotá → Medellín → Cartagena.

👉 Total cost: Around $1,200–$1,500 including transport, hostels, food, and activities.

Final Money-Saving Hacks

  • Learn basic Spanish – Helps avoid tourist prices.

  • Book tours locally – Online is always more expensive.

  • Travel overnight – Saves both time and accommodation.

  • Use cash (USD in some countries) – Better exchange rates than cards.

Conclusion

Traveling South America on a budget doesn’t mean missing out. From the salt flats of Bolivia to the ancient ruins of Peru and the vibrant streets of Colombia, you can experience the continent’s best spots for a fraction of what you’d spend elsewhere.

With buses instead of flights, street food instead of tourist restaurants, and hostels instead of hotels, you’ll not only save money but also connect more deeply with the local culture.

So pack light, plan smart, and get ready to explore South America’s wonders without breaking the bank.

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