Backpacking South America Cost: The Ultimate Insider's Guide for 2025

Backpacking South America: A Complete Cost & Budget Guide for Adventurers in 2025

Backpacking South America is a rite of passage for many travelers craving dramatic landscapes, vibrant cultures, and bucket-list adventures. From the misty heights of Machu Picchu to the glaciers of Patagonia, and from the tango halls of Buenos Aires to the Amazon’s emerald canopy, South America offers unrivaled diversity. Yet before setting off, every would-be explorer wonders the same thing: How much does backpacking South America cost?

As the CEO of Voyista—having covered more than 70 countries—I’ve learned to balance comfort, thrill, and thrift. In this guide we’ll break down what it really costs to backpack South America, how to optimize your budget, and which tools streamline the process so you spend less time stressing about pesos and reais, and more time soaking up waterfalls, ceviche, and Andean sunsets.

Whether you blitz through six countries in three weeks or linger a month in one region, knowing your major expenses is critical. Flights, buses, accommodation, food, activities, and hidden fees all add up. By the end, you’ll know how much to budget—and, more importantly, how to stretch every dollar while immersing yourself in South America’s wonders.

Table of Contents

• Why Backpacking South America Is Worth Every Penny
• Planning Your Budget: Core Costs (Flights, Accommodation, Food & Drink, Transportation, Sightseeing & Activities, Miscellaneous)
• Flights
• Accommodation
• Food and Drink
• Transportation
• Sightseeing & Activities
• Miscellaneous Expenses
• Regional Price Differences: Andes vs. Amazon vs. Southern Cone vs. Brazil/Caribbean
• Timing Your Trip: High, Shoulder & Low Seasons
• Choosing the Right Tools: Voyista & Avopass
• Cost-Saving Strategies
• Hostel Hacks & Accommodation Tips
• Eating Like a Local
• Money Matters: Exchange Rates, Cards & ATMs
• Maximizing Buses, Budget Airlines & Border Crossings
• Sample Budgets & Itineraries
• One-Week Andean Highlights
• Two-Week Southern Cone Circuit
• One-Month Multi-Region Adventure
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Cultural Tips & Etiquette
• Safety, Insurance & Preparedness on a Budget
• Conclusion: Making Every Peso Count

Why Backpacking South America Is Worth Every Penny

Backpacking South America is more than ticking off landmarks—it’s about plunging into millennia-old civilizations, tasting regional cuisines, and witnessing ecosystems that range from snow-capped peaks to humid jungle. Trekking the Inca Trail, learning salsa in Cali, kayaking through Patagonia’s fjords, or wandering colonial streets in Cartagena: each experience leaves an indelible mark.

The continent also hones independence. Navigating inter-city buses, mastering Spanish or Portuguese basics, and bargaining in bustling markets strengthen adaptability. And because South America remains relatively affordable compared with Europe or North America, travelers can often roam for longer on the same budget—provided they plan wisely.

Planning Your Budget: Understanding the Core Costs

Every backpacking budget hinges on six pillars. Nail these, and surprise expenses won’t derail your adventure:

Flights

• Price Range: US$400–US$1,100 round-trip from North America (book 3–4 months ahead).
• Gateway Cities: Bogotá, Lima, São Paulo, Quito, and Santiago often have the cheapest inbound fares.
• In-Continent Flights: Budget airlines like Sky, JetSMART, Flybondi, or GOL can be as low as US$20–$60 with carry-on only.

Flexibility pays—search multiple origin and destination combos. Fly into one city and out of another (open-jaw) to avoid backtracking. Avopass highlights seasonal sales and even notifies you when prices dip for your preferred routes.

Accommodation

• Typical Hostel Dorm: US$8–US$18 per night in Bolivia & Peru; US$15–US$30 in Chile, Argentina & Brazil.
• Private Hostel Room / Budget Hotel: US$25–US$60 depending on city and season.
• Added Value: Many hostels include breakfast, free city tours, or Spanish classes.

Booking ahead in high season (December–March for Patagonia; June–August for Andean treks) secures lower rates. Voyista’s curated list—synced with Avopass—flags properties with strong Wi-Fi, hot showers at altitude, and reliable lockers.

Food and Drink

• Street Snacks: Empanadas, salchipapas, or pão de queijo for US$1–US$3.
• Menu del Día / Prato Feito: A hearty set lunch for US$3–US$8, often with soup, main dish, drink, and dessert.
• Restaurant Splurges: US$15–US$25 for premium seafood or steak in cities like Lima or Buenos Aires.

Shop in local mercados for fresh fruit and veggies, cook communal dinners in hostels, and try almuerzos (set lunches) to stretch your budget. Drinking tap water is safe in a few cities (e.g., Santiago), but budget for bottled water or purification tablets elsewhere.

Transportation

• Long-Distance Buses: US$10–US$25 for overnight routes under 12 hours; US$40–US$80 for luxury cama seats on 20-hour legs (e.g., Lima→Cusco, Buenos Aires→Bariloche).
• Budget Flights: Competitive on vast distances—Lima→La Paz or Rio→Buenos Aires often cheaper and far faster than 30-hour buses.
• Local Transit: Metro rides in Santiago/Bogotá ~US$0.75; colectivos and moto-taxis even less in smaller towns.

Avopass aggregates bus schedules (often tricky to find online) and low-cost airline promos so you can weigh time vs. money. Splitting night buses with fellow travelers saves on both accommodation and transit.

Sightseeing & Activities

• Range: Free city walking tours to US$650+ multi-day treks (e.g., Inca Trail permits).
• Saving Tip: Book group tours locally—Laguna 69 hike in Huaraz costs half if reserved in person versus online.
• Free Options: Many museums have one free day per week; countless plazas and viewpoints cost nothing except the climb.

Miscellaneous Expenses

• Daily Buffer: US$5–US$15 for laundry, souvenirs, or sudden visa fees at land borders.
• Travel Insurance: Around US$40–US$80 per month depending on coverage—non-negotiable if you’re trekking or doing adventure sports.

Regional Price Differences: Andes vs. Amazon vs. Southern Cone vs. Brazil/Caribbean

• Andean Belt (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador): US$35–US$55 per day—some of the best value on the continent.
• Amazon & Jungle Gateways: Tours can inflate budgets; allow US$70–US$120 per day including guided excursions.
• Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina, Uruguay): US$60–US$120 per day—Patagonia is gorgeous but pricey.
• Brazil & Caribbean Coast: Wide spectrum—Rio carnival week can top US$150 per day, while Bahia’s beach towns sit closer to US$55.

Timing Your Trip: High vs. Shoulder vs. Low Season

• High Season (Dec–Mar in Patagonia & beach areas; Jun–Aug in Andes): Higher prices and fuller trails.
• Shoulder Season (Apr–May, Sep–Nov): Fewer crowds, mild weather, better value.
• Low/Wet Season (Amazon wet months; Andean rainy season Jan–Mar): Cheapest rates but weather disruptions possible.

Choosing the Right Tools: Voyista & Avopass

Voyista curates routes, hostels, treks, and insider discounts. Avopass syncs live bus schedules, budget flights, hostel availability, and even visa-on-arrival fees—offline. Together they form a one-stop ecosystem so you can focus on waterfalls over spreadsheets.

Cost-Saving Strategies for Backpackers

Hostel Hacks & Accommodation Tips

• Book Direct—many South American hostels offer discounts for paying in cash.
• Volunteer Programs—trade a few hours’ work for a free bed via platforms like Worldpackers.
• Night Bus Strategy—save a night’s lodging on long hauls (e.g., Arequipa→Cusco).

Eating Like a Local

• Mercados—cheap menus in market stalls.
• Street Food—try arepas, choripán, or anticuchos for pocket change.
• Water—carry a filter bottle in regions where tap water isn’t potable.

Money Matters: Exchange Rates, Cards & ATMs

• Fee-Free Cards—Charles Schwab, Wise, or Revolut refund/limit ATM fees.
• Cash Is King in rural areas—carry small bills.
• Monitor Blue Dollar rate in Argentina to maximize exchange.

Maximizing Buses, Budget Airlines & Border Crossings

Compare time vs. cost: a 24-hour bus across Patagonia may be scenic but a low-cost flight could give you an extra day of trekking. Overland border crossings (e.g., Chile→Bolivia via Uyuni) save airfare but require patience—Avopass shows current visa fees and opening hours.

Sample Budgets & Itineraries

One-Week Andean Highlights

• Route: Lima → Cusco → Machu Picchu → Rainbow Mountain → Lima
• Daily Budget: US$55–US$80
• Total Spend: ~US$500 (excluding international flights)

Two-Week Southern Cone Circuit

• Route: Santiago → Mendoza → Buenos Aires → Iguazú Falls
• Daily Budget: US$70–US$110
• Total Spend: ~US$1,200 (plus flights)

One-Month Multi-Region Adventure

• Route: Quito → Amazon Basin → Lima → La Paz → Uyuni → Atacama → Santiago → Patagonia
• Daily Budget: US$50–US$100
• Total Spend: US$1,600–US$2,700

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Over-cramming your itinerary—South America is vast; slow down.
• Not acclimatizing before high-altitude treks.
• Ignoring local cash-only realities.
• Skipping travel insurance for adventure sports.
• Packing heavy—many buses have strict luggage limits.

Cultural Tips & Etiquette

• Learn basic Spanish/Portuguese phrases—locals appreciate it.
• Late-night culture—dinners start at 9 pm in Argentina.
• Always greet with a handshake or cheek kiss depending on country.
• Respect indigenous communities—ask permission before photos.

Safety, Insurance & Preparedness on a Budget

Stick to well-lit areas, avoid flashy jewelry, use trusted taxis or ride-share apps, and follow local advice on neighborhoods to skip after dark. Insurance covering adventure activities is essential if you plan to surf in Peru or climb volcanoes in Ecuador.

Conclusion: Making Every Peso Count

Backpacking South America can be refreshingly affordable—and immeasurably rewarding—when armed with a smart budget and the right tools. With Voyista’s expertise and the Avopass app, you can tailor your journey, track expenses, and dive deep into the continent’s dazzling mosaic of cultures and ecosystems without draining your bank account. Pack light, stay flexible, and let the Andes, Amazon, and Atlantic coastlines guide the adventure of a lifetime.