s South America cheap? The answer depends on where you go and how you travel. If you’re planning a trip, this South America travel budget 2025 guide breaks down average daily costs by country, along with tips for keeping your expenses low.
Average Backpacker Budget in South America
On a budget-friendly trip, expect to spend around $1,200–$1,300 per month per person. In cheaper countries like Peru or Ecuador, you can bring this closer to $1,000. Staying longer in one place, volunteering, or eating local food can lower this further. Big-ticket items like the Inca Trail in Peru or a Galápagos cruise will raise your average significantly.
Here’s a quick breakdown of suggested daily budgets for 2025:
- Colombia: $35–$50
- Ecuador: $30–$40 (not including Galápagos)
- Peru: $35–$50
- Bolivia: $20–$35
- Argentina: $50–$70
- Chile: $50–$70
- Brazil: $40–$60
Colombia: $35–$50 per day
Colombia is mid-range. Cartagena is the most expensive spot, but outside of it, prices drop fast. A lunch menu del día costs around $3, and activities like salsa lessons or paragliding are very affordable. Domestic flights can save time without blowing your budget. For itinerary ideas, see our South America bucket list.
Ecuador: $30–$40 per day
Compact and affordable, Ecuador is ideal for cheap travel South America. Hostels start at $10–$15, and activities like volcano hikes average $50. But the Galápagos is a major splurge, with trips starting around $1,000 per person. If you’re short on budget, save it for another trip and explore Quito, Cuenca, and the Amazon instead. Learn more about Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes.
Peru: $35–$50 per day
Peru is generally cheap, but tours add up. Machu Picchu is the biggest expense—expect to spend at least $750 for the Inca Trail trek. Bus travel is excellent value, with luxury seats from Lima to Arequipa costing around $46. To stretch your budget, avoid booking tours online in advance; prices are often much lower in-country.Before you go, check our Peru travel FAQs.
Bolivia: $20–$35 per day
Bolivia is the cheapest country in South America. A 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour costs about $125, and meals are just a few dollars. The trade-off: infrastructure is basic, and travel can be slow. Still, Bolivia offers the best bang for your buck if you don’t mind roughing it.
Argentina: $50–$70 per day
Economic changes have raised costs. Buenos Aires and Patagonia are the most expensive, while northern cities like Salta are cheaper. Long-distance buses are common, and overnight routes can save money on accommodation. Expect prices closer to European levels, but Argentina is worth budgeting for—especially for wine country or Patagonia.
Chile: $50–$70 per day
Chile is modern and safe, but not cheap. Patagonia treks and Easter Island are big splurges. Daily costs add up quickly if you eat out, so consider self-catering. Torres del Paine National Park charges $26 for a 3-day pass. For nearby adventures, see our Ecuador day trips.
Brazil: $40–$60 per day
Brazil varies wildly. Rio and São Paulo are pricey, but smaller towns and the north are more affordable. Hostels range from $9–$45 per night. Major sights like Iguazu Falls ($18 entry) or Sugarloaf Mountain ($34 cable car) are worth factoring in.
Tips for Saving Money in South America
- Eat Local – Set meals are cheap, filling, and everywhere.
- Book Tours Locally – Prices are lower than booking online abroad.
- Travel Overland – Buses are affordable and comfortable, especially in Peru and Chile.
- Stay Longer in One Spot – Slow travel cuts costs on transport.
For more practical advice, read our budget travel tips.
Want to Explore South America Affordably?
We’ll help you build an itinerary that matches your budget without missing the highlights, whether you’re dreaming of trekking to Machu Picchu, exploring colorful markets in Ecuador, or soaking up the beaches of Brazil. Book your trip today and start your 2025 adventure.
