Last Updated on July 17, 2024 by Lohanna Reis

If you are travelling around South America on a budget, there is a lot that you can do to save money without compromising on having a great time. In fact, in many cases, you will have a more authentic, genuine experience and see more of the “real South America” when you’re travelling with limited funds. 

The key to saving money when you’re travelling anywhere is to cut back on the luxuries, do as many independent trips as you can and avoid partying too much. With just these three simple tips alone, you can ensure that you keep more money in your pocket, which can mean travelling for longer and getting more out of your trip than you ever imagined possible. 

 

 

Continue reading to learn how you can save more money when you’re travelling around South America.

 

 

   1. Avoid Renting Gear

If you know that you are going to be doing a lot of hiking, then bring your own hiking boots instead of renting them locally. If you’re going to be surfing, take your own gear instead of having to pay for it by the hour at the beach. 

Having everything you need for the activities you want to take part in is a great way to save money and also to ensure that you have reliable equipment for whatever you are planning to do. 

There are many advantages in bringing your own gear. Firstly, tourism operators are looking to cash in while they can and you may arrive to find exorbitant fees that will eat into your holiday budget.

 

 

Secondly, when you are talking about wearable items like boots and wetsuits, you purchase your own items because they are a perfect fit. Second hand items are not likely to fit you perfectly and can result in chaffing and other unpleasant business. 

Thirdly, you know you look after your own gear. Will you get the same assurances that the gear you rent has been looked after and maintained as well?

And finally, you have your own style. Rental gear could be gaudy or just a poor match for your look and personality. Be comfortable in your own shoes and take as much gear as you can afford to transport with your airline – and that you can easily carry around.

 

   2. Take Public Transport in South America

When it’s safe to do so, be sure to take public transport where you can. Riding the chicken bus will not only save you a fortune compared with private car hire but it’s an experience in itself too. Ask around at your hostel for advice on which bus routes to take to the local attractions and save yourself a fortune on taxis and private car hires.

There are many things to consider when renting a car in a different culture. First, you will need an international drivers license which is extra time and money you may not have. Then there are cultural differences, for example did you know that most South American car hire operators won’t let you take the car out of the country? That puts the brakes on your travel plans.

The roads in South America are different to Australia and there is no guarantee that there will be sealed roads available in a direct line between destinations. You don’t want to get stuck in swampland with a hire vehicle. The local tourism operators know the land, the road and the conditions and will get you to where you need to be with far less fuss.

 

   3. Eat Local Food, but be careful! 

Hitting up all the backpacker and tourist restaurants everywhere you go is a great way to put a large hole in your budget. Skip the avocado on toast for breakfast and order whatever the local specialty is instead. 

Look for restaurants that are busy with locals to find the best food and enjoy some of the culinary delights South America has to offer. 

When you are looking for some local latin flavor on a budget, there are plenty of cheap and delicious options available including: 

• Empanada: A baked (or often fried) pastry filled with meat, cheese, spinach or a combination of vegetables.
• Milanesa: Very similar to the classic schnitzels you will find in Australia.
• Hot dogs: The Chileans are very serious about their hot dogs. Most often, they serve The Complete, which consists of a long bun topped with a frankfurter-like sausage and smothered in mashed avocado with mayonnaise and ketchup.
• Fish: As many nations are coastal, they are well-versed in preparing amazing fish meals including options like swordfish at a very user-friendly price. 

 

When in doubt, you will find all kinds of local cuisine at top prices where the street vendors like to gather and in market places. But be careful with the quality of food. Prefer busy places where you see a lot of people eating…don’t go for the empty ones. 

 

   4. Don’t Party Too Much

There’s nothing wrong with heading out once in a while to experience the local nightlife and meet up with your fellow travellers. However, if a large percentage of your budget is being spent on beers and cocktails, it might be time to rein it in.

This is one area that many travellers overspend and overindulge and it can have a negative impact on your trip overall as you will be too tired or hung-over to truly enjoy the magic of where you are. 

Besides, you can drink to your heart’s content at home. Visiting South America is a chance to explore rich cultural and historical lands and experience brand new things on a tight budget such as:

• An Amazon rainforest experience like no other
• Hike the W Trail in Chile’s Torres del Paine National Park
• Ride horses with the Gauchos in Argentina
• Hiking in El Chalten
• Camping amongst the glaciers in Patagonia
• Travel the world’s most dangerous road (if you dare) and so much more.

 

   5. Avoid Taking Tours

While it’s not always possible to avoid taking tours, when you do have a choice, try to find a way to do the trip yourself. A lot of tours are very overpriced and on top of the price of the tour itself you can be sure that you will be brought to the most expensive souvenir shops, eateries and a tip will be requested at the end of the trip.

Besides the fact that you pay much higher prices with tour groups, you are also hurting the local economy. Tourism in South America is plagued by high levels of foreign dependence, foreign influence on local resources, and not enough positive effects beyond the tourism enclaves. 

Soaring economic inequality, volatile earnings, and environmental degradation are also problems. Although you can always find some more sustainable tour companies such as Vivalá if that’s your choice. 

Step outside the tourist traps and support the local vendors. You will pay much less, get a much more genuine experience and your tourist dollars will be going towards people that really need it, not the same cluster of tourism operators.

Do your best to travel as independently as you can, as often as you can, to make the most of the funds you have available. 

 

   6. Reduce Your Spending and Enhance Your Enjoyment

When you’re travelling for an extended period, it’s important to stretch your money as far as you can. Following the tips above, you can significantly reduce your spending without compromising on your overall experience. 

With more money in your pocket, you can visit more places, have more experiences and ensure that you get the most enjoyment from your trip possible.

 

In short

The 5 tips for traveling around South America on a budget are:

1. Avoid renting equipment
2. Take public transport in South America
3. Eat local food, but be careful!
4. Don’t party too much
5. Avoid taking tours

Planning your next trip?

Then don’t forget travel insurance! You don’t want to get stuck paying a ton of money and ruining your trip if you get sick or have an accident without travel insurance. Our page with The 3 Best and Cheapest Travel Insurance on the Market can help you choose the right plan and will give you some discount coupons for the biggest insurance companies!

 

 Already reserved your hotel or hostel? If not, our article with The 6 Best and Cheapest Websites to Find & Reserve Accommodation can help you out. You’ll also find some promotions and discount codes.

 

 Still haven’t booked your plane ticket and want to save big? Take a look at our page with 16 Tips to Save on Flights where you’ll also find the 4 best websites to buy your plane tickets. 

 

And finally, will you need to rent a car during your trip? Then surely our page with The 5 Best and Cheapest Websites to Compare and Rent Cars Around the World will help you choose the best rental car and find a good deal.