## How Much Money to Travel Around South America
South America is a vast and diverse continent, with a wide range of travel experiences to offer. From the bustling cities of Buenos Aires and Rio de Janeiro to the remote wilderness of the Amazon rainforest, there’s something for everyone. But how much does it cost to travel around South America?
The cost of travel in South America varies depending on a number of factors, including:
* **Your travel style:** Are you a budget traveler or do you prefer to travel in style?
* **Your length of stay:** The longer you stay, the more you’ll spend.
* **The time of year you travel:** Prices tend to be higher during the peak season (December-February) and lower during the off-season (May-September).
**Budget travel**
If you’re on a budget, you can expect to spend around $20-30 per day in South America. This will cover basic accommodation, food, and transportation. If you’re willing to rough it a bit, you can even get by on less.
**Mid-range travel**
If you’re looking for a more comfortable travel experience, you can expect to spend around $50-100 per day. This will cover nicer accommodation, better food, and more comfortable transportation.
**Luxury travel**
If you’re looking to travel in style, you can expect to spend around $150-200 or more per day. This will cover the best hotels, restaurants, and transportation.
**Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the costs of travel in South America:**
**Accommodation**
* Budget: $10-20 per night for a dorm bed in a hostel
* Mid-range: $30-50 per night for a private room in a guesthouse
* Luxury: $100+ per night for a hotel room
**Food**
* Budget: $5-10 per day for street food and simple meals
* Mid-range: $15-25 per day for sit-down meals in restaurants
* Luxury: $50+ per day for fine dining
**Transportation**
* Budget: $5-10 per day for local buses and trains
* Mid-range: $15-25 per day for long-distance buses or trains
* Luxury: $50+ per day for private transportation
**Activities**
* Budget: $10-20 per activity
* Mid-range: $25-50 per activity
* Luxury: $100+ per activity
**Other expenses**
* Visas: $20-50 per country
* Travel insurance: $50-100 per month
* Medical expenses: $100-200 per month (if needed)
* Emergency fund: $500-1000
**Total cost**
Based on the above estimates, you can expect to spend around $1,000-2,000 per month if you’re on a budget, $2,000-4,000 per month if you’re traveling in the mid-range, or $5,000+ per month if you’re traveling in luxury.
**Tips for saving money**
Here are a few tips for saving money on your trip to South America:
* **Travel during the off-season.** Prices tend to be lower during the shoulder months (May-September) and the off-season (October-April).
* **Book your flights and accommodation in advance.** This will help you secure the best deals.
* **Take advantage of free activities.** There are plenty of free things to do in South America, such as visiting museums, hiking in national parks, and swimming at the beach.
* **Cook your own meals.** Eating out can be expensive, so save money by cooking your own meals.
* **Shop around for transportation.** There are many different ways to get around South America, so shop around for the best deals on flights, buses, and trains.
* **Be flexible with your itinerary.** If you’re willing to be flexible with your itinerary, you can often find cheaper flights and accommodation.
**Conclusion**
South America is an amazing continent with a lot to offer travelers. With careful planning, you can easily travel around South America on a budget. Just be sure to do your research and take advantage of the many opportunities to save money.