South America on a Shoestring: The Ultimate 2025 Budget Travel Guide - Xplrverse

Introduction: Why South America Should Be Your Next Budget Adventure

South America has been my playground for over a decade now. I still vividly remember my first night in a $5 hostel in La Paz, Bolivia back in 2015, lying awake at 3:30 am with altitude sickness and wondering what I’d gotten myself into. Fast forward to today, and I’ve visited the continent 14 times, lived in three different South American countries, and explored everywhere from the Galápagos Islands to Patagonia.

What keeps pulling me back? It’s the perfect combination of incredible value, mind-blowing diversity, and the most welcoming people you’ll ever meet. In 2025, while other destinations grow increasingly expensive, South America remains one of the few places where your money can truly stretch without sacrificing experiences.

Whether you’re drawn to the ancient ruins of Peru, the stunning beaches of Brazil, or the otherworldly landscapes of Bolivia, I’m going to show you exactly how to do South America on $25-40 per day (yes, really!). This guide combines everything I’ve learned from both my triumphs and embarrassing mistakes—like the time I accidentally ordered the entire menu in a Colombian restaurant because I confused “para mí” (for me) with “por mí” (because of me).

Let’s dive into how you can experience the magic of South America without breaking the bank in 2025.

Planning Your South American Budget Adventure

The first step to a successful budget trip is smart planning. Let me break down what you need to know before setting foot on the continent.

When to Visit South America in 2025

Timing can dramatically impact your budget. Generally, visiting during shoulder seasons (April-June and September-November) gets you the sweet spot of good weather, fewer tourists, and lower prices.

Season	Months	Budget Impact	Crowding	Weather
High Season	Dec-Feb, July	+30-40% prices	Very crowded	Varies by region
Shoulder Season	Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov	Base prices	Moderate	Generally good
Low Season	Mar, Aug	-10-20% prices	Few tourists	Can be rainy

Budget Tip #1: I’ve found that early May is the perfect sweet spot for the Andean countries (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador). Prices drop significantly after Easter, but the rainy season has typically ended.

Choosing Your Countries Wisely

Not all South American countries are equally budget-friendly. Here’s my 2025 cost breakdown of daily expenses (accommodation, food, transport, activities):

Budget-friendly countries ($25-35/day): Bolivia, Ecuador, Colombia, Peru (outside of major tourist areas)
Mid-range countries ($35-50/day): Peru (tourist areas), northern Argentina, Paraguay
Higher budget ($50-80/day): Chile, Brazil, Uruguay, southern Argentina

Personal experience: In Bolivia, I spent just $23 per day for a month in 2023, including a 3-day tour of the Salar de Uyuni. Meanwhile, I struggled to keep costs under $65 daily in Chile, even while staying in hostels and cooking most meals.

Creating a Realistic Budget

For a 3-month trip covering Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia, here’s a realistic breakdown of expenses:

Expense Category	Daily Cost (USD)	Monthly Cost (USD)	Notes
Accommodation	$8-15	$240-450	Hostels, occasionally cheap private rooms
Food	$7-12	$210-360	Street food, markets, occasional restaurants
Transportation	$5-10	$150-300	Buses, shared taxis, occasional flights
Activities	$5-15	$150-450	Free activities + paid attractions
Miscellaneous	$3-8	$90-240	SIM cards, laundry, toiletries
Total	$28-60	$840-1,800	Varies by travel style and countries

Don’t forget to add in pre-trip expenses like flights (usually $600-1,200 round-trip from the US), travel insurance ($300-500 for 3 months), and vaccines/medication ($100-300).

Finding Cheap Flights to South America in 2025

Getting to South America affordably is your first challenge. In 2025, flight prices are projected to be 18% higher than pre-pandemic levels, but I’ve developed strategies to counter this.

Best Budget Flight Routes

Not all entry points are created equal. Here are the cheapest gateway cities in 2025:

Bogotá, Colombia (BOG) – Consistently the cheapest entry point from North America and Europe
Lima, Peru (LIM) – Good deals from major US hubs
Quito, Ecuador (UIO) – Often overlooked but frequently discounted
São Paulo, Brazil (GRU) – Best value for entering Brazil
Buenos Aires, Argentina (EZE) – Good option when peso valuation is low

Budget Tip #2: I’ve saved hundreds by booking “positioning flights”—flying first to Mexico City or Panama City, then catching a separate budget airline to South America. In February 2023, I paid $340 from Chicago to Bogotá by using Mexico City as a stopover, compared to $760 for direct options.

When to Book for the Best Deals

Based on 2024-2025 trends, the optimal booking windows are:

Low season: 2-3 months in advance
Shoulder season: 3-5 months in advance
High season: 5-7 months in advance

Set price alerts on Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo several months before your intended travel dates.

Mid-week flights (Tuesday/Wednesday) to South America consistently run 15-20% cheaper than weekend departures. I’ve never found an exception to this rule across dozens of bookings.

Budget Accommodation Options Across South America

Accommodation will likely be your biggest expense, but South America offers incredible value compared to most parts of the world.

Hostels and Budget Havens

In 2025, you can still find clean, comfortable hostel dorms for:

Bolivia: $7-10 per night (La Paz, Sucre)
Peru: $9-15 per night (Lima, Cusco)
Colombia: $10-17 per night (Medellín, Bogotá)
Ecuador: $9-14 per night (Quito, Cuenca)
Argentina: $12-18 per night (Buenos Aires)
Chile: $15-25 per night (Santiago)
Brazil: $12-22 per night (Rio, São Paulo)

My favorite budget hostel chains include:

Selina – Great for digital nomads, newer facilities
Wild Rover – Party hostels with surprisingly comfortable beds
Kokopelli – Excellent Peruvian chain with great social atmosphere

Beyond Hostels: Creative Budget Options

I’ve found these alternatives often provide better value than hostels:

Hospedajes and Familias

These family-run guesthouses are my secret weapon for authentic experiences at hostel prices. They’re rarely online—just look for “Hospedaje” signs in smaller towns. I’ve stayed in lovely private rooms with breakfast for $12-15 throughout Peru and Bolivia.

Workaway and Volunteering

Through Workaway and Worldpackers, I’ve stayed for free in exchange for 20-25 hours of weekly work. My best experience was spending 3 weeks at a hostel in Baños, Ecuador, where I worked at the reception desk for 4 hours a day in exchange for accommodation, breakfast, and yoga classes.

Camping

In Patagonia and other natural areas, camping can save you a fortune. Many campsites in national parks cost just $5-10 per night, while free wild camping is possible in remote areas (always check local regulations).

Budget Tip #3: Ask for long-term discounts. When I stayed in Medellín for 5 weeks, I negotiated a 40% discount off the listed price by paying upfront in cash for the entire period.

Getting Around South America Without Breaking the Bank

Transportation can eat up your budget quickly if you’re not careful, but with a strategic approach, you can explore widely without spending big.

Bus Travel: The Budget Backbone

Buses remain the most economical way to travel through South America. The continent has an extensive network with surprisingly comfortable options. In 2025, expect to pay:

Country	Local Bus (1-2 hrs)	Mid-distance (4-6 hrs)	Overnight (8+ hrs)	Premium Class
Bolivia	$1-3	$5-8	$8-15	$15-25
Peru	$2-4	$7-12	$15-25	$30-45
Colombia	$2-5	$8-15	$15-30	$35-50
Ecuador	$1-3	$5-10	$10-20	$25-40
Chile	$3-7	$15-25	$30-50	$60-90

Insider tip: In Peru and Colombia, it’s worth spending a bit more for reputable companies like Cruz del Sur, Oltursa, or Bolivariano. The price difference might be just $5-10, but the safety standards and comfort are significantly better.

Last year, I made the mistake of booking the cheapest overnight bus from Arequipa to Lima. Not only was the bathroom unusable, but the driver picked up unofficial passengers who sat in the aisle all night, creating a serious safety hazard. Vale la pena (it’s worth it) to pay a little more!

Budget Flights: When They Make Sense

While buses are generally cheapest, sometimes budget flights save you both money and time. Look for these carriers:

Flybondi and JetSMART in Argentina/Chile
Sky Airline in Chile/Peru
Viva Air in Colombia/Peru
LATAM often has promotions throughout South America

For example, the bus from Santiago to Puerto Montt, Chile takes 13 hours and costs $45-60. I found a JetSMART flight for $39 that takes just 1 hour 45 minutes. Factoring in what I would have spent on food during the long bus journey, flying was actually cheaper!

Local Transportation Hacks

How you get around day-to-day significantly impacts your budget:

Colectivos: These shared vans/taxis run set routes in most countries and typically cost $0.50-2 per ride. In Peru, I crossed entire cities for less than a dollar using colectivos.
Public buses: City buses cost $0.25-1 in most South American cities. In Bogotá, the TransMilenio system can get you anywhere for about $0.80.
Ride-sharing: Uber operates in major cities across Brazil, Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. It’s typically 30-50% cheaper than regular taxis.

One of my favorite money-saving transportation tricks is using the Moovit app to navigate public transportation. In Rio de Janeiro, most tourists reflexively use taxis to get around, but I saved over $200 during a two-week stay by mastering the local bus system with this app.

Eating Well on a Tiny Budget

South America is a foodie paradise, even on a shoestring budget. Here’s how to eat incredibly well without overspending.

Market Shopping and Street Food

Local markets are the cornerstone of budget travel nutrition. In Cusco, Peru, I would start each day at San Pedro Market with a fresh fruit smoothie ($1.50) and a egg sandwich ($1) prepared by the same lovely lady named Marisol. By the end of my stay, she was adding extra ingredients at no charge.

Must-try budget street foods by country:

Colombia: Arepas (corn patties filled with cheese, meat, or eggs) – $1-2
Peru: Anticuchos (beef heart skewers) – $1-3
Bolivia: Salteñas (juicy meat-filled pastries) – $0.75-1.50
Ecuador: Llapingachos (cheese-stuffed potato patties) – $1-2
Brazil: Coxinha (chicken croquettes) – $1-2
Argentina: Choripán (chorizo sandwich) – $2-4

Menú del Día: Your Budget Food Secret Weapon

Throughout Spanish-speaking South America, look for restaurants offering “menú del día” (menu of the day). These set meals typically include:

Soup or small starter
Main dish with meat/fish, rice, and vegetables
Small dessert or fruit
Drink (often fresh juice)

Prices range from $2-3 in Bolivia to $4-6 in Peru and Colombia, and up to $8-10 in Chile or Argentina. This is often cheaper than buying and cooking ingredients yourself!

Budget Tip #4: In Peru, look for the term “menú económico” for the cheapest version, usually without dessert or with simpler ingredients. I regularly ate these for 7-10 soles ($1.75-2.50).

Self-Catering Wisely

When cooking for yourself:

Shop where locals shop—avoid tourist supermarkets
Buy produce from markets, not grocery stores
Look for the “second-grade” produce section (perfectly edible but with minor blemishes)
Buy staples (rice, beans, pasta) in bulk when staying somewhere for a while

In Medellín, Colombia, I established a relationship with a fruit vendor who would set aside slightly bruised avocados and mangoes for me at about 1/3 the regular price. I saved about $10 weekly this way.

A lesson learned: In many South American countries, asking for the “cuenta” (bill) can sometimes lead to higher prices for foreigners. Instead, I always walk up to the cashier and ask “¿Cuánto es?” (How much is it?) which typically results in the standard local price.

Free and Budget Activities Across the Continent

The best experiences in South America often cost little or nothing. Here’s how to create incredible memories without spending a fortune.

Free Walking Tours: Your First Day Essential

I start in every South American city with a free walking tour. These are available in virtually every major destination and provide cultural context, orientation, and local tips that will save you money throughout your stay. While technically free, a tip of $5-10 is expected.

My top recommended free tours:

Free Tour Cusco in Peru
Real City Tours in Medellín, Colombia
Tours 4 Tips in Santiago, Chile
Buenos Aires Free Walks in Argentina

Nature Experiences on a Budget

South America’s natural beauty is its greatest asset, and experiencing it doesn’t have to be expensive:

Hiking and Trekking

While famous treks like the Inca Trail are costly ($700+), alternatives offer similar experiences at a fraction of the price:

Colca Canyon, Peru – Self-guided 2-3 day trek for $30-50 total (including accommodation and food)
Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador – 3-4 day village-to-village hike for $15-25/day
Valle de Cocora, Colombia – Day hike among giant wax palms for just the cost of bus fare ($3-4)
Huaraz region, Peru – World-class alpine day hikes for $10-15 (transport + entrance)

Last year, instead of paying $150+ for a guided day trip to Laguna 69 near Huaraz, I spent $12 to reach it independently: $8 for round-trip transportation with colectivos and $4 for the entrance fee. The extra effort to figure out logistics saved me over $130 for a single day!

National Parks

Many South American national parks have very reasonable entrance fees:

Parque Tayrona, Colombia – $17 entrance
Parque Nacional Cajas, Ecuador – Free
Parque Nacional Sajama, Bolivia – $5 entrance

Budget Tip #5: In Torres del Paine (Chile) and Los Glaciares (Argentina), camping is not only cheaper but often provides better experiences than staying in lodges. I rented camping equipment in Puerto Natales for $12/day versus paying $80-200/night for refugios.

Cultural Experiences That Don’t Break the Bank

South America’s rich culture is accessible on any budget:

Museum free days – Most major museums have one free day per week or month. In Bogotá, many museums are free on Sundays.
Local festivals – From Bolivia’s Entrada Universitaria to Ecuador’s Inti Raymi, traditional celebrations are often free to witness.
Public spaces – Colonial plazas, street art districts, and public parks often offer free entertainment, particularly on weekends.

One of my most memorable experiences cost nothing: watching local families dance traditional cueca in Santiago’s Plaza de Armas on a Sunday afternoon, with mountains visible in the background and street vendors selling mote con huesillo (a traditional drink) for just $1.

Navigating South America’s Big Tourist Sites on a Budget

Some iconic South American attractions come with hefty price tags. Here’s how to experience them without emptying your wallet.

Machu Picchu Alternatives and Money-Saving Strategies

With Machu Picchu entrance fees now at $65+ and train tickets costing $70-140 round-trip, a day trip easily exceeds $150. Here’s how to reduce costs:

Take the backway – Hike from Hidroeléctrica to Aguas Calientes ($10-15 for transport to Hidroeléctrica, then a 3-hour flat walk along train tracks)
Visit in the afternoon – Afternoon tickets (after 12pm) are sometimes $20 cheaper and less crowded
Skip the extra mountain hikes – Huayna Picchu/Machu Mountain add $25+ but aren’t essential
Consider alternatives – Choquequirao (the “Sacred Sister” of Machu Picchu) costs nothing to enter and sees fewer than 20 visitors daily

Galápagos Islands on a Budget

The Galápagos doesn’t have to cost $3,000+. I visited for 9 days on less than $1,000 including flights from mainland Ecuador. Here’s how:

Fly to Santa Cruz and arrange last-minute cruises in person (I found a 4-day cruise for $700 instead of the $1,500+ online price)
Stay in hostels ($20-30/night) and take day trips ($80-150 each) instead of a cruise
Self-guide where possible—Tortuga Bay, Las Grietas, and Charles Darwin Research Station can all be visited independently
Island-hop using public ferry boats ($30-35 per journey) rather than tourist services

Salt Flats of Bolivia (Salar de Uyuni)

The otherworldly Salar de Uyuni can be explored without the premium price tag:

Book in Uyuni rather than online (I paid 600 BOB/$87 for a 3-day tour booked in person versus $150-250 online)
Travel in a group to split costs (solo travelers can join groups in hostels)
Consider the 1-day tour ($40-60) which covers the main salt flat experience
Negotiate for a better vehicle—the price difference between basic and better vehicles is often just $10-20

Budget Tip #6: The 3-day salt flat tour that ends in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile, often costs 100-150 BOB ($15-20) more than the round-trip to Uyuni option, but saves you backtracking and an expensive bus ticket. This is one of those rare cases where the seemingly more expensive option actually saves money overall.

Money Management and Avoiding Fees

Smart money management can save you hundreds over a longer trip. Here’s how I’ve optimized my finances for South American travel.

Banking, ATMs, and Exchange Strategies

Best Cards for South America

After trying numerous options, I’ve found these to work best:

Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking – Reimburses all ATM fees worldwide (my primary account)
Wise Multi-Currency Account – Excellent exchange rates and low fees for transferring between currencies
Revolut – Similar to Wise but with better rates for certain countries

Insider tip: In Argentina, the “blue dollar” (unofficial exchange rate) offers 30-50% more pesos than the official rate. In 2023, I received 920 pesos per dollar at a cambio in Buenos Aires versus 349 pesos at the official rate—effectively making everything less than half price! As of 2025, this differential still exists but fluctuates significantly.

ATM Fee Avoidance

ATM fees in South America can be extortionate—often $5-10 per withdrawal plus 3-5% foreign exchange fees. To minimize these:

In Peru, use BBVA or BCP banks for the lowest fees
In Colombia, Bancolombia tends to have the most reasonable fees
In Chile and Argentina, avoid Euronet ATMs at all costs (their fees can exceed $15 per withdrawal)
Withdraw maximum amounts each time to reduce the number of fees

Safety and Money Protection

I’ve learned these lessons the hard way:

Never keep all your cards/cash in one place
Carry a decoy wallet with expired cards and small bills
Use hidden money belts or pouches in high-risk areas
Photograph your important documents and store them in cloud storage

After having my wallet stolen in La Paz, I now keep a $50 emergency bill hidden in a small pocket sewed into my backpack strap—it’s saved me twice when I’ve lost access to my cards.

When exchanging money at land borders, always walk at least 2-3 blocks from the actual crossing before changing money. The rates improve dramatically with each block you move away from the border. At the Colombia-Ecuador border, the rate difference was nearly 15% between the crossing itself and a cambio just 5 minutes away.

Mobile Data and Staying Connected Affordably

Staying connected is essential, but international roaming will destroy your budget. Here’s my approach after testing options across the continent.

Best SIM Card Options by Country

Local SIM cards are incredibly affordable in South America:

Country	Recommended Provider	Approximate Cost	Data Included	Where to Buy
Peru	Entel	25-30 PEN ($7-8)	10-12GB / 30 days	Official stores, larger supermarkets
Colombia	Claro	20,000-30,000 COP ($5-7)	5-8GB / 30 days	Claro stores, airports
Bolivia	Entel	40-50 BOB ($6-7)	3-5GB / 30 days	Official stores with passport
Ecuador	Movistar	$10-15 USD	4-6GB / 30 days	Official stores, shopping malls
Chile	WOM	10,000-15,000 CLP ($10-15)	15-30GB / 30 days	Official stores, some convenience stores

Budget Tip #7: In Peru, recharging your SIM at small corner stores rather than official outlets often gives you bonus data. I regularly got 20-30% extra data by recharging at small tiendas in Lima neighborhoods.

WiFi Strategies and Offline Preparations

Even with local SIMs, you’ll encounter connectivity gaps. Prepare by:

Downloading offline Google Maps for entire regions/countries
Using Maps.me for detailed offline navigation in remote areas
Pre-downloading essential translation dictionaries in Google Translate
Saving important documents as PDFs on your device

When I hiked the remote Ausangate Circuit in Peru, having the entire route pre-downloaded on Maps.me proved invaluable when we got lost during unexpected snowfall.

Sustainable Budget Travel Practices

Traveling sustainably often saves money while minimizing your impact. Here’s how I balance budget and sustainability concerns:

Supporting Local Communities

Directing your limited funds toward local businesses not only enriches your experience but often costs less:

Stay at locally-owned hostels rather than international chains
Eat at family-run restaurants where prices are typically 30-50% lower than tourist establishments
Shop at artisan markets where you can buy directly from creators
Choose community-based tourism initiatives—many indigenous communities in Peru, Ecuador, and Bolivia offer homestays for $15-25 per night including meals

In the Sacred Valley of Peru, I paid $18 for a homestay with a Quechua family near Ollantaytambo, including three home-cooked meals and a guided walk through their farm. A comparable experience through a tour agency would have cost $50-70.

Reducing Environmental Impact While Saving Money

These practices are both eco-friendly and budget-friendly:

Carry a reusable water bottle with filter (systems like Grayl or LifeStraw pay for themselves within 2-3 weeks by avoiding bottled water)
Choose overland transportation instead of flying when possible (buses in South America are often more comfortable than budget flights anyway)
Participate in free or low-cost environmental initiatives (beach cleanups, tree planting days)
Stay longer in fewer places rather than constantly moving (slow travel is both cheaper and reduces your carbon footprint)

After calculating my expenses across four trips, I found that I spend an average of $8-12 less per day when staying in one location for a week versus moving every 2-3 days. The transportation savings alone are substantial, not to mention the reduced stress and environmental impact.

Conclusion: Your 5-Step Action Plan for Budget South America Travel

After years of exploring South America on a shoestring—and making countless mistakes along the way—I’ve distilled my advice into this 5-step action plan to make your 2025 South America adventure both affordable and unforgettable:

Step 1: Prioritize Your Route Based on Budget

Start by organizing your itinerary from least to most expensive countries. I recommend beginning in Bolivia or Ecuador, where you’ll build confidence in budget travel practices before hitting pricier destinations like Chile or Brazil.

For a 3-month trip, consider this budget-optimized route:

Bolivia (3 weeks)
Peru (4 weeks)
Ecuador (2 weeks)
Colombia (3 weeks)

This progression lets you adjust to the continent while protecting your budget early on.

Step 2: Book Smart, Book Less

Pre-book only your initial flights and first 2-3 nights of accommodation. For everything else:

Book accommodation in person or 1-2 days in advance for better rates
Purchase tours locally (30-50% cheaper than online)
Keep your itinerary flexible to take advantage of unexpected opportunities and deals

The most expensive travel experiences are often those that are rigidly planned months in advance.

Step 3: Master the Local Economy

Within your first day in each new country:

Take a free walking tour to orient yourself
Learn key local price points (taxi rides, meals, etc.)
Get local currency from the optimal source (ATM or exchange)
Purchase a local SIM card
Locate the nearest local market for groceries

These immediate steps will set you up to navigate each country efficiently.

Step 4: Alternate Splurges and Savings

Budget travel doesn’t mean constant deprivation. Create a sustainable approach by:

For every “splurge” activity, balance with 2-3 days of minimal spending
Plan 1-2 special experiences per country while finding free alternatives for everything else
Use one “splurge accommodation” per country to recharge, then return to budget options

This balanced approach will prevent budget fatigue and enrich your experience.

Step 5: Connect With Other Travelers and Locals

Your most valuable resource is information from others:

Join Facebook groups like “Backpacking South America” and country-specific travel groups
Use apps like Couchsurfing (even just for meetups, not accommodation)
Attend hostel community dinners and events
Learn at least basic Spanish phrases to connect with locals

The tips you gather from fellow travelers will often save you more money than any guidebook advice.

Remember that the true wealth of South America isn’t measured in dollars spent but in experiences gained. Some of my most treasured memories—watching the sunrise over Bolivia’s salt flats, sharing mate with Argentine strangers on a 20-hour bus ride, or stumbling upon a village celebration in rural Peru—cost nothing at all.

With careful planning, flexibility, and an open mind, you can experience the magic of this incredible continent in 2025 without breaking the bank. ¡Buen viaje!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does backpacking in South America cost per day?

Daily costs vary significantly by country and travel style. In 2025, you can expect to spend:

Budget travel: $25-35/day in Bolivia, Ecuador, and parts of Peru and Colombia
Mid-range travel: $40-60/day across most of the continent
Comfort travel: $70-100/day, still significantly less than Europe or North America

These estimates include accommodation, food, local transportation, and some activities but exclude major tours and flights.

Is South America safe for solo travelers?

While no destination is entirely without risk, I’ve traveled solo extensively throughout South America and found it generally safe with proper precautions. The tourist trail is well-established, and it’s easy to meet other travelers. Women solo travelers should exercise additional caution in certain areas, particularly at night, but thousands travel the continent safely each year.

The key is researching specific neighborhoods in each city (rather than generalizing about entire countries) and following local advice.

Do I need to speak Spanish to travel South America on a budget?

While you can get by in major tourist areas with English, speaking basic Spanish will:

Save you money (prices often drop when you can negotiate in Spanish)
Open up off-the-beaten-path destinations
Enhance your cultural experience
Improve safety by helping you understand your surroundings

Even learning 100 key phrases will dramatically improve your experience. I recommend the free Duolingo app for basics and the Language Transfer audio course for more practical conversation skills.

What vaccines do I need for South America?

Required vaccines vary by country and region. As of 2025, these are commonly recommended:

Yellow Fever: Required for entry to certain countries and regions, particularly the Amazon
Typhoid and Hepatitis A: Recommended for most travelers
Tetanus-diphtheria: Ensure your routine vaccination is current
Rabies: Consider if visiting remote areas

Visit a travel health clinic 6-8 weeks before departure for the most current recommendations based on your specific itinerary.

When is the best time to visit South America on a budget?

For the best combination of good weather and lower prices:

Andean regions (Peru, Bolivia, Ecuador): April-May and September-October
Brazil and northern South America: March-May and September-November
Southern Cone (Chile, Argentina): October-November and March-April

Avoid December-January and July-August when prices rise during local and international holiday periods.

What’s the minimum time needed for a South America trip?

While you can explore one country in 2-3 weeks, I recommend at least 6-8 weeks to experience multiple countries without rushing. South America’s size, transportation times, and diverse attractions reward slow travel. Many travelers end up extending their trips once they discover how far their budget stretches and how much there is to see.

How do I handle altitude in the Andean countries?

Many budget destinations in Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador are at high altitude (Cusco: 3,400m, La Paz: 3,640m, Quito: 2,850m). To avoid altitude sickness:

Acclimatize gradually by spending 2-3 days at intermediate altitudes when possible
Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol for the first 48 hours
Consider medication like Acetazolamide (Diamox) after consulting a doctor
Try local remedies like coca tea in Peru and Bolivia

Budget travelers often rush to high-altitude destinations to save on flights. I learned the hard way that spending a bit more to acclimatize gradually is worth it after losing three days in Cusco to severe altitude sickness.