How much does it cost to travel in South America?

The destinations of South America are popular with backpackers and holidaymakers alike due to the vast stunning landscape full of opportunities to trek over towering mountains, through untouched jungle and across awe-inspiring glaciers.

There is significant variation in the budget required to visit the different countries of South America. In the least expensive destinations of Paraguay and Bolivia, it's possible to find a room for $12 a night whereas in Argentina or Chile you are unlikely to find a room for less than $38 per night. As a backpacker you should consider what standards you are prepared to accept for eating, sleeping and travelling before deciding how long to spend at a particular destination.

Guideline travelling costs in US Dollars:

Country	Budget Room	Mid-range room	Deluxe room	Budget meal	Mid-range meal	Deluxe meal	Beer	Solo average1	Average in pair2
Argentina	34	64	128	8	25	43	1.86	118	85
Bolivia	12	32	102	5	14	23	1.35	67	48
Brazil	29	70	200	7	23	39	2.03	127	88
Chile	37	74	148	9	25	41	2.27	127	90
Colombia	30	69	110	11	19	33	1.49	106	75
Ecuador	14	49	105	4	14	23	1.63	76	53
French Guiana	70	108	167	9	27	45	1.51	161	109
Guyana	34	76	109	6	13	22	1.32	96	62
Paraguay	16	24	77	12	18	24	1.47	67	52
Peru	17	51	159	5	16	29	1.74	94	65
Suriname	26	56	97	10	19	28	1.65	93	66
Uruguay	23	64	152	9	27	41	2.27	120	88
Venezuela	8	23	50	2	6	10	0.98	36	25

Note: The above travel costs were researched in local currency during 2007-2010. Foreign exchange rates are updated every 3 months.