How Much Does 2 Months in South America Actually Cost?
Planning a 2 months in south america budget trip? Here’s the short answer:
| Travel Style | Daily Budget | 60-Day Total |
|---|---|---|
| Shoestring | $25-30/day | $1,500-1,800 |
| Backpacker | $35-50/day | $2,100-3,000 |
| Mid-Range | $60-75/day | $3,600-4,500 |
These figures cover accommodation, food, local transport, and basic activities — but not flights to/from South America or travel insurance.
The range is wide because South America is not one price. Bolivia and Ecuador are dramatically cheaper than Chile or Brazil. Your daily spend in La Paz might be $25. The same day in Santiago could cost you $60.
Most backpackers land somewhere around $35-50 per day — roughly $2,100 to $3,000 for the full 60 days. That gets you a hostel dorm bed, local meals, and bus travel between cities. It won’t get you Galapagos or a 4-day Inca Trail permit without dipping into your buffer.
The good news? Two months is a genuinely great amount of time for South America. You can move slowly through 3-4 countries, catch the highlights, and still keep costs under control — if you plan smart.
Defining Your Travel Style: Shoestring vs. Mid-Range
When we talk about a 2 months in south america budget, the first question we have to ask is: how much “suffering” are you willing to endure for the sake of your bank account? We use the term “suffering” lightly, of course—some of our best memories involve 24-hour chicken buses and questionable hostel breakfasts—but your comfort level dictates your costs.
The Shoestring Budget ($1,800 total / ~$30 per day)
This is for the true road warriors. If you are on a shoestring, your 60-day journey will focus on the “Gringo Trail” staples like Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. You’ll be sleeping in 12-bed dorms, cooking 70% of your meals in hostel kitchens, and mastering the art of the night bus to save on a night’s accommodation. You might even try wild camping in Patagonia or hitchhiking in Chile (which is surprisingly safe and common). At this level, you’re looking at a total of about $1,800 for the two months.
The Backpacker Budget ($3,000 total / ~$50 per day)
This is the “sweet spot” for most of us. It allows for a few more comforts—think a 4-bed dorm instead of a 12-bed, the occasional private room when you’re feeling burnt out, and eating out at local markets once or twice a day. You’ll have enough room in the budget for the “big” bucket list items like a 3-day Uyuni Salt Flats tour or a trek to Machu Picchu. If you’re new to this, we recommend checking out the-ultimate-budget-travel-guide-for-new-adventurers to help find that balance between saving and experiencing.
The Mid-Range “Flashpacker” ($4,500+ total / $75+ per day)
If you prefer “flashpacking”—mixing budget sensibilities with mid-range luxuries—you’ll want at least $4,000 for 60 days. This budget allows for more internal flights (saving you those grueling 20-hour bus rides), nicer boutique hostels, and high-end tours. It’s also the realistic budget if you plan to spend significant time in expensive hubs like Uruguay or French Guiana.
Solo vs. Group Travel: Traveling solo can actually be slightly more expensive because you can’t split the cost of private rooms or Uber rides. However, it gives you total control over your 2 months in south america budget. Group travel often leads to “social spending”—that extra round of pisco sours or a group dinner you didn’t really need—but it slashes costs on things like Airbnb stays and guided excursions.
Breaking Down the 2 months in south america budget by Category
To get a realistic grip on your finances, we need to look at the daily grind. Costs vary wildly by geography. In 2026, we’re seeing a trend where traditional hotspots are getting pricier, making it essential to look for those hidden gems we love at Larcome Stilo.
| Category | Cheap Country (Bolivia/Ecuador) | Expensive Country (Chile/Uruguay) |
|---|---|---|
| Hostel Dorm | $6 – $10 | $15 – $25 |
| Local Meal (Menu del Dia) | $3 – $5 | $10 – $15 |
| Beer (Large) | $2 | $5 – $7 |
| 10-Hour Bus Ride | $15 | $40 – $60 |
Food and Drink Expenses
Food is one of the easiest places to save or splurge. In the Andean countries, look for the Menu del Dia (Menu of the Day). For $3 to $5, you’ll get a soup, a main (usually chicken/beef with rice and beans), and a juice. It’s the ultimate backpacker fuel.
Street food is your friend, but use your head—if the stall is busy with locals, the food is likely fresh. If you’re in more expensive regions like Patagonia, cooking is mandatory. Buying groceries at local markets and using hostel kitchens can keep your food costs under $10 a day.
Transportation: The Great Distance Factor
South America is massive. We cannot stress this enough: do not underestimate the distances. A “short” bus ride in Brazil can be 12 hours.
- Buses: Generally the best way to move. In countries like Peru and Argentina, buses are luxury affairs with fully reclining seats (cama) and meals included. Check out low-cost-transportation-options for a deeper dive into moving around efficiently.
- Flights: Use booking-on-a-budget-how-to-save-money-on-flights and tools like Skyscanner. Sometimes, a $50 flight is worth it to avoid a 30-hour bus ride that costs $40 anyway.
Estimating your 2 months in south america budget for accommodation
Accommodation will likely be your biggest fixed cost. For a 60-day trip, expect to spend between $600 and $1,200 on beds.
- Hostels: The average dorm bed is $10-15. In big cities like Bogota, you can find great value if you know where to look. We suggest reading dont-bogota-down-with-high-costs to navigate the capital’s pricing.
- Airbnb: If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, Airbnbs often work out cheaper than multiple hostel beds and give you access to a kitchen—a massive budget saver.
- Alternative Stays: Couchsurfing is still active in South America, though it requires more planning. For the adventurous, wild camping is common in Chile and Argentina, potentially bringing your accommodation cost to zero for those stretches.
Totaling the 2 months in south america budget for major attractions
You didn’t fly across the world just to sit in a hostel. You’re here for the big stuff. These “big” activities are often what break a 2 months in south america budget, so you must account for them separately.
- Machu Picchu (Peru): A standard 4-day trek (like the Salkantay) will cost roughly $500-$750 including permits and trains. If you do it independently via the “back door” (Hidroelectrica), you can do it for under $150.
- Uyuni Salt Flats (Bolivia): A 3-day tour is one of the best values on the continent, typically costing around $125-$185.
- Torres del Paine (Chile): The “W-Trek” is pricey. Between park fees, camping rentals, and transport, budget at least $500 for a 5-day stint.
- Iguazu Falls: Entry fees for both the Brazilian and Argentine sides will total about $60-$80.
- Galapagos (Ecuador): This is the ultimate budget killer. Even a “cheap” week in the Galapagos will cost at least $1,000. If you’re on a strict 2-month budget, you might have to choose between the Galapagos and everything else.
Country-Specific Costs: Where Your Money Goes Furthest
Knowing where to linger and where to hustle is the secret to a successful 2 months in south america budget.
- Bolivia ($25-35/day): The undisputed king of budget travel. You can live like royalty on $35 a day. It’s rugged, the infrastructure is… let’s call it “character-building,” but the landscapes are otherworldly.
- Peru ($35-50/day): Excellent value. While Machu Picchu is expensive, daily life in cities like Arequipa or Cusco is very affordable.
- Colombia ($35-45/day): A backpacker favorite. It offers incredible diversity—from Caribbean beaches to coffee plantations—at a very reasonable price point.
- Ecuador ($30-40/day): Uses the US Dollar, which makes budgeting easy. It’s small, so transport costs are lower than in its giant neighbors.
- Chile & Brazil ($50-70/day): These are the heavy hitters. In 2026, costs in Rio and Santiago are comparable to parts of Southern Europe. We recommend spending less time here if your budget is tight, or focusing on specific regions like Northern Chile (Atacama).
- Argentina (Variable): Argentina is a wild card due to inflation. However, for those with USD cash, the “Blue Dollar” (informal exchange rate) can make the country significantly cheaper than the official rate suggests.
Money Management and 2026 Inflation Hacks
Managing your money is just as important as how much you have. In 2026, the landscape is shifting with digital banks and fluctuating local economies.
The Argentina “Blue Dollar” Hack
If you are visiting Argentina, do not just swipe your card everywhere. The country often has a massive discrepancy between the official exchange rate and the “blue” rate. Bringing crisp, high-denomination US Dollar bills ($100s) to exchange at cuevas (informal exchange houses) can sometimes double your purchasing power. Always check the latest rates on traveler forums before you arrive.
Avoiding ATM Fees
ATM fees in South America are notorious. Some banks in Chile or Peru charge $10 per withdrawal.
- Wise/Revolut: Use digital banks like Wise to get the best mid-market exchange rates.
- Withdraw Large Amounts: Instead of withdrawing $20 every day, take out the maximum allowed to minimize the per-transaction fee. Just be sure to hide the extra cash in different parts of your luggage.
- Larcome Stilo Tip: Look for “Banco de la Nación” in Peru or “Banco del Estado” in Chile, which sometimes have lower fees for international cards.
Insurance and Buffers
Never travel without insurance. An eye infection in Chile or a twisted ankle on the Inca Trail can cost thousands without it. We also recommend a 10-15% “oh no” buffer. Buses break down, you might miss a flight, or you might just decide you really need a private room after a week of camping. For more on planning these safety nets, see save-and-see-how-to-plan-a-trip-on-a-budget.
Frequently Asked Questions about South American Travel
Is $2,000 enough for 2 months in South America?
Yes, but you will be living the “shoestring” life. You will need to spend the majority of your time in Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador. You’ll need to skip the Galapagos, fly as little as possible, and cook most of your meals. It’s a hustle, but it’s absolutely doable and often more rewarding as you engage more with local markets and slow travel.
Which South American country is the cheapest for backpackers?
Bolivia remains the cheapest. You can find hostel beds for $6 and a full meal for $3. Paraguay is also very affordable but sees far fewer tourists. If you want the best “bang for your buck” regarding tourism infrastructure vs. cost, Peru is the winner.
How do I avoid high ATM fees in South America?
The best way is to use a card that reimburses ATM fees (like Charles Schwab in the US) or to use banks known for lower fees. Always choose “Decline Conversion” when the ATM asks if you want them to do the exchange for you—their rates are always worse than your bank’s.
Conclusion
A 2 months in south america budget doesn’t have to be a source of stress. Whether you’re surviving on $30 a day in the Bolivian Altiplano or splurging $70 a day on Argentine steaks and wine, the continent offers a wealth of experiences for every price point.
At Larcome Stilo, we believe the best travel happens when you step off the beaten path. While the big sights are worth the money, some of our favorite memories come from the “hidden gems”—the small towns in the Colombian coffee region or the unheralded coastal villages of Ecuador where your dollar goes twice as far.
With meticulous planning and a sense of adventure, your 60-day hustle will be the trip of a lifetime. Ready to start mapping it out? Plan your next adventure with our expert guides and let’s get you on the road for 2026.
