How much money should I have (US) to backpack all over South America for 6 months?

Question

I plan to leave in April/May '09. My *tentative* plan is to fly into Buenos Aires, cut across patagonia to Chile, north through Peru, through Colombia, Venezuela, then east on the amazon, south through the coastal region of Brazil before ending up in Rio for Carnaval until I'm almost out of $. :) I'm thinking, according to Lonley Planet and some internet research, that I can be fine on $20-$25 per day. If you consider 200 days roughly 6 months, that's 4-5K. Should that be enough, after I pay for my airfare?

Answer 1

Yes you can get by on that, I just came back from 6 months in south america and got by on less than that.  But keep in mind that it all depends on what you do and where you go.  Brazil is expensive, you will go over budget there . . . and during carnival time you will spend a minimum of $150 a day.  Chile is a little expensive too.  But in Peru, Colombia and Venezuela you can get by for less than that.

Answer 2

When you say "backpack" over South America, are you talking about sleeping wherever, or would you want to sleep in a hotel?  Are you going to have a cell phone with you, a bill which you'll have to pay?  

If you're just going bare minimum, and the only thing you'll be spending money on is food, water, and other tangible, necessary supplies for survival... then you should be fine on approx. $20 a day.  But remember the value of the American dollar is dropping every day... so it's always best to be as careful as you can when it comes to spending money.

Just stay away from strip clubs and bars (notorious for sucking your bank account dry whether you realize it or not, lol) and I think you'll be okay.

Good luck on your trip!

Answer 3

If you don't expect to stay in fancy hotels, $25 -$30 x day will make it. In Argentina try to stay away from tourists, if not they'll charge you in dollars for everything and you'll spend more. In Buenos Aires, use public transportation (trains, metro, buses) the red is pretty extensive and you can move arround with $1. DON"T take all the cash with you, you can open an account in City Bank and they will not charge you for withdraw your money in Bs As.

Answer 4

i would say maybe 6500 to be safe

if you run out i'm sure you can withdraw from atm's

you have to be very careful because i know for a fact people will try to cheat you out of your money or even try to rob you

you also have to be careful and up to date with the value of the dollar, they might try to trick you with that

sounds like a really fun and adventurous trip

i hope you have a great time :)