Budget Tours to South America
Rio's Christ the Redeemer, walking through Buenos Aires' colorful La Boca neighborhood, and Iguazu Falls from both Argentina and Brazil because the views are different from each side. Wine tasting in Mendoza, Machu Picchu trek, and La Paz's markets high up in Bolivia. Cusco for acclimatizing, Amazon rainforest sections, and beach time in Brazil. Several countries on a budget - what an experience!
10 best Budget South America tour packages
Compiled by
NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Buenos Aires to La Paz via Iguazu and Uyuni (20 Days)
- Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
- Atacama desert and Uyuni salt flat - Group Adventure - Bolivia Chile and Argentina
- Salt flats, sacred valleys, and tropical islands: Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador W/Galápagos
- Bolivia, Peru & Ecuador with Galápagos : The Spirit of the Andes & Islands
- La Paz and Titicaca to Buenos Aires via Uyuni (19 Days)
- Northern Argentina, Chile & Uyuni Salt Flats
- La Paz to Santiago via Uyuni (21 Days)
- Santiago to Buenos Aires via Lakes Region (17 Days)
- 12 Days Ecuador’s Greatest Hits: A Bucket-List Adventure
Duration 20 days Destinations Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Bolivia Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $105 Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
- US$2,099
Bolivia to Brazil: Highlands & Coastlines
18 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“An amazing 4 weeks, seeing incredible places, eating new and exciting food, meeting extremely interesting people.”
Nathalie, traveled in July
Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate this tour at approx. $190 per day, with simple hotels and hostels. The price includes 23 breakfasts, internal flights, and guided experiences. Transportation between 15 cities and optional free activities like hiking in Ilha Grande are included.
Duration 31 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil Age Range Ages 18-39 Price Per Day $149 Operator G Adventures From $5,549
17% Off- US$4,606You save $943
At $156 per day, enjoy shared accommodations at Campo Base Hostel and salt refuges. Price includes 9 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 3 dinners, plus guided Valle de la Luna tour and 4WD Uyuni expedition. Free time in Salta and San Pedro allows budget-friendly self-exploration of South America's wonders.
Duration 10 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $156 Operator People Travel and Experience From
17% Off- US$1,560
Duration 17 days Destinations Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $476 Operator Wanderful Holidays LLC From
17% Off- US$8,099
At around $190 per day, this 17-day trip includes stays at 4-star hotels in places like La Paz, Cusco, and Santa Cruz Island in the Galápagos. Budget-friendly inclusions cover scenic train rides through the Sacred Valley, flights from La Paz to Uyuni and Cusco to Quito, and 16 breakfasts plus 5 lunches featuring regional specialties like fried trout on Lake Titicaca.
Duration 17 days Destinations Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador Age Range All Ages Welcome Price Per Day $440 Operator Wonderful Holidays UK From $9,358
20% Off- US$7,486You save $1,872
For approx. $100 per day, this South American journey includes accommodations and transport. Guests stay at salt hotels in Uyuni, visit Atacama Desert's geysers, and enjoy included breakfasts. Walking opportunities abound in La Paz's historic center and Buenos Aires' colorful La Boca district.
Duration 19 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $109 Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$2,080
Three-country adventure priced at approx. $340 per day, featuring Villa Mar Hostel and Salt Hotel stays. Buenos Aires city tours, Cafayate wine visits, and Uyuni Salt Flats exploration included. Package offers daily breakfasts and guided excursions.
Duration 16 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Bolivia Age Range Ages 8+ Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $267 Operator Say Hueque Argentina & Chile Journeys From
20% Off- US$4,275
Comprehensive South American tour at approx. $100 per day includes accommodations and guided tours. The itinerary features Tiwanaku ruins, Uyuni Salt Flats, and Atacama Desert with included breakfasts. Visitors enjoy wine tastings in Mendoza's Maipu valley and Santiago's bike tours while maintaining budget-friendly travel.
Duration 21 days Destinations Bolivia, Chile, Argentina Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $107 Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$2,250
Duration 17 days Destinations Chile, Argentina, Uruguay Age Range Ages 18+ Price Per Day $104 Operator Hi Travel Argentina From
20% Off- US$1,766
The tour provides remarkable value at approx. $110 per day including 3-star hotels, Amazon lodge stays, and most meals. Highlights include Cotopaxi hiking, Quilotoa crater viewing, and wildlife spotting. Additional adventures like canopy rides ($10-20) and waterfall visits ($5) keep costs flexible.
Duration 12 days Destinations Quito, Otavalo, Cotopaxi National Park, Quilotoa, Mindo Valley, Banos, Papallacta, Cuyabeno Wildlife Preserve Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Spanish Price Per Day $137 Operator Responsible Travel South America From
20% Off- US$1,640
What our customers ask about Budget Tours to South America
When is the most affordable time to visit South America?
The best deals in South America can be found during April-June and September-November. These shoulder seasons bring mild weather and fewer tourists which means better rates on flights and hotels. Travelers can save up to 20% compared to peak seasons by visiting major sites like Machu Picchu in April or the Uyuni Salt Flats in September. The busiest and most expensive periods are December-February (summer high season) and July-August (winter high season) when prices can spike significantly.
What are some good budget-friendly areas to visit in South America?
Bolivia stands out as one of South America's best values with affordable food lodging and activities in cities like La Paz and Sucre. The famous Salar de Uyuni tours remain reasonably priced despite their popularity. Northern Argentina particularly around Salta delivers authentic experiences without the premium prices of more touristy regions. In Peru smaller Sacred Valley towns such as Ollantaytambo and Pisac offer similar cultural richness to Cusco but at lower prices that stretch travel budgets further.
What type of accommodation can I expect on budget tours in South America?
Budget accommodations range from basic hostels to distinctive local stays. Near Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats guests sleep in hotels built from salt blocks while Lake Titicaca offers homestays with local families. The Oasis Overland tour features camping in the Atacama Desert and stays at mid-range hotels like Casa Andina Standard in Cusco. While amenities are simple the lodgings are clean comfortable and provide genuine local experiences at reasonable rates.
What is the average daily budget needed for expenses not included in South American budget tours?
Budget 30-45 USD daily for meals activities and personal expenses not covered by tours. Local meals cost 5-10 USD in Peru and 10-15 USD in Argentina. Additional activities remain affordable with sandboarding in Huacachina at 15 USD and Baños hot springs for 4 USD. Recent G Adventures tour participants reported spending about 35 USD per day on extra expenses when choosing local eateries and markets over tourist restaurants.
What essential tips help save money while traveling through South America on a budget?
For a 2-3 week tour plan 300-500 USD for optional activities. Popular choices include sandboarding in Huacachina for 15 USD wine tasting tours in Mendoza at 50 USD and Bolivia's Death Road bike adventure for 125 USD. This budget allows flexibility to join most offered activities while maintaining reasonable spending limits.
How much should I budget for entrance fees to attractions in South America?
Reserve 300-500 USD for activity fees and entrance costs. Common expenses include Huacachina sandboarding at 30 USD Rainbow Mountain treks for 40 USD and Lake Titicaca boat excursions at 35 USD. This amount typically covers most desired activities during a standard multi-week tour without requiring strict budgeting.
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