Latin America: Budget Travel Guide
Latin America is the backpacker circuit that never gets old. The continent spans surf towns in Mexico to the salt flats of Bolivia, cloud forests in Ecuador to tango bars in Buenos Aires. The cultural richness is staggering — ancient Inca ruins, colonial cities, Amazonian jungle, and Caribbean coastlines all within a single continent. Budget travellers can do it justice for $30–45 a day if they travel like locals.
Destinations
Countries in Latin America
Data
Country Comparison
| Country | From/day ↑ | Hostel from | Cities |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇪🇨 Ecuador | $24 | $8 | 4 |
| 🇧🇴 Bolivia | $26 | $7 | 4 |
| 🇧🇿 Belize | $27 | $12 | 2 |
| 🇵🇪 Peru | $27 | $9 | 6 |
| 🇳🇮 Nicaragua | $31 | $10 | 3 |
| 🇨🇴 Colombia | $37 | $13 | 6 |
| 🇲🇽 Mexico | $39 | $9 | 17 |
| 🇬🇹 Guatemala | $44 | $18 | 3 |
| 🇵🇦 Panama | $46 | $15 | 2 |
| 🇨🇷 Costa Rica | $48 | $13 | 3 |
| 🇨🇱 Chile | $52 | $13 | 3 |
| 🇦🇷 Argentina | $55 | $13 | 5 |
| 🇧🇷 Brazil | $57 | $19 | 3 |
| 🇺🇾 Uruguay | $87 | $18 | 1 |
Itineraries
Classic Routes
Gringo Trail
Colombia → Ecuador → Peru → Bolivia
Medellín → Quito → Cusco → La Paz. The most popular South American backpacker route.
Central America Loop
Mexico → Guatemala → Costa Rica → Panama
Mexico City → Antigua → Manuel Antonio → Panama City. Combines ruins, coffee country, and jungle.
Southern Cone
Argentina → Chile → Peru
Buenos Aires → Patagonia → Lima. More expensive but unforgettable landscapes.
Colombia Backpacking Route (21 Days)
Bogota → Medellin → Cartagena → Santa Marta
Central America Backpacking Route backpackr
Mexico City → Oaxaca → San Cristobal de las Casas → Antigua → Lake Atitlan → Caye Caulker
Entry
Visa Snapshot
90 days in most countries. No advance planning needed.
Visa-free since 2024. 90 days, extendable once.
$25 USD tourist card. Purchase at airport or embassy.
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