Chile Travel Costs: Real Budget Breakdown & Shoestring Tips from 3.5 Months Exploring
How much does it cost to travel in Chile? It's not the cheapest South American destination—similar to Argentina or Uruguay—but its diversity and high living standards make it worth every peso. Over 4,000 km long, Chile offers everything from deserts to glaciers. Don't skip it due to prices; use our experienced guide to budget effectively. For highlights, see our top five places to visit in Chile.
First, expert tips to maximize value, followed by our 3.5-month spending data.
CLP = Chilean Pesos; $ = US Dollars at original publication rates. Chile's economy is stable with moderate inflation—unlike neighboring Argentina.
How to Save Money While Traveling in Chile
Coming from Bolivia, Chile's prices may shock—they align with the US or Canada, without Argentina's favorable black market rates. These proven tips keep costs down.
1. Drink the Tap Water
Chile's tap water is safe and clean nationwide. Carry a reusable bottle. Exceptions: San Pedro de Atacama (near Bolivia) and Iquique (near mines). From La Serena to Santiago, the Lake District, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego—drink freely. Bottled water costs $1.50–$2 each, so this saves significantly.
2. Buy Bus Tickets in Advance
Advance booking saves up to 50%. Use Turbus.cl for schedules (requires Chilean RUT ID for online purchase, so buy at stations upon arrival or ahead). Worth the effort:
- Same-day Santiago to San Pedro de Atacama: CLP48,900 (~US$100)
- Advance: CLP36,900 (~US$72)
- Savings: US$28
- Same-day Puerto Montt to Santiago: CLP23,000 (US$46)
- Advance: CLP17,900 (US$36)
- Savings: US$10
Recommend Turbus and Pullman. Note: Prices surge during holidays like Christmas/New Year's—book early.
3. Avoid Peak Season (December–March)
High season means packed accommodations and inflated prices, especially in the Lake District and Patagonia. Locals vacation too, leaving low-quality options at premium rates. Book ahead for better choices.
In high season, dorms hit CLP11,000 (US$22/person) vs. normal CLP8,000 (US$16). Private doubles cost little more. Check Booking.com for deals.
4. Grab Lunch Menus & Cook Dinners
Set lunch menus (starter, main, dessert, drink) cost CLP2,500–5,000 (US$5–10). Choose hostels with kitchens—dinner out runs CLP7,000+ (US$14) for two.
5. Use Couchsurfing
High accommodation costs? Couchsurfing connects you with locals in most spots. Cook meals as thanks, gain insider tips, and expand your network.
Our Real Spending: 3.5 Months in Chile
Over 103 days, we spent 3,191,910 CLP (~US$6,705)—US$65/day for two (US$32.50/person). This includes 51 days housesitting (saving $1,000+ on lodging/food), allowing luxuries like French breakfasts.
In Santiago (housesitting): US$2,166 total (~US$42.50/day for two, US$21/person).
Real Daily Budget (Excluding Housesitting)
Over 52 travel days: US$4,540 total (US$87/day for two, US$44/person)—covering food, lodging, transport, activities. Realistic for budget travel sharing costs.
2024 Exchange Update
Original 2012/2013 trip at old rates: US$6,705. At 2020 rates: ~US$3,741. Today (2024), ~1 USD = 950 CLP (1,000 CLP ≈ US$1.05)—Chile is more affordable now. Use CLP figures; check current rates.
We stayed budget-conscious: hostels/hotels, self-catering, advance buses, selective tours.
Detailed Cost Breakdown
Accommodation
Private rooms: ~CLP20,000 (US$40). Dorms: CLP8,000–11,000 (US$16–22/person); low season cheaper.
Transportation
Advance buses: CLP4,500 (US$9, 3–4 hrs); CLP36,000 (US$72, 24 hrs). Average long-haul: CLP10,000 (US$20). Santiago metro: CLP560–620 (US$1.10–1.20). Colectivos: CLP250–300 (US$0.50–0.60). Taxis: CLP2,000–4,500 (US$4–9).
Food
Lunch: CLP1,800–4,000/person (US$3.60–8). Dinner out: CLP17,000–20,000 (US$34–40) for two. Cooking: CLP2,500–7,000 (US$5–14) for two.
Entertainment & Tours
Average full-day tour: CLP20,000/person (US$40), e.g., Atacama Desert, Torres del Paine. Half-day: CLP7,000–10,000 (US$14–20). Museums: free–CLP3,000 (US$6). Free walking tours in Santiago/Valparaíso (tip-based).
Drinks
Wine glass: CLP1,500 (US$3). Beer: CLP1,500–2,500 (US$3–5). Cocktails/happy hour: CLP3,000–4,000 (US$6–8). Supermarket wine: CLP2,000 (US$4). Budget accordingly if drinking nightly.
Traveled Chile? Share your budget tips in the comments!
