Budget/Backpacker Travel Guide: Chile

Accommodation

$12-30 per night

Dorm beds in hostels, basic guesthouses, budget hotels with shared facilities

Food & Dining

$15-35 per day

Street food, local markets, empanadas from bakeries, self-catering with grocery store ingredients

Transportation

$3-12 per day

Public buses, metro in guide to Santiago, shared colectivos, walking

Activities

$5-25 per day

Free walking tours, public beaches, hiking in national parks, occasional museum entry

Eat at local markets and street food stalls instead of tourist restaurants (typically 60-70% cheaper)

Use public transportation like buses and metro instead of taxis (usually 80% less expensive)

Book accommodation outside city centers for 30-50% savings while still having good transport connections

Visit free attractions like public beaches, hiking trails, and city viewpoints instead of only paid tours

Shop at local supermarkets for snacks and drinks rather than tourist shops (typically 50% cheaper)

Travel during shoulder seasons (March-May, September-November) for 25-40% accommodation savings

Take advantage of happy hour specials at restaurants and bars for 30-50% discounts on food and drinks

Only eating in tourist areas and hotel restaurants instead of exploring local neighborhoods (can cost 100-200% more)

Taking taxis for all transportation instead of learning the public transport system (typically 4-6 times more expensive)

Booking tours through hotels instead of comparing prices with local operators (often 30-60% markup)

Not factoring in Chile's higher costs compared to neighboring countries (can lead to 40-80% budget shortfall)