Believe it or not, the cost was far less than you might imagine! In 2019, I bid farewell to my high-paying job in Shanghai, packed my bags, and embarked on a solo backpacking adventure through Latin America. From June 2019 to March 2020, just as the pandemic began to cast its shadow over the region, I journeyed from Mexico, through Guatemala, Colombia, and Argentina, and then to Chile and Peru. Over this 10-month odyssey, including airfare (excluding the return flight), visas (I already had a U.S. visa), dance lessons, Spanish language classes, SIM cards, and other miscellaneous expenses, the total came to less than 50,000 RMB.
⬅️ Swipe left on the images to see the detailed expenses for each country.
Of course, traveling for 10 months on a budget of 50,000 RMB may not be feasible for everyone; it’s just a reference point for those looking to travel frugally. It’s always wise to set aside a bit more and tailor your plans to your personal preferences.
🏠 Accommodation:
I kicked off my trip with a week-long stay at an Airbnb in Mexico, followed by mostly staying in hostels. Later, in Colombia and Argentina, I worked in exchange for accommodation at hostels and farms. In Chile, I embraced couchsurfing, which brought my nightly accommodation costs down from over 100 RMB to zero.
🌮 Food:
At first, I indulged in all sorts of local delicacies, savoring small local eateries and street food. As I started working in exchange for accommodation, I shifted to buying groceries and cooking my own meals, which not only saved money but also added a delightful touch of home-cooked comfort.
✈️ Transportation:
I was always on the lookout for discounted flights. The one-way ticket from China to the U.S. was a steal, with the flight from Shenzhen to Los Angeles costing just a little over 1,000 RMB! Admittedly, this flight was quite a journey, with two layovers in Chengdu and Shandong, turning it into a mini-tour of China before finally landing in Los Angeles. Buses are a common and affordable way to travel between Latin American countries, offering both comfort and affordability. In southern Argentina and Chile, I also hitchhiked, adding a layer of adventure to my travels.
🇵🇪 Peru:
I had already explored Peru in 2018, so I was familiar with the main attractions. This time, I returned as a translator and guide, which meant I didn’t spend any additional money, and it’s not included in the overall budget.
🇲🇽 Mexico:
Two weeks is definitely not enough to fully experience Mexico! I had already spent four weeks there in 2016, so this time, I focused on Guadalajara and Chiapas, giving me a taste of the vibrant culture and history.
🇨🇱 Chile:
Chile can be quite expensive. When I arrived, I was at my lowest, having been robbed clean in Argentina. I went to Chile to re-enter Argentina and extend my stay. So, I only visited Santiago and Valparaiso, and managed to avoid accommodation costs entirely (through couchsurfing, staying with friends, and even painting walls for a couple in exchange for lodging). I relied mainly on hitchhiking for transportation. Unfortunately, I missed out on the stunning northern desert and the breathtaking Patagonia. If you want to fully enjoy Chile, make sure to have a well-padded budget.
