Average cost for a trip from north to south in Chile and Argentina

Hello,

After putting off my trip to Chile (and Argentina) for several years (protests plus Covid 19/20/21...), I’d love to know what the average cost is now for a journey from north to south? (Public transport and "ordinary" hotels) If you have any recent info, thanks for taking the time to reply...

😉 Best regards,

Cruzo.

Hi there,

Chile was already expensive before the pandemic. It’s become even more so now.

Basic bread (marraqueta or hallulla) has gone up to over $2 per kilo.

For a mid-range hotel, depending on the location, you’re looking at between $80 and $100 for a double room.

A simple meal at a restaurant will cost you at least $15.

To get an idea of bus ticket prices, you can check out the online booking site https://kupos.cl/.

Good luck!

Thierry

Hi Thierry,

Thanks for providing this info—it confirms what I was afraid of: a 90-day trip through Chile would cost between 8,000 and 10,000 €, with most of that going toward accommodation.

I already had an idea from the travel guides I bought (back in 2019), but from experience, I know that in other countries I’ve visited (Brazil, Mexico, Guatemala...), there are tons of places that don’t even deserve the name "hotel" and aren’t listed in those guides. They’re not fancy, but for a modest price, they do the job just fine. Can I find similar options in Chile now and then, even if it means shelling out $50 or $100 sometimes?

Thanks again (and this’ll be my last request...)

Cruzo-Martin

Hi Martin,

Yes, of course, there are accommodations that are more budget-friendly than hotels. But you have to know where to find them.

During peak season, you’ll often see people at bus terminals holding small signs offering rooms as soon as you get off the bus. Sometimes they’re great places, other times not so much.

Good luck!

Thierry

Hi there,

In February–March 2017, I traveled from northern to southern Chile (from San Pedro de Atacama to Puerto Williams) in 1.5 months, and it cost me around 6,500 € including flights from New Caledonia. For transportation, I pretty much did it all: car, bus, plane, boat, ferry, in the back of a pickup truck, even locked in the back of a truck 😮... For accommodation, it was mostly dorms or budget hotel rooms, or staying with locals at an affordable rate.

Frédéric

Hi Frédéric,

Thanks for this info—it confirms what I should expect budget-wise.

I also went through your previous posts, which will be really helpful for transportation and the must-see spots, for example.

Here’s a photo as a "thank you"—I noticed you enjoy this activity...

Good luck,

Cruzo

Hi there, I’m just back from Chile—mostly Santiago, the Valparaíso region, and Patagonia. Meals in touristy spots are super expensive!... At least 15 euros for a main dish (no drink, no junk food). You’ve got to hunt for a ceviche at 12,000 CLP... And don’t forget the 10% tip that’ll be added automatically. We ended up eating just one proper meal a day and making sandwiches/fruit/cake from the hotel breakfast! A small bottle of water jumps from 500 CLP to 1,500 CLP in Patagonia. And I won’t even get started on excursions—penguins from Punta Arenas start at $100, Torres del Paine from Puerto Natales at $300 minimum... a total rip-off! The bus from Santiago to Valparaíso with Turbus is 3,900 CLP, but prices can vary depending on "promos." The bus from Punta Arenas to Puerto Natales with Bus Sur is 5,000 CLP. The buses are really comfortable and fine for long distances. Don’t overlook the cost of visiting "museums" or attractions either: 9,000 CLP for Neruda’s house on Isla Negra—"tourist rate"... On the other hand, domestic flights are relatively affordable and save a lot of fatigue. For example, the flight from Puerto Montt to Santiago was 60 € in flex with checked baggage (we could change flights, which came in handy!). But it all depends on the time and when you book. Latam was great with us and allowed a very late check-in 30 minutes before departure—bravo! In Puerto Natales, we paid $75 via Booking for a twin room in a hotel with a kitchen and lounge—really nice: Antes Patagonia. If you’re alone, you can negotiate; the receptionist speaks English and is charming. It’s probably 20% cheaper if you book directly. We got a discount on Navimag, which goes from Puerto Natales to Puerto Montt (or the other way) over 3–4 days, full board. (Nights + meals + transport) Not too expensive in the end... Negotiate with Florian-Navimag. They don’t always fill up and sell last-minute for 375 € instead of 500 € for a dorm... We ended up with a cabin on the spot. You’ve got to be bold—Chileans are charming and always helpful. But "high season"...??? Happy planning!

The Santiago> Valparaíso bus with Turbus is 3900 CLP.

The price range for this route is quite wide—fares can vary between CLP 2,500 and CLP 9,500, depending on the time, date, departure bus terminal, and company.

But what about "high season"...???

Prices will likely go up even more during that time.