Planning a trip to Chile? Understanding the local costs is essential for a seamless adventure across this diverse South American gem. From the arid northern deserts to the icy peaks of Patagonia, our comprehensive guide breaks down daily expenses for accommodation, food, and activities to help you budget effectively.
Whether you are a backpacker looking for affordable hostels or a luxury traveler seeking exclusive lodges, we provide the insights you need to navigate Chile's unique geography and pricing. Discover how to optimize your travel budget and make the most of your Chilean experience.
Chile is the most developed country in South America and is also one of the most expensive. The prices are similar to what you can find in Europe, and in many cases, the prices are significantly higher than in other South American countries. Chile is a complicated country to budget for, primarily because of its peculiar long snake-like shape. From Arica in the far North to Punta Arenas in the far South, it’s almost 5,000 km by the quickest overland route, over 50 hours on the road by car and plenty more via bus. Covering such a vast distance can cost a significant amount of money, but the emergence of budget airlines in recent years has made things much simpler and cheaper. That said, although you can find some bargain fares, baggage fees can still mount up for backpackers taking a few flights in the country. Here is a generalized guide to costs in Chile.
Accommodation
Budget hotels are inexpensive in Chile, starting with prices starting at 35,000 CLP per night for a basic double or twin bed (though expect to pay closer to 55,000 CLP for a nicer budget hotel). Many budget hotels include complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi (though not all, so be sure to double-check).
Airbnb is available in larger cities, with prices as low as 10,000 CLP per night for shared accommodation. If you want a private home or apartment, expect to pay at least 25,000 CLP.
For those traveling with a tent, camping is possible. There are a handful of campgrounds scattered around Chile, where you can pitch a tent for as little as 6,000 CLP per night, but some, with lots of amenities and proximity to the beach, are as much as 35,000 CLP.
Food
With an extensive coastline, Chilean cuisine relies heavily on seafood. Cod, salmon, shrimp, lobster, and prawns are all present. BBQ meat (including alpaca) is trendy in the north. Other popular Chilean dishes include churrasco (steak sandwich), machas a la parmesana (clams baked with white wine, parmesan cheese and butter), and chupe (a hearty seafood stew), and empanadas. See more about traditional food in Chile here. Generally, food in the country isn’t too expensive, though prices get much higher the further south you go (due to higher transportation costs). Most places in the country offer a set menu for lunch with a starter, primary, and drink for about 6,000 CLP. A steak dinner with wine and an appetizer cost around 35,000 CLP, while a fast-food combo meal (think McDonald’s) costs around 5,000 CLP. A latte or cappuccino costs 2,300 CLP, while a domestic beer can be as cheap as 3,000 CLP. Bottled water is 800 CLP. Grocery shopping can save you a lot of money if you have access to a kitchen. Expect a week’s worth of groceries to cost around 25,000 CLP depending on your diet. This gets you basic staples like pasta, rice, quinoa, vegetables, and some meat. As everything must be shipped south, food prices in Patagonia are about 30% higher than elsewhere.
Activities
Entrance to National Parks and museums varies between 4,000-21,000 CLP (though there are some free national parks as well). The world-famous Torres del Paine Park is 21,000 CLP for foreigners in the high season and 11,000 CLP in the low season. Cycling tours are available around the country, covering all the terrain Chile offers. Expect to pay 2-5 million CLP per person for a multi-day excursion. White-water rafting in Patagonia is also a great, adventurous way to spend a few days. Most companies offer 4–5-day tours, usually costing around 3,000,000 CLP per person.
Hotels and Budgeting
On a mid-range budget of 74,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a private Airbnb, take buses between destinations, eat out at street stalls and cheap restaurants serving local cuisine, take the occasional taxi, drink at the bar, and do some paid excursions like guided hikes and wine tours.
On a “luxury” budget of 260,000 CLP per day, you can stay in a hotel or scenic lodge, hire a rental car to get around, do some guided tours, drink as much as you want, and eat out at excellent restaurants for every meal. This is just the ground floor for luxury, though. The sky is the limit!
Summary of Costs
Mid-Range
- Accommodation: 30,000 CLP
- Food: 18,000 CLP
- Transportation: 12,000 CLP
- Attractions: 14,000 CLP
- Average Daily Cost: 74,000 CLP
Luxury
- Accommodation: 80,000 CLP
- Food: 105,000 CLP
- Transportation: 25,000 CLP
- Attractions: 50,000 CLP
- Average Daily Cost: 260,000 CLP
Please bear in mind that these costs are approximate and average, and you can always spend more or less, depending on your budget. Ask us for an itinerary that is appropriate for your budget! Happy Travels!
