My Decision to Tackle Chile Cheaply
So I booked my Chile ticket with shaky hands because my bank account was coughing. Figured if I was gonna do this, I’d either crack the budget travel code or eat plain rice for months.
The Master Plan Formation
First, I attacked hostel kitchens like a raccoon. Went to the local market immediately after landing, stuffed my backpack with eggs, rice, and weird fruits I couldn’t name. Saved about 60% on food versus eating out.
Transportation was a puzzle. Realized buses were scams for tourists. Instead, I learned the magic phrase “¿Pasa por…” and started hopping on local collectivos – those beat-up shared vans charging literal coins. Got me from Valparaiso to Santiago for less than an arepa.
Accommodation Ninja Moves
- Skipped Santiago hostels charging $20/night. Found a granny renting her garage-turned-studio through word-of-mouth at the laundromat. Paid $7 nightly for a cot and her life story.
- Patagonia? Yeah right. Camped behind refugios instead of booking cabins. Borrowed gear from a German dude leaving next day.
The Real Goldmine: Local Hacks
Discovered that asking “¿Tiene descuento para…” saved my trip:
Atacama salt flats tour? Told the operator I’d help clean jeep windows. Got 30% off.
Wine valley tasting? Went straight to vineyards instead of agencies, paid in cash like a local. Drank premium Carménère cheaper than bottled water.
Used zero apps. Every “best deal” site jacked up prices. Just walked into bus stations comparing operator booths like it’s 1995.
The Final Damage Report
Total cost for 3 weeks? $487 including emergency empanadas. Saw fjords, got wine-drunk, nearly froze in Torres del Paine. Did everything luxury travelers did except whine about prices. Moral? Travel like you’re broke and Chile becomes Disneyland for penny pinchers.
