When it comes to traveling on a budget, every peso counts, especially when it comes to essential items like towels. A simple travel towel can make or break your experience, turning a wet and uncomfortable situation into a much more pleasant one.
Your travel towel is a crucial item for your backpacking journey—it should be lightweight, quick-drying, and compact. Look for microfiber towels, which are highly absorbent yet pack down to a fraction of the size of traditional towels. Brands like PackTowel and Sea to Summit offer excellent options, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 Chilean Pesos ($25-$37 USD), depending on size and brand. A small 50x100 cm towel might be the ideal choice for travelers with limited pack space, and you can find them at outdoor shops like Fischer in Santiago.
To make an informed decision, consider where you will use your towel most often—whether at hostels, campgrounds, or beaches. If you're likely to be on the beach, a larger towel of 80x160 cm may be a better option, even if it takes up a tad more space. You can find these sizes at local markets or chains like Lider, where prices start around 15,000 CLP ($19 USD) for a basic model.
Getting around Chile can be affordable if you know your options. In Santiago, the Metro is a reliable and budget-friendly method—tickets start at 740 CLP ($0.90 USD). If you’re traveling to places like Valparaíso or Viña del Mar, long-distance buses from Terminal Alameda are a wonderful choice. Buses like TurBus and Pullman Costa respond to late-night travel needs, with fares averaging 12,000 CLP ($15 USD) for a three-hour journey.
For daily commutes within the city, download the Moovit app, which provides real-time directions and routes for buses and the Metro. A single journey can be made for less than 1,000 CLP ($1.25 USD). If you prefer a more scenic route, consider cycling along the Bicicleta de Santiago network, where you can rent bikes for around 3,000 CLP ($3.75 USD) per hour. Don’t forget to enjoy a stroll along the River Mapocho, which offers beautiful views of the city.
Accommodations can be one of the biggest expenses while traveling, but in Santiago, there are plenty of budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses. For instance, you can stay at Happy House Hostel in the Bellavista neighborhood, where dorm beds start at around 15,000 CLP ($19 USD) per night. Located close to bars, restaurants, and parks, this hostel is perfect for meeting fellow travelers.
If you're heading to Valparaíso, consider staying at La Casa de Siete Tías, where shared rooms start at about 12,000 CLP ($15 USD). It’s located a short walk from the famous Cerro Alegre and offers a cozy atmosphere with beautiful views. For more privacy, check out Airbnb options, where you can often find private rooms in locals' homes for as low as 20,000 CLP ($25 USD), especially in less touristy areas.
Dining out in Chile can be surprisingly economical if you know where to eat. Street food is a staple; try a completo from the myriad of vendors across Santiago for about 2,500 CLP ($3 USD). These delicious hot dogs are topped with sauerkraut, avocado, and mayonnaise and are a local favorite. If you have a hankering for something sweet, grab a slice of kuchen—a delicious German-inspired cake available for 1,500 CLP ($1.85 USD) at local bakeries.
For more substantial meals, head to the Mercado Central, where you can find a hearty seafood meal for around 6,000 CLP ($7.50 USD). Look for the “Menu del Día” offered at many restaurants, such as El Hoyo or El Mesón de la Patagonia, where you can enjoy a full meal, usually with a drink, for about 8,000 CLP ($10 USD). It’s wise to avoid tourist traps near major attractions as prices can soar up to 15,000 CLP ($19 USD) for the same dish.
Traveling on a budget in Chile is easy with the right approach. Here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Microfiber Towel (PackTowel) | 20,000 CLP | Compact and lightweight |
| Metro Ticket (Santiago) | 740 CLP | Single journey |
| Bus Trip (Santiago to Valparaíso) | 12,000 CLP | Three-hour journey |
| Hostel Bed (Happy House) | 15,000 CLP | In Bellavista neighborhood |
| Full Meal (Menu del Día) | 8,000 CLP | Includes drink at local eateries |
| Street completo | 2,500 CLP | A delicious local hot dog |
| Local SIM card | 10,000 CLP | Prepaid options available |
For backpackers, microfiber towels are the best choice due to their lightweight and quick-drying properties. Popular brands like Sea to Summit and PackTowel offer a variety of sizes. Prices typically range from 15,000 to 30,000 CLP ($19-$37 USD) based on size and brand. Make sure to check local outdoor shops for deals before you buy.
To save on food costs in Chile, opt for street food and the “Menu del Día” offered at local eateries. Street food items like completos can be found for around 2,500 CLP ($3 USD), while a full meal at a local restaurant will usually cost around 8,000 CLP ($10 USD). Shopping at supermarkets for groceries can also help keep your food expenses low, allowing you to prepare meals in hostels.
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