Over 20 years ago I was invited to visit Machu Picchu by a co-worker and friend, who  grew up in Peru. I was unable to make that trip, but after seeing his post trip pictures, I put MP on my bucket list.

Through the years, I had also been reading about Patagonia in the southern Andes and knew it was time to bring my bucket list to fruition. While doing some research, I found a cheap round trip flight to Lima, Peru from Miami, FL. (Under $400). I immediately bought the ticket and started putting a trip together that would include both Machu Picchu and backpacking in Patagonia.

Expenses:  My total budget for 5 weeks in South America was $2500 .

As the rainy season in Peru is February, my first preference was to visit Patagonia in late February/early March then, visit Machu Picchu the end of March. However, the airfare costs quickly doubled with this scenario, so I decided to take my chances and  visit Machu Picchu the last week in February and hope for a clear day or a break in the clouds to sneak a view of the ruins. I didn’t think one week, either way would matter in Patagonia, even though it would be towards the end of the hiking season and winter would be just around the corner.

By traveling in the off, or shoulder season I was able to keep my total expenses below $2,500 for the entire 5 week trip. I spent 8 nights in B&B, hostel or guest houses. The rest of my nights were spent in my tent in campgrounds. I made all of my reservations in advance through Booking.com or Hostelworld.com only after reading guest reviews, insisting each hotel have an average review of 8.5 or higher. All were under $25 per night, except in El Chalten, where I paid $48 for a single room B&B. I also only stayed in accommodations that served free breakfast and had kitchen facilities so that I could pre portion my meals before backpacking and cook my dinner during my stay.  I was able to get a private room for 6 nights and I shared a dorm room for 2 nights with other backpackers. I loved each of the places that I stayed, as I met other backpackers from all over the world who were very helpful in sharing information on trails, campsites and “must see” places for my next destination.