Street Food: The Budget Traveler’s Feast
Street food’s where Peru and Argentina shine—cheap, delicious, and everywhere. In Peru, hit markets like San Pedro (Cusco) or Surquillo (Lima) for plates like ceviche (raw fish marinated in lime, ~10-15 PEN) or anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers, ~5-8 PEN). I had a lomo saltado (stir-fried beef) for $2 in Arequipa that was better than any restaurant. In Argentina, Buenos Aires’ San Telmo market or Mendoza’s street stalls serve empanadas (beef or cheese, 500-1000 ARS) and choripán (sausage sandwich, ~1000 ARS). I got hooked on Buenos Aires’ pizza slices—greasy, cheesy, and under $1.
Market Haggling Tips: Bargaining’s an art. At Peruvian markets, smile and ask, “¿Cuánto es lo menos?” to get the lowest price—vendors might drop 10-20%. In Argentina, it’s less common, but try for deals at smaller stalls. Buy in bulk (e.g., a dozen empanadas) for discounts. Avoid touristy spots near plazas; walk a few blocks for cheaper eats. Always check food’s fresh—sniff ceviche for that ocean vibe, and avoid anything sitting out too long. Carry small bills (10-20 PEN, 1000-2000 ARS) to avoid change hassles.
Meal Planning to Save Cash
Plan your eats to keep costs down. Breakfast? Stick to hostel freebies (bread, coffee) or buy fruit like mangoes or bananas (2-5 PEN/ARS per kilo) at markets. Lunch is your big meal—street food plates are filling and cheapest midday (12-3 PM). In Peru, look for menú del día (set meals with soup, main, and drink, ~10-15 PEN). In Argentina, parrillada stalls offer meat-heavy plates for ~2000 ARS, often enough for two. Dinner? Cook at the hostel—rice, beans, and veggies cost ~5-10 PEN/ARS for a group meal. I teamed up with hostel mates in Mendoza once and made a feast for $3 each. Carry a reusable container for leftovers or market snacks.
Logistics and Budget Hacks
Getting Around: In Peru, colectivos (shared vans, 1-5 PEN) or buses (Lima-Cusco, ~50-80 PEN) get you to hostel towns. In Argentina, buses (Buenos Aires-Mendoza, ~15,000 ARS) or subte in BA (~200 ARS/ride) are cheap. Walk when possible—saves cash and you’ll spot food stalls.
Total Budget: Aim for $15-30 USD/day. Hostels: $5-15 USD/night. Food: $5-10 USD/day (street eats, some cooking). Transport: $2-5 USD/day for local hops.
Packing: Reusable water bottle (tap’s iffy, so filter or buy, ~2 PEN/ARS), Tupperware for leftovers, and a small daypack for market hauls. Comfy shoes for market treks.
Visas: Peru gives 90-183 days visa-free; Argentina, 90 days. Carry passport copies for hostel check-ins.
Safety: Keep cash in a money belt; markets get crowded. Avoid street food late at night—freshness fades. Bargain politely; vendors remember pushy tourists.
Warnings and Twists
Hostels: Book ahead for peak seasons (Peru: Jun-Aug; Argentina: Dec-Feb). Check for hidden fees (e.g., towel rentals).
Food: Watch for hygiene—busy stalls are safer. If you’re veggie, ask for “sin carne” in Peru or “vegetariano” in Argentina; options exist but are limited.
Weather: Peru’s rainy season (Nov-Mar) can flood markets; Argentina’s summer (Dec-Feb) means sweaty hostel dorms—pack a fan.
These hacks let you live large on a small budget—think crashing in a cozy hostel, chowing down on street ceviche, or bargaining for a handmade poncho. It’s not fancy, but it’s the mil vueltas magic—random chats with vendors, a hostel party that spills into the street, or a $1 meal that tastes like a million bucks. Go cheap, eat hearty, and come back with stories that’ll make everyone hungry!
