Ever since the Covid-19 pandemic, the idea of the “gap year” has crept up on the recent high school graduate’s radar. While once an almost exclusively European and Australian phenomenon, taking a year off before college is becoming increasingly normalized around America.
For me, desperate to escape the education system and eager for an adventure, a gap year seemed like the obvious choice. In the seven months I spent traveling around Latin America, I met extraordinarily kind people, fell in love with the Spanish language, ate life-changing food, learned how to dance salsa, cried over beautiful sunsets, and had some of the best moments of my life.
Planning a gap year in Latin America can seem daunting at first, so I’ve gathered my best tips to help you along the process. Keep reading to see how you, too, can take a gap year in South America and discover one of the most special regions in the world…
3 best places to travel in Latin America
1. Mexico
Mexico will leave you amazed. (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
Mexico may be lauded for its pristine beaches and all-inclusive resorts, but there is so much to discover beyond the touristy Caribbean coast. Its cheap food, amazing hostel culture, and varied landscapes make Mexico the perfect destination for your gap year in Latin America.
After 4 months of backpacking across the country, I felt like I barely scratched the surface. Whether you’d like to explore the marketplaces of Oaxaca city, embark on a spiritual journey in San Jose Del Pacifico, or party with influencers on the beaches of Tulum, Mexico has something for every kind of traveler.
2. Colombia
Colombia, nicknamed “the gateway to South America”, is becoming a hot destination in Latin America—and for good reason. The warm local culture and fascinating history made Colombia one of my favorite places I visited on my gap year. While their tourism industry is increasingly growing, it’s still not hard to find an abundance of authentic experiences.
If you want to plant coffee seeds in the hills of Medellin, lose yourself in the colonial streets of Cartagena, and dance salsa into the early hours of the morning in one of Cali’s famous clubs, then you should definitely add Colombia to your Latin American bucket list.
3. Costa Rica
You’ll never forget your time in Costa Rica! (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
After two months of sipping cheap beer on the beaches of Costa Rica, I came to understand why the country’s motto is literally “the pure life”. Home to amazing wildlife, unbelievable natural beauty, and an incredibly laid-back lifestyle, this Central American country has a way of making you enjoy the little things in life.
It’s no wonder that so many people who visit Costa Rica just never leave. Be sure to slow down in one of its many coastal surf towns, bathe in hot springs overlooking the mountains of the Orosi Valley, and visit a museum in the capital city of San Jose.
4 tips for planning a gap year in Latin America
1. Learn the language
The two most commonly spoken languages in South America are Spanish and Portuguese. While many people speak English (especially in the more touristy areas of the region), having a basic understanding of the native language will allow you to converse with locals and develop a greater cultural understanding of the places you visit.
It will also come in handy when visiting more remote areas or venturing off the beaten path. You will often be able to find cheap classes as you travel, but you can also download Duolingo, learn online, or watch some Spanish TV shows before you leave!
2. Try workaway
Get out there and explore on your time off. (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
I spent the majority of my time in Latin America doing various workaways, from cleaning hostel rooms to volunteering in the middle of the jungle. Workaway is an online platform that connects travelers with local hosts. In exchange for free accommodation (and sometimes food), you are expected to work around 5 hours a day.
It’s a cheap way to travel and allows you to live alongside locals and other like-minded travelers. The site lets you contact previous workawayers, so be sure to do your research before beginning a job. Some are definitely better than others!
3. Stay in hostels
Throughout Latin America you will find countless amazing hostels that can be as cheap as $5 a night. This is a great option if you’re traveling alone or looking to meet fellow travelers during your trip. They will often have events like trivia nights, salsa classes, beer pong tournaments, and karaoke which make it easy to meet other hostel guests.
More than being a place to stay, hostels themselves are an essential part of the travel experience. Some of the best parts of my gap year in Latin America took place within hostel common rooms meeting people from all over the world! To find the best places to stay, I recommend downloading Hostelworld, where you can read reviews and book directly on the app.
4. Be spontaneous!
Spontaneity is adventure’s best friend. (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
While it’s always a good idea to look into available programs and come up with a rough plan before beginning a gap year in South America, one of the best parts of traveling is the opportunity to be spontaneous. Be open to new ideas, people, and experiences, and I promise you will be rewarded with a wonderful trip!
How to budget for your gap year in Latin America
Your budget for your gap year in Latin America kk will depend on which countries you decide to visit and how frugally you decide to travel, but here is a break down of my seven months of traveling on a backpacking budget to help you plan for your own gap year:
Transportation
You know what they say—it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey, and in Latin America the journey is bound to be interesting. While plane tickets will be your greatest expense, there are plenty of cheap ways to get around once you’re in Latin America. Transportation options range from buses and vans to ferries, motorcycle taxis, golf carts, horses, and chicken buses. Aside from flying to and from home (which will of course change based on where you’re traveling from), I spent less than $500 on transportation.
Food
Foodie or not, you’ll love Latin American gastronomy. (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
Food in Latin America is generally inexpensive, with cheap street food and markets prevalent around the region. Most hostels also provide a free breakfast which is included in the price of your room. Another great way to save money is to stay in hostels that have kitchens and to buy food at the local grocery stores. I did splurge on a few nice meals during my travels, and spent around $3,000 on food over 7 months.
Accommodation
Accommodation is going to vary greatly from person to person; will you be a backpacking hostel dweller or a luxury hotel devotee? I personally did not pay for accommodation for most of my travels as I was working in exchange for a room, but when I did I usually chose the cheapest hostels I could find.
Hostels will range anywhere from a few dollars to $40 a night, with private rooms being even more expensive. You also have the option of staying in Airbnbs, guest houses, cabanas, yoga retreat centers, surf camps… the opportunities are endless! In total, I spent around $1,000 on accommodation during my gap year.
Activities
Don’t forget tor regularly leave your comfort zone. (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
Your budget for activities will also depend on how you like to travel. Most cities will have free walking tours, which is a great way to get a feel for where you are and to meet new people. You’ll also find free museums, parks, hikes, waterfalls, and even some hostel activities.
If you’re willing to spend some money, I highly recommend Airbnb experiences, which support and feature local hosts. During my seven months in Latin America, I spent around $350 on activities.
What to pack for your gap year in Latin America
- Travel insurance. I highly recommend taking out travel insurance when traveling anywhere! You never know what could happen and it will be a lifesaver if something goes wrong. I’ve tried several different companies and World Nomads is my favorite.
- Padlock. This one’s essential if you’re staying in dorm rooms and need to keep your things safe. Most hostels don’t provide free padlocks so be sure to bring your own!
- Motion sickness tablets. I learned this the hard way. Roads in Latin America can be extremely windy and the drivers can be merciless. If you’re planning on taking public transportation and are prone to motion sickness, definitely pack some dramamine.
- Hiking boots. Latin America has some amazing hikes. Think climbing Machu Picchu in Peru, trekking through the Colombian jungle, or hiking volcanoes in Guatemala. If you’re looking for an adventure, remember to bring the right shoes!
- Travel journal. Whatever you decide to do on your gap year in Latin America, it’s sure to be a once in a lifetime experience! Having a travel journal is a great way to reflect on your travels, keep a log of the places you’ve been, and look back on your experiences once you’re home.
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Are you ready for your gap year in Latin America?
Your adventure in Latin America awaits! (Photo Credit: Jordyn Jacobson)
By now, you’ll know some of the best places to travel in Latin America, insider tips for traveling the region, and how to budget and pack accordingly. With the logistics out of the way, you are all ready to embark on an incredible journey.
Remember: Choosing to take a gap year is all about putting yourself first and casting away conventionality, so make this year your own and prepare to have your life changed!
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