South America is a great place to visit with its diverse cultures, stunning landscapes, amazing wildlife, and plentiful natural beauty you will see some beautiful sights and get some great deals.
When thinking about a trip to South America, you probably think of amazing beaches and high-season prices. However, head out to places like Medellin, Ecuador, and Cusco, Bolivia which are on the bucket list of top cheap places to visit in South America with the most unique destinations.
Cheap Places to Travel in South America
There are hundreds of remarkable places to visit around the continent, but we’ve narrowed our top ten cheapest places to live in South America as backpackers.
Major Cities in Bolivia
Bolivia is an enchanting country full of colorful landscapes, and friendly people and that’s only a small part of why we went there. The other reason was the cheap places – they’re really cheap!
There’s no shortage if you’re looking for a cheap place to stay in Bolivia. where you can stay for under $10 per person per day.
La Paz
La Paz is a city in Bolivia, the largest and most important city in that country. It’s also one of the most interesting cities in the world, with a beautiful colonial center and some incredible natural scenery.
Copacabana
Copacabana has a reputation as a party capital, and it’s not hard to see why. The city is full of bars, clubs, and restaurants that are open all night long. If you’re looking for an escape from the grind of everyday life, this is the place to go!
If you’re looking for something more low-key, there are plenty of beaches and parks where you can enjoy the sun. The city also has great accommodations options if you have any special requests (such as pets allowed).
Sucre
Sucre is the capital of Bolivia and it’s a great destination for budget travelers. The city is safe, has a lot of rich history and cultures, many great museums and attractions, and offers many exciting activities.
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz has a lot to offer for people who are looking for an affordable destination to explore. There are plenty of museums, parks, and beaches that visitors can enjoy without having to break the bank. The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is another popular attraction in this city that offers plenty of fun for all ages without costing too much money.
Colombia Major Cities
Colombia is a country well known for its cheap places to visit in South America. It is one of the most popular destinations for budget travelers because it offers many free things to do in their cities, you can visit the Amazon rainforest, the Andean natural region, Hike up to Monserrate, Explore La Candelaria on a free walking tour in Bogota, and the Caribbean Sea and beaches.
Medellin
It’s not just the food, culture, and people that make the city of Medellin so special. The cost of living in Medellin is very low compared to other major cities in South America such as Bogota.
In general, it’s not hard at all to find cheap lodging or transportation around town. You can spend your whole day for $15 as a budget traveler during the low season and even cheaper during the high season (December-March). And if you’re looking for public transportation around $2.00 and $5.00 on a meal per day.
Bogota
The city has a lot of green spaces and parks, which makes it an ideal place for hiking and biking. Bogota also has plenty of museums, restaurants, and art galleries that are open all day long. Bogota is a budget-friendly city, with plenty of places to stay for less than $20 a night.
Santa Marta
Santa Marta is a small, laid-back city with a strong sense of community and a relaxed atmosphere. This city is well known for its Stunning Beaches in Colombia. Santa Marta is located on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, making it an ideal spot for diving and snorkeling. The city has one main beach that stretches along the coast and into the ocean. If you’re looking for something more laid back than Bogotá—and less expensive—Santa Marta is just what you need! You can find tons of hostels that will let you sleep in their beds for $3 USD per night or less (some even below that). You’ll find plenty of restaurants serving up fantastic food at reasonable prices as well.
Cartagena
Cartagena is a city in Colombia, known for its history, culture, and its beautiful beaches. It is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia and is the capital of the Department of Cartagena. Cartagena is a city that’s famous for its colonial architecture, museums, and beautiful beaches. You can explore the Walled City, Cartagena’s Cathedral, and Sanctuary of St. Peter Claver, and Relax at Plaza Bolivar, can also visit the Streets & Plazas of Getsemani. If you’re in town, it’s recommended that you take a day trip to Playa Blanca and Islas del Rosario beaches, which are just off the coast of Cartagena.
Popular Cities in Peru
Peru is a great destination for budget travelers. Many of the country’s most popular attractions are located in its capital city, Lima, and many travelers choose to stay there for their time in Peru. The city has good options of public transport with $6 (One Way), and inexpensive accommodations such as $50 to $70 per night at the hotel and $11 to $16 per night at the hostel.
Cusco
Cusco is the capital of Peru, and it’s known for its stunning mountain views and rich history. The city was once the seat of the Inca Empire and was later an important stop on the Spanish Road to Cuzco, which was part of the Spanish conquest of South America.
Arequipa
Arequipa is a city in southern Peru. It is the second-largest city in the country, both by population and by area, and also one of the most important colonial cities. The cuisine of Arequipa is mainly based on local ingredients such as potatoes, corn, cheese, and chili peppers.
Lima
Lima, Peru is a great place to travel to if you want to visit the Amazon rainforest, climb Machu Picchu, or just soak up some sun. Lima, Peru is a great place to visit if you’re on a budget. You can get a hostel room for $5 per night, and many of the best restaurants are less than $5 per meal.
Argentina Popular Cities
Argentina is a country that has been popular for budget travel for a long time. It is one of the most affordable country in South America. You can get a budget hotel at $24 to $40 Per Night and a budget hostel at $14 to $60 Per Night. You can get around $10 Per Meal easily and transportation has also many options such as $0.80 Per Kilometer or $1.00 Per Taxi, and it offers many beautiful natural sights.
The country has an abundance of natural wonders, including the Iguazu Falls, the Salta region, and Patagonia. There are also many cultural attractions in Argentina such as Buenos Aires, Cancun, and San Miguel de Tucuman.
Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires is one of the most beautiful and have many cheap places to visit in South America. It’s a city that’s full of history, culture, and food.
There are many ways to enjoy Buenos Aires. You can go on a budget trip and explore the city by walking or taking public transport. You can also stay in a hostel and enjoy cheap food and drinks at night. Or you can take private tours with experts who will show you around famous landmarks like La Boca, San Telmo, and Recoleta Cemetery.
Patagonia
Patagonia is a small town in the southern part of Argentina, and it offers the same kind of charm that you would find in any other small town in the world — but at a lower price point!
The main attraction is the Patagonia National Park, which includes an amazing glacier and some incredible hiking trails. You can also take a bus tour to El Calafate and see its famous ice-skating rink. It’s a beautiful and rugged landscape full of incredible views, but it’s also incredibly affordable. With prices ranging starting from $34 a night, you can stay in an Airbnb or rent a room in a hostel for as little as $15 to $25 per night.
Mendoza
Mendoza is a great place to visit if you’re looking for budget travel. There are lots of places to stay at reasonable prices, but there’s also plenty of room for you to explore the area on your own. You can easily take advantage of all of Mendoza’s outdoorsy activities by hiking, biking, or taking a scenic drive through the countryside.
Mendoza is the home of world-class vineyards, artisan cheese producers, and some of the best wineries in Argentina. But it’s also a city that doesn’t skimp on culture or cuisine. You can enjoy delicious food like empanadas and steak while taking in the beautiful scenery of vineyards and mountains.
Ecuador Cities to Visit
Ecuador isn’t just about lush vegetation and azure skies. It’s also home to some of the most surprisingly rich culture in South America
If you’re looking for a budget vacation, Ecuador is a great place to go. There are tons of cheap hostels, hotels, and Airbnbs that can put you right at the center of everything happening in Quito and Cuenca.
Quito
Quito is a city in Ecuador that has a lot of history and culture, but it’s also known as one of the most beautiful cities in South America. There are lots of things to do in Quito, including exploring its many parks, shopping at its many markets, going on an excursion to the Andes Mountains or taking an hour-long boat ride across Lake Guagua (the largest lake in Ecuador). You can also go hiking around town or go swimming in the hot springs located near the city center.
Cuenca
Cuenca is one of the oldest cities in Ecuador, founded by the Incas long before they were conquered by the Spanish conquistadors. As such, it has many of the same colonial-era structures found throughout Latin America, including churches and convents built centuries ago.
Baños
Baños is an amazing place to visit for people who love nature and want to experience some of the best sights in Peru. The city itself is a beautiful mix of modern architecture and classic colonial buildings, with plenty of parks and gardens for you to explore. You’ll find lots of restaurants serving all kinds of food at Baños, from traditional Peruvian dishes to more international fare. You’ll also find lots of hostels and hotels that are available for very cheap prices, so if you’re looking for somewhere affordable, Baños is a perfect choice!
Brazil Major Cities
Brazil is one of the cheapest countries in the world to visit and also a popular and cheap place to visit in South American destinations for many travelers and backpackers. You can find cheap hostels, great food, and even cheap flights if you plan ahead. The country is known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and diverse wildlife.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio is a city that offers a lot of things to do and see. If you are on a budget, Rio has some great places to visit.
There are many attractions in Rio that you can visit without spending a lot of money, such as Sugarloaf Mountain, the Tijuca Forest National Park, and the Botanical Garden. There are also lots of beaches where you can swim for free.
Rio is not just about tourism; it also has some great food options for budget travelers such as street food or small eateries. You can buy fresh produce from local markets and cook your own meals at home or eat out for less than $10 USD per meal.
Salvador
The city of Salvador located on the coast of Brazil has always been a fusion of cultures, religions, and ethnicities. It is the only city in Brazil with a Roman Catholic Archbishopric, and it was the first capital of Brazil and the capital of the colonial province. This city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, food, shopping, and nightlife.
Salvador is also known as “the first Brazilian city” due to its importance in Brazilian history. It is home to many beautiful churches, museums, monuments and other historical sites. The architecture here is rich with European influences that can be seen in the many buildings.
São Paulo
São Paulo is a city with a lot of potential for budget travel. It is one of the most affordable cities in Brazil and there are many things to do and see.
The best way to explore São Paulo is by using public transportation or renting a bike. There are buses, trains, and metro that will take you anywhere you want to go. The metro system has three lines that can take you one-way trip is $1.25 USD.
São Paulo has some of the best restaurants in Brazil, but it also has great street food options for those who want something quick and cheap. There are also many parks in São Paulo where visitors can enjoy some time outdoors while they rest from walking around all day exploring this amazing city.
João Pessoa
João Pessoa is a Brazilian city with a rich history and culture, and beautiful beaches. It has been nicknamed “The City of the Future” because of its development in recent years. João Pessoa offers budget travelers an affordable destination that still has plenty to offer. João Pessoa is famous for its beautiful beaches, which are home to the world’s largest outdoor carnival.
Venezuela Places to Visit
I’ve been to many different countries and cities in the world, but there’s one country that I love the most — and it’s Venezuela. However, there are a lot of things about this country that not a lot of people know about. The country has a lot of natural beauty, culture, and history to offer. It is also very cheap for tourists. It’s the perfect place if you are looking for an adventure and don’t have a lot of money to spend.
Isla Margarita
One of the most popular tourist destinations in the Caribbean, Isla Margarita is a beautiful island with many attractions for all sorts of travelers.
Isla Margarita is known for its white sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and picturesque views. The island has a lot to offer for budget travelers and those looking for an upscale experience.
Maracaibo
Maracaibo is the capital city of the state of Zulia. It is located in northern Venezuela and has a population of over 1.2 million people.
In its early history, Maracaibo was an important port city known for its coffee, tobacco, and cattle trade. In 1812, it became a focal point for political unrest as Simon Bolivar led his army there to defeat royalist forces.
There are also plenty of beautiful parks around Maracaibo, which are perfect for relaxing after a day out exploring the aquaventurapark, the city’s many museums, Basilica Nuestra Senora de Chiquinquira, and, Jardin Botanico de Maracaibo.
Also, Read These FAQs
Which is the cheapest country to visit in South America?
There are many factors that can contribute to the cost of your trip, including the type of transportation, accommodations, and activities you plan on doing. There are also some countries like Bolovia is one of the cheapest countries in South America to visit. The cost for accommodations and food are cheaper than other countries in the region. Argentina is home to beautiful beaches, mountains, and glaciers for you to explore during your stay.
What is the safest country to visit in South America?
The safest country to visit in South America is Argentina, according to the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Competitiveness Index.
The index is based on a variety of factors, including political stability, infrastructure quality, human development and more. These metrics are measured on a scale from 0-100. The average score for all countries in South America was 64.8 out of 100, with Argentina scoring 66.2 out of 100.
Argentina has been ranked as one of the safest countries in the world for travelers by several other organizations, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and Interpol.
Which South American country is best to visit?
When you are looking for a place to visit in South America, you should consider visiting Bolivia, Argentina, Peru, and Brazil. These countries offer a lot of things for tourists to do. In these countries, you can enjoy beautiful nature and see many different kinds of animals like birds and reptiles. There are also many cities where you can go shopping or enjoy some nice restaurants where you will find delicious food.
Which South American country has the lowest cost of living?
The cost of living in Colombia is one of the lowest in South America, you can spend around $31 per day in this country, meaning that you can live comfortably on an income that’s not too high to be considered middle-class, but also not too low to qualify as poverty. The average salary for workers in Colombia is around $1,000 USD per month (which is more than double the US minimum wage), so it’s not hard to make ends meet if you stick to your budget and avoid luxury purchases.
