cheap tourist destinations in south america

The 12 Cheapest Countries to Visit in South America

By Author Arakita Rimbayana

Posted on Last updated: 24th January 2024

South America is popular among all types of wanderers, including budget travelers. Not only does it offer various affordable (and even free) activities, the cost of accommodation, dining, and transportation here is generally low.

For that reason, South America promises a thrilling travel experience without breaking the bank.

We’ve ranked the cheapest countries to visit in South America based on the average amount you can expect to spend in each. These costings include accommodation, public transport, and meals. 

Keep in mind that the cost of food can vary greatly depending on the type of restaurant, location, and dining habits. The same applies to accommodation; that’s why we provide both hostel and mid-range hotel rates.

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So here’s our list of the cheapest countries to visit in South America.

Note:  Some countries in South America are going through political unrest, which influences their economy, and means prices can go up (or down) significantly. As a result, this list may change from time to time as we try our best to stay up-to-date with the current situations.

Exchange rates are also accurate as of late 2023, so double-check these against  the latest rates  for the most accurate conversions and bear in mind that cash is king in many countries in South America, so while a credit card can be handy in major cities, you’ll want to either use an ATM (and check it doesn’t charge you extra for withdrawing money) or a currency exchange offering a decent rate when you arrive.

1. Paraguay ( from $15 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $8 USD
• Budget restaurant: $6 USD
• Overnight bus journey: N/A
• Cost per day: $15

The cheapest country in South America is Paraguay, a non-traditional tourist destination, which makes this country an attraction of its own.

With 110,000 PYG ($15USD) a day, you stay at a hostel (58,000 PYG or $8 USD per night) and a three-course meal (around 44,000 PYG or $6 USD per meal).

Whether it’s to see the colonial architecture of the well-preserved Jesuit missions , explore the vast, unspoiled wilderness of Chaco, or taste the tantalizing flavors of its one-of-a-kind cuisine, you get to experience all that with fewer crowds.

It’s relatively safe to explore cities in Paraguay on your own, but the lack of other tourists can make it a very strange experience! However, we recommend joining a tour or hiring a local guide if you plan on navigating off the beaten path, particularly if you don’t speak much Spanish.

2. Ecuador (from $21 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $5 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $14 USD 9 hrs
• Budget restaurant: $2 USD
• Cost per day: $7 + $14 = $21 USD

The second cheapest country to visit in South America is, Ecuador, which packs a punch with its diverse attractions: from the unparalleled wildlife of the Galápagos Islands to the fascinating and rich culture.

Budget-savvy travelers will love that a daily budget, excluding the cost of a Galápagos tour or cruise, of just $21 USD can go a long way in this friendly country.

When it comes to food, basic meals cost around $2 USD, but if you want more than rice and potatoes, expect to pay around $6.5 USD per dish.

As one of the cheapest places to visit in South America , it’s not difficult to find hostels in Ecuador, especially in popular tourist destinations like Quito and Cuenca. A hostel bed costs from $5 to $20, but private rooms (even at hostels) may cost anywhere from $20 to $50.

Interestingly enough, Ecuador uses the US dollar, so the added bonus of visiting this country is that you don’t need to worry about finding a good exchange rate!

3. Peru (from $23.5 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $7 USD
• Budget restaurant: $2.5 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $14 USD 18 hrs
• Cost per day: $9.5 + $14 for buses = $23.5 USD

The third cheapest country to visit in South America is Peru, where an average day traveling here costs around S/89 or $23.5 USD. A meal at a local restaurant can cost anywhere from S/ 20 to 30 (about $5 to $8 USD), while street food and snacks are half the price – relatively cheap for such a thriving culinary scene that pretty much guarantees delicious food, even at street food stalls.

When it comes to accommodation, you can expect low prices of around S/ 27 or $7 USD per night at a hostel (but triple for a mid-range hotel).

Peru’s archaeological sites and breathtaking nature make it one of the most beautiful countries in South America, too. Among them is its focal point, Machu Picchu, the ever-popular Inca Trail , and the magical Sacred Valley , all of which never cease to attract visitors.

Before the 2023 protest, Peru was one of the safest countries in South America for independent solo travelers. Unfortunately, the latest incidents have had significant impacts on its tourism; some sites are temporarily closed, and others require local guides.

If you plan on visiting Peru in the near future, please keep yourself up to date through our guide to the safest South American countries to visit and read up on when to visit Machu Picchu to help you navigate the best weather for visiting this UNESCO World Heritage site.

4. Bolivia (from $26.5 USD per day)

• Budget restaurant: $4.5 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $17 USD 9 hrs
• Cost per day: $9.5 + $17 for buses = $26.5 USD

Coming in just behind Peru is Bolivia, which ranks as the fourth cheapest country to visit in South America.

To explore Bolivia conveniently, you’ll need around 183 BOB ($26.5 USD) per day. Dining at local restaurants costs anywhere from 30 to 50 BOB ($4.5 to $7.25 USD), while higher-end restaurants in cities like La Paz or Santa Cruz can be more expensive, with prices ranging from around 100 BOB ($14.5 USD).

The gap also applies to accommodation. While hostel rates are around 34.5 BOB ($5 USD) only, mid-range hotels can charge 221 BOB ($32 USD) or more.

Transportation can also be very affordable, with bus rides the most economical means of getting around the country – although, for safety reasons, taking a flight can often be better.

Being the home to the world’s largest salt flats, El Salar de Uyuni , makes Bolivia one of the best South American countries to visit. The country’s indigenous communities and ancient civilizations have left behind a fascinating history and cultural traditions that are still present today.

Bolivia is relatively safe to visit independently, although we recommend traveling with friends, especially if it’s your first time in South America.

Those who insist on going solo should find our article about things to know before visiting Bolivia helpful, whether they’re hitting the Salar de Uyuni, Lake Titicaca , or heading deep into the jungle and Madidi National Park .

5. Colombia (from $34 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $4 USD
• Budget restaurant: $1.5-$3 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $27 USD 9 hrs
• Cost per day: $7 + $27 for buses = $34 USD

Surprisingly, Colombia comes in middle of the pack when it comes to the cheapest countries in South America, Here, on average, you can expect to spend around 144,000 COP ($34 USD) per day if you’re staying at hostels (which cost around 17,000 COP or $4 USD per night).

Perhaps due to the cheap cost of travel here, but probably also because it’s a truly incredible destination (it’s among founder Steph’s favorite countries in South America), visitor numbers to  Colombia  have rapidly increased in the last decade, making it one of the most popular destinations to visit in South America.

So captivated by the country’s charm – whether it’s the mega biodiversity, friendly local people, low living cost, or all of the above – some have also been unable to resist making Colombia their permanent home.

Colombia is a great place to visit if you’re on a tight budget thanks to the affordable price of traveling here.

Meanwhile, one night at a mid-range hotel for a double room costs almost as much as the average daily budget, so you can expect to pay around $50 USD per day if you’re traveling as a couple.

A meal at a local, mid-range restaurant is around 17,000 to 25,000 COP (about $4 to $6 USD). Street food and snacks can cost as little as 7,000 to 14,000 COP ($1.5 to $3 USD).

A big factor that sets Colombia as the most affordable country in South America is how easy it is to explore the country on a budget.

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Most of what we consider to be the top places to visit in Colombia don’t require you to join a tour, so you’re free to set your own budget and time and can head out to Colombia’s beautiful beaches, glorious national parks , and major cities such as Medellin and Cartagena at your own leisure.

6. Argentina ($43 USD per day)

• Budget restaurant: $6.5 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $84 USD 17hrs
• Cost per day: $11.5 + 84 = $95.5

Argentina is a land of breathtaking beauty and eclectic wonders, where soaring mountains and glittering cities share the stage with wildlife colonies, world-class vineyards, and the monumental Iguazu Falls.

Argentina economy update

The Argentine economy is a huge mess at the moment, with inflation expected to hit 200% this year. Using Argentine pesos can therefore be a nightmare – and mean you lose a lot of money. The blue dollar (an unofficial exchange rate that gives you a better conversion than the official rate) is around, but if you want to avoid carrying lots of cash, you can now pay using your credit card and get an exchange rate similar to the blue dollar rate. You must choose to pay in Argentine pesos (not USD!) to secure this rate.

Both Mastercard and Visa give you what is called the MEP rate, which is almost as good as the blue dollar rate. Mastercard will charge you the official rate but refund you the money a few days later; Visa will charge you the MEP rate from the beginning.

If you do want to have some Argentine pesos for paying in cash (which I highly recommend as you will need them for some restaurants and attractions), it’s best to use Western Union, whereby you send cash to yourself using the Western Union app and then withdraw it in Argentine pesos from one of their branches in Argentina. Bear in mind, those in El Calafate and Ushuaia can run dry of notes, so it can be easiest to do this in Buenos Aires.

Additionally, you can bring USD (unmarked and untorn hundred dollar bills), which you can exchange at “cuevas” (unofficial exchange houses). These will be able to give you the blue dollar rate and any hotel owner will be able to tell you where your nearest one is. Souvenir shops in most parts of the country will be able to give you pesos in exchange for dollar bills – although they might not give you the best rate.

Avoid cash machines. Currently, the maximum withdrawal is the equivalent of $15 USD in Argentine pesos and it will cost you $10 USD in fees.

Its capital city, Buenos Aires, attracts millions of foodies and football fanatics alike, so it should come as no surprise that it’s the most popular country in South America to visit (according to Wikipedia’s world tourism ranking ).

8,200 ARS ($43 USD) should be your daily budget in Argentina. Basic meals cost around 1,200 ARS ($6.5 USD) on average, but if you fancy a dish at one of the local steak houses (asados) in Buenos Aires or beyond, expect to pay at least 1,700 ARS ($9 USD).

The home to 2023 World Cup winners is popular among backpackers and solo travelers. As a result, hostels are affordable (around 950 ARS or $5 USD per night), making them only the second cheapest after Colombia.

However, mid-range hotels can be ten times more expensive, hovering around 9,500 ARS ($50 USD), especially during the high season. Our guide to the best time to visit Argentina can help you avoid these elevated costs

7. Brazil ($48 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $12 USD
• Budget restaurant: $7 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $81USD 1d 7hrs
• Cost per day: $19 + $81 = $100

60% of the Amazon Rainforest lies in Brazilian territory, offering plenty of adventure tourism opportunities for those looking to head deep into the jungle.

On the other side of the country, Brazil’s long coastline means unlimited sun, surf, and sand, particularly in the vast seaside city of Rio de Janeiro, home to a thriving music, dance, and food scene – and, lest we forget, riotous carnaval celebrations!

A bowl of feijoada at a local restaurant usually costs around 37 BRL ($7 USD), while accommodation rates range from 63 BRL ($12 USD) for a hostel to 230 BRL ($44 USD) for a mid-range hotel. In total, a day in Brazil should cost around 251 BRL ($48 USD).

As long as you stay safe – such as by avoiding city beaches after dark and keeping possessions close – it’s doable to explore Brazil’s touristy areas alone. But if you wish to dig deeper into its villages and rainforest, it’s best to join a tour or be accompanied by a local guide.

8. Chile ($74 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $20 USD
• Budget restaurant: $20 USD
• Overnight bus journey: $20 USD 11hrs
• Cost per day: $40 + $20 = $60USD

We’ve come to the more expensive side of the cheapest countries to visit in Latin America: Chile . Notice that there’s almost a $20 USD jump in daily expenses compared to Brazil at #7.

It’s mainly due to the expensive rate for accommodation, especially in remote areas like Chiloé Island, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) , Patagonia , and the Atacama Desert .

On average, a bed in a hostel costs around 16,000 CLP ($20 USD), while a mid-range hotel room is a lot more, ranging from 40,000 to 60,000 CLP ($50 to $75 USD). That said, Chile is packed full of brilliant hotels and guesthouses , so it’s worth being open to splurging a little where you can.

The Chilean culinary scene is dominated by restaurants in the big cities, so you need to budget around 16,000 CLP ($20 USD) or more for one meal. In contrast, in small towns like Dalcahue on Chiloé Island, you’ll find local markets offer mouth-watering delicacies at more wallet-friendly prices.

Despite the higher cost, the plethora of activities, sights, and experiences more than makes up for it; from the serene, breathtaking landscapes of Tierra del Fuego to the lively, picturesque coastal city of Valparaíso .

And let’s not forget, it’s the second safest South American country to visit, meaning you’ll face fewer safety concerns than elsewhere and be able to concentrate on the beautiful scenery and incredible natural landscapes, instead.

9. Uruguay ($80 USD per day)

• Budget hostal: $28 USD
• Budget restaurant: $10 USD
• Cost per day: $38

Nestled in Uruguay are several charming colonial towns that offer visitors a window into the country’s rich history and cultural heritage. In addition to these historical gems, Uruguay boasts stunning beaches.

To top it off, Uruguay was declared the safest South American country to visit by the 2022 Global Peace Index , making independent travel a worry-free option.

Living costs in Uruguay are among the most expensive in South America, with hostels setting their nightly rate at around 1,100 UYU ($28 USD), and mid-range hotels costing at least double.

Typical meals like empanadas and chivitos cost around 400 to 500 UYU ($10 to $15 USD) or even less if you choose street food stalls. Overall, expect to spend around 3,130 UYU ($80 USD) a day in Uruguay.

10. Venezuela ($100 USD per day)

• Budget hotel: $50 USD
• Cost per day: $60

A must-see when visiting Venezuela is the Angel Falls, one of South America’s most magnificent waterfalls . Apart from that, its capital city Caracas offers visitors museums, art galleries, historic sites, and street food stalls selling local fare. It’s unfortunate that this country has faced numerous struggles over the past few views.

The economic collapse in Venezuela has resulted in severe hyperinflation and a shortage of basic goods, causing prices to skyrocket. This significantly influences your South America vacation budget if you want to include Venezuela – however, we highly advise against visiting the country right now, due to safety concerns.

Currently, a regular meal at a local restaurant can cost $10 to $13 USD, which is usually what a dish at a mid-range restaurant would cost in most South American countries, while a mid-range hotel room charge from $50 to $80 USD. In total, you’ll need $100 USD per day in Venezuela.

11. Suriname ($110 per day; including tour/guide fees)

• Budget restaurant: $9 USD
• Cost per day: $37

From Paramaribo’s Dutch colonial architecture to pristine rainforests, waterfalls, and rivers, Suriname has something for every kind of traveler. But since it’s one of the most challenging places to visit in South America, even an avid traveler should consider joining a tour or hiring a local guide.

Set aside a 3,500 SRD (around $110 USD) daily budget to have a hassle-free experience in Suriname. A basic meal costs around 290 SRD ($9 USD), while for budget-friendly accommodation options, hostels and basic hotel rooms will cost between 900 and 1,130 SRD ($28 to $35 USD) per night.

Alternatively, Wilderness Explorers offer customizable trips to Suriname that include transportation, meals, and activities, and make it significantly easier to have a comprehensive experience of the country – all while visiting Guyana and French Guiana, too. As they’re one of our trusted local partners, you’ll receive a 5% discount if you mention Worldly Adventurer.

12. Guyana ($115 per day; including tour/guide fees)

• Budget restaurant: $12 USD
• Cost per day: $24

With its vast areas of pristine rainforest, Guyana offers opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife watching. For the latter, Rupununi Savannah is a must-visit; it’s the home to a diverse array of wildlife, including anteaters, giant otters, and jaguars, and is an absolutely unmissable destination for nature lovers. 

Meals and accommodations in Guyana are affordable (ranging from around 2,500 GYD or $12 USD). But since most areas are not served by public transportation, getting around is challenging and expensive.

Even with Guyana being one of the few English-speaking South American countries, it’s almost impossible to explore Guyana without a tour due to its remoteness. Wilderness Explorers is one of the few tour operators here and founder Steph had a brilliant time visiting Guyana with them a couple of years back.

Their nature experience tour gives a brilliant introduction to the country, with visits to Kaieteur Falls, the world’s tallest single-drop waterfall, and remote lodges where endemic wildlife species roam all part of the itinerary. Again, mention Worldly Adventurer for a 5% discount.

What is the cheapest country in South America to visit?

Colombia is often considered one of the most budget-friendly countries in South America. Its affordable accommodation options, low-cost local transportation, and delicious street food make it possible to enjoy a comfortable and memorable trip to Colombia on a budget.

You can find a basic hostel for around 20,000 COP or $4 USD per night, and a delicious meal at a local restaurant for as little as 20,000 to 30,000 COP (about $4 to $6 USD).

But the fact that the country’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage can be enjoyed without incurring a high cost makes it the most affordable country in South America and an increasingly popular place to explore.

Is it cheap to visit South America?

South America can be both cheap and expensive, depending on several factors. These include which countries you plan to visit, the type of accommodation you prefer, and the activities you plan to participate in.

However, it is possible to go on cheap vacations in South America by choosing budget-friendly accommodation options, eating street food or cooking your own meals, and avoiding expensive tourist traps. You can also save money by traveling during the low season when prices tend to be lower.

How much should I budget for a trip to South America?

On average, a budget-friendly trip to South America can cost between $50 to $100 USD daily, while a mid-range trip can cost between $100 to $200 USD daily. This doesn’t include entrance tickets to famous places in South America, such as Machu Picchu , Torres del Paine National Park , or the Galapagos Islands.

It’s important to remember that prices can vary greatly between countries and even between different regions within a country. For example, countries like Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru tend to be more budget-friendly than Argentina and Brazil.

Planning to visit more than one country? Save money by flying into the cheapest country in South America and making it the starting point of your trip.

How much money do I need for two months in South America?

If you’re traveling on a tight budget, you can cut your expenses to as low as $1,500 USD for two months. That is more than enough to stay in the cheapest countries to visit in Latin America.

But, if you prefer mid-range accommodations and activities, you should budget closer to $2,500 to $3,000; more if you plan on visiting remote tourist attractions in South America, such as Patagonia , which can be a lot more expensive (although we do have tips for traveling to Patagonia on a budget ).  

Wednesday 24th of January 2024

Thank you for the great information.

Steph Dyson

Friday 9th of February 2024

You're welcome! Steph

13 Cheapest Countries to Visit in South America For An Affordable Adventure

Are you dreaming of embarking on an adventure to South America? The good news is that exploring this magnificent continent doesn’t have to break the bank. With a plethora of budget-friendly countries to choose from, you can indulge in unforgettable experiences without draining your wallet.

We have compiled a list of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. Reading through the end, you will find yourself your next budget-friendly trip to South America.

So, if you’re wondering where to begin your journey for affordable vacations in South America, look no further!

Table of Contents

How cheap is south america.

South America, known for its vibrant cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history, also offers incredible options for budget-friendly travel .

If you’re yearning for an adventure without breaking the bank, then South America is the perfect destination for you.

This vast continent encompasses a multitude of countries that cater to all kinds of travelers seeking affordable vacations .

When it comes to exploring South America on a budget, several factors make this continent an ideal choice .

Firstly, transportation costs within South America tend to be relatively low compared to other parts of the world.

Whether you opt for buses or domestic flights between countries, you can easily find affordable options that allow you to traverse vast distances without draining your wallet.

Additionally, accommodations in South America range from cheap hostels to guesthouses and budget hotels that offer comfortable and convenient stays at affordable rates.

Furthermore, dining in South America is often a delightful experience that won’t break the bank .

From bustling local markets where vendors sell fresh fruits and street food at incredibly low prices to small local restaurants serving authentic regional dishes at pocket-friendly rates, there are plenty of culinary gems waiting to be discovered.

The diversity of food across the continent allows visitors to indulge in cultural immersive vacations while enjoying delicious meals without spending a fortune.

South America’s affordability extends beyond transportation and food; it also applies to sightseeing and activities .

Many countries within this region boast natural wonders such as majestic waterfalls like Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil or awe-inspiring landscapes like Bolivia’s Salar de Uyuni salt flats.

Exploring these natural marvels often comes with minimal entry fees or even free access in some cases.

Whether you’re dreaming of hiking Machu Picchu’s ancient ruins in Peru or discovering Colombia’s vibrant cities rich with history and culture, South America has plenty of enticing options for budget-conscious travelers .

The combination of stunning landscapes, diverse cultures, and low-cost trips available in each country makes this continent a haven for those seeking affordable vacations .

So, pack your bags, prepare your itinerary, and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the budget-friendly countries of South America.

Cheapest Countries to Visit in South America

Here are the Cheapest Countries to Visit in South America:

Bolivia, a landlocked country nestled in the heart of South America, is a hidden gem for budget travelers seeking an affordable adventure. With its stunning landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and wallet-friendly prices, Bolivia offers incredible value for those looking to explore on a shoestring budget. One of the main attractions in Bolivia is the mesmerizing Salar de Uyuni, the world’s largest salt flat.

This natural wonder offers breathtaking views that are nothing short of otherworldly. Traveling to Salar de Uyuni won’t break the bank either; you can join a group tour or even rent a 4×4 vehicle with fellow travelers to explore this vast expanse of white salt crust without burning a hole in your pocket.

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, Bolivia’s capital city La Paz is a must-visit destination. The city’s vibrant markets, such as Mercado de las Brujas (Witches’ Market), offer an authentic glimpse into Bolivian life and provide budget-friendly shopping opportunities for unique souvenirs.

Additionally, exploring La Paz’s colonial architecture and visiting historic sites like Plaza Murillo can be done inexpensively on foot or by public transportation. Another highlight of visiting Bolivia on a shoestring budget is the opportunity to immerse yourself in its indigenous cultures.

In places like Copacabana and Lake Titicaca, you can experience traditional rituals and witness colorful festivals without breaking the bank. The island communities on Lake Titicaca offer basic accommodation options that allow visitors to stay overnight and truly connect with local traditions.

Bolivia undoubtedly stands out as one of South America’s most affordable nations for adventurous souls seeking unforgettable experiences without straining their wallets. Whether you’re exploring otherworldly salt flats or diving deep into indigenous cultures, Bolivia delivers both affordability and cultural immersion for those seeking budget-friendly travel in South America.

2. Colombia

Colombia, a hidden gem of South America, offers budget-friendly adventures that are sure to leave you in awe. With its diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and warm-hearted people, this country is a must-visit for those seeking cultural immersive vacations in South America without breaking the bank. One of the top attractions in Colombia is the capital city of Bogota.

Here, you can explore the historic La Candelaria neighborhood with its colorful colonial buildings and charming cobblestone streets. Don’t miss out on visiting iconic landmarks such as Plaza de Bolivar and Monserrate Hill for breathtaking views of the city.

Taste delicious local street food like arepas and empanadas from bustling food stalls or sip on a cup of rich Colombian coffee in one of the cozy cafes. The best part?

Exploring Bogota won’t put a dent in your wallet as it offers plenty of low-cost trips in South America. Another budget-friendly destination in Colombia is Medellin, known as the “City of Eternal Spring.” Take a ride on Medellin’s efficient metro system and visit attractions like Plaza Botero, where you can admire Fernando Botero’s famous statues.

Explore Comuna 13, once considered one of the most dangerous neighborhoods but now transformed into an open-air gallery filled with vibrant street art. For thrill-seekers on affordable vacations in South America, don’t miss out on paragliding over Medellin’s picturesque landscapes.

Colombia offers fantastic value for travelers looking to experience all that South America has to offer without breaking their bank accounts. So pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable journey through this affordable nation where cheap travel in South America meets cultural richness at every turn.

3. Paraguay

Paraguay, nestled in the heart of South America, is a hidden gem for budget travelers seeking an authentic and immersive experience. This landlocked country may not be as well-known as its neighbors, but it offers a plethora of attractions and experiences without breaking the bank.

From vibrant cities to untamed natural beauty, Paraguay has something to offer every traveler on a shoestring budget. One of the biggest draws of Paraguay is its affordability.

Cheap travel in South America doesn’t get much better than this. Accommodations in Paraguay are incredibly affordable, with a wide range of options to suit all budgets.

Whether you choose to stay in a budget-friendly hostel or opt for a mid-range hotel, you’ll find that your money stretches further here compared to other countries in the region. Additionally, food and transportation costs are also relatively low, allowing you to indulge in delicious local cuisine without burning a hole in your pocket.

For cultural immersive vacations in South America, Paraguay is brimming with opportunities. The capital city of Asunción boasts an intriguing blend of modernity and traditions that can be explored at minimal cost.

Take a stroll through the historic center to admire well-preserved colonial architecture or visit the iconic Panteón de los Héroes for a glimpse into Paraguay’s fascinating history. For those seeking unique cultural experiences, make sure to check out one of the lively local markets where you can sample traditional foods or purchase handmade crafts at bargain prices.

Beyond the city limits lies pristine nature waiting to be discovered on your budget-friendly trip through Paraguay. Head south towards Ñeembucú department and explore Laguna Blanca National Park – home to diverse wildlife including capybaras and marsh deer – all while appreciating breathtaking landscapes dotted with lagoons and wetlands.

Don’t miss out on visiting Cerro Corá National Park either; this protected area not only offers incredible biodiversity but also serves as an important historical site, being the place where Paraguayan national hero Francisco Solano López met his tragic end during the War of the Triple Alliance. Paraguay is a budget-friendly country that offers a wealth of experiences to those seeking affordable vacations in South America.

From its inexpensive accommodations and delicious cuisine to its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes, Paraguay proves that you don’t need a hefty bank account to have an unforgettable trip. So grab your backpack and embark on a low-cost adventure through this often-overlooked gem in South America.

Peru, known for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, is a budget traveler’s dream. This South American gem offers a wide array of affordable experiences that will make your trip both unforgettable and easy on the wallet.

From exploring ancient ruins to indulging in delicious local cuisine, Peru has something for everyone seeking an affordable adventure. One of the main highlights of Peru is undoubtedly Machu Picchu.

This ancient Incan city perched high in the Andes is a bucket-list destination for many travelers. While there are luxurious options available for visiting this marvel, there are also more budget-friendly alternatives.

For those looking to save some money, consider trekking the Inca Trail independently or opting for alternative routes such as the Salkantay or Lares treks. These options allow you to immerse yourself in the breathtaking scenery of the Andes while keeping costs down.

When it comes to accommodation in Peru, there are plenty of affordable options available. From cozy guesthouses to budget-friendly hostels, you can easily find comfortable and clean places to stay without breaking the bank.

In popular tourist destinations like Cusco and Lima, you’ll find a plethora of choices catering specifically to budget travelers. Additionally, if you’re open to experiencing the local culture firsthand, consider staying with a Peruvian family through homestay programs or booking stays at community-based tourism initiatives that support indigenous communities.

No trip to Peru would be complete without indulging in its world-renowned cuisine. With dishes like ceviche (marinated seafood), lomo saltado (stir-fried beef), and rocoto relleno (stuffed spicy peppers), your taste buds will thank you!

While dining out can be expensive in some countries, Peruvian street food offers an excellent opportunity to satisfy your cravings without breaking the bank. Try anticuchos (grilled skewers), empanadas (fried pastries filled with various ingredients), or salchipapas (French fries topped with sausage) from local food stalls or markets for an authentic and budget-friendly culinary experience.

Peru is a fantastic destination for those seeking affordable vacations in South America. With its stunning landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cuisine, this country offers a wealth of budget-friendly experiences.

From exploring the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu to immersing yourself in local street food delights, Peru will captivate your senses without emptying your wallet. So pack your bags and embark on a culturally immersive journey through one of South America’s most budget-friendly countries.

Ecuador, known as one of the most budget-friendly countries in South America, offers a wealth of options for travelers seeking affordable vacations. From stunning landscapes to vibrant cities and rich cultural experiences, Ecuador has it all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply looking to immerse yourself in a different culture, this country has something for everyone.

One of the highlights of visiting Ecuador is exploring its breathtaking natural wonders. The country is home to the mesmerizing Galapagos Islands, famous for their unique wildlife and stunning landscapes.

While visiting the Galapagos can be expensive, there are ways to enjoy this natural paradise on a budget. Opting for day trips or island-hopping instead of costly cruises can significantly lower your expenses while still allowing you to experience the incredible diversity that these islands offer.

In addition to the Galapagos Islands, Ecuador boasts an array of other natural attractions that won’t break the bank. The Andes Mountains provide ample opportunities for hiking enthusiasts with its picturesque trails and majestic peaks.

The Amazon Rainforest offers an unparalleled chance to explore one of the world’s most biodiverse regions at an affordable cost. With budget-friendly lodges and local guides available, it’s possible to have an authentic jungle experience without emptying your wallet.

When venturing into Ecuador’s cities like Quito or Cuenca, you’ll find affordable accommodations and dining options that cater to all budgets. Exploring colonial architecture in Quito’s historic center or strolling through Cuenca’s charming streets can transport you back in time while keeping your pockets happy.

Additionally, indulging in delicious traditional cuisine from street food vendors or local restaurants won’t put a dent in your wallet either. Overall, Ecuador offers an abundance of cultural immersive vacations and unforgettable experiences at prices that won’t leave you bankrupt.

Whether you’re seeking adventure in its diverse landscapes or exploring its vibrant cities steeped in history, Ecuador proves that budget-friendly countries can still provide remarkable and enriching journeys through South America. So, pack your bags and get ready to embark on an unforgettable low-cost trip in this captivating country.

6. Argentina

Argentina, the land of tango and beef, is not only a vibrant and culturally rich country but also an affordable option for budget travelers exploring South America. When it comes to cheap travel in South America, Argentina offers a wide range of options to suit every traveler’s budget. From mesmerizing landscapes to bustling cities, this diverse nation has something for everyone.

When planning your low-cost trip to Argentina, start with Buenos Aires, the capital city known for its European flair and energetic atmosphere. Stroll through the colorful neighborhood of La Boca, famous for its tango performances and vibrant street art.

Don’t miss a visit to the iconic Plaza de Mayo, where you can witness historical landmarks such as Casa Rosada (the presidential palace) and the Metropolitan Cathedral. To experience Argentina’s natural beauty without breaking the bank, head towards Patagonia.

This breathtaking region offers awe-inspiring landscapes that will leave you in awe. Explore the stunning glaciers of Los Glaciares National Park or embark on a trekking adventure in Bariloche’s picturesque Lake District.

For those seeking cultural immersive vacations in South America on a budget, attending a traditional Estancia (ranch) is an excellent choice. Experience gaucho (cowboy) life firsthand while enjoying delicious Argentine barbecues and horseback riding through vast fields.

Besides Buenos Aires and Patagonia, there are numerous cities and attractions across Argentina that won’t drain your wallet. Visit Mendoza if you’re a wine enthusiast looking to sample some of Argentina’s world-renowned Malbecs at affordable prices.

If you’re seeking outdoor adventures on your budget South America trip, don’t miss Salta and Jujuy provinces in northern Argentina. Here you can hike through stunning mountain ranges like Quebrada de Humahuaca or explore colorful indigenous markets offering unique handicrafts at reasonable prices.

When considering affordable nations for your South American adventure, Argentina should be high on your list. With its vibrant cities, stunning natural landscapes, and rich cultural heritage, Argentina offers budget-friendly experiences that won’t compromise on quality.

From dancing the tango in Buenos Aires to marveling at Patagonia’s glaciers, there are endless opportunities to explore this beautiful country without breaking the bank. So pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable journey through one of South America’s most captivating destinations.

Uruguay, often overlooked by travelers seeking low-cost trips in South America, is a hidden gem when it comes to affordable vacations in the region. This small country nestled between Brazil and Argentina offers a unique blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and budget-friendly experiences.

From picturesque beaches to charming colonial towns, Uruguay has something for every traveler seeking a cheap travel experience in South America. One of the best ways to explore Uruguay on a budget is by visiting its capital city, Montevideo.

The city boasts an array of free or inexpensive activities that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture without breaking the bank. Start your day with a stroll along La Rambla, a promenade that stretches along Montevideo’s coastline and offers breathtaking views of the Rio de la Plata.

You can also visit the Ciudad Vieja (Old Town), where you’ll find historic buildings, quaint cafés, and lively street markets selling local handicrafts. Don’t miss out on trying some traditional Uruguayan cuisine like chivitos (steak sandwiches) or empanadas from one of the many affordable food stalls scattered throughout the city.

For those seeking a more laid-back experience, head to Punta del Este, one of Uruguay’s most famous beach destinations. Although it has long been associated with luxury tourism, there are plenty of options for budget-conscious travelers as well.

Instead of staying at high-end resorts or hotels, consider booking accommodation at one of Punta del Este’s many hostels or guesthouses which offer comfortable rooms at much lower prices. Spend your days lounging on Playa Mansa or Playa Brava and taking in the stunning ocean views.

In the evenings, explore Avenida Gorlero where you’ll find affordable restaurants serving delicious seafood dishes and local specialties. Uruguay may not always be at the top of everyone’s list when it comes to budget South America trips, but don’t let its size fool you.

This affordable nation has so much to offer, from cultural immersive vacations in South America to stunning natural landscapes, all at a fraction of the cost of other popular destinations in the region. So why not consider Uruguay for your next adventure and discover the charm and affordability that await you in this South American gem?

When it comes to exploring South America on a budget, Chile may not be the first country that comes to mind. Known for its stunning landscapes and vibrant cities, Chile has a reputation for being more expensive compared to some of its neighboring countries. However, with careful planning and a little insider knowledge, it is possible to experience the beauty of Chile without breaking the bank.

One of the most budget-friendly ways to explore Chile is by taking advantage of its extensive network of buses. The country has a reliable and affordable bus system that connects major cities and towns, making it an ideal mode of transportation for budget travelers.

Whether you want to visit the bustling capital city of Santiago or immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Patagonia, traveling by bus allows you to enjoy scenic views while saving money on transportation costs. Accommodation in Chile can be a bit pricey in popular tourist areas such as Santiago or Valparaiso.

However, there are plenty of options available for budget-conscious travelers. Hostels are a popular choice among backpackers and offer comfortable dormitory-style accommodations at affordable prices.

Additionally, there are guesthouses and budget hotels available in many cities across the country. Consider staying in local neighborhoods or smaller towns outside major tourist hotspots to find more affordable accommodation options.

To fully experience the beauty and culture of this diverse nation without breaking your budget, take advantage of free or low-cost activities. In Santiago, visit the Plaza de Armas where you can admire historic buildings and watch street performers without spending a dime.

Take advantage of free walking tours offered in cities like Valparaiso or La Serena to explore these charming destinations while learning about their rich history. While Chile may not be renowned as one of the cheapest countries in South America, it is still possible to have an affordable vacation filled with rich experiences and cultural immersion.

By utilizing cost-effective transportation options such as buses, opting for budget accommodations like hostels, and taking advantage of free or low-cost activities, you can make the most of your trip to Chile without breaking the bank. So grab your backpack and embark on a budget South America trip that will allow you to uncover the hidden gems of this captivating country.

Guyana, nestled on the northeastern coast of South America, is a hidden gem for budget travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. This lesser-known country offers a unique blend of natural wonders and cultural experiences that won’t break the bank.

When it comes to low-cost trips in South America, Guyana should be on your radar. One of the main reasons why Guyana stands out as an affordable nation to visit is its relatively low cost of living.

This translates into budget-friendly accommodations, transportation, and dining options throughout the country. In the capital city of Georgetown, you can find reasonably priced guesthouses and hostels that provide comfortable lodging without denting your wallet.

Additionally, local transportation in Guyana is quite affordable, with buses and shared taxis readily available for navigating around the city or traveling between towns. For cultural immersive vacations in South America without breaking the bank, Guyana delivers an enriching experience.

The country is known for its diverse ethnic makeup, including Amerindians, Afro-Guyanese, Indo-Guyanese, Chinese-Guyanese, and more. Exploring Georgetown’s vibrant markets like Stabroek Market will expose you to a lively fusion of cultures where you can sample inexpensive street food like roti or try out local delicacies such as pepperpot stew or bake and saltfish.

Venturing beyond Georgetown allows travelers to discover Guyana’s breathtaking natural landscapes at an affordable cost. The Kaieteur Falls is a must-visit attraction – this awe-inspiring waterfall plummets down from a height five times greater than Niagara Falls!

Budget-conscious adventurers can join organized tours from Georgetown that offer reasonable rates for experiencing this natural wonder up close. Moreover, Guyana boasts vast rainforests teeming with wildlife where visitors can embark on guided hikes or river trips at pocket-friendly prices.

When it comes to cheap travel in South America that doesn’t compromise on cultural and natural wonders, Guyana is a fantastic choice. With its affordable accommodations, transportation options, and opportunities for cultural immersion and exploration of stunning landscapes, this country offers an unforgettable and budget-friendly experience for travelers seeking affordable vacations in South America.

10. Suriname

Suriname is a hidden gem when it comes to affordable vacations in South America. This small yet diverse country offers a unique blend of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and budget-friendly adventures.

Located on the northeastern coast of South America, Suriname brings together influences from Dutch, Javanese, African, and Indigenous cultures, making it an ideal destination for those seeking an authentic experience without breaking the bank. One of the most captivating aspects of Suriname is its stunning natural landscapes.

From vast rainforests to picturesque waterfalls and pristine rivers, nature lovers can explore the country’s biodiversity through various low-cost trips. Take a boat ride along the Suriname River to witness breathtaking sunsets or embark on a wildlife safari in Brownsberg Nature Park to catch glimpses of colorful birds and fascinating wildlife species like monkeys and jaguars.

For adventure seekers on a budget, hiking through Central Suriname Nature Reserve provides an immersive experience amidst the untouched wilderness. When it comes to accommodation and food options in Suriname, travelers will find that their wallets remain relatively unburdened.

The capital city of Paramaribo offers budget-friendly accommodations ranging from cozy guesthouses to comfortable hostels that cater to all types of travelers. Don’t miss out on trying local street food such as roti (a delicious Indian-inspired dish) or Indonesian-influenced snacks like bara and pom at affordable prices while exploring vibrant markets like Central Market or Neveh Shalom Market.

Overall, Suriname presents an off-the-beaten-path adventure for those seeking cultural immersion coupled with affordable travel experiences in South America. With its rich diversity, stunning landscapes, and wallet-friendly options for accommodation and dining, Suriname should be on every traveler’s list when considering budget South American trips!

11. Venezuela

Venezuela, despite its recent economic challenges, still offers budget-friendly opportunities for travelers seeking affordable vacations in South America. The country boasts a diverse range of landscapes, from the stunning Caribbean coastline to majestic mountains and the iconic Angel Falls.

With its abundance of natural beauty and unique cultural experiences, Venezuela is a hidden gem for low-cost trips in South America. One of the most budget-friendly ways to explore Venezuela is by taking advantage of its extensive public transportation system.

Buses connect major cities and towns, offering an affordable means of travel between destinations. Additionally, shared taxis called “colectivos” are a popular mode of transportation within cities and can be quite economical compared to private taxis.

These options allow travelers to navigate the country without breaking the bank. When it comes to accommodation, Venezuela offers several budget-friendly options.

Hostels are scattered throughout major cities like Caracas and Maracaibo, providing affordable accommodations for backpackers and solo travelers. Some hostels even offer private rooms at reasonable rates for those seeking a bit more comfort.

Alternatively, there are guesthouses and small family-run establishments that offer inexpensive rooms while providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the local culture. While exploring Venezuela on a budget, don’t forget to indulge in local cuisine as part of your cultural immersive vacation in South America!

Street food vendors offer delicious meals at pocket-friendly prices across various cities and towns. From traditional arepas (cornmeal patties filled with different ingredients) to pabellón criollo (a dish consisting of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and plantains), there’s no shortage of flavorsome dishes that won’t dent your wallet.

Moreover, taking advantage of outdoor activities is another way to experience Venezuela without breaking your budget. The country boasts breathtaking natural wonders such as Canaima National Park with its towering tepuis (table-top mountains) or Los Roques Archipelago National Park known for its turquoise waters and pristine beaches.

Entry fees for these national parks are typically affordable, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the country’s natural beauty without spending a fortune. Venezuela may face economic challenges, but it remains an affordable nation for budget South America trips.

By utilizing public transportation, staying in budget accommodations, enjoying local street food, and exploring the country’s natural wonders without hefty entrance fees, travelers can immerse themselves in the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Venezuela without straining their wallets. So why not consider adding this budget-friendly gem to your travel itinerary?

Brazil, a country renowned for its vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and passionate people, may not be the first destination that comes to mind when thinking about budget travel in South America. However, with a little planning and some insider knowledge, it is possible to explore this diverse nation without breaking the bank. One of the best ways to experience Brazil on a budget is by visiting during the shoulder seasons.

The high season in Brazil typically falls between December and February when tourists flock to iconic destinations like Rio de Janeiro and Salvador for their famous carnivals. By avoiding these peak months and opting to visit during the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October), you can take advantage of lower airfare and accommodation prices.

Additionally, you’ll find fewer crowds at popular attractions, allowing for a more authentic experience. When it comes to affordable accommodations in Brazil, hostels are your best bet.

These budget-friendly options not only provide a place to rest your head but also offer opportunities to connect with fellow travelers from around the world. In cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, hostel dormitory beds can be found for as low as $10-$15 per night.

For those seeking more privacy or traveling in groups, private rooms are also available at reasonable rates. Another economical option worth considering is Couchsurfing – an online community where locals offer their couches or spare rooms free of charge to travelers looking for an authentic cultural experience while saving money on lodging.

While exploring Brazil’s vast landscapes and indulging in its rich cultural heritage can be costly if not planned wisely, there are plenty of wallet-friendly activities that will still leave you awe-struck. For example, instead of booking expensive guided tours through the Amazon rainforest or Pantanal wetlands, consider researching local eco-tourism agencies that offer similar experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Alternatively, embark on self-guided hikes through national parks such as Chapada Diamantina or Lençóis Maranhenses, where entrance fees are relatively low, allowing you to immerse yourself in nature without breaking the bank. Brazil may not be the first choice for budget-conscious travelers in South America, but with careful planning and conscious decision-making, it is possible to have an affordable and enriching experience in this captivating country.

By taking advantage of shoulder seasons, opting for budget accommodations like hostels or Couchsurfing, and seeking out cost-effective activities, you can create unforgettable memories without straining your wallet. So don’t let the misconception of Brazil being an expensive destination deter you from exploring its vibrant cities, and breathtaking landscapes, and embracing its diverse culture – a journey that can be both culturally immersive and affordable.

13. Guyane (French Guiana)

French Guiana, also known as Guyane, is a unique destination in South America that offers a blend of French and South American cultures. While it may not be the cheapest country to visit in the region, it still has some budget-friendly options for travelers who wish to explore this fascinating territory without breaking the bank.

One of the best ways to experience French Guiana on a budget is by exploring its stunning natural landscapes. The region is home to dense rainforests, pristine rivers, and breathtaking waterfalls.

You can embark on low-cost trips in South America by visiting places like Cacao or Maroni River, where you can take guided hikes through the rainforest and discover diverse wildlife species. Additionally, you can explore nature reserves like Kaw-Roura or Trésor, which offer affordable excursions to observe rare bird species and other wildlife.

Another way to have an affordable vacation in French Guiana is by immersing yourself in its local culture. The capital city of Cayenne offers vibrant markets where you can sample delicious local cuisine and purchase souvenirs at reasonable prices.

Take a stroll along Place des Palmistes, a picturesque square lined with palm trees and colonial buildings that often hosts cultural events such as concerts or art exhibitions. Moreover, make sure to visit Saint Laurent du Maroni, a town rich in history due to its former role as a penal colony during colonial times.

Here, you can explore museums that provide insight into this intriguing period while enjoying low-cost travel experiences. While French Guiana may not be the most budget-friendly nation compared to other countries in South America, there are still opportunities for affordable travel experiences within this unique territory.

By engaging with nature and immersing themselves in the local culture, visitors can enjoy cultural immersive vacations without depleting their funds entirely. Whether it’s exploring rainforests or experiencing bustling markets and historical sites, French Guiana offers budget-friendly options for travelers seeking an enriching experience in this distinctive corner of South America.

After exploring the cheapest countries to visit in South America, it’s clear that this diverse continent offers a plethora of budget-friendly options for travelers seeking affordable vacations.

South America is home to numerous affordable nations that offer memorable and budget-friendly vacations. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient Inca ruins in Peru or immersing yourself in Argentina’s tango culture, there are plenty of opportunities for cultural exploration without breaking the bank.

Hope this was helpful!

Keep Reading

• 7 Safest Countries to Visit in South America You Will Absolutely Love
• 17 Best Places to Visit in South America in December
• 23 Most Beautiful Places in South America
• 11 Best Countries to Visit in South America

Hi There! This is Taseen Alam. I am the founder of Nomad Footsteps and a full time online entrepreneur living my laptop lifestyle. I am a nomad myself as well as a traveler. On this blog, I share travel destinations, guides and itineraries etc. Join me on my journey of a nomad.

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• South America
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The 15 Best and Cheapest Places to Visit in South America

Although it may not compare to the likes of South East Asia, South America is still a solid budget travel destination. Yet some regions are distinctly more pricey than others, so it really pays to know where to go when trying to traverse the continent on a shoestring. Thankfully, Culture Trip have traveled far and wide to bring you a list of the top 15 cheap destinations in South America.

La paz, bolivia.

As the biggest urban area of the cheapest country in the continent, La Paz is bound to bring a bargain or two. Travelers needn’t be rich to relish in thumping nightlife , trek among jaw-dropping mountains, or just savor the sights of this crazy high altitude city.

Uyuni, Bolivia

Although a jeep tour of the surreal Uyuni salt flats and its otherworldly nearby natural attractions may be the single biggest expenditure backpackers face in Bolivia, this bucket list destination still only sets them back US$150 or so . Unbeatable value, really.

Sucre, Bolivia

Keen to explore the grandeur of the Spanish new world empire without breaking the bank? Then the Bolivian city of Sucre is the best bet in South America. Laughably cheap food, lodging and sightseeing excursions make this stunning colonial gem a must while in the region.

Rurrenabaque, Bolivia

Almost everyone who visits South America yearns to explore the mighty Amazon, and there is nowhere cheaper to do so than the northern Bolivian jungle town of Rurrenabaque . Give those exclusive high-end jungle lodges a miss and get down-and-dirty with exotic wildlife on a dirt cheap three-day pampas tour.

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

As the poorest region of both Bolivia and Peru, a visit to Lake Titicaca is refreshingly easy on the wallet. Explore ancient Inca archaeological sites and interact with colorfully dressed indigenous locals as you gaze over the shimmering waters of the world’s highest navigable lake.

Although Miraflores’ top bars and restaurants are notoriously upmarket, the rest of the city is a dead set bargain. Munch on fresh ceviche at a roadside stall, sip on pisco sour at a local watering hole, or meander through the colonial sights of this phenomenal city in the smug knowledge that your budget is well and truly in check.

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Huachachina, Peru

Something of a backpackers’ paradise, there is little more to do in this desert oasis town than sit back and enjoy the views. That is, of course, unless you are interested in a loco yet surprisingly cost-effective dune buggy ride that includes an adrenaline-pumping sandboarding foray.

Cusco, Peru

Once the most important city of the Inca and the Spanish, modern day Cusco may seem a little pricey by Peruvian standards. Nevertheless, it still offers excellent value for money for travelers wishing to indulge in a little ancient history, cultural immersion, or the buzzing all-night party scene.

The Sacred Valley, Peru

Savvy travelers can take advantage of public transport and family-run lodging to keep costs down as they explore the region’s plethora of awe-inspiring archaeological sites . As for Machu Picchu, it’s possible to arrive via a series of local buses to avoid paying for that extortionate tourist train.

The Peruvian highlands, Peru

Get right off the beaten track and avoid those pesky gringo prices by traversing through a little known portion of Peru – the unforgettable Andean highlands. From Ayacucho to Cajamarca and everything in between, this breathtaking yet undiscovered mountainous region is so cheap it will leave you wondering where all the backpackers are.

Mendoza, Argentina

Argentina is not an especially cheap country. Thankfully, however, its vino is inexpensive and delicious, while a bicycle tour of the finest Mendoza vineyards can be done for next to nothing. Better yet, a bottle of the locally produced good stuff can be picked up for peanuts. Salud!

Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador’s high altitude capital is undeniably easy on the wallet , made all the better by the fact that most of the country’s dazzling attractions are just a short (and very cheap) bus ride away. Best of all, the local US dollar currency makes it super satisfying to realize just how little you’re spending each day.

Baños, Ecuador

For a budget-friendly opportunity to get some bucket list adventure sports out of the way, the subtropical Ecuadorian town of Baños ticks all the boxes . Mountain biking, hiking, climbing and rafting are just a few of the options available in this stunning backpacker mecca.

Montañita, Ecuador

After a well-deserved beach break? Admittedly, the best stretches of sand in South America are in Brazil, but who really has that kind of money? Instead, opt for the up-and-coming beachside town of Montañita, where solid breaks , a bohemian vibe and a low cost of living keep travelers hanging around much longer than expected.

Patagonia, Argentina and Chile

“Rubbish”, you say, “Patagonia is the most expensive place in South America”. While this might be true, outdoor enthusiasts can spend a pittance by camping every day and hitching a ride with friendly locals between jaw-dropping destinations . Just be sure to visit in summer when it’s actually warm enough to survive.

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Best cheap vacations in central and south america.

While planning a budget-friendly trip, it's easy to cross Central and South America off your list due to generally high airfare and pricey accommodations. But, with advantageous exchange rates and a variety of free first-class attractions awaiting exploration, you shouldn't consider this part of the world out of reach. According to experts and U.S. News readers, these locales are where travelers can get the best bang for their buck. (Note: Some of the below destinations may be affected by the civil unrest in Peru. Check with the U.S. Department of State before traveling.)

Machu Picchu

Argentine patagonia.

Opulent temples, soaring cathedrals and heavenly Machu Picchu – Cusco provides access to premier sites all for relatively low travel costs. Visit in spring or fall for the best hotel rates, fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures.

Since 1911, culture hounds from far and wide have made the pilgrimage to see Machu Picchu's mystical temples. Exploring the grounds will cost you (as will the train from Cusco); however, a visit between September and November will yield affordable accommodations.

Filled with rich history and buzzing culture, Lima is an excellent destination for a South American vacation. It's free to stroll through the plazas and parks (and admire their impressive architecture), or you can relax on the beach. You'll find flights and lodging rates at their cheapest in April, May, September and October, plus pleasant average temps in the 60s during those months.

If you book early enough, you're bound to find a deal in this tropical hot spot. Those looking for a place in the sun should head to Nicoya Peninsula's cream-colored sands. Or, lay your head in Jacó, a relaxed surfing town with easy access to the country's inland rainforests.

Colombia's capital is an up-and-coming destination with several key assets: gorgeous architecture, delectable food and a raging nightlife. With all this going for it, Bogotá may not be cheap for very long. You'll also find yourself free to splurge here thanks to low exchange rates.

Chile's capital and largest city offers an urban blend of old and new at the base of the Andes Mountains. Plus, many of the city's top attractions are either free or have low admission rates, making Santiago an ideal location for budget-conscious travelers.

Those that plan ahead should have no problem finding affordable digs in Argentine Patagonia. You'll have to share the frontier with tuxedoed residents and sea lions, but you won't be fighting (with humans anyway) for a glimpse of the area's spectacular natural wonders.

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Cheapest countries in South America

Which are some of the cheapest countries in South America to visit?

Forget Asia for a sec! If you didn’t already know, South America is literally one of the best continents that you could ever backpack around on planet earth.

Not only are there many breathtaking landscapes, mysterious cultures and unforgettable experiences to be had, but you’ll also find it quite inexpensive compared to others like Europe and North America.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at the overall cheapest countries in South America you can visit.

This includes our own recommendations based on our time traveling and living here, as well as listing everyday costs such as food, accommodation and tours.

What's in this guide?

Cheapest countries in South America to visit

Overall, the cheapest country in South America is Bolivia. Here you can easily live on $20 a day (and even less depending on what you need daily), and will also find transport and tours cheap too.

Is South America worth visiting?

100% yes! There’s a reason why we decided to make a blog about this particular continent of course…

South America is home to an incredible assortment of cultures and histories, with some of these civilisations being the oldest to have ever existed on earth .

There’s also many untouched tribes that still thrive within the deep jungle and wild mountains too, some of them which you can even meet.

Those with a thirst for adventure will also love this region. It’s home to many picturesque beaches and clear waters, and here you’ll be able to see many exotic species both in the sea and on land.

Other awesome regions to visit include its alpine lakes, arid deserts as well as sprawling canyons. The best of all is that this can be done on a budget.

After deciding which country to visit, be sure to read our guide on traveling to South America on a budget to get even more insight on how much things cost while here.

What is the most expensive country in South America and why?

The most expensive country you can currently visit in South America is Chile (which is closely followed by Venezuela – believe it or not).

This long-shaped country has by far the best-developed economy of any South American nation, which means people earn more here as well as there being more economic stability.

This unfortunately means (for budget travelers especially) that costs are higher too. Now this doesn’t need to mean that a visit here will break the bank.

The higher costs mostly affect the big cities like Santiago , however there are also many regions which can still be visited on the cheap (as long as you’re willing to do some extra digging and put the effort in). Also by picking up the local lingo you can save money along the way, see this Spanish phrase book for ideas on how to improve your conversation.

Can you travel South America cheaply?

In South America anything is possible, and travelling the continent cheap is also easy to do . Budget accommodation is fairly simple to find, and we use apps like Booking.com to organize search results and show the best value hostels and properties.

Food in South America is dirt cheap too, and you’ll find that even the chain restaurants are much cheaper than back home. Those who want to try more local food can go for the menu ejecutivos, which are a set local meal for as cheap as $1.50!

Everything else such as transport between destinations and tours are also cheap, and you’ll benefit most by booking them within the terminal or agency within the city.

Online tours through GetYourGuide and Viator also provide good tours too.

Got travel insurance for South America?

Cheapest Countries in South America

Let’s dive in to this list of cheap and safe South American countries to visit:

Ranking in as the overall cheapest country in South America, we have Bolivia. This country was made for adventure enthusiasts , where you can find many exciting cities, beautiful landscapes and friendly locals in abundance.

It’s all extremely cheap too, which is a big reason why travellers often spend longer here than in its neighbouring countries (especially when coming north from Chile).

One of the best things to do in Bolivia is to head to the Uyuni Salt Flats . There are many tours offering multi-day trips, and we highly recommend this one .

As well as having all lodging and food provided, you’ll also visit more incredible landscapes such as green and red lakes, a desert as well as the geysers.

You can budget for $20 a day in Bolivia , which includes a dorm bed, three hearty meals as well as some leftovers for beers or an activity.

• 💰 Currency: Boliviano (BOB)
• 🛏️ Cost of dorm: $5-10
• 🍴Cost of meal: $1-3
• 🍺 Cost of beer: $0.50-2
• 🚠 Cost of average tour $10-20

We would call Colombia a mid-tier country when it comes to prices and costs of travel. Whilst Colombia is more expensive than Bolivia , it’s certainly cheaper than countries such as Brazil and other countries located in the Southern Cone such as Chile.

Colombia is becoming increasingly popular due to its various interesting cities , as well as many stunning natural sites that include tropical Caribbean beaches and arid deserts.

Whilst in Colombia you simply must hike to the Lost City , which is an ancient citadel which is found within the deep rainforest (close to Santa Marta).

It’s still visited by the indigenous tribes that still flourish in these parts, and you can head with this organised trek which includes all meals as well as basic accommodation included along the trek.

You can budget for $25 a day in Colombia , which includes a dorm bed, three hearty meals as well as some leftovers for beers or an activity.

• 💰 Currency: Peso (COP)
• 🛏️ Cost of dorm: $10-15
• 🍺 Cost of beer: $1-2
• 🚠 Cost of average tour $15-30

Paraguay is a really interesting country. It’s by far one of the least visited in the continent, however is home to a raw mix of wild cultures and historical sites .

Although food and transport is really cheap, accommodation can be a little more than in neighbouring Bolivia simply because there aren’t so many budget hostels operating throughout the country.

One of our favourite experiences from Paraguay has to be the mission churches that are found close to the city of Encarnación . You can visit them independently, although public transport can be hit or miss in this area.

Other awesome things to see include a multiple day tour to El Chaco , as well as seeing the giant dam of Itaipu.

You can budget for $20-25 a day in Paraguay , which includes a dorm bed, three hearty meals as well as some leftovers for beers or an activity.

• 💰 Currency: Guaraní (PYG)

George’s all-time favourite – we for sure weren’t going to leave this one out. Peru is an incredible nation, which has both stunning landscapes as well as a deep history that can be explored through its numerous archaeological ruins all over the country .

Peru is generally quite cheap as well, with many budget hostels given its become quite popular for travellers to visit.

Machu Picchu will forever be a highlight for travellers heading to Peru, and we highly recommend heading with this overnight tour .

You’ll have all meals, accommodation as well as the entrance ticket included in the price. Even better is that you’ll have a professional guide teach you everything you need to know about the site too.

You can budget for $20-25 a day in Peru , which includes a dorm bed, three hearty meals as well as some leftovers for beers or an activity.

• 💰 Currency: Sol (PEN)
• 🛏️ Cost of dorm: $5-15
• 🍴Cost of meal: $1-4
• 🍺 Cost of beer: $1-3
• 🚠 Cost of average tour $10-25

For more information on the cost of travel in Peru see our dedicated that which explores the different costs that you’ll have when visiting Peru, and how to set the perfect budget.

Ecuador is a perfect country for first-time travellers heading to South America. Distances aren’t so big, and also you’ll find there’s something for everyone in this diverse nation .

This nation is one of the cheapest you can visit in South America, especially if you stick to hostels and eat at local restaurants. We covered this aspect in our guide on how expensive Ecuador is for backpackers and travelers, so be sure to check that out as well.

There is a tonne to see and do here, ranging from surfing along its Pacific beaches to hiking volcanoes and exploring the Amazon Rainforest .

One activity that stands out the most (and is memorable regardless of your particular interests) is the Pailón del Diablo.

This giant waterfall is located within the jungle, and with this tour you’ll have a really memorable experience where you’ll walk along the hanging bridges above the surrounding canopy.

You can budget for $20 a day in Ecuador , which is even easier to keep track of given they use dollars there. Here you’ll be staying in a dorm bed, eating three hearty meals as well as having some leftovers for beers or an activity.

• 💰 Currency: Dollar (USD)

South America in our opinion is the ultimate continent to backpack.

From the various, mysterious cultures to pretty much every biome and landscape you can dream of, you’ll find it all here.

What’s even better is that a trip here won’t break the bank , although it’s worth noting that some countries will be more expensive than others.

In this guide we’ve explored 5 of the cheapest countries in South America you can possibly visit, including exactly why you should visit each one.

We’ve also outlined some costs for each to give you a better idea of how to plan your own budget. Read our backpacking South America guide for more tips.

👉🏽 P.S. If you’ve found this guide helpful, buy us a coffee here to say thanks! Or, support us by downloading our South America Travel Bible to get our best content.

“ Dear traveler! Some links in this post contain affiliate links. Meaning, if you click through and make a purchase, book a hostel or sign up for a tour, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you . Your support means a lot and helps us to carry on traveling and maintaining the quality of this site for you.”

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I’ve asked the travel experts, and they have reported back with the top 20 cheapest destinations in South America for you to travel on a budget!

From the ice-capped mountains in Patagonia to the world’s largest salt flat in Bolivia, I have collected the top cheapest places to travel to in South America.

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The cheapest destinations in South America, especially in Argentina, are hard to come by. While Argentina is often said to be one of the most expensive destinations in South America, there are plenty of affordable accommodations and activities in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia for you to enjoy and explore!

Buenos Aires

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Those looking for a mixture of culture, vibrance, and one of the cheapest destinations in South America, will find it in Buenos Aires. Some people call it the “ Paris of South America ” – just without the prices.

When planning your time here, I’d recommend starting with a walk through Recoleta Cemetery . If it seems odd to be spending your time in a cemetery, stick with it. Recoleta Cemetery is one of the most memorable cultural experiences you can have in Argentina.It’s also free.For the lively, colorful side of Buenos Aires, check out La Boca , a perfect spot for any Buenos Aires family vacation . There are plenty of shops, street food, and even some tango dancing along the cobblestone. Caminito Street is home to all the famous, colorful buildings you’ve likely seen in pictures.When it comes to food, you’ll have plenty of options. San Telmo Market will let you taste a variety of Argentinian foods in a short amount of time. Grab some empanadas for lunch at a bakery while strolling around the city. And for dinner, the traditional Parilla is a must. If you’re a meat-lover, you have to experience the classic Argentinian steak. Parilla Peña is authentic and will set you back $10-15/pp USD – for A LOT of food.And when you’re deciding where to rest your head, consider an Airbnb. There are plenty of apartments in the trendy Palermo area starting at just $53/night USD– with some offering access to a rooftop pool. And if you want to go the more traditional route, try out the more affordable hotels in the area.

Where to stay in Buenos Aires: Past guests at the Unique Executive Central (from $38 a night) rave about the excellent service and proximity to all the activities in downtown Buenos Aires. Another great spot with a luxurious atmosphere is located a mere 1,800 feet from the city center is the Huinid Obelisco Hotel (from $59 a night).

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Frequently referred to as the “ End of the World “, Ushuaia sits on the southernmost point of South America. This remote destination in Argentina is surrounded by the picturesque Martial Mountains , allowing this small city to offer plenty of free, outdoor activities.

As one of the cheapest destinations in South America, you will get to explore some once-in-a-lifetime attractions for a low cost. Head over to the Parque Nacional del Fuego and the Beagle Channel to fully understand the scope of Ushuaia’s natural beauty. The city, on its own, is a thriving South American cruise port, offering stunning streets lined with colorful restaurants, houses, bars, and accommodation options.

Museo Maritimo y del Presidio de Ushuaia is another affordable attraction known as the “prison at the End of the World”. This Argentina National Historic Monument was once a correctional facility, however, it was converted to a landmark in 1947.

The best way to enjoy Argentina on a budget is to book your South American trip for cheap. You can find plenty of hostels overlooking the breathtaking, snowcapped mountains and chilled waters of the Beagle Channel. For more amazing activities, head out to the nearby attractions of the Falkland Islands or Martillo Islands where you can explore the world-renowned South American wildlife.

While it can be easy for your travel costs to rack up quickly when visiting Ushuaia, you will find plenty of low-cost restaurant  options and more affordable excursions in the city once you arrive. 

Where to stay in Ushuaia: One of the highest rated accommodations in Ushuaia is a one-bedroom apartment offering amazing birds-eye views of the city below. Check out LiveUshuaia (from $92 a night) to enjoy a massive and luxurious suite during your stay. For a slightly more rustic vibe, check out Hotel Tierra del Fuego, located only 1,000 feet from the city center.

Bolivia, as South America’s cheapest country, offers plenty of opportunities to stick to a strict budget. With bargains around every corner, you will fall in love with the cheapest destinations in South America found within Bolivia’s borders. The cheapest cities in Bolivia according to travel experts are Cochabamba and Uyuni. Stick around to learn about the cheapest things to do in Bolivia as one of the cheapest destinations in South America!

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Cochabamba is one of Bolivia’s cheapest cities to visit. It’s known as an off the beaten track, it’s beautiful, and it’s cheap. Cochabamba is one of South America’s most interesting and affordable big cities where you can expect to pay between 20-35 US dollars per day .

Cochabamba is placed in a valley surrounded by the mountains in Tunari National Park . It’s one of Bolivia’s largest cities, yet it doesn’t feel crowded. In fact, you rarely see any other tourists in Cochabamba, which makes it the perfect place to really experience Bolivian culture.

There are many  things to do in Cochabamba , such as visiting the city square, exploring Saint Sebastian Cathedral, or hiking in Tunari National Park. 

However, the most popular cheap thing to do is to take the cable car to the top of San Pedro Hill and see Cristo de la Concordia — the second largest Jesus Christ statue in the world. From the hilltop, you get an amazing 360-degree view over the orange rooftops in Cochabamba valley and the surrounding mountains.

Cochabamba also has many great restaurants. It’s an amazing place to discover the local cheap Bolivian cuisine or soothe your cravings through the city’s international food such as Italian pizza or Mexican tacos.

Cochabamba is known as the “ City of Eternal Spring ” because of its comfortable spring-like climate and its high altitude of 2500 meters. This means that Cochabamba is the perfect vacation spot as one of the cheapest destinations in South America to visit all-year-round. Further, there is very little to no risk of experiencing altitude sickness here compared to other cities in Bolivia.

Where to stay in Cochabamba: If you are looking for a hotel that matches the amazing Bolivian atmosphere, check out Hotel Boutique Casamagna (from $53 a night). Another great option for those looking to cut costs is Residencial Velie & Victoria (from $26 a night) where you can relax in a double room featuring a shared bathroom.

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Uyuni, probably the most popular destination in Bolivia, lives up to its hype. The town itself is pleasant, with thousands of travelers arriving each year to enter the best getaway to the mind-blowing Salar de Uyuni – the largest salt flat in the world .

Prices in Uyuni are rather affordable (especially if you compare them to other destinations in South America)– you can find fine accommodation for around $20 or eat out for under $10. The biggest expense is the Salar de Uyuni tour  and since it’s basically impossible to go to the salt flats independently, you need to accept the price. But the tour is worth every penny as Salar de Uyuni is one of the most incredible places you will ever see.

There are a few options available, from a day tour to multiday ones (those sometimes finish in San Pedro de Atacama in Chile) and the price varies depending on what you choose. You can expect to pay at least $70 for a day trip , during which you will see a few amazing places, most notably the salt flats. 

You will also visit the so-called trains’ graveyard featuring rusty locomotives from the beginning of the 20th century where you can take plenty of funny pictures! There is also a meal provided during this day trip.

Visiting Uyuni’s salt flats is by far one of the most memorable experiences in one of the cheapest destinations in South America.

Where to stay in Uyuni: Hotel Boutique Atipax (from $69 a night) is where you want to be if you are looking for a more luxurious accommodation option to prepare for your day trips to the neighboring salt flats. Another great option is Le Ciel d’Uyuni (from $28 a night) if you are looking to save more money! Here you will enjoy a double room with a shared bathroom.

As a whole, Brazil is one of the most affordable destinations in South America. This budget-friendly country offers numerous cities that boast affordable accommodations and cheap/free activities for everyone to enjoy! Stick around to learn about the top cities in Brazil to visit on a budget– Paraty , Sao Luis , and Santos .

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While Brazil may not be the cheapest country on the continent, a couple of places in the country can be some of the cheapest destinations in South America. The cost of exploring a destination often depends on the kind of activities available to you. 

Paraty, a popular coastal holiday spot between Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, can be easily explored without breaking the budget. This is because the main attraction in Paraty is the historic town center , only explorable on foot. 

You can spend hours and even days wandering the cobbled streets of the exceptionally well-preserved colonial town center that dates back to the late 17th – 19th centuries when it was a major seaport during the Brazilian Gold Rush . 

One of the most unusual things about Paraty’s historic center is that on the night of the full moon, its streets get flooded at high tide, turning the picturesque town into Brazil’s answer to Venice. Back in the day, special openings were deliberately built into the seawalls that separate the city from the ocean, to allow the tide to come in and remove all the rubbish from the city streets as it retreated. 

There are, of course, plenty of things to do in Paraty apart from exploring its historic center. You can take a cruise to the stunning Saco do Mamangua – the only tropical fjord on the Brazilian coastline, hike to the secluded Sono beach , or take a kayaking adventure to the tranquil islands and secluded beaches of Paraty Bay . 

Where to stay in Paraty: Selina Paraty (from $54 a night) offers a remarkable bohemian vibe with a relaxing outdoor pool and comfortable suites. Another great spot is located in the Paraty Historic Center at Pousada Aconchego (from $58 a night).

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Sao Luis de Maranhao is one of the many cheapest destinations in South America, located in the Maranhao State of Brazil on an Island next to the country’s Atlantic coast. The city itself is worth a visit due to the rich colonial history and unique buildings. Furthermore, it is a getaway to nearby Lencois Maranhenses National Park with its magnificent dunes.

One of the best things to do in Sao Luis is to visit the historical center . Its rich historical buildings that were preserved and renewed also belong in the list of World Heritage Sites. While you walk across the cobblestoned streets, the colorful facades decorated with so-called azulejos will give perfect photo opportunities. 

Some of the most memorable buildings are the Maranhao House Museum , the Palácio dos Leões , and Casa do Tambor de Crioula , but the Historical and Art Museum is also a good option. You can easily spend a day in the center strolling around and visiting some of the museums. The entrance fees are affordable. 

Another free program is to walk to the end of the pier Espigão da Ponta d’Areia , in the Sao Francisco district, north of the center. After a long day of sightseeing, you can visit one of the beaches.

Where to stay in Sao Luis: One of the most affordable hotels in Sao Luis is Soft Win Hotel Sao Luis (from $23 a night). This hotel is around 3 miles from the city center and has excellent customer service. Another option for those looking to stay beachfront is the Brisamar Hotel & SPA Sao Luis  (from $60 a night). This luxurious beachfront accomodation is also only 3 miles from the city center.

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If you are planning a visit to Brazil , you need to add Santos to your itinerary. Santos is a beautiful beach town , a little less than 2 hours driving from the busy and expensive city of Sao Paulo. In Santos, you can enjoy the ocean breeze, go for a swim, or try some fresh fruit juice and local food in one of the beach bars, while you tan and enjoy the awe-inspiring views. 

Santos is one of the oldest cities in Brazil with plenty of cheap or even free activities to explore as one of the cheapest destinations in South America. Start with a visit to the beautiful historic city center , then head to the largest port in Latin America for a nice walk and exploration. 

One of the highlights in Santos is the largest beach garden in the world , earning a spot in the Book of Records with 5,335 meters long, full of flowers and 1,700 trees.

Some of the must-visit places in Santos are the Municipal Aquarium , the Porto Museum , and the Official Coffee Exchange ; gathering in an imposing building, with panels and stained-glass windows by Benedito Calixto, cafeteria, and museum.

Another must-see spot in Santos is the Pelé Museum , featuring a four-story building that tells the history of the famous Brazilian, and of course, the story of the world soccer legend.

Where to stay in Santos: A great, luxurious option in Santos is the Sheraton Santos Hotel (from $64 a night) which features an indoor pool and is steps away from the beach. Another affordable hotel is IBIS Budget Santos Gonzaga (from $32 a night) located in downtown Santos, also fairly close to the beach.

Chile, as one of the most narrow destinations in South America, offers various affordable vacation spots perfect for all travelers. From the historic heights of the Andes to the snow-capped volcanoes in Patagonia, you will be able to explore this world-class South American country on a budget. Stick around to learn about the cheapest destinations in Chile;  Chiloe Island , San Pedro de Atacama , and  Valparai so .

Chiloe Island

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Chiloe Island is one of those places where it feels as if time stood still. Located n orth of Patagonia , the easiest way to get to Chiloe Island is by bus and ferry from Puerto Montt, on mainland Chile.

Chiloe is an island where the local myths and legends are still alive, and people live their lives believing in them. Some of the mythological characters are depicted in statues around the main cities in Chiloe, such as Ancud or Castro .

Chiloe Island is one of the cheapest destinations in South America, with affordable accommodation in hostels and B&Bs in Andud and Castro. One fantastic place to visit in Chiloe Island is the Chiloe Island National Park , located just south of the island. There are miles of trails going through the jungle, leading right to the Pacific Ocean. You can even spend a night or two here at the on-site campsite only reachable by foot.

Another great thing to do in Chiloe Island is to visit the unique churches made by wood , earning a spot on the UNESCO Heritage list. These remarkable landmarks are found all over the island and are accessible by the area’s cheap public transportation services.

When you visit Chiloe Island, don’t forget to stop at a bakery and eat a kuchen – the traditional cake brought on the island by the German immigrants. It’s interesting how over the years it has become the traditional cake of Chiloe.

It feels that time in Chiloe passes slower, allowing people to connect without any distractions such as the internet. So when you are here, try to make friends with the locals and who knows, you might get invited to a curanto chilote , a traditional supper where the food is cooked underneath the ground.

Where to stay in Chiloe Island:  There is no shortage of unique and budget-friendly accommodations in Chiloe Island. Check out Cabanas Kompatzki (from $55 a night) to enjoy a one-bedroom apartment offering amazing amenities like a sauna, water spots, and free bikes. Another, more affordable spot in Chiloe is Hostal Plaza Chiloe (from $31 a night), boasting the best reviews in all of Chiloe Island.

San Pedro de Atacama

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San Pedro de Atacama is a small town in the world’s driest desert , the Atacama Desert. Located in the north of Chile at an altitude of 2.400 m above sea level, your body might need a day to adjust to the lack of oxygen in the air. While Chile is one of the comparatively expensive countries of South America, there is a way of visiting San Pedro de Atacama on a low budget. 

What will help you stick to your budget is renting a bik e to explore. This way, you’ll have the chance to fully immerse in the nature around you and you can go at your pace. Depending on your level of fitness, you can bike to different places such as Valle de la Muerte . Just ask at the bike rental agency to see what fits you best.

The Atacama Desert is one of the best places for stargazing in the world and the starry night sky is absolutely breathtaking. So definitely don’t miss out on doing a stargazing tour . The best way to get a good price for tours is by walking around town and comparing the prices of different agencies. 

They usually give you a discount if you ask for it, especially if you book several tours with the same agency or if you’re a group of people. When trying to find a budget-friendly place to eat , leave the main road and explore the side streets, that’s where you’ll find the best deals.

San Pedro de Atacama is home to Mars-like landscapes that make you feel like you’re on a different planet. It’s definitely worth visiting on a trip to Chile.

Where to stay in San Pedro de Atacama: An affordable option located only 2,800 feet from the city center is Hotel Casa Algarrobo (from $53 a night). This hotel features a beautiful outdoor pool to escape the heat of the day. An even cheaper spot is Hostal Sumaj Jallpa (from $44 a night), a hostel offering double rooms with shared bathrooms.

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One of the coolest towns in Chile, the port city of Valparaiso is a quirky and affordable destination for travelers who want to add a bit of color and vibrancy to their trip.

Situated on hills overlooking the coast, colorful buil dings are dotted along the steep hillside, with narrow streets twisting and turning up to them. As you walk up the hill, the walls are covered in street art of varying styles and types, giving a fun, Bohemian feel to the town. 

As a result, one of the best things to do in Valparaiso is the most affordable – simply wandering through the city, admiring the wide range of murals all around the town. For many visitors, the street art in Valparaiso  is the highlight of their trip.

When you’ve had your fill of walking through the steep streets, take the old funicular down the hill . Costing just cents, this trip gives you amazing views of the surrounding hills. Then head down to the port to catch a glimpse of the sea. 

Food is cheaper in this part of town, and walking around here can give you some insight into everyday life. If you’re here in summer and want a taste of a beach holiday, it’s a quick and cheap train ride to the resort town of Vina del Mar , with beautiful views all the way. 

Where to stay in Valparaiso:  One of the best places to stay in this Chilean city is Ibis Valparaiso (from $56 a night). This hotel is located only 650 feet from the city’s pier and is known for its tranquil environment. An even more budget-friendly option is Maki Suites ex Hotel Da Vinci (from $22 a night) offering double rooms with private bathrooms.

With Colombia quickly becoming the highlight of many visits to South America, you could say it is the new hip vacation spot of South America. More and more people are choosing Colombia for their budget South America travel, with visits to three of the cheapest destinations in South America– Barichara , Bogota , and Medellin .

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Barichara , a small colonial town about 8 hours northeast of Bogota, is a true hidden gem. The proximity to Chicamocha Canyon, the second largest canyon in the world, makes it a great place for all extreme sports, such as canyoning, rafting, or paragliding. But this stunning town is also a place to relax and recharge while surrounded by stunning mountainous landscapes.

Barichara has luckily yet to be discovered by mainstream tourism and is the perfect destination for budget travelers who like to venture a bit further off the beaten path.

This cool, bohemian town has a good number of local art and craft galleries of local artists selling jewelry, craft, fashion, and accessories. You won’t find streets packed with touristy souvenir shops – instead everything feels just very authentic. There is also a good number of restaurants that are not expensive such as the organic and vegan Shambala .

If you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, you can attend creative workshops, such as the a ll Female Artisanal Paper Making Workshop . You can also hike the Camino Real to the scenic mountain village of Guane where time seems to stand still.

 For more adventurous souls, Chicamocha Canyon is only about an hour away, perfect for any type of adrenaline-filled activity.

Where to stay in Barichara: For a comfortable stay in one of the city’s top hotels, check out Casa Betel Hotel Boutique (from $45 a night). Another, more budget-friendly option is Casona CHARA (from $28 a night), located around 2,000 feet from the city center.

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Colombia is an overall very affordable country to visit – though definitely not the cheapest one in South America. Its capital, Bogota, used to be a no-go for most travelers: huge, known for being a rather dangerous place, it was best avoided. This has thankfully changed and if you decide to visit, you will be pleasantly surprised with a city that has a lot to offer – and at unbeatable prices.You won’t have shortages of  things to do in Bogota . Start your exploration with a walk around Candelaria , the city’s prettiest colonial district: it’s a maze of cobbled alleys and low rise colorful buildings. In La Candelaria you’ll also find Museo Botero , entirely dedicated to the work of Colombia’s most prominent artist – it’s free to visit! Not far from it, Plaza Bolivar is literally the heart of Bogota, and home to its Cathedral , the Capitol Building, and the City Hall . Another museum you may want to check out is the Museo del Oro – the Gold Museum: admission is just $1 USD!For breathtaking views of the city, head up to Cerro Montserrate . You can hike up there – but it’s best not to go by yourself. Alternatively, hop on the cable car which only costs $3.50 one way.Bogota is also a fantastic city for street art: you can easily find the best pieces on a walk around town, but there are also guided tours (some actually free) you can take for a more structured experience.  The best area for food is probably Zona Rosa , where you’ll find lots of restaurants, but it’s not the cheapest spot in Bogota. Street food is the way to go if you are on a budget: make sure to try arepas, delicious corn patties served plain or stuffed with melted cheese.

Where to stay in Bogota:  Bogota has some of the most affordable accommodation options in all of Colombia. Book your stay at Ibis Bogota Museo   (from $37 a night) to stay in downtown Bogota with amazing amenities. Another option is a little further out from the city at Hilton Garden Inn (from $63 a night) which offers a superb spa experience.

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When looking for the best place to go out of the cheapest destinations in South America, it is difficult to ignore all that Colombia has to offer. Whether it be sunbathing on the Caribbean coast, whale watching on the Pacific, or exploring local gems in the coffee triangle , there are so many options. 

Medellin is a great place for a vacation because it offers the perfect medium when it comes to climate and fun activities. Noted as the second most important city in Colombia , Medellin caters to many types of travelers and serves as the perfect hub for those who want to explore other parts of the country. 

When looking at all the things to do in Medellin the first place you’ll want to head to is El Poblado . It is a tourist center and a place where you can find everything from Museums, coffee shops, and restaurants. From El Poblado, you can visit the  Botanical Gardens which are free to enter as well as the nearby Parque Explora and the Planetarium which all can provide you with an afternoon full of educational entertainment. 

While you are here, you can try some of the local food dishes such as the Bandeja Paisa which can be found on sale in most restaurants and eateries around the city. All in all, Medellin offers a great mix of things to do without breaking the bank as well as making it easy to connect to other parts of the country. 

Where to stay in Medellin: The top hotel in Medellin offered at an affordable price is Hotel Dann Carlton Belfort   (from $53 a night). This spectacular hotel offers a refreshing, panoramic pool for the ultimate celebrity treatment. Another great spot in Medellin is Hotel Porton (from $47 a night), with beautiful staterooms featuring warm colors and wooden furniture.

Nestled quietly between Peru and Colombia, Ecuador is often overlooked as one of the cheapest destinations in South America. While the main attraction of the Galapagos Islands may not be within your budget, traveling and backpacking around the other cheap cities in Ecuador will be just as amazing! Stick around to learn about two of the most affordable spots in South America, Cuenca and Quito .

Recommended by Jade from  The Migrant Yogi

The charming colonial city of Cuenca, Ecuador is one of the cheapest destinations in South America to visit. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cuenca is brimming with quaint, cobbled streets, brightly colored colonial buildings, delicious, fresh fruits, and friendly locals.  

There are so many things to do in Cuenca , you’ll never be at a loss.  Among the most popular things to do include visiting Pumapungo Museum to see the shrunken heads, exploring the Old Town , visiting the Cathedral of Immaculate Conception with its iconic blue domes, or simply relaxing in picturesque Parque Calderon .  

For breakfast, head to Cafe Fractal for a hearty meal for less than $4!  Fresh fruit, eggs, pan del dia, juice, coffee, and cheese will give you plenty of energy for the day. For lunch or dinner, try the ceviche at Raymipampa .

If you’re looking for an exciting day trip from Cuenca, head to Cajas National Park , where you can get up close and personal with wild alpacas and horses. The park is free to visit, but it’s helpful to have a guide to not get lost.

Cuenca is a relatively safe city and has a large expat community, making new friendships frequent and easy to come by. There are many hostels available, but oftentimes it’s just as affordable to rent an Airbnb while staying in Cuenca– one of the cheapest destinations in South America.

Where to stay in Cuenca: One of the top places to stay in Cuenca is also very affordable. Oro Verde Cuenca (from $60 a night) features a refreshing pool, a fitness center, and free WiFi– what more could you need? Another great option in Cuenca is Del Parque Hotel & Suites (from $27 a night). This hotel boasts classic colonial-style decorations and furnishings that will truly bring you back in time.

Recommended by Carley from  Home to Havana

Many visitors head to Ecuador as one of the cheapest destinations in South America and a starting point for a tour of the Galapagos, but miss out on all the gems mainland Ecuador has to offer. Ecuador’s capital city of Quito has the largest and best-preserved historical center in South America but boasts more than just historic architecture – wedged between mountains and dormant volcanoes, this city has an incredible view around every corner.

There are plenty of things to do  off the beaten path in Quito that are inexpensive or completely free. Make sure to check out Parque Itchimbia in the late morning or early afternoon for an incredible panoramic view over the city.  

Take in the view over the city from another angle by climbing to the top of the Basilica del Voto Nacional – make sure you continue all the way up to the spire for a view of the bell towers framing the city below!

If you’re looking for a budget accommodation at one of the cheapest destinations in South America, Secret Garden is a popular spot and has a similarly incredible view from its rooftop bar and restaurant, which attracts even those that aren’t guests for a sunset drink overlooking the city. Nearby, the local market “ Mercado Central ” is a fantastic place to try all the favorite local dishes like encebollado, hornado, and llapingachos on a budget. 

Where to stay in Quito: A great and cheap spot located only a couple miles from Quito’s city center is Air Suites Hotel Boutique (from $42 a night). This hotel is located only feet from the Atahualpa Olympic Stadium and features a restaurant and bar within the property. Another affordable hotel in Quito is Hotel David (from $20 a night), located in Alameda Park.

For anyone looking for the cheapest destinations in South America, Peru is the country for you! Peru can be a very inexpensive country if you focus on Peru’s cheaper cities of Lima , Colca Canyon , and Cusco . With plenty of affordable accommodation options and cheap activities in Peru, why not visit one of these cheap cities in South America?

Recommended by Victoria from  Guide Your Travel

Lima is a cheap vacation spot in South America for those who value affordability and a lot of value for money. The city is known for its incredible cuisine, but you don’t need to break the bank to experience all that Lima has to offer.

A great way to get around Lima on a budget is to take the metro . This is a lot cheaper than taxis and will help you save money on your trip. Lima has two major free museums, the Palacio de Gobierno and the Museo de Congreso y la Inquisicion . Coming here is the perfect afternoon activity, especially if the weather is not the best.

The city’s beaches are also a great place to visit if you’re seeing Lima on a budget. Relax in the sun or explore the nearby neighborhoods.

Another great free activity in Lima to add to your itinerary is the walk along the Malecón . This breathtaking along the cliffs is the perfect way to see the city from another perspective and enjoy the amazing views.Lima offers world-class dining options for all budgets. If you don’t want to spend a fortune on a meal, stick to little restaurants on street corners where you’ll find diverse menu options and delicious local foods . You can find  a meal for as little as 3$ , which is the perfect way to save money in the city without sacrificing quality. You’ll love Lima and its incredible scenery.

Where to stay in Lima: A great and affordable place to stay in Lima is Hotel Boulevard (from $39 a night). Located a 10-minute walk from Parque Kennedy, this cheap accommodation is located near all the best attractions! Another cheap hotel is Faraona Grand Hotel (from $39 a night) which offers a luxurious experience complete with remodeled rooms, live piano music, and flat-screen TVs.

Colca Canyon

Recommended by Ellis from  Backpack Adventures

The Colca Canyon in Peru is one of the cheapest destinations in South America, located around the city of Arequipa . While most people will travel to this region on an organized trip, it is very well possible to go on your own. If arranged in Arequipa, tours to the Colca Canyon aren’t that expensive, but it’s easy to create your own adventure. That makes the Colca Canyon one of the cheapest destinations in South America.

The Colca Canyon has lots to offer to independent budget travelers . It is one of the world’s deepest river canyons and the landscapes are spectacular. Hiking the Colca Canyon is one of the best free activities. In 2 or 3 days you can hike down to the bottom of the valley, stay in friendly homestays , and hike up again. It’s a challenging hike with steep climbs up and down, but the path is easy to follow, and there is no need for a guide. 

The Colca Canyon is also famous for being one of the best places to see the Andean Condor , the largest bird in the world. You can see them flying through the canyon and at the popular condor viewpoint almost right next to you. Seeing the condors in action is of course absolutely free. 

The Colca Canyon is also home to several traditional villages where the local indigenous population is often seen in their colorful clothes. One can spend days in the area exploring the different towns. Most of them are connected with public transportation.

Going on your own is not only an affordable way to see the Colca Canyon, but it will also be more authentic as you can go to those places that are not visited by the tour buses. You might need some more time and planning, but you will be rewarded with spectacular sceneries and immersive cultural experiences.   

Where to stay in Colca Canyon: By far the best place to stay in Colca Canyon is La Casa de Anita (from $41 a night). Guests are offered amazing amenities including an on-site restaurant, free WiFi, and flat-screen TVs. Another great spot is Andes Colca Hostal (from $28 a night) for those looking to save a little more on their vacation.

Recommended by Megan from  Packing Up the Pieces

Peru is one of South America’s most affordable destinations, and the Imperial City of Cusco is no exception. While most people use the city as the gateway to Machu Picchu , there are so many affordable and free things to do within the lovely city limits.

Cusco sits at an elevation of 11,152 feet, and most visitors choose to take it easy and adjust to the altitude for few days. While acclimating, stroll through the hip neighborhood of San Blas , and appreciate one of the city’s beautiful plazas. Visit a fascinating museum like Qorikancha or the Museum of Pre-Colombian Art , both are well worth the $4 entrance fee.

To score an authentic and local meal, head to the San Pedro Market . Order a hearty 2-course lunch menu from one of the food stalls, many of these meals are less than $1.50. Don’t be afraid of the street food, many locals sell goodies like tamales, fresh fruit, or choclo con queso (corn with cheese)  for just 25¢.

Cusco has hidden Inca ruins that are scattered among the hillsides. Many of these sites are free, like I nkilltambo , which rarely sees tourists. There are also free and stellar day hikes nearby, like Cerro Picol , Cusco’s tallest peak that towers over the city at 14,500 feet.

Cusco is one of the cheapest destinations in South America, filled with cobblestone streets, colorful people, and unbelievable remnants of the mysterious and powerful Inca dynasty . Dig deep into the city and integrate as a local to truly find that Cusco is not only of the most affordable South American cities, but one that will steal your heart.

Where to stay in Cusco: It really isn’t difficult to visit Cusco on a budget. Casa Real Hoteles (from $18 a night) offers comfortable accommodation at an amazing price, located right in Cusco City Center. For those looking to add a little luxury to their stay, check out Novotel Cusco (from $65 a night) located in a historic, 16th-century building 3 blocks away from Plaza de Armas.

While many would say Uruguay is the most expensive country in South America, but I would say, they just don’t know where to go! Uruguay can be one of the cheapest destinations in South America if you head into the cheaper cities of Uruguay. Make sure to visit Colonia del Sacramento and Montevideo , two of the most affordable spots in Uruguay to travel to, as soon as you can!

Colonia del Sacramento

Recommended by Pamela from The Directionally Challenged Traveler

One of the cheapest destinations in South America is the historic town of Colonia del Sacramento, a hidden gem in Uruguay. Often overlooked for the cities of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, this colonial town was found ed by the P ortuguese in 1680 . 

You can easily visit Colonia del Sacramento as a day trip from Buenos Aires . Since it’s closer than Montevideo, you’ll save money on transportation – and have more time to explore! Once you’ve arrived, it’s time to get lost in narrow cobblestone streets, vibrant colorful buildings, and old ruins scattered throughout. 

The best, and in my opinion, most beautiful, thing to do in Colonia del Sacramento is walk through Barrio Historico (Old Town). The cobblestone streets are original from when the town was built during the late 1600s. La Calle de los Suspiros is the most famous street in the town due to the vibrant buildings painted red. 

The El Faro Lighthouse stands tall in the historic part of the city. It’s free to explore nearby and only $2 to go to the top. The base of the lighthouse was built in the 19th century over the old ruins, making it look a little different than traditional lighthouses.

Have your meal at one of the quaint, locally owned businesses at the Plaza de Armas located in the center of the city. Don’t miss the Basilica del Santisimo Sacramento while in the plaza – it’s the oldest church in Uruguay! The charming personality of Colonia del Sacramento makes it one of the best cheapest destinations in South America.

Where to stay in Colonia del Sacramento: The hotel that stands out in Colonia del Sacramento, Real Colonia Hotel & Suites (from $64 a night), is extremely affordable and is nestled close to a beach. Another great option offering bright and spacious rooms is Posada El Viajero (from $48 a night).

While the entire country of Uruguay has a reputation for being expensive, Uruguay’s capital, Montevideo, offers plenty of ways to save money as one of the cheapest destinations in South America.

Thankfully, this trendy South American city offers its complete collection of fascinating museums for free ! With more than 50 museums, you could easily spend most of your South America vacation exploring the deep history of Uruguay. 

From immersing yourself in the cowboy culture at Museo del Gaucho to discovering some of the world’s most beautiful artifacts at the Intendencia’s Museo de la Historia del Arte , you will truly uncover some of Montevideo’s best-kept secrets.

Later, seek out a birds-eye-view of Montevideo from one of the colorful Art Deco roofs. A popular spot for this experience is Palacio Salvo on Plaza Independencia , where you will enjoy a free elevator ride to the top of the building.

As one of the cheapest destinations in South America, Uruguay is home to delicious and affordable food. For some massive portions of asado (beef), check out La Pulperia – a highly praised local eatery by the locals.

If you are looking for a hip nightlife experience, book your stay at El Viajero , nestled in Montevideo’s Centro Barrio. A bunk here will only run you around $16 a night, perfect to enjoy during your adventure in one of the cheapest destinations in South America!

Where to stay in Montevideo: The Dazzler by Wyndham (from $62 a night) truly lives up to its name. This beautiful hotel features a fitness center, spa, and a refreshing outdoor pool. Another fantastic accommodation is the Palladium Business Hotel (from $39 a night) located near the new Zona Franca offering a panoramic rooftop terrace complete with a swimming pool.

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It is my dream to go to South America and explore. This post is so inspirational, I love all the colourful places and I have always wanted to go to Bolivia. I didn’t know that it was the cheapest country in South America and I will be heading straight there!

Thanks for sharing all of those great and cheap destinations! All of them looks stunning! I wish I can explore South America soon!

There are so many places still to see in South America! Your article makes me want to go back….

So many amazing places to visit in this post – I’m yet to make it to South America so there’s some awesome ideas here for my first trip!

This is such an amazing guide! I’ve only been to Peru, but it is my goal to see more of South America within the next few years. Argentina and Chile are at the top of the list. 🙂

Such a great post with some fascinating destinations. Uyuni salt lands are so beautiful. Haven’t been to South America yet, but adding it now.

This was an incredibly informative post! I’ve never been anywhere in South America but hopefully will get a chance to when we can travel safely again. Your photos all look beautiful!

Love all these recommendations! There is still so much of South America I still need to see. I have been to Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay and love those places.

THIS is such a useful collaboration post. I’ve been to Peru and Ecuador and found them both very reasonable. I’m looking forward to more South American travel to stretch my travel budget.

Great list! I’ve only made it to Ecuador in South America so I’m hoping I can check off a few more of these destinations post – pandemic

What a great list! I’ve never been to South America before but I’m very inspired to do so now.

I love this collab so much — thanks for putting it together! I’m so excited to get back to traveling soon, and there are a lot of places on this list I still haven’t made it to. Thanks for sharing!

I absolutely love this list. I am from Brazil, but I have to confess that I haven’t explored much in South America yet. There is so much to do, see and try, and even better, it is cheap.

5 Cheapest Countries to Visit in South America

Are you planning a trip to South America? If so, you’ve come to the right place. This article will share with you the cheapest countries to visit in South America.

There are 13 countries in South America and we listed 5 of the most affordable ones so your money will go much further.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

We may earn affiliate commissions from websites we link to, at no cost to you. Click here for details.

From the Andes to the Amazon and everything in between, South America is an incredible continent to visit.

We have travelled across the continent on a budget for six months and found it relatively cheap compared to say our travels in Europe or Africa. But not as cheap as travel in South East Asia. 

Your biggest expense will be the flights to South America and this depends on where you are flying from. Generally speaking, the cheapest countries to visit in South America from the USA are Peru or Colombia as you can get a flight for as little as $200.

We recommend booking the cheapest flight deals with Skyscanner .

Here are our 5 cheapest countries to visit in South America:

Table of Contents

There is no doubt Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America, if not the cheapest. And as a bonus, there is plenty of amazing things to see and do here .

Bolivia is home to some of the most dramatic landscapes on the continent and home to the famous Salt Flats. You can take public transport to Uyuni and book a day tour to visit the Salt Flats once you arrive or book this popular day trip online.  

We also spent some time in La Paz, the main city in Bolivia. You definitely feel the altitude when you walk around as La Paz is one of the highest cities in the world, at just over 3500m above sea level.

But, as this was one of the cheapest places to sleep and eat, we lingered here for longer. Don’t miss out on the Cholitas wrestling – this was so much fun. Check out this entertaining experience here .

From La Paz, you can also visit Potosi and learn more about the silver mines here, plus the town had nice chilled vibes and the town of Sucre has beautiful whitewashed architecture.

Bolivia has the lowest cost of living in South America so your savings will go further here than anywhere else.

The impressive Laguna Colorada is where you see the flamingos and you can check out the turquoise waters of Laguna Verde as well.

We spent the least amount of money in Bolivia on our big trip across South America.

How much does it cost to travel around Bolivia?          

Recommended backpacker daily budget: $25-30 usd.

• Currency:  Bolivian Boliviano /  Exchange rate:  1 USD = 6.80 BOB
• Bed in a dorm room:  $7-$11 (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com  and HostelWorld ). We recommend Down Town Hostel, La Paz
• Private room in hostel/guesthouse:  $15-$25. We recommend Las Brisas & El Museo Hotel Boutique .
• Street food:  $1
• Lunch in a budget restaurant:  $4-$6
• Beer in a bar:  $1-$2
• Transport:  Bus from La Paz to Sucre: 12 hours / $25 per person Bus from Sucre to Uyuni: 8 hours / $12 per person. Reserve your tickets on  Omio
• Book your attractions and tickets online : We recommend Viator  or GetYourGuide
• Stay Connected : Buy an eSIM for Bolivia and get connected the minute you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Bolivia .

2. Colombia 

Whenever someone asks us which is our favourite country in South America, Colombia immediately comes to mind. Fresh coffee, delicious food, stunning towns and the perfect beaches. Colombia has it all, and it is so easy on the budget. 

The nightlife is phenomenal, too, so for anyone travelling on a budget and looking for fun, music and dancing, Colombia won’t disappoint. 

Whether you visit Medellin , Cartagena , or Bogota using our helpful 2-day itinerary , you’re in for a treat! So much culture, incredible cuisine and spectacular scenery to enjoy.

And if you’re keen to visit a stunning region of Colombia, head to Salento, and here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Salento when you get there.

One of our favourite places was the small town of San Augustin, set in the Andes mountains. Nearby the town, you’ll find an archaeological park with the largest group of religious monuments and megalithic sculptures in South America.

And if you love good food, here is a helpful blog for what to eat in Colombia – 11 Amazing dishes you must try.

How much does it cost to travel around Colombia?

• Currency: Colombian Peso /   Exchange rate:  1 USD = 4,850 COP
• Bed in a dorm room:  $7-$15 (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com  and HostelWorld ). We recommend Selvática Alojamiento Eco  in Medellin.
• Private room in hostel/guesthouse:  $17-$25.
• Lunch in a budget restaurant:  $3-$6
• Transport:  Bus from Medellin to Cali $18 (8 Hours), Cali to Papayan $7 (3,5 hours) and Cartagena to Santa Marta $12 (5 hours). Reserve your tickets on  Omio
• Stay Connected : Buy an eSIM for Colombia and get connected the minute you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Colombia .

Mainland Ecuador is a cheap place to travel but visiting the Galapagos islands will cost you a lot, so leave that one for another time.

Getting to Ecuador from the neighbouring countries of Colombia or Peru is relatively easy and affordable, so your best bet is going overland.

Ecuador offers Unesco-listed historic towns such as the capital Quito and Cuenca, adventures in the Amazon rainforest and near the Cotopaxi Volcano . And the town of Banos become travellers’ favourite over the years.

You can stay here for a week and chase waterfalls, join adventure sports, enjoy the local baths or choose any of these other fantastic things to do in Banos .

How much does it cost to travel around Ecuador?

Recommended backpacker daily budget: $30 usd.

• Currency:  USD
• Bed in a dorm room:  $7-$12 (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com  and HostelWorld ). We recommend Community Hostel in Quito
• Private room in hostel/guesthouse:  $20-$28.
• Beer in a bar:  $2
• Transport:  Bus from Quito to Banos $4 (3.5 hours). Reserve your tickets on  Omio
• Stay Connected : Buy an eSIM for Ecuador and get connected the minute you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Ecuador .

4. Argentina 

Argentina feels different to the rest of the South American countries. Suddenly you can eat steak and drink wine on a backpacker’s budget.

Wait a minute, you might think this must be the cheapest country to visit in South America. No, it isn’t, accommodation and transport will cost you more than in Colombia or Ecuador but there are a few travellers perks.

First of all the Argentian peso can be exchanged at the black market rate instead of in the bank and you will get much more for it, making your stay more affordable.

Furthermore, steak and wine are very cheap here, the two main products that Argentina is famous for. It’s kinda the only place where you see shoestring travellers in hostels preparing dinner of steak with a bottle of wine.

Argentina is one of the cheapest countries in South America and you can easily spend months here travelling as it is huge.

Many travellers find it easy to visit cities such as Salta , Mendoza , Cordoba and of course the highlight Buenos Aires . Buenos Aires has plenty of gourmet restaurants to splash out, awesome museums, beautiful parks, and crazy nightlife too. 

Please read our 2 Days in Buenos Aires Itinerary to help you plan the perfect stay. These 16 Best Restaurants in Buenos Aires  are guaranteed to satisfy you.

We absolutely loved all of the cities and each city offered something else. Argentina also had some of the nicest hostels to stay in, check out Hostelworld for the best places to stay at the lowest price.

Find some great little apartments for surprisingly affordable prices on Booking.com , too.

If you can travel down to Patagonia, you will be rewarded with the most incredible landscapes. You can take an overnight bus or pay for the flight. Either way, search Omio.com for the best deals.

We highly recommend you visit the incredible Perito Moreno Glacier .

You can read more in our comprehensive guide to visiting Perito Moreno Glacier from El Calafate; it includes everything you need to know.

Some lucky travellers reach Ushuaia, the end of the world and ask around for last-minute bookings for a trip to Antarctica.

It’s not usually a budget-friendly trip, but a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and it will set you back around $4000-$5000 per person for a 7-day all-inclusive expedition.

How much does it cost to travel around Argentina?

Recommended backpacker daily budget: $30-35 usd.

• Currency: Argentinian Peso /  Exchange rate:  1 USD = 900 ARS
• Bed in a dorm room:  $20-$30 (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com  and HostelWorld ). We recommend Rayuela Hostel Boutique in Buenos Aires for dorm beds/private rooms.
• Beer in a bar:  $1
• Transport: Bus Mendoza to Buenos Aires $25 (12 hours), Bus Cordoba to Mendoza $24 (11 hours). Reserve your tickets on  Omio
• Book your attractions and tickets online: We recommend Viator  or GetYourGuide
• Stay Connected : Buy an eSIM for Argentina and get connected the minute you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Argentina .

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

Click here and get 5% off Heymondo from us!

Peru is one of the most popular destinations in South America, with Machu Picchu being a highlight of anyone’s travels in South America.

And while entry to Machu Picchu is expensive, starting from $45 per person (if you book your ticket online here ), overall Peru is one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. 

View all options available to visit Machu Picchu .

There are some amazing hiking routes and the best food and nightlife in the capital, Lima. Read our perfect 2 days in Lima itinerary here . For something else, check out the Nazca lines (ancient geoglyphs).

Cuzco is the oldest continuously inhabited city in South America, and it serves as the getaway to the cities and villages of the Incas, including Machu Picchu.

Lake Titicaca is another destination not to miss. Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, you could easily travel around here for a month to try and see it all. A good idea if you have the time to slow down and explore the cheapest countries in South America more in-depth.

If you’re a little short on time, this day tour of Lake Titicaca from Puno in Peru is recommended.

And you will no doubt visit the cosmopolitan capital city of Peru, Lima. Although Lima is known for its fancy restaurants, there are plenty of lunch deals known as ‘almuerzo’, which translates to the daily menu in English.

These lunch deals are great and usually include soup, a main dish and a drink for around $6-8.  

Lima offers inexpensive buses to get around too, so it’s a cheap way to explore the city.

Get Connected with eSIM

Get connected easily on your travels—buy an eSIM! It works like an app: buy it, download it, and get connected in minutes! It’s easy, affordable, and convenient. Keep your original phone number, too!

Use our code: RACHEL5045  to get $3 off your first purchase!

How much does it cost to travel around Peru?

• Currency:Peruvian Sol / Exchange rate:  1 USD = 3.77 PEN
• Bed in a dorm room: $7-$13 (Check Prices & Availability on Booking.com  and HostelWorld ). We recommend Kokopelli Hostel Barranco  in Lima.
• Private room in hostel/guesthouse:  $20-$30
• Street food:  $1-$2
• Transport: Bus Cusco to Arequipa $13 (10 hours), Lima to Trujillo $28 (9 hours). Reserve your tickets on  Omio
• Stay Connected : Buy an eSIM for Peru and get connected when you arrive! View eSIM Data Packs available for Peru .

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation on Booking.com
• 🎟 Book your tickets online: We use Viator and GetYourGuide
• 🔋 Stay charged: This Belkin Power Bank is essential!
• 📸 Join a Group Tour: View our tours OR search Tourradar
• ✅ Get Connected with eSIM: Easy and affordable! View eSIM

So how much does it cost to travel to the cheapest countries in South America?

On average, you can eat, sleep and travel around the most affordable countries in South America for less than $30 USD per day .

Here are a few tips on how to stay within your budget:

• Keep track of your spending in 4 categories: food, accommodation, transport and other expenses. Write it down each day or create an Excel sheet to account for it, or you could use a free phone app. You will easily see where your money goes and if you need to spend less on certain things.
• Travel slowly; the faster you move, the more money you’ll spend on transport
• Take overnight buses to save time and cost on accommodation
• Take advantage of hot lunch deals like cheap bakery eats and make something simple for dinner.
• Search for free things to do and see in South America, especially in the cities, from our list of the cheapest countries to visit. 
• Stay in hostels—they will help you stay on budget and meet other travellers. Check out HostelWorld for the best deals.

Travel Tips for South America

We have many travel guides and tips for South America—a colourful and vibrant continent!

We believe these are the 15 best places to visit in South America.

Are you travelling on a budget? These five cheapest countries in South America will help you plan an itinerary that lets you see as much as possible.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across South America. There’s Colombian cuisine , Venezuelan food , the food in the Dominican Republic , Brazilian cuisine , and even Guyanese cuisine to inspire you on your culinary journey.

For food lovers, don’t miss our top 10 best countries for food.

Would you like some suggestions for packing for your South American adventure? Our ultimate packing list for travellers  has you covered for the essentials. 

These top 6 travel hacks to save money are great to read when planning your travels. Try these 5 popular foods in South America ; they’re delicious!

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in South America. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual countries , or consider a regional eSIM for Latin America (which covers 19 countries).

If your travels in Latin America are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in Latin America, or view Tourradar deals on group tours in Latin America .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours : We now offer Group Trips; check them out here . Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

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• 6 budget-friendly destinations in South America for 2023
• < Travel inspiration

Travel inspiration

By David Szmidt January 4, 2023

By David Szmidt | January 4, 2023

Where are the cheapest and most interesting places in South America? Do you want city life, beautiful scenery, or both? Here’s our guide to the best places in South America to travel to on the cheap

Obviously, there’s no way we can cover an entire continent, but for those of you who’ve decided that 2023 will be the year you visit South America , here are a few of our picks. From coastal resorts to mountain towns; big city vibes to backpacker favorites, here’s what you need to know for a trip to South America.

La Paz, Bolivia

Best for: backpacking on a budget.

Of all the countries in South America, Bolivia is generally the cheapest for tourists, so naturally, La Paz should be on your list if you’re on a budget. The Bolivian capital is high up in the mountains, over 4,000m above sea level, and once you’ve got used to that, it’s time to do some exploring.

Whether you’re discovering the colonial buildings — including some fine churches — or some of the more curious local things such as the Witches’ Market (really), you’ll find something going on at street level. Exhausting hikes up apparently impossible inclines will often emerge onto peacefully pretty plazas that you had no idea existed beforehand, and the rapid expansion has brought a (sometimes) pleasing randomness to the place. After all that, and if you can’t face another climb, board the cable cars up and over the city for a magnificent view over the madness below.

As night falls, the adventures continue. Many experienced travelers say that La Paz has some of the best nightlife not only on the continent, but in the world. Whether it’s cocktail bars, underground live music clubs, banging techno nights, cozy wine bars or rooftop pool parties, there’s so much going on, and it’s one of the very reasons people intend to come for a week or so and then stay even longer!

Asunción, Paraguay

Best for: good vibes.

Paraguay needs some love. Uruguay has its beautiful beaches , Argentina has food, wine and passion , Brazil dances to its samba beats, while Paraguay… Well, it should be appreciated more.

Paraguay is routinely ranked one of the “ happiest countries in the world “, mainly due to its philosophy of tranquilo pa — a combination of the Spanish word for ‘calm’ and the local Guaraní suffix pa . It’s kind of a combination of laid-back, happy and easygoing, but not so much that one neglects important things. It doesn’t mean no-work-and-all-play, but the idea that family, friendship, learning, work, and seeing the bright side of things should balance out, giving you a feeling of satisfaction with your lot in life.

The capital of Paraguay certainly feels like this. It’s not a big place — only around half a million people — but it’s a very young city (65% of its residents are under 30). And it’s certainly tranquilo pa; it’s not the most spectacular place you’ll ever visit, but it’s interesting, affordable, friendly, walkable, and relaxed.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Visit Paraguay (@visitparaguay)

Like La Paz , however, when the sun goes down, you’ll realize how a city this youthful can seem bigger than it is. You’ll always find something cool going on, but you’ll never have to drag yourself miles across the city to experience it. If you’re not quite ready for Rio de Janeiro , would find São Paulo intimidating, or think Buenos Aires is too obvious, try Asunción. You’ll be surprised.

Cartagena, Colombia

Best for: beach life.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by CARTAGENA, COLOMBIA 🌴🏖️ (@descubre_cartagena)

One of South America’s most beautiful cities, the Old Town of Cartagena is a Unesco World Heritage Site, containing beautiful churches, rows of colorful colonial houses and dramatic, fortified walls.

The city itself is considered rather an upmarket place, all things considered. There’s a wide selection of luxury hotels and fancy restaurants, but there are still plenty of budget options too, both in places to stay and in dining. Even sticking to the staples — meat, rice, fish, salad, things of that ilk — you’ll find meals that are satisfying, tasty and cheap.

Being situated on the Caribbean coast, Cartagena can be considered all things to all people. Want a beach holiday? You’ve come to the right place. Would you rather simply wander around, exploring the city? Perfect — it’s accessible, a great place to lose yourself, and teeming with history. Looking for street art, cool bars and local musicians? No worries — the area of Getsemaní, once a notorious drug- and crime-ridden locale is now one of South America’s coolest places to be.

It’s an amazing time to come and see a place that has seen it all, done it all, and not only survived, but reinvented itself as a thriving, colorful city that is a must-see for any South American adventure.

Canoa, Ecuador (and Ecuador in general)

Best for: meeting the locals.

The coast of Ecuador is becoming more and more well-known as a place to go and party, surf, and generally go crazy. If, however, you’d like to keep the beach vibe but don’t feel up to the endless madness, the small town of Canoa is the place to be. With hills on one side and empty beaches on the other, it’s a much more mellow proposition than a lot of other places. It’s more of a lie-on-the-sand-with-a-beer than a dance-’til-dawn sort of town and, in many ways, it’s the better for it. You’re more likely to be mixing with locals, and while the seafood is as good as anywhere else, the prices are lower.

The rest of the country stands up to further exploration as well, to be honest. It’s South America in microcosm: beaches on one side, the Andes in the middle, the Amazon in the east, as well as the Galápagos Islands (although this is an article about budget travel — you won’t get there on the cheap).

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Visit Quito (@visit_quito)

The capital, Quito, is a 17th-century treasure trove of churches, mansions, avenues and plazas, while up in the Andes there are villages that continue their ancient way of life, farming, weaving, and trading at tumbledown market stalls. The ways of the people, as well as the land on which they live, are being protected (particularly when it comes to tourism), with the Ecuador Ama la Vida program promoting bio-tourism, environmental protection and cultural respect.

Wherever you go, you’ll find a country that knows where it’s come from, knows where it’s going, and has found a good balance between tradition and objective. It’s a rare and difficult thing to do, but slowly, Ecuador seems to be managing.

The Highlands, Peru

Best for: history buffs.

Peru is the number one nation on a lot of South American travel lists, and with good reason. Cities like the capital, Lima , and the former Incan capital, Cusco are rightly famous, as is the legendary Machu Picchu, attracting tens of thousands of visitors a year. But we’re going to look at the wonders of the Andean highlands.

We know that a lot of tourists are after an experience that is, to use that awful and overused word, “authentic”, and this part of the world is the closest you’ll get to it. English is spoken very infrequently, so your Spanish had better be at least okay (or use this as a learning opportunity), you’ll discover that the colorful clothes, rugs and hats are not gimmicks, but traditionally handmade and used with love, and that llamas are cooler in real life than in pictures on the internet.

Of course, there are many places to stop off on your jaunt, including the town of Cajamarca — (supposedly) a site of Incan royal bathing spots; Huánuco, normally a stop-off between Lima and the Amazon rainforest but well worth your time; the hot springs and hiking trails near Huancavelica; and numerous chances to explore mountains, valleys, plains, forests, caves — pretty much everything you could want, without virtually ever coming across another tourist. It’s as good as it gets.

Ybycuí National Park, Paraguay

Best for: jungle adventures.

We’ve already mentioned Paraguay in this article, so we’re going to finish with a place that’s well within reach of Asunción: Ybycuí National Park. We’ll deal with the unusual name first — it means “sandy” in the local Guaraní language. So there you go.

It’s not difficult to get to from the capital. At around 150 kilometers away, it’s a straightforward drive and you’ll have no problem finding people willing to act as a taxi service. The park itself is a dense forest of tightly-canopied trees, rocky undergrowth, waterfalls and pools, all soundtracked by the numerous species of birds and monkeys that live there.

It’s not huge, but there are a number of routes to walk along, and you’re permitted to swim in some of the pools under the waterfalls, as well as take your own picnic if you so wish. It can sometimes get busy, but it shouldn’t ever be overwhelming.

The other curious aspect of the park is the remains of the Minas Kue armaments factory. During the Paraguayan War, this part of the park — being rich in iron ore — was mined, and the iron ore was smelted and used to make weapons and bullets. The smelting plant and factory are now both abandoned, but there’s a museum showing the history of the place as well as an overview of the conflict. It’s strange to contemplate a bloody struggle when surrounded by so much beauty, but it’s just another side to this unusual, compelling country.

  View this post on Instagram   A post shared by Kiwi.com (@kiwicom247)

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Travel South America on a Budget – 6 Insider Tips

By: Author Tim Leffel

Do you want to travel South America on a budget? Well I’ve got a few time-tested ideas on that subject since I’ve been there many times for extended periods. The continent can be a great value if you do it right. 

I’m getting excited because after visiting Argentina a few months ago, in September I’m flying down to Colombia for what I think will be my 13th or 14th trip to South America . Sometimes it has been work, sometimes a vacation, but it’s never been boring either way. Most of the time it has been a terrific travel bargain too. 

Traveling on a budget in South America is hard to generalize about because of widely varying economies and continual exchange rate changes. Argentina is especially unpredictable, going from cheap to expensive to cheap again in the past decade, depending on how their financial crisis of the day was playing out. Right now it’s the best bargain in the Americas if you bring plenty of cash to Argentina . 

Over the years, three of the countries that charged a lot to enter have dropped their reciprocal visa fees too, which lopped $160 per person off of your South America vacation cost. The only country still socking visitors for this now is Bolivia. Fortunately, after you get in, Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries to travel in on the continent.

In general, South America is a pretty good deal for shoestring travelers, but an excellent deal for mid-range travelers. Even in the capital cities you can get a decent hotel room for $40 or less per night . Most of the middle-class locals are not rich either, so it’s easy to find budget places to stay and day tour prices are usually reasonable.

If you’re past the point of traveling on a shoestring budget and your travel style requires more comfort, you’ll get a lot for your money in most of these countries and a rather average vacation budget will stretch a long way.

Meal time is usually a good value throughout this part of the globe. More on that further down.

Table of Contents

Best Places to Visit in South America on a Budget

There are a few countries that have appeared in every edition of my book, The World’s Cheapest Destinations . If you spend most of your time in these, adding on the ones where the dollar is currently extra strong, you’ll get able to cover a big chunk of South America on a typical backpacker budget of $1000 to $1,800 per month for a single, $2,000 to $3,000 for a couple.

So what are the best places to visit in South America on a budget? If you wanted to backpack through South America for a few months or more?

I’d say you should probably fly to Central America first, because you can do it more cheaply with money or miles, then make your way through Panama and either fly or take a boat to Colombia. Or find a flight deal to Cartagena or Bogota—two of the cheapest places to fly to in South America—and start your South America itinerary there.

Spend a few weeks in Colombia , taking advantage of a historically weak local currency, Limit your time in Cartagena as it’s the most expensive city by far. It’s much more reasonable in the Coffee Triangle, Santa Marta, Medellin, and the mountain towns.

Then go overland to Ecuador and watch your money instantly buy even more. (Except imported liquor and wine.) Quito and Cuenca are worth spending time in and are good bases for exploration of other towns and the Andes Mountains. Then you’ve lots of adventure activity options , beaches at the right time of year, and hot springs areas.

The big draw of South America for many travelers is Peru , which is thankfully quite a bargain after you get past the Machu Picchu costs that are going to break your budget for a few days. Suck it up and go, but then spend some time in cheaper, less crowded areas like Colca Canyon, Arequipa, Amazonas , or even the Sacred Valley towns and mountain villages where nobody else bothers to spend the night.

If you get away from the tour bus locations, Peru can be a very cheap place to travel . It’s a great value.

After Peru, you can head to Bolivia overland via Lake Titicaca or elsewhere, reaching what is in many respects the cheapest country in South America. Thanks to its hefty visa fee and general lack of promotion, it’s also one of the least developed for tourists, which is a good thing for budget backpackers.

The only area getting a sizable number of visitors is the Salar de Uyuni salt flats area, the star of many an Instagram feed. It is a trippy, otherworldly place indeed. Try to spend more than a day there, maybe even going overland through the desert to Atacama if you’re headed to Chile. (Chile is no bargain though, so I’m not including it on this list.)

The cheaper option from Bolivia is to head over to northern Argentina , to the dry Salta Province area, a sparsely populated region that looks somewhat like the American Southwest, but with more wineries. See a Salta travel story I wrote here . 

Then explore the rest of Argentina as you wish, keeping in mind that the distances are vast and you’ll spend a lot of time on overnight bus trips if you don’t have splurge money set aside to fly now and then. Also remember there’s a high season and a no go season for Patagonia and plan accordingly. Your budget will be higher for Patagonia as well, especially when visiting the Perito Morena Glacier .

Overall though, costs are historically low in Argentina as I write this in 2022 and what you get for your money is unbelievable sometimes, especially for eating and drinking. Argentina craft beer just might be the best-priced on the planet right now, thanks to the exchange and the fact that Argentina can grow hops and barley, unlike its neighbors further north. 

If you had your heart set on getting a Chile passport stamp, it would be an easy crossing in the Patagonia region, which is shared by both countries. Or you can cross to Santiago from Mendoza overland to visit wine regions and Valparaiso. Assume your daily budget is going to double as soon as you cross the border though, so you’re probably going to want to make the Chile part a quick in and out.

A few years ago I would have said to end it there, but once-expensive Brazil has gotten reasonably priced for now if you’re coming with U.S. dollars. That’s partly because of a currency drop, but also because, as I mentioned earlier, they dropped their expensive and cumbersome visa fee. Brazil has a completely different vibe than the Spanish-speaking countries and some of the best music in the Americas. See the post I did earlier on travel prices in Rio .

From a logistics standpoint, if you’re heading to Rio de Janeiro from Argentina, you can now stop on both sides of Iguazu Falls, seeing them from the Argentina side and the Brazil side. Before the visa change, you had to cough up a lot of money to do this. But when I was on an Intrepid Travel tour a few years ago that went through here , it was quite easy, no extra fees beyond park admissions.

You’ll probably want to see more of Brazil, maybe checking out some of the great beaches along the coast. Then head home or onward from where you can find a good flight deal. That’s more likely to be from Brazil than Argentina these days, though you may be better off flying from Brazil to another country to the north and then getting a second ticket from there. Scope out the options on Google Flights or Skyscanner .

To recap, the best countries to visit in South America, if you’re on a tight budget, are Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, and Argentina. If you stick to those you can get by for quite cheap–though understand that the Galapagos Islands and Easter Island are out of your budget range. If you do have some splurge money set aside, visit the Galapagos and add more expensive countries (though still not terrible) like Chile and Uruguay . If you’re a nature buff looking to get away from other tourists, you could head to Guyana. 

Take Your Time on this Continent Meant for Slow Travel

Way too many people hurry through Peru and only see the sites thronged with tourists, or they try to cover vast distances in a short time when they travel in South America. As a result, they are handing much of their money to transportation companies every day or two. Slow travel is much cheaper travel, especially here.

The easiest way to keep your South America travel budget low, besides picking the right destinations, is to spend some quality time in each place before moving on to the next spot. It can literally cost you twice as much to be on the move every day or two, especially since there are so many long bus rides or more costly flights to deal with to get from A to B. You’re often crossing the Andes Mountains or traversing vast desert or pampas regions, so you want to settle in for a while after the journey.

To give you an idea, driving Chile end-to-end is roughly the same distance as driving from the west coast of the U.S. to the east coast. Driving from the top of Argentina to the bottom is the equivalent of driving from Calgary in Canada through the USA and Mexico to Guatemala City. And Brazil is much bigger than both of those added together!

These bus trips cover such long distances in South America travel destinations that you sometimes get a sleeping berth. Many of them in Argentina and Chile are 24 hours, like Buenos Aires to Bariloche.

You can cut off a lot of time by flying, but domestic flights are often no bargain. They’re quite reasonable in Bolivia (from La Paz especially) and among the cities of Colombia. There are plenty of budget airlines to choose from. Flights can feel way overpriced in Argentina in Peru, however. (In the latter, foreigners pay more than the locals do). Trying to be a box-checking, bucket-listing, country-counting flashpacker is going to cost you far more money–and part of your sanity.

If your time is limited and you want to cover a lot of ground on a short trip, I would strongly advise signing up for an organized tour with a company like Intrepid Travel or G Adventures . You’ll know in advance what your budget is and they’ll take care of all the logistics for you, which is worth a lot. You’re usually looking at $80-$150 a day per person with them. A lot for a long-term traveler, but pretty cheap for a vacationer.

Eat a Big Lunch When Traveling in South America

The way it works is, you usually get a soup or starter; a main course with a few options to pick from; rice, potatoes or pasta; something to drink; and maybe dessert. 

That picture to the right is from a lunch just two blocks from the main plaza in Cusco. It was $3 counting the soup I had already devoured, a drink not pictured here, and a tip. See more examples of Cusco travel prices here .

These afternoon meal deals can range from very humble market stall meals that are literally two or three dollars up to fancier ones meant for office workers that are still only $5 or $6. Whether simple or fancy, these are your most economical choices when eating out. So it’s often best to get into the habit of eating your largest meal in the middle of the day, then having a lighter dinner. Hey, it’s probably better for your weight management too.

Take advantage of street food stalls and local markets as well. Maybe not the first day you arrive, but in general they’re safe when places are busy and you can see the food being prepared. They’re mostly serving working-class locals, so the price is right.

Learn Some Spanish to Travel South America

If most of your international travel has been in Asia or Europe, you may be under the impression that anyone who works with tourists around the world speaks English. There are plenty of areas where this is still not the case though, like any vast area where millions speak the local language. That applies to South America with Spanish . 

Someone could travel from San Diego all the way to the tip of Tierra del Fuego without speaking anything but Spanish—as long as they avoid Belize, Brazil, and the Guyanas. In Mexico I got cable TV with my internet service and I have 200 channels that are Spanish only. It’s the same when I travel in Peru, Argentina, or Ecuador. Since these countries get so many tourists from neighboring countries, it’s not essential for them to have a strong command of English to survive.

Then when you get outside the main South America travel spots that are big tourist destinations, it gets worse. Bring a phrasebook or good app, load up Google Translate or Deepl, and try to learn a bit of Spanish before you leave with a self-study system like Rosetta Stone , Pimsleur, or Duolingo.

Maybe stay in one place for a week or two and take some lessons. Guatemala, Colombia, and Ecuador are known for speaking relatively pure Latin American Spanish. As in they don’t drop letters at the end of words, they don’t speak with an Italian accent, and they don’t use an abundance of slang and idioms in regular speech. So they’re good places to learn and prices are reasonable. Backpacking South America becomes much easier and cheaper once you can communicate at a basic level at least.

If you’re going to spend extensive time in Brazil, learning some (very different) Portuguese can help too. I got by in Iguacu Falls and Rio okay without it: sometimes I could switch to Spanish and they understood that if not English. It’s tougher if you get away from where the tourists are though. 

When to Visit: Outside of High Season if Possible

What’s the best time to visit South America? Well there’s no one answer that’s going to cover all of this vast continent but known when and when not to go can have a big impact on how much money you end up spending. The more the vacation place is a popular destination, the more likely you’ll see big seasonal price swings.

I have written before on how much of an impact there can be on prices depending on when you arrive. Low season can have awful weather or everything is closed, while high season can hit you with peak prices and low room availability. When possible, if you can land in town when it’s shoulder season , that’s a great time to find a middle ground with good conditions and good prices are both in play.

Naturally, the seasonal variations are not going to be the same across all of South America at any given time. Between May and September, Patagonia empties out and many lodges close up for the winter unless they’re in a ski area. You don’t want to go to Peru in February when it’s the height of rainy season and the Inca Trail is shut down.

Then there is a high season in Peru, however, when it’s sunny and dry and everything is green from the past few months of rain. If you want to avoid peak crowds and prices in the mountainous parts of Peru, it’s best to plan on May or Autumn. December can be iffy, but I only got rained on one day when I went on a hiking trip there in early December. 

Apart from known weather patterns like these though, most of the continent is warm all year and just has fluctuations in precipitation, though of course the higher the elevation, the colder it will get in their winter. It doesn’t much matter when you go to the Amazon Rainforest since it’s hot and close to sea level. In Colombia though, the Caribbean coast has different weather than the Pacific coast beach on the other side—and very different water temperatures.

So the key advice is to avoid high season, or at least try to catch the beginning or end of it. Fortunately, the national parks in South America are not nearly as crowded as the U.S. ones, especially in vast Patagonia, so for those you mainly need to look at the weather patterns. Only Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina) and Torres del Paine ever really feel crowded. If a place doesn’t get many tourists, you don’t have to worry much about fluctuations in the price of a private room when you are off the beaten path.

Two periods are uniformly busy across South America. Easter, known as Pascua or Semana Santa, is a bigger holiday than Christmas in most of these countries, with vacations lasting up to two weeks. A month before that you’ve got Carnaval in Brazil and elsewhere, when lodging prices shoot up and rooms can get scarce. 

Also, this being the southern hemisphere, the big “summer vacation” period is January and February, sometimes bleeding into Christmas on the front end and early March on the other. This is a terrible time to visit the beaches of Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Peru, or Ecuador unless you love the high-season energy and want to mix it up with vacationing locals. Plan accordingly. 

Work on Your Patience in the Southern Hemisphere

In much of the USA, Canada, and Europe, efficiency and convenience are prized attributes. No wasted time, get to the point, don’t be late. Things work differently in most of Latin America . Nobody ever seems to be in a hurry, business is done at what seems like a glacial pace to us, and relationships trump logic every time.

Things usually get done eventually, but probably not as fast as you were hoping or expecting. Get used to waiting around, accepting some Spanish form of “later” as an answer, and going with the flow.

On the plus side, most people in South America are gracious, patient, and not all that bothered about you butchering their language. Once you slow down and lower your expectations, it’s kind of nice to let go. Hey, what’s the rush?

For a country-by-country breakdown of these destinations and others around the globe, pick up a copy of the 5th edition of The World’s Cheapest Destinations . This post contains affiliate links, though you will never pay more by using them than you would if you went direct to the site. I just make a small referral commission that helps keep the site running.

Tuesday 30th of May 2023

i travelled mostly to colombia, its beautiful and cheap. also i start using this app, ATM Fee saver, it shows me atms around wiht low fees for withdrawing money. makes me save a bit of money while travelling =)

Tuesday 6th of June 2023

Thanks for the tip Charlie. I'm putting this in the next issue of the Nomadico newsletter! https://atmfeesaver.com/

Tuesday 16th of August 2022

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25 Best Places to Visit in South America, From the Wetlands of Brazil to Easter Island

Experts share their favorite spots across the continent.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

Gabriel_Amaral/Getty Images

As a digital nomad who works and travels full time, I spend a good portion of the year in South America, exploring countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru. From cosmopolitan cities and mountain villages to beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, the continent offers countless incredible destinations and sights.

It can be challenging to narrow down the choices for a South American trip. With the help of Elisban Huarancca, an official tourism guide with Journeys Cusco in Peru, Eva Castro, owner of Creo Ecolodge in Jardin, Colombia, and Alexander Balardjischvili, CEO of C2Rio Tours & Travel , we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best places to visit in South America.

• Best tourist destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
• Underrated hidden gem: Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia
• Best for families: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Best for couples: Valparaíso, Chile
• Best for solo travelers: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Read on for the full list of unmissable spots for your South American itinerary.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Arguably one of the most famous places in the world, Machu Picchu is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The site was initially an Inca citadel, likely built in the 1450s and often called “The Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is about 50 miles from Cusco; you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. You can't visit without a tour guide, so make reservations well in advance.  “The visit to Machu Picchu can be all year round; different climatic factors help to understand the mysterious nature of Machu Picchu,” says Huarancca. However, if you're hoping to avoid rain, he recommends timing your visit between April and the end of October.

Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia

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Jardín is a small town a few hours south of Medellín with colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. I stayed at Creo Ecolodge during my trip, and Castro offered plenty of recommendations. Take a tour of Cueva del Esplendor, the "Cave of Splendor," where you'll find a beautiful waterfall, or head to a nearby coffee farm to learn how Colombian coffee is produced. My favorite is Cafe Historias , which has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Castro says the best time of year to visit is August and September when there are very few travelers. This is also when the annual Jardín Film Festival takes place. It gets much busier in town from December through April, she adds.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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In Buenos Aires , one of my favorite cities in the world, you can find anything from tango shows and street art to the best steak you’ll ever eat. Each neighborhood has something special. Head to La Boca for beautiful murals along the streets, then tour the famous cemetery in Recoleta before stopping at a speakeasy in Palermo. There’s no shortage of fantastic things to do , and the city makes a wonderful home base for seeing more of Argentina.

Valparaíso, Chile

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Less than a two-hour drive from Santiago, this quirky coastal city was once home to 20th-century poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda. Valparaíso is characterized by its eclectic, colorful hillside houses, antique funiculars, and sweeping ocean views. Plus, it's adjacent to Viña del Mar, where you'll find some of Chile's top beaches.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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The Galápagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can learn about the archipelago's unique biodiversity, go scuba diving, lounge on beaches, or embark on a multi-island cruise. You might also swim with sea lions or hang out with giant turtles.

Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia

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Due west of Bogota is Cocora Valley, one of Colombia's most famous hiking destinations. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of Salento or do a multiday hike throughout the valley. There are campsites available for use if you choose to spend the night looking at the stars. It’s famous for having the tallest palm trees in the world, which stand around 200 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. The oversaturated green colors of the hills are stunning. Castro highly recommends going at "golden hour," early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the best views.

The Rock of Guatapé, Colombia

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The town of Guatapé in northern Colombia, directly east of Medellín, is famous for its namesake Rock, which can be ascended via more than 700 steps. At the end of your climb, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the town and the islands in the sprawling Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The town is reachable by bus and less than two hours from Medellín, making it a perfect weekend trip.  “The people here are more welcoming and warm,” says Castro. “When you are walking, you can find many smiling faces … It’s part of our culture.”

San Rafael, Antioqua, Colombia

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San Rafael is excellent “if you really want to have the deepest connection with yourself and with nature,” says Castro. She recommends Vanadurga Ashram , a yoga sanctuary, for a retreat or to continue your practice while traveling here. “These places are really magical, and you can learn how to change your perspective," Castro adds.

San Rafael is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. You can bird-watch, hike, or simply soak in nature. “People want to come to have an inner journey,” says Castro. “If that’s your goal — to find out something inside of you — I’d recommend places like San Rafael.”

The Lost City, Magdalena, Colombia

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The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is located near Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It’s estimated to have been founded in the eighth or ninth centuries, making it hundreds of years older than Machu Picchu. The area is believed to have been home to around 2,000 people and about 170 terraces, with apparent spaces for living, working, and religious practice. Getting there requires a three- to six-day trek with a tour company. On the way, you'll see rare native plants and wildlife, which is an adventure in itself. 

Cusco, Peru

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If you're interested in Inca ruins, Cusco is the perfect place. It makes a great starting point to reach Machu Picchu, but you can also see traces of the city's Incan origins alongside colonial architecture. Many travelers spend a few days here exploring and acclimating to the 11,150-foot elevation. (As a comparison, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet.) The winding streets, Baroque churches, and art and history museums will leave you charmed.

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru

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Close to Cusco in the Andes Mountains is Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain because of the colorful stripes on display year-round. The colors result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice to create rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens.

Amazon Rain Forest, Peru

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The Amazon rain forest spans eight countries and is almost 2.6 million square miles in size. You can visit the Peruvian Amazon from three areas: Manú National Park , Tambopata Province, and the city of Iquitos. Each provides something unique to tourists. The best option depends on what you want to see, how much time you can spend, and your budget.  “The only recommendation I can give to international travelers is to make reservations in advance and have good information about the places you will visit,” says Huarancca. “It is necessary to find out the type of food, drinks, and traditions that place has.”

Huacachina, Peru

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Huarancca recommends visiting Huacachina, “a small oasis in the middle of the desert.” Located south of Lima and near the city of Ica, it's a desert village complete with rolling sand dunes on all sides. You can't swim in Huacachina Lagoon, but you can rent paddleboats to glide across the water. It’s the only natural oasis in all of South America, formed by underground aquifers.

Colca Canyon, Peru

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In Peru, Colca Canyon is another tourist attraction that you shouldn't miss, according to Huarancca. It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and you can take a day trip from Arequipa to see it or tackle a multiday trek for the most spectacular views. Either way, you're likely to see plenty of native wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

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Lake Titicaca straddles two South American countries and is the largest freshwater lake on the continent, as well as the world's highest navigable lake. It’s an estimated three million years old, and contains human-made islands constructed of layers of tortora roots and reeds. The number of islands varies at any given time but is usually somewhere between 60 and over 100. This place is extremely important to Peruvian and Bolivian indigenous communities, and offers some of the best views in the Andes.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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Originally a prehistoric lake that went dry, Bolivia's salt flats are the largest in the world. Now Uyuni Salt Flat is around 4,200 square miles of striking white salt and rock formations. If you visit between December and April, which is the rainy season, you may see bright pink flamingos. Many people who have visited when water is on the ground describe the experience as walking on a cloud since the sky is reflected in the water. Book a room at Luna Salada Hotel , which is close to the flat and made of salt, for a very special stay.

Pantanal Wetland, Brazil

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Measuring more than 40 million acres, this is the biggest wetland on earth. Brazil's Pantanal Wetland is also one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including jaguars and crocodiles. Balardjischvili recommends “bringing insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a sweatshirt — and always hydrate.”

Petrópolis, Brazil

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A royal summer retreat in the 19th century, Petrópolis is a mountain resort city outside of Rio de Janeiro known for its palaces, architecture, and food. “Visit Petrópolis on a guided tour to enjoy the historical aspect," Balardjischvili says. "Always book your tour [with] legalized companies with good reviews."

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Christ the Redeemer is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see for anyone heading to Brazil. The statue of Jesus stands almost 125 feet tall and looks over Rio de Janeiro . When visiting the marvel, you can expect phenomenal views of the city. Balardjischvili recommends booking a ticket in advance to take the train to see the statue.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Sugarloaf Mountain is a major landmark in Brazil, well known for the panoramic city views from the top. When the cable car system opened in 1912, it was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. “For Sugarloaf, visit it in the morning, as it is fresher; sunset is beautiful but extremely crowded," says Balardjischvili. "If you're traveling during the high season, buy a skip-the-line ticket." The mountain peak is almost 1,300 feet high, so you’ll be grateful you don’t have to climb all the way up. 

When asked about the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, Balardjischvili says May or June, when "you’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days with no rain and 77 degrees.”

Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

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Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is comprised of about 275 individual waterfalls, making it one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Most of the waterfalls are on the Argentina side, but the tallest is on the Brazil side. It’s a stunning sight to behold and an absolute must for anyone traveling through South America.

Patagonia, Argentina

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Patagonia is larger than many countries around the world and is split between Argentina and Chile. You can expect each city in the region to feel unique; some of the most popular in Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, and El Chaltén. Whether you go to Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos de Bariloche or hike one of the 300 glaciers throughout the region, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Zuccardi Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina

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Wine aficionados won't likely want to leave Argentina without sampling a few vintages. Zuccardi Valle de Uco , an award-winning winery, lives up to its reputation, with fantastic wines and the Andes as a stunning backdrop to the property's extensive vineyards. Reservations for tastings and tours can be made online.

Punta del Este Beaches, Uruguay

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Uruguay is still relatively underrated, but it's a fantastic place for international travelers. It takes just a couple of hours by ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Punta del Este, which has some of the best beaches in the country, plus high-end shopping and excellent steakhouses.

Easter Island, Chile

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Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, about a 5.5-hour flight from Santiago. The remote destination is populated by nearly 1,000 stone statues of human figures, called moai , which are believed to have been created between the 10th and 16th centuries.

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33 Best Places to Visit in South America for an Epic Adventure

When people think of the best places to visit in South America, they think of a destination in rawness, vast wilderness, and spectacular scenery.

The amount of outdoor adventure available on this continent could keep a traveler busy for months on end and still leave you begging for more in the cultural and historical adventure.

It’s a continent we’re ready to explore more of during our travels and every time we start looking at photos, realize we may end up spending months there once we set foot on land.

Of course, not everyone travels that way, but adding a little adventure to your travels will encourage you to be more active and get out to explore more of this fantastic world that we live in.

To define what is the very best is a matter of perspective and passion, so we’ve asked our fellow travel bloggers to share their favorite South America adventure experiences with us.

While this article could go on for days with all the unique and cool experiences to be had on the continent, these are the places and adventures you absolutely shouldn’t miss.

Don’t leave home without: Lonely Planet South America (Travel Guide)

Best Places to Visit in South America

Table of Contents

1. Ice Trekking on the Perito Moreno Glacier (Argentina)

The Perito Moreno Glacier is one of the largest and most accessible glaciers in Patagonia. Recognized as one of the only growing glaciers in the world, Perito Moreno is an extensive ice sheet that stretches more than 30km and rises 80 meters above Lago Argentino. 

My boyfriend and I visited the glacier in January when the weather was pleasant and mild. Due to its location in southern Argentina, Perito Moreno is best visited during South American summers, from November to March. Even during the summer months, however, the weather can be volatile and unpredictable. 

In order to best explore the glacier, we joined a three-hour glacier trekking tour and set out to discover the cracks and crevices of the massive ice sheet.

Initially, debris and rocks made the edges of the glacier dirty and brown. But the farther we trekked into the center of the ice field, the cleaner the glacier became and the bluest blues imaginable started to sparkle all around us.

At some points, the glacier’s spires rose sharply skyward. In other places, the ice stretched out smoothly, interrupted by cobalt pools and streams of meltwater. 

While viewing the Perito Moreno Glacier from the park’s network of boardwalks is incredible, there is no better way of experiencing the sheer size of the glacier, than by trekking across its rough and slippery surface with crampons and a harness. The expedition is incredible and the views, unforgettable.

Contributed by Erika, Erika Travels

2. Kayaking in Mocona (Argentina)

Misiones province in Northeast Argentina is not only home to the Iguazú falls, but also to the lush Yabotí biosphere, a 250,000 hectares protected reserve created by UNESCO in 1995. 

It is made of untouched pristine rainforests – in short, this is the Argentinian jungle. Moconá is also where you can see one of the most fascinating and unique natural phenomenons: the Saltos de Moconá, or The Mocona Falls .

The Don Moconá Virgin Lodge offers a wide variety of adventure options such as jungle treks, kayaking, tubing, rappelling, and ziplining.

Our favorite experience was kayaking on the Yaboti river all the way to the larger Uruguay River, which forms the natural border between Argentina and Brazil.

There’s something quite spectacular about kayaking in between 2 countries, in the middle of the Argentinian jungle.

The Yaboti Biosphere is the area surrounding the Moconá Falls with a rich sub-tropical forest ecosystem, a large diversity of fauna and many endangered species of reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Mokona has a subtropical climate with changing landscapes, so the jungle flora and fauna you can see at different times of the year.

This makes it a year-round destination. But remember to bring mosquito repellent – they’re particularly fierce out here.

Contributed by Stefan, Nomadic Boys

3. Hiking to Laguna de Los Tres (Argentina)

Hiking to Laguna de Los Tres is one of the most picturesque hikes in Patagonia, Argentina. The hike starts in the village called El Chalten and ends at the closest point of the famous Fitz Roy mountain.

It is not considered a very difficult hike, but the last stretch is very steep and the temperature drops significantly, so it takes a lot of effort to reach the top.

The wind was very strong and it was very cold on the top and the road leading up there was slippery. It took us about 5 hours to reach the lagoon.

On the bottom of the mountain, the surrounding nature is green and there are a few rivers to cross. The temperature is warm and the view is beautiful.

For about four hours it is a very pleasant, easy hike. The last hour of the hike becomes very difficult because the weather gets cold and windy.

Once I reached the top, I couldn’t spend too much time up there because of the wind, but the view was spectacular. Seeing the peak of the Fitz Roy mountain reflecting in the turquoise blue lagoon was worth all the effort.

It is best to do this hike in December-February when it is Summer in Argentina because even in the Summer this region is cold. It often snows during this time of the year. This hike is recommended to advanced and amateur hikers.

Contributed by Barbara, Jet-Settera

4. Hiking in Los Glaciares National Park (Argentina)

Glaciers around the world are mostly shrinking. The ones in Patagonia, on the other hand, are still growing. A place to see them is Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina , a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

With trails suited for families with kids as well as hard-core hikers and climbers, this park offers opportunities for everybody who enjoys the outdoors. Go for a short walk to enjoy a good view of Fitz Roy’s pinnacles.

Hoist your rucksack and set out for a multiple-day hike to Cerro Azul and tent at designated campgrounds in beech forests. Do you like a technically challenging mountain? Climb the Fitz Roy or Cerro Torre.

Add a predawn hike to Laguna de Los Tres for the ultimate sunrise, and bring a thermos to Lagune Torre to sip your coffee while watching how chunks of ice break off the glacier.

The town of El Chaltén is the perfect hiking hub for this area. Here you can stock up on food, or buy hiking gear and camping equipment.

Go in November-April, when it’s summer in the Southern Hemisphere but note that it can get very busy in January and February.

Contributed by Karin-Marijke, Landcruising Adventure

5. Whitewater Rafting Rio Juramento (Argentina)

If there is one thing I am happy I tried, despite being terrified at the time, that is rafting on the Rio Juramento, in the Salta region of Northwest Argentina.

I had to travel for about 2 and a half hours from Salta to reach the base camp. There, we met with the guides, who after giving us all the gear we needed such as the wetsuit, trained us into all of the necessary safety measures.

Minutes later, we started rafting – 4 groups of 6 passengers each, plus a guide per boat, and a dog, Remo, on our boat. The dog was incredibly chilled, even on the worst of rafts.

We went on level IV rafts, so not too bad, but not exactly a piece of cake either. Whenever I sat in the front, as the raft would come, I could literally see a wall of water in front of me.

Our boat never flipped, though others did and we had to “rescue” the passengers.

The organization was excellent: two extra guides went in front of the group to take pictures. I have great memories of the experience, and it started my addiction to rafting which I now do whenever possible.

Contributed by Claudia, My Adventures Across the World

6. Hiking the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu (Peru)

As one of the most famous hikes in South America, the classic 4-day Inca Trail trek is an experience that should not be missed on a trip to Peru .

It’s a challenging journey where hikers face thin air due to high elevation, steep ascents and descents on stone steps and a narrow path that hugs the edge of a mountain on one side and overlooks a steep valley on the other. Definitely heart-pumping!

As tough as the hike can be, the incredible Inca ruins along the trail, and the reward of Machu Picchu on the final day will make you forget about the difficulties along the way (or at least make you appreciate them).

The most popular time to hike the Inca Trail is from June-August, but May and September generally bring dry, sunny weather and fewer crowds.

The Inca Trail can only be hiked with a licensed tour operator and most companies supply porters to carry the sleeping tents, cooking equipment, and food. All you need to worry about is enjoying the scenery and making it to camp each night.

Trail permits are limited to 500 each day so treks sell out many months, even up to a year in advance, especially during high-season.

Contributed by Rhonda, Travel Yes Please

7. Ausangate Trek (Peru)

Without a doubt, the Ausangate trail offers some of the most wonderful scenery in the whole of the Cusco area.

It features birds, wildlife, glaciers, high alpine lakes, and the infamous rainbow mountains. It is also one of the most challenging in the region with three high passes over 5,000 meters/16,000 feet.

On a clear day, standing at 6,380 meters, Apu Ausangate dominates Cusco’s southern skyline. It is not hard to understand why the ancient Incas held this spectacular mountain in such high regard.

During the whole Ausangate trek circuit you’ll pass local villages where you can meet and observe people that live in the mountain area.

The trek takes at least 5 days with some people opting to do the trek over 5 days and add in a visit to Sibinacocha. Due to the height of the passes that are encountered on this trek, acclimatization can be a problem for some people.

It is recommended that you arrive in Cusco several days early to adjust to the altitude and prepare for the trek.

8. Canoeing in the Amazon (Peru)

Adventurers headed to Peru absolutely can’t miss the opportunity to explore the wonders of the famous Amazon River. Even getting to the Amazon River is an expedition in itself, but when you finally do, the real adventure begins.

Docking the Amazon riverboat at a little riverside town called Lagunas, the next part of the journey requires you to drive out to the smaller river, where you’ll then canoe upstream for the next few hours.

Along the canoeing trip, there are opportunities to jump out and go for a swim, only to find out half an hour later that there are piranhas in the water! You’ll also get the chance to go fishing for the very same piranhas, as well as other Amazon fish, to prepare for dinner that night.

After canoeing throughout the afternoon you’ll make it to your camping spot for the night, where, if you’re lucky, wild boar will be sniffing around the site and you can chase them through the jungle with a crazy guide called Wilfred.

At around 2 or 3 in the morning, in the absolute pitch black of night, jump back in the canoe and go for a slow paddle down the river. This is when all the animals come out to play.

Cayman, with their small red eyes, can be seen glistening in the distance from light of the torch. As the canoe approaches them slowly they retreat below the water, giving you the uncertain reassurance that under your tiny wooden canoe is a rather large Cayman. Sloths, anacondas and exotic birds are some of the other highlights if you’re lucky.

Contributed by Jules, Don’t Forget to Move

9. Hiking Laguna Churup (Peru)

When I came across Laguna Churup in Huaraz, I had never heard of it and really had no idea where it was but I wanted one more party in the mountains before I headed back to the coastline for some much-needed surf and ocean time.

Once I arrived, the town itself was small and quiet. I was there in November and there was almost zero tourists in town. I didn’t actually see a single one until I went to the bus stop again to leave town.

I asked at reception the best way to get to the base of the mountain and set off the next morning in a taxi. The taxi driver knew exactly where to go once I said the name and it took maximum 20-30 minutes from the center of the town.

It is possible to do without a guide and at the time I did it no one seemed to require a pass. It was not an overly tough hike but the altitude, its highest point was about 4500 meters, made the air thin and I found myself a little short of breath at times.

After about 5-6 hours at a pretty good pace, I reached the lagoon. I could not believe what I was seeing. I had seen similar things before but never so completely isolated from others.

There was no one, anywhere. I was not sure if it was the time of year or if I had just randomly stumbled upon some magical land that no one knew about. Either way, I could not have been happier about it.

It started to hail at the top and I began my descent, it is not overly difficult going either way but after the hail, it became covered in ice and climbing down the steep faces holding onto the chains became a little precarious. As long as you have a credible level of fitness and multi-day hikes are not a problem, then you should not have any problems here either.

Overall, I think that being so isolated in such an amazing place was a very special experience and after 6 weeks in Peru, it was one of the most memorable moments of my trip.

Contributed by Dane, Holiday From Where

10. Macaw Research Expedition (Peru)

Set deep in the Peruvian Amazon is an opportunity to commune with nature, become with the Amazon rainforest and help devoted scientists with the research and data gathering of the endangered Macaw.

Access to the research center can be gained from the sleepy Amazon town of Puerto Maldonado on the Madre de Dios River.

The adventure begins from the moment you step into the small boat on the river and begin the 6-hour journey up the river into the Tambopata tributary.

You’ll find almost immediately that you are in a very remote area, in the middle of the Amazon. After the boat trip, you will arrive at the center where you climb up the river bank and are introduced to your home for the duration of your stay.

The days are spent collecting data and in the Amazon jungle. Outings also include early morning trips to the various clay licks in the area to observe a large variety of parrots and Macaws that come in to hang on the clay cliffs and bend your ears with loud noises.

It’s a South America adventure not to be missed.

11. Santa Cruz Trek (Peru)

One of the best options for multi-day hikes in Peru is the Santa Cruz trek. This scenic 50 km (31 miles) hike takes you through lush green valleys, along a river and lagoons, and over a 4760 meters high mountain pass.

The views on the Cordillera Blanca are simply stunning. The trek takes about 4 – 5 days to complete, depending on your pace and how much time you are willing to spend there.

Doing the Santa Cruz trek without a guide is the best option, in our opinion, because you are free to enjoy the beautiful scenic landscapes without being hassled by the demands of a guided trek.

The trail is well-trodden in most parts, so getting lost is not really an issue and finding nice spots to camp is not hard.

According to some guides, the best time to go is between May to September, but we did it in November and had gorgeous weather with most blue skies. Also, if you don’t have camping gear, you can rent most of what you need in Huaraz.

Contributed by Bianca, Nomad Biba

12. 2 Day Colca Canyon Trek (Peru)

Easily one of the best hikes in Peru, the trek to Colca Canyon features treacherous descents, lung burning climbs, and amazing scenery.

Famous not only for its natural landscape but also for its magnificent condors, Colca Canyon is a great place for a challenging hike in South America.

The first day takes you down into one of the world’s deepest canyons and eventually ending at Oasis Sangalle, a surreal oasis village full of guesthouses with swimming pools.

What goes down must go up, and the three-hour continuous climb out of Colca Canyon is extremely hard. It’s so hard that the guides often suggest people ride a mule to the top.

The ascent starts from 2200masl (Oasis Sangalle) to about 3200masl (Cabanaconde) — this is challenging!

The Colca Canyon trek is a high altitude hike so you’ll want to acclimatize before attempting it. Arequipa, a colonial city towered over by volcanoes, is the best place to organize the trek to Colca Canyon.

From there you can arrange for a tour or travel by public transport — there’s not a huge difference in price though. The best time to visit Colca Canyon is the dry season (May to September).

Contributed by Gia, Mismatched Passports

13. Sandboarding in Huacachina (Peru)

If zipping headfirst down a 300-foot sand dune doesn’t frighten you, plan for a visit to Huacachina, Peru. Located just three miles west of Ica, Huacachina is a charming small desert town, famous for being home to the world’s highest sand dunes.

Known as “Everest of the Desert”, sand buggy and sandboarding tours are the adventure of choice for tourists here.

Tours ranging from $12 – $75 USD, you’ll be strapped into a sand buggy and flown through the dunes at high speeds. clutching your seatbelt until your knuckles turn white.

We gripped the seats in front of us for dear life as our driver floored the gas and took dunes 90-degree angles. We whizzed through the desert, screaming at the top of our lungs as we blew through the most spectacular desert scenery you could ever hope to see in your life.

You’ll spend an hour or two in the dunes, boarding down in between dune bashing, and being picked up at the bottom before being taken to an even bigger dune.

You lie flat on your stomach and zip down the sand dunes headfirst with your forearms on the board and your legs spread wide behind you. The fastest downhill speed is rumored to be 60 mph. Fight the urge to scream unless you enjoy the taste of sand.

Booking an afternoon tour (4 pm) means you will have the opportunity to watch the sunset over the desert which is spectacular (and avoid the heat of the day). Tours are available all year round however temperatures are milder from May through November. The rest of the year is quite hot.

We had heard it was dangerous, but honestly, the biggest danger you’re likely to experience is the sun. Make sure you pack plenty of water, plenty of suntan lotion, a hat, sunglasses, and clothes you can easily shake the sand out of.

I wore long sleeves and yoga pants to avoid sand rash – unless you’re experienced you will sandboard down the dunes on your stomach, and tearing down the dunes at high speeds will tear the skin off your arms and legs if you let them drag.

Oh and pack toilet paper. It seems to be a rare commodity in Peru

Contributed by Megan, Mapping Megan

14. Salkantay Trek (Peru)

Trek for 3, 4, or 5 days along the Salkantay Trail through remote mountain passes and verdant tropical forest landscapes in the Andes. The high altitude trails are steep, so add a baggie of coca leaves for chewing along the way to your first aid kit. (Approximately $1 at any local market.)

On the final day, hike or ride the bus up the mountain to the fantastic Machu Picchu ruins, a fantastic place for photography . This UNESCO Historic Sanctuary is huge, making it easy to escape other tourists!

Also, most tourists depart the mountain by 4 pm, so you’ll have the place to yourself until closing time—perfect for photography.

How To: This route requires a reservation a day or two in advance, and can easily be set up upon arrival in Cusco. Meanwhile, an Inca Trail trek must be reserved months in advance.

Cost: Approximately $200 USD for a backpacker 5-day trek, including Machu Picchu entry fees, most food, and transportation to/from Cusco—you only carry a daypack.

Alternatively, take all the time you want and do it yourself (DIY). Optional activities along the Salkantay trek include hot springs, zip-lining, and horseback riding.

Recommendation: if you have any knee issues, ensure your tour includes walking poles .

Contributed by Jess, Longest Bus Rides

15. Hiking in Caraca Nature Reserve (Brazil)

The Caraca Nature Reserve in Brazil is a great way to explore the natural beauty of the country’s interior. You stay in a converted monastery which provides simple rooms and meals in the old monastic buildings.  

The monks have trained the maned wolf which lives in the forest to come at night and eat at the monastery.  Like any wild animal though, the  maned wolf’s appearances at the Caraca Nature Reserve  are unpredictable.

The Nature Reserve is over 30,000 acres and so there are plenty of opportunities for hiking and spotting wildlife. Most of the other guests were Brazilian as this Nature Reserve is a bit off the beaten path for foreigners. We went in the summer and the temperature was perfect.  

Warm days in the mountains meant you could jump into the waterfalls after a long hike.  Long cold evenings allowed you to sleep comfortably after a day of exploring the reserve. Do not expect extra comforts like air conditioning while staying in the reserve.

There are various levels of difficulty in the hiking involved which makes this place ideal for a group with mixed-ability or ages.

The most difficult hikes involve taking a guide who knows the way so that you don’t get horribly lost. We did easy and medium hikes because we were traveling with our children.

Contributed by Shobha, Just Go Places

16. Abismo Anhumas Caving (Brazil)

Brazil’s most unforgettable activity by a landslide is Abismo de Anhumas , 20km west of Bonito, it’s a 72m abyss culminating in an underground lake, home to incredible stalactite formations.

Bonito itself is a very small town and has only one main street but the natural resources of the surrounding area, the 76-sq-km Serra da Bodoquena national park, are spectacular.

The Abismo Anhumas adventure involves rappelling down to the bottom of the cave and snorkeling or diving in the lake below. You will float among formations of more than 10 meters high, giving the impression that you’re floating through a submerged city. It’s a surreal experience.

The climb back up is hard as it’s 72m back up the same rope you came down on. But the cave, the silence, the light falling on the lake and the beauty of the dive make this adventure unique and unforgettable.

I suggest wearing long sleeves, trousers and tennis shoes with long socks (I know, it’s not a fashionable look but it helps to protect your legs from the ropes while climbing up).

Because the temperature inside the caves stays roughly the same all year long, you can do this whenever you like. It’s cold inside the cavern, but you get a wetsuit for the snorkeling.

Contributed by Geert, Inspiring Travellers

17. Hiking on Fernando de Noronha (Brazil)

Fernando de Noronha, located some 350km off the coast of Brazil, is an archipelago of 21 islands and islets. The destination is probably one of the few places in Brazil that are not teeming with tourists and that isn’t going to change anytime soon either.

Thanks to its UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site designation, the island is limited to only 400 visitors per day, making it feel like one of the most exclusive destinations in the world.

The environmental preservation fee onto the island is steep but as soon as you lay your eyes on the raw beauty of this incredible archipelago, you’ll won’t mind forking out that $40/day.

There is no shortage of adventurous activities to do on the island, from diving to mountain biking, but one of the best ways to explore all Fernando’s nooks and crannies is by hitting one (or more) of its 5 designated hiking trails that are opened from August until February.

The trails vary in length (from 2 – 5 km) and difficulty (from easy to difficult), but each one provides access to a unique part of the island that’s not accessible by bus/buggy.

Combine a few of these trails, like the Farol trail that ascends up to the Ponta de Sapata lighthouse inside the National Park and the Capim Açu trail, that runs along the rocky beach towards Praia do Leão, and you are in for a challenging day hike that will get your heart pumping and leave you breathless from the untouched nature surrounding you.

If you don’t get hit by a storm halfway through (like we did) and if you are not attempting this hike just 5 months after a serious broken leg injury (like Oksana was), you’ll love the experience!

Contributed by Oksana, Drink Tea & Travel

18. Lençóis Maranhenses Desert Expedition (Brazil)

Lençóis Maranhenses National Park in Brazil is probably the most amazing natural landscape we have seen traveling around South America.

We have been to different sand deserts during our travels, but none of them compares to this one. In Lençóis Maranheses the rainwater accumulated between the sand dunes forms lagoons of different colors, which results in a really unique and almost surreal landscape.

The best moment of the year to visit is between May and August when the lagoons get filled in the rainy season.

The access to Lençóis Maranhenses is very complicated. From the coastal village of Jericoacoara, it takes a couple of days to get to Bairerrinhas, the nearest town to the park with road access.

From there you can take a 4WD tour to the desert or you can do as we did and catch a local boat to Atins, a barely populated village on the edge of the park. In Atins you can then get a guide, who will take you on a memorable adventure to the desert.

We walked in the desert for two days and spent a night in an oasis, where only 5 families live, totally isolated from civilization.

Every morning we started walking at 4 AM, since being close to the Equator the Sun is already over your head at 8 AM, and you don’t find any shadow between the sand dunes.

The only way to freshen yourself up is to jump in the lagoons and have a nice swim in the crystal clear water. It was very exhaustive to walk for 10 hours each day in the desert, but the fantastic landscape compensated us for the effort.

Contributed by Gabor, Surfing the Planet

19. Hang Gliding in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

Hang gliding is one of the most popular wind sports practiced in Rio de Janeiro. It is a recreational sport that uses a craft often consisting of a metal-framed fabric wing, with the pilot mounted on a harness hanging from the wing frame.

He exercises control by shifting his body weight against a triangular bar, also attached to the frame. Hang gliding is very popular worldwide.

Imagine leaping from the mountains that surround the bustling city for an experience of flying. Hang Gliding happens at Pedra Bonita, a beautiful mountain situated in São Conrado neighborhood.

Jumping involves a tandem set up with an experienced hang glider. No experience is necessary but you do need an adventurous spirit and the courage to run off the side of a mountain.

20. Camping with Gauchos (Uraguay)

You absolutely HAVE to stay with gauchos (cowboys) in Uruguay. It is a gaucho country, after all, and the gauchos are a national symbol of both Uruguay and Argentina.

Whilst traveling South America, I spent 3 days living with real-life cowboy Pedro, his wife Nahir and Grandson, Bautista. These days became some of the most memorable days of the entire 3 months I spent in South America.

We were up early to ride horses, round up cows, find skunks and armadillos and play with puppies all whilst eating some authentic gaucho food cooked for us by Nahir.

When we weren’t out adventuring and pretending to be cowboys, we snuggled up by the fire with a good book. Estancia Yvytu Italy was the perfect mixture of adventure and relaxation and absolute must-have adventure in Uruguay.

You can enjoy your own cowboy adventure in Uruguay at any time of year, although be aware that it can get pretty hot in summer, and very cold in the winter.

Contributed by Hannah, That Adventurer

21. Climb Villarrica Volcano (Chile)

One of the best adventures in South America is the icy climb up the very active Villarrica Volcano. Located just outside of Pucon, Chile , it’s an intense summit that requires the use of crampons and an ice pick to hoist yourself up the ice sheet covering the top of this treacherous volcano.

To stay safe, it’s important to pursue this adventure under good weather conditions and with an experienced guide.

While it may sound a bit scary, under good conditions the climb is a lot of fun and can be accomplished in a half-day. The views from atop Volcan Villarrica are spectacular, as you can gaze down for miles to see picturesque lakes and other volcanoes on the horizon.

For those who accomplish the summit, it’s also an interesting sight to peer down into the smoldering cone.

Yet the biggest thrill of this entire excursion is sledding down the side of the volcano. To get down, you jump on a sled to fly down what felt like makeshift luge tracks. It’s such a rush and the sledding lasts for nearly an hour.

We recommend pursuing the Villarrica Volcano climb in early-to-mid summer (late November to early January). During this time, there’s still plenty of solid ice and snow-packed onto the volcano but you’ll hopefully avoid major snowstorms that sometimes plague the winter months.

But most importantly, go when Volcan Villarrica is not erupting, as it’s been very active for the past couple of years. In fact, it was only recently that this trek was reopened to climbers. So go now, before the next eruption.

Contributed by John, Roaming Around the World

22. The W Trek (Chile)

This is the most epic trek I’ve ever undertaken, a 5-day onslaught through incredible landscapes across one of the world’s most Southern national parks.

After jumping off the ferry, the first day is spent hiking up to the magnificent glacier grey, 6km wide and over 30 meters high. On a clear day, this thing just seems to go on forever, it is quite breathtaking. 

The trek then continues over 85km in total, stopping at checkpoints along the way and constantly pushing your body up and down the mountainous terrain.

It is possible to stay at overpriced lodges but the more adventurous choose to camp, in gear you carry yourself across the whole journey.

If you time everything right on the final day you can hike up to the viewpoint of the famous Torres Del Paine for sunrise and watch the mountain peaks glow as they bathe in the morning light. 

The park is technically open all year round, but try to visit between October and April as it gets a little cold out of season. All camping gear can be hired from the town of Puerto Natales, so book a few days here before and after your trek.

Contributed by Jon, Adventure in You

23. Diving with Moai on Easter Island (Chile)

It was one of my dreams to visit the Easter Island off Chile’s coast – well it’s more than simply off the coast, actually, it’s a 6 hours flight from Santiago de Chile, but worth every second and peso.

As a passionate diver, I knew I had to see more than the island itself and to take a day and spend it exploring the water.

Diving on Easter Island is good at any time of the year when the ocean is calm. I visited late August and stayed for five days. The dives are rather easy, but there are some sites where more experience is necessary to conduct a safe dive.

There are some dive shops on the island, I chose to go with Mike Rapu Diving Center. Email them or visit them at the shop to know about the dives and requirements.

My favorite dive was the one where they sunk the Moai statue – and I have to disappoint you: the statue is not one of the original ones, but was made to remember someone and was then sunk there.

Still, it’s a great dive, a bit chilly, but you’ll appreciate the hood and hot showers afterward.

Contributed by Viktoria, Chronic Wanderlust

24. Camping in the Bolivian Amazon (Bolivia)

As humans, we live a relatively safe existence, so the only place I have ever felt vulnerable within my environment was while camping in Bolivia’s Amazon Rainforest.

As a slowly disappearing and iconic region, no visit to South America would ever be complete without a morning dip in a river teeming with caiman or fishing for piranha in an unstable boat for that evening’s meal, followed a hike at night eerily watched by glowing eyes while a guide hacks at the scrub with a machete.

Then finish the day rudimentary tenting – otherwise known as a plastic sheet thrown over a tree branch.

But a trip to the Amazon isn’t all peril and risk, we also spent afternoons making jewelry with various seeds and alligator scales while listening to the deep yowls of howler monkeys, created temporary tattoos with jagua fruit and learned uses for Amazonian flora and fauna.

The Amazon can be accessed through nine South American countries, but Bolivia is arguably the cheapest and a two-night all-inclusive camping trip costs just B$900/US$130.

These trips can be extended up to a month if you wanted to become completely immersed in the Amazon way of life and learn to live entirely off the jungle.

The best time to visit the Bolivian Amazon is during the dry season (May to October) and can be reached via Rurrenabaque, the frontier town access the Rainforest and the easiest place to book a camping tour.

Contributed by Emma, The Travel Natural

25. Mountain Bike Down Death Road (Bolivia)

One of the most exciting activities in Bolivia is riding a bicycle down Death Road. The road in question is Yungas Road which for many years was the main thoroughfare to La Paz from many small mountain villages.

The road itself is barely one lane, with only a few wider turnouts for passing. However, it is operated as a two-lane road with massive commercial trucks and buses going to and fro.

Throughout the years, hundreds of motorists have lost their lives on this small stretch of road, earning it’s named as the World’s Most Dangerous Road.

These days, you will not encounter as much traffic as you would have 15 years ago, but it’s still an adventurous 60 km ride barreling down bumpy mountain roads.

The ride starts out on a fairly decent paved road before arriving at the beginning of Death Road (El Camino de la Muerte). Quickly, the road becomes more of a gravel path than the smooth asphalt, which can make for scary stops!

This ride is not to be taken lightly, there are some very extreme drop-offs of at least 1,800 feet. In sections, it is very steep, which means your back brake is constantly in use to control your speed around the many hairpin curves.

As a bicycle rider going down the hill, you will be on the cliffside with oncoming traffic against the mountainside. Be aware, there are very few guard rails to protect you from flying over the edge! 

The thrill of hurtling down the mountainside on a bike is indescribable. Even with the adrenaline rush and fear, you can’t help but notice how amazing the scenery is.

You will be greeted with fantastic views of the valley and surrounding mountains. Riders can stop as they wish to take photos, but there are also safer sections where guides will stop riders for a chat, to tell more about the area and to provide breaks for photos.

Riding down the World’s Most Dangerous Road can be conquered by beginners and experienced riders alike and everyone else in between. You need to see it for yourself, as photos do not do it justice.

Tip: Do your due diligence in researching tour companies in La Paz. Some focus more on safety gear and expensive bicycles, while others focus on providing experience at budget prices.

Contributed by Karilyn, No Back Home

26. Overland Through Uyuni to the Atacama (Bolivia)

You’ve probably seen a thousand photos from travelers on the Uyuni Salt Flat of Bolivia. Where did they go after that? Most head back to town, but a few keep going.

They cross the huge salt flat and stay on the other side. They visit islands and villages on the rim. Then they venture into an area with almost no other vehicles or people: the southern desert of Bolivia.

If you’ve ever dreamed of truly getting away from it all, being in a land so quiet you can hear your own heartbeat, this overland trip will do nicely.

You see the whole galaxy at night, see clear daytime skies that look just as they did a thousand years ago, without the plumes of jets passing overhead. No cell signal. No internet for days. No garbage trucks or traffic horns.

Most of the time, no people except your companions. Light is supplied by solar and gas lanterns at night since everything is off the grid.

This is far from a lifeless zone, however. Colorful birds land on the strange rock formations and long-tailed rabbits hop around outside where you’re sleeping at night.

At the gorgeous lagoons dotting the landscape, it’s common to see hundreds of pink flamingos. Compact moss that can grow and expand for centuries adds a bright green touch to the brown rocks and blue sky.

We explore a crystal cave, boiling mud springs, and lakes of many colors while leisurely making our way toward the tourist draw of San Pedro de Atacama in Chile.

There, as in Uyuni, there will be touts and tour agencies, bars and babes, restaurants and rum, friends on Facebook.

Between the two, however, there’s a land where you can still feel like an explorer rather than customer number 23 on the day’s excursion list.

Several companies run this tour out of Uyuni and San Pedro, but the best bet is a Travesia by explora. That company has its own permanent camps set up with private sleeping rooms and real bathroom facilities.

Contributed by Timothy, Luxury Latin America online travel magazine

27. Trekking the Quilotoa Loop (Ecuador)

Why waste your time trekking to a lousy summit when you could finish your hike at a 3km wide, brilliant green crater lake? The network of some 200km of Andean trails south of Quito makes up the Quilotoa Loop.

The route is more of a choose-your-own-adventure than a regular trail, as the Quilotoa Loop trek can take anywhere between two days and two weeks.

Along the way, you’ll sleep in tiny Ecuadorian villages like Insinliví, Chugchilan, and Sigchos and enjoy some of the coziest nights of your life.

You’ll see vast expanses of agricultural land, hike into jagged valleys, and get lost more than you really know the way. And just when you’re sunburned and exhausted from too many days of trekking, all trails eventually lead to the spectacular Laguna de Quilotoa.

You’ll climb over the volcanic rim upon one of nature’s greatest wonders, and it will be worth all the energy you put into getting there.

 Contributed by Taylor & Daniel, Travel Outlandish

27. Cotopaxi Horse Trek (Ecuador)

When we planned our trip to Ecuador, horseback riding wasn’t something we were really looking forward to.  It was mainly a means to an end for us – a chance to see and photograph the legendary Cotopaxi volcano from a unique vantage point. 

Both of us had been on horses when we were younger and didn’t enjoy the experience.

Cotopaxi is the world’s highest active volcano.  It’s notorious for being unpredictable:  strong winds and sudden storms are common.  Not long after we left Ecuador, the volcano had an eruption. 

One of the best ways to experience Cotopaxi is actually horseback riding up the grassy Pasochoa or rocky Rumiñahui volcanoes nearby and viewing Cotopaxi from across the valley.  We chose Rumiñahui.

High up on Rumiñahui, we had an unexpected surprise.  No, it wasn’t views of Cotopaxi.  Overhead, we were joined by an Andean Condor – the largest bird on Earth.  It soared above us.  And then there was another.  And another. 

Soon the sky was filled with these majestic endangered birds.  They would dip down to only 40 feet above our heads.  It was an incredible moment.  Looking back, horseback riding the volcanoes of Ecuador was the highlight of our trip.

Most of the horseback trips leave from Hacienda El Porvenir at the edge of Cotopaxi National Park.  Trips range from ½ day excursions to multi-day rides and are possible throughout the year (except when there is a volcanic eruption).

Contributed by Lance & Laura, Travel Addicts

28. Galapagos Kayaking Expedition (Ecuador)

The Galapagos is all about wildlife. An incredibly diverse menagerie of remarkable animals thrives on these remote islands, scattered nearly 700 miles off the coast of Ecuador .

The seclusion of this archipelago honed the development of unique animals, untouched and unafraid of human civilization. Though the Galapagos now allows a limited number of visitors to its enchanted shores, careful habitat-management preserves this special ecosystem.

The beauty of a sea kayak as a vessel for wildlife viewing lies in its non-intrusive, eco-friendly presence with all the makings of a true adventure experience.

The best itinerary available operates with small group sizes on an 8-day kayaking and camping trip around the Galapagos Islands. 5 of the nights are spent beach camping, while your days are spent paddling and meeting the many inhabitants of these islands.

Prepare to meet giant tortoises, iguanas, blue-footed-boobies, penguins, sea lions, and an endless variety of underwater life during the whole duration of the expedition.

29. Hiking Cocora Valley (Colombia)

Hiking the Cocora Valley in Colombia is an incredible experience through one of the most stunning valleys I have ever seen. 

Following the trail around the valley, you’ll find yourself scrambling through streams, clambering over rocks and traversing rickety bridges, to finally be rewarded with phenomenal views.

Beginning with a flat trail through lush green fields and following a gentle river, you will soon start to climb through the forest, to a hummingbird sanctuary where you can take a rest & watch several species of these tiny birds whizzing around. 

Continue the hike to finally emerge on the mountainside for mind-blowing views of the valley below.  Eerie Quindío wax palms tower above the skyline as you descend into the valley. 

The tallest palm trees in the world peer through the mist, some reaching heights of 200 feet, and you can’t help but gaze in awe at the landscape!

The hike can take anywhere from 4 to 7 hours, depending on your speed, and how many photographs you take! It’s best during the dry season from March to July, as it can get VERY muddy after rainfall. 

Comfortable, waterproof boots are a good idea any time of year, as is a rain jacket , sun cream, snacks and plenty of water.  And be aware that the only place to stop for the bathroom is in the hummingbird reserve, or in the fresh air!

Contributed by Claire, Tales of a Backpacker

30. Trek to the Lost City- Ciudad Perdida (Colombia)

Thick jungle, high humidity, natural river pools, dazzling waterfalls, native tribes and the camaraderie of our wonderful group and guide is what made hiking to the Lost City (also known as Ciudad Perdida) one of the best hikes of my life.

The trek is certainly not for the faint-hearted. Days are long and the humid heat can drain you. However, the long days were much easier to manage thanks to the various natural freshwater swimming pools along the way.

It was a great feeling to pull off my sweaty t-shirt and jump into a cold river. At night, we’d sleep in hammocks or bunk beds with nothing but a roof over our heads.

Occasionally, we’d have to ask our guide to get rid of the odd scorpion in the bathroom. He would then take out his machete and kill it. I guess he didn’t want to take any chances.

Then, after 3 long days, we made it. After climbing up hundreds of stone stairs, we were standing on the foundation of an ancient stone city, discovered only in 1972.

With distant views of the lush jungle valley, I sat down at the edge of the stonewall and marveled at the natural beauty surrounding me and reminisced over what was easily one of the best hikes in the world.

The dry season runs from December to March and is a better time to go if you don’t want to be hiking through mud, crossing chest-high rivers, or getting poured on by rain.

However, if you’re okay with added adventure, tours are done throughout the year. You will need a guide. The name of our guide is Omar. He was fabulous and if you can find him, I highly recommend it.

At the time, we went with Turcol Tourism but Omar might have started his own tour company by now and there are many in the area.

Expect high heat and humidity. Guides provide food and lodging but you’ll need to bring anything else. I recommend bringing just one set of clothes for hiking and another DRY set of clean clothes for the evening.

Contributed by Matt, Live Limitless

31. Laguna de Guatavita Hike- Legend of El Dorado (Colombia)

Few places in the world have been shrouded in as much mystery, speculation and research as the quiet waters of a small crater lake outside of Bogota, Colombia.

It is rumored that the depths of Laguna Guatavita was where the Muisca Cacique would come and offer gifts to the Goddess of water by launching their golden treasure into the muddy depths of the lake.

Is there a better way to experience the history and mystique of a country than by following in the footsteps of the most historic stories? The hike up to Laguna de Guatavita offers so much more than just mystery.

Surrounded by the beautiful Colombian jungle, and offering sweeping views of the countryside, this adventure will transport you back in history. You can almost picture the Inca floating on the lake offering prayers and sacrifices to the gods as you stand at the precipice of the steep caldera.

Laguna de Guatavita is a little over an hour drive from central Bogota, and getting there involves a fascinating drive through the blue-collar barrios on the outskirts of the city, and along beautiful Lake Guatavita.

The hike to the top is a long and steep one, but the steepest sections have well-built stairs and platforms to help you along the way. Just don’t get too tempted to dive into the waters and search for the gold yourself.

Entrance into the waters of Laguna de Guatavita is now banned after centuries of intrepid treasure hunters had failed to pull but a few items from the water.

Contributed by Kevin, Wandering Wagars

32. Kaieteur Falls Trek (Guyana)

Kaieteur National Park is Guyana’s first legally protected area. It is known for the majestic Kaieteur Falls, considered to be one of the highest single-drop (741 ft) waterfalls in the world.

In addition to Kaieteur Falls, the rich biodiversity, some of which are endemic to Kaieteur National Park, ensures a highly educational, adventurous and challenging experience while traversing through its pristine Amazonian rainforest.

The overland trek entails traveling by land, water and foot (hiking approximately 1,800 ft above sea level) to the Kaieteur Plateau and takes between 3-5 days depending on the itinerary and interest.

Categorized as a hard adventure hike, prices start at $795usd per person including transportation, meals, light refreshments, entrance fees, and guides. Kaieteur Falls holds a place on the Top 100 Travel Adventures in the world.

33. Trek to Mount Roraima & Angel Falls (Venezuela)

Angel Falls is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world. It has a height of 979 meters and drops over the edge of the Auyantepui mountain in the Canaima National Park.

The waterfall is located in the middle of a thick jungle, which makes accessing it a great adventure that takes days and involves a variety of transport.

Just to visit Angel Falls, you need around 7 days to make the journey into the jungle before hiking to the falls.

Many people aim to combine the Mount Roraima trekking expedition with Angel Falls for a full-on adventure experience.

Be sure you have 14 days or more to tackle this combo and bring a sense of humor. It’s a beautiful part of the world but not easy to access. This is one of the best things to do in Venezuela .

South America is a diverse continent with so many different things to offer a traveler.

We hope we have inspired you to consider a journey outside your comfort zone and give you some ideas to bring out the adventurer in you as well.

More on South America:

• Two Week Trip to Brazil Itinerary for Any Traveler
• Ilha Grande, Brazil Planning Guide: Paradise Found
• 5 Days of Hiking in Patagonia: The Basecamps Trek
• 11 Cool Things to Do in Peru + Planning Tips
• How to Visit the Amazon in Peru
• 16 Amazing Things to do in Brazil
• 16 Epic Things to do in Bogota
• Unique Galapagos Islands Animals You Must See
• Galapagos Luxury Cruise on the Sea Star Journey
• 7 Exciting Things to Do in Venezuela (If You Dare to Go)

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Travel planning resources, about lina stock.

Lina is an award-winning photographer and writer that has been exploring the world since 2001. She has traveled to 100 countries on all 7 continents. Member: SATW, NATJA, ATTA, ITWA

7 thoughts on “33 Best Places to Visit in South America for an Epic Adventure”

Ohh wow! lots of wonderful places in South America, I can’t decide which I would go first.

I’m excited to go to the next one!

South America is indeed full of breath-taking sceneries. Hopefully, I could visit them soon.

I’m excited to visit south Am soon!!

Lots of great adventures there! Safe travels.

Excellent post – delighted to be a part of it! Have pinned and sharing to all our friends. Aiming to replicate that final Machu Picchu picture next month 🙂

So many incredible adventures here! South America is an amazing continent, and so diverse with it’s landscapes and opportunity for adventure … I’ve only really touched the surface and would love to get back for more!

Thanks for including our experience at Peru 🙂

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La Paz to Buenos Aires: Andes & the Atacama Desert

Peru express - 10 days (lima- cusco & puno) with domestic flights, from buenos aires to la paz via uyuni (15 nights), south america: glaciers, water falls & world wonders, south peru: backpacker special - 18 days, 360° route - aconcagua summit, quito to la paz: amazon & ancient cultures, 11 days around ecuador: a journey through nature and culture, standard argentina, rio and iguazu falls, rio de janeiro to santiago de chile - 17 days.

• In-depth Cultural
• Christmas & New Year
• Visit a historic silver mine in Potosí
• Meet your group and CEO for welcome drinks
• Explore the vibrant markets of La Paz

“Best way to get from A to B whilst experiencing lots of things.”

• Explore Lima's historic center and catacombs
• See sea lions and penguins at Ballestas Islands
• Visit the colorful Mountain of Winincunca

“I loved his knowledge and how personable he was with each of us. Sadly I got sick and had to fly home early.”

• Discover the Geisers del Tatio at sunrise
• Journey through Cafayate with wine tasting
• Cross the Uyuni Salt Flats and watch sunrise

“Every activity was well planned, all the guides very professional, and the hostels very clean.”

• Tour Torres del Paine and its stunning landscapes
• View Punta Arenas from Mirador Cerro De La Cruz
• Explore Santiago's historic sites and markets

“What an amazing organisation. The prompt reply to any queries we had and the coordination of our pickups and delivery, made our trip extremely comfortable and trouble free.”

• Discover the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu
• Explore the depths of Colca Canyon
• Sail across the waters of Lake Titicaca

“The guides had good knowledge and we felt save all the time. We recommend it and would do it again.”

• Hiking & Trekking
• Climb to the summit for breathtaking views
• Trek through Punta de Vacas to base camp
• Descend and celebrate in Mendoza

“Operators are generous and always willing to go the extra mile. Tours well organised.”

• Sightseeing
• Experience life in the Amazon jungle
• Adventure sports and relaxation in Baños
• Cycle and learn chocolate-making in Shandia

“An amazing trip with a huge amount to see and a fantastic guide.”

• Shop at South America's largest market
• Explore Quito's vibrant culture and views
• Choose adventures in Baños or the Amazon

“There's so much beauty in Ecuador. I was able to see Banos, Quamote, Cuenca and Quito.”

• Explore Buenos Aires with a guided city tour
• Discover Rio's iconic sights in a comprehensive tour
• Relax and unwind with a free day in Buenos Aires

“Iguazu was spectacular, we really enjoyed all the tour, the hotels were 4 start, in Brazil the hotel had view of the ocean and at night it was so relaxing to hear the waves.”

• Explore Rio's iconic Christ the Redeemer
• Experience Buenos Aires with a city tour
• Witness Iguazu Falls from Devil's Throat

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21 Best Places to Visit in South America

By Carl Austin · Last updated on June 25, 2024

South America is a continent of superlatives: the highest, the driest, the largest, the deepest, the rarest … Well, you get the picture. Superlatives galore can be found from Caracas to Tierra del Fuego, helping ensure every traveler finds something to interest them.

Environmentalists will enjoy the well-conserved Pantanal in Brazil, while shoppers can choose between upscale boutiques in big cities like Rio de Janeiro or the colorful markets of Andean villages. You can explore lost cities of ancient civilizations, feast your eyes on stunning scenery almost everywhere you go or you can feast your taste buds on the cuisine.

It’s your choice, and South America gives you lots of them. An overview of the best places to visit in South America :

21. Cartagena, Colombia

Cartagena is a major city on Colombia’s Caribbean coast. It was founded by the Spanish in 1533, who named it after Cartagena, Spain. During Spain’s domination in South America, the city was the center of politics and the economy.

Cartagena is a quite modern city today, but you’ll find walled historic center and the fortress, deemed the largest fortifications in South America, that defended it. Cartagena has a rich cultural scene, with festivals throughout the year; museums and art galleries.

See also: Where to Stay in Cartagena

20. Salvador, Brazil

Salvador da Bahia, also known as just Salvador, has several things going for it. The Portuguese founded it in 1548, so it’s one of the oldest colonial cities in the Americas. You’ll see its rich past in Pelourinho, the historic center named for the whipping post where slaves were beaten.

Brazil’s third largest city was also the first slave port in the Americas; traces of this African heritage can be found in the local culture today, especially the cuisine. Salvador also is a party town, hosting the world’s largest party: its annual Carnival celebration.

19. Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina

They don’t do things in a small way in Los Glaciares National Park. Not only is the park the largest national park in Argentina, it is home to the largest ice cap outside of Greenland and Antarctica – an ice cap that feeds 47 large glaciers. The most famous of these is the Perito Moreno glacier; unique among glaciers because it is advancing while others are receding.

The park also is home to Lake Argentino, the largest in the country. The park also is known for its ecology and biodiversity with the well-conserved Magellan Subpolar forest and Patagonian Steppe.

18. Pantanal, Brazil

The Pantanal can be difficult to get to – access is mostly by plane or boat – but once you get there…Oh! The Pantanal, located mostly in Brazil (some is in Bolivia and Paraguay), is the world’s largest tropical wetland, encompassing an area the size of Washington State.

While not as famous as its sister wetlands in the Amazon, the Pantanal is the best place in South America to see wildlife, ranging from jaguars to capybaras.

17. Ushuaia, Argentina

If you like to visit remote places, then put Ushuaia on your bucket list. The capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is considered the southernmost city in the world. Indeed, the train to the End of the World ends here.

Nestled among the mountains along a bay, Ushuaia is very picturesque when it’s not cloudy or windy, which is much of the time. The former penal colony has a museum and it’s a good place to see penguins, orca whales and seals.

16. Tayrona National Park, Colombia

When protecting the environment and its inhabitants while enjoying stunning views is on your top list, you’re sure to enjoy Tayrona National Park on the Caribbean coast of Colombia.

The country’s second most visited national park, Tayrona is a protected marine reserve that takes in both land and sea. You’ll find great biodiversity in the flora and fauna here. Wildlife includes 300 species of birds, more than 100 different mammals and 70 kinds of bats.

Tayrona is probably best known for its spectacular beaches, which are set in deep bays, backed by mountains and shaded by coconut palms. Because of strong current however most beaches are not suitable for swimming.

15. Quito, Ecuador

Ecuador’s capital, Quito, is unique among world capitals. It is the highest capital in the world (La Paz is higher but isn’t Bolivia’s legal capital) and also closest to the equator. Founded by the Spanish in 1534, Quito’s colorful old town is one of the best-preserved, least changed and largest in all the Americas.

Located in Ecuador’s northern highlands, the city is surrounded by volcanoes that can be seen on a clear day. Quito is the only world capital that is threatened by active volcanoes.

14. Colca Canyon, Peru

There’s a reason Colca Canyon is the third most visited tourist destination in Peru: stunning views. The canyon is one of the deepest in the world, but not the deepest in Peru, though it is more than twice as deep as the U.S. Grand Canyon.

If you get tired of scenic views, you can feast your eyes on the sky where you may see Andean condors and the biggest hummingbirds you’ve ever seen. Villages are a good place to buy local handcrafts.

13. Atacama Desert, Chile

The Atacama Desert is unique: It’s the driest non-polar desert in the world, maybe only raining once every four years. It stretches about 1,600 km (1,000 miles) along the coast of Chile, situated between the Andes and the Pacific Ocean.

The soil is comparable to that found on Mars; portions stood in for Mars in the movie, Space Odyssey: Voyage to the Planets. Vast salt flats, active geysers and intense blue lagoons are just a few of the extraordinary features of this region.

12. Angel Falls, Venezuela

Angel Falls is most definitely a scene stealer in Venezuela’s Guayana Highlands. It is the highest uninterrupted waterfall in the world – 15 times higher than Niagara Falls, which is shared by Canada and the United States. Water cascades more than 950 meters (3,200 feet) down Auyantepu Mountain into the Rio Kerepacupai Meru.

The waterfall is named for American Jimmy Angel who, in 1937, became the first pilot to fly over the falls. Getting there is an adventure involving plane and river boat rides.

11. Cusco, Peru

Cusco has a colorful historic past Located at 3,400 meters (11,000 feet) in elevation in the Andes Mountains, Cusco was once the capital of the mighty Inca Empire. Then, in the 16th century, it was conquered by the Spanish, who pretty much decimated the Incas.

Though not the national capital, Peru’s constitution names it the historical capital of the country. Remains of many Inca sites can be found in the surrounding area while the Spanish colonial heritage can be found in the Old Town.

10. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

Situated in the Andes nearly 3,700 meters (12,000 feet) above sea level, Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat. Located in southwest Peru, the salt flat is covered by a thick crust, which provides salt and covers a brine.

The salt flat is as flat as you can get and with the harsh terrain looks otherwordly, especially after rain when the Salar turns into a giant mirror. One of the most unusual places to visit in South America, it’s also a major breeding ground for flamingos.

9. Lake Titicaca, Peru & Bolivia

Lake Titicaca, South America’s largest lake, straddles the border of Bolivia and Peru. At an elevation of just over 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), it is considered the highest navigable lake in the world, though there are smaller lakes higher than this one.

Many of its 41 islands are inhabited, including the floating islands the natives make with heavy reeds. About 500 species of aquatic life live in the lake, which has a large population of water birds. Local belief says the sun was born at Lake Titicaca.

8. Easter Island, Chile

Getting to Easter Island can be time-consuming, since it is the most remote inhabited island in the world. The nearest inhabitants are almost 1,300 miles away. But it’s not its remoteness this Chilean territory is noted for. It’s what you’ll see when you get there: almost 900 primitive statues carved by early Polynesian inhabitants.

These awesome statues, called moai, may have been carved about 1,000 years ago. Most statues were carved from solidified volcanic ash, with obsidian being used for the black eyes.

7. Amazon Rainforest

If you lived long enough to count that high, you could count 390 billion trees in the Amazon rainforest. This statistic is mind-boggling, to be sure, but then the Amazon rainforest is one awesome piece of real estate, covering about ¾ of the Amazon River basin.

It is the world’s largest tropical rainforest. Sixty percent of the rainforest is located in Brazil with sizeable chunks in Peru and Columbia; bordering countries have small shares. For sure, the rainforest is loaded with unique flora and fauna.

6. Torres del Paine National Park, Chile

It may be located in remote Chilean Patagonia, but Torres del Paine National Park is one of Chile’s largest and most visited parks. Why? Well, the scenery is pretty spectacular.

The Torres del Paine (Paine means blue in the local indigenous language) is just one awesome sight you’ll see. The three peaks dominate the landscape in the Paine Mountains. Besides mountains, the park is dotted with glaciers, rivers, forests and steppe, making it a hit with outdoors enthusiasts. The park also is home to an endangered species of deer.

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

With 17 million people, Buenos Aires has the fourth largest population in the Americas. Located on the Rio de la Plata on the Argentinian coast, the city is noted for its cosmopolitan flair.

Because of its architecture and rich cultural life, Buenos Aires is the most visited city in South America. A must-see here is the Recoleta, a residential neighborhood known for its history. The Recoleta Cemetery is the district’s most famous attraction; it’s where Eva Peron is buried.

See also: Where to Stay in Buenos Aires

4. Galapagos Islands, Ecuador

If you want to get a glimpse of what prehistoric animals may have looked like, head to the Galapagos Islands. The animals are like no other place on earth, and include giant tortoises and scary-looking iguanas.

They were the impetus for Charles Darwin’s controversial 19th century book, On the Origin of Species. This archipelago of 18 major islands, about 900 km (550 miles) off the coast of Ecuador, was formed – and are still being formed – by volcanic action.

3. Iguazu Falls, Brazil & Argentina

One of the best places to visit in South America, Iguazu Falls have to be seen to be appreciated as mere words cannot do them justice. They truly live up to their name, which translates as “big water:” They’re the world’s largest waterfalls system, with 275 waterfalls of various sizes – Devil’s Throat is the biggest.

For much of its journey to the ocean, the Iguazu River flows through Brazil, but, seemingly in a spirit of international cooperation, most of the falls are in Argentina.

2. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

When you visit Rio de Janeiro you simply must take a samba lesson; even The Girl from Ipanema does the samba, Rio’s most popular dance. Besides the samba, this cosmopolitan city is known for its Carnival, the bossa nova, and Copacabana Beach.

Its most famous landmark may be the Christ the Redeemer statue that sits atop Corcovado Mountain. Rio hosted the 2016 Summer Olympics, though its residents overwhelmingly prefer soccer: Maracana Stadium is one of the largest soccer stadiums in the world.

See also: Where to Stay in Rio de Janeiro

1. Machu Picchu, Peru

Machu Picchu is a magnificent representation of the Inca civilization before the Spanish came. Nestled in the Peruvian Andes, Machu Picchu served as a palace for the emperor, a fortress and as a site for religious ceremonies where human sacrifices were made to appease the gods.

Untouched by the Spanish, the site was abandoned after the conquest, only to be “discovered” by an American professor in the early 1900s. Built from polished stones, Machu Picchu is a fascinating example of classical Inca architecture. With its spectacular views, Machu Picchu is Peru’s most visited tourist attraction.

Map of South America

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Reader interactions.

May 2, 2020 at 1:00 pm

kaiteur falls Guyana? i dont see how that was left out…

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