Top 10 Places in South America to Visit on a Budget

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|Updated on December 3, 2025|

South America is often seen as expensive, but with the right strategy, it’s one of the most budget-friendly continents in the world. Here are 10 incredible destinations where you can travel for $20-$70 a day.

 

To start, find the cheapest flight to one of the countries listed below. From there, you can drive, take a bus, or book domestic cheap flights from one country to the other.

 

Narrow your search by checking out these top 10 places to visit on a budget in South America.

1. Colombia

Colombia is the perfect destination for you if you’re seeking adventure and breathtaking scenery. You can kayak, bungee jump, surf, rock climb, and more with stunning landscapes as your backdrop.

 

Plan your trip during the off-season (late August to November) for fewer crowds. While it’s the rainy season, you’ll find that rain is less of an issue along the coast and in the highlands.

 

Accommodation rates reflect the city you’ll visit. Medellín will be the more affordable choice. Depending on your budget, consider adding Bogota, Cartagena, or Cali to your itinerary.

 

Get around as locals do and consider taking a night bus from place to place. It’ll save you time, and you can sleep during the ride!

 

Best Budget Places to Stay in Colombia

Book Oasis Hostel– Stay at the heart of Laureles in Medellin, which has diverse restaurants and a huge soccer/football scene.

 

Sites – A hotel near Lleras Park (a major party district) with modern amenities, beautiful views, and a relaxing pool.

 

TRYP by Wyndham Bogotá Embajada– Offers free airport shuttles and is within six minutes walking distance to the U.S. Embassy in Bogotá.

 

Book Hotel el Peñón in Cali -A boutique hotel near Cali’s landmark, Caicedo Square, where the staff go above and beyond for guests.

 

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2. Uruguay

Uruguay is South America’s best-kept secret. With its breathtaking beaches, wildlife, and unique urban life, it will surpass your expectations. Its accommodating locals and fascinating cultural history make it easy to immerse yourself in the country.

 

Uruguay’s off-season ranges from September to November and March to May. Cheap accommodations are possible, with hostels being the cheapest. For first-timers, stay a few days in Montevideo (the capital) to acclimate. Small beach towns, such as Cabo Polonio, are less than 4 hours away by car or bus.

 

Eat authentically and cheaply by trying Uruguay’s delicious street food like Choripans. Cooking with local ingredients will also help you save money and understand the culture.

 

Best Budget Places to Stay in Uruguay

Avocanto Hostel – Great vibes with a bus stop nearby to take you anywhere in Montevideo.

 

Book Puerto Mercado Hotel in Montevideo  – A Waterfront Hotel located in the Old City, where major parks and landmarks are minutes away on foot.

 

Book BIT Design Hotel in Montevideo  -Located in the shopping district of Punta Carretas, near the water for spectacular sunset views.

 

Viejo Lobo – Quirky Hostel in Cabo Polonio with family dinners, welcoming staff, and located right by the beach.

 

3. Ecuador

Ecuador boasts five UNESCO cultural heritage sites, making it a favorite amongst budget travelers. You have access to so much Incan history and opportunities to visit the Galapagos Islands.

 

The off-season ranges from February to April, then from September to November. Carnival begins in February, which can be doable budget-wise. Start your trip in Quito, then make your way to the coast. It’s about a 5-hour trip, and you’ll swap Quito’s starch-heavy meals for seafood in coastal towns like Puerto Lopez (plus whale watching in season).

Best Budget Places to Stay in Ecuador

Book Hotel Plaza del Teatro in Quito – Located in the Historic Center, this colonial building is convenient for walkers.

 

Book Hotel San Francisco de Quito in Quito  – Located in the Historic Center with a beautiful 360 rooftop view of the city.

 

The Secret Garden – A hostel in the middle of the Quito Historic Center with staff ready to recommend deals and book affordable taxis.

 

Book Hosteria Cabanas Itapoa – Hostel in Puerto Lopez – A pet-friendly hostel on Puerto Lopez Beach that offers 10 beach bars for you to choose from.

4. Peru

Peru is a traveler’s dream with its gastronomy, biodiversity, and historical sites. Whether hiking or bonding with llamas, choosing between the Andes, the coastline, and the Amazon will be your toughest choice.

 

The off-season runs from January to April (the rainy season). Expect frequent rain and muddy trails; the Inca Trail is closed every February. The dry season (May–October) is the best time for clear skies, but is also the busiest and most expensive.

 

Cusco is Peru’s main airport and closest to Machu Picchu—starting your trip there is budget-friendly. If you prefer beaches, fly to Lima. In Lima, try local wines and Peruvian brandy called pisco.

Best Budget Places to Stay

Book Torre Dorada in Cusco  – Mountain hotel for guaranteed peace of mind, where tourist attractions are less than a 10-minute drive.

 

Inti Killa Hostel – Small yet friendly family-run hostel a short walk from Cusco’s main square.

 

Modo Viaje Machu Picchu – Located in the quaint Las Orquideas neighborhood, conveniently near Machu Picchu. Nearby is a metro stop with many food options on top of a continental breakfast.

 

 

5. Brazil

Brazil is the largest country in South America, offering travelers cosmopolitan cities and undisturbed natural biodiversity. Come here to see the Christ Redeemer Statue.

 

Cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are crowded all year round. May to September is the official off-season, making June the cheapest month for airfare. Make your way to smaller towns like Minas Gerais or Bahia for a relaxed, less expensive, but culturally relevant trip.

 

You must try caipirinhas—Brazil’s national cocktail made out of cachaça (distilled from sugarcane).

Best Budget Places to Stay in Brazil

Book a Hit Hotel in Salvador  – Conveniently located steps from Porto da Barra Beach, wake up and take a swim in crystalline waters. Less than three miles away from the center of Salvador.

 

Hostel Galeria 13 -Located in Pelourinho, Salvador’s certified UNESCO World Heritage Site, this award-winning hostel accommodates party people and chill crowds. Take advantage of the huge free breakfast and caipirinhas.

 

Book Windsor Copa Hotel – Located in Rio’s liveliest neighborhood, Copacabana, this modern hotel is less than 10 minutes away, within walking distance from Avenida Atlantica and Copacabana Beach. Luxurious for the price.

 

Selina Madalena São Paulo – Hostel packed with amenities (cinema, library, front garden) and daily art workshops—a must for digital nomads.

 

6. Argentina

Argentina is the perfect blend of European and Spanish culture, home to unique natural places like the Andes mountains and Parque Nacional Los Glaciares.

 

With proper budgeting, you can visit the Andes mountains and Los Glaciares. Eat main meals at local restaurants (Asado & parrillas) and take empanadas to-go to save money. Off-season travel ranges from October to December and April to June.

 

Flying into Buenos Aires is a good starting point to adjust to Argentinian culture. Public transport is cheap and reliable. For wine lovers, consider driving west into Mendoza.

 

Best Budget Places to Stay in Argentina

Book Arc Abasto Studios in Buenos Aires  – Aparthotel linked to the Abasto Shopping Center. Classical theaters are a 30-minute walk.

 

Circus Hostel Buenos Aires – Located in San Telmo, this hostel prides itself on its minimalist design and spacious rooms, and comes with a pool.

 

Hostel Alamo Mendoza – In the heart of Mendoza, the hostel boasts its ability to combine modernity with nature. The hostel’s architect, Daniel Ramos, is the mind behind Mendoza’s famous landmarks and squares.

 

Book Marín Apartments in Puerto Iguazú  – Stay near the Iguazu Falls. Rooms come equipped with kitchens, perfect for families or longer stays.

 

7. Bolivia

Bolivia is an up-and-coming destination, making it more affordable than its neighboring countries. The biggest expense will be your flight ticket. Accommodations and food won’t make a massive dent in your wallet.

 

The dry season begins in April and ends in October, making it an ideal time for travel, but the highland area will be incredibly cold from June to July. Seasoned travelers often start in Santa Cruz and drive west to La Paz to gradually adjust to the high altitude.

 

Eating fresh, local street food and staying at hostels/with residents will help lower expenses. Try Anticuchos—a beef or chicken heart-based dish dating back to the 16th century.

 

Best Budget Places to Stay in Bolivia

Book the Prince Hotel in Santa Cruz  – A modest hotel in the heart of Santa Cruz de la Sierra with an outdoor pool.

 

Book Qantu Hotel in La Paz  – Located in Downtown La Paz, near the iconic Witches’ Market and Plaza San Francisco.

 

360 Grados Hostel Santa Cruz de la Sierra – Located on Los Pozos (a well-known street market) with access to fresh food and local art.

 

Wild Rover La Paz – An Irish-owned hostel in a historic building with a party atmosphere thanks to the attached authentic Irish bar.

 

8. Chile

After exploring Bolivia, it’s easy and budget-friendly to continue your trip into Chile by bus or car. The route from La Paz or Uyuni to San Pedro de Atacama takes less than a day and is usually cheaper than flying.

 

Important: If you’re coming from high-altitude areas like La Paz, be aware that the border routes into Chile go through extremely high mountain passes. Altitude sickness is very common. Make sure you’re well-acclimated before making the journey.

 

Start your Chile adventure in San Pedro de Atacama, one of the driest places on Earth and the perfect base for exploring the desert.

 

For beaches and a lively city vibe, head north to La Serena. If you prefer big-city culture, consider Santiago, but be prepared for higher prices.

 

You’ll find the best budget deals during the shoulder seasons: September–November and March–May.

Best Budget Places to Stay in Chile

Casa Sirius – San Pedro de Atacama Hotels – A family-run operation with cozy amenities in San Pedro de Atacama.

 

Casa Voyage Hostel San Pedro – A bohemian oasis in the Atacama Desert with panoramic views. The building is over 250 years old.

 

Book Cuatro Esquinas de Italia in La Serena  – An apartment with a kitchen, terrace, and balcony near La Serena Beach.

 

Hostal el Arbol – El Arbol Hostel is conveniently located in downtown La Serena, the colonial area. Many restaurants are nearby, and the beach is within walking distance.

 

9. Paraguay

Paraguay is landlocked, but it makes up for it with breathtaking biodiversity and shopping deals. Since the country does not have a national airline, flying here will require a layover in the capital, Asuncion.

 

History lovers will appreciate Asuncion’s preserved artifacts and architecture. Most hotels offer shopping tours in Ciudad del Este (tax-free products) or the local experience at the Mercado Cuatro bazaar.

 

Paraguay doesn’t have an official peak season, but you can find cheap flights from September to December.

 

Best Budget Places to Stay in Paraguay

El Nomada– A centrally located colonial hostel offering a social atmosphere, free breakfast, and great facilities like a garden and an outdoor pool.

Casa Mosaico –  Located in the city center, offering private rooms and a charming garden area in a cool old building.

Hotel Amalfi – A solid, cheap hotel option in Asuncion’s city center, perfect for travelers who prefer a private room over a hostel.

10. Guyana

Guyana is South America’s ultimate budget wilderness – rainforests, waterfalls, and wildlife without the crowds or costs of Brazil or Venezuela. This small country on the north Atlantic coast is packed with adventure, from Kaieteur Falls to the Rupununi savannah.

 

Fly into Georgetown (the capital) via a layover from Miami or New York (cheapest entry). Start here to acclimate. It’s walkable, with markets and cheap eats. From Georgetown, buses or shared taxis get you to nature spots like Kaieteur (4–5 hours, ~$20). Off-season (April–May or Oct) is 20–30 % cheaper flights and fewer tourists.

 

Eat local street food like pepperpot stew or roti (~$5–8) to save. Georgetown’s Stabroek Market is a must for fresh, cheap eats. Avoid driving; use minivans or buses for $1–2 one-way.

Best Budget Places to Stay in Guyana

Carris in Georgetown – A simple, comfortable budget stay close to shops and restaurants — great for first-time visitors to the capital.

Ideal Executive Suites – Modern rooms in a quiet area of Georgetown, perfect if you want a clean, safe, and affordable base with good amenities.

592 Hospitality Inc.  – A friendly, guesthouse-style stay with great service and good value — ideal for budget travelers and solo visitors.

 

South America FAQ

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

Budget travelers typically spend $25–$50 per day, depending on the country, transportation, and activities.

• Cheapest: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador

• Moderate: Peru, Uruguay

• Higher: Brazil, Argentina, Chile
  Your biggest expense will be flights. Once you arrive, travel can be very affordable.

Can I travel South America without speaking Spanish?

Yes, you can get by, especially in major cities and tourist areas. However, knowing basic phrases helps a lot and makes travel smoother. Use apps like Google Translate and download offline translation if going remote.

What’s the best time to visit South America on a budget?

The cheapest time to travel is during the shoulder seasons: April–May and September–November. You’ll avoid peak-season prices, enjoy good weather, and deal with fewer crowds.

Is South America safe for solo travelers?

Yes, but safety varies by country and city. Stick to safe neighborhoods, avoid walking alone at night, use Uber/Bolt instead of street taxis, and stay aware of your surroundings. Countries like Uruguay, Argentina, Chile, and Colombia (tourist areas) are considered safer for travelers.

Do I need visas or special documents to travel in South America?

Most tourists from the U.S., Canada, the UK, and the EU get visa-free entry for 30–90 days, depending on the country.
Exceptions: Brazil may require a visa depending on new-entry regulations, and Bolivia requires a visa for some nationalities.

Final Thoughts

The question that’s on your mind now is, “Why haven’t I gone to Latin America sooner?”. Usually, your answer is the flight cost. But don’t let flight costs discourage you. Book cheap rates according to the off-season months.

 

Remember that a budget trip to South America is the best form of self-care. Sure, a massage or a manicure can do wonders, but nothing invigorates you more than a budget trip to Latin America.

 

Memories are made with people, and you’ll find many on your adventure. Whether you prefer to walk around cities, relax on a beach, or follow a hiking trail, you will find it all in South America.

 

The explorer in you will pick one of these South America trip ideas, but it’ll take the organizer in you to plan it. Enjoy your trip, make connections, and eat good food! I hope you enjoyed these top 10 places in South America to visit on a budget, and I wish you a wonderful trip!

 

 

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