Want to See South America on a Budget? ¡No Hay Problema! Dhinesh Manuel December 28, 2018 Budget Travel, International Travel, South America, Travel Tips 2 Comments This post was last updated October 12, 2023. With each of its countries offering up visitors unique cultures, cuisines, and experiences, South America is a continent that’s managed to consistently stay on world travelers’ itineraries. However, for those travelers who need stick to a tight budget, the thought of exploring many of its wonderful and intriguing cities can seem financially daunting. But don’t worry; we’ve put together this handy list of the most affordable cities you can travel to in South America. ¡Por favor, disfruta! Quito, Ecuador High up in the foothills of the Andes sits the beautiful Ecuadoran city of Quito. Quito was one of the very first UNESCO heritage sites, and it’s easy to see why. The city has the perfect blend of indigenous American influences and colonial Spanish flavor, making it an exciting and informative getaway, without making a huge dent in your wallet. Cheap international flights are abundant and the city has a variety of budget hostels. Plus, the Quinto’s delicious street food delights, like humitas (similar to tamales) and llapingachos (tortillas topped with egg, vegetables, and chorizo) will sustain you for just a pittance. Santiago, Chile Santiago, Chile’s capital city, is full of great things to see and do, and none of them is going to exhaust your funds. You can visit the former home of legendary poet Pablo Neruda, which is now a museum; enjoy walking through the Plaza de Armas and stopping by the Museo Histórico Nacional for a great lesson on the country’s history; and check out the neighborhoods of La Chascona and Providencia, which are famous for their live music venues. Eating out is perfect for those on a budget, as ordering a tasty completo (a burger or hotdog topped with avocados, tomatoes, and mayonnaise) won’t set you back by much at all. La Paz, Bolivia You don’t have to be too concerned about overspending in La Paz. Whether it’s looking for spiritual guidance at the Mercado de los Brujas (Witches’ Market), enjoying the bizarre yet empowering spectacle of a Cholita women’s wresting match, or taking a walk through the historic and beautiful Jaen Street, you can actually be rest assured that the best things in life are free—or at least almost free! Cusco, Peru Enjoy the world going by at a easier pace in Cusco, ancient capital of the Inca Empire. You’ll find that your dollars will go far in Cusco, as they would throughout most of Peru. You can take a day trip to visit the iconic Incan citadel of Machu Picchu, or sip on a pisco sour (pisco brandy, simple syrup, lime juice, egg white, and angostura bitters) and enjoy the laid-back vibes and artists and musicians of the less touristy San Blas neighborhood. Or you could marvel at the intricate external architecture and interior splendor of its cathedrals. Accommodation can be a little pricey, but if you use your Spanish speaking skills you may be able to land a private room, or a “hospedaje,” which is how most local visitors stay on the cheap. Cartagena, Colombia The colorful buildings and enchanting churches will make you feel like Cartagena is a luxury vacation hotspot, but looks can be deceiving. The city is easily explored by foot and finding affordable accommodation is a piece of cake. Make sure to visit the “walled city,” that is, the Ciudad Amurallada fortress complex, which is full of shops, bars, and restaurants. Make a day trip to chill out at Playa Blanca, one of the finest stretches of beach in the world. And haggle your way through the busy Mercado de Bazurto, where a fantastic meal will cost you just a couple of dollars. Buenos Aires, Argentina It takes two to tango and Buenos Aires has just asked you to dance! This vibrant city is full of great architecture and food, which keeps visitors coming back for more. While some areas and experiences are a bit expensive, there are tons of free activities that can help you have a cost-effective, authentic Argentinian experience. You can check out the colorful street art and graffiti that have made the barrios of Palermo, Caballito, and Colegiales world famous. Take a free tango lesson at Barrancas de Belgrano park. Grab a bargain at the buzzing San Telmo flea market. And watch traditional cowboys (gauchos) enter the city with much fanfare at Feria de Mataderos. Of course, airfares can vary based on the time of year. But if you plan things right, you might just be able to snag flight deals under $199 and start your budget-friendly South American trip off on a positive note. Do you have a favorite South American destination for an inexpensive good time? Let us know in the comments below!
