The 12 Cheapest Travel Destinations In South America For 2016
If you haven't noticed already, traveling is one of my main passions. I recently took a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands and that really inspired me to explore the rest of South America and the world! I met so many amazing people who were backpacking all of South America for months at a time and they shared so many of their amazing experiences with me.
South America really isn't that far from us and offers some of the most amazing nature and culture you'll ever experience in your life. Each city is unique and is full of things to do and see, you'll never be bored. Plus it's cheap!
There's so many cities in South America which are easily affordable for tourists and backpackers. You'll honestly never want to leave this place!
1. Quito, Ecuador
Rooftop views from my hostel ?
A photo posted by yamiexo (@yamiexo) on
Average Meal: $3.00
Average Accommodations: $10/night
Average Beer: $2.00
I recently traveled to this city and I can assure you it is as cheap as it sounds. Stay at the Secret Garden Hostel and you can enjoy your breakfast with the view in the picture above and the dorm rooms are super cheap and safe. Take a day trip out to Papallecta and soak in the natural hot springs or spend your day hiking up Pichincha Volcano at an altitude of 4,700 meters above sea level.
If you're willing to spend a little more I would highly recommend flying over to the Galapagos Islands to experience natural ecosystems you won't get the opportunity to see anywhere else.
2. La Paz, Bolivia
A photo posted by Travelling Anywhere 2016 (@aaaaashtravels) on
Average Meal: $4.75
Average Accommodations: $11.50/night
Average Beer: $3.40
There's so many ways to explore La Paz for cheap. Take a ride up the teleferico up to the top of the city and get an amazing view. If you're a daredevil type you can try mountain biking on Death Road or go zip lining on one of Bolivia's amazing zip line trails.
3. Cartagena, Colombia
A photo posted by @wendmonton on
Average Meal: $4.50
Average Accommodations: $15/night
Average Beer: $2.25
Located on Colombia's Caribbean coast, in Cartagena you'll be staying right by some of the beaches in South America. Snorkel through the coral reefs on Rosario Islands, stroll through the walled area of the Old Town, and enjoy the crazy nightlife!
4. Lima, Peru
A photo posted by EARTH FOCUS (@earthfocus) on
Average Meal: $3.95
Average Accommodations: $15/night
Average Beer: $2.85
Lima is one of the most cultural cities you can visit in South America. Hike the Inca trail to Machu Picchu, and if you're feeling adventures you can spend a few days hiking all the way the top! You can also enter the Amazon Forest through Peru, which is a once in a life time place to see species and nature you'll never see anywhere else in the world.
5. Buenos Aires, Argentina
A photo posted by Agustina (@agustina.frias) on
Average Meal: $10.65
Average Accommodations: $16/night
Average Beer: $3.00
This city offers so much to travellers when they visit. Take in the local culture and go see a milongas show, tango dancing, for cheap, or stroll through the mysterious Recoleta Cemetery filled with mausoleums belonging to the most rich and powerful families of the city.
This is one South American city you've got to visit during your trip.
6. Montevideo, Uruguay
Viemos visitar Don Pedro, o famoso fantasma que mora no Palácio Salvo! ? #PartiuAlasca #Uruguai
A photo posted by Partiu Alasca (@partiualasca) on
Average Meal: $13.00
Average Accommodations: $20/night
Average Beer: $3.00
This city is situated right beside Montevideo Bay and features some amazing history and architecture. Visit the towering Palacio Salvo or the Solis Theatre which is filled with authentic restaurants and market stands. You can also spend a day relaxing on one of Montevideo's beaches!
7. Caracas, Venezuela
A photo posted by Adriana Herrera (@viajaelmundo) on
Average Meal: $5.00
Average Accommodations: $15/night
Average Beer: $1.50
Caracas is an amazing South American destination. Hike through Avila National Park and get some amazing views of the city from the top or any of the other numerous parks there. Experience some of the true Venezuelan culture and try salsa dancing at the hopping night clubs every night.
8. Santiago, Chile
A photo posted by Benjamín Díaz (@benjamoustrin) on
Average Meal: $10.00
Average Accommodations: $20/night
Average Beer: $2.40
Chile is an amazing country with so much to offer and all of it is accessible through Santiago. Hike up San Jose volcano, visit the Plaza de Armas, or climb up the Cerro Saint Lucia or the Cerro San Cristobal for amazing views of the city.
Or if you're a passionate foody you should definitely visit the Mercado Central which is a giant fish market with an unlimited amount of options.
9. Bogota, Colombia
#domingoderamos #iglesia #catedralprimada #cathedral #bogota #Colombia
A photo posted by Yessid Ramírez (@yessidxd) on
Average Meal: $4.50
Average Accommodations: $15/night
Average Beer: $2.50
Bogota, Colombia is filled with cobblestone streets and buildings maintained from the colonial era, such as the Primatial Cathedral and the Iglesia de San Francisco. Visit the Zona Rosa area for shopping and nightlife or visit the numerous museums this city has to offer.
10. Cusco, Peru
A photo posted by Kaela Punsalan (@kaelapunsalan) on
Average Meal: $3.15
Average Accommodations: $15/night
Average Beer: $2.50
This city is jam packed with nature and amazing places to see. You've got to visit the Rainbow Mountain and the Sacred Valley featuring Inca ruins. If you're feeling active take a hike up Huchuy Qosqo for some amazing views of the Peruvian Andes.
11. Sao Paulo, Brazil
Catedral da Sé by @klebernarvaes ? #saopaulocity #catedraldase
A photo posted by Projeto São Paulo City (@saopaulocity) on
Average Meal: $10.00
Average Accommodations: $16/night
Average Beer: $3.20
Brazil is known as a slightly expensive country, but Sao Paulo is one of the cheaper destinations for tourists. It's filled with gothic cathedrals, huge skyscrapers and modern theatres. With gorgeous parks to stroll through and an amazing food culture to enjoy, this Brazilian city is one you won't want to miss.
12. Guatapé, Colombia
No podía olvidar esta foto, la colorida ciudad de Guatapé, ciudad de los Zócalos
A photo posted by Julio López Montalvo (@piscolomo) on
Average Meal: $3.50
Average Accommodations: $10/night
Average Beer: $1.35
This gorgeous, colourful city offers some amazing things to do and see. You've gotta climb La Piedra del Penol, which is a huge rock which towers over 200 meters above the town. Then take a kayak out and explore the lake of Guatape. With cheap food and activities, this is one of the best destinations in South America.