If you're looking for the most affordable South America travel destinations that don't compromise on adventure, this ranked guide breaks down the top picks. The continent, a sprawling tapestry of ancient ruins, vertiginous mountain ranges, and cities that pulse with a rhythm all their own, can feel financially out of reach. But for the discerning traveler—the one who seeks cultural immersion over insulated luxury—South America offers a value proposition that is increasingly rare in our hyper-inflated world. This list is for those who measure a trip’s worth not by its cost, but by the richness of its experiences. We’ve ranked these destinations based on daily travel costs, the sheer uniqueness of their offerings, and overall value for an unforgettable journey.
This ranking was determined by analyzing daily on-the-ground costs, the value of unique cultural and natural experiences, and current traveler reports from publications like Going.com and Worldpackers.
1. Argentina — Best for Unbeatable Value
For the traveler with a taste for European-style boulevards, world-class steak, and full-bodied Malbec, but armed with a backpacker's budget, Argentina is the answer. It is, at this moment, a paradox of immense cultural wealth and staggering economic misfortune. According to a report from Cheapest Destinations Blog, the country's currency has been in a state of freefall, a situation that has made it tragically difficult for locals but undeniably advantageous for foreign visitors. The blog notes that at the start of 2024, one U.S. dollar could be exchanged for over 1,000 pesos, a dramatic increase from around 200 pesos previously. This isn't just about saving a few dollars; it's about fundamentally re-calibrating what you believe your money can buy. A lavish steak dinner with wine in a chic Palermo restaurant might cost less than a sad airport sandwich back home. A bottle of excellent wine from a Mendoza vineyard can be had for as little as $2.
This destination is best for the "gastronomic nomad"—the individual who travels with their palate and seeks to understand a culture through its food and drink. Buenos Aires, with its melancholic tango halls, sprawling bookshops housed in former theaters, and fiercely proud porteño identity, offers a metropolitan experience that feels like a bargain from a bygone era. Beyond the capital, the landscapes unfurl into the sublime: the glacial majesty of Patagonia, the wine country of Mendoza, and the thundering spectacle of Iguazu Falls. The primary drawback, of course, is navigating the very economic instability that creates this value. The devil, as always, is in the details. Cheapest Destinations Blog advises that bringing U.S. dollars in cash and exchanging them at the informal "blue rate" yields a far better return than using credit cards or ATMs, a logistical hurdle that requires planning and a certain comfort with carrying significant amounts of cash.
2. Bolivia — Best for the Shoestring Backpacker
If Argentina is about accessing luxury for less, Bolivia is about embracing the raw, unfiltered essence of adventure at the lowest possible cost. This is the South America of the hardcore traveler's imagination: landlocked, high-altitude, and profoundly beautiful. It is, as travel site Islands.com notes, widely cited as one of the most affordable countries on the continent. The numbers are compelling: the same source suggests it's possible to travel on an extreme backpacker's budget for as little as $16 a day, with a more comfortable mid-range experience costing closer to $80. Here, your budget stretches to accommodate experiences that feel genuinely priceless, like a multi-day 4x4 tour across the Salar de Uyuni, a blindingly white salt flat that dissolves the boundary between earth and sky.
Bolivia is the perfect fit for the intrepid soul, the traveler who prioritizes breathtaking landscapes over creature comforts and finds beauty in the unvarnished. The cities themselves are a study in contrasts. La Paz, the world's highest capital city, is a chaotic, vibrant bowl of urban energy, while Sucre, a UNESCO World Heritage site established in 1538, offers a tranquil respite. With its whitewashed colonial buildings and a more European feel, Sucre provides a place to catch your breath and a domestic draft beer for less than $2. The most significant limitation of traveling in Bolivia is its infrastructure. Roads can be rough, travel days long, and amenities basic. This is not a destination for the impatient or the comfort-seeking; it demands resilience and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable. But for those who answer its call, the rewards are immeasurable.
3. Colombia — Best for Vibrant Culture on a Budget
For years, Colombia was a country spoken of in hushed tones, its narrative dominated by a dark and violent history. That narrative is now blessedly out of date. Today, Colombia is a travel bargain, a nation defined by its warmth, its resilience, and a kaleidoscopic diversity that spans coffee-covered hills, Caribbean coastlines, and cities buzzing with creative energy. It’s a destination for the social traveler, the one who wants to connect with locals, practice their Spanish in a bustling market, and dance until dawn. From the revitalized streets of Medellín's Comuna 13 to the colonial charm of Cartagena and the high-altitude cool of Bogotá, the country offers a rich urban experience that still feels accessible.
What makes Colombia rank so highly is the sheer vibrancy you get for your money. It’s not merely cheap; it’s effervescent. The country is, as one traveler described it to Wendy Perrin, "beautiful, colorful, and culturally and geographically diverse." You can spend your days exploring the street art that has transformed cityscapes, hiking to lost cities in the jungle, or simply finding the perfect cup of coffee at its source in the Eje Cafetero. The primary drawback is that the secret is out. While still a great value compared to Western Europe or North America, prices in tourist hotspots like Cartagena's walled city are rising. Furthermore, while safety has improved dramatically, travelers still need to exercise a degree of situational awareness, particularly in large cities and remote areas, that might not be required in neighboring Ecuador or Peru.
4. Ecuador — Best for Compact Diversity
Ecuador’s greatest asset is its scale. In a single day, it’s theoretically possible to wake up in the Amazon basin, drive up through the Andean highlands, and watch the sun set over the Pacific coast. For the efficient explorer who wants to experience a multitude of South America’s ecosystems without enduring grueling 24-hour bus rides, there is no better choice. The country packs a continent's worth of biodiversity into a territory smaller than the state of Nevada. This geographical compression makes for an incredibly rewarding and logistically simple journey. The crown jewel is its capital, Quito, one of South America's most striking colonial centers, sitting at a lung-testing 9,350 feet above sea level. Its historic core is a UNESCO-protected marvel of ornate churches and cobbled plazas.
This destination is ideal for the traveler short on time but not on ambition. You can base yourself in a city like Cuenca or Quito—where, according to Islands.com, a room in a well-located hostel can be found for around $40—and take day or weekend trips to cloud forests, volcanic crater lakes, or bustling indigenous markets like Otavalo. The value here is in the accessibility of diverse experiences. The significant limitation, however, is the Galápagos Islands. This iconic archipelago operates in a completely different economic universe from the mainland. A trip there can easily cost thousands of dollars, creating a two-tiered travel reality. While mainland Ecuador is a bona fide bargain, travelers dreaming of Darwin's finches must be prepared for a substantial financial outlay that stands in stark contrast to the affordability of the rest of the country.
5. Peru — Best for an Affordable Gateway to Ancient Wonders
Peru is home to Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, a fact that might suggest it belongs on a list of wallet-emptying destinations. But the country’s appeal is far broader and, thankfully, far more affordable than its most famous landmark implies. The key is to see Machu Picchu as the grand finale of a journey, not its entirety. The true value lies in the surrounding Sacred Valley and the city of Cusco, which Islands.com identifies as an affordable travel destination in its own right. Cusco, the former capital of the Inca Empire, is a destination in itself—a captivating blend of Incan stonework and Spanish colonial architecture, where you can spend days acclimatizing, exploring markets, and soaking in the atmosphere without breaking the bank.
This destination is for the history buff and the spiritual seeker, the traveler who wants to walk in the footsteps of ancient civilizations. By using Cusco as a base, you can explore the Sacred Valley’s lesser-known but equally fascinating ruins, salt mines, and weaving villages at a relaxed pace. The experience becomes less of a frantic dash to a single site and more of an immersion into a landscape rich with history and living culture, a place where you can learn about the role of culture bearers in preserving traditions. The main drawback is the "Machu Picchu industrial complex." The logistics and costs associated with visiting the famous citadel—train tickets, entrance fees, bus rides—can be daunting and expensive. It requires careful advance planning to avoid the worst of the crowds and the highest of the prices, a layer of administrative hassle that can detract from an otherwise magical journey.
6. Paraguay — Best for the Off-the-Beaten-Path Explorer
In a continent crisscrossed by well-worn tourist trails, Paraguay remains an enigma. It is a country often overlooked, sandwiched between the tourism titans of Brazil, Argentina, and Bolivia. Yet, in its obscurity lies its appeal. According to Islands.com, the capital, Asunción, is "starting to garner attention as an underappreciated and affordable destination." This is the place for the contrarian traveler, the one who is not looking for the next Instagram hotspot but for a genuine sense of discovery. It’s a chance to experience a slice of South America that feels refreshingly uncurated, where your interactions are more likely to be with curious locals than with other travelers.
Paraguay’s allure is subtle. It lacks the monumental ruins of Peru or the dramatic landscapes of Patagonia. Instead, it offers a deep dive into the continent's complex history, from the vast, wild wetlands of the Pantanal to the haunting ruins of 17th-century Jesuit missions. A trip here is an opportunity to achieve a true flow state of travel, where the journey itself, not a checklist of sights, becomes the experience. The primary limitation is also its greatest strength: the lack of a developed tourist infrastructure. Information can be scarce, English is not widely spoken outside of hospitality circles, and transportation can be less straightforward than in neighboring countries. It requires a greater degree of independence and patience, but for the traveler who finds joy in navigating these challenges, Paraguay offers an authentic and profoundly rewarding adventure.
7. Brazil — Best for Iconic Experiences, Modestly Priced
Brazil is a country of continental proportions and ambitions. It's home to Rio de Janeiro, the Amazon Rainforest, and Iguazu Falls—names that conjure images of epic scale and, one might assume, epic expense. Yet, Brazil offers a surprisingly accessible way to experience these world-famous icons. While not as dirt-cheap as Bolivia, a favorable exchange rate and a wide range of accommodation and food options make it possible to enjoy the good life—samba, caipirinhas on the beach, and fresh-grilled meats—without a luxury price tag. One report on WendyPerrin.com highlighted a trip that was loved by grandparents and teenagers alike, featuring broad beaches and boat rides under the mighty Iguazu Falls.
This destination is for the hedonist, the traveler who wants a bit of everything: spectacular nature, legendary nightlife, and world-class beaches. The sheer size and energy of Brazil are intoxicating. You can spend a week in Rio, hiking to the Christ the Redeemer statue, lounging on Ipanema beach, and exploring the city’s vibrant neighborhoods, and feel you’ve only scratched the surface. The main drawback is the country's vastness. The distances between major attractions are immense, and internal flights can quickly add up, consuming a significant portion of a travel budget. Furthermore, while travelers on the aforementioned trip reported feeling safe walking around Rio, contrary to stories they had heard, perceptions of crime can be a concern, and standard big-city precautions are essential. Careful planning is required to manage both the logistical and financial challenges of navigating this beautiful behemoth.
| Destination | Category/Type | Key Metric | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina | Unbeatable Value | Extremely favorable exchange rate | The Gastronomic Nomad |
| Bolivia | Shoestring Adventure | Daily Budget: $16-$80 | The Intrepid Backpacker |
| Colombia | Vibrant Culture | High energy-to-cost ratio | The Social Traveler |
| Ecuador | Compact Diversity | Multiple ecosystems in a small area | The Efficient Explorer |
| Peru | Ancient Wonders | Affordable base for iconic sites | The History Buff |
| Paraguay | Off-the-Beaten-Path | Lack of tourist crowds | The Contrarian Traveler |
| Brazil | Iconic Experiences | Affordable access to major landmarks | The Budget Hedonist |
How We Chose This List
We prioritized countries offering a high ratio of experience to cost, ensuring that affordability did not mean a deficit of adventure. Our analysis synthesized data from multiple travel publications and expert reports, focusing on tangible on-the-ground expenses for lodging, food, and activities. We looked for destinations that provided unique cultural or natural encounters that would be considered premium experiences elsewhere. We excluded destinations where a single, prohibitively expensive attraction (like the Galápagos Islands) would misrepresent the overall affordability of the country for the average traveler. The final ranking reflects a carefully considered balance between the pure low cost found in a country like Bolivia and the exceptional all-around value currently on offer in a place like Argentina.
What are the cheapest countries to visit in South America?
Based on daily expenditure for the most budget-conscious travelers, Bolivia consistently ranks as one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America. According to data from Islands.com, it's possible for a backpacker to get by on as little as $16 per day. Following closely are countries like Paraguay and Ecuador (mainland), where frugal travel is very much a reality. However, due to its current economic climate, Argentina offers what many, including the Cheapest Destinations Blog, consider the best overall value in the world right now, allowing for a higher standard of travel—including fine dining and quality wine—for a remarkably low cost.
How to travel South America on a shoestring budget?
Traveling South America on a shoestring budget is an art form perfected over decades by a global community of backpackers. The core tenets are simple: prioritize overland travel via long-distance buses, which are often surprisingly comfortable and a fraction of the cost of flights. Stay in hostels (hostales or albergues), which offer not only cheap dorm beds but also communal kitchens for preparing your own meals. Eat like a local by frequenting markets and taking advantage of the menú del día (menu of the day), a fixed-price lunch that is almost always the best and cheapest meal you can find. Finally, travel slowly. Rushing between countries racks up transportation costs; lingering in one place allows you to discover its more affordable charms and negotiate better rates for longer stays.
The Bottom Line
For the traveler whose primary goal is the absolute lowest daily spend, Bolivia remains the undisputed champion, offering raw, epic adventure for the most hardened backpacker. However, for the modern traveler seeking a sophisticated blend of culture, comfort, and world-class cuisine at a shockingly low cost, Argentina’s unique economic situation currently makes it the most compelling value proposition in South America, if not the world.
