Cheap travel destinations South America visitors can enjoy include mountain cities, colonial towns, beaches, hiking bases, and food capitals. Some cost less than $40 a day when you use hostels, local transport, set-menu lunches, and free attractions.
The cheapest choices are mainly in Bolivia and Colombia. Ecuador and Peru also give good value, especially when you stay outside their busiest tourist areas. Argentina and Brazil need more planning, though several cities remain affordable compared with their better-known destinations.
How I calculated these travel budgets
I compared current 2026 city spending data with the costs a budget traveler commonly faces: a dorm bed, local meals, city transport, and basic sightseeing.
The figures are planning ranges rather than fixed prices. A person staying for 5 nights may pay less per day than someone making a 1-night stop. Holiday dates, major festivals, exchange rates, weather problems, and last-minute bookings can raise the final cost.
Slow travel usually saves the most money. Moving to a new city every 2 days adds bus fares, station taxis, luggage storage, early check-in costs, and meals bought near transport terminals.
1. Copacabana, Bolivia
Suggested daily budget: $30 to $40
Suggested stay: 2 to 3 nights
Best for: Lake Titicaca views and a quiet break
Copacabana is one of the cheapest tourist towns in South America. Current city spending data places it at the top of the continent’s low-cost rankings, with an average daily travel cost close to $32.
The town sits beside Lake Titicaca. You can walk along the waterfront, visit the main church, climb Cerro Calvario, and watch the sunset without paying for a formal tour.
A basic room or dorm, simple Bolivian meals, and local transport can fit a small daily budget. The largest extra cost is usually a boat trip to Isla del Sol. Check what the ticket includes because some prices cover transport only.
Copacabana also works as a short stop between La Paz and Peru. Keep an extra day in your plan when crossing the border since roadblocks, queues, or bus changes may delay the trip.
Spend at least 1 slow day in town. Copacabana feels rushed when treated as a bus connection with a quick lake photo.
2. La Paz, Bolivia
Suggested daily budget: $30 to $45
Suggested stay: 3 to 5 nights
Best for: Markets, cable-car views, and cheap mountain access
La Paz gives budget travelers cheap food, low-cost guesthouses, busy markets, and public cable cars with wide views across the city.
A normal day can include a market breakfast, a ride on the Mi Teleférico network, a walk through the centre, and a set-menu lunch. The city is also a base for Valle de la Luna, mountain viewpoints, and trips into the Cordillera Real.
Altitude changes the first few days. La Paz sits high above sea level, and El Alto is higher. Give yourself a light first day, drink enough water, and avoid booking a hard hike straight after arrival.
Bolivia’s average budget-traveler spending sits near $25 per person per day. Food, shared rooms, and local transport remain cheap, though guided mountain trips raise the total.
Current safety note: The U.S. travel advisory issued on June 4, 2026 lists Bolivia at Level 2 and advises travelers to reconsider travel to La Paz due to protests and roadblocks. Check local news before booking buses or flights. Avoid demonstrations and keep enough cash, water, food, and medicine for possible delays.
3. Sucre, Bolivia
Suggested daily budget: $30 to $45
Suggested stay: 3 to 6 nights
Best for: Colonial streets, museums, and longer low-cost stays
Sucre suits travelers who want a slower stop after La Paz, Uyuni, or Potosí. It has white colonial buildings, calm plazas, local markets, museums, and several nearby walks.
The centre is compact, so you can cover many places on foot. This keeps daily transport spending low. Set-menu lunches and market food also cost less than restaurants aimed at short-stay tourists.
Sucre is popular with travelers taking Spanish lessons. Weekly accommodation and lesson packages can give better value than booking each day on its own.
Use at least 3 nights. One day can cover the main centre, another can include museums or the Recoleta viewpoint, and the third gives time for a nearby hike or dinosaur site.
Sucre works well for remote workers and long-stay visitors because it has lower daily costs and a calmer pace than La Paz.
4. Medellín, Colombia
Suggested daily budget: $35 to $55
Suggested stay: 4 to 6 nights
Best for: City transport, neighbourhood visits, and day trips
Medellín ranks among the cheapest major cities in South America based on reported traveler spending. Its current average sits close to $36 per person per day.
The metro and cable-car system make it easier to cross the city without paying for taxis all day. Free or low-cost plans include parks, public plazas, neighbourhood walks, local markets, and city viewpoints.
Accommodation prices change sharply by area. El Poblado has many hostels and restaurants, though beds and meals often cost more there. Laureles and parts of the central districts may give better value, depending on your comfort needs and planned activities.
Guatapé is the best-known day trip. Its transport, entrance tickets, boat trips, and food can turn one cheap city day into a larger expense. Compare independent bus travel with organised tours before booking.
Colombia’s current travel advisory lists the country at Level 3 due to crime, unrest, kidnapping, terrorism, and natural hazards. Keep your phone away on quiet streets, use registered or app-based transport after dark, and avoid displaying jewellery or large amounts of cash.
5. Santa Marta, Colombia
Suggested daily budget: $45 to $65
Suggested stay: 3 to 5 nights
Best for: Caribbean beaches and access to Tayrona
Santa Marta costs less than many Caribbean tourist cities. It also gives you several trip styles from one base: city beaches, Taganga, Minca, Tayrona National Park, and longer routes toward northern Colombia.
The historic centre has hostels, bakeries, local restaurants, small supermarkets, and easy access to transport. Staying close to the centre can reduce taxi use.
A basic city day remains affordable. Tayrona changes the budget because you may need park entry, transport, food, accommodation, and luggage storage. Minca can also cost more when you book private transport or several paid activities.
Choose your base around your next stop. Stay in central Santa Marta for transport links. Stay in Minca for mountain weather and nature. Stay near Tayrona when you plan an early park entrance.
Avoid carrying your full travel budget to the beach. Take a small amount of cash and use accommodation lockers for your passport and spare cards.
6. Salento, Colombia
Suggested daily budget: $45 to $65
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 nights
Best for: Coffee farms, mountain views, and Cocora Valley
Salento is a small mountain town in Colombia’s coffee region. Its colourful centre, surrounding farms, and access to Cocora Valley make it one of the best nature stops for a limited budget.
Shared Willys Jeeps connect the town with Cocora Valley and nearby farms. The shared fare keeps transport cheaper than a private taxi. Food costs stay reasonable when you eat away from the main plaza.
Cocora Valley can be a short walk or a longer loop. The final cost depends on the route, farm gates, optional Acaime detour, food, and jeep transport. The full Cocora Valley Colombia guide explains the walking choices, current costs, weather issues, and jeep process.
Salento gets busy on weekends and Colombian holidays. Arrive on a weekday when possible. Dorms, small rooms, and popular jeep times fill faster from Friday to Sunday.
Pack a rain layer even when the morning looks clear. Mud and short showers are common in the valley.
7. Cuenca, Ecuador
Suggested daily budget: $45 to $65
Suggested stay: 3 to 5 nights
Best for: Historic streets, food markets, and Cajas National Park
Cuenca is a good base for travelers who want an attractive city without the daily costs of South America’s larger capitals.
The historic centre has churches, plazas, museums, riverside walks, markets, and inexpensive local food. Many central places sit close enough for walking.
Cajas National Park is the main low-cost nature trip. Public transport and shared rides can keep the day affordable, and several routes can be walked without an expensive private tour. FrugalVoyage’s budget hiking guide places Cajas among the cheapest city-based hiking choices in the region.
The weather changes quickly at higher elevations. Carry warm clothing, food, water, and an offline map. Check park conditions before leaving Cuenca.
Ecuador currently has a Level 2 travel advisory due to crime, unrest, kidnapping, and terrorism. Several coastal areas carry stronger warnings. Cuenca is outside the listed Level 4 areas, though normal city safety steps still apply.
8. Baños, Ecuador
Suggested daily budget: $50 to $70
Suggested stay: 3 to 4 nights
Best for: Waterfalls, cycling, and hot springs
Baños is popular with backpackers because you can choose between cheap independent days and paid outdoor activities.
The town centre is walkable. Low-cost plans include riverside walks, viewpoints, local food, public hot springs, and the waterfall route. Bike rental adds a moderate cost and can cover several stops in one day.
Rafting, canyoning, ziplining, and organised Amazon trips can raise the budget quickly. Choose 1 main paid activity and keep the other days simple.
Accommodation near the centre saves transport money. A room farther out may look cheaper, then add taxi fares each morning and evening.
Baños sits near Tungurahua volcano. Ecuador’s travel guidance warns that volcanic mud or lava flows could affect the area. Check local alerts and weather reports before hiking or cycling outside town.
9. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Suggested daily budget: $50 to $75
Suggested stay: 4 to 7 nights
Best for: Food, museums, architecture, and free city walks
Buenos Aires can give good value when you use public transport, local bakeries, supermarkets, free parks, and neighbourhood walks.
A cheap day can include Plaza de Mayo, San Telmo, Puerto Madero, Recoleta, or Palermo’s parks. Several museums have free periods or low entry prices, though schedules can change.
Accommodation is the biggest decision. A cheap room far from useful transport may add time and taxi spending. Stay near a metro or frequent bus route.
Restaurant prices vary widely. Local cafés, empanada shops, pizza counters, bakeries, and lunch specials cost less than formal restaurants in tourist districts.
Argentina’s prices and exchange rates can move during the time between booking and arrival. Check the amount charged in pesos, your card’s exchange rate, and any foreign-card fees. Keep more than one payment option.
Buenos Aires currently ranks near $56 per day in reported traveler spending, placing it below several better-known South American capitals.
10. Puerto Iguazú, Argentina
Suggested daily budget: $50 to $75
Suggested stay: 2 to 4 nights
Best for: Visiting Iguazú Falls from the Argentine side
Puerto Iguazú is one of the cheaper bases for a major natural attraction. The town has hostels, local buses, supermarkets, bakeries, and simple restaurants.
The waterfalls are the main expense. Add park entry, transport, food, and any optional boat activity to your daily total. A boat trip can cost more than your room and meals combined.
Give the Argentine side a full day. Starting early gives you more time for the walking circuits and train queues. A second day can cover the Brazilian side, depending on your visa rules and border time.
Puerto Iguazú’s average reported daily cost sits near $56. This makes the town affordable by regional standards, though the park day will cost more than a normal town day.
FrugalVoyage’s Iguazú Falls travel guide can be used here as an internal link for current entry costs, border planning, transport, and the differences between the Argentine and Brazilian sides.
11. Arequipa, Peru
Suggested daily budget: $55 to $75
Suggested stay: 3 to 5 nights
Best for: Historic streets, local food, and Colca Canyon
Arequipa gives travelers a walkable historic centre, local food markets, museums, rooftop views, and access to Colca Canyon.
The central plaza and surrounding streets can fill a full day with little transport spending. Local lunch menus cost less than international restaurants around the main square.
Colca Canyon is the main budget decision. Independent buses and village guesthouses can keep the trip affordable. A quick organised tour may save time, though the early departure and long driving hours can feel tiring.
A 2-day canyon hike suits fit walkers with limited time. A 3-day route gives more rest after the descent. Include the regional tourist ticket, food, water, accommodation, and return transport in your estimate.
Arequipa currently has an average reported daily travel cost near $62.
Peru’s travel advisory sits at Level 2. Demonstrations may close roads, rail lines, and airports with little warning. Check transport status before leaving for Colca or Cusco.
12. Cusco, Peru
Suggested daily budget: $60 to $85
Suggested stay: 4 to 7 nights
Best for: Inca history, Sacred Valley trips, and mountain tours
Cusco is affordable for daily food, hostels, markets, and walking. Major tours make the full trip more expensive.
The historic centre, San Blas, local markets, and several viewpoints can be visited on a smaller budget. Tourist tickets, Sacred Valley tours, Machu Picchu, Rainbow Mountain, and train fares need separate planning.
Stay at least 2 full days before a hard high-altitude trip. Cusco sits around 3,400 metres above sea level, so some travelers feel headaches, tiredness, nausea, or shortness of breath.
Rainbow Mountain can look cheap when you see the base tour price. Extra entrance fees, food, warm clothing, toilet fees, horse rides, and Red Valley access may increase the total. Use the Rainbow Mountain Peru guide before choosing a tour or travel date.
Current traveler data places Cusco near $66 per day on average. Backpackers can spend less by using a dorm, local lunch menus, public transport, and fewer tours.
13. Huaraz, Peru
Suggested daily budget: $45 to $70
Suggested stay: 4 to 7 nights
Best for: High mountain lakes and lower-cost trekking
Huaraz is one of the best places for mountain travel on a limited budget. The city has hostels, gear-rental shops, set-menu meals, shared hiking transport, and many tour agencies.
Laguna 69, Pastoruri Glacier, Laguna Parón, and other Cordillera Blanca trips can be booked as shared day tours. Prices rise for private guides, technical climbs, and multi-day treks.
A dorm may cost around $12 to $25, while basic meals often sit between $4 and $10. Shared day tours commonly add $25 to $60, depending on the route and what the booking includes.
Huaraz sits high above sea level. Use the first day for a short walk and town errands. Start harder hikes after your body has had time to adjust.
The budget hiking destinations guide gives Huaraz the top position for affordable high-mountain hiking. It also compares Huaraz with Quilotoa, Cocora Valley, Colca Canyon, and other regional hiking bases.
14. Salvador, Brazil
Suggested daily budget: $50 to $75
Suggested stay: 3 to 5 nights
Best for: Beaches, Afro-Brazilian culture, music, and local food
Salvador is one of Brazil’s more affordable major tourist cities. Current city rankings place its average daily traveler spending near $54.
The historic centre of Pelourinho, city viewpoints, churches, markets, and public beaches give visitors several free or low-cost days.
Accommodation near the historic centre can reduce transport spending during daytime visits. Choose the exact street with care and ask your accommodation about safe evening routes.
Local buses cost less than taxis, though first-time visitors may prefer registered rides after dark. Carry small cash for food stalls and markets, and avoid using your phone openly on quiet streets.
Brazil is large, and domestic transport can cost more than the stay itself. Salvador works best as part of a route through northeastern Brazil. Flying across the country for a 2-night visit may remove the savings gained from lower local prices.
Which South American country is cheapest to visit?
Bolivia is the strongest choice for the lowest daily spending. Budget travelers can average near $25 a day, while the average across travel styles sits closer to $37.
Colombia gives good value in Medellín, Cali, Santa Marta, and Salento. Coastal tours and busy tourist centres cost more.
Ecuador has low transport costs and short distances between several highland destinations. Cuenca, Baños, Quito, Latacunga, and the Quilotoa area can fit one route.
Peru has cheap local food, hostels, and buses. Machu Picchu, premium trains, guided treks, and major mountain tours raise the final trip cost.
Argentina can work for budget travelers in Buenos Aires, Puerto Iguazú, Mendoza, Córdoba, and northern cities. Patagonia needs more money for accommodation, park fees, food, and transport.
Popular South American places that cost more
Some famous destinations still work for budget travelers, though they need a higher daily limit.
Lima
A careful backpacker can spend around $30 to $50 a day in Lima by using hostels, menu del día lunches, buses, and free coastal walks. Average visitor spending can sit much higher because airport transport, Miraflores accommodation, restaurants, and tours add up.
Use the Lima daily budget guide to plan accommodation, food, transport, and activities separately.
Cartagena
Cartagena has free streets, plazas, beaches, and low-cost local food. Island tours, rooftop bars, Walled City hotels, and tourist restaurants can make it more expensive than Medellín or Santa Marta.
Rio de Janeiro
Public beaches and city walks cost little. Accommodation, attraction tickets, airport transport, and Carnival dates raise the total. Current reported traveler spending sits above $120 per day.
Santiago
Santiago is one of the most expensive large cities in the regional cost rankings. Its reported average daily travel cost sits above $150.
Patagonia
El Chaltén has self-guided trails close to town, which saves transport and guide costs. Accommodation, groceries, park fees, and long-distance travel make the full stay dearer than hiking in Peru, Bolivia, or Ecuador.
Cheap South America routes that cut transport costs
A low daily budget loses its value when the route requires several expensive flights. Choose nearby destinations and move in one direction.
2-week Bolivia and Peru route
- 3 nights in La Paz
- 2 nights in Copacabana
- 4 nights in Cusco
- 3 nights in Arequipa
- 2 travel or spare days
This route combines city time, Lake Titicaca, Inca history, and canyon travel. Check border conditions and roadblocks before leaving La Paz.
2-week Colombia route
- 4 nights in Medellín
- 3 nights in Salento
- 2 travel days
- 4 nights in Santa Marta
- 1 spare day
Use buses for shorter sections. A domestic flight may save time between inland Colombia and the Caribbean coast, though baggage fees need to be added.
2-week Ecuador route
- 3 nights in Quito
- 3 or 4 days around Latacunga and Quilotoa
- 3 nights in Baños
- 4 nights in Cuenca
Ecuador’s smaller size can reduce long-distance transport costs. Weather, road closures, and mountain travel may still slow the route.
2-week Peru hiking route
- 2 nights in Lima
- 5 nights in Huaraz
- 2 travel days
- 4 nights in Arequipa
- 1 spare day
This plan gives enough time to adjust to altitude before harder hikes. It also keeps most long-distance travel inside one country.
Hidden costs that can break a cheap travel budget
Long-distance transport
South America is much larger than it appears on a simple route map. A bus between 2 cities may take 8, 12, or 20 hours. Flights save time and add baggage, airport, seat, and transfer costs.
Major attraction days
Machu Picchu, Iguazú Falls, Uyuni tours, Galápagos trips, Patagonia parks, and Amazon lodges need separate budgets. A destination may have cheap food and rooms while its main attraction costs several days of normal spending.
Airport transfers
A cheap flight arriving after midnight may require a private taxi. Compare the full door-to-door cost before choosing the lowest airfare.
Cash withdrawal fees
ATM fees, poor exchange rates, foreign-card charges, and repeated small withdrawals can take a noticeable part of a long trip budget.
High-altitude rest days
La Paz, Cusco, Huaraz, Copacabana, and several Andean towns sit at high elevations. Keep 1 or 2 lighter days in your plan. A packed schedule may lead to lost bookings when you need rest.
Laundry and luggage storage
These costs look small on their own. They appear often during long trips, overnight bus routes, and early hotel arrivals.
Peak dates
Carnival, Christmas, New Year, Easter, national holidays, school breaks, and major festivals can raise room and transport prices. Book the cheapest beds first.
How to spend less while travelling in South America
Stay for at least 3 nights in each destination. Longer stays reduce transport costs and may give access to weekly room rates.
Eat your main meal at lunch. Menú del día and local set lunches often include soup, a main dish, and a drink for less than an evening restaurant meal.
Use supermarkets for breakfast, water, snacks, and hiking food. Tourist cafés can turn 3 small purchases into the cost of a full local lunch.
Book expensive trips first. Machu Picchu, major hikes, park permits, and busy buses may control the dates of the full route.
Carry a 15% cash reserve. Use it for road closures, replacement transport, an extra hotel night, medicine, or a missed connection.
Ask what each tour includes. Check park entry, food, equipment, hotel pickup, return transport, and local fees before comparing prices.
Use daytime transport when possible. It is easier to find your accommodation, use public transport, and deal with booking problems during daylight.
A realistic monthly budget for South America
A backpacker spending most of the month in Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, or Peru can plan around $1,200 to $1,800.
A lower monthly total is possible with dorm rooms, slow travel, local meals, free activities, and few organised tours.
A private room, regular flights, nightlife, premium restaurants, and several famous attractions may raise the total to $2,000 to $3,000 or more.
Keep flights to and from South America separate from your daily budget. These tickets may cost more than several weeks of local travel.
Safety and budget planning
Cheap accommodation still needs a safe location. Read recent reviews about the street, night access, lockers, transport, and reception hours.
Save offline maps before travelling. Keep your accommodation address written down in the local language.
Use a small day bag. Leave spare cards, most cash, and your passport in a secure locker when local rules allow.
Avoid protests and roadblocks. They can become unsafe and may stop buses, deliveries, and airport access.
Check official travel advice close to departure. Safety levels and regional warnings may change after an article is published.
Buy travel insurance that covers the activities you plan to do. Standard policies may exclude high-altitude trekking, rafting, climbing, motorcycles, or medical evacuation.
Conclusion
The best cheap travel destinations South America has for a small budget are Copacabana, Sucre, La Paz, and Medellín. They combine affordable rooms, local meals, public transport, and several free activities.
Cuenca, Salento, Huaraz, Arequipa, Baños, Puerto Iguazú, and Buenos Aires need a little more money. They still give good value when you travel slowly and choose paid activities with care.
Build your route around 1 or 2 nearby countries. Keep expensive attractions in a separate budget. Add spare money for road delays, altitude rest days, and transport changes. This gives you a trip that stays affordable after all costs are counted.
