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Cheapest South American country to visit in 2025
Looking for the cheapest South American country to visit? Discover affordable destinations with low daily costs and amazing experiences.
For budget travelers, South America is a dream. It offers rich Latin American history, remnants of ancient civilizations, and delicious food at more competitive prices than expensive countries like those in Europe. With favorable exchange rates to the US dollar, countries in South America are a hotspot for budget-conscious tourists and adventure seekers.
If you’re planning to visit South America and wondering which is the cheapest South American country to visit, we’ve got you covered. Below, we’ve broken down some of the most budget-friendly destinations for your next adventure based on daily expenses, cheap flights, and budget accommodation options so you can take your dollar further!
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1. Bolivia
Bolivia has incredible sights, low living costs, and endless chances to go off the beaten path. It is hands down one of the cheapest countries in South America for US explorers, with USD 10 equating to almost 70 Bolivianos! Famous for its natural wonders like Lake Titicaca and high-altitude South American cities like La Paz, Bolivia is an ideal destination for those looking for a cheap vacation full of outdoor activities:
- Average daily budget: $25-$40
- Flight costs: Flights cost around $400-$700, depending on the season and departure city.
- Budget perks:
- There are cheap meals for around $2 and local markets that sell everything from clothes to leather goods.
- Affordable long-distance buses ($5-$15)
- Free attractions like markets and plazas
- Must-visit spots:
- Salar de Uyuni (Salt Flats): Depart from La Paz to visit the stunning salt flats. Depending on the mode of transport, costs can range from $25 to $240.
- Lake Titicaca & Isla del Sol: Straddling the border between Peru and Bolivia in the Andes Mountains, Lake Titicaca is one of South America’s largest lakes. Prices to visit also vary depending on how you like to travel.
- La Paz’s Witches’ Market: Many bargains and mouthwatering food to be enjoyed in the city’s most popular market!
2. Ecuador
Ecuador is another one of the cheapest countries to visit in South America if you’re on a tight budget. It offers affordable transport, with intercity buses costing around $1–$3 per hour. Inexpensive food and low-cost accommodations, starting from as little as $5, are also enticing to budget-conscious travelers.
Visitors can explore stunning landscapes, colonial cities, and the most picturesque beaches, like Tortuga Bay, without breaking the bank:
- Average daily budget: $30-$50
- Flight costs: Flights start from around $350-$600, depending on the season and departure city.
- Budget perks:
- Budget-friendly hostels and guesthouses
- Cheap intercity buses ($2-$10)
- Local markets and food for under or around $5
- Must-visit spots:
- Quito’s Old Town: Stroll through the capital city Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, taste local food, take incredible photos, and breathe in the city’s pulse.
- Baños: A gateway to the nearby Amazon Basin and a destination full of activities; visit the nearby thermal springs, stand in awe in front of waterfalls, or trek through lush forests.
- Montañita: Learn to surf, take Spanish lessons, or eat ceviche for a crazy $3 until your heart’s content!
3. Peru
A heavy-hitting South American destination offering diverse outdoor activities and cultural heritage, Peru offers wonders like Machu Picchu – one of the seven wonders of the world, Cuzco, the UNESCO Cultural Heritage Center, and the famous Sacred Valley, an ancient Inca region in Peru’s Andean highlands. All this makes it one of the best countries to visit in South America.
- Average daily budget: $30-$60
- Flight costs: Flights cost around $400-$800, depending on the season and departure city.
- Budget perks:
- Cheap bites at local food markets in cities such as Lima and Cuzco cost between $3 and $10.
- Affordable public transport and “Colectivos” are super cheap and readily accessible.
- Budget-friendly group treks to Machu Picchu can reduce costs significantly.
- Must-visit spots:
- Cusco and the Sacred Valley: The capital city of Cuzco offers a rich immersion into the country’s cultural history, while the Sacred Valley offers scenic landscapes and local village life.
- Arequipa: Nestled beneath the towering Misti, Chachani, and Pichu Pichu volcanoes, Arequipa’s historic center is a stunning blend of white volcanic stone architecture, vibrant plazas, and a laid-back atmosphere.
- Lima’s food scene: Lima’s streets are a paradise for foodies, with everything from fresh ceviche and anticuchos (grilled beef heart skewers) on offer.
4. Colombia
Colombia offers a mix of Caribbean beaches, colonial architecture, and coffee regions that attract all types of adventurers, from budget travelers to digital nomads. For beach lovers, Tayrona National Park and San Andrés provide white-sand shores, crystal-clear waters, and excellent snorkeling at cheaper prices than in other countries.
History enthusiasts can explore Cartagena’s walled city, a UNESCO World Heritage site with colonial streets and plazas. Colombia is one of the cheapest countries in South America for US travelers due to the US dollar exchange rate against the Colombian peso, making accommodations, meals, and transport highly affordable. Local meals cost as little as $3–$7, and low-cost accommodations like hostels start at an affordable price of $7 per night.
- Average daily budget: $30-$50
- Flight costs: Flights start from around $350-$600, depending on the season and departure city.
- Budget perks:
- Cheap buses and low-cost domestic flights that range between $40-$100.
- Affordable food and markets with staples such as empanadas and arepas.
- Many free walking tours in major cities like Cartagena
- Must-visit spots:
- Medellin: Medellin’s pleasant year-round climate, vibrant and artistic neighborhoods, and modern cable cars weaving through the hills make it one of Colombia’s most dynamic and livable cities.
- Cartagena: Cartagena’s charming colonial streets, colorful balconies draped in bougainvillea, and centuries-old fortifications transport visitors to a bygone era of Spanish rule.
- Tayrona National Park: Tayrona National Park offers the pristine waters of the Caribbean Sea, lush jungle trails, and hidden coves, making it a paradise for nature lovers and beach lovers.
5. Paraguay
Paraguay is an excellent choice for budget-conscious travelers and is much cheaper than other countries in South America. Street food and local restaurants offer meals for around $2–$5, while budget accommodation options like hostels cost $10–$20 per night, which allows visitors to stretch their cash, with daily expenses far lower than in major US cities
Public transport is also incredibly cheap, with city bus fares averaging $0.30–$0.50 per and long-distance buses costing less than $20. Since Paraguay is not a major tourist hotspot of South America, prices remain low, and visitors can experience authentic South American culture in one of the cheapest countries on the entire continent.
- Average daily budget: $20-$40
- Flight costs: Flights start from around $450-$800, depending on the departure city and time of year.
- Budget perks:
- Extremely affordable food and transport
- It’s less touristy, so there are no inflated prices for private rooms
- Cheap domestic travel with long-distance buses
- Must-visit spots:
- Asuncion: Asuncion blends colonial architecture with relaxed riverside charm, affordable local markets, and a vibrant culture untouched by mass tourism. It remains one of the cheapest places to vacation in the region.
- Itaipu Dam: Straddling the border between Paraguay and Brazil, the Itaipu Dam generates immense hydroelectric power and offers fascinating guided tours showcasing its engineering marvels.
- Encarnación’s Jesuit ruins: The UNESCO-listed Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús de Tavarangue provide a glimpse into Paraguay’s colonial past, featuring carved stone churches and well-preserved mission settlements.
Travel costs breakdown: How much do you need?
To help you plan your budget-friendly trip, here’s a detailed cost breakdown of the main expenses in the cheapest countries in South America.
| Country | Avg. daily budget | Flight cost (from US) | Meal prices | Hostel prices (per night) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bolivia | $25-$40 | $400–$700 | $2–$5 for local meals | $6–$15 |
| Ecuador | $30–$50 | $350–$600 | $3–$6 for set meals | $8–$20 |
| Peru | $30–$50 | $400–$800 | $3–$6 for menu del día | $7–$18 |
| Colombia | $30–$50 | $300–$600 | $3–$7 for local dishes | $8–$20 |
| Paraguay | $20–$40 | $450–$800 | $2–$5 for street food | $10–$15 |
Tips to save money in South America
Traveling on a budget doesn’t mean missing out on amazing experiences – it’s all about making wise spending choices. Countries like Colombia, Peru, Paraguay, Ecuador, and Bolivia are indeed some of the cheapest countries in South America to visit, but maximizing your budget also requires planning and local insights.
Here are some key money-saving tips to help you explore more for less in 2025:
- Use local transportation: Long-distance buses are much cheaper than flights.
- Stay in hostels or guesthouses: Hostels and guesthouses are affordable accommodation options that often come with complimentary breakfasts. You can save even more if you choose dorm beds instead of the private rooms.
- Eat at markets and street stalls: Local meals and street food in most South American countries can be as low as $3 – $5!
- Withdraw money in large amounts: Save on ATM fees and withdraw larger sums to ration throughout your vacation.
- Travel during the off-season: Look for off-season flights and vacation deals at certain times of the year to reduce costs and take your dollar further.
- Stay connected with an eSIM: An eSIM can help prevent expensive international roaming charges. If your device is not eSIM-compatible, you can use a South American SIM card.
Keep costs down with a Holafly South America eSIM
Exploring the cheapest South American country to visit is one way to cut costs. Another way? By getting a Latin America eSIM for an easy and cost-effective way to stay online during your trip. Enjoy unlimited data, instant activation, and seamless coverage across multiple countries so you can navigate and share your adventures without the hassle of finding WiFi.
Holafly ensures you’re never without internet. Below, we have listed some of the other key benefits travelers can enjoy when choosing Holafly for visit in South America and more:
- Unlimited data: Browse, stream, and chat as much as you like without worrying about running out of data.
- Fast and reliable connection: Stay online with 4G/5G speeds.
- No more roaming fees: Avoid costly roaming charges and save more for your Latin American adventure.
- Data sharing: Turn your phone into a WiFi hotspot and share up to 500 MB of data daily with friends, family, or fellow travelers.
- Instant eSIM delivery: Already on the move? No problem. Your eSIM is delivered instantly via email and is ready to activate in seconds.
- 24/7 customer support: Get round-the-clock assistance whenever you need it.
- Keep your WhatsApp number: Stay connected with friends and family without changing your number.
- Flexible plans: Choose a data plan that fits your trip, whether a week, a month, or longer.
Make the most of your journey. Get your international eSIM for Latin America today and say goodbye to roaming fees for good!
Connectivity made easy
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