Okay, let’s be real—cheapest countries to visit in South America is probably something you’ve already typed into Google while spiraling at 2 AM with five tabs open and $120 in your bank account. I’ve been there, and let me tell you, it is possible to have the trip of your life down south without selling a kidney. South America isn’t just for the bougie travelers sipping Malbec in Buenos Aires; it’s for us broke adventurers too. From Amazonian jungles to Andean peaks, this continent packs a punch—and yes, it can be stupidly cheap.
So what are the cheapest countries in South America to travel, to live, or to just escape capitalism for a hot second? I gotchu. Here are six destinations where your money stretches like yoga pants after quarantine:
1. Bolivia: One of the Cheap Place to travel Internationally
Ask any budget backpacker about the cheapest countries to visit in South America, and Bolivia’s name shoots out faster than a tuk-tuk on cobblestones. I once got altitude sickness and food poisoning in La Paz, and still didn’t regret a second (or a peso) of it.
Dorm beds go for like $8, and you can live off empanadas and salteñas for under $10/day if you’re scrappy. The Uyuni Salt Flats? Mind-blowing. Death Road biking? Terrifying, but worth it. Just budget for the $160–180 visa if you’re American—it stings, but trust me, the rest of Bolivia is dirt cheap and weirdly magical.
Local tip: Ask for “refresco” in market stalls and get handed a mystery juice in a plastic bag. It’s usually safe. Usually.
2. Ecuador
Cheapest countries in South America to travel? Ecuador is the underrated all-star. Like, how are more people not obsessed with this place? I spent a week in Baños, swinging off a cliff, soaking in thermal baths, and eating $2.50 almuerzos (set lunches) with fresh juice and soup.
They use the U.S. dollar, which is weirdly comforting when you’re counting quarters to buy banana chips. Even the Galápagos, though pricey, are technically “accessible” if you’re willing to sleep in hostels and eat tuna for days. But even without the islands, Ecuador is a spicy little country with beaches, volcanoes, and friendly vibes.
Local slang: People say “achachay” when it’s cold—try it out and get bonus points from locals.
3. Colombia
Remember when Colombia used to be the “don’t go there” country? Well, spoiler alert: it’s now one of the most vibrant, affordable, and friendly places in all of South America. For anyone asking what’s the cheapest South American country to visit, the answer could totally be Colombia.
I danced badly in Medellín, drank absurdly good coffee in Salento, and got lost in Cartagena’s old town—on $25/day. Internal flights are cheap too, so you can city-hop like a boss.
Oops moment: I once confused “perico” (coffee with milk) with the other kind of perico… do your vocab homework, friends.
4. Peru
Let’s not play: everyone wants that iconic Machu Picchu Instagram shot. And guess what? You don’t need a trust fund to get it. Peru is hands-down one of the cheapest places to travel in South America, and also one of the most adventure-packed.
Cusco is touristy, yes, but you can find dorms for $7/night and quinoa soup for $1.50. My “budget fail” moment? I bought a $3 alpaca sweater that I thought was authentic… turned out it was acrylic. Still warm, though.
If you’re clever with planning, you can explore the Sacred Valley, trek Rainbow Mountain, and go sandboarding in Huacachina without bleeding your wallet dry.
Budget trick: Skip the expensive Machu Picchu train and take the local route through Santa Teresa if your knees and time can handle it.
5. Argentina
Okay, okay—Argentina isn’t technically the cheapest country in South America, but thanks to inflation and the fluctuating peso, it can feel that way, especially if you bring foreign currency. I once got an entire steak dinner with wine in Buenos Aires for like $6. Six. Dollars.
The country is a beast—Patagonia is wild, remote, and stunning, and wine country in Mendoza is basically budget heaven for oenophiles. Internal flights can be pricey, but buses are comfy (and long AF).
Pro tip: Ask for the “blue dollar rate” if exchanging cash—it’s unofficial, but everyone does it.
6. Paraguay: Cheapest country To Visit in South America
“Wait, where is that again?” Yep, Paraguay is the dark horse in this race. If you’re hunting for the cheapest country to visit in South America where nobody else is going (so you can feel like a trailblazing indie travel god), this is it.
Asunción has chill vibes, colonial charm, and cheap street eats. I paid $1.20 for a full meal and legit thought they forgot to charge me for something. Also, you won’t be elbowing other tourists to get a photo at the market—because, well, there aren’t many.
Real talk: Paraguay won’t wow you with iconic sights like Machu Picchu, but it’s great for slow travel, learning Spanish, and stretching your money like crazy.
7 Suriname
Suriname surprised me. I thought I’d see something typical-South-American, but nope — Dutch buildings, small peaceful towns, and people just chilling by the river. It felt super calm, not touristy at all.
I took a local bus (really old one, with windows that didn’t shut properly) to Brownsberg Nature Park. The road was bumpy, but the jungle view? Worth it. I saw monkeys swinging around and a big waterfall after a small hike. Tip: Stay in local guesthouses, they’re cheap and the owners usually cook for you too.
8 .Guyana
Guyana was pure jungle and nature. When I went to Kaieteur Falls, I didn’t even talk — just stared at the water falling like crazy. It’s way taller than Niagara, and almost no crowd. Felt like I had the whole place to myself.
I stayed at a small eco-lodge run by a local family. They had solar lights and cooked everything fresh. One night, the power went out and we just sat outside talking under the stars. Tip: People use the word “lime” to mean hanging out. Like, “let’s go lime.” Pretty cool.
9 Venezuela
Not gonna lie, Venezuela felt a bit risky at first. But man, it’s one of the cheapest countries in South America by far. The money situation there is wild — I exchanged like $30 and felt like a king.
I went to Angel Falls, and the journey there was crazy — small plane, then boat, then hiking. But seeing that huge waterfall in the middle of the jungle? Totally worth it. Just go with a local guide, don’t wander off alone. Tip: Ask someone trusted about the latest money exchange rate — it changes daily.
10 French Guiana
French Guiana is technically France, but in South America. Weird combo, right? It’s more expensive than the others, but still one of the cheapest countries in South America if you camp or eat local food.
I watched a rocket launch near the Kourou Space Center — which is random, because I didn’t even know there was a space place here. The towns look European, but you’re literally in the jungle. I tried a local stew called bouillon d’awara — spicy and really filling. Tip: Buy snacks from street stalls, not supermarkets — way cheaper.
Cheapest Country in South America to Fly Into?
You guessed it — it depends. But most of the time, Bogotá (Colombia) and Lima (Peru) have the cheapest international flights, especially if you’re flying from the U.S. and using budget airlines like Spirit or Copa.
Hack it: use Skyscanner’s “everywhere” tool + flexible dates + Incognito mode. Thank me later.
Cheapest Countries in South America to Live Long-Term
Thinking of settling down or doing the slow travel thing? Here’s the shortlist:
- Ecuador – Expat favorite with stable costs and great weather
- Colombia – Big cities, low rent, and good WiFi
- Bolivia – A literal steal if you like mountains and alpacas
- Paraguay – No frills, no fuss, ultra low cost of living
You can easily live under $800/month in these countries — including rent. Just skip the avocado toast, okay?
Budget Travel Tips for South America
- Travel in the off-season (May to October) = fewer crowds, more deals.
- Eat where the locals eat — ignore menus with English.
- Use overnight buses to save on both time and lodging.
- Negotiate everything — from hostels to tours.
- Skip expensive tours. YouTube and Google Maps are your friend
Final Thoughts: So… What’s the Cheapest South American Country to Visit?
Still wondering what is the cheapest South American country to visit? Here’s the rundown:
- Want the absolute rock-bottom prices? Go Bolivia or Paraguay.
- Want the best adventure-to-dollar ratio? Peru or Ecuador.
- Want great food, nightlife, and scenery with decent pricing? Colombia or Argentina.
South America is seriously underrated when it comes to cheap international vacations, especially for those of us trying to dodge student loans or soul-sucking 9-to-5s. Whether you’re planning a backpacking trip, a long-term escape, or just a cheap out of country trip for couples, this continent’s got you covered.
So yeah—cheapest countries to visit in South America? This list is your green light.
Pack your bag. Bring your appetite. Leave your excuses at hom
