Traveling cheaply in South America can be an unforgettable experience, and the best thing is that many destinations are affordable for those on a tight budget. Below, we present the top 10 cheapest destinations to travel to, along with details on the basic cost of the trip and the local currency of each country.
10. Montevideo, Uruguay
A cost-effective city to travel to is Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. It's a charming city with a mix of colonial and modern architecture. The Rambla, a long avenue by the sea, is perfect for walking, jogging or cycling.
The Ciudad Vieja (Old Town) is full of museums, art galleries and markets, such as the Mercado del Puerto, where you can enjoy an authentic Uruguayan barbecue.
The city also offers beautiful urban beaches such as Pocitos and Buceo, which are ideal for relaxing and swimming. Montevideo's nightlife is vibrant, with plenty of tango bars and clubs and candombe, an Afro-Uruguayan rhythm. There are also many cultural festivals and events throughout the year.
Currency: Uruguayan Peso (UYU
FoodMeals in local restaurants can cost between $3 and $7 USD. Dishes such as asado, chivito and empanadas are very popular
TransportationPublic transportation is efficient and cheap, with bus tickets costing around $1 USD. Cabs are also affordable, but it's worth asking about the price before you get on the bus.
9. Santiago, Chile
One of the top 10 cheapest destinations to travel to in South America is Santiago, the capital of Chile, a cosmopolitan city surrounded by the Andes Mountains. The city offers a rich cultural experience with its museums, theaters and art galleries. The Plaza de Armas and the Palacio de La Moneda are important historical sites. For a panoramic view of the city, Cerro San Cristóbal is a must.
The Lastarria and Bellavista neighborhoods are known for their lively nightlife, with many bars, restaurants and clubs. The Central Market is famous for its fresh seafood, while the Providencia neighborhood offers excellent shopping and dining options. Santiago is also a starting point for exploring the wineries of the Maipo Valley and the nearby ski resorts.
Currency: Chilean Peso (CLP)
8. Lima, Peru
A vibrant city that mixes colonial history with modernity is Lima, the capital of Peru. The historic center, with its colonial squares and churches, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is famous for its gastronomy, being one of the world's top culinary destinations, with dishes such as ceviche, anticuchos and causa rellena.
In addition to gastronomic delights, Lima offers attractions such as the Magic Water Circuit, a park with illuminated fountains, and the bohemian Barranco neighborhood, known for its street art and nightlife. The beaches of Miraflores and the seafront promenade are also popular spots to relax and enjoy the view of the Pacific. A fascinating and inexpensive place to travel.
Currency: Sol (PEN)
FoodMeals in local restaurants can cost between $2 and $5 USD. Dishes such as ceviche, lomo saltado and ají de gallina are a must.
TransportationPublic transportation is cheap, with bus tickets costing around $0.50 USD. Cabs are affordable, but it's important to negotiate the price or use transportation apps.
7. Caracas, Venezuela
Venezuela's capital, Caracas, is another city for cheap travel that combines history, culture and nature. The city center is full of historic buildings, squares and museums. The Casa Natal de Simón Bolívar and the National Pantheon are important historical sites.
The city is surrounded by mountains, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking and exploring. El Ávila National Park is a popular destination for nature lovers, offering hiking trails, panoramic views and a variety of flora and fauna. Caracas also has a vibrant cultural scene, with many theaters, art galleries and musical events.
Currency: Venezuelan Bolivar (VES)
Food: Meals can cost less than $2 USD. Traditional dishes such as arepas, pabellón criollo and tequeños are cheap and tasty.
TransportationPublic transportation is extremely cheap, with bus tickets costing less than $0.10 USD. Cabs are also affordable, but it's important to negotiate the price before boarding.
6. Buenos Aires, Argentina
Traveling cheaply and with a rich cultural experience? Buenos Aires is the place. The capital of Argentina, it is known for its European architecture, vibrant nightlife and rich cultural heritage. The city is a paradise for art lovers, with many museums, theaters and art galleries. Neighborhoods such as San Telmo, with its antique markets and tango, and La Boca, famous for its colorful houses, are unmissable.
The city is also famous for its gastronomic scene, with steakhouses offering delicious cuts of Argentine beef. The Japanese Garden and Tres de Febrero Park are great places to relax and enjoy nature. The nightlife in Buenos Aires is legendary, with many bars and clubs open until dawn.
Currency: Argentine Peso (ARS)
FoodMeals can cost between $3 and $7 USD. Don't miss out on typical dishes such as empanadas, choripán and alfajores.
TransportationPublic transportation is cheap, with bus and metro tickets in Buenos Aires costing around $0.30 USD. Cabs are also affordable and plentiful.
