10 Budget-Friendly Destinations in South America

South America is a continent with a lot of options, where you can start on the horizon of ancient ruins, move around the bustling cities, and forced exasperation of astonishments of natural wonders that leave your jaw touching the floor. 

While every city can be costly to some extent, a lot of the spots on this planet offer quality that cannot be measured in monetary terms. 

This blog post is going to introduce you to ten of the cheapest places in South America that offer activities that you will never forget but at the same time won't make you go bankrupt.

1. Cusco, Peru

Cusco, the city to Machu Picchu, was the first perfect city for those with low budgets to travel. There's so much history and culture besides Incan ruins, markets with their colors, and a beautiful colonial era that you can walk about without any worry. The majority of the people come and rent a hostel in Cusco where they cook themselves or they pay for cheap +delicious food in nearby Peruvian eateries.

There are many affordable hostels and guesthouses offering low room rents and there are also the dining places around the area, providing sumptuous meals at low prices. Perhaps, the bus and hiking are the cheaper alternatives to the costly train to Machu Picchu in addition.

2. Medellín, Colombia

Not so long ago Medellín were a dangerous place to stay in, however, currently, the reputation of the city has changed for the good with specific sites for visitors on a budget. The city provides free walking tours, the means of transportation to be accessible and the parks or museums where the costs are either low or none are available.

You can revel in the "The City of Eternal Spring" climate, which is also pleasant when you are exploring architectural projects and native cuisine at a reasonable price in the city.

3. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia

The world's grandest salt plain, Salar de Uyuni, is a place you can take a trip to at an affordable cost and still be able to receive a gravitational and thrilling experience. Tours are mostly a sole option for visiting sites that are large in size and yet they are quite reasonably priced compared to other places in Latin America.

Some good but budget-friendly accommodation options can be found in Uyuni town, while the popular local food is very cheap. The unforgettable yet the most challenging of the experiences is enjoying the stunning views and special photo sessions, so it makes for a must-try trip for travelers who are counting every penny.

4. Quito, Ecuador

Quito, as the hub of Ecuador, is the main point where you can find a mix of colonial architecture, indigenous culture, amazing mountains, and the weather is very good. The Old Town which is one of the UNESCO Heritage Sites is preserved well and it can be discovered by foot free of charge.

Hostels are accessible and inexpensive, with even better opportunities to feast on hotcouts from nearby markets. You can also go for a picnic or a tour to the Equator monument and Cotopaxi National Park for less money.

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina

Despite the fact that Argentina is more expensive than others, the city of Buenos Aires still offers some budget options. There is no fee for walking tours, and there are various parks and museums to visit which are also free.

Furthermore, you can take part in the city's famous tango culture at reasonably priced milongas. Foreign food stalls and fairly priced traditional restaurant options are abundant, while buses are an effective means to see the city without spending a lot of money.

6. Florianópolis, Brazil

This island locality in the southern part of Brazil provides its visitors with a fresh, nice alternative to the expensive Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. The rooms of comfortable price can be found throughout the whole year, such as during the off-season. A lot of best beaches are available that cost nothing for tourists to enter, and there are walking trails in the natural reserves around you so with a minimum you can do a lot of things. Local markets and beachside kiosks offer inexpensive food options.

7. Arequipa, Peru

Arequipa which is often over-looked by tourists from Cusco and Lima is a hidden gem for budget travelers in Peru. The "White City," due to its construction built with ashlar, is a town that has the cultural and art aspects visited by people while walking for free. The cheap accommodations and the restaurants with traditional Peruvian food are the other advantages of this city, and it's indeed a good option for the budget-conscious visitors.

8. Cartagena, Colombia

One can still enjoy the beauty of some parts of the city and the abundance of tourists even when the town is full of them. Despite the high price of tourist tickets, very few areas are free such as the Old City. There are a lot of hostels and budget hotels there as well. The visitors can visit the city's markets and eat street food for a fraction of the price of restaurant dining.

9. Asunción, Paraguay

Asunción which is virtually invisible to tourists offers a one-of-a-kind experience similar to none. The program of exhibitions and the nicest cultural artifacts that celebrate the city of Asunción are all without charge, and times of the year have a very low entrance cost. The supply of low-cost, quality digs is extensive and the markets supply a broad range of food selections. The scarcity of mass tourism in which everybody wishes for means that you can get an authentic Paraguayan culture experience at the regular lower prices.

10. Valparaíso, Chile

This spectacularly presented and the artsy mountainous shore city of the Chilean central coast play host to the budget-conscious travelers and individuals who adore visual art. Many places in Valparaiso, especially street art and the childish things, are free, namely, the self-guided mural tours and the historical funiculars. There are affordable hostels and budget hotels, and the meal prices are adjusted due to the seafood being abundant.

Conclusion

South America is known for giving budget travelers a chance to have the most fun and most authentic experiences without costing them a fortune. Starting from the ruins in Cusco, and up to the street theater performances and the tango clubs in Buenos Aires, the beauty of the landscapes in Salar de Uyuni, and the colonial archeological ruins of Quito there is something to choose from.

It's crucial that when you are mapping out your South American journey in terms of your budget, you seriously consider the costs of lodging, the local transportation media, and the prices of food. Many destinations are free for someone who needs to explore on the foot and can be the smartest choice to individuals who want to embrace the French culture with the money that is to be used for shopping.

It is useful to be aware that the passive defense of traveling during the off-peak times yields cost-cutting of both accommodation and most of the activities. Also, you can use some phrases in the language you are learning in order to interact with local people on markets and eventually get some discounts.

By selecting the above-mentioned cost-effective destinations and, besides that, acquiring the necessary skills of a professional traveler, you can thus explore whole South America. In the end, it is up to an individual whether one wants to see the historical sites, marvel at nature and wildlife, or feel the energy of the city.