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Best places for budget travelers in South America

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Bolivia
Land of dramatic climate contrasts
6.3
Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America. Hostels, guesthouses and local restaurants all stay low priced. Long distance buses link cities and highlands at modest fares. Travellers can join tours to salt flats and mountain towns that give big landscapes for a small budget.
Highlights:
  • 🚡 Ride the world’s highest cable car system above La Paz
  • 🧿 Visit the colorful markets and witches’ stalls in La Paz
  • 🌫️ Walk across the otherworldly Uyuni Salt Flats after the rain
Colombia
Where diverse landscapes meet culture
6.6
Colombia offers good value across a country with many landscapes. Hostels are plentiful and often include breakfast and kitchens. Comfortable long distance buses and cheap domestic flights link the coast and the Andes. Travellers can enjoy cities, mountains and Caribbean beaches without spending too much money.
Highlights:
  • ☕ Enjoy Colombian coffee at plantations in Salento
  • 🥾 Hike to the Lost City deep in the Sierra Nevada
  • 🏰 Wander the colonial streets of Cartagena’s walled city
Ecuador
Compact country, immense biodiversity
6.5
Ecuador uses the US dollar and is small enough to cross quickly. Buses connect the Andes, the Amazon and the Pacific coast at low fares. Hostels and guesthouses keep lodging costs low on the mainland. Travellers can visit volcanoes, cloud forests and beaches within a few days.
Highlights:
  • 🌍 Stand at the Equator at Mitad del Mundo
  • 🛍️ Visit the iconic Otavalo Market for local crafts
  • 🥾 Hike the stunning trails of Cajas National Park
Paraguay
Land of contrasting climate regions
5.9
Paraguay is a low cost country that sees far fewer tourists than its neighbours. Guesthouses and local restaurants stay cheap in Asuncion and in small towns. Buses connect the main places at low fares. Visitors can see old missions and quiet rivers at an easy pace.
Highlights:
  • 🛥️ Cruise along the Paraguay River at sunset
  • 🏰 Stroll through Asunción’s historic center and visit Palacio de López
  • 🏛️ Marvel at the Jesuit ruins of Trinidad and Jesús
Peru
Ancient wonders meet diverse landscapes
7.6
Peru has a large backpacker trail with cheap hostels in every major city. Comfortable overnight buses link the coast, the desert and the Andes at low fares. Local markets and small restaurants keep daily costs low. Machu Picchu is the main big expense so travellers can save elsewhere.
Highlights:
  • 🏯 Discover the ancient ruins of Cusco’s Sacred Valley
  • 🛶 Take a boat tour on Lake Titicaca’s floating islands
  • ⛰️ Hike the Inca Trail to the majestic Machu Picchu
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