## Where to Travel in South America on a Budget
South America is a continent of contrasts, with everything from snow-capped mountains to lush rainforests and vibrant cities. It’s also a great place to travel on a budget, with plenty of affordable options for food, accommodation, and transportation.
Here are a few of the best places to travel in South America on a budget:
### Cusco, Peru
Cusco is the gateway to Machu Picchu, one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. But even if you’re not planning to visit Machu Picchu, Cusco is a great place to spend a few days. The city is full of colonial architecture, Inca ruins, and lively markets.
Budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a hostel in the San Blas neighborhood.
Eat at local restaurants in the San Pedro Market.
Take a free walking tour of the city.
Visit the Inca ruins of Sacsayhuaman and Ollantaytambo.
### La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz is the highest capital city in the world, located at an altitude of over 3,600 meters. It’s a city of contrasts, with modern skyscrapers and traditional Andean architecture side by side. La Paz is also a great place to experience Bolivian culture, with plenty of indigenous markets and festivals.
Budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a hostel in the Sopocachi neighborhood.
Eat at local restaurants in the Mercado Camacho.
Take a cable car up to El Alto, the city’s sister city.
Visit the Witches’ Market, where you can buy traditional Andean remedies.
### Quito, Ecuador
Quito is the capital of Ecuador, located in the Andes Mountains. It’s a city of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Quito is also a great place to go hiking and biking, with plenty of trails in the nearby national parks.
Budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a hostel in the Mariscal Sucre neighborhood.
Eat at local restaurants in the Mercado Central.
Take a free walking tour of the city.
Visit the Mitad del Mundo, a monument marking the equator.
### Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is the capital of Argentina, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in South America. It’s a city of tango, steak, and wine, with a vibrant nightlife and a rich cultural history. Buenos Aires is also a great place to shop, with plenty of boutiques and malls.
Budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a hostel in the Palermo neighborhood.
Eat at local restaurants in the San Telmo neighborhood.
Take a free tango lesson.
Visit the Recoleta Cemetery, one of the most beautiful cemeteries in the world.
### Santiago, Chile
Santiago is the capital of Chile, and one of the most modern cities in South America. It’s a city of skyscrapers, parks, and museums, with a vibrant arts and culture scene. Santiago is also a great place to eat, with plenty of restaurants serving traditional Chilean cuisine and international fare.
Budget-friendly tips:
Stay in a hostel in the Bellavista neighborhood.
Eat at local restaurants in the Mercado Central.
Take a free walking tour of the city.
Visit the Museo Histórico Nacional, which tells the story of Chile’s history.
## Tips for Traveling South America on a Budget
Here are a few tips for traveling South America on a budget:
Travel during the off-season. The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) are the best time to visit South America, as there are fewer tourists and prices are lower.
Book your flights in advance. The earlier you book your flights, the cheaper they will be.
Stay in hostels. Hostels are the most affordable option for accommodation in South America.
Eat at local restaurants. Local restaurants are much cheaper than tourist restaurants.
Take public transportation. Public transportation is the cheapest way to get around South America.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases. This will help you to communicate with locals and get better deals.
Be flexible. Things don’t always go according to plan when you’re traveling on a budget. Be prepared to change your plans if necessary.
## Conclusion
South America is a great place to travel on a budget, with plenty of affordable options for food, accommodation, and transportation. By following the tips in this article, you can save money while still having an amazing experience.