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Cartagena, Colombia
Start in the colorful walled Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Eat cheap seafood at Mercado de Bazurto and stay in budget hostels in Getsemaní. Enjoy street art, rooftop bars, and Caribbean vibes without breaking the bank.
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Medellín, Colombia
Ride the free Metrocable for sweeping city views and visit the open-air sculptures of Plaza Botero. El Poblado and Laureles have great budget eats and lively nightlife. Medellín has a brilliant backpacker scene with affordable hostels.
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Quito, Ecuador
Quito's Historic Centre is one of the best-preserved colonial old towns in Latin America. Ride the Teleférico for panoramic Andean views on a budget. Street food like llapingachos and empanadas is incredibly cheap and filling.
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Cuenca, Ecuador
A charming colonial city with flower-filled balconies and cobblestone streets along the Tomebamba River. Visit the Pumapungo ruins and the colourful Mercado 10 de Agosto for cheap local lunch. It's one of Ecuador's most affordable and beautiful cities.
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Lima, Peru
Peru's capital is a foodie paradise — try ceviche and anticuchos at local markets for next to nothing. Explore the free catacombs of the Iglesia de San Francisco and stroll the cliffs of Miraflores at sunset. Barranco is a hip neighbourhood with cheap hostels and great street art.
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Cusco, Peru
The gateway to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley, Cusco is rich in Inca history. Budget tip: take the cheaper bus to Aguas Calientes and buy combo tickets in advance. Eat at local menú restaurants for under $3 and stay in San Blas for the most atmospheric hostels.
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La Paz, Bolivia
Bolivia is one of the cheapest countries in South America — street food and hostel beds cost almost nothing. Ride the Mi Teleférico cable car system for stunning views over this dramatic high-altitude city. Don't miss the witches' market (Mercado de las Brujas) and day trips to the Valle de la Luna.
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Uyuni, Bolivia
Home to the world's largest salt flat, the Salar de Uyuni is an otherworldly must-see. Budget 3-day jeep tours covering the salt flat, coloured lagoons, and geysers start from around $80. The town itself is small and cheap — stock up on snacks before heading out.
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San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
This desert oasis is a hub for visiting the Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers, and salt lagoons. It's pricier than Bolivia but still manageable — cook your own meals at hostel kitchens to save money. Stargazing here is world-class due to the clear Atacama skies.
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Santiago, Chile
Chile's capital has free walking tours, affordable Mercado Central seafood lunches, and a great metro system. Climb Cerro San Cristóbal for panoramic views over the city and the Andes. The Bellavista neighbourhood has budget-friendly restaurants and lively bars.
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Mendoza, Argentina
Argentina's wine capital sits at the foot of the Andes and offers affordable wine tastings at world-class bodegas. Rent a bike to explore the Maipú wine route on a budget. The city centre has beautiful tree-lined plazas and cheap parrilla grill restaurants.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
The 'Paris of South America' has free museums, cheap steak restaurants, and vibrant tango shows in La Boca. Wander the colourful streets of San Telmo and Palermo and explore the vast Recoleta Cemetery for free. Argentina's exchange rate can be very favourable — use official exchange wisely.
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Montevideo, Uruguay
Uruguay's laid-back capital has a beautiful 22km rambla (coastal promenade) perfect for a free morning walk. Visit the Mercado del Puerto for a classic Uruguayan asado experience. Montevideo is cleaner and quieter than Buenos Aires with a relaxed charm all its own.
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Florianópolis, Brazil
Known as 'Floripa,' this island city has over 40 beaches ranging from party hotspots to secluded coves. It's more affordable than Rio and São Paulo, especially outside of peak summer season. Lagoa da Conceição is a great base with cheap guesthouses and a lively bar scene.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
End your trip in legendary Rio — the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema are completely free. Hike up to the Christ the Redeemer statue via the free Tijuca Forest trail to save on the paid train. Santa Teresa neighbourhood has bohemian charm, affordable guesthouses, and incredible views over the city.