Best Value for Money in South America

South America can be a fairly affordable destination depending on what you want to see. Exceptional value for money lies just about everywhere, with delicious food, a rich history, incredible culture and beautiful people. Here’s a list of the best value for money destinations in South America:

Quito, Ecuador

A UNESCO World Heritage site in itself and One of South America’s most affordable cities; Quito is a country rich in culture and history. Situated high up in the Andes and surrounded by active volcanoes, there’s nowhere quite like Quito.

Accommodation is very affordable, especially compared to the rest of South America. The people of Ecuador are super friendly and offer amazing service at all the hotels. Wherever you stay, you’ll find that the staff do everything they can to make your stay as comfortable as possible.

Quito has a large range of sites, and its incredible value for money given that it’s free to visit the parks and gorgeous churches. Museum tours can be around $10-$15, but well worth it given the incredible knowledge of the local guides.

The churches we recommend visiting are the, Basílica del Voto Nacional and the Compañía de Jesús, Quito. Both are breathtaking with incredible neo-gothic and Spanish baroque style architecture respectively.

A must see museum is La Capilla del Hombre – a beautiful art museum dedicated to the people of Latin America. In addition, the Intiñan Solar Museum is a fun and informative way to visit the equator and learn a few things about Ecuador’s history.

La Paz, Bolivia

An urban city in South America’s Bolivia, La Paz offers an eclectic mix of old and new, with ancient cultural traditions continuing to live on today.

Hotels in La Paz are quite cheap and offer great value for money; you can expect to pay roughly no more than $200 a night in a beautiful five star hotel. 3 and 4 star hotels can cost as little as $70 a night.

In terms of attractions, La Paz is definitely filled with them. From the intriguing Witches’ Market and the El Alto Market to Death road (World’s Most Dangerous Road) and the ancient archaeological site of the Tiwanaku Empire; you’re never short of something new and exciting to discover.

One of the best value for money experiences in La Paz is the Teleférico; the worlds longest and highest cable car system that currently has three lines stretching from the southern end of La Paz to the satellite city of El Alto. One trip will set you back less than $1 and offers incredible views of the gorgeous and colourful city of La Paz.

Lima, Peru

While Lima has some of the best restaurants in the world, and you may think, it’s not an affordable city, you’d be very surprised. While it’s not the cheapest city, it offers incredible value for money much like everywhere else in Peru.

You’ll find accommodation in Lima is a little pricier than cities like Quito and La Paz; however you really get more than you pay for. The hotels are gorgeous and the service is impeccable, with so much attention to detail, a stay in Lima will be unforgettable. Just ask one of our South American Travel Specialists, they’ll rave about hotels in Lima and give you a list of amazing value for money places for you to stay.

Lima has so much to offer to the wandering traveller; from delicious Ceviche and other sumptuous food wherever you go, to an incredible nightlife and stunning architecture; Lima is a city where you’ll find there’s something for everyone.

Cusco, Peru

One of the most culturally rich cities in Peru; Cusco offers easy access to Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley; perhaps the most popular tourist destinations in all of South America.

Aside from being at the centre of Peru’s historical culture; Cusco is a fairly modern city full of exciting experiences and attractions from cooking classes and vibrant markets to squares with street musicians and neighbourhoods filled with culture and art.

Accommodation much like Lima is a little more expensive, however its also superb value for money. It’s amazing how incredible even a short stay in Cusco can be; especially when you’re staying hotels where the staff are so attentive and genuinely care about making your stay as comfortable as possible.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

It’s a well-known fact that Argentina is on the more expensive side of South America; however, if you’re staying in Buenos Aires, you’ll find that you get exceptional value for money in the hotels.

For example the Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, a gorgeous 5-star hotel, around $500 a night is incredible value for money. We can’t list everything amazing about this hotel, but check out this blog to see how amazing it is.

The sights of Buenos Aires are also great value for money, from countless museums, art galleries and everything in between. You’ll also find dozens of free attractions; from free tours of the city, live music and even free yoga classes in the park. Buenos Aires is a city like no other with some of the sweetest people you’ll meet, always there to help you if you’re ever lost.

References:  Thank you Trip SavvyThe Culture TripFodors.com and MTL Blog

Get In Touch

Contact Us

For tailor-made itineraries or enquiries…