Cheapest Countries in Latin America to Visit on a Budget

Latin America has great food, friendly people and gorgeous landscapes — and they’re all accessible to limited budgets.

Money certainly makes travel easier, but you don’t need to be rich to see the wonders of the world. If you’re on a budget, set your eyes on Latin America.

Made up of countries that speak romance languages, this region spans from Mexico to South America and the Caribbean. You’ll find mouthwatering food, incredible biodiversity and picturesque colonial towns — all at an affordable price!

We’ve rounded up the 10 cheapest countries in Latin America, ranked from budget-friendly to dirt-cheap.

10. Ecuador

View of the Cathedral of Cuenca, Ecuador

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Population: 17.8 million

Capital: Quito

Average daily cost: $51

*Average daily cost is based on Budget My Trip data. Countries with a level 4 warning from the Department of State were excluded.

Bottom Line: Ecuador

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Ecuador is blessed with impressive geographical diversity for a country of its size. Whether you’d experience city life, the Amazon jungle or a beach town along the Pacific, this beautiful nation has it all for a little over $50 a day.

Though if you want to follow in Darwin’s footsteps and visit the amazing Galapagos Islands, you’ll have to increase your budget by a bit.

9. Peru

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Population: 33.72 million

Capital: Lima

Average daily cost: $47

Bottom Line: Peru

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Once the heart of the Incan Empire, Peru has some of the most interesting archaeological remains in South America. The most famous of them is Machu Picchu, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

But besides pre-Columbian cities, you’ll find tall sand dunes, colorful mountains and surf towns. Like Ecuador, Peru holds a chunk of the Amazon, and it is far enough south that it also has resident penguins.

8. Honduras

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Population: 10.28 million

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Average daily cost: $46

Bottom Line: Honduras

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Honduras’ political climate has been rocky for decades, with gang wars putting off most travelers. And while you certainly should heed caution, there are places that you can visit with relative ease.

Roatan, for instance, is an idyllic Caribbean island that has largely escaped the conflicts of the mainland. As a popular cruise and tourist destination, it welcomes visitors while providing peace of mind.

7. Nicaragua

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Population: 6.851 million

Capital: Managua

Average daily cost: $43

Bottom Line: Nicaragua

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Like Honduras, Nicaragua is facing a period of political problems that have reduced its tourist appeal. But if you go in a group, stick to the main areas and proceed with caution, it’s definitely possible to get to know the country.

And, trust us, it’s definitely worth visiting. Highlights include the pastel-colored town of Granada, the gigantic Nicaragua Lake and its pretty islands, and Masaya Volcano, an active crater that you can drive to.

6. Bolivia

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Population: 12.08 million

Capital: La Paz, Sucre

Average daily cost: $42

Bottom Line: Bolivia

Potosí main square and Cerro Rico in the Background, Bolivia.

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In general, you can get by in Bolivia on much less than $42 a day. But some of the country’s most notable experiences will require you to dish out a few extra dollars.

For instance, if you want to see the Uyuni Salt Flat — the largest in the world — you’ll probably have to book a multiday tour. But it’ll be some of the best money you’ve ever spent.

5. Argentina

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Population: 45.81 million

Capital: Buenos Aires

Average daily cost: $41

Bottom Line: Argentina

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At the beginning of the millennium, Argentina’s currency was almost as strong as the dollar. But the 21st century has not been kind to this country, which is currently facing an economic crisis that has lasted years.

Though once a relatively expensive country, Argentina is now one of the most affordable places in South America. Travelers will find iconic attractions like Iguazu Falls, the vineyards of Mendoza and the glaciers of Patagonia. Of course, no one should skip the charming capital of Buenos Aires.

4. Guatemala

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Population: 17.11 million

Capital: Guatemala City

Average daily cost: $39

Bottom Line: Guatemala

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Everyone thinks of Mexico when they think of Mayan ruins, but Guatemala has an even stronger Mayan culture. Here, you can visit ruins like Tikal, considered one of the most important capitals of the empire.

Besides ancient and living Mayan culture, Guatemala has pretty towns like Antigua, once a capital of the Spanish Empire. On the Caribbean coast, you’ll also find Garifuna settlements, where you can learn about Afro-Guatemalan traditions.

2. Cuba (Tie)

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Population: 11.26 million

Capital: Havana

Average daily cost: $33

Bottom Line: Cuba

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Traveling to Cuba is not easy, but it isn’t impossible either. And while you’ll have to pay for a special visa, the country’s low travel costs make up for it.

As one of the best — and most complex — Caribbean countries, Cuba is a place that everyone should visit at least once.

2. El Salvador (Tie)

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Population: 6.314 million

Capital: San Salvador

Average daily cost: $33

Bottom Line: El Salvador

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Tying for second place with Cuba, El Salvador is a cheap destination that doesn’t receive many visitors. That’s mostly due to the country’s notorious gang issues and high crime rates. As with Honduras and Nicaragua, however, people who visit tourist spots in a tour or a large group are generally safe.

You’ll find Mayan ruins, numerous volcanoes and hidden surf spots.

1. Colombia

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Population: 51.52 million

Capital: Bogota

Average daily cost: $29

Bottom Line: Colombia

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Coming in at less than $30 a day, Colombia is the cheapest country to visit in Latin America. Once notorious for its (ongoing) armed conflict, the nation now has relative stability. Tourists will still want to avoid red zones and stick to well-known areas.

If you’re on a budget, skip the gorgeous but pricey Cartagena and go for other equally beautiful destinations. Want advice from a local? Spend a few days in the city, and then concentrate most of your time in small towns and the countryside. Places like Villa de Leyva and Salento (which partially inspired Disney’s “Encanto”) give you a glimpse into the true heart of the country.

Make time to also get out in nature. With coastline along both the Pacific and the Atlantic, snow peaks, deserts, paramos and the Amazon, you can pick and choose whichever climate or scenery you want to enjoy.