7 Most Affordable Countries in Central & South America

If you're trying to figure out the cheapest countries in Central and South America to visit, you're not alone — prices are rising, but these places are still shockingly affordable. Whether you’ve got a couple of weeks or you’re backpacking for months, these countries give you some of the best value for your money. We’re talking about full meals for a few bucks, $10 hostels, wild nature, and a lot of adventure — without blowing your budget.

Guatemala

Guatemala just hits different. It’s got a bit of everything — epic volcanoes, ancient ruins in the jungle, colorful markets, and maybe the most scenic lake in Central America. And somehow, it’s still cheap. You’ll spend less here on a full day of exploring than you would on a fancy lunch back home.

Why Go? It’s Beautiful and Dirt Cheap

• Meals cost $3–$5 and you can sleep in a guesthouse with a volcano view for under $15
• Lake Atitlán is one of the prettiest places you’ll ever see — surrounded by volcanoes and small villages
• Antigua has great food, cobbled streets, and Instagram-worthy buildings around every corner
• It’s one of the best places to learn Spanish without spending a fortune

What to Do in Guatemala

• Hike up Acatenango and watch Fuego Volcano erupt from your campsite
• Explore the Tikal ruins, where monkeys swing overhead and ancient temples peek out from the trees
• Chill at a lakeside café in San Marcos or San Juan
• Shop for handwoven textiles at Chichicastenango Market

Nicaragua

This one’s a gem for travelers who want to go off the beaten path without spending much. Nicaragua’s got beach towns, volcanoes, colorful colonial cities, and nobody's trying to charge you tourist prices yet. If you’re into surfing or volcano boarding (yes, it’s a thing), this is your spot.

Why Go? Crazy Adventures, No Crazy Prices

• Budget travelers can live well here for under $25/day
• Public buses cost next to nothing — locals call them chicken buses, and you’ll find out why
• The surf scene in San Juan del Sur is strong and affordable
• Cities like León and Granada are packed with culture and super walkable

What to Do in Nicaragua

• Go volcano boarding down Cerro Negro — basically snowboarding on black ash
• Surf or sunbathe in Popoyo or Las Peñitas
• Wander through Granada’s colorful streets and hit the lakeside bars
• Swim in a volcanic crater at Laguna de Apoyo

Bolivia

If you want wild, weird, and affordable — Bolivia delivers. From salt flats that look like another planet to jungle rivers and Andean towns, this country is full of surprises. And prices? Still some of the lowest in South America.

Why Go? Insane Scenery on a Budget

• Daily costs are super low — $25–$30 USD covers food, lodging, and tours
• The Uyuni Salt Flats are one of the most surreal places you’ll ever visit
• Food is filling and affordable, especially from local markets
• You’ll get a more local, unfiltered experience — tourism hasn’t taken over here

What to Do in Bolivia

• Take a multi-day tour through the Salar de Uyuni with flamingos, lagoons, and desert moonscapes
• Ride the cable cars in La Paz — it's public transit with epic views
• Visit the Witches’ Market, where you can buy things you didn’t know existed
• Explore Lake Titicaca and hike on Isla del Sol

Honduras

People sleep on Honduras, but if you stick to the right areas, it’s got so much going for it. Caribbean islands, ancient ruins, and laid-back towns — all for way less than you'd pay in nearby Belize or Costa Rica.

Why Go? Caribbean Vibes Without the Price Tag

• Utila is the cheapest place on earth to get scuba certified
• Meals, hostels, and transportation are all crazy cheap
• Copán Ruinas is like a low-key version of Tikal
• You’ll find a lot of friendly locals and fewer tourists

What to Do in Honduras

• Get your scuba certification in Utila — clear water, coral reefs, and it won’t drain your wallet
• Explore Copán and its insanely detailed Mayan sculptures
• Hike to waterfalls in La Ceiba or zipline through the jungle
• Chill on the beaches of Roatán if you’ve got a few extra bucks

Colombia

Colombia has so many sides — beaches, mountains, jungles, hip cities, national parks — and it’s still one of the most affordable big countries in South America. If you’re into good coffee, cool towns, and easy bus travel, this one’s a no-brainer.

Why Go? Big Country, Small Prices

• You can easily travel here for $30–$40/day, including transport and meals
• Big cities like Bogotá and Medellín are affordable and full of personality
• Street food and local restaurants are delicious and cheap
• Museums in Bogotá and Medellín are free or offer free days
• You get coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific

What to Do in Colombia

• Walk the colorful streets, and enjoy the beaches of fCartagena
• Chill on the beaches in Palomino or Costeño Beach
• Visit the coffee town of Salento and hike through Valle de Cocora
• Ride the Metrocable in Medellín for city views and mountain air

Peru

Even with how famous it is, Peru’s still a solid budget destination. You just have to know where to go and how to avoid the overpriced tourist traps. From the Andes to the desert to the Amazon, it's all here — and it's beauty is hard to beat.

Why Go? Big Sights, Low Prices

• Machu Picchu on a budget? Totally possible.
• You can eat well for $3–$5 and sleep in a clean hostel for under $15
• There are tons of free or cheap things to do, especially outside of Lima
• Perfect mix of culture, adventure, and food — without spending a fortune

What to Do in Peru

• Hike the Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu for way less than the Inca Trail
• Try ceviche and explore markets in Lima
• Sandboard and ride dune buggies in Huacachina
• Explore Arequipa and hike the Colca Canyon — it’s deeper than the Grand Canyon

El Salvador

El Salvador is tiny, super affordable, and seriously underrated. People are finally starting to catch on, but it’s still one of the cheapest and easiest countries to travel in Central America. If you like surf, volcano hikes, and good coffee — you’ll love it here.

Why Go? Cheap, Fun, and Easy to Explore

• Daily costs can be as low as $25 USD, even with some splurges
• Surf towns like El Tunco are full of hostels, beach bars, and tacos
• Locals are incredibly friendly, and tourism is picking up in a good way
• It’s easy to get around — the country’s small, so travel times are short

What to Do in El Salvador

• Surf or just hang out in El Tunco or El Zonte
• Hike up Santa Ana Volcano for unreal views over the crater lake
• Explore the artsy, cobbled town of Suchitoto
• Swim in Lake Coatepeque — it’s warm, blue, and surrounded by hills

If you’re trying to travel more this year without wrecking your wallet, these are the cheapest countries in Central & South America to make it happen. They’re affordable, full of adventure, and still feel authentic. So yeah, skip the overpriced resorts and do it this way instead — your money (and your memories) will go way further.