nomad travel south america

The Most Epic Guide to Traveling South America as a Digital Nomad

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There’s a big difference between traveling as a backpacker and traveling as a digital nomad. We should know, as we have gone on two separate 7-month trips – once as carefree backpackers, and more recently as digital nomads constantly in search of fast WiFi and a place to work.

T raveling and working at the same time can be tough, and it takes a lot more effort than simply backpacking. In this post, I’m going to dive into our experience being digital nomads in South America. I’ll cover some of the best places to base yourself, how we secured accommodation, and some of the challenges we faced on the road as digital nomads.

From Backpackers to Digital Nomads

A few years ago, we set off on a huge gap year adventure . We saved a ton of money teaching English in China and hit the open road with our backpacks. It was an amazing trip that took us to places like Zion National Park, Angkor Wat , and Bali. Having busted our asses for a few years saving, budgeting, and planning for the trip, we were able to enjoy it without worrying too much about work.

At that time, I was writing blog posts and editing short videos for Transparent Language, but we weren’t teaching English online yet. As such, we were able to stay in hostels and go on plenty of multi-day adventures without really worrying about being online.

I was always able to catch up on my work, even if it meant sitting in our Airbnb for a whole week in Bangkok after 3 weeks in Myanmar , where the internet was basically non-existent.

Fast forward a few years, and we set off on another long, strange trip. After our first stint living in Puerto Vallarta and a few weeks back in the US, we flew down to Cartagena, Colombia on a one-way ticket. This time, however, we took remote jobs with us.

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How We Became Digital Nomads

When we were living in Bali, Rachel came across a post about teaching English online for a Chinese company. She applied, got the job, and started teaching with VIPKID in our last few weeks on the island.

After she successfully completed her first contract and we realized this could be the key to location independence, I applied and jumped on board as well.

Originally, our plan was to seek out jobs teaching English in South America.

We knew we wanted to travel extensively in the region and learn Spanish, so I started looking at job postings in places like Peru, Colombia, and Chile. I soon realized that we could make much more and have far more freedom if we simply stuck with VIPKID and found a way to make it work.

In addition to teaching online, I was still doing a lot of work for the language company. At that time, I was writing posts and editing videos for the Chinese, Indonesian, Thai, English, and Spanish blogs. Between this and both of us teaching, we knew we could make enough to pull the trip off so long as we settled down temporarily in a few cities along the way.

Now let’s dive into the planning and see how we figured out where to go as digital nomads in South America.

Planning Our Digital Nomad Adventure

For months before we hit the road, I was constantly researching places in South America where we could hunker down for a week to a month and get work done. We also made a Top 10 list of all the travel experiences we wanted to have in the region, and I set about trying to connect the dots.

Our slogan is “improvise your life,” and that’s precisely what we had to do on this trip.

When we arrived in Colombia, we had booked flights to Quito and then Lima, but that was it. We didn’t know where we’d go in either country, where else we would travel to in South America, or how and when we were ending the trip. We had to be flexible and allow our plans to constantly evolve, which was liberating and stressful at the same time.

Anyone who has traveled in South America knows that it’s not cheap or easy to travel between countries. It’s way different than Southeast Asia, where budget airlines like AirAsia can take you from Bangkok to Bali for less than $100.

Thanks to a bit of travel hacking with airline credit cards, we were able to amass a ton of points and score several free flights along the way. 

So, where did we decide to work from and how did we find places to stay that could also be a home office/classroom? Let’s take a look at some of the best locations for digital nomads in South America.

Best Places to be a Digital Nomad in South America

As a digital nomad, there are a few things you look for in choosing a temporary home base, namely fast and reliable internet, a community of like-minded people, and access to cafes or co-working spaces. Of course, you’ll find these things in cities and bigger towns and not out in rural areas. That immediately narrows the list down quite a bit and makes the planning at least a little easier.

I’ll get into our personal experience in a minute, but first here’s a list of some of the best cities and towns for digital nomads in South America, grouped by country:

• Colombia : Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota, Cali
• Ecuador : Quito, Cuenca
• Peru : Lima, Cusco, Arequipa
• Bolivia : La Paz, Sucre
• Chile : Santiago, Valparaiso
• Argentina : Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Cordoba
• Brazil : Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis

Obviously, I left quite a few South American nations off the list. We didn’t visit Paraguay or Uruguay and don’t know much about the digital nomad scene in either country.

Also, you don’t hear of many nomads setting up shop in French Guyana or Suriname. If you know of some other good spots for digital nomads in South America, please leave a comment below!

Our Experience as Digital Nomads in South America

Now I’d like to share a bit about our experience traveling around South America as digital nomads. For this post, I’m going to focus mostly on the aspect of being a digital nomad and finding places to stay and work. I’ll mention some of the epic travels we did in between and link to more detailed posts where we have them.

After a short vacation in Cartagena that included visiting the amazing floating eco-hostel known as Casa en el Agua , we headed to our first digital nomad base in South America – Bogota.

Where we stayed : In Colombia’s capital city, we stayed in what has to be one of the coolest Airbnb spots ever. It’s called the Man Cave, and it’s a studio apartment with a separate TV room that also has an arcade game and a punching bag. How cool is that?

I realize I may have broken some Man Cave rules by letting my wife stay there with me, but she’s a pretty cool lady. We stayed in the Man Cave for a week and really enjoyed our stay.

Where we worked : Since we only had a week in Bogota, we just taught from home and spent the rest of the day out and about. It was kind of a funny setup for us to both be able to teach in the Man Cave, but we made it work.

If you’re looking for co-working spaces in Bogota, here are a few recommendations: 

After our week in the capital, we headed to Medellin for a much longer stay. Colombia’s Spring City is one of the biggest nomad hubs in the world thanks to its pleasant weather, low cost of living , and thriving digital nomad community.

Where we stayed : In total, we spent about six weeks in Medellin. During that time, we stayed in two different neighborhoods – Poblado and Laureles .

First, we rented a room in a shared apartment in the popular Poblado area. Our awesome host, Sam, has been living there for several years and he was a great resource for us as total newbs to the city. He was even nice enough to give us his room while we were there, as it had a desk one of us could teach at. We spent 10 nights at his place and then moved on.

When we were visiting Rachel’s family in the US, I spent a lot of time looking for apartments for one month in Medellin. I eventually found a nice 1-bedroom place in the Laureles neighborhood that ticked all the boxes for us. I paid a deposit to the owner and locked down the whole month of October there.

Our total rent for the month was about $800 and included everything even high-speed internet and Netflix. There was a nice desk in the bedroom and a table out in the kitchen so we could both teach at the same time, which was crucial for us to be able to fund the trip.

The place we stayed in Medellin isn’t on Airbnb, but if you’re a digital nomad who doesn’t need a classroom at 6 AM, we highly recommend staying at Selina. It’s an awesome hostel with its own coworking space and a great place to meet people.

Check Prices for Selina!

Where we worked: Since our classes were from 6-9 AM, we always taught from our apartment. With the rest of the day free, we sought out other places to go to get our blogging work done. This was our first venture into the world of co-working, which is huge in Medellin.

Since we were staying in Laureles for a month, we looked for co-working spaces in that area. That brought us to La Casa Redonda (The Roundhouse). It’s a really cool space to work and it also has a rooftop terrace where they host events.

I was really used to just working at home, so I didn’t jump right into co-working.

Rachel gave it a shot and bought a pass of eight flexible visits for about $65. If you want month-long access, it costs $130.

Colombia is famous for something that perks you up and gets you focused.

I’m talking about coffee, of course. What did you think I was talking about? There are countless cafes in Medellin where you can sit down to a nice cup of coffee, bust out the laptop, and get some work done. Some of our favorites include Pergamino , Cafe Zeppelin , and Botanika Cafe .

For more information, check out Rachel’s awesome post on the best cafes and co-working spaces in Medellin .

From Medellin, we cashed in some miles to fly to Quito. For various reasons, we decided to just spend one month total in Ecuador.

The trip was bookended by digital nomad stints in two different cities – Quito and Cuenca. In between, we had some adventures in Banos and even went to the Galapagos islands for a week .

First up was a week in the Ecuadorian capital. With such a short time, we tried to balance work and travel as best as we could.

Where we stayed: In Quito, we stayed in a studio room in a local guesthouse called The Blue Door . The owner replied to a post I made in a Facebook group and was really helpful in sending me their internet speed and assuring we could use another room so we could both teach.

For our week-long stay, we spent about $200. The best part about staying at the Blue Door was interacting with the amazing family who runs it. They cooked us breakfast one morning, gave us tips for exploring the city, and even drove us on a kick-ass adventure to a national park and crater lake.

See The Blue Door on Booking.com

In Cuenca, we rented one of the nicest apartments we’ve stayed at from Airbnb. This 2-bedroom apartment is located above the law offices of the owners, and it’s very well set up for digital nomads. The internet is super fast and there’s a desk in one of the bedrooms, making it easy for two VIPKID teachers to have class at the same time.

For our week-long stay, we spent around $350. It was one of the most expensive places we stayed in on our trip, but it was well worth it. As we were gearing up to go to the Galapagos islands, we had a ton of work to do before disconnecting for a week.

We spent a lot of time in the apartment, so it was nice to have a comfortable place, especially one where we got to do our own laundry!

Book it on Airbnb!

Where we worked: Since we only had a week in each city, we just worked from home while we were in Ecuador. Basically, we would teach for 2.5-3 hours in the morning, go do some touristy things, get lunch, and come back home to do blogging work for a few more hours.

If you’re looking for co-working spaces, here are a few recommendations:

• Workingup (Quito)
• Impaqto (Quito)
• Chakana (Cuenca)
• CoWorking Cuenca

There are plenty of great cafes in each city, but we didn’t bring our laptops along with us when we went out to explore. Since we had such a short time in Ecuador, we tried to not spend the majority of it glued to our screens.

Don’t forget travel insurance!

After hanging out with blue-footed boobies and sea lions on the Galapagos Islands for a week, we flew to the Peruvian capital for a month-long stay.

Lima is definitely one of the best places for digital nomads in South America, and a friend had given us rave reviews about the city. We figured it would be the perfect place to base in between doing the Galapagos trip and heading further south to Patagonia.

Where we stayed: For our stay in Lima, I actually found a place that looked great on Airbnb. The problem was the cost. It was quite a bit out of our budget range at around $1,500 for the month, so I came up with an idea.

I messaged the host and explained that we wanted the place for a month but that I didn’t want to pay the huge Airbnb fees. He agreed that if I booked a short stay, he’d block the month off for me and we could settle up when we got there. It still cost us a lot (about $1,200), but sending that message saved us $300!

The 1-bedroom apartment was really nice and well-furnished. Most importantly, it had a table that could be used as a desk in the bedroom and fast internet. It was a struggle finding a place that had both. I’m sure it would be much easier for a single person or digital nomads who don’t need to loudly sing the ABCs early in the morning.

Oh yeah, and I should mention that this place also had two pools, a gym, and a rooftop terrace and lounge. Fancy! Unfortunately, December isn’t the nicest time of the year in Lima and we only ended up using the pool twice in our month-long stay. We still enjoyed quite a few sunset beers on the roof, though.

Where we worked: Once again, we primarily worked at home. This was because I also signed up for Spanish lessons again, so I’d leave the house every day to go to the gym and have class, then come back home to do blogging work.

Rachel, on the other hand, decided to get out and work from several other places over the course of the month. She visited the Miraflores location of Comunal Coworking and tried a free day pass there. They don’t list their exact prices online, but it says from $190/month for a flex spot. That may seem a bit pricey, but it’s far cheaper than WeWork , whose monthly flex spot runs $270. 

The Miraflores and Barranco neighborhoods of Lima both have lots of excellent cafes to work from. A few of our favorites include  Arabica Espresso Bar and Tostaduria Bisetti .

You can read all about them and more in Rachel’s guide to the best co-working spaces and cafes in Lima . 

Later on in our trip, we came back to Peru to finally check Machu Picchu off the list. Once we finished up our jungle trek, we spent a few days in Cusco to catch up on work.

Where we stayed: We use Airbnb all the time and have had very few problems. I always book places with good reviews and responsive hosts, and always stress the importance of having a reliable, fast internet connection. It almost always goes well, but unfortunately, we had a little problem in Cusco.

Arriving at our apartment exhausted from the trek, we quickly realized the internet wasn’t working at all. We didn’t have classes scheduled for the next morning, so it wasn’t a huge deal. We alerted the host and went to bed, hoping it would get sorted the next morning.

After messaging and calling our host several times the next day to no avail, we decided to get Airbnb involved. Thankfully they were very helpful in resolving the manner, and within a few hours we were told we’d get a refund for the remainder of the stay and that we could seek out other accommodation.

It actually worked out in our favor, as the first place was kind of a dump and wasn’t in a great location.

We managed to find this beautifully decorated studio with a private terrace at the last minute, and it was pretty affordable as well.

Check the price on Airbnb!

Where we worked: There’s a nice workspace set up in the studio with a really comfortable chair, and it was the perfect spot for one of us to do VIPKID classes. The other one would sit at the kitchen table and work on blogging stuff, so we managed to be pretty productive there.

We only had a few days in Cusco, so we didn’t bother seeking out co-working spaces. There are a few there, though: 

• Ayni Center

The city also has quite a few cafes where you could set up and work. We often went to Plaza Cafe just to grab a cup of coffee and look out onto the main plaza and saw people with their laptops working there every time.

Santiago, Chile

When I did the Darmasiswa program in Bali a few years ago, one of my classmates was from Chile. I told her we were going to visit eventually, and we did just that. First up, we started off the year-long party with New Year’s Eve in Valparaiso . Then, we settled into a new home base in the capital of Santiago.

Where we stayed: As luck would have it, my friend’s roommate had just moved out and she had an empty room! We stayed with her for a month before she began the search for a new roomie. It was great living with a local friend, as we got to go visit her parents’ home in the ‘burbs and have her show us around the city.

For the month in Santiago, we spent $600 on rent at her place in Providencia. This was the cheapest month as far as accommodation, but Santiago is definitely more expensive than other cities for food, transportation, and going out. 

After Brazil, we came back to Santiago for a week and got our own 1-bedroom apartment downtown. It was about $400 for the week, which was a little steep, but this place also has a rooftop pool and terrace and a great location.

Where we worked: During both of our stays in Santiago, we only worked at home. This was primarily because we wanted to save money, as we had a lot of big plans coming up – hiking in Patagonia and going to Brazil for Carnaval .

One thing I will say about Chile is that it’s a perfect timezone for VIPKID teachers. Peak hours are from 7-11 AM, which is way better than 5-9! We thoroughly enjoyed being able to sleep at more normal times while we were there. 

Next up was a major bucket-list item for us, as we headed to Carnaval in Brazil. As you may expect, we didn’t get a whole lot of work done during the biggest party on Earth. That being said, we did put in a few teaching hours in between all the caipirinhas and samba dancing.

Where we stayed: There were a few places we booked on Airbnb to get a few classes in along with a bit of blog work. First up, we stayed at an actual Bead & Breakfast in Olinda right before Carnaval started. Our private room worked as a classroom for one, so we took turns teaching in the morning after a massive breakfast.

Recife & Rio de Janeiro

We took a break from work for the big weekend of Carnaval in Recife and just stayed in a hostel.

When we got to Rio, we checked into another Airbnb spot in the Santa Teresa neighborhood.

This place is great, as they’ve set up private studios with their own bathrooms around a shared living room and kitchen. The WiFi was super fast and we had a table in the room where one of us could set up to teach. For $300 for four nights, it was a great bargain during the busiest time of the year in Rio. Seriously, two hostel dorm beds would have cost us more!

Check it out on Airbnb!

Florianopolis

Finally, we splurged on a beautiful cabin in the woods in Florianopolis. After the madness of Carnaval, we really needed a break from everything. As such, we didn’t put in any teaching hours while we were in Floripa.

There was good enough internet, though, so you can still try and book a stay there if you’re planning on getting some work done. Our little vacation there was amazing, and we wish we could have stayed longer.

See this amazing cabin on Airbnb!

Where we worked: We just taught a few classes here and there and did some minor blogging work while we were in Brazil. We moved around very quickly and didn’t have a lot of time in the country, plus we were there for Carnaval. If you need to be more productive when traveling in Brazil, here are a few co-working spaces you can check out:

• Floripa Coworking (Floripa)
• Impact Hub (Floripa)

The last country on our digital nomad adventure around South America is Bolivia. We went there because visiting the Salt Flats was really high on our list of things to do, and decided to stay for a couple weeks. Most of our time was spent between the cities of Sucre and La Paz.

After the amazing trip from the Atacama Desert in Chile to the Salt Flats of Bolivia, we needed a home base to charge our batteries and crush some work. As such, we headed to the beautiful city of Sucre for a week-long stay.

Where we stayed: This was hands down one of the nicest Airbnbs we’ve ever stayed in. We had a massive, very well-furnished 3-bedroom apartment all to ourselves. We even got to invite a friend we had made along the way to come and stay with us rather than cram into a hostel and still had an extra bedroom!

It was the first time I ever had a fancy coffee machine, and I took full advantage of it, making lattes and cappuccinos every damn day. For our week-long stay, we paid exactly $300. Considering I probably drank $100 worth of fancy coffees, I’d say it was worth it. 

Where we worked: Once again, we just worked from home. We were pretty exhausted, and we had this huge place with a nice coffee machine, comfortable places to work, and nice speakers to play music through. When you have a kickass home office, why look elsewhere?

Since we were in an apartment, we were a little bit out of the city center where most tourists stay. If you’re down there, it’s really easy to find a cafe to bust out the laptop and get a bit of work done. I didn’t hear of co-working spaces in Sucre, but maybe one will open someday.

One of the biggest surprises on our 7-month trip around South America was La Paz. We didn’t quite know what to expect from the city, but we loved it and can’t wait to get back to see more.

My personal highlight was watching the incredible cholitas women wrestlers. These ladies know how to throw down in the ring! We’ll save that story for another day, though.

Where we stayed: In total, we only stayed four nights in La Paz. For the first three, we actually stayed in the guest bedroom of some fellow VIPKID teachers. They saw our post on a Facebook group and were nice enough to invite us to stay with them. It was cool staying with expats and going out with them to hear their take on life in Bolivia.

Before we headed out on the Peru Hop bus , we decided to stay a night at Loki Hostel downtown to make the early departure a bit easier. We got a private room at for about $25 and partied up on their rooftop bar for St. Patrick’s Day, which ensured I started the trip with a brutal hangover. Whoops.

Check Prices for Loki Hostel

Where we worked: Our gracious host has an office set up specifically for VIPKID, so it was the perfect place to teach from. She did her usual three classes before heading to work, and then Rachel tagged in for a shift. I worked from the desk in the guest bedroom and we had no issues.

Since we only had a few days in the city, we spent most of our time doing things like walking tours and hiking. We managed to squeeze a little bit of blog work in from our host’s place, but we had gotten enough done in Sucre to relax a bit.

Tips for Digital Nomad Travel in South America

Overall, I’d say our first big adventure as digital nomads was a success. It wasn’t always easy, and it took a lot of hard work to pull it off, but we did it. We even managed to check off every item on our South America Top 10 list except for one (Easter Island).

Based on our experience, I’d like to share a few tips with you on being a digital nomad in South America.

Longer Stays are Better

When you’re traveling and working at the same time, you can burn out rather quickly. Trying to see all the sights and get work done in a couple of days is draining. As such, it’s much better to stay somewhere for a week to a month if you’re going to be working.

We found that even our week-long stays went by way too fast. In the three cities where we spent at least a month – Medellin, Lima, and Santiago – we were very productive with both work and travel. We even signed up for gym memberships and I took Spanish lessons. Of course, we also got a better price on accommodation by staying for so long.

Airbnb is Your Friend

We love staying in hostels, but that’s just not really feasible for two VIPKID teacher digital nomads. As such, we relied heavily on Airbnb to get through this trip. There are tons of listings on Airbnb all over South America, from renting a room in somebody’s place to private apartments. By booking for a week or a month, you’ll most likely get a good discount as well.

In our 7-month trip, we only had one issue with an Airbnb booking. The place we booked in Cusco for after our Machu Picchu trek didn’t have functioning WiFi, which we had made very clear was of the utmost importance during our stay. When the host didn’t do much to remedy the situation, Airbnb canceled the rest of the booking, refunded us, and even offered to help us find a new place.  

Make Use of Facebook Groups

There are Facebook groups for just about everything these days. I joined a lot of groups specific to some of the cities we visited in South America and found them to be very useful. This is how I found our places to stay in both Medellin and Quito, and I managed to save us quite a bit of money by booking directly with the owners.

In addition to finding a place to stay, these FB groups can be a great resource for any questions you might have about the city. You can also find out about meet-ups and other social events that definitely help when you’re a digital nomad on the road.

Here are some of the FB groups we used:

• Medellin Rooms, Apartments & Expat Info
• Digital Nomads Medellin
• Peru for Young Expats
• Expats in Quito Ecuador

Challenges of Being a Digital Nomad

While we thoroughly enjoyed our digital nomad adventure around South America, we most certainly had our fair share of challenges along the way. Here are just a few of them:

Finding a Place

Although Airbnb and Facebook groups helped us immensely in finding places to stay and work, it was always a struggle to find a place that checked all the boxes.

Since we both had to teach at the same time, we needed places with good enough internet to support two video calls at the same time. We also needed two workspaces separated by a door so we didn’t hear each other.

I typed up a generic message I could send to every host on Airbnb, but you’d be surprised how many of them just couldn’t seem to figure out how to run a speed test, or who just didn’t respond. This shouldn’t be a problem for digital nomads who aren’t teaching English online, but it sure was for us.

Read more: 11 Things No One Tells You About Digital Nomad Life

Trying to do it All

When you’re traveling in a new place, you obviously want to get out and do some sightseeing and maybe partake in a bit of the nightlife as well. However, if you have to get up at 5:30 in the morning to teach, it becomes very difficult to do all that.

Not too long into our trip, we realized we could do two of these three things – work, see the sights, and/or go out and be social. For the most part, we ended up just working and sightseeing. With such an early wake-up call most days, we just didn’t have the energy to go out much. This most likely had something to do with the next challenge we faced…

It Gets Lonely

We’re fortunate enough to have each other, but even so life can be lonely for a digital nomad. When you’re moving every week or month and spending a lot of your time working, it’s hard to make friends.

Of course, we met plenty of awesome people along the way and even bumped into a few new friends at several different points. That being said, it was really just the two of us most of the time. Obviously, we could have been more social had we stayed in hostels, but as I’ve already explained that just didn’t make sense most of the time because of our jobs.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we’re both glad we did what we did and we wouldn’t really change much about our trip. We were thrilled to finally have location-independent jobs and take them out on the road with us. Being able to travel extensively throughout the continent and check a ton of bucket-list items off was an amazing experience, regardless of how tough it was at times.

After that huge trip, we had to settle down for a bit. That’s why we moved back to beautiful Puerto Vallarta for six months. It’s been nice having more of a routine, getting comfortable in a place, and finally making some friends. Of course, being the perpetual travelers that we are, those itchy feet flare up again.

We’ll be hitting the road again in January after spending the holidays at home. This next trip won’t be quite as long (probably 4 months instead of 7), and we won’t have so many “must-do” experiences on our list.

Rather, the focus will be to choose two different digital nomad hot spots to use as a home base for a month and then fill in the middle with some adventures. We’re hoping to return to Colombia and finally visit Central America, with Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala high on the list.

It’s amazing that we can do what we do. A few years ago, we would have found it hard to believe that I’d soon be able to keep my job teaching English in China but bring it around the world with us. We’re thrilled to be living the digital nomad life, even with all of the ups and downs it entails. It sure beats sitting in a cube for 40 hours a week!

If you have any questions or comments about being a digital nomad in South America, please leave a comment below or send us an e-mail .

More Posts About South America:

• Celebrating Carnival in Brazil
• New Year’s Even in Valparaiso, Chile
• The Inca Jungle Trek to Machu Picchu

Yay for transparency! This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through our link we will earn a commission at no extra cost to you! The earnings go towards running this site. Thank you for your support!

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About The Author

Sasha Savinov

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3 thoughts on “the most epic guide to traveling south america as a digital nomad”.

Hi Sasha, Thank you for your response. True, Medellin is so popular with DNs that it makes it even harder to attract people to Cali. I guess the caleños need to learn from the paisas how to achieve the same results. There is work to be done… My blog together with my Instagram feed tries to create a new image for Cali, an image more targeted to the DN market. When you have some spare time you can check them out, I will love some feedback from you!

What made you decide to drop visiting Cali during your Colombian trip? I’m interested to know as I am promoting Cali, Colombia as a DM destination.

Hi Haris, thanks for the comment! We wanted to go to Cali, but it just didn’t work out. We had a certain amount of time to get around South America and had to choose our destinations carefully. As you know, Medellin is easily the most popular and well-known DN destination in Colombia. We had heard so much about it and had to try it out, so we stayed for a bit over a month. Cali is on our list for our return trip to Colombia, and we will definitely check out your site for some info!

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7 Safest Countries in South America for Digital Nomads

When considering exploring Latin American countries as a digital nomad, you often wonder about safety. You’ve heard stories from other travelers, and they’ve made you timid about booking your next destination. 

No fear here! We’ve compiled a list of the safest countries in South America for digital nomads to travel freely and explore a new culture and destination with little worry. 

South America has so many beautiful sights, delicious meals, and friendly people to offer travelers with a desire to get to know this part of the world. Unfortunately, South America as a whole has a reputation for being dangerous. 

As an open-minded digital nomad ready to take on whatever challenges may present, South America should not be a continent you skip because of the elaborate news stories you hear. 

Many digital nomads fall in love with some of the safest countries in South America and decide to relocate there thanks to the digital nomad visas in South America .

If you are considering venturing to another part of the world with South America on your mind, this blog post will help you plan out your travels and decide where to go. 

So, let’s dive into the safest countries in South America for digital nomads!  

How We Calculated the Safest Countries in South America

While the idea of feeling safe is quite relative, there are ways to statistically calculate safety when compared to other countries. 

So, how did we calculate the safest countries in South America for digital nomads in this article?

We used the Global Peace Index’s rankings to rank the safest countries in South America. The GPI uses indicators such as societal safety and security, ongoing domestic and internal conflict extents, and degree of militarization to determine the safety ranking of a country. 

While the GPI is an excellent resource to get an idea of what countries are considered safe, safety is difficult to measure and also depends on personal experience. 

Safest Countries in South America for Digital Nomads

It’s a big decision to travel to another continent and work remotely as a digital nomad. It requires a lot of research, planning, and reading about other people’s experiences there. 

Fortunately, you came across Nomads Embassy: The World’s First Embassy for Digital Nomads , where we simplify the lifestyle of traveling and working remotely.

With our list of the safest countries in South America, you can base your travels on their rankings and even decide to stay longer if you qualify for a digital nomad visa.  

Uruguay ranks as the safest country in South America. With the tranquility of its atmosphere, it is an ideal getaway from bustling and noisy work settings. 

One of the significant benefits of choosing Uruguay is its robust technological infrastructure. For digital nomads, this means a very reliable and affordable internet service that enables you to be connected anywhere. Besides, Uruguay is known for its open and friendly people, giving you a sense of belonging in no time. 

But the perks of living in Uruguay extend beyond just work. Your weekends and leisurely hours can be spent enjoying Uruguay’s breathtaking landscape. This country boasts of a mix of urban and rural beauty – from pristine beaches and picturesque farms to stylish architecture and bustling markets. 

You’ll find that many Uruguayans speak an adequate level of English, so communication should not be a problem. 

Whether you like spending your free time in cafes, surfing on the beach, or exploring museums, Uruguay has you covered. 

Digital nomads can also relocate to Uruguay for one year with the Uruguay digital nomad visa . With no income requirement and just a $10 application fee, it’s one of the easiest digital nomad visas to apply for . 

Check your eligibility for the Uruguay digital nomad visa now!

Known for its robust economy, stable political environment, and breathtaking landscapes, Chile offers an unparalleled experience for digital nomads. 

Its cosmopolitan capital, Santiago, buzzes with innovation and creativity, offering excellent co-working spaces with reliable Wi-Fi, perfect for digital nomads. Santiago’s impressive cityscape with towering skyscrapers is contrasted by the stunning Andes Mountains horizon. The city’s network of public transport with metros and buses facilitates ease of movement. 

Valparaiso, another significant city, is more appealing to artistic nomads. Known for its bohemian vibe and vibrant street art, Valparaiso is a UNESCO heritage site boasting a unique blend of culture, history, and modernity. 

Moving toward the South, cities like Puerto Varas and Puerto Natales provide a captivating environment for those who seek tranquility and inspiration from nature. 

When it comes to connectivity, you can rely on speedy and dependable Wi-Fi across urban centers and tolerable connections in less populated regions. Moreover, with its advanced telecommunications infrastructure, connectivity issues are the least of a digital nomad’s worries in Chile. 

Chile isn’t just about work; it’s about adventure, too. 

Snow-capped mountains, unique wildlife, and expansive vineyards offer endless exploration opportunities. Try skiing in the Andes, stargazing in the Atacama Desert, or wine tasting in the Casablanca Valley. 

The diverse Chilean landscapes ensure there’s always a new adventure waiting for you. 

Known for its mesmerizing landscapes, world-famed football, and enticing tango dance, this South American gem holds plenty of charm that can lure any traveler. 

In Argentina, Buenos Aires, the capital, is a hotspot for digital nomads. It’s a bustling city buzzing with vibrance and energy around the clock. Here, you’ll find a blend of grandeur of European architecture and high-rise modern buildings, presenting a captivating cityscape that’s worth exploring. 

Internet connectivity in Argentina is pretty reliable, with an average internet speed of 25.51 Mbps. So, you wouldn’t sweat about staying connected with your digital nomad community. Besides, there are plenty of coffee shops and co-working spaces offering free high-speed Wi-Fi for you to plug in and work at your pace. 

The transportation system in Argentina is reasonably organized, providing convenient accessibility for residents and visitors alike. Buses, trains, and taxis are readily available, along with bike rental services and walkable streets for those who prefer a healthier alternative. 

Digging into the Argentine culture, you would get a taste of their affection for social activities, sports, and arts. The people here are warm and friendly, embracing the digital nomad community with open arms. 

Attending a football match or learning the tango could become exciting pastimes, not to mention the delectable Argentinian asado (barbecue) that you must not miss. 

For those remote workers who fall in love with the country, they can apply for the Argentina digital nomad visa and live there for up to two years!

Often off the radar for many digital nomads, Paraguay has steadily been catching the attention of digital nomads globally. This small and landlocked country presents a unique blend of natural beauty, indigenous culture, and burgeoning urban life, making it an intriguing location for remote working. 

Its capital city, Asuncion, is a captivating mixture of historic architecture and modern amenities. Fast Wi-Fi is prevalent in most parts of the city, with several co-working spaces providing reliable internet connectivity— a crucial necessity for digital nomads. 

The culture in Paraguay is rich, vibrant, and diverse. The local people, known as Guarani, are exceptionally friendly and welcoming, making it easy for foreigners to feel at home. Engaging in local customs and traditions— from Paraguay’s distinctive music and dance forms to its unique cuisine— can provide a refreshing break from work. 

Besides its charming culture, Paraguay offers a host of benefits for digital nomads. First and foremost, it’s a cost-effective destination. 

The cost of living is relatively low, including accommodation, food, transportation, and even entertainment. What’s more, the country boasts a pleasant subtropical climate, ensuring sunny days for the most part of the year— perfect for those who prefer outdoor working environments. 

Ecuador proves to be an exceptional dwelling for digital nomads. With its beautiful cities, diverse culture, and a reliable internet connection, it has everything a digital nomad would need. 

The vibrant cities of Quito and Cuenca, famed for their historical charm, nested among the Andean highlands, and Guayaquil, known for its modern amenities and stunning riverfront, offer a fantastic mix of urban life. You’ll never run short of unique backdrops for your remote workspace. 

Be it exploring the incredible biodiversity in the Amazon, surfing at the beach or hiking the Andean mountains, Ecuador is an adventurer’s paradise. Moreover, the famous Galapagos Islands, teeming with unique wildlife, gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

You’ll find WiFi speeds are more than enough to carry out daily work in most parts of the country, averaging around 16 Mbps. While it might not be ultra-high-speed, it’s certainly sufficient for most remote work needs. 

Ecuador offers reliable public buses in cities, and inexpensive inter-city buses. Taxis and app-based services like Uber are also readily available and fairly cheap, making it easier to navigate through the country. 

Ecuadorians are warm and friendly, and the nation hosts an array of cultural festivals throughout the year, showcasing local music, dance, and traditional food. Its culture is a vibrant tapestry of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Ecuadorian influences, which is sure to captivate you. 

Digital nomads often fall in love with Ecuador and all it has to offer. So much so that they apply for the Ecuador digital nomad visa , which allows them to live in the country for up to two years if they earn $1,350 per month. 

Check your eligibility for the Ecuador digital nomad visa today! 

There’s a shared belief among travelers that Bolivia is one of South America’s best-kept secrets. This charming and diverse country is filled with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant cities, historical sites, and unique cultural experiences that are sure to make your remote work journey an unforgettable one.

La Paz and Santa Cruz are among the preferred cities for digital nomads, offering a perfect blend of traditional and modern amenities. 

La Paz, the administrative capital, is renowned for its dramatic setting as it’s the world’s highest capital city. 

On the other hand, Santa Cruz is known for its tropical savannah climate, bustling economy, and vibrant nightlife. 

Bolivian culture, a blend of native and Spanish influences, is rich and diverse. It’s an immersive experience where you’ll feel the vibrant energy of the local markets, dances, and festivals. Gastronomically, Bolivian cuisine is a treasure trove of flavors you’ll definitely want to explore. 

Bolivian cities have nearly ubiquitous Wi-Fi, and it’s generally fast enough for you to complete your digital tasks without a hitch. Some cities boast an average Internet speed of 11.47 Mbps , making it feasible for you to hold video calls or work with sizable files. 

Getting around Bolivia is relatively easy. Intracity and intercity transport options include buses, taxis, cable cars, and shared mini-vans. The public transportation system is extensive and affordable, affording you the opportunity to get a feel for the city’s heartbeat. 

Last but not least on our list of the safest countries in South America is Peru. 

A gem set high in the rugged Andes Mountains, Peru is a land with a rich history, dating back to ancient times. It’s a wonderful destination for digital nomads not only for its safety but the myriad of experiences it offers. 

The political and economic hub, Lima, painted with colonial architecture, adorned by beautiful parks and crowned by a splendid coastline, is a place certainly worth basing yourself from. Its cosmopolitan atmosphere, coupled with its safe setting, makes it an ideal location for those wanting to blend work with leisure. 

Then, there’s Cusco, which was once the capital of the Inca Empire. This city will bewitch you with its fusion of Inca wonders and Spanish colonial grandeur. It’s not just its beauty that’s captivating, but its safe and adaptable environment for digital nomads. 

The majestic Machu Picchu, an Inca city lost to time, is within reach and is a definite excursion to take while based in Cusco. 

Despite Peru’s ancient roots, the nation has embraced modernity, offering great public and private transportation across the country. Buses, taxis, and domestic flights make exploring Peru easy and reasonable. 

In terms of connectivity, you’ll be impressed. The country has an average internet speed sufficient for most online work scenarios. More importantly, Wi-Fi is widely accessible in public areas, hotels, restaurants, and especially coworking spaces. 

You’ll find quite a number of coworking spaces in both Lima and Cusco, providing a professional yet flexible environment for you to work from. 

Together, the generous variety of safe cityscapes, rich cultural history, contemporary comfort, and world-class cuisine make Peru a dream destination for digital nomads looking to enjoy South America.

Tips for Staying Safe in South America

While you may be traveling through the safest countries in South America, it’s still important to take safety precautions. You never know what can happen while in a foreign country. 

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

While it’s tempting to walk around a gorgeous new city with your own soundtrack thanks to noise-cancelling headphones, it doesn’t put you in the safest position. 

Be aware of your surroundings and walk around listening and watching who and what is happening in your vicinity. It’s always a good idea to be on guard just in case things take a turn.

Protect Your Belongings

Whether you’re staying in a hostel or working from a cafe, keeping an eye on your belongings and valuables is important while traveling. 

Use lockers when possible to place your passport, wallet, and computer. Always keep your bag and computer with you while working from a cafe – even when you get up to use the bathroom. 

The worst thing that can happen to a digital nomad is having their computer or phone stolen!

Don’t Show Off Expensive Gadgets

It’s nice to have the latest iPhone model or iPad release, but don’t be flashy about it. While you may use your expensive and hard-earned electronics, it’s important to keep it on the down low. 

When walking around the streets taking photos, keep both hands on your equipment and tuck it back into your bag when you’re finished. 

Avoid Walking Alone Late at Night

When possible, avoid walking alone on the streets late at night in an unfamiliar destination. Instead, grab a taxi, bus, or metro. Even if it means spending a little extra money, it is worth it for your safety! 

Ask for Advice from Locals (Not Vendors)

Cultures in South America tend to be exceptionally friendly. If you ask for directions, advice, or how to do something, locals will be more than happy to assist you or answer questions. 

However, it’s a good idea to avoid asking vendors for advice or suggestions. They may try to scam you into spending money at their store or lead you in a direction where they have some personal interest. 

Relocate to South America for One Year with Nomads Embassy

Does the idea of living in one of the safest countries in South America for a year while working remotely sound exciting?

With a large digital nomad community in many of these countries, you are bound to make interesting and life-long friendships.

Plus, with digital nomad visas available, it’s never been easier to apply with the help of Nomads Embassy! 

We have partnered with hand-selected local immigration lawyers to assist our members with their digital nomad visa applications. 

Through a seamless and secure process, you can increase your chances of getting a digital nomad visa -fast! 

Request our free eligibility check to see which digital nomad visas you qualify for today! 

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25 Best Places to Visit in South America, From the Wetlands of Brazil to Easter Island

Experts share their favorite spots across the continent.

Harrison Pierce is a freelance writer and digital nomad passionate about personal finance and travel. He is traveling full-time with the help of points and miles and enjoys connecting with people on the ground. His work has been published in Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler, USA Today Blueprint, Matador Network, and other publications. 

Gabriel_Amaral/Getty Images

As a digital nomad who works and travels full time, I spend a good portion of the year in South America, exploring countries including Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Uruguay, and Peru. From cosmopolitan cities and mountain villages to beautiful beaches and iconic landmarks, the continent offers countless incredible destinations and sights.

It can be challenging to narrow down the choices for a South American trip. With the help of Elisban Huarancca, an official tourism guide with Journeys Cusco in Peru, Eva Castro, owner of Creo Ecolodge in Jardin, Colombia, and Alexander Balardjischvili, CEO of C2Rio Tours & Travel , we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best places to visit in South America.

• Best tourist destination: Machu Picchu, Peru
• Underrated hidden gem: Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia
• Best for families: Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Best for couples: Valparaíso, Chile
• Best for solo travelers: Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Read on for the full list of unmissable spots for your South American itinerary.

Machu Picchu, Peru

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Arguably one of the most famous places in the world, Machu Picchu is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The site was initially an Inca citadel, likely built in the 1450s and often called “The Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is about 50 miles from Cusco; you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. You can't visit without a tour guide, so make reservations well in advance.  “The visit to Machu Picchu can be all year round; different climatic factors help to understand the mysterious nature of Machu Picchu,” says Huarancca. However, if you're hoping to avoid rain, he recommends timing your visit between April and the end of October.

Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia

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Jardín is a small town a few hours south of Medellín with colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. I stayed at Creo Ecolodge during my trip, and Castro offered plenty of recommendations. Take a tour of Cueva del Esplendor, the "Cave of Splendor," where you'll find a beautiful waterfall, or head to a nearby coffee farm to learn how Colombian coffee is produced. My favorite is Cafe Historias , which has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted. Castro says the best time of year to visit is August and September when there are very few travelers. This is also when the annual Jardín Film Festival takes place. It gets much busier in town from December through April, she adds.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

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In Buenos Aires , one of my favorite cities in the world, you can find anything from tango shows and street art to the best steak you’ll ever eat. Each neighborhood has something special. Head to La Boca for beautiful murals along the streets, then tour the famous cemetery in Recoleta before stopping at a speakeasy in Palermo. There’s no shortage of fantastic things to do , and the city makes a wonderful home base for seeing more of Argentina.

Valparaíso, Chile

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Less than a two-hour drive from Santiago, this quirky coastal city was once home to 20th-century poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda. Valparaíso is characterized by its eclectic, colorful hillside houses, antique funiculars, and sweeping ocean views. Plus, it's adjacent to Viña del Mar, where you'll find some of Chile's top beaches.

Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

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The Galápagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can learn about the archipelago's unique biodiversity, go scuba diving, lounge on beaches, or embark on a multi-island cruise. You might also swim with sea lions or hang out with giant turtles.

Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia

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Due west of Bogota is Cocora Valley, one of Colombia's most famous hiking destinations. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of Salento or do a multiday hike throughout the valley. There are campsites available for use if you choose to spend the night looking at the stars. It’s famous for having the tallest palm trees in the world, which stand around 200 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. The oversaturated green colors of the hills are stunning. Castro highly recommends going at "golden hour," early in the morning or late in the afternoon, for the best views.

The Rock of Guatapé, Colombia

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The town of Guatapé in northern Colombia, directly east of Medellín, is famous for its namesake Rock, which can be ascended via more than 700 steps. At the end of your climb, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views of the town and the islands in the sprawling Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir. The town is reachable by bus and less than two hours from Medellín, making it a perfect weekend trip.  “The people here are more welcoming and warm,” says Castro. “When you are walking, you can find many smiling faces … It’s part of our culture.”

San Rafael, Antioqua, Colombia

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San Rafael is excellent “if you really want to have the deepest connection with yourself and with nature,” says Castro. She recommends Vanadurga Ashram , a yoga sanctuary, for a retreat or to continue your practice while traveling here. “These places are really magical, and you can learn how to change your perspective," Castro adds.

San Rafael is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. You can bird-watch, hike, or simply soak in nature. “People want to come to have an inner journey,” says Castro. “If that’s your goal — to find out something inside of you — I’d recommend places like San Rafael.”

The Lost City, Magdalena, Colombia

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The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is located near Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It’s estimated to have been founded in the eighth or ninth centuries, making it hundreds of years older than Machu Picchu. The area is believed to have been home to around 2,000 people and about 170 terraces, with apparent spaces for living, working, and religious practice. Getting there requires a three- to six-day trek with a tour company. On the way, you'll see rare native plants and wildlife, which is an adventure in itself. 

Cusco, Peru

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If you're interested in Inca ruins, Cusco is the perfect place. It makes a great starting point to reach Machu Picchu, but you can also see traces of the city's Incan origins alongside colonial architecture. Many travelers spend a few days here exploring and acclimating to the 11,150-foot elevation. (As a comparison, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet.) The winding streets, Baroque churches, and art and history museums will leave you charmed.

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru

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Close to Cusco in the Andes Mountains is Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain because of the colorful stripes on display year-round. The colors result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice to create rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens.

Amazon Rain Forest, Peru

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The Amazon rain forest spans eight countries and is almost 2.6 million square miles in size. You can visit the Peruvian Amazon from three areas: Manú National Park , Tambopata Province, and the city of Iquitos. Each provides something unique to tourists. The best option depends on what you want to see, how much time you can spend, and your budget.  “The only recommendation I can give to international travelers is to make reservations in advance and have good information about the places you will visit,” says Huarancca. “It is necessary to find out the type of food, drinks, and traditions that place has.”

Huacachina, Peru

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Huarancca recommends visiting Huacachina, “a small oasis in the middle of the desert.” Located south of Lima and near the city of Ica, it's a desert village complete with rolling sand dunes on all sides. You can't swim in Huacachina Lagoon, but you can rent paddleboats to glide across the water. It’s the only natural oasis in all of South America, formed by underground aquifers.

Colca Canyon, Peru

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In Peru, Colca Canyon is another tourist attraction that you shouldn't miss, according to Huarancca. It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and you can take a day trip from Arequipa to see it or tackle a multiday trek for the most spectacular views. Either way, you're likely to see plenty of native wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

Lake Titicaca, Peru and Bolivia

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Lake Titicaca straddles two South American countries and is the largest freshwater lake on the continent, as well as the world's highest navigable lake. It’s an estimated three million years old, and contains human-made islands constructed of layers of tortora roots and reeds. The number of islands varies at any given time but is usually somewhere between 60 and over 100. This place is extremely important to Peruvian and Bolivian indigenous communities, and offers some of the best views in the Andes.

Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

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Originally a prehistoric lake that went dry, Bolivia's salt flats are the largest in the world. Now Uyuni Salt Flat is around 4,200 square miles of striking white salt and rock formations. If you visit between December and April, which is the rainy season, you may see bright pink flamingos. Many people who have visited when water is on the ground describe the experience as walking on a cloud since the sky is reflected in the water. Book a room at Luna Salada Hotel , which is close to the flat and made of salt, for a very special stay.

Pantanal Wetland, Brazil

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Measuring more than 40 million acres, this is the biggest wetland on earth. Brazil's Pantanal Wetland is also one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, including jaguars and crocodiles. Balardjischvili recommends “bringing insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a sweatshirt — and always hydrate.”

Petrópolis, Brazil

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A royal summer retreat in the 19th century, Petrópolis is a mountain resort city outside of Rio de Janeiro known for its palaces, architecture, and food. “Visit Petrópolis on a guided tour to enjoy the historical aspect," Balardjischvili says. "Always book your tour [with] legalized companies with good reviews."

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Christ the Redeemer is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see for anyone heading to Brazil. The statue of Jesus stands almost 125 feet tall and looks over Rio de Janeiro . When visiting the marvel, you can expect phenomenal views of the city. Balardjischvili recommends booking a ticket in advance to take the train to see the statue.

Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

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Sugarloaf Mountain is a major landmark in Brazil, well known for the panoramic city views from the top. When the cable car system opened in 1912, it was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. “For Sugarloaf, visit it in the morning, as it is fresher; sunset is beautiful but extremely crowded," says Balardjischvili. "If you're traveling during the high season, buy a skip-the-line ticket." The mountain peak is almost 1,300 feet high, so you’ll be grateful you don’t have to climb all the way up. 

When asked about the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, Balardjischvili says May or June, when "you’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days with no rain and 77 degrees.”

Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

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Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is comprised of about 275 individual waterfalls, making it one of the largest waterfall systems in the world. Most of the waterfalls are on the Argentina side, but the tallest is on the Brazil side. It’s a stunning sight to behold and an absolute must for anyone traveling through South America.

Patagonia, Argentina

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Patagonia is larger than many countries around the world and is split between Argentina and Chile. You can expect each city in the region to feel unique; some of the most popular in Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, and El Chaltén. Whether you go to Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos de Bariloche or hike one of the 300 glaciers throughout the region, you're sure to have an unforgettable experience.

Zuccardi Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina

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Wine aficionados won't likely want to leave Argentina without sampling a few vintages. Zuccardi Valle de Uco , an award-winning winery, lives up to its reputation, with fantastic wines and the Andes as a stunning backdrop to the property's extensive vineyards. Reservations for tastings and tours can be made online.

Punta del Este Beaches, Uruguay

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Uruguay is still relatively underrated, but it's a fantastic place for international travelers. It takes just a couple of hours by ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Punta del Este, which has some of the best beaches in the country, plus high-end shopping and excellent steakhouses.

Easter Island, Chile

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Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean, about a 5.5-hour flight from Santiago. The remote destination is populated by nearly 1,000 stone statues of human figures, called moai , which are believed to have been created between the 10th and 16th centuries.

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Digital Nomad in South America: the Best-Rated Cities

Your time has come to explore the world while working remotely? Or are you considering it, or simply dreaming about it? We’re sharing in this post what you can expect as a digital nomad in South America, which cities we recommend. Read on to discover the pros –and maybe some of the cons– of the best-rated digital nomad destinations in South America.

Jump to: Why choose South America as a digital nomad? Entry requirements   |  Cost of life   |  Internet   |  Language   |  Culture

Is South America good for first-timers? Best cities in South America for remote workers Tips to work remotely in South America

Digital nomad lifestyle in South America

South America is a vast continent with many interesting cultures to discover. It might not be as popular among digital nomads as, say, Southeast Asia. But there are many excellent spots that are comfortable to stay and work at and are a great base to discover the beauty of the continent .

South America not only has interesting cities that are well-suited for working online, it also offers a few added benefits as you’ll see in this post. Whether you’re looking for real digital nomad hubs or into experiencing life as a local, there are great choices.

No-hassle entry requirements to the countries

To all the below mentioned countries, USA and EU citizens don’t need to arrange a Visa beforehand. All countries allow a 3-month stay in the territory with a regular tourist passport, which can be extended afterward. At the border you simply get an entry stamp with the date of arrival; and in some countries (e.g. Chile, Ecuador) you also get a paper validating your entry that you need to show at the exit. Check the specific entry requirements on your embassy’s website.

Low cost of life

South America in general has a cheaper cost of living compared to the Western world – North America or Western Europe. This is good news, because your earnings will go a long way and you can really make the most out of your stay.

Some of the fastest internet connection is in South America

As a digital nomad, one of your most important requirements when it comes to choosing a location is internet speed . All of the cities we recommend have speedy internet, but one destination particularly stands out on this point. Uruguay is proud to have the fastest internet in Latin America with modern fibre technology.

Learn or practice Spanish or Portuguese easily like never before

Apart from Portuguese-speaking Brazil, the rest of South America speaks Spanish. Although in some cities you’ll find a substantial amount of English-speakers –mainly expats and fellow digital nomads–, most of the locals speak English at a very low level; which means a great learning opportunity for you! South Americans are patient and very friendly with visitors trying to grasp their language. So even if you are a complete beginner, don’t be afraid and dive in.

And of course, if you travel around the continent, it’s enough to learn a few sentences to be a bit more local.

A very interesting culture to dive into

South American countries are culturally and naturally rich so wherever you go, there will be so much to discover; from indigenous festivals to the carnival , the Inca heritage, the stunning nature, the flavourful cuisine and colourful fabrics. I would also add that a big part of the South American culture remains unknown to other parts of the world, so surely there’s plenty to awe at. This means that there’s a lot of things to explore on weekends and days off.

Is South America a good destination for first-time digital nomads?

Since the coronavirus pandemic, many companies have sped up the process of offering remote working positions and are open to hiring freelancers, while digital business is thriving around the world. Now is the best time to land in a job that’s perfect for experienced digital nomads, or those of us who want to go on their first digital nomad project.

South America is great for first-timer digital nomads, because it offers a great mix of interesting and authentic cultural experiences, coupled with a fairly easy organisation.

We’ve carefully chosen the destinations below based on our own experience while traveling in South America for a year and working on Green Mochila blog. Our most important criteria were: good internet connection , enough entertainment in the city and proximity to nature .

Best digital nomad destinations in South America

Buenos aires, argentina.

If you are looking to stay in the most vibrant city in South America, Buenos Aires won’t disappoint you. It’s a digital nomad hub with so much going on that could keep you busy for many months (or maybe forever?). The city, which is dubbed the “Paris of the South” due to its neoclassical architecture style, boasts many (free) cultural events, including tango shows / concerts / classes, and has some of the best museums in South America.

Check out the many cool things to do in Buenos Aires

Argentinians are among the friendliest people on the continent, so making friends with them is easy.

Top reasons for choosing Buenos Aires as a digital nomad

• Argentinians are really friendly folks
• Buenos Aires is popular with expats and digital nomads in Argentina , there’s a sizable international community
• While it’s not so common to hear English on the street, young adults are happy to communicate in English
• Buenos Aires might be the best South American city to find plenty of vegetarian food
• There is a plethora of cultural events happening in the city, and many of them are free
• Buenos Aires has good infrastructure (eg. metro lines) which means it’s easy and fast to get around the city

Traveling near Buenos Aires

Although Buenos Aires would keep you busy and super entertained 24/7, there are great day- and weekend-trip options for a getaway, such as Colonia del Sacramento or Montevideo , both in Uruguay , just on the other side of the Río de la Plata. Other great options are Rosario and Córdoba , where you can get a taste of the Argentinian life outside the capital.

Discover why you should travel to Argentina and choose it as a digital nomad

2. Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is probably our personal favourite digital nomad hotspot in this list. Although it’s getting popular with nomads, you can still find laid-back-but-not-over-hyped vibes coupled with comfortable living conditions: great internet, walkable distances, even cheaper rent prices. It’s a smaller city compared to other places in our list. But being a university city, there are many young people who speak English, hip cafes, and inexpensive events like concerts aplenty.

Top reasons for choosing Cuenca as a digital nomad

• Cuenca is geographically a great base to explore the country, which is not dauntingly huge anyway
• It’s a smaller city so it’s easy (and safe) to get around on foot
• We were blown away by the young and open-minded vibe this university city has
• Younger people speak reasonable English
• The currency in Ecuador is USD, so if that’s the currency of your income, you don’t even need to exchange it

Traveling near Cuenca

Ecuador is probably the easiest country to stay in as a digital nomad. Although it’s relatively small, it boasts almost all the types of landscapes that are to be found in South America. The capital Quito is a good option for more culture, Baños for the ultimate outdoorsy sports, and right at Cuenca’s doorstep is the Cajas National Park. Cuenca is situated in the south of Ecuador, so it’s also relatively near Peru if you’re thinking about venturing a bit further. And let’s not forget the Galapagos Islands, one of the biggest hits in South America, although for that you need more time and money.

Check out why visit Ecuador and choose it as your digital nomad base

3. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The most famous city in Brazil can keep you busy for months. There are so many cultural activities happening in the city that the real difficulty will be to choose where to go. Concerts are also in abundance, so are colourful markets with great street food to try.

Read about our favourite things to do in Rio de Janeiro

The locals are super laid-back, there are great beaches right in the city and forró and samba (the 2 most popular dances of Brazil) are neverending. However, the city has a high crime rate at certain areas, and it’s (always) necessary to take a taxi at night. Still, it’s a city with a special vibe that blew us away and we seriously considered staying here for a few months.

Top reasons for choosing Rio de Janeiro as your digital nomad destination

• Brazilians, in general, are super chill and incredibly friendly
• Many co-working spaces are available throughout the city
• There’s a big expat community in Rio
• Loads of great events, parties, and cultural activities going on
• The street food is just mouth-watering
• Great beaches are within the city

Traveling near Rio

Rio is huge and can keep you entertained for months. But if you want to venture out, there are a few places around that are worth exploring, such as the tropical forest of Tijuca Forest National Park, the historical city of Petrópolis, the paradisiac Ilha Grande or the small colonial town of Paraty.

Read more practical tips in our post about digital nomad lifestyle in Brazil

4. Medellin, Colombia

Medellín is the uncrowned digital nomad hotspot. Despite its violent past and somewhat still bad reputation of Colombia, the city has become a favourite South American destination for digital nomads. It’s not hard to see why: it’s a culturally rich and modern city, full of green areas. It’s no problem getting about on foot, although you need to keep some precautions when out after dark and avoid certain places.

There’s really plenty to enjoy in the city, check out our favourite things to do in Medellin

Top reasons for choosing Medellin, the top-rated digital nomad destination

• Medellín is a buzzing city with a lot of cultural activities
• The city boasts green areas all throughout the city
• It’s possible to get around on foot in downtown, and there’s a good and clean metro system to reach further areas
• Medellín is the safest city in Colombia
• There’s a sizable international community
• Warm weather all-year round: Medellin is also called the “city of the eternal spring” for a good reason

Traveling near Medellin

There are very interesting places already right at the doorstep of Medellín: Santa Fe de Antioquia and Santa Elena are both picturesque villages where you can discover the rural life. The Parque Arví is a great spot to relax in the nature and join kite runners in their hobby.

See our favourite destinations in Colombia to see during your stay

5. Montevideo, Uruguay

Uruguay is a small country, and Montevideo is perhaps the only capital city in South America where distances are perfectly possible to walk. We were completely charmed by its friendly locals, varied events and its overall atmosphere. It has modern, cool vibes with very welcoming people, and is among the best places to experience mate and tango . (Yes, tango is really big in Uruguay too!)

Check out why we fell in love with Montevideo

Furthermore, Uruguay has the fastest internet connection in South America, due to their optic fiber technology.

Top reasons for experiencing Montevideo as a digital nomad

• Locals are very friendly, they are happy to interact with you and share a mate
• It’s a great base to discover the whole country and even parts of Argentina
• Montevideo is a modern and safe city
• They have the fastest internet speed in South America
• Distances are walkable within the city

Traveling near Montevideo

One of the best things in Montevideo is that traveling through the whole country doesn’t seem daunting, because of its relatively small size. There are unique places within an hour of travel, like Colonia de Sacramento which feels like time-travel, or Cabo Polonia, the isolated coastal village. On the other hand, buzzing Buenos Aires (and Argentina) is a short ferry-ride away, which puts Montevideo on a strategic point on the Rio de la Plata bank.

Wondering what else is in the bank for you in the country? Check out our recommendations for Uruguay .

6. Valparaiso, Chile

If you like an alternative and colourful style, you’ll fall in love with seaside city Valparaíso (or Valpo, as locals call it). It’s a medium-sized city built on several hills, with lots of street art, cute cafes serving vegetarian/vegan food and great hidden lookouts. On warm weekends, downtown streets are filled with people as if there was carnival all summer! If you ask me, this charming city should probably become the next digital nomad mecca.

Find out why Valpo is just awesome

Top reasons to choose Valparaiso as a digital nomad

• The hip vibes and the buzzing atmosphere are just amazing
• There’s enough awesome street art to admire every single day
• Great vegetarian and vegan food culture
• Distances in downtown Valparaíso are walkable, and you’ll get sporty with walking up and down on the hills
• Good beaches in and near the city

Traveling near Valparaiso

Valpo is situated only 1 hour away from the capital Santiago with infinite cultural possibilities. It’s practically grown into neighbouring Viña del Mar which is quite a posh city. Apart from city visits, there are plenty of nature spots too, tucked as it is between the Andes mountains and the Pacific ocean.

Have a look at what else to see in Chile if you decide to be a digital nomad in Valparaíso

A few tips for being a digital nomad in South America

• Have a health insurance in case of emergencies or when you need to go to the doctor
• Keep an account in one of the digital nomad banks , which has no or low change for cash withdrawal in different currencies
• Bring sustainable travel essentials with you (eg. reusable water bottle, shopping bag) as they may not be as widely available as in your home country
• Consider investing in a water filter, as water quality is not suitable for drinking everywhere in South America
• It’s good to have a universal travel adapter for the socket

Are you planning to travel to South America as a digital nomad? Which of these destinations would you consider? Tell us in the comments section below!

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Anna is a world citizen, an avid traveller, a passionate environmentalist and a digital nomad. Writing about her year backpacking through South America, she tries to encourage everyone to discover this beautiful continent as a traveller or a digital nomad and pass on her love for responsible travel.

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13 comments.

Can see you’ve really put a lot of thought into the list and covers some of my favourites across the continent, although surprised to see Peru didnt make the short list any reason you didnt like it as a digital nomad travel destination?

Indeed Ben, it took me a while to remember back to all my impressions and experiences of South American cities and sort of rank them from a digital nomad perspective. In Peru, I loved traveling since it’s a very interesting culture with amazing nature. On the other hand, I didn’t feel about any of the cities that are so livable as other places on the list, due to either the crazy traffic or pollution for example that I experienced in some parts of Peru. But of course, we all have different requirements, so this doesn’t mean someone shouldn’t consider Peru as a digital nomad destination.

Have you been to Peru, or are you planning to go there?

Appreciate this post. It’s been my long-time dream to become a digital nomad, and South America attracts me a lot.

Thanks for the post

Thank you for all your interesting articles. I’m planning to move to South America as a digital nomad and your blog gives me a lot of valuable info. Cheers!

I was wondering how much I should earn if I wanted to live as a digital nomad in one of the most developed countries in South America (I was thinking Brazil or Argentina). Now I know, thanks guys!

Hey Michael, thanks for your message! We wish your dream of becoming a digital nomad in South America becomes reality soon. Come back and tell us how it goes!

Oh my, the dream of living for a few months as a digital nomad on a South American beach!!

Thank you Anna, you really give interesting info about each place instead of just listing them like other websites do.

So cool to know that we can now live decently and enjoy the beauty of south america as a digital nomad. I started to dream for a minute there!

Hi George, thanks for your message. Now stop dreaming and start planning, you may become one of the lucky digital nomads living in South America!

Do you guys think it’s possible to be a digital nomad in Bolivia?

Hello Joseph, thanks for your message! The infrastructure in Bolivia is very rudimentary, and access to the internet is unreliable. Therefore we wouldn’t add it to the best places in South America for digital nomads.

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• June 8, 2023
• No Comments
• The 8 Best Digital Nomad Cities In South America

Why Is South America So Appealing To Digital Nomads?

South America is appealing for digital nomads for several reasons:

• Cost of Living: South America offers a relatively low cost of living compared to many other regions of the world. This means that digital nomads can stretch their budget further and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle while saving money.
• Climate: South America has a diverse range of climates, from tropical to subtropical to temperate, so digital nomads can choose a location that suits their preferences.
• Natural Beauty: South America is home to stunning landscapes, from the Andes Mountains to the Amazon Rainforest to the beaches of Brazil, which can provide an inspiring and motivating work environment.
• Culture: South America has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, with vibrant music, food, and art scenes that can offer new experiences and perspectives.
• Language: Spanish and Portuguese are the primary languages spoken in South America, which can provide an opportunity for digital nomads to improve their language skills while working.
• I nfrastructure: Many South American cities have invested in modern infrastructure, including high-speed internet and co-working spaces, making it easier for digital nomads to work remotely.

Overall, South America offers a unique blend of affordability, natural beauty, culture, and infrastructure that makes it an appealing destination for digital nomads.

The 8 Best Digital Nomad Cities In south America

1. medellin, colombia.

Medellin is a popular destination for digital nomads due to its temperate climate, friendly locals, and affordable cost of living. The city also boasts a vibrant cultural scene, excellent public transportation, and a growing tech industry, making it a great choice for those looking to work remotely. With internal flights to the Caribbean coast costing around $50-100, you can escape to the beach ease and have a year-round tan!

• Cost of living per month – $800-1200
• Best areas: El Poblado
• Wi-Fi speeds – 20-100Mbps
• Climate – temperate
• Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of California, 6 hours behind London.

Cost Of Living In Medellin

The cost of living in Colombia is relatively low, making it an affordable place to live and work remotely. Digital nomads can find comfortable accommodation, eat out at restaurants, and enjoy entertainment at reasonable prices.

There are the average costs of these items in Medellin: 

• 1L bottle of water: 1,500 to 2,000 Colombian pesos (about 0.40 to 0.55 USD)
• A beer: 4,000 to 7,000 Colombian pesos (about 1.10 to 1.90 USD)
• Cocktail: 15,000 to 25,000 Colombian pesos (about 4.10 to 6.80 USD)
• Meal at a local market: 10,000 to 15,000 Colombian pesos (about 2.70 to 4.10 USD)
• Meal at a standard restaurant: 20,000 to 35,000 Colombian pesos (about 5.50 to 9.60 USD)
• Grocery shopping for one week: 150,000 to 250,000 Colombian pesos (about 41 to 68 USD)

Airbnb Properties in Medellin

The best area to stay in Medellin is El Poblado . This is where you will find the majority of cafes, bars, gyms and co-working spaces . This is also the safest area due to the larger number of tourists and ex-pats.

The average cost of a 1-bedroom Airbnb property in El Poblado for one month is approximately $600 to $800 USD. It is important to note that prices may fluctuate based on availability and demand, so it is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates.

Here are three great properties I’ve found:

• Budget – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $50-60 a night
• Mid Range   – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $80-100 a night
• High Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $120+ per night

Wi-Fi Speeds In Medellin

The city has good Wi-Fi infrastructure, with average speeds ranging from 20 to 100 Mbps . This allows digital nomads to work remotely and stay connected with clients and colleagues. However, speeds may vary based on location and time of day.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Medellin)

Safety In Medellin

Safety is a crucial factor that makes Medellin a popular destination for digital nomads. Over the last decade, the city has undergone significant transformation and went on to become one of the safest cities in Colombia. This led to an increase in tourism and a thriving digital nomad community.

However, a recent string of armed robberies, drugging and petty crimes against tourists are occurring as of 2023 . Compared to other big cities in South America such as Santiago or Buenos Aires, there is still a higher rate of crime and foreigners can sometimes be targeted.

Climate In Medellin

One of the biggest pull factors for choosing Medellin as a city to live in is its temperate climate. The city is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring,” as it offers pleasant temperatures throughout the year, making it an ideal destination for those seeking warm weather year-round, with an average temperature of 72°F (22°C).

The rainy season , which runs from April to May and from October to November , can bring heavy downpours, but it usually clears up quickly.

The dry season months are December to February and June to August . During this time, the city experiences sunny and warm weather with relatively low humidity. There is very little rainfall during this time, with only occasional light showers.

Co-Working Spaces In Medellin

The co-working spaces in Medellin stand out for their comfortable and modern facilities, high-speed internet, and convenient locations.  They offer flexible membership options and are affordable, with a cost of around $10 to $15 per day , making them accessible to digital nomads on a budget.

Here are the two best co-working spaces in Medellin are:

• Selina Medellin: Selina Medellin is a vibrant and creative co-working space that doubles up as a hostel. The space has high-speed internet, comfortable workstations, meeting rooms, and a cafe.
• We Work Medellin: We Work is a popular shared office and co-working space with locations all around the world. The space has high-speed internet, private meeting rooms, a kitchenette, and a rooftop terrace. It also offers regular networking events and workshops for its members.
• Noi – Noi  is radically different from the average coworking space. It is an immersive experience that feels more like working in a jungle rather than an office. With lush greenery incorporated throughout the wide-open building, it’s a great place to work.

Time Difference In Medellin

Time difference is another key factor in choosing where to set up.

The fact that Medellin is only 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California is ideal for America digital nomads.

For digital nomads coming from Europe, the time difference may not be ideal. The UK is six hours ahead of Colombia, and the rest of Europe is seven.

Activities In Medellin

Outside of the city, you have the beautiful Guatape region.

You can also get a cheap 1 hour flight to the Carribean coast and stay at the beach in Santa Marta or Palomino over a weekend.

In Medellin, you have so much to choose from! Coffee tours, paragliding, rooftop polls – Medellin has a lot to offer digital nomads.

Head to the post below to see more:

• How Many Days In Medellin? 3 Great Itineraries From 3-7 Days

2. Buenos Aires, Argentina

• Cost of living per month – $1000-1500
• Best Areas: Palermo, Recoleta
• Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100Mbps
• Climate – mild winters, hot summers
• Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York , 4 hours ahead of California, 3 hours behind London

Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, has become a popular destination among digital nomads looking for a fast-paced lifestyle in a European-inspired atmosphere. It has a rich and diverse cultural scene, including its music, dance, food, and architecture, offering a unique cultural experience for digital nomads to enjoy while working remotely.

Cost Of Living In Buenos Aires

The cost of living will be higher in Argentina compared to countries like Ecuador and Peru due to it being more economically developed, however, with the current blue rate dollar exchange system occurring, it may be one of the more affordable places.

Due to the constant inflation, strict currency controls and economic turmoil, an illegal currency system has evolved known as the ‘blue rate’ . This is where many Argentinians turn to the black market to purchase US dollars at a higher rate. They do this because the US dollar is more likely to keep its value compared to the Argentinian peso.

This creates an interesting dynamic for digital nomads because they can also take advantage of this. You will be able to exchange American dollars on the street for almost double the rate and get more pesos for your money.

There’s no need to worry either. Whilst this is illegal, its commonplace among the locals as they use it all the time too.

Therefore, it is difficult to give estimates of the cost of things, however, here are rough estimates:

• 1L bottle of water: around 1 USD.
• A beer: typically costs around 2 USD.
• A cocktail:  around 5-7 USD.
• A meal at a local market: around 5-7 USD.
• A meal at a standard restaurant: 10-20 USD.
• A grocery shop for one week:   40-50 USD.

Airbnb Properties in Buenos Aires

Recoleta and Palermo are two of the most popular areas to find Airbnb’s. These two areas are also where you will find most of the co-working spaces, cafés, bars and restaurants.

Here are three great properties I’ve found: 

• Budget – 1 bed loft in Palermo – $50-60 a night
• Mid Range – 1 bed loft in El Poblado – $80-100 a night

Wi-Fi Speeds In

In general, the internet speed is considered to be fast and reliable in Buenos Aires.

According to a 2023 report by Speedtest.net, the average download speed in Buenos Aires was 100.66 Mbps and the average upload speed was 28.2 Mbps. These speeds are faster than the global average, making Buenos Aires a suitable destination for digital nomads who rely on a strong internet connection to work remotely.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Buenos Aires)

Safety In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is generally a safe city, with a low crime rate. However, like any major city, there are areas that are more prone to crime than others, so it is important for digital nomads to take the necessary precautions and stay informed about safety issues.

Petty theft, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is the most common crime in Buenos Aires. Foreigners have reported being targeted in these types of crimes, particularly in tourist areas such as San Telmo and La Boca.

Climate In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has 4 seasons:

• Summer (December to February) is hot and humid, with daily average temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F)
• Autumn (March to May) is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). The weather is generally dry during this season, with occasional rain showers.
• Winter (June to August) is cool and dry, with daily average temperatures ranging from 8°C to 16°C (46°F to 61°F). Winter is the driest season in Buenos Aires, with very little rainfall.
• Spring (September to November) is a transitional season with mild temperatures ranging from 15°C to 23°C (59°F to 73°F). The weather is generally pleasant during spring, with occasional rain showers and windy days.

Digital nomads should aim to stay from around September onwards to enjoy 7-8 months of great weather. If you are wanting to travelling during your stay in Argentina, aim for the spring and autumn months as these are usually referred to as ‘shoulder seasons’. Tourist numbers and prices will be much lower, especially for places such as Patagonia. 

See how you can do all the amazing things Buenos Aires has to offer with these expertly curated 3, 5 and 7 day itineraries:

• How Many Days Do You Need In Buenos Aires –  3 Expertly Crafted Itineraries For Every Traveller

Co-Working Spaces In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires has a growing community of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, and freelancers. The city has many co-working spaces, networking events, and meetups that provide opportunities to connect and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

The daily rate varies for co-working spaces depending on location, but it typically ranges from $15 to $25 per day , with discounts for weekly and monthly memberships.

Here are two great places in Palermo:

• Urban Station: Urban Station is a popular co-working space chain in Buenos Aires with multiple locations throughout the city. The space is modern and well-equipped with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, meeting rooms, and even a kitchenette.
• La Maquinita Co: La Maquinita Co is another popular co-working space with multiple locations in Buenos Aires. The space is bright and spacious with natural light and plenty of plants. It has high-speed Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, and a fully equipped kitchen. There are also meeting rooms available for rent.

Time Difference In Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires is another popular choice due to the small-time difference, especially for the UK.

Buenos Aires is 4 hours ahead of California, but only 1 hour ahead of New York.

It is 3 hours behind London which makes it a popular choice for British digital nomads.

For more reasons why this is such a great city to spend time in, head to the post below: 

• Is Buenos Aires Worth Visiting? 12 Great Reasons To Visit Argentina’s Capital

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3. Lima, Peru

• Best areas: Miraflores, Barranco
• Climate – sub tropical
• Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 2 hours ahead of California, 6 hours behind London

Lima, the capital city of Peru, is a popular destination for digital nomads due to several factors. One of the main factors is the coastal location and the city enjoys a mild climate, with average temperatures ranging from 15-20 degrees Celsius year-round, making it comfortable to work and live in. A 1-hour flight to Cusco also means you are never far away from a weekend adventure in the Andes.

Cost Of Living In Lima

Peru will have a similar cost of living to that of Colombia, but it will be one of the cheapest places on this list, especially compared to Chile and Brazil.

Here are rough estimates for items in Lima:

• 1L bottle of water: $0.50.
• A beer: $2.00
• Cocktail: $5.00 to $8.00.
• A meal at a local market: $3.00 to $4.00
• A meal at a standard restaurant: $8.00 to $15.00.
• Grocery shopping for one week: $30.00 to $50.00.

Airbnb Properties in Lima

The two best areas to stay for digital nomads will be Miraflores and Barranco . Both areas are right next to the sea and are a 20-minute walk away from each other. Miraflores will have greater accessibility to cafes, shops whereas Barranco will be quieter.

Properties in Miraflores will cost a bit more than Barranco. Here are three options:

• Budget – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $40-50 a night
• Mid Range – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $80-90 a night
• High Range – 1 bed loft in Miraflores – $120+ per night

Wi-Fi Speeds In Lima

According to Speedtest.net, the average download speed as of 2023 in Lima is around 93 Mbps and the average upload speed is around 54 Mbps.

However, the Wi-Fi speed in cafes and other public spaces may vary, and it can depend on the quality of the infrastructure, the number of users, and other factors. It is generally considered acceptable for digital nomads, especially in co-working spaces and cafes that cater to remote workers.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Lima)

Safety In Lima

Lima, like any other city in South America, has its share of crime, but it is generally considered a safe city for tourists and digital nomads. If you stick to Miraflores and Barranco and are sensible you will be fine.

If you visit the historical centre during the day, beware of pickpockets and others targeting tourists. Make sure to avoid this area at night-time

Climate In Lima

Lima has a mild desert climate with a high humidity due to its location near the Pacific Ocean. The city experiences two main seasons: summer (December to April) and winter (May to November).

During the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 29°C (84°F) with very low rainfall. However, the city can be covered in a thick fog known as “garua,” which can limit visibility and make the air feel damp and chilly.

In the winter months, temperatures can drop to around 15°C (59°F) with occasional light rainfall. However, the fog usually disappears during this season, leaving clear and sunny skies.

Co-Working Spaces In Lima

Here are two of the best co-working spaces in Lima:

• Worx: Worx is a co-working space located in the Miraflores district. It offers a variety of workspace options, including private offices, hot desks, and meeting rooms.
• Selina: Selina is a hostel, co-working and co-living space located in the Miraflores district. The space is known for its creative design, comfortable seating, and fast Wi-Fi speeds. Members also have access to a rooftop terrace, a communal kitchen, and a variety of events and workshops. The cost of using Selina starts at around $10 per day.

Time Difference In Lima

Lima is 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California.

Lima is 6 hours behind London.

4. Cusco, Peru

• Cost of living per month – $600-1200
• Best areas: City centre
• Wi-Fi speeds – 40-100Mbps
• Climate – cool and dry

Cusco, located in the heart of the Andes mountains of Peru, is a popular destination for digital nomads seeking adventure and cultural immersion. The city’s unique blend of Incan and Spanish colonial history, coupled with a thriving contemporary art and food scene, make it an ideal location for those seeking inspiration and creativity. Additionally, the low cost of living and excellent Wi-Fi speeds attracts budget-conscious digital nomads seeking an affordable lifestyle while working remotely.

Cost Of Living In Cusco

The average cost of living in Cusco is relatively low compared to other digital nomad hotspots in South America. It will likely be lower than Lima which may make it a more appealing option if you decide on Peru.

Here are the average costs of basic items:

• 1L bottle of water: $0.40.
• A beer: $1.50
• Cocktail: $4.00 to $7.00.
• A meal at a local market: $3.00
• A meal at a standard restaurant: $7.00 to $14.00.
• Grocery shopping for one week: $25.00 to $40.00.

Airbnb Properties in Cusco

Cusco city centre is small, and you will want to find places to stay close to or around the historical centre (near Plaza de Armas).

You can easily find 1 bed places between $35-70 a night which will be a 10–15-minute walk away from the centre. If you want to stay close to or even on the square, you can find places for around $90-120 a night.

Here are three properties I’ve found:

• Budget – 1 bed in Cusco – $35-40 a night
• Mid-Range – 1 bed in Cusco – $50-60 a night
• High Range – 1 bed in Cusco – $120+ per night

Wi-Fi Speeds In Cusco

Wi-Fi speed in Cusco won’t be as good as Lima as you are way up in the mountains.

The average Wi-Fi speed in Cusco is around 40 Mbps , and many cafes and co-working spaces offer even faster speeds. This may not be the ideal location for digital nomads in need of high speed internet.

Safety In Cusco

Cusco is a safe city for digital nomads, with a low crime rate compared to other South American cities. The crime rate is also lower in Cusco compared to Lima.  However, petty theft and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Travelers should be aware of their surroundings and take necessary precautions.

Cusco is more like a small town rather than a city and most of the action center’s around Plaza de Armas. If you don’t stray too far from the city centre into the outskirts of the city then you will be fine.

Climate In Cusco

Cusco has a temperate climate, with two distinct seasons: the dry season (May to September) and the wet season (October to April).

Daily average temperatures range from 14°C to 19°C in the dry season and 9°C to 13°C in the wet season . Rainfall can be heavy during the wet season, particularly in January and February, which may make it a less appealing choice to digital nomads looking to follow the sun.

Cusco elevation is above 3000m and this means that it will be cold at night regardless of the season so you will need to pack warm clothes such as sweatshirts, hoodies and warm jackets. Overall, Cusco may not be the best pick for digital nomads who are looking for regular sunny weather. But if you are a lover of nature, hiking and culture then it’s ideal. 

Co-Working Spaces In Cusco

There aren’t many dedicated co-working spaces in Cusco but many of the hostels will have good Wi-Fi and quiet spaces for work.

Selina Cusco is the best option that sells itself as a hostel/digital nomad space. It offers a dedicated co-working space with everything that you need: big desks, comfortable chairs and private rooms for meetings or calls.

Time Difference In Cusco

Cusco is 1 hour ahead of New York and 2 hours ahead of California.

Cusco is 6 hours behind London.

5. Santiago, Chile

• Best areas: Lastarria and Bellavista
• Wi-Fi speeds – 65-100Mbps
• Climate – Mediterranean (hot summers and cool winters)
• Time difference – no time difference between Santiago and New York, 3 hours ahead of California, 4 hours behind London

Santiago has been gaining popularity among digital nomads due to its reliable Wi-Fi speeds, comfortable climate, and good safety. The weather is mild and pleasant throughout the year with hot summers and cool winters. The city is 1 hour away from the coast and the popular town of Valparaiso, a 3-hour flight away from Patagonia, and a 5-hour bus and border crossing away from Mendoza, the wine region of Argentina. This makes it the perfect base for digital nomads looked to explore.

Cost Of Living In Santiago

Chile is one of the most developed nations in South America so the cost of living will be higher compared to other cities on this list.

The average cost of items in Santiago is as follows:

• 1L bottle of water: $1
• Cocktail: $6.00 to $8.00.
• A meal at a local market: $4.00 to $6.00
• A meal at a standard restaurant: $10.00 to $20.00.
• Grocery shopping for one week: $40.00 to $60.00.

Airbnb Properties in Santiago

Lastarria is one of the most ideal areas for digital nomads as everything is covered, from shopping, tourist attractions and restaurants. Here are three places to check out:

• Budget – 1 bed in Lastarria – $50-60
• Mid-Range – 1 bed in Lastarria – $70-80 a night
• High Range – 1 bed in Lastarria – $115+ per night

Wi-Fi Speeds In Santiago

Chile is one of the best-connected countries when it comes to internet usage in South America. The average Wi-Fi speed in Santiago is 65 Mbps . Speedtest.net shows download speeds of 178 Mbps as of 2023.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Santiago)

Safety In Santiago

Santiago is considered a safe city for digital nomads, with relatively low crime rates.

Santiago has a Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot summers and cool winters. The summer season runs from December to February, with average daily temperatures ranging from 23°C to 30°C.

The winter season runs from June to August, with average daily temperatures ranging from 8°C to 14°C . The city receives low to moderate rainfall throughout the year, with the rainy season occurring from May to August.

Co-Working Spaces In Santiago

• Urban Station: Urban Station is a popular co-working space chain with multiple locations in South America. The space is modern and well-equipped with fast Wi-Fi, comfortable chairs and desks, meeting rooms, and even a kitchenette.
• We Work: We Work is a popular shared office and co-working space with locations all around the world

Time Difference In Santiago

Santiago is the ideal location for digital nomads whose work is based in New York as there’s no time difference between the two.

Santiago is 3 hours ahead of California.

Santiago is 4 hours behind London.

6. Florianopolis, Brazil

• Best areas: Centro, Praia Dos Ingleses
• Wi-Fi speeds – 30-100 Mbps
• Climate – mild and pleasant year round
• Time difference – 1 hour ahead of New York, 4 hours ahead of California and 4 hours behind London.

Florianopolis, also known as “Floripa,” is a top destination for digital nomads seeking a unique blend of nature, culture, and modern amenities. The climate is mild and pleasant year-round, with temperatures averaging between 18-28°C. Floripa is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Brazil. With over 42 beaches to choose from, visitors can enjoy crystal-clear waters, soft white sands, and breath-taking scenery. Along with the beaches come a host of outdoor activities from surfing and hiking to windsurfing and paragliding. This makes it ideal for digital nomads who wish to like an active lifestyle.

Cost Of Living In Florianopolis

$1 is currently R$5 as of June 2023, so working out costs is easy as you divide by 5.

The average cost of:

• 1L bottle of water: R$3 / $0.60
• A beer: R$8 / $1-2
• Cocktail: R$20-30 / $4-5
• A meal at a local market: R$15 / $3
• A meal at a standard restaurant: R$40-60 / $8
• Groceries for a week: R$200-250 / $40-50

Airbnb Properties in Florianopolis

Florianopolis is a big island which means there are several options for the best places to stay. If you’re looking for a more touristy area with plenty of amenities, Praia dos Ingleses is a good choice. It has a long, wide beach with plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops.

Airbnbs start at $35 a night for 1 bed properties on the waterfront.

Lagoa da Conceição is the most popular area for tourists to stay in Florianopolis. It is known for its beautiful lagoon, colourful buildings, and lively nightlife. It’s also a great spot for water sports like kitesurfing and windsurfing.

Airbnbs start from $50 here.

Centro will also be popular as it has the most amenities and shops, but you will have to travel further to enjoy the beaches. Airbnbs start from around $60 a night.

Wi-Fi Speeds In Florianopolis

Wi-Fi speeds in Brazil are generally good, with an average speed of around 30-100 Mbps.

On Florianopolis, many cafes offer free Wi-Fi with good speeds, making it easy to work remotely. The best Wi-Fi speeds will be found in Centro.

Safety In Florianopolis

Florianopolis is generally a safe city, but it’s important to take usual safety precautions. Crimes against foreigners are rare, but it’s always best to stay alert, especially in tourist areas.

Climate In Florianopolis

The weather in Florianopolis is generally mild and pleasant year-round. Summer is from December to March and is the peak tourist season, with temperatures averaging around 28°C.

Autumn and winter months (April – September) have cooler temperatures, with an average temperature of 18-20°C . It can rain throughout the year, with the wettest months being June to August.

Co-Working Spaces In Florianopolis

Two co-working spaces to check out are:

• Selina can be found on Florianopolis and is always a safe option for nice spaces and good Wi-Fi
• Cool2Work can be found in Centro and has clean, airconditioned spaces perfect for the tropical heat

Time Difference In Florianopolis

• 1 hour ahead of New York
• 4 hours ahead of California
• 4 hours behind London.

7. Quito, Ecuador

•   Cost of living per month – $8000-1200
• Best areas: Plaza Foch
• Climate – equatorial, mild but consistent
• Time difference – 2 hours ahead of California, 1 hour behind new York and 6 hours behind Ecuador

Quito is popular with digital nomads because of its low cost of living compared to other major cities in South America, making it an affordable option for long-term stays. The city also boasts good Wi-Fi speeds, especially in the newer and more developed areas such as Plaza Foch. As Quito sits on the equator, it has year-round mild climates, with temperatures averaging around 15-20°C (59-68°F).

Cost Of Living In Quito

Quito will be the cheapest option on this list for digital nomads. Being the least economically developed out of Colombia, Peru, Argentina and Chile, your money will go a lot further here.

In Quito, the average cost of:

• A 1L bottle of water: $0.50 USD
• A beer: $1-2 USD.
• Cocktails: $5-8 USD
• A meal at a local market: $2-3 USD
• A meal at a standard restaurant:  $8-15 USD
• For a grocery shop for one week: $30-40 USD.

Airbnb Properties in Quito

The best area to stay in Quito is close to Plaza Foch . Here, you’re a 15-minute walk to the historical centre but the area is much safer at night. Plaza Foch is also where most of the bars and nightlife are which will be a draw for some. Avoid staying in the historical centre if you can as it can be dangerous at night.

Here are 3 options to give you an idea: 

• Budget – 1 bed near Plaza Foch- $30-50
• Mid-Range – 1 bed near Plaza Foch – $50-70 a night
• High Range – 1 bed near Plaza Foch – $80+ per night

Wi-Fi Speeds In Quito

The average Wi-Fi speed in Quito is around 30 Mbps, which is suitable for most digital nomads. In cafes and co-working spaces, the speeds can be even faster, with some places offering speeds of up to 100 Mbps. Overall, the Wi-Fi speed in Quito is considered acceptable for digital nomads.

A recent speedtest.net rating showed average download speeds of 58.59 Mbps.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Quito)

Safety In Quito

While Quito does have some safety concerns, it is generally considered safe for digital nomads. Petty crime such as theft and pickpocketing can occur, especially in tourist areas, but violent crime is less common.

Make sure you stay in the Plaza Foch area which is safe at night. The historical centre is safe for tourists during the day but less so at night and hostels in the area will recommend you don’t wander around alone.

Climate In quito

Quito is situated on the equator which gives it a relatively consistent climate throughout the year, with two main seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

The dry season runs from June to September, and temperatures average around 20°C (68°F) during the day and drop to around 10°C (50°F) at night.

In the wet season , October to May, temperatures are slightly warmer, with daytime temperatures around 23°C (73°F) and night-time temperatures around 13°C (55°F). Rainfall is more common during the wet season, with heavy downpours in the afternoons and evenings.

The elevation is 2,850m which means it will be much colder at night and you will need to bring warm clothes for the evenings. 

Co-Working Spaces In Quito

• Working Up offers a modern workspace with ergonomic chairs and high-speed internet.
• The Hub is known for its community atmosphere and has a variety of workspaces, including private offices, meeting rooms, and open workspaces. It also has a great rooftop space for relaxing or working.
• Selina Quito is another popular co-working space that also doubles up as a hostel. They have modern workspaces, meeting rooms and host regular events in the hostel from salsa lessons to cooking classes.

Time Difference In Quito

• Quito is 2 hours ahead of California.
• New York is 1 hour ahead of Quito.
• Quito is 6 hours behind London. 

8. Montevideo, Uruguay

• Best areas: Pocitos or Punta Carretas
• Time difference – 4 hours ahead of California, 1 hour ahead of New York and 4 hours behind London

Montevideo is a city that’s quickly gaining popularity among digital nomads due to its affordable cost of living, fast Wi-Fi speeds, temperate climate, and overall safety. The city offers a high quality of life at a fraction of the cost of other major cities in South America. The abundance of coworking spaces and cafes with strong Wi-Fi connections make it an ideal destination for remote workers. In addition, Montevideo boasts a rich cultural scene with museums, theatres, and galleries, as well as plenty of outdoor spaces for hiking and exploring.

Where To Stay In Montevideo

Pocitos and Punta Carretas in Montevideo are the ideal areas to stay due to their tourist-friendly atmosphere and picturesque locations. Both neighbourhoods are situated along the scenic Rambla, a waterfront roadway popular for leisurely walks, biking, and enjoying drinks.

Pocitos offers a vibrant beachside experience with trendy cafes, boutique shops, and a lively nightlife scene whereas Punta Carretas combines elegance with historical charm.

You can find Airbnb properties here starting from around $40 which will be set further back from the waterfront. As you get closer to the sea prices will start to rise to $80 or more a night.

Here’s a beautiful one bedroom apartment close to the waterfront for $70-90 a night to give you an idea.

Wi-Fi Speeds In Montevideo

Montevideo is one of the best places on this list for WI-Fi speeds.

The average Wi-Fi speed in Montevideo is around 65-100 Mbps . In cafes, you can expect similar speeds, although some may have faster connections. The Wi-Fi speed is generally acceptable for digital nomads, and many cafes and coworking spaces offer dedicated high-speed internet connections.

A recent speedtest.net report showed download speeds of 127 Mbps.

Click here for the latest up to date Wi-Fi speeds: Speedtest.net (Montevideo)

Safety In Montevideo

Montevideo is generally a safe city, but like any major city, it’s important to take precautions to stay safe. Petty crime such as pickpocketing and theft can occur in tourist areas, so it’s important to be vigilant with your belongings. Violent crime is rare.

Climate In Montevideo

Montevideo has a temperate climate with four distinct seasons.

The summer months from December to February are hot and humid with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and occasional rainfall. Autumn , from March to May, is cooler and drier with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F). Winter , from June to August, is mild with average temperatures around 12°C (54°F) and occasional rainfall. Spring , from September to November, is warm and rainy with average temperatures around 18°C (64°F).

Time Difference In Montevideo

• 4 hours behind London

Popular South America Itineraries

If you have more than two-weeks to spare then why not check out our other South America itineraries ranging from three weeks to three months:

• 5 Expertly Curated Three-Week South America Itineraries
• 4 Epic 1-Month South America Backpacking Itineraries
• The Perfect 2-Month South America Itinerary For Budget Backpackers
• The Ideal 3-Month South America Backpacking Itinerary
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• A Flashpacker Five-Week South America Itinerary
• The Best Party Hostels In South America
• From North to South: The Complete 10-Week South America Itinerary
• Colombia, Ecuador & Peru Itinerary: From Two Weeks To Two Months
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• Author Profile
• Posts by the Author
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• Three-Week Argentina Itinerary: 2 Epic North To South Routes
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• 4 Epic 1-Month South America Itineraries
• North Argentina Itinerary: Two Weeks On An Epic Road Trip

Joe Bayfield

Hi I'm Joe Bayfield, Bayf for short. I love South America and want people to visit this incredible continent. I’ve travelled through Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina and also lived in Lima, Medellin and Buenos Aires. I write detailed South America itineraries to help you plan your next adventure!

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South America Travel Guide For Digital Nomads And Backpackers

Table of contents.

• At a Glance
• Top 5 Things To See and Do
• Other Things To See and Do

Typical Costs

Suggested budget.

• Money Saving Tips

Where To Stay

How to get around, how to stay safe and aware of scams, packing list.

• Related Blog Posts

My South America Story

South america at a glace.

Differs Country to Country

Best Money Exchange

Local dishes, drones allowed, top phone providers.

Phone Providers*

Is water safe to drink

Vaccinations, power plug type, car sharing options.

Uber, Easy Taxi, Cabify

Peak Season

November to February

Backpacker Friendly

Hitch hiker friendly, credit cards accepted, preffered payment method.

Cash/Credit Card

June to August

Countries I visited

Top 5 things to see and do in south america, 1. natural mountain falls, 2. machu picchu, 4. salar de uyuni, 5. tunupa volcano, bolivia, other things to see and do in south america, 1. vinicunca, peru, 2. rio de janeiro, brazil, 3. vharbour island, bahamas, 4. cotopaxi national park, ecuador, 5. cartagena de indias, colombia, 6. torres del paine, chile, 7. buenos aires, argentina, 8. pantanal, brazil, 9. gold museum, colombia, 10. parque nacional dos lençóis maranhenses, brazil, 11. the witches’ market, bolivia, 12. coricancha, cusco.

Transportation

If you are traveling by bus you will notice that compared to air travel it is cheaper but slower on average. But if you factor in the wait time by having to go early to the airport, it may be the same travel time. Traveling by bus may cost you $1-5 per day, depending on your route and destination. However, if you want to travel by air, it may cost you somewhere between $100-200 per flight.

Accommodation

In many low-cost locations like Colombia , Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador you might find a good accommodation at $10 per night. For places like Brazil, Chile, Argentina , etc. you’ll also find similar pricing, if you are going to hostels. Hotel costs can be as little as $45- 90 in the mid-range prices.

I always prefer enjoying local food wherever I go. Not only that is it cheap but you get to taste and enjoy the local cuisine. Every region has its own specialty. Try whatever you can while being in South America. Eating from a local market will cost you as low as $2-5 per meal. Even a steak from a good restaurant in Argentina costs $13.

There are many outdoor activities, from guided hikes, walking tours, jungle excursions and more. You can get the best prices from hostels, but you can check Viator.com or with your hotel. Prices range depending on your travel style, a self guided hike could be as little as $5 with a park fee, or $60 for a full day excursion with transportation, its really up to you.

The overall per day cost of your South America tour may vary from $20-70, depending on the specific countries. Bolivia, Columbia, and Ecuador are among relatively less expensive countries while Chile and Brazil are a bit more expensive. Living in a cheap dorm room, eating looking or cooking your own food and traveling by bus will cost you around $35 per day on average.

Budgeting Tips

While some expenses are inevitable you can still save money in different ways. Here are some tips that might help you save some extra pennies while you are in South America.

1. TOURS: BOOK THROUGH YOUR HOSTEL, OR FROM A LOCAL

2. accommodation: airbnb, couchsurfing and hostels, 3. eat local, 4. cook your food, 5. pre-plan your trip, 6. travel local, 7. travel at night.

Hostel Achalay in Bariloche

Wild Rover In La Paz

Santa Catarina State

Tucano House

Nomad Coworking And Working Spots

You cant be a digital nomad without wifi. So below are some spots where one can work comfortably. Dont forget to check my nomad lunch break section for places you can still visit and/or work from during lunch.  #nomadworkspace

Salar de Uyuni

Machu picchu, nomad lunch breaks.

Balancing work and exploring can be tough, here are some activities or places you can visit during a lunch hour. You will see the words hotspot, wifi, or break which indicates what you can use to work there, or if you cant and its time for a work break. #nomadlunchbreak

Car Rentals

Car rental places don’t allow cross-border renting, so it is not possible to travel through rental cars in this region.

 Train travel is not much of an option as there is no reliable international train service.

The roads in South America are not in very good condition but they have a really good bus network. The bus travel might be time-consuming but is a reliable, cheap and easy way of traveling.

I personally prefer traveling through buses as it gives me more opportunity to explore the beauty of the region in detail and to interact with locals. Traveling by bus is cheap but comfortable, even the lowest standard is relaxing and easy going. If you go for better quality service they might also serve you some refreshments during the long journey. Usually, the routes are company specific, but for a popular destination, there might be more than one bus company offering the service.

 Apart from the bus route, flying is a good option especially if you have a short time. But for flying you need to have a better budget capacity, whereas, buses are cheap and economical.

1. SEPARATE VALUABLES

2. be confident, 4. money belt, 5. be vigilante, 6. be smart, 7. travel insurance.

2 Pairs of Shorts

5 long sleeve

8 pairs of underwear

Medicine: ANT (Its hot) Medicine: Tums, Aspirin, Pepto , Antibacterial Cream, Hydrocortisone cream

1 Pair of jeans

Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, razor, floss, shampoo and body wash

Locks: Some hostels provide locks for a fee, so bring your own Laundry Bag Hand Sanitizer

Swim Trunks

Comfortable Sneakers

Quick dry towel

Laundry Bag

8 pairs of socks

Hand Sanitizer

Did i miss something let me know in the comments, related posts.

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More South America Posts

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Welcome to South America

South America, fourth largest of the world’s continents. It is the southern portion of the landmass generally referred to as the Americas. The continent is compact and roughly triangular in shape, being broad in the north and tapering to a point Cape Horn, Chile in the south. It is divided politically into 12 independent countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

South America has the largest river, the worlds biggest rainforest, the highest mountains in the Americas, heavenly beaches, wide deserts, icy landscapes, the world’s tallest and largest waterfall.

It also has the oldest rock paintings in the Americas, world-class cities, carnivals, colonial history and architecture, and charming cities built in the Andes.

Explore by Country

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The Best Second Residencies in Central and South America

With the sheer scale, vast number of countries and dizzying variety of experiences on offer in Central and South America you’ll certianly need to do some digging to unearth the destination that works best for you. 

One thing that may help when choosing between the 33 nations that make up this spectacular continent is that, for North Americans and to Westerners in general, Latin America is a soft landing in cultural terms.

While Spanish and Portuguese are the main languages, English is widely understood and is even the official language of a handful of countries. The US time zones mirror those of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Honduras and others. 

Perhaps because of the influence of Latin culture on North America, some facets of life in Central and South America will feel far more familiar than those in Southeast Asia, the Middle East and Africa. 

As an added bonus, Central and South American countries are often among the easiest places to immigrate to and the culture easier to assimilate to, than some countries in Asia (which can also be quite easy to immigrate to).

From a cultural perspective, you’ll likely be accepted as Brazilian eventually, but you’ll probably never be accepted as Malaysian or Cambodian.

These countries also generally allow dual citizenship and, if you plan on having children, many Central and South American countries offer citizenship by birth .

That being said, Latin America isn’t perfect. It can be hierarchical and, if you’re a woman, it can be somewhat patriarchal.

Countries in Latin America are also typically highly bureaucratic. While expats tend to enjoy the relaxed pace of life here, the lifestyle also applies to government processes, which can be frustrating at times.

It’s to explain issues like these that Nomad Capitalist’s team created this guide to the best second residencies in Central and South America. From our extensive, boots-on-the-ground research, we’ve learned the ins and outs so you can sit back and start planning your next move overseas.

What Makes Immigrating to Central and South America Difficult?

Despite having some of the easiest second residency programs in the world, immigrating to Latin America can be difficult at times – mostly thanks to good, old fashioned bureaucracy.

Unlike in most countries, bureaucrats in Central and South America tend to apply laws flexibly since regulations there change frequently.

For this reason, Latin American immigration is perhaps Nomad Capitalist’s largest R&D endeavour – navigating these bureaucracies is a lot harder if you don’t know what you’re doing.

On the other hand, immigration requirements are generally a bit easier. In many countries, Rentista programs (rentier visas) allow you to establish residency by proving that you have a minimum monthly income. Similarly, Pensionado programs (retirement programs) let you immigrate if you’re retired and have a monthly pension.

There are many different and easily accessible options for investors, retirees and other potential immigrants.

Despite the low barrier to entry, however, there are people being rejected for residence in Latin America. With more bureaucracy, the process is going to take longer than it would to get a residence permit in Malaysia or even to get a European Golden Visa .

There are exceptions to this, and your willingness to wait for the outcome may vary depending on your individual circumstances. Regardless, you really need to know what you’re doing. To learn more about this process and other aspects of the Nomad Capitalist lifestyle, check out our blog . 

Finally, one of the largest challenges that we have encountered over the years is finding reliable people to work with. While we’ve managed to find the best of the best, it wasn’t exactly easy to do so.

Therefore, while second residencies in Central and South America are often easy in the sense that you don’t need to have hundreds of thousands of dollars to invest, they can be difficult to get if you don’t know how to navigate the process.

A Note on Scams and Legality

When researching second residency programs in Latin America, one of the problems that you’ll run into is programs that are questionably legal at best and outright scams at worst.

Unfortunately, Latin America is a very cheap place to get fake passports. There have been passport scandals even in Mexico. Make sure to ignore any programs that sound too good to be true, such as getting a Bolivian passport in 14 days for US$15,000. 

Because Latin America is so open, and getting a passport legitimately isn’t very hard, a number of unscrupulous operators have tried to take advantage. 

For this reason, the Nomad Capitalist team has carefully ensured that every program on this list is 100% legal and legitimate.

Best Residence Programs in Central and South America

For the following countries we’ll give you a basic overview of the immigration process and provide an honest opinion on the real scoop in each country.

As has been the case on multiple occasions, the law doesn’t always match reality in many Latin American countries. For instance, the law may say they allow you to immigrate under certain provisions, but bureaucrats won’t let you do that because the law is going to change.

Our goal at Nomad Capitalist is to give you a real perspective on what happens on the ground in each of these countries – not just theory and a few random people’s experiences from internet forums. Our team is familiar with the culture and the lingo, allowing us to offer you this valuable information.

It’s not a secret that our team at Nomad Capitalist loves Mexico. We’ve discussed it a number of times on the site and on our  YouTube channel . The country offers interesting investment options, and the location is fantastic for those who want to be close to family in the US. 

There’s incredible variety in Mexico. It has some of the best food in the world – from top-ranked restaurants in Mexico City down to the amazing street food – the people are incredibly warm and helpful, the shopping is fantastic and the culture throughout the country is fascinating.

In fact, Mexico City is one of our two favourite international cities in Latin America. You could spend years exploring just Mexico City, but you still wouldn’t have seen and experienced everything this vibrant city has to offer, let alone the entire country. If you’ve never been, make sure you put Mexico on your list because it is also one of the easiest countries in the world to visit.

Getting Second Residence in Mexico

What’s great about Mexico is that getting residency is a very straightforward and simple process. The first step is getting a temporary residence visa. These are available to anyone who plans on staying in the country for anywhere between 180 days to four years. You have a few different options for qualifying for this visa:

• Show proof of income of US$4,350 every month for the past 6 months
• Present records showing you’ve been invited to volunteer in the country for an organisation or institution
• Provide evidence that you’re related to a temporary/permanent resident
• Submit documents that prove you’re married to a Mexican citizen.

A temporary resident visa is only granted for a one-year period. If you reapply, you can renew that visa for up to three years at a time. You are not required to spend a certain amount of time in the country each year to maintain your visa. And you can enter and exit Mexico as many times as you’d like.

Residence through Real Estate

You can also qualify for residency by investing in Mexican real estate. As long as you can prove that you’ve made an investment of around US$220,000, you will automatically qualify for residency. 

Note : The official investment amount is calculated by taking the Mexican minimum wage and multiplying it by 40,000 days of work. Because the minimum wage changes over time, the full investment amount will also change with Mexico’s economy and labour laws. Whatever the required amount may be, you will be able to find a nice place with your investment. 

With US$220,000, you can purchase a modern, two- or three-bedroom apartment in Mexico City, a luxury home in the suburbs or other parts of the country. If you can prove this investment, you automatically qualify for a temporary residence visa and can begin the process of getting a permanent residency and even citizenship.

Residence through Investment

The last option is to make a combination of different investments in Mexico that could include real estate but can also involve businesses and stocks. Altogether, you’ll want around US$100,000 in real estate and the same amount in a Mexican corporation. 

To qualify through investment, you need to provide sufficient documentation to prove you made those investments. You’ll also need to prove through the Mexican Social Security department that you’re employing at least three people. If you can do all of that, you automatically qualify for the temporary residence visa.

Qualifying for Permanent Residence

Permanent residence is granted to individuals who have the intention of living in Mexico on a long-term basis and who meet at least one of a few different qualifications. If you meet any of these, you can skip getting a temporary residency:

• You have a child, sibling, parent or grandparent who is a permanent resident
• You are pensioned or retired and can provide adequate monthly income through investments, savings, or pensions
• You are seeking political asylum.
• You are an unmarried minor with a Mexican father or mother.

If none of these applies to you, you’ll need to apply for temporary residency first and keep it for four consecutive years (two years if you’re married to a Mexican citizen) before applying for permanent residence. Mexico uses a point system to approve permanent residence applications. 

The criteria was crafted to attract foreign investors and individuals with expertise. It includes your education, work experience, international awards, investment in the country, Spanish language proficiency and knowledge of Mexican culture.

Can I get a Mexican Passport?

Obtaining a Mexican passport might not be the best option for everyone, but there are some situations where it can be very beneficial. Unless you have relatives who are Mexican citizens, you’re going to have to go through the naturalisation process. This shouldn’t be daunting. 

Naturalisation is a very straightforward process that only requires five years of residency. 

Whether you have a temporary or permanent residence does not matter as long as you have had resident status for a total of five years. 

This can be a great option for someone running a manufacturing business with North American customers or for a digital nomad looking to get out of the US without going too far away from family. 

It isn’t such a good idea for someone looking to build a passport portfolio. While you can become a dual citizen in Mexico, the country does not allow multiple citizenships beyond two. 

Mexico is what’s called an option residence. You can get and keep a temporary residence there without spending any time in the country during the first few years. 

During that time, you can explore other options and consider if Mexico works for your nomadic strategy. You don’t have to spend a huge chunk of time upfront to make it work as you would in a country like Chile.

If you’re looking for a low cost of living with an outstanding quality of life, head to Nicaragua. This Central American country is one of the safest and most scenic countries in Latin America, but unlike its more expensive neighbour, Costa Rica , you can live there for remarkably little money. 

In fact, hiring a full-time housekeeper will only cost you slightly over US$100 per month. Getting a second residency in Nicaragua can, therefore, be a great way to lower your cost of living while enhancing your quality of life. And, luckily, getting your residence permit there isn’t too difficult.

Getting a Second Residence in Nicaragua

The process for getting your residence permit in Nicaragua is quite simple. There are options for getting a second residence without an investment, making Nicaragua one of the easier places on this list to establish residency. In general, there are three ways that people commonly qualify. 

First, retirees who receive a pension of US$600 or more per month can qualify for Nicaraguan residency. If you’re not retired, a second option is to qualify by proving that you have a foreign income of US$750 per month (plus US$150 for each dependent). The third option is to invest US$30,000 in an employment-generating business (creating 15 new jobs).

For the most part, these criteria are straightforward and uniformly enforced, but people occasionally run into trouble when applying for the financier residence permit since what qualifies as foreign income can be up to interpretation. For example, while an investment account or annuity that pays US$750 per month will surely qualify, running a remote business might not count in the eyes of all Nicaraguan officials. 

Once you’ve determined whether you can qualify for residency under one of those categories, you must then travel to Nicaragua to apply for a residence permit. 

You must remain in Nicaragua for 30 days after you submit your application. For your application, you will need to fill out all the paperwork required for your particular type of residence permit, such as a formal application and health assessment. You will also need other documents like an apostilled copy of your birth certificate. 

When you complete your application, we highly recommend hiring a trusted local lawyer to assist with the process and speak directly to local officials.

Can I become a Nicaraguan citizen?

If you get your Nicaraguan residence permit, then yes, you can apply for citizenship after five years of staying in the country. However, as in most Latin American countries, the naturalisation process can be tediously bureaucratic. You’ll need to work with a high-quality immigration lawyer and you’ll need to be prepared to wait for months or even years to actually get your passport. 

What makes getting citizenship in Nicaragua potentially interesting but also challenging is that currently, the government is not enforcing the requirement to spend half your year there. The question you need to be thinking about and working with your immigration lawyer on is: will that situation change?

Residence Requirements

Once you become a resident of Nicaragua, maintaining your residency is rather easy – if you’re willing to live there. While you don’t need to renew your residence permit once you have it, you need to stay in the country for six months out of the year to maintain it. That’s the main reason why becoming a resident of Nicaragua isn’t always the best option for our Nomad Capitalist clients.

If you have various business interests around the world, it can be difficult to ensure that you spend over 180 days per year in one location. 

However, if you’re a digital nomad or entrepreneur who’s just starting to build your business, then becoming a resident of Nicaragua might not be the worst idea – it will allow you to live well while maximising your money.

Costa Rica’s national motto is ‘Pura Vida’, which translates to ‘pure life’, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in this gorgeous Central American country. Thanks to its stunning scenery and friendly locals, Costa Rica has attracted nomads and expats from all over the world.

Although certain Costa Rican cities have something of a reputation as party towns, the country is one of the safest in Central America. And thanks to its popularity as a tourist destination, it has good health care and transportation.

It’s not as cheap as some of the other countries on this list, but you can live well in Costa Rica for a fraction of the cost of living in major cities like New York or Los Angeles.

In general, Costa Rican residency can be a good option for those who want a second residency with minimal physical presence requirements, great health care benefits and the possibility of citizenship.

How to Become a Costa Rican Resident

The two most effective options for becoming a Costa Rican resident are the Rentista option and the Investment option.

For the Rentista visa, you’ll need to provide bank statements that prove you consistently make at least US$2,500 in income per month from your employment, self-employment or other sources. 

You also have the option of depositing US$60,000 in a Costa Rican bank or opening a US$60,000 fixed deposit account with a statement that you will receive US$2,500 from that account each month.

The Investor visa, on the other hand, requires you to invest US$150,000 in Costa Rican real estate, stocks or businesses.

If you fit either of those categories, you can begin the process of gathering your documents and applying for residence.

Before you apply, you’ll first need to gather thirteen different documents. These include a police report from your country of residence for the past three years, an apostilled birth certificate, an apostilled marriage certificate and (if using the Rentista option) bank statements from the past twelve months.

Once you have gathered the required documents, you may then apply for a temporary residency. The application process can take up to six months to complete, but once your application is approved, you will begin your two-year period of temporary residence.

After your first two years, you can renew your temporary residency and wait a further year to apply for permanent residence.

Residency Requirements for Costa Rica

One of the biggest benefits of becoming a Costa Rican resident is that maintaining your residency is relatively simple.

You only need to spend one day in the country per year, and once you have permanent residence, you need only return once every four years.

The only major requirement for Costa Rican residency is that all residents under the age of 55 maintain national health and retirement insurance, which costs roughly US$230 per month. However, health insurance covers all public health expenses, which can be helpful if you need emergency coverage.

Citizenship in Costa Rica

Like most Latin American countries, Costa Rican citizens can become citizens after a period of residency.

In Costa Rica, you must wait seven years to apply for citizenship after becoming a resident. During those seven years, you must remain in Costa Rica for at least 183 days in each year.

Costa Rica is fairly strict about the 183-day residency requirement. Therefore, while citizenship is a possibility, you must be willing to actually live there to get it.

If you’re looking for a second residence with minimal physical presence requirements in a business-friendly jurisdiction, look no further than Panama.

Now that it has overcome the Panama Papers scandal, the country is a high-quality banking and business jurisdiction. It’s also a tax-friendly second residence by virtue of its territorial tax system.

Panama is a great option if you want to live in Central America with all of the conveniences that you have at home. It has the quality of infrastructure and amenities that you’re used to and is relatively well-connected to other parts of the world.

It has a low cost of living – it’s quite possible to enjoy big-city living in Panama City for as little as US$1,500 per month.

Of all the countries on this list, Panama offers the largest variety of residence options. The easiest one is the Friendly Nations Visa, but if you’re not from a qualifying country, then you still have other options.

The Panama Friendly Nations Visa

Many Westerners can use Panama’s Friendly Nations Visa to become a resident. To be eligible, you must be able to deposit US$5,000 in a Panamanian bank account and have an economic tie to the country. The easiest way to do this is to start a company there, but you can also choose other options, such as investing in Panamanian businesses.

If you’re married or have children, you’ll need to deposit an extra US$2,000 per dependent.

From there, the process for applying for a Friendly Nations Visa is quite simple. Once you complete the financial requirements and gather the required documents, you’ll be set for your Panamanian residence.

Additionally, under this program, the physical presence requirement is minimal. Like Costa Rica, you only need to spend a day in the country per year to keep your residence permit.

The problem with the Friendly Nations Visa is that it’s only available to citizens of 50 different countries, including most EU countries, the US and major Asian economies like Taiwan and South Korea.

If you do not have citizenship in one of these countries, then you will not be eligible for this visa.

Additionally, if you plan to renounce your US citizenship , you may not be able to keep your Friendly Nations Visa after you renounce – unless you choose to get Panamanian citizenship.

Reforestation Investor Visa

If you don’t qualify for the Friendly Nations Visa, then you can also qualify for residence through the Reforestation Investor Visa.

To be eligible for this visa, you must invest a minimum of US$80,000 in five hectares of certified reforestation project land and US$2,000 more per dependent.

Once you have made your investment, obtaining your visa and permanent residence is straightforward.

Other Panamanian Residency Visas

If neither the Friendly Nations nor Reforestation visas work for you, then there are a handful of other options to choose from. 

The Pensionado Visa allows foreigners with a guaranteed lifetime pension of US$1,000 per month to become Panamanian residents. If you can prove that your pension income is for life, you can obtain permanent residence and even get a variety of discounts on airline tickets, entertainment, hospital bills and other expenses.

Panama’s Self Economic Solvency Visa is similar to a standard investor visa in that you must invest US$300,000 in a Panamanian term deposit account, real estate or a combination of the two. The process for applying for this visa is similar to the Friendly Nations Visa. 

You can also invest US$160,000 in a Panamanian business to obtain a Business Investor Visa.

Can I Get Panamanian Citizenship?

Although obtaining residency in Panama is not difficult, citizenship is a different story.

Technically, you can get citizenship in Panama after being a resident for five years if you spend the majority of your time there. However, we’ve known people who have been there for fifteen years who have still not gotten Panamanian citizenship .

Additionally, if you value having a second passport portfolio, then Panama might not be the best option for you. Panama does not allow dual citizenship, so you would need to give up your other nationalities in order to become a citizen.

Of all the Central American countries on this list, Honduras tends to fly under the radar for most people. 

While the country has a questionable reputation internationally, there are plenty of excellent places to live there and you’ll be able to enjoy a quality lifestyle with breathtaking beaches at a fraction of the cost of Miami or even Costa Rica.

Obtaining residence is relatively simple, and most people qualify through one of three different visa types: Rentier, Retiree or Investor.

For all of these, you first need to enter the country on a tourist visa and engage a Honduran lawyer to represent you during the application process.

The Honduran Rentista Visa

To qualify for the Honduran Rentier visa, you must show proof of an income of at least US$2,500 from outside of Honduras.

Unlike similar Rentista programs in Central America, this income cannot be from employment or self-employment. Instead, it must be from a more passive source like rental income, investments or savings.

If you qualify, then you can hire a Honduran lawyer to begin the residence process. Because finding a good lawyer in Central America can be tricky, we recommend using a consultation service as well.

Honduran Retirement Visa

If you can prove that you have a lifetime pension income of at least US$1,500 per month, then you are eligible for the Honduran Retiree Visa.

To apply, you must provide certified proof of that monthly income as well as standard residence documentation, including a police report from your current country of residence and a medical examination.

Honduran Investor Visas

You can also become a resident by investing US$50,000 in Honduran real estate or a local business and by making a US$5,000 deposit into the central bank.

This process is a bit more complicated than the other residence options. You begin by entering the country on a tourist visa and opening a bank account, but you will then need to incorporate a business in Honduras. While no physical presence is required to open the company, you will need to make a US$5,000 deposit in a Honduran bank to demonstrate ties to the country.

You also need to obtain a Honduran business license to operate legally in the country and renew it each year.

Finally, when you apply for Honduran residency by investment, at least half of your investment must be paid into the company. You must, however, provide a timeline for the rest of your investment along with the standard application paperwork.

Getting Honduran Citizenship

Once you have become a Honduran permanent resident, there is a five year wait to apply for citizenship. To be eligible, you must have spent the majority of your time in the country during those five years.

Just as you need to obtain a good lawyer to get through the Honduran residency process, you will also need one to apply for citizenship. Additionally, if you wish to obtain citizenship, you may be able to expedite the process in three ways. First, if you were born in Central America, then you can generally get Honduran citizenship after residing in the country for one or two years. You can also become eligible immediately if you become married to a Honduran citizen by birth or if you have provided ‘extraordinary service’ to the country.

Thanks to its stunning scenery, growing economy and openness to foreigners, Colombia has become an increasingly popular destination for digital nomads, investors and entrepreneurs. Living in Colombia is incredibly cheap, which makes it ideal for those just starting to build their businesses. 

However, taxes can be high, something to keep in mind if you’re looking for somewhere permanent to live. As a result of this new influx of foreigners, Colombia has overhauled its residency programs. 

For our purposes, there are two primary options for Colombian residency: the fast track and the slow track. It’s worth noting that the prices for each track are indexed to inflation, and they can and do change.

Colombian Fast-Track Permanent Residence

To obtain immediate residence in Colombia, you can invest around US$165,000 in real estate or a corporation. This can be an individual investment or made in conjunction with someone else. 

While this option gives you immediate permanent residency, the application can be more difficult to complete. However, it gives you the option to apply for citizenship in five years.

Colombian Slow-Track Residence

If you don’t want to invest US$165,000 in a Colombian business or real estate, then you can use the slow-track option to obtain temporary residency. This option can also lead to permanent residence and citizenship. 

For the slow track, you can get a business visa that doesn’t have a minimum initial investment requirement. You’ll likely need to invest US$23,000 at some point, but if you have something like intellectual property that you can prove is worth that much, then you can theoretically invest nothing to get temporary residence. 

However, while you don’t need to make the US$25,000 investment immediately, Colombian immigration has upped enforcement of business activity requirements.

This means that you need to demonstrate six months of business activity – meaning money in and money out – in order to maintain your residence permit’s validity. This is where things can be a bit of a hassle. Colombia isn’t the best country to run a business in, but if you can move money around for a while and eventually put in US$25,000, then you can get residency there.

After you’ve maintained that temporary residence permit for five years, you can apply for permanent residence. However, you’ll need to spend a good amount of time in the country. While Colombia isn’t too specific, the requirement of spending a single day in the country each year is not going to be enough.

Getting Colombian Citizenship

Like many of the countries on this list, getting residency in Colombia isn’t too difficult, but citizenship is more challenging. To be eligible for Colombian citizenship, you’ll need to have been a permanent resident for five years. If you choose the fast-track option, you must wait for five years, but if you choose the slow track, it’s at least double that. 

Spending the majority of your time in Colombia is also required to qualify for citizenship. While this can be beneficial in terms of the cost of living – you’ll be dragged into Colombia’s tax net, which can be problematic. 

But if you’re following our trifecta strategy and living in several different places, Colombia is a great Latin American option.

Peru is an interesting option for people seeking a second residency in South America.

Between its beautiful coastline, awe-inspiring Andean highlands and fascinating rainforests, Peru is filled with stunning views and plenty of outdoor adventure. It also offers a remarkably low cost of living.

While becoming a Peruvian resident isn’t actually that difficult, navigating the process can be hard thanks to all of the misinformation that abounds on the internet.

That’s why our research team has spent plenty of time on the ground to give you the truth about Peruvian residency. We want you to know the difference between what’s technically possible and what actually happens when you apply.  

In general, there are three ways to become a Peruvian resident – investment, Rentista and retirement.

Peruvian Residency by Investment

Most of the misinformation about Peruvian residence comes into play with the Peruvian Investor Visa.

If you perform a cursory search on the internet, then becoming a Peruvian resident by investment seems easy. Based on what random blogs say, all you need to do is invest US$30,000 into a Peruvian business.

Seems easy enough, right?

Unfortunately, that’s not correct. Based on Nomad Capitalist’s on-the-ground research, you actually need to invest five times as much money – US$150,000 – in order to even be considered.

In addition, you need to create five jobs, and in your application, those five jobs must be outlined in a business plan.

Therefore, while the process of obtaining residency by investment in Peru is similar to other countries, you need to know the facts. Otherwise, you might end up flushing US$30,000 down the drain.

The Peruvian Rentista Visa

If you don’t have US$150,000 to invest in a Peruvian business, then you can also obtain Peruvian residency through the country’s Rentista program.

To qualify under the Rentista visa, you will need to prove that you have an income of no less than US$1,000 per month. While this is easy enough, keep in mind that Peru’s Rentista program is similar to Honduras’ and the income must be from a non-employment source. 

However, if you do have the required non-employment income, then the process is relatively easy. 

Like the Rentista visa, you can obtain a retirement visa by proving you have a permanent income from a pension or other sources of over US$1,000 per month.

Immigrant Visa

Once you have resided in Peru for three years, you have the option to get an Immigrant Visa if you do not want to get Peruvian citizenship.

This visa establishes long-term residency in Peru, so you will not have to renew your visa as often. However, since you will still be a foreigner, you will still need to pay foreigner’s taxes while you are in Peru.

Peruvian Citizenship

The Peru citizenship program is one the fastest in the region, and you can apply after just two years of residence.

However, in order to qualify, you will also have to spend no less than 183 days in the country per year, which can have some tax consequences. While you may be able to reduce your Peruvian tax burden with some degree of planning, it’s not exactly a tax-friendly second passport .

You will also need to complete a language and history test in Spanish to qualify and have a clean criminal record.

Therefore, while getting a Peruvian passport is doable, it might not be worthwhile due to the residence, language and tax requirements.

Argentina is an interesting option for people seeking second residence and citizenship in South America. The country has a bit of a fiery history to the point where some have called it the Thailand of Latin America.

However, despite its recent political instability, Argentina is emerging as a powerful regional player with a strong passport and a growing economy.

Argentina is also a large country with a lot of regional diversity, so like Mexico, it’s a lot easier to find somewhere you would actually like to live.

It’s also relatively simple to get residence there, and in some cases, you may be able to become an Argentine citizen in as little as two years.

Becoming a Resident of Argentina

You can become a resident of Argentina if you can prove that you earn a minimum monthly income of US$2,000 or more.

While you may qualify if that income is from employment, the Argentine government tends to favour applicants with non-salary income sources. Additionally, this income will need to be deposited into an Argentine bank account.

Similarly, you can also become an Argentine resident through a retiree visa with a pension or other guaranteed income of above US$2,000 per month.

Once you have obtained temporary residency through either of these means, you can apply for permanent residency after two years.

Getting an Argentine Passport

After being a resident of Argentina for two years, you can apply for citizenship.

Like most Latin American countries, you need to have spent a substantial amount of time there during those two years. However, it is possible to spend less than 180 days in the country if you have a compelling case.  

So, theoretically, if you want to follow our trifecta approach and establish Argentina as one of your bases by spending three to four months per year there, you can hire a professional to argue your case and still be eligible for citizenship.

From there, the process for applying for citizenship is similar to that in other Latin American countries. You’ll need to pass tests in Spanish, and you’ll likely need to hire a professional to help you navigate the process.

One interesting thing about this passport is that you cannot technically renounce it, which is something to keep in mind if you decide to apply for citizenship.

Since Argentina has had its share of financial problems, you may want to account for the possibility of it imposing citizenship-based taxation . And, unlike the US, you might not be able to renounce your passport .

Despite these drawbacks, however, getting an Argentine passport is beneficial simply because it’s a country that you might want to actually live in. Unlike some of the Caribbean countries , which are incredibly small, Argentina is large and livable, making it a good backup option if you ever want to go there.

With its stunning mountains, heritage sites, national parks and low cost of living, Chile is an attractive option for easy second residence in South America.

In fact, it has one of the highest standards of living in Latin America, and it’s even part of the US visa waiver program. This makes it a good option for US citizens looking to renounce but who want to visit the US.

Becoming a Chilean Resident

With the Rentista visa, you must demonstrate income of at least US$1,500 per month to apply for residency and US$500-US$750 per dependent. 

For the retirement visa option for those over 55, it’s necessary to show a lump sum of US$125,00 across bank, pension or brokerage accounts. To qualify for a visa by starting a business, you’ll need US$60,000, which jumps to US$75,000 if the venture is based in Santiago. 

You have three months from receiving the visa to begin trading, and the company cannot be dormant. 

Because the immigration process in Chile can be reliant on the discretion of immigration officials, we highly recommend hiring a local lawyer to help you through the process.

Getting a Chilean Passport

Like Argentina, one of the most attractive aspects of becoming a resident is the prospect of getting a Chilean passport.

As we’ve mentioned in other articles, one important factor to consider with any second passport is whether you would want to actually live there if things went belly-up in your home country. Thankfully, Chile is a highly livable country, making it an attractive option for second residency and citizenship.

With a Chilean passport, you can get into the US under the visa waiver program and enjoy visa-free access to a variety of countries, including Russia.

After you have held Chilean residency for five years, you may then begin the application process.

You’ll need to provide the usual paperwork, complete an interview and likely wait at least two years for your application to be approved.

Ecuador is yet another up-and-coming Latin American country with a relatively simple residence process and an astronomically low cost of living. 

Here, you can have a full-service maid, cook and even driver for a fraction of the cost you would pay at home. Ecuador is also one of the safest countries in Latin America and is relatively well-connected to the rest of the world.

It also offers potential immigrants plenty of residence options and a path to citizenship.

Ecuadorian Residence by Investment

The most common way to get an Ecuadorian residence permit is by investment. To be eligible for this permit, you need to invest US$27,580 into an Ecuadorian company or into a business that you start yourself. Or you must invest US$45,000 in qualifying real estate or land. 

Once you’ve done that, you can apply for a two-year temporary residence permit. You will need to enter the country on a tourist visa and provide proof of your investment as well as standard documents like a police report and an apostilled copy of your birth certificate. 

One of the biggest benefits of getting residence by investment in Ecuador is that there is no physical presence requirement for maintaining your residency. However, you will likely need to stay in the country for the majority of the year to apply for citizenship.

Retiree Visa

You can qualify for an Ecuadorian Retirement Visa by proving you have a retirement income of at least US$1,350 per month. 

Like the Investor Visa, it is only valid for two years, and you must remain in the country for at least six months a year to maintain your residence.

Can I Get an Ecuadorian Passport?  

After two years of temporary and one year of permanent residency, you can apply for Ecuadorian citizenship by naturalisation. If you’re a Westerner, this passport comes with the opportunity for visa-free travel to Russia. 

However, one issue to keep in mind if you apply for citizenship is that you will become an Ecuadorian tax resident in the process. Because you need to stay in Ecuador for more than 183 days per year to maintain your residence (or be eligible for naturalisation), you will pay Ecuadorian tax on your worldwide income. 

If you pay tax on that income in other jurisdictions, you may be able to exempt it, but Ecuador does not allow you to exempt income earned in low- or no-tax jurisdictions. Therefore, while the process for getting Ecuadorian citizenship is straightforward, you will need to consider how it will impact your tax strategy.

Paraguay is part of the Mercosur trading bloc, which gives you access to numerous South American countries. 

But because it isn’t part of CRS – the Common Reporting Standard or international crackdown on undisclosed offshore bank accounts –  it’s one of the fastest places to get citizenship in the world.

However, while Paraguayan residency seems easy on paper, the letter of the law doesn’t always reflect reality in this part of the world. Legal services in Paraguay are poor, so we recommend using a trusted source for legal representation there.

Becoming a Resident of Paraguay

Paraguayan residency appeals to many foreigners because the process is cheap and simple.

To be eligible to become a resident of Paraguay, you simply need to be able to deposit US$4,500 in a Paraguayan bank account. The physical presence requirement is minimal. Even if you’re only there for a handful of days, you should still be able to renew your residence permit.

Becoming a Paraguayan Citizen

While getting residency in Paraguay is fairly simple, becoming a citizen isn’t. Technically, if you live full-time in Paraguay for three years on your residence permit, you are eligible to apply for citizenship.

As in many of these countries, however, the letter of the law doesn’t always apply in the real world. We’ve known plenty of people who have applied for Paraguayan citizenship after their three years of residency only to find it takes further years – if they even get it at all.

Additionally, legal services in Paraguay are poor and scams are prevalent. Navigating the process can, therefore, be quite complicated, and finding someone to help can be near-impossible.

For this reason, we tend to discourage people from Paraguay citizenship. Nomad Capitalist does have Paraguayan legal services on hand if you want to go this route. That said, there are much better passports than Paraguay’s for the amount of time and effort that you will invest here.

What Residency is Best for You?

This guide detailed the best second residencies in Central and South America, so hopefully, you now have a better idea of the many options available.

However, if you’re interested in taking the next step, you’ll need to plan it carefully, and that’s where Nomad Capitalist comes in. 

We help seven- and eight-figure entrepreneurs and investors create a bespoke strategy using our uniquely successful methods. That will allow you to keep more of your own money, create new wealth faster and be protected from whatever happens in just three steps. 

At Nomad Capitalist, we have a network of lawyers, estate agents, accountants and tax and company formation specialists all around the world. All that expertise and real-world experience come together when we advise your holistic, bespoke action plan. Discover how we do things here .

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6 Essential Apps For Travelling In South America

Posted by Suzanne Murphy | Sep 14, 2019 | Travel Tips , South America

Travelling anywhere in the world is a thrilling and exciting adventure. I cannot describe the sheer excitement of getting ready to jet-set off on my next trip.

However, the reality of travel is that it is also scary and puts you in many scenarios that are nothing short of panic-inducing. For me, South America seemed even more daunting than any other place I had visited.

The stories I had heard, the language barrier and even the sheer size of it; everything about this continent struck fear into my soul. And this feeling of apprehension was only amplified due to that fact that I would travel most of it as a solo female traveller.

My fears quickly dissipated however and I threw myself headfirst into the fast-paced world of places like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires . I hiked up to Machu Picchu and took a tiny airplane into the Amazon rainforest. I jumped off a bridge in Peru and learnt to surf in Ecuador .

It was pretty clear that I had nothing to be afraid of.

Though my experiences in South America have been wholly positive, I can't discount the assistance that technology has given me.

I can't fathom having arrived at Rio de Janeiro airport that first day of my travels and not having access to the internet. If I didn't have a translation app for Spanish and a map showing me exactly where my hostel was in relation to the airport, I would have probably hidden in a corner behind my over-sized backpack contemplating a flight back to the safety of home.

I am so grateful for technology and how much it has contributed to my time abroad. Specifically, these six apps below that have made my journey through this stunning continent run so smoothly.

Forget Google Maps, Maps.Me is your ultimate companion when travelling.

Maps.Me allows you to access maps of your location when you are not connected to the internet. Not only this but you can bookmark locations on the app and plan routes to and from destinations.

All you have to do is download the relevant map when you are in a Wi-Fi zone. Before you arrive to a new destination, simply go into your app and download the map of that area. Make sure to bookmark your hostel or accommodation on the app so you can find it easily upon arrival.

This is also a great tool to use in taxis to make sure your driver is taking you in the right direction. I have even had to use it to guide taxi drivers to my location when they were not sure of the destination.

There are so many times when I have been so grateful for this app that I honestly can't imagine travelling without it.

For better or for worse, Uber is available and often a recommended service in South America. It is considered to be much safer than taking local taxis and in many cases cheaper (namely because you decide on a rate before you get in the car). And so it has become essential for many travellers in South America.

It feels good to have the safety net of the map on your phone following where your driver is taking you and not having to fumble with money at the end of your trip. Of course, we have all heard stories about bad experiences with Uber drivers, but so far I have been nothing but grateful to have Uber at my fingertips while backpacking.

For me, the thought of ordering a registered Uber driver to the door of my hostel far outweighs the idea of walking outside and hailing a random local taxi man. Also there has been many cases where taxi drivers did not know my hostel or location, so the Uber navigation system that drivers have is very helpful.

Google Translate

Google Translate is no secret but I find it a vital app to have downloaded on my smartphone.

The app lets you download any language to your phone so that you can look up translations even when you are not connected to the internet.

I cannot tell you how many times I have been in a restaurant or at a bus terminal trying to figure out how to order or buy the correct ticket. While you will meet a lot of English-speakers abroad, the reality is that most people in South America only speak Spanish (or in the case of Brazil , Portuguese).

While I took some Spanish lessons in an attempt to make my conversational skills better, I am so grateful to have the back-up of this app at my disposal to avoid any awkward situations.

Revolut is so much more than an app. It is basically my lifeline when it comes to finances while travelling abroad. Revolut provides you with a free dedit card that is managed through an easy-to-use app on your smartphone.

All you need to do is download the app, sign up for your free card, follow the steps and you have access to a whole new world of banking (there is a $10 fee to get the card but this can be spent once the card arrives).

This card is completely separate from your bank card so you will always have a back-up for money access while abroad which is a relief. It is the perfect accessory for travellers as you can exchange your money into the local currency on the app.

When paying for things on your card, there are no excess fees and you have free withdrawals in ATMs up to a monthly limit (so helpful when you are constantly needing access to cash while away).

How it works is that you can transfer money from your bank account to your Revolut app in a matter of seconds. The app also allows you to instantly transfer money to other users of Revolut via the app (so perfect if you are travelling in a group!).

There are plenty of currency apps on the market but I really like the look and functionality of this one.

xCurrency allows you to compare up to four currencies at any one time which is extremely handy for when you are jumping from currency to currency as a backpacker.

You can change your currencies at any time and the app will go by the exchange rate downloaded the last time you were connected to Wi-Fi. Every time you have an internet connection the app is automatically updating the exchange rate.

When you arrive in a new country and have no idea how the currency works or how much you are spending in relation to your own currency, this app is ideal for helping to not only figure out a new currency but instantly check your spending when out and about.

CamScanner is a document scanning app that I like to use for security purposes.

I have a scan of my passport, my I.D, my travel insurance and other important documents that are simply essential while travelling abroad.

In the case of an emergency (having items stolen or lost), it is a relief to know that I have copies of all of my important documents ready to go on my phone.

In the event that you may also lose your phone too, I would recommend sending the documents to an email account or having them saved back home on a computer or hard-drive.

About The Author

Suzanne Murphy

I am a travel writer, content creator and online marketer hailing from Dublin, Ireland. I am a nomad girl and write here about South America destinations. I love sitting in pretty cafes, drinking endless cappuccinos and writing and freelancing online.

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Home » South America » Backpacking Travel Guide

Backpacking South America Travel Guide (TRAVEL TIPS • 2024)

So, you want to know how to travel South America, eh? Well, you’re in the right place! 

Backpacking through South America is like learning to ride a bike without the training wheels. There is just the right amount of danger and curve balls to keep you alert, focused, and totally stoked on life.

With the exception of a handful of backpacker hotspots, South America is the wild west frontier of backpacking. This is the land of crazy parties, epic surfing, sprawling cities, and wild landscapes including the Andes and the Amazon jungle.

Above all else, South America is stunningly beautiful. Though challenging to navigate at times, it’s budget backpacker friendly, diverse, relatively safe, and one hell of a travel experience…

But South America is MASSIVE. Deciding where to go and how to travel South America is a mind-boggling task. That’s where I come in, amigos. This South America travel guide will provide you with EVERYTHING you need to know to prepare for your trip through South America.

Here’s the full low-down on how to backpack South America including routes, country profiles, tips and tricks for South America budget travel, and much more.f

Lace up your bootstraps and prepare to have your travel inspiration skyrocket. We’re going on an adventure!

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Why Go Backpacking in South America?

The South American continent is one of my favourite places on earth. It was always a place that mystified me: the traveller group was generally older and more mature. So when I got invited (by a sexy South American), I jumped at the chance.

It’s a place where I learned the art of budget travel , fell in love countless times, and had a multitude of life-changing experiences along the way. If you want to get off the beaten track whilst still having the option to meet plenty of other travellers, South America is the place to level up your backpacking skills and head on a real adventure…

South America is one of the most diverse continents on earth. It is home to the world’s second-highest mountain range in the Andes, world-class surf beaches, the Amazon Basin, the world’s driest desert, huge plains of lush grassland, glaciers, and unique wildlife not found anywhere else on Earth…

Each country you visit whilst backpacking South America offers up the opportunity to experience the incredible natural and cultural forces unique to that region.

Backpacking South America is generally a cheap endeavour – although it’s not as cheap as Southeast Asia or India. There are some fairly expensive corners of South America that you should avoid if you’re travelling on a budget .

You will fall in love with South America (and maybe a person or two along the way). So let’s dive into some South America travel itineraries and backpacking routes for your trip.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking South America

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When making a South America backpacking itinerary, remember that travel distances are HUGE, internal flights expensive, and sometimes you want to stay somewhere longer than anticipated.

So choose your South America backpacking route carefully. Unlike other continents, how much time you have really matters; you simply can’t do all of it.

If you only have 2 or 3 weeks for travelling South America, forget about seeing the whole continent. I recommend sticking to one country and devoting your energy to exploring it properly. 

In one month, you could explore some countries closer to each other. You could visit Bolivia and Lake Titicaca in Peru for example. It’s good to have room for spontaneity in your South America travel itinerary too.

2 Week South America Travel Itinerary – The West Coast Appetizer

You’ll have to keep moving to make this itinerary happen in 2 weeks, but I believe in you!

Start your backpacking South America itinerary in Colombia by visiting Cartagena . After a few days, head to Santa Marta , the jump-off point for Minca – a charming mountain town – and Tayrona National Park. Plus, there are so many good places to stay in Santa Marta too.

Get a bit off the beaten path, and head east to Cabo de la Vela (where the desert meets the sea) and Punta Galinas , where you can feast on fresh seafood along the Caribbean coast. Doubling back to Cartagena , head to nearby Playa Blanca and Tolú (mangrove) before heading to Islas de San Bernardo (white-sanded islands).

Or you could start in Lima , Peru. Explore the city for a day or two before heading to the Nazca Lines , Arequipa , and Colca Canyon . 

Then head to Cusco in the Andes. Take a few days to get used to the altitude before setting off on a multi-day trek to Macchu Picchu.

Alternatively, start in Buenos Aires . Then you can head south to trek in Patagonia . In southern Argentina and Chile, you can do the world-famous Torres del Paine circuit . 2 weeks is cutting it fine but – if you hustle – you could pull it off.

In 2 weeks, you can get a good taste of Colombia, Ecuador , or Bolivia . Don’t miss out on the Salt Flats . 

1 Month South America Travel Itinerary – The Starter

With 1 month, you can make an epic backpacking South America itinerary. If you want to explore more than one country in South America, you’re gonna need more than 3 weeks. 

For surf bums, you could easily spend a month heading beach to beach from Southern Peru all the way to Colombia , in 1 month. Or you could do 2 weeks in Argentina followed by 2 weeks of hiking in Chilean Patagonia . 

If it were me, larger countries like Argentina, Chile , and Brazil are better to explore with more than 1 month. You can do it but you will spend a long time on bus journeys, so I would just stick to one area. 

Southeast Brazil is a good choice for 1 month on a South America itinerary: travel from Rio de Janeiro all the way south to Florianópolis and hit up everything in between. Bear in mind that you’ll probably want to stay in Rio AND Floripa longer than you expect.

Highlights of this route include exploring the megapolis of São Paulo , idyllic getaways of Ilha Grande and Paraty , eco-friendly and laidback Curitiba , and the crazy nightclubs of Balneário Camboriú .

Or, you could fly into Ecuador and spend 3 weeks exploring here: stay at a great hostel in Guayaquil before heading to Montañita . In Montañita you can party and surf to your heart’s content. Head North towards Bahia de Caraquez and Canoa for surf towns that are more off the beaten path. 

Next head to the mountains, stopping first in Quito . There are some excellent treks in the Ecuadorian Andes .

If you have time, definitely hit up the Volcano Loop trail on the outskirts of Cotopaxi National Park . A trip to the jungle around Puyo is recommended as well. Then head for a week of trekking in Colombia .

3 Month South America Travel Itinerary – The Great South America Main Course

3 months backpacking South America, eh? Hell yes!

I recommend flying into Lima, Peru unless you know you want to start in the north (Brazil or Colombia) or further south (Argentina or Chile). Explore Lima and the coast before heading to the Andes. There Machu Picchu awaits in all of its glory.

Definitely do a trek to the famous Inca city! (More on hiking in South America later). From here, you can either drop down on the other side of the Andes and explore the Amazon basin or you can head south to Bolivia and eventually Argentina and Patagonia .

Alternatively, you can slowly start making your way north via the Coast. You could spend a month (or more) in Ecuador, Colombia, or Brazil respectively.

Personally, I started off in Buenos Aires then went north to Brazil and Colombia . The distances were truly massive. I’m talking 30-hour bus rides (on comfortable buses I must say). 

Travelling in South America is never a quick affair, so plan your itinerary accordingly.

6 Month South America Travel Itinerary – The Full 3-Course Latin America

Life has brought you to the fortunate crossroads of having 6 months to travel South America? Good on you! 

With a 6-month backpacking South America itinerary, you have the luxury of really being able to take your damn time. To see multiple countries, it’s a practical choice to begin your journey either in the north or the south to avoid backtracking.

With a 6 month itinerary, you can explore many South American countries in depth. I’ll be honest with you, the itinerary shown on the map is really fucking ambitious. But hopefully, it gives you an idea of what crossing this vast continent would look like.

Starting your journey in Rio de Janerio or São Paulo might be a bit of a rough landing, though you will be a primed bad-ass by the time it comes to move on to another country. Other options are starting with some days in Buenos Aires , in Argentina, and Chile, in the south.

You could be surfing it up on the coast of Ecuador one day, and be in the mountains of Peru several days (and many bus rides) later. I advise taking a chunk of your time to really explore and get off the beaten path in top destinations like Brazil , Colombia , and Bolivia .

Having 6 months or more to go backpacking truly means you have a total blank slate to work with. So get ready to write your own beautiful backpacking destiny!

Want to save money on accommodation?

We got you. For reals.

Each country in South America has something unique and profoundly exciting for backpackers. But they also have some common themes: they are Spanish speaking (minus Portuguese in Brazil), they have stunning natural beauty, and some of the nicest people you will meet whilst travelling. So finding the best places to backpack in South America has a lot to do with your own interests.

Maybe you’ll explore the epic snow-capped peaks of Patagonia in Argentina and Chile. Party with beautiful people at the Carnival in Brazil. 

Trek to the Lost City in Colombia. Experience the sun-drenched deserts of Bolivia and the colourful Rainbow Mountains of Peru.

Backpacking through South America truly is a life-changing journey through one of the planet’s most fascinating landmasses. When you visit South America, you can be sure that it will be some of the most fun you will have in your life.

South America is a vast continent on the move. The number of people travelling to South America is increasing every year. Whilst the cost of living in South America remains quite low, each country requires a different budget for travellers.

Once you begin to discover a few of the South American countries, you will be entranced by the jaw-dropping landscapes, fascinating history, vibrant culture, and awesome food.

Let’s take a look at the countries that make backpacking in South America so damn special.

Backpacking Brazil

Brazil is, hands down, one of South America’s most dynamic countries. It’s all about the extremes. Whether it’s the parties, the people, or nature, the vibrations run through everything – and connect everyone.

Backpacking in Brazil offers up sick surf beaches, fun-loving locals, insane parties, and landscapes that would make even the most seasoned traveller say “no shit, mate, look at that!”

Of course, the Brazilian festival Carnival is legendary – and for good reason. Get your mind blown on the Brazilian side of  Iguaçu Falls , visit the Amazon , drink a Caipirinha on the beach! Plus Brazil’s home to big up-and-coming cities like Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, and Natale.

And when I say ‘extreme’, I mean extreme : Brazil is absolutely MASSIVE and covers nearly half (47%) of South America’s landmass! That should give you an idea of how big it is.

But, more importantly, it gives you a better idea of how much diversity Brazil has on offer. In fact, there’s a lot going for Brazil that you may not be aware of.

For example, trekking probably isn’t the first thing that pops into your mind when you think about backpacking through Brazil. It’s a shame because Brazil has truly gorgeous trails spread throughout the country. It’s also home to Iguazu, one of the most incredible waterfalls on Earth.

The best hiking opportunities are usually found in Brazil’s national parks  (parques nacionais ). Brazil has over 70 national parks and – in terms of beauty – these can contend with any other on Earth.

What to Know Before Visiting Brazil

• Don’t miss out on… Florianopolis. The Brazilians favourite place to visit for a reason. It’s chilled, safe, and gorgeous. You plan to stay in Floripa for a week, it grabs you by the balls, and you get stuck for months.
• Keep an eye out for… Travel distances. Don’t be fooled: they’re way longer than they seem on the map. Give yourself plenty of time to get from A to B.
• The coolest hostel is… Hostel do Morro . In one of my favourite destinations in Brazil, this hostel is a true nature immersion. In the “mato”, with sea view and monkeys visiting. A true good vibes place!
• The best food is found in… Belo Horizonte. There is an amazing energy to this place; everyone hangs out on the streets, eating and drinking at plastic tables, all night long.

Backpacking Colombia

Whilst South America has many countries that I consider to have the full package , Colombia is the most complete. It’s a relatively small country. So considering the scale of epic surf, neverending parties, untouched jungle, happening cities, and towering mountains, Colombia is a reason for backpackers to keep travelling!

Cali, Cartagena, Bogotá , and Medellín are a few major cities in Colombia where you can really let loose. Go and have some extraordinary conversations with the locals about life in Latin America and not taking life too seriously.

Is Colombia safe ? Perhaps your mum would love to know. Hell yes, it is !

As much as Colombianos are ready for the disassociation with Pablo Escobar, it’s hard not to mention the impact that he made on the country and the South American continent as a whole. But his reign of terror is over.

Modern-day Colombia couldn’t be more different from the days when narco-traffickers ruled the country. Visiting Medellín now vs 20 years ago is a COMPLETELY different experience. The Medellín of today is a great experience.

Colombia is for adventure junkies and nature lovers too. The northern terminus of the Andes Mountains ends here and you can take your treks into the deep jungle in Colombia’s National Parks .

What to Know Before Visiting Colombia

• Don’t miss out on… Carnival in Barranquilla. Most of the time, this industrial town is overlooked by travellers. But for one week of the year, this place goes NUTS.
• Keep an eye out for… how difficult the trek to Cuidad Perdida is. It’s long, treacherous, and hot as shit, but absolutely worth the effort in the end. The Lost City is one of the best places to visit in South America.
• The coolest hostel is… Viajero Santa Marta Hostel . Great location and has lazy and peaceful vibes. Amazing rooftop and activities to connect and meet other travelers.
• The best food is found in… the local restaurants. Look for the menu del dia to feel like you’ll never need to eat again.

Backpacking Ecuador

Ecuador might be small but it certainly packs a punch. I spent 3 months backpacking in Ecuador and could easily spend many more.

The diversity is incredible and it’s a great place to experience Andean Highland culture. The people who live in the Andes have a distinct and ancient culture rooted in mountain life. They even speak another language called Quechua . It’s a relatively safe country , and isn’t ruined by mass tourism.

In addition to staying in colonial cities like Quito , Ecuador’s natural landscape is the biggest draw. You can spend weeks or months exploring the coast before heading to the mountains and vice versa. Towering over the shore, volcanoes, waterfalls, and massive snow-capped mountains all make incredible trekking routes.

Surfing reigns supreme on the Ecuadorian coast. It attracts surfers from all over the globe. Even if you’re a beginner, it’s a great place to catch your first waves. Towns like  Montañita and Canoa are famous surf beaches and party hotspots.

If you have some extra cash in your budget, you can visit The Galápagos Islands . But be warned – this is not a cheap endeavour, especially for excursions like diving (though it is AWESOME). So prepare yourself to shell out some cash!

Then there is the Amazon Basin of Ecuador. The Amazon region is what helps make Ecuador one of the most biologically diverse places on earth. The Amazon is best explored by boat with a local guide and is bound to be the adventure of a lifetime!

What to Know Before Visiting Ecuador

• Don’t miss out on… exploring the highlands and Cotopaxi National Park. Easily accessed from Quito and totally epic.
• You know what’s overrated … Montañita. It’s not all it use to be and is mostly catered to foreigners who want to get wasted and high. If you want real Ecuadorian culture, there are better places nearby.
• The coolest hostel is… Casa del Sol . Relaxed vibe at a few steps from the beach. Close enough to go party and far enough to have a good sleep. THE place for yoga and Surf.
• The best food is found in… the small almuerzo (lunch) cafes found across the country.

Backpacking Peru

Ah Peru. Backpacking Peru is the essence of travelling in South America. Though tourism has spiked in Peru in recent years, there is still plenty of magic to be found here.

The cost of backpacking Peru is a little higher than you might expect. Expect to pay between $30-40 USD a day whilst travelling here. (But more about the cost of backpacking South America later.)

Peru has a super long coastline dotted with prime surf beaches and scuba diving sites. In the Andes lies a whole other form of beauty.

I mean, who isn’t aware of Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail ? Besides the obvious, there is much, much more to the Peruvian Andes than Machu Picchu. Although, you still have to go there!

Peru has some truly fascinating colonial cities as well, including Cuenca and Cuzco, which is the gateway city to Machu Picchu. The off-the-beaten-path potential in Peru is enormous.

Check out the Rainbow Mountains to see nature at its most colourful. Hike the majestic  Cordillera Huayhuash . Explore Colca Canyon and sleep out under a billion stars.

If you want a truly magical experience, there are many eco-lodges in Peru that are nestled in the best nature spots, from the Amazon jungle to the Andes mountain range.

Wherever you decide to travel in Peru, be sure that it will be a highlight of your South America backpacking adventure.

What to Know Before Visiting Peru

• Don’t miss out on… a motorcycle journey through the Sacred Valley outside Cuzco. It’s definitely worth staying in Cuzco a little longer for this.
• You know what’s overrated… the Inca Trail. Go for the less-trod Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu instead.
• The coolest hostel is… Banana’s Adventure Hostel . In an unreal location (an oasis in a desert) this is a sociable and relaxed vibes hostel. With a great rooftop plus a lovely garden with hammocks, and an outdoor pool.
• The best food is found in… Lima. This city is full of cafes, local lunch spots, and street food vendors. The best are in Barranco and Miraflores. Pig out on ceviche !

Backpacking Bolivia

Backpacking in Bolivia offers up a glimpse of what South America was like 30 years ago. It’s a country looking to the future in many ways whilst still having one foot firmly rooted in the tradition of the past.

Expect super friendly locals, dramatic desert and mountain landscapes, and the kind of low prices which make the dirtbag within us very happy. You could easily get by on $20-25 a day here, and even less by roughing it a bit.

Bolivia is home to plenty of adrenaline-pumping activities including the Road of Death , which, in essence, is a road down through the mountains in which people ride bicycles to the bottom at top speed. The ride goes on for at least 30 kilometres and it is straight down. Can you guess why it’s called the Road of Death yet?

Aside from the high-risk adventure activities, Bolivia is safe for the most part as well.

World-class trekking is abundant in the Bolivian Andes. If you love to hike, all the more reason to visit Bolivia. Bring along a good sleeping bag as temperatures can plummet at night.

La Paz has the best hostels (particularly for partiers) and is a cool city to base yourself in. Lake Titicaca is breathtaking, however, it has become far too touristy – I personally can’t deal with that many people taking selfies. I don’t blame the locals as they need to make a living. Just the way it has been done is unfortunate.

The Salt Flats are also cool AF. Okay, admittedly it’s pretty touristy too, but it’s still worth a visit.

What to Know Before Visiting Bolivia

• Don’t miss out on… the Salar de Uyuni. Yes, everyone who comes to Bolivia does this and, yes, it’s touristy. Regardless, it’s still in-fuckin-credible.
• Keep an eye out for… the altitude. Some people fly directly to La Paz from sea level and get sick almost immediately. At 3640 meters, La Paz is the highest major city in the world.
• The coolest hostel is… Wild Rover La Paz . A dynamic and festive hostel. The perfect place to start your Bolivian experience connecting with other travellers. Great location in the central area.
• The best food is found in… La Paz. This is the epicenter of Bolivia’s newly emerging food culture.

Backpacking Chile

There are no half measures while Backpacking Chile. From trekking through gorgeous glacial national parks to exploring the martian bone-dry Atacama desert , you’re all in for one hell of an experience.

There are 36 National Parks in Chile ; all of them are beautiful and unique in their own way. Chile is also home to Easter Island , one of the most mysterious places on the planet.

Like Argentina, Chilean Patagonia is a paradise for trekkers and adventure types – though it does take some effort to reach the places you want to go trekking in. That said, the journey is well worth it; experiencing some of the planets last truly wild places is an indescribable feeling that you can only understand by doing it!

Most backpackers will start their backpacking journey in Santiago. But you can come to Chile from one of its borders in the South (as I did).

Oh yeah, one more thing: Chilean wine is cheap and it is damn good! Do you need more reasons?

What to Know Before Visiting Chile

• Don’t miss out on… Patagonia, and not just the usual spots. Chilean Patagonia is vastly unexplored, especially the fjords. Look out for whales, dolphins, penguins, and elephant seals.
• Keep an eye out for… fire bans in Torres del Paine. A lot of nature has been threatened because of dickhead backpackers using gas burners, despite warnings.
• The coolest hostel is… MaPatagonia Hostel . Near a beautiful lake, this place has what you need. Kitchen facilities, a nice big garden, some cats, and a jacuzzi! There is also a fireplace for those cold nights.
• The best food is found in… Santiago. Staying in Santiago will unlock the most culinary options, including the cheap street food stalls.

Backpacking Argentina

Viva Argentina!

Backpacking Argentina is one for the ages. Welcome to the land of wine, excessive meat, football, tango, incredibly passionate people, and the final frontier – Patagonia.

Argentina is an immense country with very distinct regions. Eat to your heart’s content, party harder than you ever have before, and fall deeply in love.

You’ll probably land in Buenos Aires , arguably the cultural capital of all of South America.

Unquestionably, you’re going to find incredible hostels in Buenos Aires and reasons to stay. But don’t stay too long!

Rosario and Cordoba are cities like Buenos Aires but, in my opinion, better. They’re a perfect place to head to if you want to steer clear of the heavily populated capital.  Mendoza is the wine region home to the “ best wine in the world ” (according to Argentinos).

Further south lies Patagonia : one of my favourite places on Earth, and home to many Argentinian National Parks . Patagonia is a truly expansive, desolate wilderness area where the weather is harsh and civilization is few and far between.

Trek mountains and glaciers, or sea kayak around them,. There, you could go days without seeing many (if any) backpackers! Now THAT’S the dream.

Staying at an Argentine mountain hut (refugio) is a wonderful experience not to be missed. Few who travel to Argentina manage to make it as far as  Tierra del Fuego (the Land of Fire). Visit one of the most dramatic places in Argentina with its long summer days and epic arctic landscapes.

Speaking of the arctic, you can arrange trips to Antarctica from Ushuaia ! This would be the adventure of a lifetime but it’s by no means cheap.

What to Know Before Visiting Argentina

• Don’t miss out on… El Chaltén, which is the base for seeing some of the most dramatic peaks on Earth: Cerro Torre and Fitz Roy.
• You know what’s overrated… La Boca in Buenos Aires. These much-hyped multi-coloured houses are pretty rundown and actually quite dangerous, I strongly suggest you avoid it. The whole area feels like a tourist trap. There are much better things to do in Buenos Aires .
• The coolest hostel is… America del Sur Hostel (El Calafate). Cozy, super social, and with an insane view of the lake, the town, and beautiful sunsets. Great place to chill, and work (if you need to).
• The best food is found in… your neighbour’s personal asado . Nothing beats grilling grade-A Argentinian beef with some locals.
• The official exchange rate is NOT THE EXCHANGE RATE . Because of the fluctating exchange rate, many of the locals withdraw their cash by using what is referred to as a “blue dollar rate” from Western Union. This way gives you 50% more pesos than withdrawing pesos from an ATM or exchanging currency.

Backpacking Uruguay

Not many travellers end up backpacking in Uruguay. There are a few reasons why:

• It’s small
• It’s out of the way
• There’s not a ton to do

All of the above are true to some extent: Uruguay is not overflowing with adventurous activities or jaw-dropping sights. But let me tell you, they have some of the best quality of living in South America.

One of the perks about Uruguay is you don’t HAVE to do anything here. People are friendly and, compared to some chaos you find in other areas of the continent, it’s pretty chill. The beautiful coast is the perfect place to get away from the usual backpacking South America route and to avoid traveller’s burnout .

Outside of Montevideo , there are nice beach towns worth crashing at; Punta del Diablo is the quintessential lazy surfer town. Punta del Este is fun in the summer if you like partying. Colonia del Sacramento is an old colonial outpost and UNESCO heritage – although it is admittedly more of a day trip rather than a base.

Oh but here’s the kicker: weed is legalised. Yes, Uruguay is famous for allowing the smoking of the devil’s lettuce. And the quality of it is surprisingly good.

Lots of locals keep a weed garden on their balconies. Perhaps your hostel in Montevideo will have one?

Head to Uruguay if you want to chill out and do your own thing. It’s easy to travel to Brazil and Argentina from there too.

What to Know Before Visiting Uruguay

• Don’t miss out on… Punta del Diablo. This is laid-back surfer town evades most backpackers. It is arguably one of the best beach towns in South America.
• You know what’s overrated… Punta del Este. This place literally exists for the sake of Argentinians on holiday. In the off-season, it’s empty.
• The coolest hostel is… La Brújula Hostel . It’s near the beach, eco-friendly, has a family vibe, and is great to meet new people. This is a gem next to the sea.
• The best food is found in… Montevideo. Can’t beat a giant chivito after you’ve got the munchies!

Backpacking Venezuela

Venezuela is a truly incredible country. With towering mountains, steaming forests, endless beaches , and just enough danger to keep you on your toes, this country is every budding adventurer’s dream destination.

A Disclaimer on Visiting Venezuela

Unfortunately, due to the political situation in Venezuela , The Broke Backpacker absolutely  does not condone visiting the country right now . It is simply not safe and it would be irresponsible to even attempt to Venezuela at present.

Unless you somehow have absolutely  solid and trustworthy contacts on the ground , Venezuela is not the place to travel for the foreseeable future. We do not have any contacts to give out.

That being said, there are many team members at The Broke Backpacker that hold a special place for Venezuela in their hearts. For this reason, we are leaving this information available to you, our readers, as an homage to a country we love. We can’t wait for the day that it will be safe to visit again.

Backpacking Venezuela has a truly terrible reputation. Don’t get me wrong, travelling Venezuela has been dangerous in recent years: this is a country where you need to keep both eyes on your gear, watch who you’re with, and be on the lookout for iffy situations before they get the chance to rear their ugly head.

Backpacking in Venezuela is, in my opinion, one of the last great adventures out there. Plus it’s one of the cheapest countries in the world to backpack in.

Venezuela is a mysterious country. It attracts adventurers looking for a raw adventure.

It’s a country yet to be polluted by heavy tourism with incredible landscapes of mountains, forests, lakes, and caves. It is a kind of Shangri-La for adventurers and extreme sports lovers.

A South American backpacking trip to Venezuela is getting into the wild. To feel like the old explorers, Venezuela will not disappoint you. But backpacking Venezuela is not for the faint-hearted: this is a veteran explorer country.

What to Know Before Visiting Venezuela

• Don’t miss out on… Mt. Roraima – the highest tabletop mountain in the world; an incredible place to explore. Sometimes you feel like you’re walking on an island in the sky.
• Keep an eye out for… the seasons when visiting Angel Falls. When it’s dry, the falls are actually quite weak (it’s more like a trickle).
• The coolest hostel is… El Sofá Caracas . Safe, quiet, cozy place in the big city. You’ll feel at home instantly. And they have a unique boat pool to chill when it gets too hot.
• The best food is found in… the buffet places where you pay by the weight of your plate. A little goes a long way here and you won’t be disappointed!

Getting Off the Beaten Path in South America

South America is totally full of wild places, tiny villages, far-flung settlements, lonesome valleys, sparsely inhabited jungle… Point being, there are plenty of great places to get off the beaten path . With a little motivation, you may well find yourself cutting your own path and writing your own backpacking destiny, one adventure at a time.

Explore the national park systems of South America as much as you can. Investigate the little interesting-looking food stalls where all the locals are queuing up.

Don’t rely on a guidebook of popular places. In South America, those tiny towns in the middle of nowhere are where the real culture is, and the real adventures. All you need is a bus ticket…

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

You can make your South America backpacking route totally unique. No matter what things you get up to, they’re going to leave a big print on your heart. But here are some things I definitely recommend considering planning for your itinerary .

1. Explore Patagonia

Patagonia is still one of the last untouched wildernesses on the planet. Not everyone gets to experience this in their lifetime! In addition to the usual superlative locations, like Cerro Torre and Torres del Paine, there are heaps to discover off-trail.

2. Party hard at Carnival

It’s the biggest party on the planet! Grab yo’ body paint, yo’ finest feathers, whatever else you can get your hands on, and join the festivities!

You won’t ever forget the time you spent Carnival in South America. The carnivals in Bahia, Rio, and Barranquilla are particularly good.

3. Explore the Salts Flats of Uyuni

It’s one of the most unique places on the planet and a highlight of any South America backpacking trip. Get ready to be wowed by this alien landscape.

I know broke backpackers usually cringe hard at the idea of an organised tour (because I’m one of them) but the Salt Flats is one that’s really worth shelling out for.

4. Find your own secret beaches

It wouldn’t be a proper backpacking South America itinerary without some beach time! Every kind of beach imaginable is found on the continent.

From tropical slices in Brazil to surfer’s paradises in Ecuador to even fjords in Chile, you won’t be lacking in choices. There are plenty of them secret spots that make those magical days. Take a beer, bring your mates, get busy.

5. Check out Medellín

Medellín is one of the most popular cities to visit in South America right now. The choice between Medellín or Bogota has never been easier.

It’s fun, safe, comfortable, and (most impressively) completely different than it was before. Medellín has shed its violent past and is ready to host the next wave of backpackers.

6. Visit Machu Picchu

I mean, you’re reading a backpacking South America guide: I know you already know about this one. It is the place that attracts most people to visit South America… but I’d be lying if I said it wasn’t worth visiting.

You can hike the Inca Trail like everyone else. But if you want to visit Machu Picchu in an alternative way, try one of the other Inca trails like Salkantay Trek.

7. Hike in the Andes

The Andes are one of the greatest mountain chains in the world, known mostly for hosting the aforementioned Machu Picchu and the gargantuan Aconcagua. But there is more to these mountains than just these popular destinations: the highlands of Ecuador, Cordillera Huayhush in Peru, the Cordillera Real in Bolivia are all stunning. Even Colombia gets a slice of the pie at Cocuy National Park.

8. A South American

Hey, most backpackers will vouch for love and sex on the road being something memorable to take part in…

They love, and they love passionately. And the sex… well, maybe you’ll find out.

9. Get “stuck” somewhere

South America is full of sticky places AKA places where you get stuck for months on end. Florianópolis, La Paz, Medellín, Mancora… All of these locations start off as a simple stop on your South America backpacking route but turn into temporary homes.

Don’t fight it! Find your sticky place and stay awhile.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

South America has a wide range of budget accommodation options for backpackers. Airbnbs are fantastic for private rooms if you’re travelling as a couple or as a group.

For solo travellers, when you are not passing the night from the comfort of your tent in the Andes or with a Couchsurfing host , you’ll likely be booking hostels.

Whether you just need a place to lay your head or a spot to meet fellow backpackers like yourself, hostel life is clearly where it’s at… In fact, I love South American hostels, even travelling with my partner, you get perks in a hostel that you don’t get in a hotel or Airbnb.

I’ve had some of the best nights of my life in them and met some of the best people in my life. The South American countries are home to some of the best hostels in the world .

• Best Hostels in Sao Paulo
• Best Hostels in Cusco
• Best Hostels in Cartagena
• Best Hostels in Mendoza
• Best Hostels in Lima
• Best Hostels in Medellin
• Best Hostels in Quito
• Best Hostels in Salvador de Bahia
• Best Hostels in Santiago
• Best Hostels in Valparaiso

Insider tip: If you want to see all your hostel options to visitbackp South America, Booking.com is the perfect one-stop-shop to book hostels. You can even filter your personal travel needs to find the perfect place for you.

It is the common belief that backpacking in South America is dirt cheap. In some places this is true, but it doesn’t go for the entire continent.

But fear not! Travelling South America on a budget can definitely be done.

Due to the nature of Patagonia being one of the most remote areas on earth, expect higher travel costs than the rest of South America. Peru also takes some navigating in order to travel on a tight budget.

Brazil is one of the most expensive countries in South America. The cost of living in Brazil is higher and it is notorious for jacking up accommodation prices during the high season.

With a few travel tips up your sleeve, you will save a ton of money and have the time of your life. Bring your  haggle game  whilst backpacking through Latin America to ensure you get the best possible price for things, including accommodation. South Americans love smooth talkers so keep it playful but don’t get too cheeky.

Taking long-distance buses, buying beer and drugs, paying entrance fees to national parks… these things add up fast. But sometimes you have to shell out the dough in order to do the things you want. Overnight buses are a good way to save some money.

Remember to always leave a little extra wiggle room in your budget so you can go scuba diving or go on a trek that you have been dreaming about!

Daily Budgets for South America

Here is a breakdown of what you can expect to pay on a daily basis on a backpacking South America trip…

Travel Tips for Broke Backpackers in South America

Hey, all those dollaridoodles add up to more fun times. So saving whatever you can on your journey means you can be on the journey… for longer. So here are a few budget travel tips for South America :

• Camp : With plenty of untouched beaches, forests, stunning countryside, and far-flung jungle, South America is a great place to carry a good backpacking tent . Camping saves you money and can help you get off of the beaten path.
• Cook your own food: Travel with a  portable backpacking stove  and cook your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across South America. If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or camping on the beach, having a backpacking stove will be a great asset.
• Haggle:  Haggle as much as you can. You can always get a better price for things, especially while in local markets. Learning Spanish will go a long way!
• Couchsurf:  South Americans are awesome. Get to know some! Check out Couchsurfing to make some real friendships and see the real continent. When using Couchsurfing, be sure to send personalized messages to your potential host. A generic copy-and-paste message is much more likely to get turned down. Make yourself stand out.
• Hitchhike:  Although some countries are friendlier than others, hitchhiking across South America is common practice, so you won’t struggle too much to find a ride. Speaking at least a little Spanish will go a long way though. You want to explain exactly what you’re doing and where you want to go.

Why Should You Travel to South America with a Water Bottle?

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine places… So do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful!

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but together we CAN make a difference. I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

You know by now that we are talking about an enormous amount of land with regards to the South American continent. Countries in South America near the Equator do not experience distinct seasons. As you start to head south you will find the seasons to be the opposite of what they are in the Northern Hemisphere i.e. winter in June.

Patagonia experiences bitterly cold and windy winters. I do not advise travelling there during the winter unless you are a serious mountaineer and have all the right gear.

Dry season depends on the country. Generally, the cooler months from June to September are the driest in the coastal areas. In the Amazon – given that it is the world’s biggest rainforest – is wet pretty much all year. The Andes are the driest from April – November.

High season for all countries is, without a doubt, from December – February. This is due to holidays occurring over that time and it is also the time when many gringos and locals alike take their holidays. Backpacking in the low or shoulder seasons will definitely make for a cheaper trip, especially with regards to accommodation.

Best Time to Visit – Country Breakdown

Here are the best times to visit South America broken down by country!

Best Months to Travel: September – April

What’s the climate in Brazil like? 

In the south, the hot, wet summer season runs from November – March. In the north, the rainy season is from April – August. In the Amazon, it rains pretty much all year.

If you want to visit during the festival season though, September-March is best.

Best Months to Travel: November – March

What’s the climate in Colombia like?

Generally speaking, travellers should visit Cartagena and the Caribbean coast between November and March when the weather is dry. The rest of the country is good year-round. Bogota, Cali, and Medellin are always pleasant weather-wise.

Best Months to Travel: March – May, September – November

What’s the climate in Ecuador and Peru like? 

Lots and lots of micro-climates in the Ecuador Peru region. But there are some general trends:

• The highlands/Andes are dry from May – September. These are the best months for hiking and visiting Machu Picchu.
• The coast is warm and dry from December – May. This is the best time for the Galápagos.
• The Amazon is always wet and humid as shit.
• The south of Peru is much drier than the north, and Ecuador for that matter.

You’ll need to plan your trip carefully around what you want to see and do.

Best Months to Travel: May – October

What’s the climate in Bolivia like?

The winter season (May – October) is also its dry season, and the best time to visit Bolivia. This means that nights can be very cold, especially when you’re at higher altitudes. Although Bolivia is generally drier than its neighbours, it stills gets dumped on in the wet, summer season.

Best Months to Travel: March – April, October – November

What’s the climate in Chile like? 

Summers in Chile are generally the high season. That being said, this may not be the best time to visit. Prices are at their highest, the Atacama Desert is a furnace, and the winds are VERY strong in Patagonia.

Like almost anywhere, the shoulder months (October – November & March – April) are better.

Best Months to Travel:  October – April.

What’s the climate in Argentina and Uruguay like?

Summer for most of the country is from December – February. In the north, the summers can see rain and temperatures that soar to almost unbearable. In the south and Patagonia, summers are dry(ish) and pleasant.

The winters, obviously, are extremely cold in the south. Whereas the north generally has pretty mild winters.

What to Pack for South America

Travelling through South America is a lot easier if you have the right gear. A thorough backpacking South America packing list goes a long way – literally.

On every adventure, there are 6 things I never go travelling without:

Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

Sea To Summit Micro Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Monopoly Deal

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Grayl Geopress Water Bottle

Always travel with a water bottle! They save you money and reduce your plastic footprint on our planet. The Grayl Geopress acts as a purifier AND temperature regulator. Boom!

South America IS a safe place to go backpacking. Is backpacking in South America safe all the time? 

Hell no. But nowhere in the world is safe 100% of the time. Does that mean we let it stop us?

Hell no. 

In recent years, security in South America is increasing. Using the common sense safety rules of backpacking is usually enough here. 

The thing with South America is understanding your surroundings and self-awareness. Coordinating your safety in Rio de Janeiro is completely different than hiking the Inca Trail. 

Robberies are rare and could happen to anyone – in any country. Sometimes people in desperate circumstances are forced to do bad things. They see a foreigner and they see a chance to temporarily relieve the stress of their situation. 

Odds are, you should be just fine. If ever you run into a hold-up situation just give them what they want. 

Your iPhone and wallet aren’t worth dying over, ever! But it’s worth hiding your money well just in case .

Political wobbles are pretty common. Due to the political situation in Venezuela right now, this is probably the most dangerous country in Latin America. I hate to say it but the situation is what it is.

In general, being out late, drunk, and/or alone is a recipe for trouble. Always take a taxi home at night, even in a group.

Do know which neighbourhoods you should avoid too, especially in major cities – even during the daytime. Ask the locals which these are. There’s no real reason to head into these areas anyway, but it’s worth noting so you don’t stumble into the wrong places.

• Is Peru Safe?
• Is Argentina Safe?
• Is Chile Safe?
• Is Brazil Safe?

Sex, Drugs, and Rock n’ Roll in South America

South Americans love to party! They start the party late and they don’t stop until the sun is way up.

Of course, Brazil is very famous for Carnival AKA the biggest party on the planet . But it’s a big deal in most South American countries – so you’ll find great parties everywhere.

The backpacker circuit is notoriously rowdy. Traveller hubs like Cusco, Buenos Aires, Montañita, Mancora, La Paz, and Medellín are legendary for their nightlife.

It is very easy to meet people, stay up all night, and fall in love with a sexy South American. Much of the continent is LGBTQ+ traveller friendly too!

Alcohol is freely available, freely consumed, and good quality too. I’m telling you, I’ve had beer in South America which puts Germany to shame.

South America is stoner-friendly too! Weed is legal or decriminalized for recreational use in many places – some countries are more relaxed than others. It’s best to ask the locals how it’s currently being handled where you are.

Cocaine is just about everywhere; particularly in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia. But be aware, this isn’t the stuff you find back home – it’s much purer. One line is enough to keep you up all night.

To find drugs on the road, just ask a local to help you. Don’t go out alone looking to score in strange places and don’t give cops a reason to shake you down.

Ayahuasca retreats are gaining popularity as well. But remember, it is a ceremonial spiritual medicine of indigenous people. If you do want to try it, make sure you’re doing it with a real shaman, for real reasons; it’s not like acid and not a drug just to get mindless with.

Staying Healthy in South America

Travellers should be properly vaccinated before backpacking in South America. Consult a medical professional before travelling about which shots you should get.

You should have all the usual travel vaccinations before heading out: hepatitis A & B, typhoid, tetanus, etc. Rabies is also recommended particularly if you’re going to the rural areas or parts of the jungle. You don’t want to mess around with that one because it can be really nasty.

It is worth checking if you need the Yellow fever vaccine before entering some countries. In some places, it is only recommended.

It’s also worth noting that in most places in South America, the water isn’t fit for consumption. The best travel water bottles have a filter.

Getting Insured BEFORE Visiting South America

Travelling without insurance in South America is risky. I broke my back in Brazil and will be happy to tell you why GOOD travel insurance is so important.

So consider getting travel insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure. You don’t want to be struck with a big, unexpected bill, or, worse, to put your health at risk.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Where you will start your trip will be determined by what backpacking route you have chosen. Obviously, if you plan to tackle a specific country, the capital city of that country is a popular starting point and – usually – the logical option.

South America is not the cheapest country to fly to, but you can sometimes bag a cheap direct flight from another major airport. It’s pretty expensive to fly within it too. Unless you are coming by boat to Colombia via the San Blas Islands, you will certainly be arriving by plane.

São Paulo, Lima, Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Rio de Janeiro are all major hubs for South America. Compare the prices between these top destinations, and base your South America itinerary from there.

Entry Requirements for South America

Good news everyone! Most South American nations DO NOT require a visa to visit! This applies to those travelling from the USA, UK, EU, Australia, and most other Western nations.

This is a positive trend in the last few years. A few years ago, travellers sometimes had to apply for (expensive) visas to enter countries like Argentina and Brazil. Luckily, this is no longer the case .

Once you’ve entered the country, you can remain for a period of 90 days visa-free. Extensions are possible but these vary on a country-by-country basis. Most South American governments do not take kindly to people who overstay.

Of course, ALWAYS double-check visa policies before travelling .

City Bus. Local Bus. Long-distance bus. Overnight bus.

That’s right. Buses are the most economical way of getting around South America. Every major capital has buses going to the far reaches of the country.

Local buses are typically super cheap. You can book online but the bus stations are organised really well too.

Taxis are an option within cities and sometimes Uber too, depending on the city. If you opt for a taxi ride, make sure they are legit, set the price beforehand, and haggle the shit out of the driver without being rude.

Flights between countries in South America can be expensive. Internal flights within the country aren’t the cheapest either, though they are cheaper if you buy them while you’re inside the country (you’ll save money on taxes).

As a general rule when backpacking, cheap travel is slow travel . Buses can be slow but as you will be taking many if you are backpacking South America long term, you want to go for the cheapest option.

If you want to go full Che Guevara style you can travel by motorbike pretty easily (and cheaply) in most places in South America. I recommend that you have some experience riding motorbikes before you even think about sauntering into a capital city or down a winding road in the Andes. If you do go the motorcycle route you can be sure that it will be the ride of your life.

Hitchhiking in South America

Travelling by hitchhiking is always an option. Your success will greatly depend on the area and the country; I wouldn’t recommend hitchhiking in a major city or at night.

Hitchhikers aren’t that common in countries like Colombia, mainly due to paranoia about the security situation in the country. Not everyone here is a drug lord that wants to kidnap you for ransom money. You can hitchhike throughout Colombia AND it’s such an awesome experience!

Rural areas of South America are especially impacted by high rates of poverty. Expecting free rides from folks with limited means isn’t morally fantastic. That said, even if you offer the driver a few bucks, it could very well end up being cheaper (and more rewarding) than taking the bus.

I would never assume that the ride is free initially. Always ask to avoid having an awkward scenario in which the driver who picked you up is demanding an unexpected fee. This is when learning Spanish comes in very handy.

Onwards Travel From South America

Your only options for leaving the continent are by boat or by plane. Most likely you will fly out of the country where you are finishing your trip if it makes sense and is the cheapest option. Try to book your flights in advance in order to find the best flight deals .

It is technically possible to cross the Darien Gap to Panama overland. Rumour has it that you can hire a guide for quite a bit of money and cross the Darien on foot.

In the past, this was impossible though due to narco-terrorist/guerrilla activity. May the Gods of Backpacking be with you if you attempt the journey on your own without a guide.

South America is becoming a digital nomad hub. After the pandemic, the boom really: a generally low cost of living, relatively reliable internet, and tons of expat communities.

Medellín is the current front-runner. This city is growing at a RAPID pace and is becoming the apple in every backpacker’s eye.

Plus, Medellín is safer than ever. Lots of people want to stay here for an extended period of time, digital nomads included.

Close behind are larger South American cities like Buenos Aires, São Paulo, and Quito. Being big cities though, you’ll have to overcome higher prices and crime. Safety in Buenos Aires can be sketchy but so can every massive city, right?

Note that, at the moment, most South American countries do not offer a special digital nomad visa.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Teaching English in South America

Most people who end up living or staying long-term in South America do one of two things: teach English or volunteer.

Teaching English in South America is very popular. Some people make a living out of just going from one city to the next city and hitting up all the English schools in between. Some are accredited though many find success using their own merits.

If you have a TEFL certificate it will be much easier to score teaching gigs in South America. I recommend getting yours with MyTEFL – Broke Backpacker readers get a 50% discount on TEFL courses when you enter the code PACK50  at the checkout.

Volunteering in South America

Volunteering abroad is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good. There are loads of volunteering gigs in South America ranging from protecting the Amazon to teaching in barrios of Buenos Aires.

Arguably, you may need a permit in order to volunteer. But in reality, the continent is pretty chill and this is unlikely to ever be enforced.

I spent a few weeks volunteering in the mountains in Northern Colombia and it was the best way to get to know the land, people, and lifestyle. Finding volunteering opportunities in South America is about learning, building community, and making an impact in a place you visit.

The best way to find volunteer jobs is word of a trustworthy mouth. But programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers , Workaway , and WWOOF help you get your foot in the door of volunteer communities.

They’re a great opportunity for unique experiences and make amazing connections with people. But you do have to stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

If you sign up for Worldpackers with a discount code, memberships are only $39 a year. For that price, it’s often worth giving it a try.

Summing up food in South America is like trying to explain what music is. It’s incredibly diverse and every country, every region, every household has a different definition.

First of all, meat is hard to avoid. They like it juicy, tender, slow-cooked, and accompanying pretty much everything. Especially in the southern part of the continent, Argentina, Uruguay, and South Brazil, the smell of cooking cow is heavy in the air.

The Argentinian way of grilling is Asado . And it’s not just a delicious barbecue – oh no – that’s just the centrepiece. The event is a huge part of the culture.

The vegetarian movement is gaining momentum, though it’s harder in some places than others. In more rural places, you may go hungry if you don’t want to eat meat now and again, but in general, it’s not impossible.

Andean countries like Peru and Bolivia have chronically underrated food scenes. In fact, Peruvian food is often regarded as some of the best in the world. You’ve never felt fresher than after chowing down that ceviche.

In the Amazon, they have a whole different gastronomic world; obviously, everything grows here. There are ingredients that come from the Amazon that just don’t exist anywhere else.

There are strange fruit and vegetables in abundance. Then, of course, the fresh fish comes leaping out of the river, almost directly to your plate. Catching your own fish is never a bad idea either.

The food in the north of South America, like Colombia and Venezuela, is the definition of comfort food. If you’re eating right, you’re going to be gaining a few kilos. Don’t pass on an opportunity to gorge yourself silly.

Street food usually involves lots of deep-fried goodness. But it’s the abuelas that make the best pastries, with oodles of love. And ooh, those arepas… they have a special place on my plate.

The Best Food in South America

Here are some of the best South American foods that you definitely shouldn’t miss out on.

• Feijão (Brazil) – Beany stew for everyday eating.
• Acai (Brazil) – Superfood berry.
• Empanadas – Your trusty stuffed pastry friend.
• Dulce de leche – Just try it… thank me later.
• Asado (Argentina) – Grilled meat with a side of meat.
• Antichucho (Bolivia) – Mmmm… cow’s heart.
• Ceviche (Peru/Chile) – raw but not raw fish, in lemon juice.
• Cuy (Peru) – A large cooked guinea pig.
• Encebollado (Ecuador) – Ecuadorian Grandma’s comfort stew.
• Arepas (Colombia) – Corn pockets to fill your hungry belly.

South America is a very complex continent. Colonization by Western Europeans technically makes it the youngest member of modern civilization. But saying this disregards all the history that came before the “ conquistadors” arrived.

South America has hosted many advanced civilizations like the Incan Empire, whose influence still lasts to this day. Though much of the native culture was lost with the mass killing by said conquistadors .

Long story short: South America is an enormously diverse region, maybe more so than anywhere else. Yes, European culture has largely shaped the entire continent. But indigenous and African cultures are just as important, if not more so.

Northern Brazil is very Afrocentric. This was the first charted part of the continent and ideal for rowing sugarcane. Consequently, it’s the place where all the slaves were brought.

Slavery is over. But it leaves behind a blend of African customs and cultures morphed into Latino culture.

The south, which constitutes Argentina, Chile, and Southern Brazil, is much more European. Aside from the big players – the Spanish and Portuguese – Italians, Germans, and French all settled here following a huge era of migration.

In the Andean countries of Bolivia, Peru, and Ecuador you see a lot of indigenous cultures. Some people still live like their ancestors, living in the highlands and tending the land. Though Spanish is still the dominant language, several local languages, like Quecha and Aymara, are still commonly spoken.

Don’t make the mistake of thinking that all of South America is just an extension of Europe or North America. You’ll miss out on the beautiful subtleties of the region, which make backpacking in South America so wonderful.

A backpacking trip in South America is a unique experience in itself. And within that, there are instance amounts of opportunities to make your South America itinerary different to anyone else who’s travelled here before. Here are some of the best things to add to it:

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

Hiking in South America

South America has some of the best hikes in the world . Here are a few iconic options to get your bucket list started:

• Lost City Hike, Colombia : This hike through the Colombian jungle will certainly be a highlight of your South America travel.
• Sierra Nevada de Cocuy, Colombia : Snow in Colombia? Here you can find peaks are as high as 5,330 meters above sea level. If you have your own gear and a good sleeping bag , you can probably do the hike without a guide.
•  Iliniza-Norte, Ecuador . This is a fantastic 2-day trek that does not require any special gear or equipment. If you are planning to tackle Cotopaxi this is a great warm-up. A solid challenge for the dedicated hiker!
• The Salkantay trek, Peru: Hike to Machu Picchu over 4 days and experience the true beauty of the Andes along the way. One of my favorite South American treks for sure.
• The Cordillera Huayhuash, Peru : Truly one of the most stunning areas in Peru. For serious hikers, planning a trek like this is one for the books!
• Hut-to-Hut in Bariloche, Argentina:  Spectacular hike for some of the best views of Nahuel Huapi National Park and its lakes. Tents are optional since you can stay exclusively in the refugios.
• Villa O’Higgins to El Chaltén, Chile/Argentina : One of the greatest ways to experience Patagonia. Walk from Villa O’Higgins in Chile to El Chaltén in Argentina. You’ll see some superlative mountain, forest, and lake scenery along the way.
• Torres Del Paine Circuit, Chile : The hike of all hikes in South America. This epic walk takes 9 – 11 days and passes through some of the most dramatic landscapes one can fathom. A must if you’ve got the time and hiking spirit!

Scuba Diving in South America

You have scuba diving options galore in South America! In general, scuba diving is pricier than it is in other parts of the world but that’s because it’s worth it. If it is something that you really want to do, I say go for it! 

Colombia is probably the cheapest and best place to dive AND get certified in South America. You have Providencia and Santa Catalina (a smaller island to the north) which is home to the third-largest coral reef barrier on Earth and includes over 40 dive sites.

Malpelo is the harder-to-reach version: a jagged rock in the Colombian Pacific, it can only be reached by boat, and divers can only visit here as part of an organized trip. It’s worth the time and money for sure; Malpelo is one of the best places in the world to dive with sharks, including hammerheads, whale, and the rare sun ray shark.

People have reported schools of up to 500 sharks around Malpelo. That’s right. 500!

Peru and Ecuador both have some decent diving right off their coasts. The diving around the Galápagos Islands is world-class, but it will cost you a fortune go diving there.

If you truly want to have the scuba diving adventure of a lifetime, I highly recommend joining a Liveaboard trip.

• Liveaboard the Galapagos
• Liveaboard Colombia

Surfing in South America

Surfing is the number one sport on South America’s coast. From Peru to Brazil, backpackers and locals are coming together and shredding!

Peru is home to the longest left-breaking wave in the world . You can literally ride a wave for five minutes!

The Pacific Coast is dotted with funky surf towns, where the main activities revolve around the waves and the nightlife. There are a plethora of surf schools in every country. Often these surf schools offer Spanish classes as well if you are wanting to double down (which I highly suggest!).

It is easy to fall in love with the surfing lifestyle. But be careful, you might just fall in love with the whole scene. I wouldn’t blame you for a second.

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Here are the questions I get asked the most about how to backpack South America.

Is backpacking South America safe?

Yes. Backpacking South America is safe. Just bear in mind that crime rates are higher than in some other areas of the world. But by following standard safety procedures, there’s no reason why that crime should affect you. Be sensible, show people plenty of respect, and look after your friends.

How are the bus journeys in South America?

The long-distance buses are generally top quality and comfortable. Just be aware that distances on the map can be deceiving and journeys can be long so bring plenty of water, food, something to keep you warm in the baltic aircon, and probably some toilet paper too.

Is travelling South America as a woman possible?

Absolutely! Not only is it possible, it’s awesome. Do remember that, unfortunately, women do have to consider safety as a factor more so than men, especially after dark. But with that in mind, prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.

How are South Americans so damn sexy?

There are too many reasons. Just go and spark up conversation with them and find out for yourself. Beware though, you’re likely to fall completely, madly, deeply in love.

Backpacking South America can be one hell of a party at times. Take it from me, it can be easy to get carried away.

You can make a positive impact on people when we travel and South America is the perfect place to do that. Try to spend your money in places where the experience is mutually rewarding.

When buying a local craft, be fair to the person who spent countless hours crafting it. Pay people their worth and contribute to the local economies as much as possible.

If you visit small or indigenous communities, be respectful: they are normal folks just living their lives.  Backpacking South America – or any region for that matter – often illuminates some of the great socio-economic inequalities of the world. Never take it for granted that you are healthy and financially able to go travelling.

Show the world around you some gratitude and help to make a positive impact on it. Most of all have the time of your life and spread the love!

Well, amigos, the time has come for me to send you on your travellin’ way. Armed with your budget travel knowledge, on you go!

Your South America backpacking trip awaits. Have a few cold ones for me, yeah?

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30 Comments

Great post, loved the detail and enthusiasm you have for South America. I am saving up to travel from northern Colombia all the way down the west to Patagonia and then back up the other side (yes I am aware it will take the best part of a year). I wondered if you had any tips on the best time of year to start this adventure?

Plan your time with the weather and seasons in mind! Have a great time.

Is traveling to brazil unwise right now because of the covid situation? Has it become more unsafe because of the covid situation? It’s been really difficult to find solid information, and making a decision wether to visit or not has been quite difficult. Thanks for the otherwise wonderful post! Super informative.

informative post . best of luck

Hi Kami, glad you liked the article!

Very nice blog, congratulations I found a cheaper way to flight some routes inside Latin America If someone have plans, after this health crisis is gone, just ask me, I will be glad to help

Interesting. However as a Guyanese, that us from Guyana, South America I always find it odd that many persons leave out the English Dutch and French speaking countries of South America. We too have things to offer.

Hello Malkia, We totally agree with you! As soon as we manage to visit Guyana, we will update this guide! I look forward to exploring your country. Cheers

Hey there!! So I am planning a trip to south America this summer. I have a couples questions. I’m flying into Bogota, Colombia. I plan on spending 2-3 months in SA. I’d like to travel from Bogota to Machu Picchu, then to Buenos Aires, and depending on time Brazil. I am trying to figure out the cheapest way to travel from country to country. I don’t care about long bus rides or any of that. I just don’t know where to purchase the cheapest bus tickets. Please help!!!

Simply the cheapest tickets are usually at the bus station, or wherever locals buy their tickets. Look out for agencies and the like that might add a fee for booking the very same thing you could yourself.

I have a good tip to move around if you need to do it by plane, just let me know if you plan (after the whole problem is gone) to fly some stretches.

Hey man great blog, been reading so many of your posts recently, can you email me I wanna chat to someone who knows there stuff… I’m going to South America for about 6 to 8 months on a budget and need help planning a route… hopefully you see this and we can chat thank you

Hey Jamie, What is your question specifcally regarding your route? Cheers!

Thank you so much for sharing these information – they are so useful!

I am planning a trip of a lifetime to South America. To keep cost down, I am likely to stay in hostels for the first time. I like to understand how travellers wash their clothes in hostels. Are there usually any washer or dryer machines in hostels? Do we usually have to pay to use them? What is the price like?

Look forward to hearing from you.

Hi Tina, Some hostels offer laundry services. Other times you can get your laundry done at local lavanderias . Depending on the country, prices are usually pretty reasonable. They usually charge by the weight. Getting a massive load of clothes washed should not cost you more than $10 (sometimes way less) washed, dried, and folded. Cheers!

Thanks Chris for this wonderful article. Bolivia and Brazil is a magical place! Anyone who went there said it was absolutely amazing! That nature is just wonderful here. keep sharing your travel ides about more places of South America.

Cheers, Mate!

I started my South American journey two months ago and this has been a big help. There’s literally so many options once you get down here. Overwhelming in all of the best ways.

Much love from Peru.

Wow! That’s a marvelous article! Unfortunately, not so long ago, I was in South America, and I really had a lot of predicaments while traveling. If only I had read this article before the traveling, most likely, my trip would have been better!

Great content, congratulations.

Really great and in depth guide, thank you! Planning my first trip to South America and really like the look of your 3 month route across Peru, Ecuador and Columbia, was thinking of taking another couple of weeks on top to see Bolivia as well. What month would you advise starting this travel? (would really like to be home for Christmas)

The autumn months would be a lovely time to visit South America 🙂

Awesome content! I took so much advice and suggestions. I feel like I can plan whatever kind of trip ranging in length of time spent there plus budgeting. Thanks!

It’s great that you’re such a strong advocate of reusable water bottles and avoiding one-use bottles and generally I totally agree. However, I normally refill my water bottle from the tap, which obviously isn’t safe everywhere. Geneally can you drink tap water in South America? Or if not how do you safely refill without buying bottled water?

We’ve used lots of things over the years to harvest clean water from taps and streams. The GRAYL filter bottle is one of our favorites. South America is something of a mixed bag when it comes to drinking water. It ranges from safe to unsafe with every shade of chloriney in between.

I am starting my South America trip new month and I found this website extremely useful. One question though – I am worried about the requirement to show proof of onward travel. Any idea if Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia require this?

Hi Neringa,

I never had to show proof of onward travel during my 6 months in South America. There was never a time when a customs officer/border police questioned me about my onward travel plans. You should be just fine 🙂

Thanks, Chris. You have been right! But I was requested to provide proof of onward travel by Avianca when flying for Cusco to Quito. Maybe because my passport expires soon. My friend, however, did not have one and was still allowed to board the plane 🙂 There was a group of Israeli guys who I think had to show this info, too.

Thanks a lot man, I’m planning a 3 month trip to Colombia, Peru and Brazil next year and this really helped me get my head around how to do it and the kind of money I’m gonna need to save! Cheers dude

Thanks, this really helped me a lot for planning my trip next year!

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South America

The planet’s most biodiverse continent, South America is home to the greatest concentration of terrestrial life on the planet.

From the Amazon to the Atlantic Forests, the Gran Chaco and Pantanal to Colombia’s Darién Pacific coast, Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands to temperate Andean highlands and valleys brimming with endemic birdlife, there is nowhere like South America.

Can you Drive to South America from North America?

WONDERING… CAN YOU DRIVE TO SOUTH AMERICA FROM NORTH AMERICA?

As someone who as has traveled from North to South America, I can see the allure of such a journey. So, can you drive to South America from North America? The answer is not a simple yes or no. It is a bit more complicated than that! Let me show you why below along with all of the detail you need to complete this journey yourself.

Yes, you can drive to South America from North America on the Pan-American Highway, the longest highway in the world. However, there is a “gap” in the journey. This gap is a stretch of land in Central America known as the Darien Gap. It’s about 100 miles of marshland and forest that you can’t traverse by vehicle.

While it’s not a driving route per se, don’t be disheartened! There are several workarounds that adventurous souls have found over the years.

How to Cross the Darien Gap with a Vehicle?

The Darien Gap, the only thing standing between you and the continuous drive from North to South America, isn’t an obstacle you can overcome with a 4×4 and sheer will. So, how do you bridge this void?

Options to Cross Darien Gap

While you can’t drive through, you certainly can bypass the Darien Gap. There are three options to get your vehicle across this expanse, each with its pros and cons.

1: Shipping Companies | RoRo Services

RoRo services are an often-used method to transport vehicles across the Darien Gap. As the name implies (Roll-on/Roll-off), these are specially designed ships that allow vehicles to be driven on and off. While generally cost-effective, the risk with RoRo services is potential damage or theft since vehicles are exposed on the deck.

Cost: Typically cost between $1100 and $1500 USD.

Suggested Companies: Seaboard Marine : With an extensive network, Seaboard Marine is a popular choice among travelers. Hoegh Autoliners : A leading global provider of RoRo vehicle transportation services, Hoegh Autoliners is known for its comprehensive service and wide coverage.

2: Shipping via a Container

Another method is container shipping, where your vehicle is loaded into a sealed container and transported on a cargo ship. While slightly more expensive, it offers better protection for your vehicle.

Cost: Typically cost between $1500 and $2000 USD.

Suggested Companies: APL (American President Lines) : APL is one of the world’s leading ocean carriers, providing comprehensive container shipping services to and from various ports across the globe. MSC (Mediterranean Shipping Company) : As a world leader in container shipping, MSC provides an extensive route network, linking ports around the globe.

3: Use a Professional Logistics Company

Although the most expensive option, opting for a professional logistics company to facilitate your vehicle’s journey across the Darien Gap can make your adventure considerably smoother. They handle all the intricacies of the shipping process – from paperwork to customs clearance, and ensure that your vehicle is safely transported from one port to another.

Cost: Typically cost between $2000 and $2500 USD.

Tips for Shipping Your Car Across the Darien Gap

Shipping your car across the Darien Gap can be a daunting task, but with the right planning and preparation, it can be a seamless process. Here are some key tips to consider:

How Much Does it Cost to Drive to South America?

One of the most common questions when planning such a monumental trip is, “How much does it cost to drive to South America?”

Costs can vary widely depending on a host of factors, including the type of vehicle you’re driving, fuel efficiency, the route you take, accommodation choices, your eating habits, and unexpected costs such as vehicle maintenance and repairs.

How Much Does it Cost to Drive the Pan-American Highway?

• Fuel : Depending on your vehicle’s efficiency and current gas prices, expect to budget between $3000 – $5000.
• Food and Drink : Assuming a moderate budget for eating out and buying groceries, plan for $2500 – $3000 for a 3-month journey.
• Accommodation : Costs can range significantly from camping to hotels. If you balance between camping, hostels, and occasional hotels, budget around $1000 – $2000.
• Shipping across the Darien Gap : As we mentioned before, this can cost between $1000 – $2500.
• Tourist Activities, Park Fees, Tolls, and Permits : Allocate about $2000 – $3000 for these expenses.
• Insurance and Miscellaneous Costs : Depending on the countries you’re visiting and the coverage you need, insurance costs can vary. Along with other miscellaneous costs, plan for about $1000 – $2000.

Total Cost: $11,000 – $18,000 USD for a 3-6 month trip

How Long Would It Take to Drive to South America?

If you were to drive non-stop, covering the distance from Alaska to Argentina, its southernmost end, it would take approximately 170-900 hours. However, this is purely hypothetical and doesn’t factor in sleep, meals, refueling, rest breaks, or any other interruptions.

In reality, considering the lengthy journey that encompasses diverse landscapes, climates, and cultural experiences, a more leisurely and realistic timeframe would span anywhere between 6 months to 2 years, allowing time to explore and soak in the experiences along the way.

How Long Would It Take to Drive Across Central America?

If you choose to immerse yourself fully in the region, it could take approximately one month. This estimation includes time spent visiting historical landmarks, indulging in local cuisine and engaging in outdoor adventures.

Central America is relatively small in size, spanning just over 2000 miles, and theoretically, it could be driven in under a week. However, to appreciate the depth of this culturally vibrant region, a longer duration is recommended. Have a look at some of the interesting things you can see in Nicaragua alone .

How Long Would It Take to Cross the Darien Gap?

The Darien Gap, while physically spanning only about 100 miles, could take about 5-7 days to navigate due to logistical reasons. This is the one segment of the Pan-American Highway where you can’t actually drive, and your vehicle must be shipped.

Variables such as weather, paperwork, shipping schedules, and bureaucratic red tape could potentially add more time to this estimate, so it’s best to allot a flexible window for this segment of your journey.

Is It Safe to Drive to South America?

While there are risks associated with any long-distance journey, with the right precautions and preparations… Yes, it can be safe to drive to South America.

Is the Pan American Highway Safe?

Yes, generally speaking, the Pan American Highway is safe for travel. There are places with well-maintained roads and others where the condition is less than ideal, with potholes, lack of signage, or poor lighting.

It’s a good idea to avoid driving at night whenever possible. Traffic rules may be loosely followed in some areas, so defensive driving is key.

Staying Safe While Driving through Central America

Safety in Central America can vary greatly from one country to the next and even within different regions of the same country. Honduras and El Salvador, for example, have high crime rates, but tourists pass through without incident.

Simply, avoid traveling at night, stick to the main roads, and always be aware of your surroundings.

Staying Safe While Crossing the Darien Gap

The Darien Gap is an area that presents unique challenges. Due to its remote and inaccessible nature, it’s not safe or feasible to attempt crossing it by land.

Therefore, simply using reputable shipping services to transport your vehicle is the safest option here.

Staying Safe While Driving in South America

In South America, safety conditions can vary widely. Countries like Chile and Uruguay have relatively low crime rates, while others, like Venezuela and certain parts of Brazil, can pose higher risks.

Again, sticking to main roads, keeping a low profile, and avoiding night driving can go a long way to ensure your safety. Also, be aware of the altitudes in the Andean countries, where altitude sickness can be an issue.

FAQs: Can you Drive to South America

We often get many questions about the feasibility and logistics of driving to South America. Here, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked ones.

Yes. The Pan American Highway is safe to drive. However, safety can depend on various factors like your specific route, the countries you traverse, and your behavior. It’s advisable to avoid night driving, stick to main roads, and always stay alert to your surroundings.

How Much Does it Cost to Cross the Darien Gap?

Crossing the Darien Gap involves shipping your vehicle across as it’s not possible to drive through it. The cost of shipping can range from $1000 to $2500 depending on your vehicle’s size, the shipping method (RORO or container), and the shipping company you choose.

Can you Drive through the Darien Gap?

No, you cannot drive through the Darien Gap. The Darien Gap is a stretch of swampland and forest with no roads, making it impossible to drive through. The best and safest way to cross this region is to ship your vehicle.

How is the Quality of Life in South America?

South America is an amazing place to visit or live in, but it can come with some dangers. Take a look at this full guide to living in South America .

Has Anyone Ever Driven to South America?

Yes, several adventurers and travelers have successfully driven to South America from North America. While it’s a challenging and lengthy journey, it’s possible with proper planning, vehicles, equipment, preparation, and a sense of adventure.

Can I Camp Along the Way?

Yes, there are many free and paid camping spots along the way if that is what you’re looking to do. Check out some of the must-have camping and parking apps to help you find these locations.

Is There a Road to South America?

Yes, there is a road to South America. The Pan-American Highway is a network of roads stretching from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, in North America to Ushuaia, Argentina, in South America, spanning about 19,000 miles. However, there’s a 100-mile interruption known as the Darien Gap, between Panama and Colombia, where there are no roads.

Why is There No Road Through the Darien Gap?

There’s no road through the Darien Gap due to a combination of factors. The region consists of dense rainforests, swamps, rivers, and mountains, making it difficult to build a road. Moreover, preserving this area is important for environmental and indigenous rights reasons.

Can you Drive to Argentina from The US?

Yes, it’s possible to drive from the US to Argentina, primarily using the Pan-American Highway. It’s a long journey of thousands of miles that will take you through various landscapes and climates. However, remember that you’ll need to ship your vehicle around the Darien Gap.

Can you drive to Brazil From the United States?

Yes, you can drive to Brazil from the United States. The journey will take you through Central America, across the Darien Gap (where your vehicle must be shipped), and through South America. It’s worth noting that depending on your route, you may need to obtain additional visas and adhere to different road regulations.

Can you drive to Peru From the United States?

Yes, you can drive to Peru from the United States. This epic journey will take you down the Pan-American Highway, through Central America, across the Darien Gap, and into South America. Remember to stay informed about road conditions, visa requirements, and safety advisories throughout your journey.

Conclusion: Can you Drive to South America

So, can you drive to South America from North America? The answer is a resounding yes, albeit with a bit of a caveat – you’ll need to ship your vehicle around the Darien Gap.

But aside from that, the journey is entirely possible, and not only that, it is an extraordinary adventure that will take you through some of the world’s most diverse landscapes, cultures, and experiences. You’ll drive along the world’s longest motorable road, the Pan-American Highway, covering vast deserts, towering mountain ranges, lush rainforests, and bustling cities.

Remember, the journey is not just about reaching your final destination; it’s about the experiences, memories, and friendships you’ll make along the way.

If you’re looking for beautiful places to explore in South America, you will enjoy 👉 15 Best Cities in South America for Travellers & Expats

20 Places In Colorado So Beautiful, They’re A Photographer’s Dream

Don’t Coloradans always seem ready to go on a hike at a moment’s notice? When you live in a state filled with snow-capped peaks and alpine lakes all around, I’d likely always be dressed in outdoor gear too.

Having road-tripped in a van for two years throughout the West USA, I’ve found Colorado to be packed with jaw-dropping spots that you just have to see in person to believe.

We talked to locals, hiked some of these trails ourselves, and pored over countless reviews and travel forums. Here are 20 beautiful places in Colorado that will leave you speechless and make your Instagram followers jealous.

1. Rocky Mountain National Park, Estes Park

Rocky Mountain National Park is one of the crown jewels of Colorado and one of the most popular in the US National Park system. Covered under deep snow for most of the year, the park spans over 415 square miles and more than 355 miles of hiking trails after the spring melt arrives.

Trail Ridge Road, the highest continuous paved road in the US, bypasses the park with jaw-dropping views throughout the ride. Dream Lake, Bear Lake, and Emerald Lake are among the most visited spots and all easily hikable. If you’re feeling adventurous, try summiting Longs Peak, but be prepared for a strenuous climb!

2. Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs is a dramatic must-see landmark. The red rock formations jut out right in front of you, with Pikes Peak visible in the background. Featuring 15 miles of trails, you can choose to go hiking and biking or just loop around in your car.

The Siamese Twins Trail is an especially popular hike for its fantastic views of Pikes Peak. Rock climbers will love scaling the towering sandstone formations. Don’t miss the precariously perched Balanced Rock, a massive boulder that makes for a fun photo op.

3. Maroon Bells, Aspen

The Maroon Bells are perhaps the most photographed peaks in North America. These iconic twin peaks stand majestically at over 14,000 feet and are reflected perfectly in Maroon Lake. The Maroon Bells Scenic Area has several hiking trails, including the popular Maroon Lake Scenic Trail and the more challenging Crater Lake Trail.

During the summer, the wildflower displays are absolutely stunning, and in the fall, the aspen trees turn a brilliant gold.

4. Crystal Mill, Marble

Crystal Mill is one of Colorado’s most photographed landmarks. This historic wooden power plant, perched precariously above the Crystal River, looks like something out of a fairy tale. It takes a 9-mile hike or 4×4 drive from Marble to the mill. The mill is especially exquisite when the surrounding aspen trees turn golden in the fall.

5. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve, Mosca

Great Sand Dunes National Park and Preserve is home to the tallest sand dunes in North America, reaching heights of up to 750 feet. Hiking to the summit of Star Dune offers unparalleled views and a sense of accomplishment.

Adventurous visitors can try sandboarding or sand sledding down the dunes’ steep slopes. Medano Creek, which flows at the base of the dunes, is a favorite spot for splashing around and cooling off in the summer. The park is also a designated International Dark Sky Park, making it an excellent place for stargazing.

6. Telluride

Telluride is a mountain town surrounded by towering peaks and outdoor adventure. In the summer, the Telluride Bluegrass Festival draws music lovers from all over, while the winter months transform the area into a world-class ski resort.

Hike the popular Bear Creek Trail or the challenging Via Ferrata, or take the free ride up the Telluride Gondola. Bridal Veil Falls, the tallest free-falling waterfall in Colorado, is a must-see. Mountain biking, fishing, and white-water rafting are also popular activities here.

7. Mesa Verde National Park, Cortez

Mesa Verde National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its well-preserved Ancestral Puebloan cliff dwellings. The park covers over 52,000 acres and features more than 600 cliff dwellings.

The park’s extensive network of trails includes the Petroglyph Point Trail, which leads to ancient rock carvings, and the Spruce Tree House. Cliff Palace stands as the largest and most famous cliff dwelling. In the summer, there are three different guided ranger tours available that teach you what the lives of the ancient inhabitants would have looked like.

8. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Montrose

Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park has dramatic and dark, steep canyon walls, which drop nearly 2,000 feet to the Gunnison River below. Split into two districts, it can take hours to drive between the North and South rims.

The South Rim Road is open seasonally with overlooks like the Painted Wall, the highest cliff in Colorado at 2,250 feet. For the adventurous, the inner canyon routes offer challenging hikes and rock climbing. At the end of the East Portal, Gunnison River is also popular for fishing and kayaking.

9. Durango Train Ride, Durango

The Durango Train Ride in Durango is a nostalgic journey through the beautiful San Juan Mountains. This historic steam-powered train travels along the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad, chugging through views of rugged peaks, canyons, and forests.

The round-trip to the charming town of Silverton is a full-day adventure, with time to explore the old mining town’s shops, restaurants, and historic sites. Along the way, passengers can enjoy open-air gondolas. The train also offers special themed rides, such as the Polar Express during the holiday season.

10. Royal Gorge Bridge and Park, Cañon City

Royal Gorge Bridge and Park in Cañon City is home to one of the world’s highest suspension bridges, spanning 1,260 feet across the Royal Gorge at a height of 956 feet. The park has thrilling attractions like the Skycoaster, a giant swing that propels you out over the edge of the canyon, and the zip line that lets you soar high above the gorge.

For those who don’t think dangling precariously over a cliff is a fun time, there is a scenic gondola rides, a historic incline railway, and several hikes nearby. The park’s visitor center also has information on the bridge’s history and construction.

11. Pikes Peak, Colorado Springs

Pikes Peak, known as “America’s Mountain,” is one of the most famous mountains in the United States . Standing at 14,115 feet, it offers a variety of ways to reach the summit, including driving the Pikes Peak Highway, taking the Pikes Peak Cog Railway, or hiking the challenging Barr Trail.

The summit has a view that stretches for miles and even inspired the song “America the Beautiful.” The Pikes Peak Summit House offers refreshments, including the famous high-altitude donuts.

12. Hanging Lake, Glenwood Springs

Hanging Lake is a gorgeous natural waterfall that attracts hikers from all over the world. The trail to the lake is a challenging 1.2-mile climb, but at the top, you’ll find a crystal-clear lake suspended on the edge of a cliff, with lush vegetation and waterfalls cascading into it. The lake has a unique travertine formation and vibrant emerald color.

To protect this fragile ecosystem, a permit is required to hike the trail, and swimming in the lake is prohibited. Nearby Spouting Rock is another must-see, where water gushes out of a cliffside.

13. Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, Morrison

Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre is a world-famous concert venue and a masterpiece of architecture and nature. The natural amphitheater has incredible acoustics and is surrounded by red sandstone formations.

Hiking trails like the Trading Post Trail and the Red Rocks Trail take you around the unique geology. Concertgoers rave about the experience of watching a show under the stars with the Denver skyline in the background. The park is also popular for yoga sessions and fitness workouts on the amphitheater steps.

Vail is a premier mountain destination known for its world-class ski resort and year-round outdoor activities. In the winter, Vail’s expansive ski terrain and back bowls offer something for every level of skier and snowboarder. The alpine village looks almost like you’re in Europe , with bustling shops, restaurants, and après-ski spots.

In the summer, the area transforms into a haven for hiking, biking, and golfing. Popular trails include the Booth Falls Trail and the scenic Gore Valley Trail. They also have the Betty Ford Alpine Gardens, the highest botanical garden in North America. Adventure seekers can try zip-lining, rafting, or even paragliding.

15. Flatirons, Boulder

The Flatirons are massive slabs of sandstone that rise dramatically from the foothills over a trip to Boulder and the surrounding area. The Chautauqua Trailhead gives you access to several popular trails, including the First and Second Flatiron Trails. Rock climbing enthusiasts will find plenty of routes to challenge their skills.

16. Breckenridge

Breckenridge is a historic mining town turned popular ski resort. In the winter, Breckenridge is one of the most visited ski resorts in the country. Don’t miss the Breckenridge International Snow Sculpture Championships held every January.

Summer brings hiking and biking opportunities on trails like the McCullough Gulch Trail and the Peaks Trail. The charming downtown area is always lined with Victorian-era buildings for shopping and dining.

17. Dallas Divide, Ridgway

Dallas Divide is a gorgeous mountain pass with vistas of the San Juan Mountains, a particularly beautiful spot during the fall when the aspen trees turn brilliant gold. Photographers flock here to capture the landscapes at sunrise and sunset.

The Last Dollar Road, accessible from the Dallas Divide, is a popular scenic drive with access to hiking trails. The area is also known for its hot springs.

18. Colorado National Monument, Fruita

Colorado National Monument is a part of the larger Colorado Plateau with towering monoliths and deep canyons. The 23-mile Rim Rock Drive has numerous pullouts for photos. Popular hiking trails include the Devil’s Kitchen Trail and the Serpents Trail. The monument is also a haven for rock climbers, with plenty of challenging routes.

19. Paint Mines Interpretive Park, Calhan

Paint Mines Interpretive Park has striking hoodoos, spires, and carved gullies in deep hues of yellow, red, and purple. These colorful formations were created by the erosion of clay deposits and have been used by Native Americans for centuries to make paint.

20. Colorado Dinosaur National Monument, Dinosaur

Colorado Dinosaur National Monument straddles the Colorado-Utah border and features an extensive quarry with hundreds of dinosaur fossils embedded in the rock. The Quarry Exhibit Hall lets you see fossils up close and learn about the area’s rich prehistoric past.

Several hiking trails, such as the Fossil Discovery Trail and the Sound of Silence Trail, take you to spot fossils in their natural setting. The monument is also home to petroglyphs and pictographs left by ancient peoples.

Catherine, a seasoned travel writer, has lived in 4 different states and explored 36 states and 28 national parks. After spending two years embracing van life, she's now dedicated to sharing her vast knowledge of day trips across America. Catherine's other works has been referenced in major publications like MSN, Self, and TripSavvy.

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