7 Affordable Places to Visit in South America After the Holiday Season
Written by
Jamie Stone
Edited by
Rebekah Evans
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The holiday travel season ends after New Year’s Day, making January and February ideal months to explore South America — and save money. Hotel, transportation and attraction prices drop significantly during this time, allowing travelers the opportunity to enjoy vibrant destinations without breaking the bank.
Here are eight budget-friendly places to visit in South America after the holiday travel rush.
Salta, Argentina
Known for its stunning red-rock landscapes, Salta is a great option for budget travelers. After the holidays, boutique hotels and hostels lower their rates by 25 to 35%, with accommodations starting at only $12 per night. Car rentals, ideal for exploring the nearby Quebrada de Humahuaca and Cafayate wine region, are discounted as well. Tasting local empanadas or locro soup costs just $2 to 4, approximately.
La Paz, Bolivia
La Paz, Bolivia’s high-altitude capital, is a must for travelers. In the off-season, hostels cost as little as $8 per night and three-course meals at local restaurants start at just $5. Mi Teleférico, the famous cable car system offers scenic views for less than $1 per ride and tours to the nearby Moon Valley and day trips to Lake Titicaca are heavily discounted, with prices starting at $20.
Florianópolis, Brazil
While Brazil’s Carnival season can get very pricey, visiting Florianópolis right after New Year’s is definitely a budget-friendly beach getaway. Accommodations drop by up to 40%, with hostels starting at only $15 per night. Public buses (costing less than $1 per trip) connect you to stunning beaches like Praia Mole and Joaquina. Fresh seafood meals at local eateries range from $8 to 12, approximately.
Cusco, Peru
Cusco, the gateway to Machu Picchu, becomes much more affordable in January after the holidays. With smaller crowds, hotel prices drop by 20 to 30% and flights to the city are also cheaper. Guided tours of Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley can cost as little as $50 to 70 per person, and you’ll also find discounts at local markets and restaurants offering authentic Peruvian cuisine, like alpaca steak and ceviche.
Santiago, Chile
Chile’s bustling capital of Santiago offers significant savings after the holiday rush. Flights to Santiago drop by up to 30% and Airbnb accommodations can be as low as $20 per night. Wine tours in the nearby Maipo Valley, which are popular and costly during the high season, are now more affordable, with group tours starting at $25. Public transportation is efficient and costs just $1 to 2 per ride.
Quito, Ecuador
Quito offers incredible value for travelers in January and February. Boutique hotels and hostels slash rates by up to 40%, with prices starting at only $10 per night. Guided tours to the famous Mitad del Mundo (Middle of the World) Monument are discounted to around $15. The city’s public transport system costs less than 50 cents per ride, making it easy to explore its colonial streets and museums affordably.
Montevideo, Uruguay
Montevideo is a hidden gem for affordable post-holiday travel. Hotel rates drop by around 30% and cozy seaside rentals cost as little as $25 per night. Dining at local parrillas (steakhouses) is inexpensive, with meals starting at $10. Travelers can explore the city’s museums, markets and beaches for minimal costs, with public transport fares averaging around 75 cents per ride.
Editor’s note: Pricing is accurate as of Jan. 8, 2025 and is subject to change.
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