Home to gorgeous colonial towns, nature preserves of outstanding beauty, and warm-hearted people who will go out of their way to make sure you feel welcome, Latin America is one of the leading destinations for Americans and Europeans right now.
Not only is it a sunny getaway filled with natural and manmade wonders, but on top of that, it’s incredibly cheap if you’re earning in dollars, or any high-valued currency, thanks to the excellent conversion rates and lower consumer prices seen across the subcontinent.
If you’re planning on exploring the Global South and experiencing its fascinating culture sometime soon, but sticking to the budget is important, these are the 5 of the most affordable spots to visit:
Asuncion, Paraguay
Number five on the list, Asuncion is filled to the brim with stately palaces, museums, and heritage buildings dating back to the period of Spanish control; as the capital of Paraguay, it’s also the country’s financial center and a vibrant city over half a million call home.
Among the main points of interest, culture enthusiasts should make sure they pay the Casa de la Independencia a visit, an 18th century house that played a key role in Paraguay’s independence from Spain, the National Pantheon of the Heroes, and the charming, shop-lined Calle Palma.
If you’re wondering how much a one-week trip to Asuncion will cost you, you should plan on spending around $67 per day, including accommodation, food and transportation, or overall $469, making it one of the least-expensive city breaks in the Americas.
Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala
The colonial treasure of Guatemala, Antigua Guatemala is one of the oldest and most culturally-significant towns in all of Latin America, with cobbled lanes lined by brightly-painted low houses and a Baroque gem to be found in every corner.
Other than the numerous Instagrammable streets and plazas, the most notable landmarks are La Merced Church, built as early as 1749, and of course, the unmissable, yellow-washed Santa Catalina Arch, with its clock tower that’s a symbol of Guatemala.
Visiting Antigua, your estimated expenses according to Budget Your Trip are $63 per day, or $440 for the whole week: if you’re hoping to sample traditional food, pepián de pollo from a local market costs $2-3, and a three-star hotel will only set you back by $43 per night.
La Paz, Bolivia
There are many reasons why you should add the lesser-known La Paz in Bolivia to your bucket list this summer: you’ll get to say you’ve set foot in the highest administrative capital in the world, it’s set against the dramatic mountainous backdrop of Cordillera Real, and the food scene is unrivaled.
Strolling the winding streets of the city center, you’ll find a series of street markets, including the trendy Witches’ Market, imposing basilicas that have survived the modernist makeover of the past century, and a plethora of restaurants serving local faves anticucho, salteñas, silpancho, and what have you.
Besides the off-path appeal and the flavorful cuisine, La Paz fits every wallet: you can gorge on some amazing food, see all the main sights, and even book yourself a private room in the central district, all under $44 per day, or $311 per week.
Salvador de Bahia, Brazil
Forget Rio and its overpriced Copacabana beachfront: Salvador de Bahia is easily Brazil’s most beautiful coastal city, and we still can’t fathom why it’s yet to reach international stardom when it’s dirt cheap compared to its competitor.
The Old Town is an absolute marvel to look at, with Portuguese architecture and ornate facades making up the cityscape, the white sand beaches lapped by bright-blue waters put Rio’s to shame, and the African and indigenous Brazilian-influenced cuisine is a treat for the palate.
Similarly to La Paz, tourists spend on average $311 in Salvador, with particularly-cheap prices observed for food ($13 per day if you’re not frequenting upscale restaurants) and transportation ($6), while hotel overnights are a median $48.
Granada, Nicaragua
The cheapest cultural Latin American destination on this list, Granada is one of Nicaragua’s leading tourist destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site distinct for its preserved colonial character and the breathtaking nature that surrounds it.
The Cathedral of Granada is only one of several Spanish-built wonders that have endured repeated pirate invasions and the changing of times: from the Polvora Fortress to the picturesque Calle La Calzada, the beating heart of the city since the 1500s, the list is truly endless.
On top of its Old World charm, Granada sits on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, to which the name of the country is attributed, within easy reach of epic hikes and unspoiled jungle—plus, it costs a surprisingly affordable $40 per day to visit, or $278 weekly.
Credit: Source link
