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Bogota, Colombia
Start your journey in Colombia's vibrant capital. Explore the colourful La Candelaria neighbourhood, visit the Gold Museum, and fuel up on arepas and fresh-squeezed juice. It's a great budget-friendly gateway into South America.
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Cartagena, Colombia
A stunning walled Caribbean city with pastel-coloured colonial architecture. Wander the old town at dusk, sip cocktails on rooftop bars, and take a day trip to the Rosario Islands for snorkelling. Street food here is cheap and delicious.
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San Jose, Costa Rica
Use San José as a base to explore Costa Rica's incredible biodiversity. Day trips to Poás Volcano and the Central Valley are easy and affordable. The Mercado Central is perfect for a cheap local lunch of casado.
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Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Home to one of Costa Rica's most beloved national parks with white-sand beaches and howler monkeys overhead. Hiking trails through jungle to the coast are breathtaking and entry fees are low. Look out for sloths and scarlet macaws along the way.
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Panama City, Panama
Don't miss the iconic Panama Canal — a Miraflores Locks visit is affordable and fascinating. The Casco Viejo neighbourhood offers great street food and nightlife on a budget. Panama City is also a handy transport hub for onward travel.
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Quito, Ecuador
Ecuador's high-altitude capital sits dramatically in an Andean valley. Visit the UNESCO-listed old town, stand on the equator at Mitad del Mundo, and eat fresh ceviche for next to nothing. It's also the main jumping-off point for the Galápagos.
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Galapagos Islands, Galápagos Islands
One of the world's greatest wildlife experiences — swim with sea lions, spot giant tortoises, and walk among blue-footed boobies. Budget travellers should base themselves on Santa Cruz or San Cristóbal and take day tours rather than expensive live-aboards. Book flights from Quito well in advance to keep costs down.
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Lima, Peru
Peru's capital is a world-class food destination — ceviche, lomo saltado, and pisco sours are unmissable. The Miraflores and Barranco neighbourhoods are great for budget eats and coastal walks. Visit Larco Museum for pre-Columbian history without breaking the bank.
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Cusco, Peru
The ancient Inca capital is a magical city packed with history and surrounded by incredible mountain scenery. Take time to acclimatise before exploring the Plaza de Armas and nearby Sacsayhuamán ruins. The famous Inca Trail or cheaper alternatives like the Salkantay Trek lead to Machu Picchu.
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Machu Picchu, Peru
The legendary Inca citadel perched above the cloud forest is truly unmissable. Book timed entry tickets well in advance as numbers are strictly limited. Stay in Aguas Calientes the night before for an early morning entrance and fewer crowds.
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La Paz, Bolivia
The world's highest capital city is a budget traveller's paradise with incredibly cheap food and accommodation. Ride the colourful Mi Teleférico cable car system for panoramic views and visit the famous Witches' Market. Day trips to Valle de la Luna and Tiwanaku are easy and very affordable.
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Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The world's largest salt flat is a surreal and otherworldly landscape — especially breathtaking at sunrise and after rain. Budget three-day jeep tours from Uyuni town are excellent value and also take in coloured lagoons and flamingos. One of South America's most iconic experiences at a very affordable price.
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Atacama Desert, Chile
San Pedro de Atacama is the base for exploring the driest non-polar desert on Earth. Highlights include Valle de la Luna, El Tatio geysers at dawn, and some of the clearest stargazing skies in the world. Many sights are accessible independently by bike to keep costs low.
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Santiago, Chile
Chile's sophisticated capital has excellent free museums, vibrant street art in Barrio Italia, and great-value local wine. Climb Cerro San Cristóbal for sweeping views of the city against the Andes backdrop. It's a good place to stock up on gear before heading south to Patagonia.
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Puerto Natales, Chile
The small gateway town to Torres del Paine National Park is where you'll plan and prepare your Patagonia adventure. Stock up on supplies here as everything inside the park is expensive. The town has cosy hostels, hearty lamb stew, and a friendly traveller atmosphere.
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Torres del Paine, Chile
One of the world's greatest national parks with dramatic granite towers, glaciers, and vivid turquoise lakes. The famous W Trek takes around 5 days and can be done independently with refugio bookings made months in advance. Bring all your own food to keep costs manageable — the scenery will leave you speechless.
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El Calafate, Argentina
Home to the breathtaking Perito Moreno Glacier, one of the few glaciers in the world still advancing. You can walk along the boardwalks for free once inside Los Glaciares National Park and hear the thunderous cracking of ice. A budget-friendly base for Argentine Patagonia exploration.
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Bariloche, Argentina
Argentina's lake district is stunningly beautiful with Swiss-like scenery, chocolate shops, and crystal-clear lakes. The Circuito Chico loop by bike is a classic free activity with incredible views. Try locally brewed craft beer and affordable parrilla (BBQ) in town.
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Buenos Aires, Argentina
South America's most European city is a cultural feast — tango shows, free museums, incredible steakhouses, and lively neighbourhoods like Palermo and San Telmo. Street food and local markets keep costs low, and the city's energy is electric day and night. A perfect grand finale to a six-month adventure.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
End your epic journey in one of the world's most iconic cities. Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountain, and Copacabana Beach are unmissable — many viewpoints and beaches are free. Explore the Santa Teresa neighbourhood for street art and affordable local boteco bars.