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As much of America is in the throes of what hopes to be the last nationwide cold front, what better way to cap off winter than an epic adventure to some of Latin America’s safest and cheapest cities?
February travelers still in search of winter sun don’t have to lounge poolside with a fruity cocktail in hand, as nice as that may be.
Sometimes, exploring cultural cities is just what the doctor orders, especially when surrounded by astounding nature and splendid weather.
GOBankingRates compiled a list of some of the most affordable places to visit, offering sunny skies, low crime rates, and wallet-friendly prices – and these 3 underrated Latin American cities stood out the most:
Salta, Argentina: $12 Stays & Divine Wine
If the winter blues have gone down, a warm-weather adventure awaits far from home. The colonial town of Salta, obviously overshadowed by the urban sprawl of Buenos Aires, is a hidden gem well worth the trek to reach.
Known for jaw-dropping red landscapes and divine wine served at ample vineyards open to the public, Salta is an ideal place to enjoy being outdoors for anyone who needs a break from shoveling their driveway back home.
GOBankingRates claims hotels drop significantly this time of year – as much as 35%, meaning you can score comfortable stays as low as $12.
This might seem like a pipe dream, but I researched it myself, and no, they’re wrong.
It’s $11! You can save that extra buck by staying at El Chabot Fan albeit it is a hostel, not a luxe hotel.
But, nicer accommodations offer great value too, like 4-star Hotel Salta for only $60. And food is quite cheap as well with local faves, empanadas or locro soup, costing under $4.
Circling back to the outdoors, once you reach Salta, you’re journey is only beginning. An absolute must if taking the Tren a las Nubes, translating to “Train of the Clouds”, chugging through the vast Andes.
Of course, being named Salta, you might have concluded there’s a reason for that. The city’s top attraction is undoubtedly the Salinas Grandes (Salt Flats), one of the most Instagram-able sites in Argentina.
Cusco, Peru: Magnetizing Culture And Machu Picchu Base
When you think of Peru, the bustling capital of Lima likely comes to mind, but so does the fascinating ancient site of Machu Picchu, one of the most globally recognized portals into the Old World.
To get here, your bet is flying into Cusco, a colonial time capsule that saw record numbers in 2024.
The city itself makes for a trip all on its own as you’ll be magnetized exploring the immaculately kept timeless streets of one of the Americas’ oldest destinations.
Cusco’s Old Town is UNESCO-protected and one of the best spots to make your base to wake up to a picturesque cobbled maze lined with cozy cafes, Spanish-inspired monuments, and postcard-perfect Plaza de Armas.
Cusco is also insanely affordable. As inflation has everyone lifting sofa cushions for loose change, your bank account won’t take a bruising enjoying all of Cusco’s delights
In fact, your biggest expense (besides airfare, obviously), will be a train from Cusco to Machu Picchu. Booking a guided tour is cheaper, however, ranging from $50 – $70 per person.
Not too shabby for a bucket-list destination.
Montevideo, Uruguay: Move Over, Arby’s! They’ve Got The Meats!
At one point or another, we’ve all been tasked with planning a nice date night, and there’s nothing more reliable than booking a mouth-watering steak dinner.
With that comes a hefty bill, but not in Montevideo, where going for a $10 steak is more of a way of life than a special occasion.
Better yet, GOBankingRates reports Montevideo sees hotel rates drop as much as 30%, where you can score seaside vacation rentals as low as $25 per night.
Visiting the beach doesn’t cost a penny, so the savings stack up even more since the city is a springboard to 400 miles of coastline.
Getting around by public transit costs about 75 cents whether hitting up the beach, perusing intriguing museums, or dabbling goodies sold at many buzzing markets dispersed throughout the city, such as local favorite La Feria de Tristán Narvaja.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
