South America
Colombia
Colonial Caribbean towns, coffee-country hikes, and vibrant cities — Colombia is South America's most exciting value destination.
Colombia has become one of South America’s top backpacker destinations, with Caribbean beaches, Andean coffee country, and lively cities all within one affordable country.
Why it’s cheap
Hostel dorms cost $8–15, and a menú del día (soup, main, and a juice) runs $3–5. Coffee in the Zona Cafetera is excellent and costs next to nothing.
Getting around
Distances are big and mountain roads are slow, so compare buses with budget airlines. Avianca, LATAM, and Wingo often have domestic fares under $40, which can beat a 20-hour bus ride on both price and time.
Where budget meets comfort
Salento and the Cocora Valley have cosy fincas for $20–30 a night. Medellín’s Laureles neighbourhood is a cheaper, calmer base than El Poblado, and Cartagena is best kept to a day or two before heading to cheaper Caribbean spots like Palomino or Minca.