Gap years can come with postcard-perfect memories, but they don’t have to be worth the same—you know, the vintage ones. From charming colonial towns to verdant jungles and vibrant cities, the cheapest destinations in South America for a gap year can still deliver unforgettable experiences. The region offers a treasure trove of affordable travel destinations where you can stretch your dollars without sacrificing adventure or cultural depth.
If you've ever wondered which cheap countries in South America are full of life, flavor, and adventure, this guide is your map. You'll discover which spots are worth exploring, what makes each destination unique, and why traveling smart can be both a wallet-saver and a soul-enricher. Grab your backpack, keep an eye on your budget, and let’s explore the best places for a gap year in South America without breaking the bank.
Big adventures don’t need a big budget.
6 cheapest countries in South America for a gap year
Here are some of the most affordable destinations where your gap year budget can go the farthest, without sacrificing quality or any part of the gap year experience.
1. Bolivia
The hidden gem of Altiplano & beyond
Bolivia is often the first answer when people ask for the cheapest South American country to visit. With affordable transportation, cheap eats, and low-cost lodging, you’ll find your pesos stretch further than many other Latin American destinations. From the dizzying salt flats of Uyuni and the dramatic highlands around La Paz to the lush jungles of Madidi National Park, Bolivia is packed with epically beautiful scenery.
Opt for shared dorms or casas de familia (homestays) for a cultural immersion that doesn’t cost much. Volunteer placements in education and conservation are plentiful and often include room and board. Tango over to the Andean markets, nibble fresh llama meat, and immerse yourself in a country rich in indigenous culture—all without draining your bank account.
2. Ecuador
Budget-friendly journey in the country of four worlds
Ecuador proves that you don’t need to spend big to get variety. This compact nation hosts everything from cloud forests in Mindo to Andean volcanoes, such as Cotopaxi, and charming colonial Quito. With the shift in 2000 to the US dollar, travelers find comfort in predictable pricing too.
Affordable public transport, fresh produce, and hostels with communal kitchens help you stretch every dollar. Lots of gap year programs in Ecuador combine service, language classes, and adventure hiking opportunities. Whether you're based in Otavalo or exploring the Amazon basin, the country offers countless affordable adventures that enrich your mind and wallet.
Go where few travelers do—and spend even less.
3. Paraguay
Gap year haven in Corazon de America
Paraguay is one of the least-visited cheap countries in South America, but that means you get untouched nature, vibrant culture, and low prices. Spend your gap year exploring Jesuit Missions, kayaking on the Paraguay River, or volunteering in rural schools—all without a tourist price tag.
Expect modest hotel rates and simple meals that cost just a few dollars. The Paraguayan Guaraní may be off most radars, but once you’re there, you’ll appreciate budget-friendly living in a laid-back cultural setting. If you're looking for an authentic, under-the-radar South American gap year, Paraguay should be on your map.
4. Peru
Affordable adventure in the land of the Incas
Peru often ranks high on gap year lists, and with good reason. You can hike the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, volunteer in the Sacred Valley, or learn Spanish in Arequipa on a shoestring budget. Hostels with shared dorms can cost less than $10 per night, and bus travel through the Andes is both affordable and scenic.
The nation of timid alpacas (don’t miss out on a farm tour with them!) usually come up when travelers search for the cheapest destinations in South America for a gap year. Rightfully so, Peru offers an interesting mix of culture, adventure, and value. Local meals from markets—think empanadas and cuy—can go as low as $2. Plus, many budget-friendly language schools and volunteer placements offer housing and meals in exchange for work.
5. Argentina
Experience more for less in the land of fire
Argentina is a dream for budget-conscious travelers who love dramatic landscapes and rich culture. While cities like Buenos Aires offer European charm on a budget, destinations like Mendoza, Salta, and Bariloche deliver outdoor adventure and cultural depth. Street food, local wines, and public transportation are incredibly affordable, and Argentina’s economic fluctuations often favor foreign travelers.
Culture, mountains, and mate—without the hefty price tag.
Gap year opportunities range from Spanish immersion and tango lessons to volunteering in rural areas or working with NGOs. Student discounts are common and slow travel is not only affordable, it’s also part of the lifestyle. Whether you're sipping yerba mate with locals or hiking the Andes, Argentina gives you more for less.
6. Brazil
Culture and nature in the lungs of the Earth
Brazil offers a vibrant mix of beaches, jungles, and cityscapes—all at a surprisingly reasonable cost, especially outside tourist hotspots like Rio. Cities like Salvador, Florianópolis, and Recife are rich in culture and more budget-friendly for gap year travelers. Hostels, street food (hello, pão de queijo), and long-distance buses help stretch your funds across this vast country.
You can volunteer in favela education programs, join environmental conservation efforts in the Amazon, or study Portuguese in laid-back towns. Brazil’s diversity makes it easy to tailor your gap year to your interests without draining your savings. And with a lively music, dance, and culinary scene, each day feels like a celebration.
Explore more affordable gap year programs in South America
Alumni highlights: Gap year travelers in South America
Wondering what a budget-friendly gap year in South America really looks like? These alumni prove that unforgettable adventures don’t require a luxury price tag. From meaningful volunteer work to local immersion, their stories highlight rich experiences at a reasonable fee.
I loved my time with IOI
“I would recommend this volunteer experience to others because it is so hands on and involved, and you really feel like you're contributing to the work on the island. The cost to volunteer is also extremely reasonable, especially compared to other programmes and you get access to a beautiful island…” – Anna, Gap Year Volunteering in Galapagos with IOI
Worth it and so much more
“I was looking for a program that focused on herbalism and a natural, holistic look at life and medicine… The cost of the program covers delicious cuisine for most of your meals, multiple excursions to incredible sights often featured in National Geographic, and an introduction and entrance into the culture on so many levels…” – Lila, Experiential Learning in Peru with Linguistic Horizons
Traveling within, fairly easy and inexpensive
“When I was deciding where to go for my gap year, I realized that I only had enough money to fly to one country. Since I was going to be in the same country for six months, I looked for one that had a lot of geographical variety so there would be plenty to explore. Ecuador was perfect for this because it is comprised of four totally different environmental regions; the Andes highlands, the Amazon Rainforest, the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands…” – Linnea Menin, IVHQ Alumni in Ecuador
For more stories and budgeting tips from world travelers, check out GoAbroad’s alumni interviews and reviews on any program you’re interested in!
Why do you have to pay for a gap year program?
What you’re really paying for is purpose, safety, and impact.
You might ask, “Do you have to pay for a gap year?” The simple answer is yes, but for good reason. Gap year programs include more than just room and board; you have to pay for essential elements like structured curriculum, local guidance, travel logistics, housing placements, and often life-changing volunteer experiences.
These fees also help cover community partners, safeguarding protocols, medical support, and professional development components such as teaching English, conservation work, or language instruction. Ultimately, paying for a gap year program isn’t just about convenience—it’s about investment in safety, learning, and fostering positive impact in the places you visit.
Your gap year in South America—big adventures on a small budget
If you're searching for the cheapest destinations in South America for a gap year, the countries above all offer epic landscapes, cultural immersion, and affordability. These places prove that travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be enriching.
You can design an experience built on learning, service, and exploration without breaking the bank. Remember, the goal of going on a gap year isn’t merely exploring—it’s making an impact. And budget-friendly destinations allow you to amplify that impact by stretching every dollar into more experiences.
Looking to get started? Get recommendations for budget-friendly gap year programs now.
Look for the Perfect Gap Year Program Now
Start Your Search