Top 14 'Andean-Adventure' Backpacking Spots to stay at in South America for Under $30 a Day - Goh Ling Yong
The Andes. Just the name conjures images of mist-shrouded peaks, ancient ruins, and a vibrant tapestry of cultures stretching thousands of miles. For a backpacker, this mountain range isn't just a geographical feature; it's the ultimate adventure playground, the backbone of a continent that promises transformation with every dusty bus ride and high-altitude trek. But isn't a trip like that incredibly expensive?
You might think that a journey through such epic landscapes would require a similarly epic budget. I'm here to tell you that's one of the greatest travel myths out there. South America, particularly the Andean corridor, is one of the most budget-friendly backpacking destinations on the planet. With a little bit of planning and a taste for adventure, you can not only survive but thrive on less than $30 a day.
This isn't about roughing it; it's about traveling smarter. It’s about swapping overpriced tourist restaurants for bustling local markets, choosing cozy hostels over sterile hotels, and embracing the simple, profound experiences that cost next to nothing. So, grab your backpack and a notebook. Here are 14 incredible Andean-adventure spots where your money will go further than you ever imagined.
1. Salento, Colombia
Welcome to the heart of Colombia's coffee region, the Eje Cafetero. Salento is a ridiculously charming town with a kaleidoscope of colorful colonial buildings, a laid-back vibe, and some of the friendliest locals you'll ever meet. It’s the kind of place you plan to stay for two days and end up leaving after two weeks.
The main draws here are coffee and the Cocora Valley. You can spend a morning touring a local finca (coffee farm), learning the entire bean-to-cup process and sampling some of the world's best coffee right at the source. The next day, hop in a vintage "Willy" jeep and ride standing on the back bumper to the breathtaking Cocora Valley, home to the world's tallest palm trees. The hike through the valley is an unforgettable, otherworldly experience.
- Staying on Budget: A dorm bed at a top-rated hostel like Viajero Salento will set you back about $10-12. A hearty menu del día (lunch of the day) costs around $3-4. The jeep to Cocora Valley is a couple of dollars, and a coffee tour is less than $10. You'll have plenty of cash left over to try the local trout dish, trucha, and play a game of Tejo (an explosive local sport involving gunpowder and beer).
2. Minca, Colombia
If Salento is the heart of the coffee region, Minca is its wild, bohemian soul. Tucked into the Sierra Nevada mountains above the Caribbean coast, this small village is a paradise for nature lovers. It's a place of cascading waterfalls, organic coffee and cacao farms, and epic birdwatching opportunities.
The vibe here is pure relaxation. Days are spent hiking to waterfalls like Marinka or Pozo Azul for a refreshing swim, lounging in a giant hammock at a mountainside hostel, or learning how chocolate is made at a local farm. The sunsets over the mountains, with views stretching to the sea, are absolutely spectacular and, of course, completely free.
- Staying on Budget: Minca is even cheaper than Salento. Hostels like Casa Loma offer dorms and hammocks for as little as $8. Food is simple, local, and inexpensive. Your main costs will be moto-taxis to get to more remote trailheads, but even these are only a few dollars. It's easy to live well here for under $25 a day.
3. Baños, Ecuador
Baños de Agua Santa, or simply Baños, is Ecuador's adventure capital, nestled dramatically at the base of the active Tungurahua volcano. This town is all about adrenaline and natural beauty. From whitewater rafting and canyoning to ziplining across vast gorges, there’s an activity here for every thrill-seeker.
Not into extreme sports? No problem. Rent a bike for $5 and cycle the stunning Ruta de las Cascadas (Waterfall Route), a mostly downhill path that follows the river canyon. You'll pass a dozen waterfalls, including the thunderous Pailon del Diablo. End your day by soaking in the town's namesake thermal baths, a perfect remedy for sore muscles.
- Staying on Budget: Adventure activities can add up, but they are incredibly cheap here compared to elsewhere in the world (e.g., canyoning for $25). To balance it out, hostels like Community Hostel & Lounge are fantastic value at around $10. Food is a steal, with three-course almuerzos (lunches) available for $2.50.
4. Cuenca, Ecuador
For a dose of colonial charm and city life without the big-city price tag, Cuenca is unbeatable. This UNESCO World Heritage city is a maze of cobblestone streets, grand plazas, and blue-domed cathedrals. It's a city for walking, for getting lost, and for sipping coffee in a quiet courtyard.
Beyond the city's beauty, it serves as a perfect base for exploring Cajas National Park, a starkly beautiful high-altitude landscape of over 700 lakes. You can take a local bus there for a couple of dollars and spend a day hiking in what feels like another world. Cuenca is also the primary producer of the famous "Panama" hats (which are actually Ecuadorian!).
- Staying on Budget: Cuenca has a large expat population, which means you can find a wide range of food options, but the local markets offer the best value. You can fill up on incredible street food for just a few dollars. Hostels like Selina Cuenca offer comfortable dorms for around $11-14, making it easy to stay on budget.
5. Otavalo, Ecuador
Known for hosting one of South America's largest and most famous indigenous markets, Otavalo is a must-visit for anyone interested in culture and crafts. Every Saturday, the city explodes into a riot of color as local artisans fill the streets to sell everything from intricate textiles and alpaca wool sweaters to handmade jewelry and art.
But Otavalo is more than just its market. It’s surrounded by stunning natural beauty. A short trip out of town can take you to the magnificent Cuicocha crater lake, where you can hike the rim or take a boat tour. The nearby Peguche waterfall is another sacred and beautiful spot, perfect for a short afternoon hike.
- Staying on Budget: Haggling at the market is part of the fun and can save you a lot of money. For accommodation, Hostal Flying Donkey is a backpacker favorite, with dorm beds for under $10. The best way to eat cheaply is at the market's food stalls, where you can get a massive, delicious meal for just $2-3.
6. Huaraz, Peru
Welcome to the trekking capital of Peru. Huaraz itself isn't the prettiest city, but it's the gateway to the Cordillera Blanca, the highest tropical mountain range in the world. The snow-capped peaks and turquoise glacial lakes here are simply mind-blowing, and the best part is that accessing this world-class scenery is incredibly cheap.
The must-do day hike is Laguna 69, a challenging but rewarding trek to a shockingly blue lake at the foot of a massive glacier. For multi-day trekkers, the famous Santa Cruz trek is an epic 4-day journey that many consider one of the best hikes in the world. As a travel writer, I find that spots like Huaraz are exactly what makes backpacking so rewarding—maximum adventure for a minimal price.
- Staying on Budget: This is where your budget goes a long way. Guided day tours to places like Laguna 69 cost as little as $10-12 (transport only). A dorm at a great hostel like Akilpo is about $8. You can eat massive portions of chicken and rice for $3. Your biggest expense will be the park entrance fees, but they are worth every single sol.
7. Arequipa, Peru
Known as "The White City" for its stunning colonial buildings made from white volcanic sillar rock, Arequipa is a beautiful, sophisticated, and much more relaxed alternative to Cusco. It sits in the shadow of three majestic volcanoes and enjoys over 300 days of sunshine a year.
Arequipa is the jumping-off point for trips into the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world and a prime spot for watching the majestic Andean Condor soar on the thermals. The city itself is a delight to explore, from the sprawling Santa Catalina Monastery to the vibrant San Camilo Market.
- Staying on Budget: While Colca Canyon tours can be pricey, you can do it independently for much cheaper by taking local buses. In Arequipa, hostels like Arequipay Backpackers are a bargain at $9. Be sure to eat at a traditional picantería for a huge, affordable, and authentic lunch experience.
8. Cusco, Peru
Yes, the gateway to Machu Picchu can be done on a budget! While the iconic Inca citadel is a significant expense, the city of Cusco itself can be surprisingly affordable. This ancient Inca capital is a mesmerizing blend of indigenous and colonial history, with cobblestone streets, impressive ruins, and a buzzing energy.
Spend your days acclimatizing to the altitude by exploring the San Blas neighborhood, visiting the Qorikancha (Sun Temple), and people-watching in the Plaza de Armas. There are dozens of cheaper, less-famous ruins and day trips you can take from the city, like the Maras salt mines and Moray agricultural terraces.
- Staying on Budget: The key is to avoid the tourist traps around the main square. Just a few blocks away, you'll find local restaurants with lunch menus for $3. The San Pedro market is your best friend for cheap eats and groceries. Hostels like Kokopelli Hostel Cusco offer a social vibe and dorms for around $12, making it easy to meet other travelers and share costs.
9. Huacachina, Peru
Okay, this one isn't technically in the Andes, but it's a non-negotiable stop on the classic "Gringo Trail" through Peru. Huacachina is a surreal desert oasis—a tiny village and a lagoon surrounded by colossal sand dunes. It's an adrenaline junkie's playground.
The main activities here are dune buggying and sandboarding. For about $10-15, you can hop into a Mad Max-style buggy for a white-knuckle roller coaster ride over the dunes, followed by a chance to try your hand at sandboarding down the steep sandy slopes. Watching the sunset from the top of a dune is an unforgettable experience.
- Staying on Budget: The dune buggy/sandboarding combo tour is the main expense, but it's fantastic value. Accommodation at a party spot like Wild Rover is cheap (around $10), and food and drinks are very reasonably priced. It’s a place to have a ton of fun without breaking the bank.
10. Copacabana, Bolivia
Perched on the shores of the mythical Lake Titicaca, the highest navigable lake in the world, Copacabana is Bolivia's lakeside paradise. It has a tranquil, almost spiritual atmosphere, with deep blue waters set against the backdrop of the snow-capped Cordillera Real.
From Copacabana, you can take a boat to Isla del Sol, the legendary birthplace of the Inca sun god. Spend a day (or even a night) hiking across the island, passing small villages, ancient ruins, and endless stunning lake views. Back in town, hike up Cerro Calvario for the best sunset views over the lake.
- Staying on Budget: Welcome to Bolivia, where your money stretches like magic. Hostels like Hostal Joshua are as cheap as $6-8. A delicious fresh trout dinner by the lake will only cost you about $4-5. The boat to Isla del Sol is your main activity cost, but it's still very affordable.
11. La Paz, Bolivia
Prepare for an assault on the senses. La Paz is a city of chaotic beauty, sprawling through a massive canyon and climbing up its steep sides. It’s the highest capital city in the world, and its unique blend of Aymara culture, colonial architecture, and dramatic topography makes it unlike anywhere else.
Ride the Mi Teleférico (the city's incredible cable car system) for bird's-eye views, explore the bizarre Witches' Market, and for the brave, bike the infamous "Death Road." Years ago, when I was reading through Goh Ling Yong's archives for inspiration, it was stories about places like La Paz that solidified my desire for a real adventure.
- Staying on Budget: You can live like royalty in La Paz for under $30 a day. A dorm at the legendary Wild Rover or the quieter Loki Hostel is about $8-10. Street food is everywhere and costs less than a dollar. The Teleférico is a public transit system, so a ride costs pennies. Even the Death Road tour is a great value for a full-day, adrenaline-pumping experience.
12. Sucre, Bolivia
If La Paz is chaos, Sucre is calm. This is Bolivia's constitutional capital and its most beautiful city. The entire city center is a UNESCO site, filled with pristine, whitewashed colonial buildings, peaceful courtyards, and lovely churches. It’s a popular place for backpackers to settle in for a week or two to study Spanish.
Beyond its beauty, you can visit the nearby Tarabuco Market on a Sunday to see indigenous communities in their traditional dress, or head to Cal Orck'o to see real dinosaur footprints preserved in a limestone cliff face. Mostly, though, Sucre is a place to slow down, relax, and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.
- Staying on Budget: Sucre is ridiculously cheap. You can find private rooms for the price of a dorm elsewhere, and hostels like The Beehive offer great value for around $9. The central market is one of the best in South America, where you can get a two-course lunch for about $1.50. Spanish lessons here are also some of the cheapest on the continent.
13. Samaipata, Bolivia
For those looking to get a bit off the beaten path, Samaipata is a hidden gem. Located in the foothills of the Andes where the mountains meet the Amazon basin, this small, artsy town has a subtropical climate and an incredibly relaxed, international vibe.
The area is known for two main attractions: the pre-Inca ceremonial site of El Fuerte de Samaipata and the giant ferns of Amboró National Park. It's a fantastic spot for hiking, birdwatching, and simply enjoying a slower pace of life away from the main tourist trail.
- Staying on Budget: Samaipata caters to budget travelers. You can find cozy hostels like Andoriña Hostal Arte y Cultura for under $10. The town has great, affordable restaurants thanks to its expat community, but cooking your own meals from the local market produce is the cheapest way to go.
14. Vilcabamba, Ecuador
Known as the "Valley of Longevity," Vilcabamba has a reputation for its residents living exceptionally long lives, a fact they attribute to the clean air, pure water, and stress-free lifestyle. This small, tranquil town nestled in a lush green valley is the perfect place to end your Andean adventure.
The main activities here are hiking, horseback riding, and relaxing. There are numerous trails leading into the surrounding hills and Podocarpus National Park. The vibe is very health-conscious and spiritual, making it a great place to recharge your batteries before heading home or continuing your journey.
- Staying on Budget: Vilcabamba is a haven for budget-conscious travelers and long-term expats. Hostels are plentiful and cheap, with options like Hostal Izhcayluma offering dorms for around $10, often including yoga classes. Food is healthy, fresh, and very affordable, especially at the local market.
Your Andean Adventure Awaits
Backpacking through the Andes on less than $30 a day isn't a fantasy; it's a completely achievable reality. It's a path that trades luxury for authenticity, convenience for adventure, and tourist traps for genuine human connection. From the coffee fields of Colombia to the salt flats of Bolivia, this journey will challenge you, change you, and leave you with memories that no amount of money can buy.
The best part? This list is just the beginning. The Andes are filled with countless other small towns and hidden valleys waiting to be discovered. The key is to travel slowly, talk to locals, and always say "yes" to new experiences.
Now it's your turn. Have you backpacked through the Andes on a budget? What are your favorite money-saving spots or tips? Share your wisdom in the comments below—let's help each other explore this incredible continent
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
Stay updated with the latest posts and insights by following on your favorite platform!