South America, the home of steak, salt-flats and really late suppers, is brimming with bucket-list ideas. From Iguazu Falls to the Amazonian jungle, it's no surprise that the continent can be found on any avid traveller's must-visit list.
But it's an unfortunate truth that South America can be pricey. A recent Forbes article cited Brazil as more expensive than Europe and you'd be pressed to find a cheap tour of Machu Picchu.
So here are 10 places to visit in South America that are not only absolutely must-sees but won't cost you the earth.
South America
San Pedro de Atacama(01 of10)
A hippie's heaven and a backpacker's paradise, Northern Chile's San Pedro de Atacama is the world's driest desert. With fewer than five streets, one might presume "exclusive" San Pedro to be pricey, however there are plenty of hostels and guest houses to choose from and excursions range from the more expensive (salt flat tours: £90) to cheap (star gazing: approximately £15).
La Paz(02 of10)
La Paz, the disputed capital city of Bolivia, is known for its altitude - it's the highest "capital" city in the world, location inside what resembles a giant crater and cheapness. The perfect city for a shoestring visit, La Paz is bursting with party hostels, budget backpacker activities (from visiting Moon Valley to cycling the terrifying Death Road) and low cost food (if you're willing to risk it!).
Buenos Aires(03 of10)
Buenos Aires - where steak is cheaper than chicken. Ditch the posh shops (and there are A LOT of them) and head straight to the markets (the main two are La Boca on Saturdays and San Telmo on Sundays) where you'll be able to find thousands of deals and fight a mean bargain (if your Spanish is up to scratch).
Rio de Janeiro(04 of10)
Rio can be expensive but there are ways of getting around it. Firstly, most of the main tourist sites are free to visit, including these world-famous steps (Escadaria Selarón). Secondly, many restaurants offer a "pay by weight" service, which - as long as you don't pile your plate with a mountain of food - is the cheapest way to eat in Brazil. Thirdly, there are plenty of Rio hostels that are not only cheap but offer an airport pickup service. You may have to share a room with 15 others but it will be worth it!
Rurrenabaque(05 of10)
The cheapest way to experience the Amazon Rainforest is by visiting Rurrenabaque. A small, jungle town in Northern Bolivia, Rurrenabaque is a touristic hub. Tours from La Paz and other (fairly) nearby cities leave for the jungle on a twice-daily basis and a three day jungle trip (including food and board) can cost less than £100.
Arequipa(06 of10)
Arequipa, Peru's second largest city, is as beautiful as Cuzco yet far less pricey. Tours to Colca Canyon (which is more than twice as deep as the USA's Grand Canyon) can be found for £30 return or less.
Isla del Sol(07 of10)
Boats leave for Isla del Sol from Bolivia's Copacabana roughly twice a day. Crossing the beautiful Lake Titicaca is something all travellers should aspire to do once in their lives. A night's stay on the remote (don't expect ANY wifi) island Isla del Sol can be as cheap as £4 per person (maybe £5 if you're wanting a shower too!).
Mendoza(08 of10)
Argentina's Mendoza is the perfect destination for a tourist on a tight budget because it's a city to wander around in. Parque General San Martín, Mendoza's absolutely enormous and breathtaking park surrounding a lake hidden by willow trees (beware of the mosquitos), is completely free to visit.
Purmamarca(09 of10)
The tiny town of Purmamarca in Northern Argentina sits under the spectacular Cerro de los Siete Colores. The hill (which is more of a mountain) is made up of seven colours including orange, lilac and green. Accommodation in the town ranges from the very cheap to very expensive. You can easily find a place to rest your head for a fiver but if you're looking for something more luxurious, £15 a night could get you a fully cooked breakfast, large bedroom and en-suite with a bath. Day trips to the Argentine salt flats are about £20 return.
Puno(10 of10)
Peru's Puno is a relatively grotty town with one main attraction: The Uros Floating Islands. Admittedly they are a bit of a tourist trap, however that doesn't take away from the unique experience of visiting a real community living on a collection of man-made islands. Trips start from only £30 a day and inexpensive home stays can be arranged for the more intrepid of travellers.