3 Sunny Latin American countries named the cheapest winter destinations for travelers

Do you long for culture and adventure without putting a dent in your bank account?

We at Travel Off Path have some great options for you!

Experts at Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) have put together an insightful guide to must-visit destinations to escape the winter chill.

Because not every sunny paradise fits within your budget, we have limited the selection list to the most cost-efficient outings.

Even as seasoned as we are here, traveling the world, we still need to check our bank balance.

That’s why we often look for the best value-for-money destinations and are on par with Going that these 3 phenomenal Latin American countries are not only budget-friendly, but they are sure to leave a lasting impression beyond the “normal” destinations that typical travelers visit without batting an eyelid.

In no particular order, these 3 sunny Latin American countries were voted the cheapest winter destinations for travelers:

El Salvador: affordable, safe and increasing in popularity

Thanks to well-documented (if controversial) tactics, El Salvador has become the undisputed king of security – at least for Central America.

El Salvador has come a long way from its days as a ‘murder capital’ and is on the rise thanks to President Bukele’s brutal attacks on criminal organizations, resulting in plummeting crime rates.

Clearly, tourism, previously a no-go nation, was struggling. That is no longer the case….

Not only has El Salvador cleaned up its image, but prices have not soared as a result, even when cryptocurrency became the official means of payment with the US dollar.

Although small, El Salvador certainly does not lack diversity. Today, travelers can freely explore every facet this unique country has to offer, be it volcanic hikes, historic towns, timeless villages, surfer’s paradise and one of the most popular destinations. Lake Coatepeque.

Temperatures stay warm all winter long compared to much of the US, and prices won’t impact your budget unless you opt for one of the few beach resorts.

During my last trip to El Salvador I stayed in Barcelo San Salvadora luxurious 4-star hotel in the bustling capital. Rates are as low as $75 this winter.

Another of my favorites is the city Atacowhere you can easily score a sensational meal under $10.
If you’re up for a real adventure, don’t be afraid to take a ride on a “chicken bus” for dirt-cheap fares.

Guatemala: discover breathtaking nature without spending your salary

We could probably all point to Guatemala on a map, but despite its proximity to Mexico, it’s still an underrated vacation destination.

Although, thanks to increased connectivity, the country has welcomed a record number of tourists in recent times, largely driven by budget travelers passing through one of Latin America’s most vibrant countries, with a lush nature of dizzying volcanoes, crystal clear lakes and the facades of picturesque towns such as the famous Antigua, combining the allure with its own charm.

While most tourists start their adventures in Antigua, don’t sleep on Guatemala’s hidden gems, including a Caribbean coastline that is largely undiscovered, anchored by the beautiful town of Livingston.

If that’s too much for a winter vacation, travelers can easily visit a postcard-perfect spot Lake Atitlán or countless ancient wonders such as the Mayan site of Tikal.

According to Budget Your Trip, the most you’ll spend on anything is $90 for a Lake Atitlán boat tour with Maya Villages Tour, or if you take your stay to the next level in Guatemala City, where hotel prices can soar into triple digits.

Otherwise you are worth gold. Comfortable places to stay across the country can easily be found under $50, and dining out is remarkably cheap – be sure to get a patio chair, as temperatures hover in the 70s through winter.

Nicaragua: welcome to Central America’s last frontier

Nicaragua is just as diverse, beautiful, hospitable and perhaps even more affordable than the aforementioned El Salvador and Guatemala, depending on where you go.

It’s safe to say you can skip the capital Managua, widely regarded as a snoozefest except as a gateway to the country’s wondrous sites, whether secret Caribbean islands, the more striking urban sprawl of Leon, or the colonial city of Granada, etched in time with pastel facades and centuries-old piazzas.

Nicaragua beckons for true adventurers and feels undiscovered outside Granada.

On the Caribbean side, paradise Corn Islands are well worth the trip if time is on your side.

If you’re not in the mood for a beach vacation at all, set your sights on Travel Off Path-approved San Juan del Sur.

But wherever the road takes you, you can expect many sun-filled days as daily lows will reach the high 60s.

Overall, Budget Your Trip estimates that tourists spend an average of just $24 per day on the low end.

Sam Sears

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Sam, our lead writer and San Diego-based journalist, has visited 36 countries and written more than 1,000 articles with an emphasis on sharing his own travel experiences and highlighting lesser-known gems.