3 Sunny Latin American Countries Named The Cheapest Winter Destinations For Travelers

Craving culture and adventure without denting your bank account?

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

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

Since not every sunny paradise meets your budget, we’ve narrowed down their extensive list to the most cost-efficient getaways.

Even as seasoned as we are here, globetrotting the world, we still have to check our bank balance too.

As such, oftentimes we scope out the best value destinations and we’re on the same page with Going that these 3 phenomenal Latin American countries are not only budget-friendly, but they will surely leave a lasting impression beyond the “normal” destinations typical travelers visit without batting an eye.

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

El Salvador: Affordable, Safe & Soaring In Popularity

Through well-documented (albeit controversial) tactics, El Salvador has become the undisputed king of safety — at least for Central America.

A far cry from its days as a ‘murder capital’, El Salvador has been on the up and up thanks to President Bukele’s brute force raids of criminal organizations, resulting in plummeting crime rates.

Obviously, formerly being a no-go nation, tourism struggled. That’s not the case any longer….

Not only has El Salvador cleaned up their image, but prices haven’t soared as a result, even when cryptocurrency became the official tender with the U.S. dollar.

Though small, El Salvador certainly doesn’t lack diversity. Nowadays, travelers can freely explore every facet this unique country has to offer, whether it be volcanic hikes, historic cities, timeless villages, paradise surf havens, and one of the most popular destinations, Lake Coatepeque.

Temps remain warm throughout winter compared to much of the U.S., and prices won’t affect your budget unless you opt for one of the few beachside resorts.

On my past trip to El Salvador, I stayed at Barceló San Salvador, a luxe 4-star hotel in the bustling capital. Rates are as low as $75 this winter.

Another of my favorites is the town of Ataco, where you can easily score a sensational meal under $10.
If you’re up for a true adventure, don’t be afraid to rough it on a “chicken bus” for dirt cheap fares.

Guatemala: Explore Stunning Nature Without Splurging Your Paycheck

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

Though with increased connectivity, the country has welcomed a record-breaking number of tourists recently, largely driven by budget travelers trekking through one of Latin America’s most vibrant countries, boasting lush nature from staggering volcanoes, crystalline lakes, and the facades of picturesque towns like famous Antigua, which match the allure with its own charm.

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

If that’s too much of a trek for a winter vacay, travelers can easily visit postcard-perfect Lake Atitlán or numerous ancient wonders like the Mayan site of Tikal.

According to Budget Your Trip, the most you’ll spend on anything is $90 for a Lake Atitlán Boat Trip with Maya Villages Tour, or if you level up your stay in Guatemala City, where hotel rates can top triple digits.

Otherwise, you’re golden. Comfortable stays across the country can easily be found under $50, and dining out is remarkably cheap — definitely get a patio seat as temps hover in the 70s through winter.

Nicaragua: Welcome To Central America’s Last Frontier

Nicaragua is just as diverse, beautiful, welcoming, and maybe 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 of Managua, commonly considered a snoozefest, except as a gateway to the country’s wondrous locales, whether it be secret Caribbean islands, the more sightly urban sprawl of Leon, or the colonial town of Granada, etched in time with pastel facades and centuries-old plazas.

Nicaragua beckons true adventurers and feels undiscovered beyond Granada.

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

Otherwise, if you’re dead set on a beach vacation, set your sights on Travel Off Path-approved San Juan del Sur.

Though no matter where the road takes you, expect many sun-drenched days ahead as daily lows will see the high 60s.

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

Sam Sears

Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.