Give your life that unmistakable Latin flavour by becoming a digital nomad in South America…
Vibrant culture, breath-taking scenery, a lower cost of living and a relaxed pace of life – it’s no wonder South America is such a popular destination for freelance work and travel. We look at five of our favourite South American cities for digital nomads…
Montevideo, Uruguay
This waterfront city has a distinctly European feel, and digital nomads will no doubt spend most of their time here in the charming cobblestone streets of the Ciudad Vieja. Here, you’ll find the best cafe culture and nightlife amongst grand historic buildings. Montevideo is considered one of the safer South American capital and is more expensive in terms of cost of living, although the local penchant for mate, melt-in-the-mouth steaks and fine red wine means you won’t want to skimp.
Medellin, Colombia
Known as the City of Eternal Spring thanks to its year-round pleasant climate, Medellin has revamped itself over the last couple of decades, from drug lord playground to one of South America’s most cosmopolitan cities. Boasting a great cafe culture, diverse nightlife, disarmingly friendly locals, and a low cost of living, it’s no wonder Medellin is so popular with the digital nomad community. The metro makes it easy to get around and there’s lots to explore for culture junkies, from plazas adorned with sculptures by famous ‘paisa’ Botero, to the life-affirming community art project at Comuna 13.
Cuenca, Ecuador
Colonial gem Cuenca might seem quite reserved but scratch below the surface and you’ll find plenty of cultural and artistic events on offer. Cuenca has a strong foreigner community and good infrastructure and although expensive for Ecuador, the cost of living here is still very affordable. With reliable Wi-Fi thrown into the mix and an array of cafes to work from, it’s a great choice for digital nomads looking for urban vibes with good access to the spectacular Andes.
Sucre, Bolivia
You get a lot of bang for your buck in Bolivia, but decent internet connection is hard to find off the beaten path. If you’re planning to work here, you’ll want to stick to one of Bolivia’s two – yes two – capitals. If hectic La Paz is a bit too much, Sucre – Bolivia’s constitutional capital – might be more your pace. The dazzling ‘White City’ is not touristy per se, but it’s certainly visitor friendly and there’s an emerging cafe culture as well as plenty of surprisingly cosmopolitan dining options. It’s a university town so there’s a languid yet youthful charm to the city and it’s a great place to learn Spanish.
Cusco, Peru
Let’s face it, when planning any trip to South America, Cusco – the gateway to the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu – is going to be high on your wishlist. It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular: a fascinating history, a proud and captivating indigenous culture and stunning colonial architecture. Many tourists will pass swiftly through, but Cusco has a lot more to offer those who want to stay for a while. The cost of living here is still relatively cheap, especially if you explore away from the main tourist areas and thanks to the almost constant influx of visitors it’s not hard to find an interesting place to eat and drink, and of course, work.
Posted by The Secret Businessman