These underrated cities offer fast Wi-Fi, low costs, and incredible experiences without the crowds.
South America is a dream destination for digital nomads. Affordable living, vibrant culture, and stunning landscapes make it an easy choice for remote workers looking to escape expensive cities. But while spots like Buenos Aires, Medellín, and Santiago get all the attention, plenty of lesser-known cities offer just as much charm—without the high prices or tourist crowds.
These hidden gems provide everything a digital nomad needs: reliable Wi-Fi, welcoming communities, and plenty of cafés and coworking spaces to stay productive. Whether you want a laid-back beach town, a mountain retreat, or a buzzing urban center, these 11 cities deliver the perfect mix of work and adventure.
1. Colonial charm meets modern convenience in Cuenca, Ecuador.
Cuenca offers a stunning blend of Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets, and a thriving expat community. The city’s affordable cost of living and reliable infrastructure make it an ideal base for remote workers looking for beauty and convenience.
With plenty of cafés, coworking spaces, and parks with free Wi-Fi, working remotely here is effortless. The surrounding Andes provide endless opportunities for hiking and weekend getaways, ensuring there’s always something to explore after work.
2. The artistic energy of Valparaíso, Chile, fuels creativity.
Colorful murals, hilltop views, and a lively arts scene make Valparaíso a paradise for nomads who thrive in creative spaces. The city’s bohemian vibe attracts artists, writers, and entrepreneurs looking for inspiration in its vibrant streets.
While it’s more affordable than Santiago, it still offers strong Wi-Fi and plenty of cafés catering to remote workers. When you need a break, the Pacific coastline and nearby wine regions provide the perfect escape.
3. A coastal capital where city life meets beachside relaxation.
Montevideo has everything digital nomads love about big cities—walkable streets, strong infrastructure, and plenty of cafés—but without the chaos. Its seaside location adds a relaxed energy, making it the perfect blend of urban and beach life.
Locals embrace a slower pace, whether sipping mate in a park or strolling along La Rambla at sunset. Reliable internet, affordable housing, and friendly locals make Montevideo an underrated digital nomad hub.
4. A high-altitude escape packed with history and adventure.
Salta’s colonial architecture, lively plazas, and stunning landscapes make it one of Argentina’s most unique cities. Set against red rock mountains, it offers a scenic alternative to Buenos Aires, with lower costs and a more relaxed lifestyle.
Coworking spaces and cafés cater to remote workers, while nearby vineyards and hiking trails provide the perfect weekend adventures. For digital nomads looking to balance work and exploration, Salta delivers.
5. The coastal beauty of Florianópolis, Brazil, makes work feel like vacation.
Florianópolis, or “Floripa” as locals call it, is an island paradise known for its beaches, outdoor activities, and high quality of life. It’s one of Brazil’s safest cities and has a growing remote work scene, thanks to its strong internet and coworking spaces.
Digital nomads can work with ocean views by day and explore hiking trails, surfing spots, and fresh seafood markets by night. The mix of natural beauty and modern infrastructure makes it hard to leave.
6. Bogotá is South America’s best-kept secret for remote workers.
While Medellín often steals the spotlight, Bogotá has quietly become one of the best places for digital nomads who prefer a bigger city with diverse neighborhoods. The café culture is strong, coworking spaces are everywhere, and the cost of living is surprisingly low.
Its high-altitude setting means mild weather year-round, while the surrounding mountains offer an easy escape from the urban buzz. With world-class museums, thriving nightlife, and a growing startup scene, Bogotá is an exciting city to work and explore.
7. Sucre’s whitewashed streets and low prices attract nomads on a budget.
One of South America’s most beautiful cities, Sucre offers a mix of colonial charm, affordability, and a laid-back atmosphere. Its plazas and historic buildings create a postcard-perfect setting, but it’s also a highly practical choice for remote workers.
The internet isn’t the fastest, but many cafés and coworking spaces offer solid connections. For digital nomads looking for a peaceful environment with a low cost of living, Sucre is a hidden gem worth considering.
8. Manta’s beaches and seafood culture make remote work feel effortless.
A relaxed port city along Ecuador’s Pacific coast, Manta is a fantastic alternative to more crowded beach destinations. The cost of living is low, the seafood is fresh, and the sunsets over the ocean are unbeatable.
Wi-Fi is steadily improving, and coworking spaces are beginning to pop up to support the growing remote work community. For digital nomads who love the idea of balancing work with beach life, Manta is an excellent choice.
9. The volcanic landscapes of Arequipa create an inspiring backdrop.
Arequipa’s breathtaking scenery, historic architecture, and low living costs make it one of Peru’s best digital nomad destinations. Whether working from a rooftop café or a coworking space with mountain views, the city offers an inspiring setting.
The internet is fast, and the work-friendly environment makes staying productive easy. When you’re ready for an adventure, Colca Canyon and the surrounding volcanoes provide endless opportunities to explore.
10. A riverside paradise where Paraguay’s best-kept secrets unfold.
Encarnación isn’t on most nomads’ radars, but this laid-back riverside city has a lot to offer. Its cost of living is one of the lowest in South America, and its modern infrastructure makes it easy to settle in.
The nearby Jesuit ruins and eco-reserves add adventure to the mix, while scenic beaches along the Paraná River provide a relaxing escape. For those looking for an off-the-beaten-path location, Encarnación is worth a second look.
11. Ocean meets desert in Antofagasta, Chile’s most unique digital nomad city.
Where else can you work by the ocean and explore Mars-like landscapes in the same day? Antofagasta’s coastal setting and proximity to the Atacama Desert create an otherworldly experience that few cities can match.
Its modern infrastructure, solid Wi-Fi, and growing coworking scene make it surprisingly digital-nomad-friendly. For those who want city comforts with easy access to adventure, Antofagasta offers the best of both worlds.