7 Best Cities In South America To Live As A Digital Nomad In 2023

South America has become very popular among digital nomads in recent years. And we’re not surprised. 

It offers a low cost of living, plenty of natural landscapes, and locals are very welcoming. The community of remote workers is already quite big there. So you will find plenty of co-working spaces and cafés with fast internet at most places.

Compared to Europe and Southeast Asia, moving among the countries is a bit pricey. But experiencing the different vibrant cultures is worth it.

Have you thought about calling South America your temporary home? These are the 7 hotspots where you will thrive.

Medellín, Colombia

Despite its shady past, Medellín has earned its way to the top of the digital nomad travel list. It has an amazing infrastructure, an excellent healthcare system, lively culture, and a low cost of living. 

Another reason this city is buzzing with the digital nomad community is the temperate climate. Medellín is known as the “City of Eternal Spring”. It’s never too hot nor too cold there, but don’t forget to bring an umbrella, showers are pretty common.

Best time to visit: December to March, June to August (those are the dry seasons, so you can expect very few rainy days)

Best neighborhoods to stay: El Poblado, Laureles, La Candelaria

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

In 2022, Brazil introduced Digital Nomad Visas to lure international talent. And Rio is one of the best places to settle for its work-life balance.

It has both the amenities of a big city and numerous outdoor attractions, including worldwide-known beaches, surfing spots, and hiking trails. The local nightlife scene is also very lively.

Best time to visit: December to March (don’t miss the Carnival, which takes place in February)

Best neighborhoods to stay: Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon

Santiago de Chile

Santiago is the capital of Chile – one of the safest countries in South America and also one of the most developed ones. You will find fast Wi-Fi there and facilities similar to the European ones.

With its booming startup culture, there’s no shortage of young professionals to network with. You can also reach both the mountains and the seaside within an hour of drive, which means you can easily escape the hustle and bustle of the city during the weekends.

Best time to visit: September to November or March to May

Best neighborhoods to stay: Lastarria, Providencia, Bellavista

Mendoza, Argentina

If you’re rather looking for somewhere more peaceful to stay, then Mendoza is the right option. This city is set at the foothill of the Andes in the center of Argentina’s largest wine region and boasts a homely, small-town atmosphere.

While staying in Mendoza, you can enjoy a plethora of outdoor activities, such as hiking or rafting. The city is also home to renowned restaurants, and, of course, wineries and wine bars.

Best time to visit: October to April

Best neighborhoods to stay: Mendoza City Center, Chacras de Coria

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Buenos Aires is in many ways similar to European cities, and it’s often referred to as “the Paris of South America”. It offers fantastic public transportation, high-quality medical care, and is dotted with parks, quaint cafés, and co-working spaces. Yet, it’s very affordable. For that reason, it’s an ideal starting point for first-time nomads.

Another great thing about the Argentinian capital is that you can easily access other Latin American destinations. A ferry will take you to Uruguay, home to fantastic beaches. There are also plenty of cheap flights to Brazil or Chile.

Best time to visit: April to June, September to December

Best neighborhoods to stay: Palermo, Puerto Madero

Montevideo, Uruguay

Literally next door to Buenos Aires, you will find another digital nomad capital – Montevideo. It’s much more laid back than Buenos Aires and the area is surrounded by beautiful sandy beaches that promote a healthy work-life balance.

What’s more, Uruguay is considered one of the safest countries in the whole of South America, so it’s a great option for female digital nomads.

Best time to visit: November to February

Best neighborhoods to stay: Pocitos, Punta Carretas

Lima, Peru

This list definitely wouldn’t be complete without Lima. And even though it’s mainly visited by backpackers and tourists heading to Machu Picchu, it’s a perfect place to escape to during winter.

Foodie nomads will fall in love with Lima. The culinary scene there is so good that it has grown a reputation as the food capital of South America. And still, everything is reasonably priced so you can easily dine and socialize with other nomads without spending too much.

Best time to visit: December to April

Best neighborhoods to stay: Miraflores, Barranco