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Looking to go somewhere gorgeous and budget-friendly this summer?
South America might be your best bet.
You’ll still be able to fly somewhere new and lounge on some of the most jaw-dropping beaches on Earth without having to go berserk on your travel budget—after all, once summer ends, you’ll need all the extra money you can get for a much-needed fall getaway.
But where, exactly, do you go?
Amadeus Hospitality just revealed the top 5 trendiest South American destinations among U.S. travelers this summer, and the findings were anything but expected.
Lima, the stunning Peruvian capital, nabbed the No. 1 spot.
A City Filled With Incredible Sights
Don’t get me wrong—plenty of people flock to Lima every year—the fact that it was on the list isn’t surprising.
What caught us off guard was the fact that it blew right past far better-known destinations, including Rio De Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Bogotá, and Santiago, emerging for the first time in a long time as the continent’s most coveted hub.
To be fair, though, this was just a matter of time.
Just take a look at the incredible array of attractions in the city, from the Government Palace and Lima Cathedral to the Larco Museum and Miraflores district.
The views are just so varied and iconic in their own right that it’s hard for travelers not to fall in love with this fascinating Peruvian hotspot.
You’ll Still Be Able To Stay On A Budget
The thing about Lima is that it gives you some of the world’s most gorgeous sights while still allowing you to stay on a budget – now, that’s what I call a great-value destination.
The average solo traveler looking for a quick bite is looking at well under $4 per meal, and considering just how good the food is in the city (more on that below), that’s a steal!
Highly rated hotels (I’m talking 4.5+ stars) right in the city center only charge $25-$35 per night, and while, sure, those who only want the best can expect to pay a bit more, the truth of the matter remains that those who want to stick to a stricter budget can do so without sacrificing quality or comfort.
As you can imagine, hostels and more modest rentals are even cheaper, bringing the daily costs of a budget-conscious traveler to a grand total of $30-$40!
The Ultimate Beachy Hub
Another big reason why travelers are loving Lima right now is that here, you’ll get all of the “big city” perks while also getting to lounge on some vast, gorgeous beaches.
From the buzzing Playa Waikiki to the more secluded Punta Hermosa and Punta Negra, the city promises every single travel the ultimate beach experience – I’m talking something that feels tailored to your needs.
And as you’d expect from a beachy hub, the nightlife here is also incredible, so if that sounds like something you’d be into, definitely check out the local club scene (though I’d highly recommend doing some research beforehand).
Amazing Cuisine
I can’t go on describing what travelers love the most about Lima right now without mentioning its spectacular cuisine.
Known by many as the unofficial gastronomical capital of South America, the Peruvian Capital is the best place to try some truly authentic ceviche (which, let’s face it, is hard to come by these days).
Whether you can’t wait to indulge in the seasoned-to-perfection street food or go all out and enjoy a meal at a Michelin-starred restaurant, Lima is guaranteed to make every foodie’s dream come true.
Where Else In South America Are U.S. Travelers Planning To Go This Summer?
OK, so Lima is obviously a stunning hub with lots to love but for those who’re not too convinced or have already been to the Peruvian capital, where else are Americans planning to go this summer?
Below, you’ll find the rest of the top 5, in order:
- Sao Paulo
- Buenos Aires
- Bogota
- Rio de Janeiro
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.