When it comes to remote work in South America, Medellín often steals the spotlight—and for good reason. But the continent is full of other incredible cities that offer strong Wi-Fi, inspiring culture, affordable living, and thriving digital nomad communities. Whether you’re planning a long-term stay or just a workcation, here are five underrated cities that are perfect for remote professionals.
1. 🇦🇷 Buenos Aires, Argentina
Buenos Aires is one of those cities that make you immediately feel at home. With incredible food, nice people and a modern set of buildings there’s never any shortage of things to see. It’s a sprawling city but it has many great, interconnected neighborhoods. I spent my time in Palermo while working remotely and I loved taking daily walks around the tree lined streets.
Vibe: European flair meets Latin energy
Why it’s great for remote work:
Buenos Aires has a large expat and digital nomad community, especially in neighborhoods like Palermo, Recoleta, and San Telmo. The city has plenty of co-working spaces and charming cafés with solid Wi-Fi, and the cost of living is quite low for foreigners due to the favorable exchange rate.
Remote work perks:
- Time zone-friendly for North America and Europe
- Stylish, work-friendly cafés on nearly every corner
- Cultural buzz—museums, street art, live music
Things to consider:
- Navigating the fluctuating currency (carry USD or use Western Union transfers for better rates)
- Wi-Fi is generally good, but have a local SIM as backup
- You’ll end up spending most of your free time in and around the city as there are not as many attractions nearby (you can take a quick flight to Uruguay to cross of another country)
2. 🇵🇪 Lima, Peru
Having grown up in Southern California, Lima felt a bit like home. It’s the only coastal town on the list and just like LA it’s BIG. Things can be a bit spread out but that also means there’s plenty to do. As a bonus Peru has some of the best food in the world. I personally wasn’t as big of a fan since it was so big it didn’t feel as intimate as the other options on the list.
Vibe: Coastal capital with a rich culinary and cultural scene
Why it’s great for remote work:
Lima is more than just a stop on the way to Machu Picchu. The Miraflores and Barranco districts are safe, modern, and full of working-friendly cafés and co-working spots. The ocean views don’t hurt either.
Remote work perks:
- Affordable long-term apartment rentals
- Top-tier food scene (hello, ceviche breaks!)
- Walkable neighborhoods with good infrastructure
Things to consider:
- Traffic can be intense—choose where you stay wisely
- The city can be overcast for months at a time
3. 🇪🇨 Quito, Ecuador
Quito is the smallest city on this list and it’s generally a bit quiet but that doesn’t mean there’s plenty to do. It’s typically quite cold so this is a better option if coming in warmer times of the year.
Vibe: Andean altitude with a historic heart
Why it’s great for remote work:
Quito offers a unique balance of colonial charm, modern amenities, and natural beauty—all at a much lower cost of living. You’ll find a growing digital nomad scene in areas like La Floresta and La Mariscal.
Remote work perks:
- Strong fiber-optic internet in many Airbnbs
- Proximity to stunning weekend escapes (volcanoes, hot springs, the Amazon!)
- Use of USD as official currency simplifies money matters
Things to consider:
- The altitude can take time to adjust to (Quito sits at 9,350 feet)
- Some areas of the city can feel unsafe after dark—stick to known districts
4. 🇨🇱 Santiago, Chile
Santiago is a city I never expected to love so much. It’s incredibly modern with fantastic transportation. It’s many city parks make perfect stops to stroll around during breaks. Just like the rest of South America the food is fantastic!
Vibe: Modern, mountain-ringed metropolis
Why it’s great for remote work:
Santiago is highly developed and often compared to North American or European cities. If you’re looking for reliable infrastructure, safe neighborhoods, and a blend of city and nature, Santiago hits all the right notes.
Honestly, when I got there I
Remote work perks:
- Strong internet and a variety of co-working spaces
- Easy weekend escapes to wine country or the Andes
- Public transportation is modern and efficient
Things to consider:
- Higher cost of living compared to other South American cities, though still fairly low.
- Spanish is spoken quickly here—brush up before arriving!
5. 🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia
Vibe: High-altitude capital with a vibrant cultural core
Why it’s great for remote work:
While Medellín gets most of the attention, Bogotá offers a more cosmopolitan vibe with an emphasis on art, culture, and business. The Zona G, Chapinero, and Usaquén neighborhoods are excellent bases for remote workers.
BEWARE: there are some rough parts to the city, including a Red Light District. Though the city is safe you should always be aware of yourself and respectful of the locals
Remote work perks:
- Plenty of modern co-working spaces
- Great for foodies, with upscale and local dining options
- Cooler climate and diverse cultural scene
Things to consider:
- Traffic and air quality can be challenges
- Some parts of the city require extra attention to safety
✈️ Final Thoughts
South America is full of cities that are ideal for remote professionals—each with its own pace, culture, and vibe. Whether you’re drawn to Buenos Aires’ creative pulse or Quito’s altitude-fueled serenity, these cities prove that Medellín isn’t the only game in town.
Ready to pack your laptop and go?
Let me know which of these destinations you’d love to work from—or if you’ve already been to one of them, share your tips in the comments!