U.S. Retirees settle in South America for many reasons, including the warm weather, delicious food, friendly people, and vibrant culture. But the main drawcard remains the affordability of real estate.
Retirees can buy beautiful beachfront properties at a great price, which lets them enjoy their golden years relaxing near the water. In this guide, I’ll share the 11 cheapest locations to buy beachfront property in South America. You’ll be amazed by the lifestyle on offer.
Cheapest Beachfront Locations In South America
#11 – Los Organos, Peru
Although Peru is mostly known for its soaring mountains, lush jungles, and rich history, it also has vast stretches of pristine coastline. Dotted along the coastline are dozens of beachfront towns, with friendly people and spectacular ocean views.
Los Organos is one of the most affordable towns along the coast. Located just south of the popular Mancora district, it is known for its biodiversity, crystal clear water, and fishing industry. It’s a wonderful spot to retire if you enjoy seeing sea turtles, dolphins, and whales swimming past your home on a regular basis.
It’s possible to buy 1 bedroom villas near the beach for $150,000. If you have a larger budget, you could buy a huge 4 bedroom house with a swimming pool for just under $380,000.
#10 – Pinamar, Argentina
The southern coastline in Argentina is home to many summer resort towns which overlook the Atlantic Ocean. Among those is Pinamar, a popular tourist destination offers residents a relaxed way of life.
One of the things that sets Pinamar apart from other coastal towns is that it is a planned community. This means the street locations, building types, and green spaces have been carefully planned to create a successful community.
The town is named after the many pine trees which have been planted to transform the local sand dunes into forests. These parks are a wonderful addition to the town and a great place to go hiking.
But the main reason people visit the town is the beaches and world class resorts. The area is a hotspot for water sports including snorkeling, surfing, jet skiing, sailing and water skiing. If you prefer to simply relax, there are many beach side restaurants and bars where you can unwind with a cocktail in your hand as you watch the sun go down.
In terms of price, a large home with ocean views that is located just off the beach might set you back $150,000. A comfortable beachfront condo is closer to the $180,000 mark.
Related: How to Buy Property in Argentina
#9 – Algarrobo, Chile
Located to the south of Viña del Mar and Valparaiso is the beautiful coastal town of Algarrobo. There are several beaches in the area, all with golden sand and the calm aqua waters of the South Pacific Ocean. These locations attract tourists in the holiday season but are left for the locals to enjoy the rest of the year.
About 8,500 people reside in Algarrobo. They are very friendly and welcoming of expats, so you will make friends quickly. Algarrobo has excellent amenities and infrastructure, including a large hospital, fantastic restaurants, and sports facilities. The resort also has the largest swimming pool in the world (according to the Guinness book of records).
A 3 bedroom property on the hills overlooking the ocean can be purchased for as little as $115,000. Townhouses closer to the water can fetch $150,000.
#8 – La Paloma, Uruguay
Although Uruguay is regarded as one of the most expensive locations to live in South America, it is still possible to find coastal towns that offer incredible value for money. La Paloma is one of those locations.
Located about 60 miles from Punta del Este, La Paloma is known as one of Uruguay’s most relaxing holiday destinations. It is home to about 3,500 full time residents, which dramatically increases during the peak holiday months of January and February.
It is built to accommodate a large influx of tourists, so there are many excellent restaurants, cafes, and bars located along the main avenue (Nicolás Solarí). There is a combination of family homes, low-rise apartment buildings, and hotels dotted along the waterfront.
Although La Paloma is becoming an increasingly popular tourist destination, real estate is still very affordable. A two bedroom, one bathroom apartment is around $110,000, while a 3 bedroom family home just off the beach is about $160,000.
Related: Cost of Living in Uruguay
#7 – Paracuru, Brazil
Paracuru is a municipality located in the Brazilian state of Ceará. Originally known for its rich soil and prosperous farms, the town has been transformed into a popular tourist destination thanks to it stunning beaches and atolls.
Residents can choose from several beaches including Pedra Rachada Beach, Praia de Paracuru, Carnaubinha Beach and Barra do Curu Beach. You can either relax on the beach or if you are feeling more adventurous, go for a boat ride or try jet skiing. Fishing is also popular with a wide range of game fish found in the clear ocean water.
In terms of cost, you can purchase a modest 2 bedroom terraced house overlooking the ocean for as little as $95,000.
#6 – Santa Marta, Colombia
Situated between the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Caribbean is the beautiful city of Santa Marta. It is the site of the first Spanish settlement in Colombia, making it the country’s oldest city.
Santa Marta is located close to the stunning Tayrona National Park, which is a popular destination for nature lovers from around the world. This park contains the lost city of Teyuna located high up in the mountains. The beaches at Santa Marta are absolutely stunning, with brilliant aqua water and pure white sand — the perfect destination for any beach lovers.
The cost of purchasing an apartment in Santa Marta remains surprisingly affordable with two bedroom apartments going for under $90,000. They often come with excellent amenities like swimming pools, 24 hours security, tennis courts, saunas, and gyms.
Related: Cost of Living in Columbia
#5 – Kourou, French Guiana
If you really want to get away from it all, you could retire to French Guiana. It is a single territorial collectivity of France, so French culture is heavily stamped across the region. The vast majority of the territory is heavily forested and infrastructure is limited in many areas. However, the cities are bustling with activity and a great place to retire.
One of the best locations to settle is Kourou, which is located midway along the northeast coastline. It is a vibrant location which blends African and French influences beautifully, giving the town a special charm all of its own.
Beachside property is quite affordable in Kourou, and there are many comfortable villas available. Expect to pay about $99,000 for a one bedroom apartment and $125,000 for a 3 bedroom villa.
#4 – Salinas, Ecuador
Located on the western tip of Ecuador’s Santa Elena province, Salinas is a resort town surrounded by large beaches. It is a popular tourist destination which attracts many thousands of Americans and Europeans each year.
Salinas is sometimes called Little Miami beach, in reference to the many palm trees, wide beaches, and condominiums in the area. It is a beautiful part of the world with plenty of wildlife including dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
It’s also remarkably affordable, given the high standard of living and world class amenities. Retirees can buy a two bedroom condo for as little as $85,000. This will give you ocean views and easy access to the beach.
#3 – San Lorenzo, Ecuador
Located about 18km south of the Colombian border is a beautiful Ecuadorian town called San Lorenzo. It is situated in a beautiful part with rolling hills which make their way down to the crystal clear waters of the Pacific.
The views from the hills overlooking the town are spectacular and the Reserva Ecológica de Manglares Cayapas Mataje (one of Ecuador’s best nature reserves) is only a short drive away.
San Lorenzo is known for its friendly locals, fishing industry, and musical festivals. It is a rapidly growing part of the country thanks to many expats moving in over the past few years.
One bedroom oceanfront apartments can be found for $85,000. Larger 3 or 4 bedroom apartments in modern complexes typically go for $170,000.
#2 – Taltal, Chile
Taltal is a commune and city set on the west coast of the Antofagasta Region of Chile. It is a pristine location with large hills rolling down to meet expansive beaches. Although it is one of the smaller towns on the coast, Taltal is increasingly popular with holidaymakers looking for a peaceful getaway.
There are many activities to enjoy in Taltal including beachside seafood restaurants, cafes, and bars. It is also a popular fishing spot and the locals enjoy a wide variety of water sports.
Because most Chileans prefer to live in the cities, small towns like Taltal are incredibly cheap. Living in Chiriqui Province is surprisingly affordable. You can purchase a 3 Bedroom Las Olas for as little as $75,000.
Related: Best Places to Live in Chile
#1 – João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil
João Pessoa is large port city located on the western coast of Brazil. It is the country’s third oldest city, with a rich history stretching back many hundreds of years.
Notably, João Pessoa is Brazil’s most heavily forested capital city, with huge swathes of rainforest and parklands cutting the city into segments. The city’s abundant vegetation makes it feel very different to other cities and improves the quality of life for residents.
There are several large bays on the western coast, providing easy access to the beautiful waters of the Atlantic ocean. The water is crystal clear and there are may excellent cafes, restaurants, and bars along the beachfront.
João Pessoa has a reputation for being one of the safest cities in Brazil, which is one of the reasons why it attracts many retirees, families, and tourists. The people are extremely friendly and the lifestyle is much more enjoyable compared to other major cities in Brazil.
There are several fantastic locations to buy beachfront property in-and-around João Pessoa, including Cabo Branco, Tambau, Lot Jardim Bella Vista, and Penha.
In terms of cost, modern 2 bedroom apartments a few blocks back from the beach costs about $65,000. For this price, you will usually enjoy excellent ammenities which might include a pool, tennis court, and sauna.
A one bedroom flat which is directly on the beach can be purchased for as little as $35,000. Larger homes on the beach can be much more expensive, but retirees can easily find a cheap unit.
Wrapping up
As you can see, you have plenty of options when it comes to finding cheap beachfront properties in South America. The low cost of living, cheap homes, vibrant culture, and friendly people make South American an excellent retirement destination.
Related: Richest Cities in Latin America
