Medellin, Cartegena, and Bogota are all good, and super cheap, just don’t venture out too far from the tourist areas. If you can see a Police presence, or a major hotel chain, you are good to go. There are plenty of people successfully expat-ing down there from the U.S. and Canada. But, it requires a little more work, street smarts, and a slight elevation in risk.
Don’t lick tits, or leave drinks unattended, as you run the risk of getting doped. Think like a stateside girl. Some of these hood rats will drug you and steal everything you have right down to your shoes. You’ll wake up in a hotel, naked with nothing, no money, no cell phone, and only the clothes you passed out in, maybe not even that….
Ecuador is another cheap place. There are plenty of Chongo’s (Bordello/Strip Bars) where the rates are low, but the quality is hit or miss. I’ve seen stunners in Quito at the strip clubs, who were readily available to go upstairs to a short time room for $20. Although, I haven’t been in a few years, and I’m quite sure inflation has creeped in there too. Check out Salina’s, Quito, and Guayaquil. Just searc Ecuador Chongo on YouTube. You’ll see what I’m saying.