The Ultimate Guide to Building Your Digital Nomad Network in South America

Discover the best strategies for building a strong digital nomad network in South America. From coworking spaces to local meetups, find out how to connect with like-minded remote workers and expats in Ecuador, Colombia, Argentina, Brazil, Peru, Chile, Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia.

Why Building a Network as a Digital Nomad Matters

One of the biggest perks of being a digital nomad is the ability to work from anywhere. But let’s be honest—this lifestyle can get lonely if you don’t have a network of like-minded people to share experiences with. Having a strong network means more than just finding people to grab a drink with—it’s about creating a support system, exchanging ideas, and opening doors to exciting career opportunities.

South America is a prime destination for digital nomads, with affordable living, stunning landscapes, and growing nomad communities. But how do you build connections when you’re always on the move? Here’s your country-by-country breakdown of the best ways to meet fellow nomads, expats, and locals across the continent.

1. Tap Into Coworking Spaces for Instant Community

🏢 Why it Works: Coworking spaces aren’t just about WiFi and desks—they’re networking goldmines, and the different perspectives are eye-opening!

When I first landed in Quito, Ecuador, I knew one single person. So, I bought a day pass at Selina Coworking, and within hours, I was chatting with a software developer from Canada, a freelance writer from Germany, and a couple running an e-commerce store. These spaces attract remote workers and entrepreneurs who are also looking to connect.

🛠 Pro Tip: Even if you prefer working from your Airbnb, force yourself to drop by a coworking space once a week. Many host networking events, skill-sharing workshops, and happy hours—perfect for meeting people organically.

Top Coworking Spaces in South America for Digital Nomads

📍 Ecuador

• Quito – Selina, Impact Hub
• Cuenca – The Coworking Oasis

📍 Colombia

• Medellín – Tinkko, Selina
• Bogotá – WeWork, Spaces

📍 Argentina

• Buenos Aires – La Maquinita, HIT Cowork

📍 Brazil

• Florianópolis – Impact Hub, Aldeia Coworking
• São Paulo – CUBO, WeWork

📍 Peru

• Lima – Comunal Coworking, Residencia Cowork

📍 Chile

• Santiago – Co-Work LatAm, Urban Station

📍 Paraguay

• Asunción – Loffice, Work Station

📍 Uruguay

• Montevideo – Sinergia Cowork, Domo

📍 Bolivia

• La Paz – UYUNI Cowork, Impact Hub

2. Join Local Meetups and Digital Nomad Events

👥 Why it Works: Sometimes, the best connections happen outside of work settings. People are more relaxed, and have a lot more time to chat, and really appreciate the break

Most major cities in South America have regular meetups for expats, travelers, and remote workers. I’ve found some of my best connections through Facebook groups and Meetup.com, from language exchange nights in Guayaquil to entrepreneur talks in Santiago.

One of my favorite experiences? My chiropractor in Quito, a young Californian guy named Ryan from Centro Quiropractico Vitalidad on Whymper Road introduced me to a foodie group on WhatsApp. They meet up on a number occasions and when I met up with them, there was a lot of conversations and laughs. We went to La Carnaceria, a steak house, and because I’m a vegetarian, the chef made me a FANTASTIC meal.

Top Digital Nomad Meetups by Country

📍 Ecuador – Language exchanges in Cuenca, Startup networking in Quito
📍 Colombia – Digital Nomads Medellín Meetup, Salsa & Language Exchanges in Bogotá
📍 Argentina – Buenos Aires Expats Meetup, Wine Tasting for Entrepreneurs
📍 Brazil – Startup Rio Community, Beach Work Meetups in Florianópolis
📍 Peru – Nomad Coffee Networking in Lima, Cusco Remote Work Socials
📍 Chile – Tech Talks Santiago, Co-Living Retreats in Valparaíso
📍 Paraguay – Remote Work Asunción, Digital Marketing Hangouts
📍 Uruguay – Montevideo Freelancer Meetups, Networking Walks along La Rambla
📍 Bolivia – Digital Creators Meetup La Paz, Coworking After-Hours

3. Leverage Online Communities Before You Arrive

🌎 Why it Works: Start networking before you even land in your next destination.

Before arriving in a new city, I always hop into digital nomad Facebook groups like “Digital Nomads Medellín” or “Expats in Cuenca”. These communities are full of tips, event announcements, and fellow nomads looking to connect.

I was very fortunate to have been introduced before my move to an incredibly helpful resource in Caleb from LenguTec, a translation service that you’ll need should you wish to get a Visa, or need to translate your documents for any reason He is also the President of the Ecuador/Canada Chamber of Commerce, and that has been a great resource as well.

📲 Online Communities to Join:

• Facebook Groups – Digital Nomads Quito, Expats in Medellín
• Slack & Discord Channels – Great for niche interests (freelancers, remote tech workers, etc.)
• LinkedIn – Many content creators and remote entrepreneurs cross paths here. This is one of my personal favorites, and I have connected with so many other nomads since I have been doing this. It’s amazing how many of us there are, and it’s only a matter of time until you run into one of them.

4. Attend Digital Nomad Conferences and Retreats

🎟️ Why it Works: Fast-track your network by meeting ambitious nomads in one place.

📍 Top Nomad Events in South America:

• Nomad Summit (Colombia, Argentina, Brazil) – Remote work conferences and retreats
• Florianópolis Digital Nomad Retreat (Brazil) – Co-living, co-working, and networking
• Workation Events (Chile, Peru, Ecuador) – Organized trips for nomads to live and work together

**I have not personally been to one of these, but look forward to attending one when it’s somewhere nearby. Domestic flights are relatively inexpensive in South America, so I’ll be keeping my eyes open.

5. Connect With Locals for a More Immersive Experience

Why it Works: Not all your connections need to be fellow nomads.

It’s easy to get stuck in the expat bubble, but meeting locals can be incredibly rewarding. Volunteering, language exchanges, or just attending local festivals can lead to unexpected friendships and deeper cultural experiences.

For a truly immersive experience, try stepping away from expat-heavy areas for a while. Even if your Spanish (or Portuguese) isn’t perfect, locals appreciate the effort, and it’s the fastest way to improve your language skills.

6. Make Networking a Habit, Not an Afterthought

⏳ Why it Works: Consistency is key to growing your network.

💡 Here’s what works for me:
✅ Attend one event a week – Whether it’s a coworking happy hour or a casual meet-up, showing up regularly helps build familiarity, although, the definition of a “nomad” may seem counterintuitive…there’s always the chance you’ll cross paths again!
✅ Reach out online before arriving – Join Facebook groups, Slack channels, or LinkedIn conversations to start making connections early.
✅ Be open to spontaneous connections – Chat with people at cafés, events, or even while waiting for your coffee. I’m a savage networker and extreme extrovert, so I’ll literally talk to anyone, anywhere.

Networking isn’t about forcing friendships—it’s about creating opportunities for natural connections to happen.

Final Thoughts – Build Your Tribe, Build Your Journey

At the end of the day, building a digital nomad network isn’t just about meeting people—it’s about creating a global support system. Whether it’s a casual coworking lunch, a new friend from a salsa class, a business collaboration born out of a meetup, or a contact from Linkedin, every connection adds value to your journey. So, put yourself out there, take that first step, and watch your nomad network grow. 🌍

💬 Over to you! What’s been your best networking experience while traveling? Drop a comment below! ⬇️

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