New to crypto? Bitcoin and Ethereum are where most beginners start. Explore the rest once you're comfortable.
What Are You Actually Buying?
Digital Gold
Designed to hold value over time, like gold but digital. Limited supply, can't be printed.
BTC
App Platforms
Networks that other crypto projects are built on. Think of them as operating systems.
ETH, SOL, ADA, AVAX, DOT
Data Infrastructure
Feeds real-world information into crypto apps — prices, events, and more.
LINK
Payments
Designed for sending money across borders, fast and cheap.
XRP
Start Here
The two most established cryptocurrencies. Where most beginners start.
BTCDigital Gold
Bitcoin
Digital gold. The oldest and largest cryptocurrency.
Market Cap
$1.5T
1Y Return
+1.6%
- Created in 2009 — the longest track record in crypto
- Only 21 million will ever exist, making it scarce by design
- Held by major companies and available as a traditional fund (ETF) on stock exchanges
ETHApp Platform
Ethereum
The platform most crypto apps and projects are built on.
Market Cap
$269.8B
1Y Return
+2.3%
- Most crypto applications and projects run on Ethereum's network
- You can earn passive income by holding it (similar to interest)
- The largest developer community in crypto — where new ideas get built
For the Curious
Established projects with specific use cases. Only after you understand the basics.
ADACardano
A slower, more cautious blockchain focused on getting things right.
AVAXAvalanche
One of the fastest blockchains — transactions feel instant.
LINKChainlink
Feeds real-world data (prices, weather, scores) into crypto apps.
DOTPolkadot
Connects different blockchains so they can talk to each other.
How Have They Performed?
1-year return of the top 3 cryptocurrencies on this list.
Explore all 18,000+ cryptocurrenciesWhere to Buy Crypto
Regulated platforms available in your country. Data from our broker comparison.
GBM
4.5
Platform of the Grupo Bursátil Mexicano that facilitates investing from Mexico in stocks, funds, and ETFs through a digital, educational, and intuitive interface. Design your portfolio and grow your wealth step by step.
Fintual
4.3
Latin American fintech that democratizes investing through mutual funds, stocks, and ETFs. Start investing with no commissions and from USD 1.
Folionet
4.3
Established in Miami for the Latin American audience, Folionet provides you access to your own investment account in the U.S., wherever you are. Choose between a personal account or one with advisory services and start enhancing your capital in international markets.
Hapi
4.2
A platform originating from Peru, Hapi democratizes access to the U.S. Stock Market from Latin America, allowing you to invest in over 12,000 stocks, ETFs, and cryptocurrencies starting from just US$5. Begin building your portfolio today.
Should You Invest in Crypto?
Potential benefits
- High growth potential — has outperformed most asset classes over the past decade
- Easy to start — buy from your phone with local currency, no minimum investment
- Portfolio diversification — moves independently from stocks and bonds
Risks to understand
- Extreme volatility — 30–50% drops in weeks are normal, not exceptions
- No guarantees — unlike bank deposits, your investment is not insured
- Scams exist — stick to established coins and regulated exchanges only
How We Selected These
Market cap above $5B
Established, not speculative
Survived a bear market
Not a 2024+ launch
Available in LATAM
On Bitso, Mercado Bitcoin, Binance
Clear use case
Explainable in one sentence
No meme coins
No algorithmic stablecoins
Frequently Asked Questions
Crypto is significantly more volatile than stocks. A 30-50% drawdown in a few weeks is normal. It's 'safe' only if you invest money you can afford to lose entirely and stick to established projects (like the ones on this page). Start with Bitcoin and Ethereum, learn how wallets and exchanges work, and never invest your emergency fund.
Most financial advisors suggest 5-10% of your investment portfolio at most. Some recommend starting with an amount small enough that losing it entirely would not affect your life. The goal is to learn with real skin in the game without risking financial stability.
Bitcoin is primarily a store of value — digital gold. It does one thing (transfer value) and does it securely. Ethereum is a programmable platform — a decentralised computer that runs applications (DeFi, NFTs, smart contracts). Think of Bitcoin as digital gold and Ethereum as a digital app store. Most beginners should own both.
In Mexico: Bitso is the largest local exchange with SPEI integration for instant MXN deposits. Binance and eToro also serve Mexico. In Brazil: Mercado Bitcoin and Foxbit are established local exchanges. NuInvest (Nubank) offers crypto directly in the banking app. All support PIX deposits.
ETFs first for most people. A broad market ETF like VOO gives you diversified exposure to the world's best companies with far less volatility. Once you have a solid ETF foundation, adding 5-10% in crypto is reasonable diversification. Crypto should complement your portfolio, not replace it.