Considered a modern commercial hub and a melting point of different fascinating cultures, Latin America is one of the most beautiful regions in the entire world, characterized by its vast territory of majestic peaks, scenic impenetrable jungles, and some of the world’s oldest civilizations. From vibrant cities with charming colonial towns to ravishing Carribean beaches with turquoise waters and smoky volcanoes with beautiful lakes, Latin America makes for a perfect destination to even the keenest adventure traveler. So, if you are planning to discover the marveling intrigues of this beautiful part of the continent, scroll down for a detailed listing of the best places to visit in Latin America, for a remarkable holiday.
What to look forward to in Latin America:
- If you want to witness vibrant festivities, visit Venezuela between January and February each year to see the National Carnival Celebration in the province of Corrientes. During the summer, you can make your way down the "Routes of the Carnival" to see dancing and celebrations across over 20 cities. I definitely would not want to miss out on seeing such an iconic event!
- Meanwhile, Colombia is home to a celebration that has made it onto UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Carnival of Barranquilla occurs annually in the four days before Lent. It celebrates the blending of various cultures through music, floats, costumes, dancing, and more!
1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Located in Southern Brazil, Rio de Janeiro is one of South America’s most famous hubs of energy and entertainment. A beautiful urban jungle dotted with majestic mountain peaks, and a scenic coastline, a visit to this picturesque place not only reveals a fascinating mix of elating cultures but also a spectacular landscape surrounded by lush green forests, and a pristine sea.
While Rio’s allure lies in its beautiful sceneries and monuments, it’s the exhilarating ambiance and bohemian vibe of its samba carnivals that most tourists find appealing. Home to the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue, the scenic beaches of Ipanema and Copacabana, and plenty more things to do Rio is a ravishing city and an adventurer’s gateway.
Good to know:
- Rio de Janeiro has a tropical climate, which means you can expect most days to be hot and humid and should bring a hat, sunscreen, or even an umbrella to protect you from the sun. However, do also be aware that rain is more likely during the summer season between December and February.
- For more information about the city, its events, attractions, and more, check out its city page.
Stay here:
Luxury: Grand Hyatt Rio de Janeiro
2. Tulum, Mexico
If you ask anyone where Tulum is, the first thing that comes to mind is the breathtaking turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, but surprisingly enough, that’s not all that this exquisite holiday destination offers.
Once home to an advanced civilization of warriors, mathematicians, philosophers, and architects, Tulum is now a hotspot holiday destination thanks to its well-preserved ancient ruins of the mystique Mayan people. Famously known for its sheer quantity of amazing cenotes, from those that are popular among tourists to more secluded ones, Tulum is arguably a beach bum’s paradise oozing with not only fascinating cultures but also inspiring jaw-dropping surroundings. As a lover of traveling and learning new things, I would love to visit this town and see its culture for myself.
Good to know:
- If you're flying to Mexico, your most convenient option is to book a flight to Cancun International Airport. From there, you can take an hour-and-a-half to two-hour drive to Tulum.
- While you're in town, don't forget to visit any of the amazing beaches here. They are known for being among the best in Mexico and Central America and even have international platinum certification to prove their quality.
- Learn more about this beautiful town from its tourism board website.
Stay here:
Luxury: Hotel Milam
Budget: Los Arcos Hotel - TULUM
3. Montevideo, Uruguay
Tucked in the picturesque north shore of the scenic Rio de la Pata estuary, Montevideo is the beautiful capital of Uruguay. A wonderful, eclectic place brimming with vibrant cultural lifestyles and fascinating traditions, this beautiful city covers 20km (13mi) east to west, featuring elating attractions like the iconic Palacio Slavo, which was once the continent’s tallest building, and Puerta de la Ciudadela (Gateway of the Citadel), which is one of the most alluring landmarks in South America.
Visitors can also choose to stroll down the city’s inviting old town, which is home to most of Uruguay’s amusing nightlife scene. I think this would also be a great place to interact with the locals.
Good to know:
- Another reason to visit Montevideo is the Uruguay Carnival. The capital has the biggest and longest celebrations, which last up to 40 days.
- Consider coming to the city during the spring season from September to November. The temperature is warmer, the days are longer so you can see more attractions, and there are fewer tourists compared to the summer.
- Check out the tourism board wesbite to find more tours and activities in the area.
Stay here:
Luxury: Hyatt Centric Montevideo
Budget: Days Inn by Wyndham Montevideo
4. Ecuador (from USD 1.0)
Feast your eyes on some of South America’s most breathtaking, lush, scenic landscapes in Ecuador. A blissful paradise straddling the equator, Ecuador is a fascinating country blessed with an abundant array of indigenous cultures and intriguing colonial architecture.
Home to the verdurous Amazon forest, this beautiful country features a plethora of exhilarating highlights for visitors to explore, one of these being the awe-inspiring Nariz Del Diablo (Devil’s Nose), which is a beautifully restored railway covering scenic routes amid the Andes Mountains. If you are feeling adventurous and yearning for more places to visit, take an exciting excursion to the Chimborazo and Ingaprica Inca ruins and marvel at the astounding scenery.
If I were visiting, I would also want to try bolon de verde, one of the dishes the country is most known for.
Good to know:
- Ecuador uses USD as its official currency, so be sure to convert your country's currency before arriving. You may also want to get smaller bills so you don't have to worry about getting change when purchasing in rural areas.
- The country sits on top of the equator, so it doesn't have four seasons and the weather varies greatly depending on where you are in the country. Ensure you check the climate of the specific area you're visiting, as you may need to prepare for sunny days or very cold ones.
- To help you plan your visit and find things to do, read through the tourism website.
Stay here:
Budget: Hotel Marques Amazonico
10-Day Ecuador Highlights
Duration: 10 days
5. Peru (from USD 1.0)
Get off the beaten tracks and discover some of Peru’s marveling wonders on this exciting tour. Alongside a knowledgeable guide, you will get a chance to tour the breadths and widths of some of the exciting regions, not only in Peru but also in the entire world. Hike the arduous hills of Machu Picchu to its beautiful, jaw-dropping ruins and get to demystify the lingering conspiracy behind the enigmatic Nazca Lines and other captivating pre-Colombian geoglyphs etched in the pristine desert sands.
You will also get to visit the breathtaking floating islands of Uros in the ravishing confines of Lake Titicaca, where you will get to learn more about the cultures and traditions of some of the most indigenous communities in Latin America.
Good to know:
- Among Peru's official languages is Spanish, so travelers should learn a few basic phrases to help them navigate around. However, Quechua and Aymara are also official languages, so don't be surprised if you hear locals speaking them.
- While in Peru, don't forget to try pisco sour, a famous local cocktail made with pisco, bitters, egg white, and lime juice.
- For more information about traveling in Peru, click here to view the official tourism website.
Stay here:
12-Day Best of Peru Tour from Lima
Duration: 12 days
6. The Andes, Argentina
Treat yourself to a new experience and feast your eyes on some of the world’s most breathtaking sceneries at the Andes Mountain Range in Argentina. Considered the spine of Latin America, the Andes Mountain Range is a scenic wonderland of epic outdoor adventures offering travelers an idyllic atmosphere in a surreal natural environment where they can enjoy the quiet respite that nature provides.
Endowed with a palpable sense of serenity and some of the highest peaks outside the Himalayas, this baffling natural phenomenon along the west coast of South America runs 4500mi (7,242km) north to south passing through Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Argentina.
Good to know:
- Did you know that parts of The Andes tower up to 22,831ft (6,958.89m)? This high altitude is something you'll have to adjust to in order to avoid altitude sickness. Ascend the mountains slowly by spreading your journey across several days. Also, remember to stay hydrated, eat lightly, and avoid drinking alcohol.
- To read more about The Andes, check out Argentina's tourism website.
Stay here:
Luxury: Design Suites Salta, Salta
Budget: Nubes Apart Hotel, Salta
7. Atacama Desert, Chile
If you consider yourself an outdoor buff looking to discover the marveling intrigues of South America, then visit the beautiful Atacama Desert and immerse yourself in the uplifting outdoor scenes of Chile.
With an abundance of ecosystems, from the beautiful surroundings of the cooling oasis, often frequented by beautiful pink flamingoes, to the soothing warmth of the spurting geysers in amazing lunar landscaped fields, Atacama Desert is undeniably one of the most unaltered and uninhabited landforms in the entire world and it is popularly known for its beautiful sunset views that are reminiscent of a scene from an epic sci-fi film.
Good to know:
- In the middle of the desert lies the town of San Pedro de Atacama. The ancient village is the perfect spot from where to admire the stars at night.
Stay here:
Luxury: Our Habitas Atacama
Budget: Hostal Alto Yalí
Must-visit attractions in Latin America
8. Bassin Bleu, Haiti
Perched on a scenic mountain in the pristine confines of the Sud-Est department of Haiti, just 12km (7.4mi) North of Jacmel, lies a breathtaking scenery that’s simply amazing and a beauty to behold – Bassin Bleu, a series of three natural pools with turquoise waters linked by cascading waterfalls making one of the world’s most ravishing swimming holes.
Nestled in lush surroundings, this beautiful forest oasis comprises three gorgeous pools; Bassin Bleu, Bassin Palmiste, and Bassin Clair, which I think is the most adorable of the three. Suitable for swimming, these unique, mind-blowing picturesque pools are the perfect spot for a rejuvenating swim.
Good to know:
- You can easily reach Bassin Bleu from Jacmel via a 40-minute car ride. Alternatively, you can hike through a scenic route amid dense vegetation. The hike will take about two hours, so bring plenty of water.
- Note that there is an admission fee of 100 HTG (0.75 USD) per person and 100 HTG (0.75 USD) per vehicle.
- To learn more about what to expect when you visit, check out the attraction website.
Stay here:
Luxury: Hotel Florita
Budget: Maxanika
9. Angel Falls, Venezuela
Pulsating with the spirit of adventure, Angel Falls in Venezuela is a beautiful natural paradise oozing with serenity and tranquility. A mighty waterfall nestled in the pristine confines of an epic jungle, Angel Falls is a recognized UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best places to visit in South America.
Nestled in the heart of the scenic Guyana highlands, this natural marvel is so phenomenal that it has to be seen to be believed. Cascading from the top of a breathtaking pink-hued tepui, thousands of feet above the picturesque emerald-colored jungle, the best way to get to this awe-inspiring landform is either by air or canoes. Although it may be difficult to get up close to the falls, it seems to me that the majestic attraction may be worth the effort.
Good to know:
- Angel Falls is the tallest waterfall in the world, towering over the rest at 979m (3,211.94ft).
- You can view the falls either by flying over it on a plane or riding a boat down the river.
10. Tayrona National Park, Colombia
Have a unique retreat with nature and take in some of Colombia’s most amazing sceneries at Tayrona National Park. Snuggled on the scenic foothills of the world’s highest coastal mountain range of Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta, this beautiful park covers 30km (19mi) of Colombia’s rugged coastline and features some of the country’s most beautiful white sandy beaches with turquoise waters and crystal clear lagoons surrounded by lush green tropical jungles with towering mangrove trees.
This breathtaking park is made up of two ecosystems, and it is home to over 60 mammal species, several exotic birds (including the gorgeous military macaw), and breathtaking corals. I think this will make a beautiful site and a memorable visit!
Good to know:
- The most efficient way to reach the national park is via a bus from the city of Santa Marta. It will take about a 40-minute drive to reach the park's main gates.
- If you're a fan of sea creatures, Tayrona National Park is an excellent place for snorkeling and scuba diving.
- At night, you can settle down in hammocks provided by an on-site kiosk.
- For more information about the park, check out its page on Colombia's tourism website.
Stay here:
Luxury: Senda Watapuy
Budget: Casa Xue Tayrona - Alma Hotels
Discover Latin America
Latin America is one of the most underrated regions in the continent, but it’s rich in hidden treasures. So, with this list detailing some of the best places to visit in Latin America, you’re spoilt for choice. And since they are all in South America, you can visit each one of them depending on how deep your pockets stretch.
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