Latin America

Latin America is a vast region of vibrant cultures, ancient ruins, and diverse landscapes, stretching from Mexico to the southern tip of South America and across the Caribbean. Central America offers jungles, volcanoes, and colonial towns, from the Mayan temples of Guatemala to Costa Rica’s cloud forests. South America spans towering Andes peaks, Amazon rainforests, and wide pampas, with iconic sites like Machu Picchu, Iguazu Falls, and Patagonia’s glaciers. The Caribbean mixes island rhythms, colonial heritage, and endless beaches across places like Cuba, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

Most travelers come chasing a mix of nature, history, and culture , whether it’s trekking to Machu Picchu in Peru, lounging on beaches in Mexico or Dominican Republic, hiking the Andes in Ecuador and Chile, or exploring the ruins and rainforests of Guatemala and Belize. The region is incredibly diverse: you can move from Caribbean islands to Amazon jungles to Patagonian icefields without leaving Latin America.

It’s the shared language and cultural heritage that binds much of Latin America together. This is a land of ancient civilizations such as the Aztecs, the Maya and the Inca. It is a place where the soaring Andes mountains flow into the vast canopy of the Amazon rainforest. And it’s where Argentine cowboys still ride the pampas herding some of the best beef around, and football reigns supreme.

Latin America is known for its passion. Whether it is Brazil’s Carnival, a football match or Catholic religious festival, this region has got serious flair. Mexico has become a quick getaway for Americans and Canadians, but still boasts the world’s largest and dirtiest capital city as well as magnificent Mayan ruins in the Yucatan.

Central America is a cluster of small countries that connects North and South America. It has a long tradition of guerilla civil wars, but Costa Rica is setting the global trend in eco-tourism. Panama is another up and coming hotspot, and the ancient ruins in Belize and Guatemala are worth exploring. Still, places like El Salvador and Nicaragua can be a bit risky.

Colombia opens the gates to South America. Once the cocaine and kidnapping capital of the world, tourism is slowly opening up its amazing sites. Venezuela’s capital Caracas is best avoided for its impending threat of crime, but this is true of nearly every major city in Latin America. There are indigenous Indians in Ecuador, Peru and Brazil’s Amazon regions, as well as in the highlands of the Andes.

Peru’s Inca sites like Machu Picchu only suggest there are still other sites hidden in the dense jungles. Head down the length of the Chile until it tapers out into Patagonia, one of the planet’s last truly magical frontiers. Just across the strait is Antarctica.

Traveling across Latin America is usually affordable, especially compared to Europe or North America. Backpacker hostels, guesthouses, and mid-range hotels are easy to find, though luxury options exist in places like Costa Rica, Argentina, and Brazil. Meals are cheap and hearty: tacos, empanadas, ceviche, pupusas, and feijoada are just a few dishes you’ll run into. Western food is widely available in cities but much rarer in rural areas.

Getting around varies. Buses are king for regional travel in most countries, often comfortable and cheap. Budget airlines connect major cities across the region. Roads can be rough in rural areas, and flights or boats are sometimes necessary to reach isolated places. Spanish and Portuguese (in Brazil) dominate, though English is common in tourist hubs and the Caribbean. Latin America is generally safe for travelers who take standard precautions, but levels of crime and political stability vary a lot between countries and regions, always check current advice.

Families: Latin America has great family options but varies a lot by destination. Resorts in Costa Rica, Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and Caribbean islands like Barbados are very family-friendly. Safety and infrastructure can be uneven elsewhere, so families need to choose carefully.

Couples: Latin America offers romance everywhere , colonial cities like Cartagena, remote beaches in Belize, wine country in Argentina, and overwater bungalows in the Caribbean. Private lodges, scenic landscapes, and cultural charm make it a top choice for adventurous couples.

Backpackers: Latin America is prime for backpacking. Trails through Mexico, Guatemala, Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia offer affordable travel, local interactions, and epic landscapes. Hostels, buses, and border crossings are well-trodden, though Spanish helps greatly.

Digital Nomads: Digital nomad hubs are rising fast. Mexico City, Medellín, Buenos Aires, Antigua, and Playa del Carmen all offer coworking spaces, good Wi-Fi, and affordable living. Safety varies, but the lifestyle is relaxed and full of culture.

Luxury Travelers: Latin America offers luxury with an adventurous edge , boutique hotels in Uruguay, eco-lodges in Costa Rica, haciendas in Ecuador, and private islands in the Caribbean. High-end service and design are available, often at lower prices than Europe or North America.

Foodies: The food scene across Latin America is dynamic and diverse. Mexico’s culinary richness, Peru’s innovative cuisine, and Argentina’s beef and wine culture are highlights. Street food and market dining are central everywhere, offering both rustic and refined experiences.

Beach Bunnies: Endless beach options across the region , Caribbean islands like Aruba, Jamaica, Dominican Republic, and coasts in Mexico, Brazil, Costa Rica, and Colombia deliver sandy escapes. Surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing in paradise are easy year-round.

Nature Buffs: Latin America’s natural wonders are astounding , the Amazon Rainforest, Patagonia, Galápagos Islands, volcanoes in Guatemala, waterfalls like Iguazu Falls, and coral reefs in the Caribbean. Hiking, wildlife viewing, and eco-tourism opportunities are world-class.

History Buffs: From the ancient ruins of Machu Picchu, Tikal, and Copán to colonial cities like Quito and Havana, Latin America has deep historical layers. Pre-Columbian, colonial, and revolutionary histories blend into vibrant modern life.

Culture Vultures: Latin America is culturally rich , music, dance, art, religion, and festivals dominate life. Salsa in Cuba, tango in Argentina, Day of the Dead in Mexico, and Carnaval in Brazil are just a few ways to dive into living traditions.

Adventure Seekers: This is a paradise for adventure , trek the Inca Trail, surf in Costa Rica, dive in Belize, paraglide in Medellín, or summit volcanoes in Ecuador. Adventure activities are affordable and abundant across the region, often in stunning settings.

Solo Travelers: Solo travel in Latin America can be rewarding, but requires caution. Costa Rica, Mexico, Colombia, and Argentina are solo-friendly hotspots. Spanish skills help, and sticking to popular routes and destinations makes travel safer and more social.

Party Animals: Latin America is one of the world’s best party regions , from Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro and reggaeton clubs in San Juan to salsa bars in Cali and beach raves in Tulum. Music, nightlife, and celebrations are integral to life across the continent.

Wildlife Watchers: Wildlife diversity is spectacular , from jaguars in the Pantanal to sloths in Costa Rica, macaws in the Amazon, whales off Colombia, and sea lions in the Galápagos. Conservation areas and eco-tours are widespread, though care is needed to pick ethical operators.

LGBTQ+: LGBTQ+ friendliness varies. Argentina, Uruguay, Colombia, and parts of Mexico are very progressive, with vibrant LGBTQ+ scenes. Brazil‘s big cities are welcoming but require safety awareness. Rural areas and some Caribbean nations are more conservative.

Why Go to Latin America?

• Epic Ancient Ruins: Walk among the Mayan temples of Tikal in Guatemala, the Inca citadel of Machu Picchu in Peru, or the ancient city of Teotihuacan in Mexico.
• World-Class Natural Landscapes: Trek the peaks of Patagonia, dive the Blue Hole in Belize, or sail through the Galápagos Islands.
• Vibrant Cultures and Festivals: Experience Carnival in Brazil, Day of the Dead in Mexico, or Inti Raymi in Peru.
• Beaches and Islands: Relax on Caribbean sands in Barbados, surf Pacific waves in Costa Rica, or island-hop around San Blas in Panama.
• Wildlife Encounters: Spot jaguars in Pantanal, sloths in Costa Rica, sea turtles in Nicaragua, or macaws in the Amazon Rainforest.
• Food and Music: Taste everything from street tacos to Argentine steaks, and hear rhythms from salsa in Colombia to reggae in the Caribbean.
• Adventure Sports and Trekking: Climb volcanoes in Guatemala, hike glaciers in Argentina, bike Death Road in Bolivia, or whitewater raft in Ecuador.

Who Might Not Enjoy Latin America?

Latin America offers immense cultural diversity, natural beauty, and vibrant cities, but it’s not a perfect fit for every type of traveler. Here’s who might find parts of the region challenging:

• Travelers Concerned About Safety: Crime, including petty theft and occasional violent incidents, is a concern in parts of Central America, South America, and some Caribbean islands. Caution is needed, particularly in large cities and poorer areas.

• Visitors Expecting Seamless Transportation: Infrastructure can vary widely. Long bus rides, flight delays, rough roads, and informal transit systems are common, making travel between destinations slow and unpredictable.

• Luxury-Only Tourists Outside Major Resorts: While luxury accommodations exist in places like Cancun, Rio de Janeiro, or Punta Cana, much of rural Latin America offers simpler, rustic lodgings, and service levels may not match five-star expectations.

• Travelers Sensitive to Heat, Humidity, or Tropical Storms: Much of the region is hot and humid year-round. The Caribbean and parts of Central America have hurricane seasons, while Amazon and jungle regions can be intensely steamy and rainy.

• Strict Vegetarians or Vegans: Traditional diets in Latin America are meat- and seafood-heavy. Although vegetarian and vegan options are expanding in major cities, rural areas and small towns often offer limited plant-based choices.

• Tourists Uncomfortable with Language Barriers: Spanish and Portuguese dominate, and English is often limited outside tourist hubs. Communication in remote areas may require basic Spanish or Portuguese skills.

• Visitors Wanting Smooth, Polished Tourism: While tourist services can be excellent in certain areas, delays, last-minute changes, informal practices, and less-developed customer service standards are common elsewhere.

• Travelers Expecting Crowd-Free Iconic Sites: Major attractions like Machu Picchu, Chichen Itza, and the beaches of Punta Cana can be crowded, especially during peak seasons. True solitude often requires going off the beaten path.

• People Needing Reliable Internet and Medical Access Everywhere: Internet speeds are improving but can still be slow and unreliable in rural areas. Healthcare quality varies significantly between major cities and smaller towns.

Highlights

Latin America has an overwhelming array of awe-inspiring natural and manmade attractions; with something to suit all tastes, visitors can choose among the ecological wonders of the Amazonian rainforests, the enigmatic ancient ruins of the Mayan and Inca, a myriad of paradise islands and beaches or the magical snow topped peaks of the Andean mountain range.

Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): Also known as a ‘living museum and showcase of evolution’, the Galapagos consists of nineteen islands with unique animal life, including land iguana, giant tortoise and a wide variety of finches. Study of the latter was instrumental in helping Darwin formulate his theory of evolution.

Amazon Rain Forest (Brazil): One of the world’s richest areas in terms of biodiversity, this conservation complex is the largest protected area in the Amazon Basin (over 6 million hectares). The area’s many river and lakes are home to the largest variety of fish on earth, including the rare giant arapaima.

Chichen Itza (Mexico): Rated as one of the finest example of the Mayan – Toltec civilization, this sacred site was formerly the most powerful Mayan center on the Yucatan peninsula. Most notable of the many remaining structures is the spherical observatory, or El Caracol.

Barrier Reef Reserve (Belize): Belize is home to the largest barrier reef in the northern hemisphere. The reserve includes a significant number of endangered species, offshore atolls, pristine mangroves and vast lagoons.

Macchu Picchu (Peru): Rated as one of the most amazing urban creations of the ancient Inca, the ruins of Macchu Picchu are located in a stunning Amazon setting - on the eastern slopes of the Andes - that stands 2,430m above sea level.

San Agustin Archeological Park (Colombia): San Agustin Park is home to the largest group of religious sculptures in South America. Created by an ancient Andean culture between the 1st and 8th century, these images of gods and mythical animals are truly awe inspiring.

Easter Island (Chile): Created by Polynesian settlers during the period from the 10th to the 16th century, the island’s fascinating and powerful stone figures (moai) attract thousands of visitors each year.

Popocatepetl Monastaries (Mexico): Situated on the serene slopes of Popocatepetl, these 16th century monasteries (14 in all) provide inspirational examples of the styles adopted by the Dominican, Franciscan and Augustinian missionaries of the same period.

Nasca Lines (Peru): Depicting images of creatures, stylistic plants and geometric figures - some several kilometers long – the geoglyphics of Nasca date back to between 500 BC and 500 AD and are thought to have had astrological significance in ancient times.

Teotihuacan (Mexico): Also known as ‘the place where the gods were created’, the holy of Teotihuacan was built between the 1st and the 7th centuries AD and is home to such wonders as the Temple of Quetzalcoatl and the Pyramids of the Sun and the Moon.

Top Cities

• Mexico City: The capital of Mexico, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks.
• Buenos Aires: The capital of Argentina, famous for its European-style architecture and tango music.
• São Paulo: A major city recognized as the financial and cultural hub of Brazil.
• Rio de Janeiro: Known for its spectacular beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Carnival festival.
• Lima: A coastal city celebrated for its culinary excellence and historical significance.
• Bogotá: The capital of Columbia, known for its cultural institutions and historic neighborhoods.
• Santiago: A city surrounded by mountains, blending urban life with natural beauty.
• Quito: The capital of Ecuador, noted for its well-preserved colonial center and Andean setting.
• Caracas: The capital of Venezuela, known for its modern architecture and cultural landmarks.
• Panama City: A financial center and gateway to the Panama Canal, known for its skyline and historic district.

National Parks

• Torres del Paine National Park: (Chile) - Famous for its stunning mountains, glaciers, and turquoise lakes.
• Iguazú National Park: (Argentina/Brazil) - Home to the majestic Iguazú Falls, one of the largest waterfall systems in the world.
• Galápagos National Park: (Ecuador) - Renowned for its unique wildlife and significant role in Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution.
• Manuel Antonio National Park: (Costa Rica) - Known for its beautiful beaches, rich biodiversity, and tropical rainforests.
• Tayrona National Park: (Colombia) - Combines coastal beauty with lush jungle and ancient archaeological sites.
• Lauca National Park: (Chile) - Features high-altitude landscapes, including volcanoes, lakes, and diverse wildlife.
• Los Glaciares National Park: (Argentina) - Home to the Perito Moreno Glacier and the towering peaks of Mount Fitz Roy.
• Canaima National Park: (Venezuela) - Famous for its table-top mountains (tepuis) and Angel Falls, the world’s highest waterfall.
• Chapada Diamantina National Park: (Brazil) - Known for its dramatic cliffs, caves, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
• Corcovado National Park: (Costa Rica) - A remote park with one of the largest tropical rainforests in Central America, rich in wildlife.

Latin America is a tropical and sub-tropical region of extreme geographical diversity and natural wonders where rolling snow-topped mountain ranges, the world’s largest tropical rainforests and some of the driest deserts in the world are surrounded by the equally diverse waters.

The region’s varied geographical attributes have resulted in it becoming a key destination for activity orientated holiday makers and travelers. With such a vast scope for outdoor pursuits, activities include trekking, diving and snorkeling, surfing, whitewater rafting and kayaking, mountain climbing and rock climbing.

The vast and colorful region of Latin America comprises over twenty eight countries where the predominantly spoken languages, primarily Spanish and Portuguese, have been derived from the Latin. Stretching all the way from Mexico down to Cape Horn in the southernmost reaches of Chile, routes and methods of getting around vary throughout this immense region.

Unlike other large regions of the world, Latin America does not have a well- developed international rail system. Rail links between neighboring countries generally don’t exist, limiting international travel options to road and plane. However, most counties do have InterCity services. Argentina, Mexico and Chile, for example, have fairly well developed rail networks that link all major cities countrywide. In contrast, Bolivia has few train services and only two operating companies.

Bus: Despite the advent of cheap air travel and the poor road quality in much of Latin America, travel by bus remains a popular option with many travelers. The international bus network is more developed than the train network, with all countries being linked by bus services that will generally deliver you across land borders, limiting immigration and border crossing hassles.

The most popular international bus operator in Central America is Ticabus, which runs services from Guatemala City to Panama City, stopping at San Salvador, Salvador and San Jose. In South America, Argentina and Chile boast the most comfortable and reliable network of buses, but Mexico’s recent large investment in its road network and new executive style buses place it as the leader in comfort bus travel in Latin America.

Air: Due to an increase in the number of low-cost airlines - including Click Mexicana, InterJet and Volaris - getting around Latin America by air has become the most popular, affordable and hassle free choice of most travelers.

The region is served by numerous domestic and international airlines, with most of the more reliable and safe airlines being members of the Latin American Air Transport Association (ALTA). Main airports in the region include Brasilia International, Benito Juaraz International (Mexico City), Galeao International (Rio de Janeiro), San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Airport and Sao Paulo Guarulhos International.

Car: Getting around by car in Latin America can be difficult and often hazardous, but it is possible. While roads may often be in bad condition, there is a network of highways through South America that forms vital links for both passenger and cargo transportation. The provision of roads and accessibility depends on the geography of the land. For areas where the landscape proves to be a challenge for road construction such as the Andean Mountains and the Amazon Basin, road access is limited.

Boat: By far the most developed use of the waterways in Latin America takes place in the southern sub-regions around the largest water system on the planet, the Amazon Basin. Due to the rainforest terrain around this area, river boat travel is the most convenient way to discover the treasures of the Amazon. There are also numerous ferry companies that service boat travel from the South and Central American coastline to Latin American countries in the Caribbean Sea, including routes to Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico.

Many visitors coming from North America and Europe may find it difficult to stay healthy during a visit to Latin America. From initial digestive problems resulting from changes in bacteria to the more serious effect of diseases such as malaria and dengue fever, travelers should be well informed of the health risks involved and prepare well before traveling.

Concerns relating to water and food hygiene should be kept in mind while traveling through the majority of Latin America. Many diseases in the region are water or food borne, so always pay close attention to the source. If in doubt don’t eat it or drink it.

Food should always be well cooked so if you’re getting your meal from a street vendor, watch the preparation and cooking to see if your meal is cooked thoroughly. When eating raw fruits or vegetables always make sure they have been peeled and washed in clean water.

Crime: while most visitors travel safely in Latin America, travelers should be aware of the risks, particularly in large cities and most predominantly in the cities of Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, where crime against foreigners is relatively high. Most incidents involve petty crimes such as pick-pocketing, but the more serious crimes of kidnappings and sexual assaults do occur. Always remain vigilant and use your common sense. Know the risky areas to go and don’t go there!

Regional conflicts and terrorism: while many countries in Latin America have experienced civil conflict in recent years, there are few countries that can be classed as no-go areas. Even Guatemala - which suffered a 36-year civil war – and Colombia are now increasingly safe countries to travel in. However, as is the case in many developing countries, civil unrest and conflict do occur. For details of political and civil situations in individual Latin American countries, keep an eye on the news and check with your embassy before departing.

Diseases: mosquito transmitted diseases such as malaria, dengue fever and yellow fever are common throughout Latin America, but generally only occur in tropical jungle areas and are less common in urban areas. Travelers should use their judgment depending on the area to be traveled. Often, it may not be necessary to take prophylactic drugs to protect against malaria. Vigilant use of mosquito nets and mosquito repellent can provide ample protection against the threat of malaria and other mosquito borne diseases.

Adverse weather: hurricanes, flash flooding and avalanches affect many parts of Latin America. The hurricane season is quite well defined (see weather, climate and when to go) so the best advice for travelers is not to go during those seasons unless you’re a hurricane enthusiast! Most ski resorts in the Andes receive avalanche warnings, but generally tourists will not ski in avalanche risk areas.

Women travelers: while many single women have traveled safely through Latin America, there have been a relatively large number of reported abuses in the region. Women traveling alone in Latin America are advised to exercise caution, particularly at night in large cities and while trekking. When choosing a trekking tour, ensure that you will be trekking as a group.