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Latin American Top 10
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Other than Mexico, North American travelers are leaving Latin America relatively untouched. Long a popular destination with European travelers we have yet to make the trek to this interesting region in the same numbers we visit Europe in. This long overlooked region consisting of Mexico, Central America, and South America has many of the same things to offer as any good European destination and often much more.
I recently attended a Latin American trade show for the travel industry where Patricia Schultz, author of 1000 Places to See Before You Die, gave a keynote presentation on her top ten picks for Latin America. What follows, in no particular order, are her picks for what visitors must see.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Oaxaca located in the southeast portion of Mexico is an area rich in cultural traditions and history. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site the state of Oaxaca is home to over 1500 indigenous tribes that continue to practice their ancestor’s way of life. This living history creates a great opportunity for visitors to immerse themselves in the past and enjoy traditional food and festivals. The area is also a great place to experience the archeological sites of these ancient civilizations at places such as Monte Alban and Mitla.
Belize's Barrier Reef
Belize’s barrier reef is the longest and largest outside of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. This laidback destination offers divers and snorkelers the opportunity to explore hundreds of shipwrecks and experience the Blue Hole, one of the most amazing dive sites in the world according to famous diver Jacque Costeau. The area is famed for its barracuda, shark, corals, and other marine life. Visitors should stay on Ambergris Caye, the largest island off of Belize’s coast.
Tikal, Guatamala
Guatemala contains hundreds of archeological sites for visitors to experience the ancient civilizations that ruled the area, but none is quite as grand as Tikal. With ten square miles of structures uncovered this is the largest excavated site on the American continent. Abandoned by the Maya over 1000 years ago these ruins are rich in history, legends, and mystery.
Arenal Volcano, Costa Rica
Costa Rica has become one of the top destinations in Latin America and at the top of most visitors to do list is a stay near Arenal Volcano. This volcano is one of the most active in the world and provides visitors with nightly shows complete with rumblings and glowing lava. The volcano also makes the area a top destination for hot springs as the waters around Lake Arenal are warmed by the thermal activity of the region.
Cartegena, Columbia
Columbia is making a slow comeback in the world of tourism following decades of violence. The country has successfully begun efforts to stabilize both the economy and government with hopes to expand the country’s appeal to travelers. For those comfortable with a visit to the country, the city of Cartegena on the northern coast offers visitors a place to explore the history and culture of this undiscovered country. The city exudes a Caribbean vibe where guests can relax and explore the colonial buildings and historical walled city and fortress that have been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. A stay in one of the converted historical boutique hotels is a glimpse of what the area hopes to become known for.
Sacred Valley, Peru
Peru’s Sacred Valley is a mystical and magical destination allowing visitors to experience both indigenous cultures and ancient ruins. Cusco was once the capital of the Incan empire and is the gateway to the Sacred Valley. Machu Picchu is one of the most well known of the Incan ruins and the most visited archaeological site in South America. The ruins can be reached either by train or by hiking the 45km Inca Trail. Once at the site there are several temples to explore and the hike to Huayna Picchu offers great views, but is limited to 400 people per day. No matter how you get there make sure you allot enough time to explore the ruins and the other sites in the valley including several Indian markets and smaller Incan ruins.
Torres del Pain, Chile
Torres del Paine in the Patagonian region of Chile offers visitors impressive views of some of the country’s most recognized features. This is the site of the Cordillera del Paine mountain group including the huge granite spires, Paine Massif. The park belongs to the UNESCO Biosphere Reserve network and includes not only mountains, but glaciers, lakes, rivers, and friendly wildlife. Active visitors can hike hundreds of miles of trails and even camp in the park. For those wanting to spend evenings in comfortable lodgings the Hotel Explora is an expensive option at $700/night, but its location on the shores of Lake Pehoe is well worth the extra money and includes guided tours, food and wines.
Rio de Janiero, Brazil
Brazil is one of South America’s most popular tourist destinations with Rio de Janeiro being the most visited city. Synonymous with Carnival, many guests don’t understand all this city has to offer. The city is packed with sites and activities for visitors to enjoy and one could easily spend an entire trip here. The obvious stops include Christ the Redeemer, Sugar Loaf, and the beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema. Visitors can also enjoy historical neighborhoods, amazing cuisine, a strong dance and music culture, and much more hidden beneath the obvious.
Salvador da Bahia, Brazil
For those seeking a less crowded and more authentic trip, Salvador da Bahia is a popular city. Once the capital of Brazil the historical city on the northeast coast was the main port for the slave trade and has a strong African heritage that is visible to this day. The beaches, cuisine, music, and amazing colors offer visitors a relaxing and culturally stimulating vacation. The city is also a great place to experience a less commercialized Carnival than Rio.
Lake District, Argentina
Argentina’s mountain retreat is a reminder of the heavy European immigration over the years. The Lake District, a short two hour flight from Buenos Aires has the feel of a Swiss mountain retreat from the rugged Patagonian landscape to the German and Swiss style mountain lodges. A year round destination, the area offers plenty of outdoor activities including hiking and biking, but is well known for its skiing June to September. The close proximity to Chile’s Lake District offers visitors the opportunity to easily experience both countries with leisurely boat tours. The area is also the jumping off point for travel to Antarctica.
With the rich history and culture Latin America has to offer a list of ten does not even begin to scratch the surface. What are some of your favorite’s that were not included in this list?
For more information: Ashley is an independent travel consultant and can be reached at ashley@indigojourneys.com or www.indigojourneys.com to help plan your Latin American getaway.
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