Coming up to ten must-see destinations in Latin America is not easy as there are many beautiful destinations in the Country. However, there are a few spots here that everyone should see in their lifetime.
Let’s start exploring the pristine tropical paradises, stunning natural wonders, charming colonial neighbourhoods, and remote ancient ruins. Here is the list of the top 10 places to visit in Latin America.
1. Lago de Atitlan, Guatemala
Lago de Atitlan was created by an enormous volcanic eruption 84,000 years ago. It is Central America’s deepest lake. For one truly unforgettable sight, prepare to see the stunning cloud formations above, volcanic backdrop beyond, and the crystal-blue waters below.
There are various cozy lake towns along the water’s edge, from Santa Cruz, San Pedro, Panajachel, and San Marcos to Santiago. To explore the other towns, you can hop on lancha and cruise over.
2. Machu Picchu, Peru
Located in the high mountains above the Cusco town, the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu is a wonder of the world on a level with the Taj Mahal in India, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, the pyramids of Egypt, and the Great Wall of China
The top view is beautiful whether it’s clear or covered in fog even if the crowds are quite a few during the wet season between December and April.
3. The Lost City, Colombia
Built by the Tayrona people over 1000 years ago, Colombia’s own Lost City is even older than Machu Picchu. The Tayrona won their last stand against the conquistadores in the Teyuna (Ciudad Perdida), before falling under the assault of Spanish invaders.
Getting to Teyuna is quite a trek as it is hidden in the jungles of Colombia’s northern Sierra Nevada mountains. It is still a well-worth journey, though.
4. Iguazu Falls, Argentina and Brazil
One of the world’s most incredible waterfalls, Iguazu Falls deserves more attention from all of us. Marking the border between Brazil and Argentina, the 269-foot drop at Iguazu Falls is the second-largest waterfall in the world next to Victoria falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
5. La Candelaria, Colombia
Sets on the edges of the modern metropolis of Bogota is La Candelaria, known as a jewel of the old world. La Candelaria, one of Bogota’ earliest neighbourhoods, has guarded its distinct charm against the winds of change. Home to stellar restaurants, cafés, cathedrals, and museums, La Candelaria, is easy to love and hard to leave.
The former monastery of Monserrate is perched on the hills above the old barrio. Take the tramway or hike up to get a long view of Bogota.
6. The Galapagos, Ecuador
Experience one of the most biodiverse and pristine areas of the world on the Galapagos off the coast of Ecuador. Scuba dive with hammerhead sharks, snorkel with sea lions and spot blue-footed boobies, or just chill out with the friendly population of giant tortoises and marine iguanas in the island.
However, going here is not cheap, but the bucks you pay go to preserving this natural wonderland for future generations to enjoy. In our books, the Galapagos is one of the most enthralling wildlife destinations in the world.
7. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
Want to explore Bolivia? Here, you can enjoy the salt flats of Salar de Uyuni and the hypnotic panorama reminiscent of the Salvador Dali paintings.
Check out the Incahuasi island and the train cemetery, where adventurers and backpackers gather to share food and swap stories. When you are tired of exploring around the lunar landscape, rest up at one of the salt hotels on the Salar’s borders, built almost entirely out of salt blocks taken from the flats.
8. Ilha Grande, Brazil
Known as the forgotten tropical paradise, Ilha Grande is tucked in the bay between Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Formerly a maximum-security prison, Ilha Grande is now home to Vila do Abraoo with about 2,000 permanent residents that serve to the growing tourism industry.
All vehicles are banned on the island, which makes getting around challenging. So, what you can do is to walk on foot or ride a water taxi. Hiking trails through the jungle direct you to be secluded and pristine beaches.
9. Old Havana, Cuba
Stroll the Castillo del Morro fortresses that guard the entrance to Havana bay and walls of La Cabana, walk along the Malecon, and wander down the Paseo del Prado that separates the two Havanas, one charming and old. The Cuban government has done to preserve the architecture and Habana Vieja’s character as a draw for tourists.
10. Chichen Itza, Mexico
Chichen Itza is one of the oldest and best-preserved Mayan sites in the Yucatan peninsula. A definite must-see for all adventurers, the Chicken Itza marks the high point of Mayan civilization in Mexico.
During the rainy season between October and January, the nearby accommodations are cheaper, but be sure to keep cautious for the occasional hurricane.
After scaling the pyramids of Chichen Itza, try to explore the underground pool nearby, the Sacred Cenote, where ancient Mayans offered sacrifices to their gods.
