The best places to visit Latin America

Brazil

Many of the top spots in Brazil strike a perfect balance between preserving the incredible natural environment and offering unforgettable experiences. In the country's interior, you'll discover the Pantanal, one of the world's largest wetlands, along with the remote sanctuary of Casa Caiman. This eco-friendly hotel sits at the heart of a 53,000-hectare oasis, where you can spot wild jaguars through the Onçafari conservation project.

Further north, Cristalino Jungle Lodge offers an immersive experience in the Amazon. Nestled within a vast forest reserve, the lodge is committed to sustainability, using renewable materials, natural ventilation, permaculture, and solar power to harmonize with its surroundings.

Panama

Panama has much more to offer beyond its bustling capital. We’re captivated by the new Nayara Bocas del Toro, a true tropical paradise featuring private overwater villas in the Caribbean Sea. You can also enjoy glamping in the San Blas Islands, engage with the Emberá people in Darién, or spend a week sailing between Panama and Costa Rica on a luxurious new yacht, with a few nights on your private island.

Chile

Chile’s diversity of landscapes is breathtaking. The stark Atacama Desert, verdant wine valleys, snow-capped volcanoes of the Lake District, and the rugged expanses of Torres del Paine draw us back year after year. In 2024, we plan to venture further to places like Chiloé, Aisén, or Navarino Island, where longer journeys promise to reveal coastlines, islands, and national parks far from the crowds. There’s also an opportunity to immerse ourselves in the Indigenous Mapuche culture.

The travel designer Charles has been on the ground, and we’ve heard great things about Explora Patagonia National Park, an intimate and serene lodge. From there, you can explore the world’s clearest waters on the Cochrane River, mountain bike across the Patagonian steppe, or take on the challenge of summiting Tamango or Oportus.

Antarctica

Though Antarctica isn’t technically part of Latin America, combining it with Chile or Argentina makes for an extraordinary three- or four-week trip. This destination is truly unique. For those seeking a remote, thrilling adventure and the challenge of extreme conditions, we highly recommend the White Continent in 2024.

You can reach Antarctica by sailing through the Drake Passage from Ushuaia or by opting for a fly-in cruise from Chile to save time. We suggest the Sylvia Earle, with its world-leading low-emission marine engines, or the Magellan Explorer, which repurposes engine heat to warm the ship, among other eco-friendly initiatives. Both ships are designed for adventure, featuring spacious suites, inviting lounge areas, observation decks, and cutting-edge educational facilities.

The travel designers Jen and Lily have returned from Antarctica with amazing stories of camping on the ice, kayaking alongside whales, and daring ice swims. Be sure to plan your visit during the best months, as some can bring challenging conditions.

Colombia

Colombia offers countless reasons to visit, from the vibrant cities of Bogotá and Medellín to the coastal gems of Cartagena and Tayrona. In 2024, we’re highlighting destinations that have seen the most positive transformations in recent years. The highland town of Barichara, the tropical grasslands of Los Llanos, and the coastal village of Bahía Solano are among Latin America’s most exclusive spots for travelers.

While Colombia’s larger cities boast the usual urban attractions like world-class restaurants and museums, these smaller locations offer a tranquil escape, with a growing selection of boutique hotels like Casa Barichara, where you’ll feel right at home.

According to the travel designer Jen, Colombia is one of the top places in Latin America for a unique honeymoon. You can retreat to secluded beach villas, hilltop hideaways, and luxurious hotels in Bogotá or Cartagena, perfect for candle-lit dinners and rooftop sundowners.

Peru

The travel designer David, who hails from Peru, has explored the country extensively. For accommodations, he suggests Sol y Luna in the Sacred Valley and the converted monastery of Palacio Nazarenas in Cusco.

Machu Picchu draws millions of visitors each year for good reason—it’s a must-see. However, there are many other attractions in Peru. The Sacred Valley and Choquequirao offer their own Inca ruins, while Trujillo and Chiclayo are delightful cities to explore. And then there’s Lima, a bustling city renowned as one of the best culinary destinations in Latin America.