The summer holidays are here, and South America is an all-time favourite destination for people from all olver the world. Check out some of the most demanded spots and experience a holiday in Latin America this year!
When people think of Latin America, they usually picture geographic diversity, cultural variety, friendly people, and adventure sports. If you have already enjoyed this region, or it is your first time there… Check out some of the most demanded destinations for your summer holiday in Latin America!
Argentina
Did you know Argentina is the world’s eighth-largest country? This huge country in is the epitome of diversity, ranging from deserts to glaciers, mountain ranges, and desert jungles. No matter what your interest is, Argentina’s landscapes can offer something for almost every interest. Considering its population inhabits cities, there are places in Argentina that are completely untouched. Some of our recommendations include Talampaya National Park, where there is a UNESCO Heritage Canyon, Patagonia, El Chaltén, Bariloche, Valle de la Luna, Igazu National Park with Iguazu Falls, Los Glaciares National Park, and Los Alerces National Park. Good luck with planning your visit! Another important data is that there are 33 national parks across the country.
Costa Rica
In a nutshell, Costa Rica is a rain-forested and volcanic country in Latin America known for its rich biodiversity, and open-mouthing landscapes. Roughly a quarter of the country is made up of protected jungle with exotic wildlife such as spider monkeys and quetzal birds. With coastlines on both the Caribbean and Pacific, it’s no wonder this country is also valued for its beaches. Our must-visits in the North are La Fortuna, Arenal Volcano, Monteverde Cloud Forest, and Bajos del Toro. At Caribbean Costa Rica, Tortuguero in the North and Cajuita and Puerto Viejo in the South. Tamarindo, Nosara, and Samara are located in the Northwest; and Manuel Antonio and Jaco are in the Middle Pacific Coast. Finally, on the Southwest Pacific Coast we recommend Puerto Jimenez and Drake Bay.
Mexico
Mexico is an all-time favourite destination in Latin America. It attracts tourists from all parts of the world with its secret island escapes, Caribbean coastline, and cosmopolitan capital city. Also, its thriving restaurant scene and traditional colonial towns are ideal for day trips. Some curiosities about this country are that Mexico is home to the world´s largest pyramid, 69 languages are spoken there, and Mexican cuisine is World Cultural Heritage. Some of our recommendations in Mexico include Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Zihuatanejo, Cozumel, Ixtapa, Cancun, Guanajuato, Mexico City, Manzanillo, Oaxaca, Puerto Vallarta, Huatulco, Cabo San Lucas, Puebla, Zacatecas, Isla Mujeres.
Puerto Rico
Also called the ‘Island of Enchantment,’ Puerto Rico has historically attracted tourists from all over the world due to its colonial architecture, tropical climate, diverse landscapes, and traditional cuisine. This pearl has only over 3,500 square miles of territory, but if you see it you will fall in love with it. Among other plans, you can walk down the cobblestone streets while you see multi-coloured homes and locals dancing down in a weekend parade. Some highlights in Puerto Rico include San Juan Viejo, Fuerte San Felipe del Morro, Castillo de San Cristóbal, Bosque El Yunque, Isla Culebra, Bahía Vieques y Bioluminiscente, Cayo Icacos, Rincon, Playa Luquillo, Parque de las Cavernas del Río Camuy, Ponce, Isla Verde, Playa Condando, Playa Siete Mares.
Brazil
Brazil is a country of white-sand beaches, vast rainforests, and lively cities. Also, you can enjoy red-rock canyons, tremendous waterfalls, and coral-rich tropical islands in this diverse country. Its ecosystems feature the greatest collection of plant and animal species found on Earth. Some exotic faunae that can be found in Brazil, include toucans, scarlet macaws, howler monkeys, capybara, pink dolphins, sea turtles, and thousands of other living species. With regards to highlights we recomend, they include Parque Nacional da Tijuca, Pão de Açucar, Playa de Copacabana, Parque Nacional do Iguaçu, Playa de Ipanema, Reserva Extrativista Baixo Rio Branco-Jauaperi, and Cristo Redentor.
Chile
Tourists define Chile as a destination of contrasts. The Atacama Desert, the world’s driest desert, is in Chile; but also, the Patagonian ice fields, fertile valleys, virgin beaches, old forests, and rumbling volcanoes are located in this country. Chile is claimed to be the world’s longest country, while its width extends to only 175 kilometres. The country’s population is a melting pot of cultures, mixing alpaca herders, the huaso countrymen of Patagonia, and the white-collar society of Santiago. Although different, all these inhabitants shine with their hospitality to tourists. Some highlights we highly recommend you to visit are Marble Caves, Cape Horn, Valle de la Luna, Valle Nevado, San Cristóbal Hill, El Tatio, Portillo, Villarrica, Anakena, San Alfonso del Mar, Santa Lucía Hill, Ahu Tongariki, and Rano Raraku, among others.
Uruguay
Uruguay is South America´s smallest country. People usually name it the Switzerland of South America for a stable democracy and social benefits such as free education. Uruguay’s most well-known city is Montevideo, the capital city that also houses 50% of the country’s population. Even if small, Uruguay is among the precious countries of South America in terms of historical and tourist attractions. If you travel to Uruguay, write down these highlights: Casapueblo, Plaza Independencia, La Mano de Punta del Este, Rio Negro, Juncal Island, La Paloma, Sierras de Rocha.
Ecuador
Ecuador is also small, but it is a diverse country that has a lot to offer. It boasts a rich cultural heritage, fine food, the Amazon jungle, and Andean highlands. From tropical beaches to stunning landscapes, indigenous markets and historical towns, people consider Ecuador as the ideal destination for anyone wanting to taste the original South America. Some of Ecuador´s highlights we recommend are Cotopaxi, Chimborazo, Quilotoa Lake, Bartolomé Island, North Seymour Island, Middle of the World City, South Plaza Island, Rabida Island, Cayambe, Parque Nacional Galápagos, Pichincha Volcano, Tortuga Bay.
If you are considering going on a holiday in Latin America, probably you would like to be able to have a basic conversation with locals, so that you can learn more about your destination and live an authentic Latin American experience. At Academia El Sur we offer tailor-made courses for your needs and purposes. Check our current course offer or contact us directly for more information. We start new courses every month!
Holiday in Latin America, which of these countries is your favourite destination? You can follow us on Instagram or LinkedIn and let us know. Thank you for reading this article and keep an eye out! We will soon post a new article about summer holiday destinations in Latin America!
