Latin America Travel Guide

Plan your ultimate adventure in Latin America with our comprehensive guide. Discover the region's top destinations, must-see attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.


Introduction to Latin America

Latin America is a diverse and vibrant region that spans from the southern border of the United States to the tip of South America. It consists of 20 sovereign countries, each with its own unique culture, history, and natural beauty. From the beautiful beaches of Mexico to the awe-inspiring Andean peaks, Latin America offers something for every type of traveler. This comprehensive guide will help you plan your ultimate adventure in Latin America by highlighting its top destinations, must-see attractions, activities, accommodations, and more.

List of Places to Visit in Latin America

  • Mexico
  • Guatemala
  • Belize
  • Honduras
  • El Salvador
  • Nicaragua
  • Costa Rica
  • Panama
  • Colombia
  • Venezuela
  • Guyana
  • Suriname
  • French Guiana
  • Ecuador
  • Peru
  • Bolivia
  • Chile
  • Argentina
  • Uruguay
  • Brazil

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Latin America is steeped in history and has a rich cultural heritage. Here are some of the most important museums and historical places to visit:

  • Museo Nacional de Antropología, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Tikal, Petén, Guatemala
  • Copán Ruinas, Copán, Honduras
  • Joya de Cerén Archaeological Site, El Salvador
  • León Viejo, Nicaragua
  • Teatro Nacional, San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Panama Canal, Panama
  • Gold Museum, Bogotá, Colombia
  • Angel Falls, Venezuela
  • Machu Picchu, Cusco, Peru
  • Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia
  • Easter Island, Chile
  • Iguazu Falls, Argentina
  • Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay
  • Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Natural Attractions of Latin America: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Latin America is home to a diverse range of natural landscapes, from stunning beaches and lush rainforests to towering mountains and vast deserts. Here are some of the top natural attractions for outdoor adventures and scenic views:

  • Cancún and the Riviera Maya, Mexico
  • Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
  • Actun Tunichil Muknal Cave, Belize
  • Roatán Island, Honduras
  • Montecristo National Park, El Salvador
  • Ometepe Island, Nicaragua
  • Arenal Volcano National Park, Costa Rica
  • Bocas del Toro, Panama
  • Tayrona National Park, Colombia
  • Angel Falls, Venezuela
  • Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
  • Huacachina Oasis, Peru
  • Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
  • Torres del Paine National Park, Chile
  • Patagonia, Argentina
  • Iguazu Falls, Argentina/Brazil
  • Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Hiking/Biking Routes of Latin America

Latin America has some of the best hiking and biking routes in the world, offering adventurers stunning views and unforgettable experiences. Here are some of the top routes:

  • Volcanoes National Park, Mexico
  • Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala
  • Mountain Pine Ridge Reserve, Belize
  • Cangrejal River, Honduras
  • Santa Ana Volcano, El Salvador
  • Mombacho Volcano, Nicaragua
  • La Paz Waterfall Gardens, Costa Rica
  • Ancon Hill, Panama
  • Lost City Trek, Colombia
  • Andes Mountains, Venezuela
  • Machu Picchu Trek, Peru
  • El Choro Trek, Bolivia
  • Torres del Paine, Chile
  • Fitz Roy Trek, Argentina
  • Carmo do Rio Claro to Capitólio, Brazil

Best Things to Do in Latin America: Activities and Tours

Latin America offers an array of activities and tours that cater to every type of traveler. From cultural immersion experiences to adrenaline-pumping adventures, here are some of the best things to do in Latin America:

  • Explore Mayan and Aztec ruins.
  • Try snorkeling in Belize’s Barrier Reef.
  • Go zip-lining in Honduras.
  • Learn to surf in El Salvador’s Playa El Tunco.
  • Visit Nicaragua’s Masaya Volcano at night.
  • Whitewater rafting in Costa Rica.
  • Visit the Panama Canal.
  • Explore Cartagena’s colonial architecture.
  • Go birdwatching in Venezuela.
  • Trek the Inca Trail in Peru.
  • Take a cable car ride to Sugarloaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro.
  • Swim with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands.
  • Visit the Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá in Colombia
  • Marvel at the Iguazu Falls.
  • Experience the Tango in Buenos Aires.
  • Try Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Brazil.

Week-Long Itinerary for Latin America

If you have a week to explore Latin America, here is a sample itinerary that will allow you to see the highlights of the region:

Day 1-3: Mexico City, Mexico Day 4-5: Cusco, Peru Day 6: Buenos Aires, Argentina Day 7: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Food and Drink Scene of Latin America

Latin America is known for its delicious food and drink scene, full of flavorful dishes and refreshing cocktails. Here are some must-try foods and local beverages in Latin America:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Tacos al Pastor in Mexico
  • Pupusas in El Salvador
  • Gallo Pinto in Costa Rica
  • Ceviche in Peru
  • Pão de queijo in Brazil

Local Beverages

  • Margarita in Mexico
  • Mezcal in Mexico
  • Caipirinha in Brazil
  • Pisco Sour in Peru
  • Coffee in Colombia

Where to Stay in Latin America: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Latin America offers a range of accommodations to suit every budget and travel style. From luxury hotels and resorts to budget hostels and guesthouses, here are some options:

  • Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
  • W Hotel Santiago, Chile
  • Hotel Saint George, Argentina
  • Belmond Miraflores Park, Peru
  • La Fortuna Backpackers Resort, Costa Rica
  • Casa Republica, Brazil
  • Casa San Francisco, Guatemala
  • Hostelworld, Panama

What to Buy in Latin America: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Latin America offers a range of unique souvenirs and local products that make great gifts for friends and family. Here are some things to consider:

  • Coffee beans from Colombia
  • Alpaca wool products from Peru
  • Handcrafted pottery from Mexico
  • Argentinian leather products
  • Panama hats
  • Brazilian bikinis
  • Local spices and hot sauces

Local Culture and Customs of Latin America

Latin America is a region known for its vibrant culture, with a rich history and a strong emphasis on family and social life. Here are some customs to understand and respect:

  • Greeting people with a kiss on the cheek or a hug.
  • Emphasis on punctuality can vary by region.
  • Respect for family and elders is highly valued.
  • Tipping ranges from 10-20% in restaurants and bars.

Best Time to Visit Latin America

The best time to visit Latin America varies by country and region, but generally, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which typically runs from November to April. However, due to its size and diversity, there are always places to visit year-round.

Do’s and Don’ts of Latin America

To make the most of your trip to Latin America, it’s important to understand the culture and customs. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Spanish phrases.
  • Dress appropriately for the activities and environments you plan to visit.
  • Carry cash and small bills in local currency.
  • Negotiate prices with street vendors.

Don’t:

  • Carry large amounts of cash or valuables.
  • Wander alone in unfamiliar areas.
  • Drink tap water.
  • Leave your belongings unattended.

Safety and Health

While Latin America is a relatively safe place to visit, there are some precautions travelers should take to ensure their safety and health.

Safety in Latin America

  • Use reputable tour operators and accommodations.
  • Be aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts.
  • Avoid wearing flashy jewelry or carrying expensive electronics.
  • Use caution when using public transportation.

Health in Latin America

  • Get vaccinated for diseases like hepatitis A and B, yellow fever, and others.
  • Carry a first aid kit with common medications and supplies.
  • Use insect repellent to prevent mosquito bites.
  • Drink bottled or purified water.

Getting to Latin America: Transportation Options and Logistics

Latin America has a well-developed transportation system that allows visitors to travel easily between countries and within them.

Airports in Latin America

There are many airports throughout Latin America, including:

  • Mexico City International Airport
  • La Aurora International Airport, Guatemala
  • Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport, Belize
  • Toncontín International Airport, Honduras
  • Monseñor Óscar Arnulfo Romero International Airport, El Salvador
  • Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Nicaragua
  • Juan Santamaría International Airport, Costa Rica
  • Tocumen International Airport, Panama
  • El Dorado International Airport, Colombia
  • Simón Bolívar International Airport, Venezuela
  • Mariscal Sucre International Airport, Ecuador
  • Jorge Chávez International Airport, Peru
  • Viru Viru International Airport, Bolivia
  • Comodoro Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport, Chile
  • Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Carrasco International Airport, Uruguay
  • Rio de Janeiro-Galeão International Airport, Brazil

Bus Stations in Latin America

Latin America also has a well-established bus system that provides an affordable and convenient way to travel between destinations. Some major stations include:

  • Terminal Central de Autobuses del Norte, Mexico City
  • La Aurora, Guatemala City
  • San Pedro Sula, Honduras
  • Tica Bus, San Jose, Costa Rica
  • Albrook Bus Terminal, Panama City
  • Terminal de Transporte de Bogotá, Colombia
  • Central de Autobuses, Caracas, Venezuela
  • Terminal Terrestre Quitumbe, Quito, Ecuador
  • Cruz del Sur, Lima, Peru
  • Terminal La Paz, La Paz, Bolivia
  • Terminal Santiago, Santiago, Chile
  • Retiro Bus Terminal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Tres Cruces Bus Terminal, Montevideo, Uruguay
  • Rodoviária Novo Rio, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Other Options

For those seeking a more private and luxurious transportation option, Latin America offers helicopter and private jet services. Water taxis, trains, and car rentals are also available in many areas.

How to Get Around in Latin America

To get around in Latin America, visitors can use a combination of transportation options, including public transportation, taxi services, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Cabify. Rental cars and bicycles are also available in many areas.

Conclusion

Latin America is a vast and diverse region full of culture, history, and natural beauty. With so many destinations and attractions to explore, planning a trip to Latin America can seem overwhelming. This comprehensive guide should help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in this incredible region.