Latin America is a vast, diverse region. It straddles the tropical Caribbean coastlines of Central America all the way to the glacial tips of Patagonia. Because the geography, culture, and climate can vary so drastically from destination to destination, picking the perfect spot can feel overwhelming.
Different types of travellers want different things from their dream Latin America holiday; specialist tour operator Llama Travel has helped travellers narrow down their ideal destination since 2002. In this blog, the tour operator shares its insight on the different types of travellers that tend to consider Latin America for a holiday, and the destinations that suit them best.
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Nature lovers
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If your perfect holiday involves spotting exotic wildlife or landscapes, your choice of destinations across Latin America is plentiful.
Ecuador’s Galapagos Islands are one of the world’s most celebrated wildlife destinations, and its reputation is well-deserved. The wonder of spotting giant tortoise, iguana and blue-footed booby entrances most who visit, as it famously did Charles Dickens when he arrived in 1835 aboard the HMS Beagle.
A cruise between islands can help guests understand the vast biodiversity across the Galapagos, with snorkelling trips potentially bringing guests close to Pacific green turtles, whitetip reef sharks and penguins.
Brazil & Argentina share the thundering Iguazu Falls, a wonder of the natural world where more than 270 waterfalls stretch over 1.5 miles across the border.
Several wonderful viewpoints and platforms are dotted along the Falls, allowing visitors to feel the spray of the 1.5-million litres of water that flows through every second.
The landscapes of the Atacama Desert in Chile, comprised of vast salt flats, are unlike any other on Earth, and can often seem otherworldly or ethereal. The incredibly colourful sunsets, with flamingos silhouetted against the sky, often make way for fantastically starry nights in the evening.
Costa Rica offers, in equal parts, magnificent wildlife and incredible landscapes. The picture-perfect Arenal Volcano and hot springs can feel wonderfully immersive. Spotting wildlife like sloths, tree frogs, and monkeys through the jungle trees is thrilling, not to mention looking above to spot the destination’s more than 900 bird species.
Avid adventurers & hikers
Argentina & Chile are fantastic for hikers. Patagonia’s granite peaks and vast glaciers make for dramatic surroundings on a hike, and Chile’s Lake District is comprised of volcanoes and glacial lakes. The best hiking weather is between December and March (summer in Argentina and Chile), but those looking to avoid crowds might choose October and April.
Bolivia’s magnificent Uyuni salt flats (the largest on Earth!) are rugged and adventurous, with a 4×4 drive a thrilling way to explore the vast plains.
The additional challenge of altitude in Uyuni can inspire a real sense of adventure. Bolivia is often considered a ‘rough around the edges’ alternative to the well-trodden tourist destinations like Peru or Argentina; the adventurous traveller might appreciate its small-town charm and dramatic scenery.
The history buff
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The Andean region is home to a wealth of deeply-rooted traditions, well-preserved architectural sights, and remnants of ancient civilisations, well-suited to a historical holiday.
Peru was known as the gateway to the Incan Empire; Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley are a fantastic glimpse almost half a millennium into the past, and those who opt to take the four-day Inca Trail can trace storied footsteps en route to the ancient city.
Guatemala is home to ancient Mayan temples in Tikal, which emerge from the low-lying jungle in spectacular form. Visitors can ascend to the top of several jungles, with many spending a full day at Tikal to take in the vast pyramids, temples, plazas and palace complexes.
Remnants of Guatemala’s more recent history can be found on the cobblestoned streets and behind the colourful facades of the UNESCO-designated Antigua, a colonial city in the central highlands with well-preserved Baroque-influenced architecture.
Mexico has a similar blend of ancient temples, like the Pyramids of Teotihuacán and Chichén Itzá, and colonial charm in places like San Cristóbal de las Casas, providing a centuries-spanning experience. Mexico City is one of Latin America’s most compelling cultural capitals, with live mariachi music flooding out into the streets from any number of its bars and restaurants.
City slickers
The urban hubs of South America are well known for their lively city life and cosmopolitan streets, but two especially sit among the world’s most celebrated cities.
Argentina’s Buenos Aires boasts magnificent European-style architecture, a rich and storied history, and a wealth of museums & galleries spotlighting everything from fine art to samba icons. The late-night tango culture, fantastic wine and wonderful cuisine beg exploration and truly immerse visitors.
Brazil’s former capital, Rio de Janeiro, is arguably the continent’s most vibrant city, with fantastic nightlife and culture at the forefront, and a backdrop comprised of stunning natural settings: beautiful bays, tropical beaches and rolling hills making way for the Atlantic Ocean help create a perfect balance between lively festivities and natural serenity.
Laid-back beach lovers
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Costa Rica is famed for its wildlife and dense jungle, but its Pacific coast (specifically the beaches of the Manuel Antonio National Park) provides a magnificent sense of balance to a visit in the spirit of the ‘Pura Vida’. Most of the beaches are safe for swimming, and Manuel Antonio Beach has an offshore coral reef, making it fantastic for snorkelling.
Most hotels offer stunning ocean views and facilities like spas, pools and sports activities to add a more active dimension to a beach break.
The all-rounder
It is hard to choose a singular Latin America destination that perfectly encompasses the region, and it is almost impossible to cover the entire region in one holiday.
Peru is regarded as a perfect destination for an all-round taste of Latin America. The nation’s history spans ancient Incan civilisation in Machu Picchu, the Spanish colonial era in Cusco, and more modern art and culinary fare in Cusco.
The dramatic diversity in landscapes from the shores of Lake Titicaca to the peaks of the Andes and the desert canyons of Arequipa casts a wide scope.
Costa Rica is another strong option for a well-balanced holiday. The biodiversity throughout the jungle is impressive, a real sense of adventure can be found in the Cloud Forest and Arenal, and Costa Rica’s marvellous beaches are a great way to round out a trip.
Latin America is a bountiful region for all types of travellers, but holiday style is just one of many considerations to make before planning a visit.
Llama Travel has helped all types of travellers identify their perfect holiday since 2002. Between them, their team of in-house Travel Experts have visited all the destinations the tour operator sells, and shares that expertise with customers before they book.
