20 Magnificent Latin American Tourist Destinations

Latin America often gets overlooked as a tourist destination, but these 20 marvelous destinations will definitely get your attention! From beaches to archaeological ruins, rainforests to glaciers and snowy ski resorts, Latin America has it all!

There are many fabulous destinations if you are interested in chasing the sun to the tropics during American winter or running from the oppressive summer heat during July and August, looking for snow. These Latin American tourist destinations were selected with the 3 A’s in mind: architectural beauty, archaeological magnificence, and awesome coastlines.

Cartagena, Columbia: Awesome Caribbean Coastline

Cartagena is a fabulous fishing village situated on Columbia’s Caribbean coastline. If you can tear yourself away from the beach, a stroll through Cartagena’s old town area provides a glimpse into its lengthy Columbian history; Cartagena was founded in 1533.

​Beautiful Punta del Este and Uruguay’s Fantastic Nightlife

Punta del Este is coldest in July. If you are looking for the beginning of the Atlantic Ocean, you will find it here. You will also find the end of the Rio de la Plata.

If you are looking for some quiet time to lounge in the sand, this is a great place for that. All of the beaches on the peninsula have public access. You may also find celebrities lounging here. Bikini Beach is one of the favorite spots for the local nightlife.

Stunning Torres del Paine: Chile’s Gem

Torres del Paine is a Chilean National Park. You can see a puma, an ostrich, Magellan forest, and the Andean desert here. This is one of the most beautiful places in all of Latin America.

Glaciers and Flamingos: El Calafate Has Them Both

Glaciers and flamingos might be a strange mix, but you can find both near El Calafate in Argentina. El Calafate is known as the capital of the glacier region, while you’re likely to see a flock of flamingos in Lago Argentino.

Jewel Of The Inca Empire: Cusco

If you are interested in the ancient history of the Inca Empire, Cusco should be near the top of your Latin American trip itinerary.

It is believed that the original city plan was in the shape of a puma, a sacred animal to the Inca people.

Arequipa: Peru’s Beautiful Volcanic Area

This Peruvian area is not a classic Latin American tourist destination, but it should be. There are three volcanoes surrounding this city. Be sure to have an earthquake plan in place during your visit because earthquakes are common here. The last massive quake occurred in 2001, but seismologists recorded 28 quakes in the region in 2014.

​Bocas del Toro: Panama’s Spectacular Beach Location

Bocas del Toro is a vacation paradise for snorkeling and diving in the Caribbean. There is nothing like lounging on the beach and watching the surf meet the sand, and there is no other beach quite like the one located in Panama.

See the Continental Divide at Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve

If you enjoy hiking, Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve should definitely make your list of places to visit in Latin America. This is one of the few places where you can stand on the Continental Divide and have your picture taken with one foot on the Caribbean side and one foot on the Pacific side.

Relax on Venezuela’s Beach Paradise: Los Roques

Los Roques is one of Venezuela’s finest national parks. The white sandy beaches and the coral reefs make this one of the most popular diving and sailing areas. It is also a perfect destination for fishing.

Cochabamba: Home of the Christ of Peace Statue

Cochabamba, Bolivia is home of what is reportedly the world’s largest statue of Christ, standing a total of more than 132 feet high. It is known as the Cristo de la Concordia, translated to English as the Christ of Peace. You can take a cable car ride to the top of San Pedro Hill where it stands or you can really get your exercise by walking up a flight of 2,000 steps.

Sucre: The Belle of Bolivia

Sucre, Bolivia, is the home of the Supreme Court in Bolivia and is its capital city. There are plenty of sights to see in this city.

If you are looking for an authentic soccer “football” experience, Sucre is the place to visit. The 2008 champions have their home stadium in Sucre.

Margarita Island Really Exists in Venezuela!

Margarita Island is one of the tropical island paradise locations located in Latin America. The Venezuelan destination is popular with tourists, and it is easy to see why many would find the sand, surf, and snorkeling location as a favorite.

Cruise Lago Titicaca in Uru Style!

Located on the border of Peru and Bolivia, Lago Titicaca is a recreational paradise. Cruise the lake in style by taking a tour in one of these authentic local boats. There are 42 floating islands, constructed of totora reeds, in the lake where the Uru people live.

The Uru people use solar panels to power their televisions and some of their boats are powered by modern boat motors.

Castle, Beaches, and Charm at Vina Del Mar

Vina Del Mar is one of the historic fishing villages of Chile. It is also home of Castillo Wulff. Vina Del Mar is known for its nightlife, its beaches, and resort atmosphere.

San Carlos de Bariloche: Skiing At Its Best!

If you didn’t get enough snow during the winter in the States, and summer is just too hot, travel south to Bariloche and hit the slopes!

San Carlos de Bariloche is home of one of the best ski resorts in Latin America.

Archaeological Magnificence: The Ruins of Tikal

If you are looking for historic ruins of a city to visit, Tikal is one of the finest specimens in Latin America. It was an ancient Maya city. It is one of the world’s largest archaeological sites.

World’s Tallest Waterfall: Angel Falls

If you love spectacular waterfalls, you must visit Angel Falls in Venezuela. Angel Falls are the world’s tallest. The longest drop is 2,648 feet from the top, but the Falls are 3,212 feet total in height.

Amazing Clear Blue Miscanti Lake

Laguna Miscanti (Miscanti Lake) is a heart-shaped lake with amazingly clear blue water. This lake is a part of Los Flamencos National Reserve. Miniques, an amazing volcanic area, is pictured here in the distance.

Taganga: Charming Fishing Village and Beautiful Beaches

Taganga is a charming fishing village surrounded by desert mountains. The beach is often crowded on the weekends because the locals enjoy it also. Playa Grande is one of the best beaches in Latin America and is about a 15 minute stroll away from town.

Granada: Rich in History and Exquisite Architecture

Granada is a port city with a long history of conflict. It is filled with historic architecture. Episcopal Palace, La Merced Church, and Central Park are fabulous tourist destinations. The Old Railway Station must be added to your vacation itinerary.