43 Stunning Photos of Bucket List-Worthy Travel Destinations in Latin America
How about a little bit of travel inspiration to take our minds of Coronavirus right now?
After a year of traveling throughout Central and South America, I put together a roundup of my 43 favorite travel photos. They show some of the everyday moments of locals and lesser-known travel destinations that will make you want to buy a plane ticket, STAT.
No one should be traveling right now. But you can use this time at home as a chance to plan your dream vacation or that solo round the world trip you’ve always wanted to take. Just save your favorite photos by pinning them to your South America Travel or Bucket List Travel Destinations Pinterest Board and you’ll be able to look at them later!
Colombia Travel Destinations
When I left the United States almost a year ago, Colombia was my first travel destination. The kind people, stunning landscape and quaint pueblos totally captured my heart. I planned to stay for 1 month and was still there 3 months later, exploring the best travel destinations and attractions in Colombia.
1. Trek in the Jungle Near Santa Marta, Colombia
No Colombia travel itinerary is complete without a visit to the North coast, home of the famous Tayrona National Park and untamed jungle. To this day, indigenous descendants of the Incans still live in these mountains.
2. Find the Lost City of the Incans
Hidden in that same jungle is The Lost City, ruins of an ancient Teyuna civilization, dating back to 650 years before Machu Picchu was built.
3. Walk in the Colorful Streets of Old Town Cartagena, Colombia
Look up at the restored yellow facades and sip a fresh coconut – or “coco frio” – while exploring this iconic port town and one of the top travel destinations in Colombia.
3. Visit the Sleepy Town of Jerico, Colombia
See a different side of Colombia, far removed from tourist buses and the street vendors. Jerico is a small pueblo not mentioned in most tour books – and that’s exactly why it’s a great travel destination for adventure seekers.
4. Party on a Rooftop in Poblado with Views of the Medellin Skyline
After you leave the quiet life of a pueblo, stepping into the noisy streets of Medellin will be a jolt. Once the world’s most dangerous city, Medellin is now a go-to travel destination for digital nomads, adventure travelers and budget backpackers. It’s full of salsa dancing, aguardiente (the national drink of Colombia), arepas – and an infamous nightlife scene.
5. See the Beautiful Zocalos in Guatape
The paintings on the side of the buildings in Gautape are called Zocalos. They seem to be in meticulous condition and depict patterns, animals and motifs that have significance for the people who live there.
6. Take a Day Trip to the Lake Region of Guatape
This countryside town is also home to a giant manmade lake, which you can get 360-degree views of atop a giant monolith, aptly named the Rock of Guatape.
7. See Sunrise in the Mountains of Colombia
Taking a trek in the jungle will let you wake up a still, misty morning and a breathtaking sunrise. You may never want to leave!
8. Buy Handmade Beaded Jewelry from Local Artisans
When you travel in Colombia, you’ll see beautiful bead necklaces, bracelets and earrings being sold by street vendors. This colorful handmade jewelry is the perfect souvenir to remember one of South American’s best travel destinations!
9. Try Street Food in Barranquilla
Visit the home of Shakira on the north coast of Colombia for a taste of Costeno life. This off-the-beaten-path destination is full of lively music, beautiful dancing, fresh seafood and plenty of tropical fruits from the nearby jungle.
10. Take a Coffee Tour on a Private Finca in Salento or Jerico
Colombia is a perfect travel destination for coffee lovers! It’s one of the top 5 coffee exporters in the world. And you can taste the delicious coffee straight from the source in Colombia’s coffee regions around Salento and Jerico.
Panama Travel Destinations
Sharing an impassable border with Colombia, Panama is a small country at the bottom of Central America. This tropical travel destination has clear blue waters, sparkling skyscrapers and plenty of surprises. Here are just a few of the things to do in Panama.
11. Go Snorkeling in Bocas Del Toro
Off the Caribbean Coast of Panama, you’ll find crystal clear water and uninhabited white sand beaches. Visit starfish beach and drink rum out of a coconut – you’re on island time when you visit this travel destination!
12. See the Skyline of Panama City, Panama
Panama has one of the strongest economies in Latin America and Panama City’s downtown skyscrapers are a testament to that. Take a bridge out to an island off the coast for a bird’s-eye view of the boats waiting to enter the Panama Canal and the perfect place to see the skyline.
13. Buy Handmade Mulas in the San Blas Islands, Panama
The San Blas islands are made up of over 365 small islands. They are home to the Kuna people, a self-governing indigenous group of people. The women make and wear gorgeous textiles called “mulas.”
14. Walk Through the UNESCO Site of Casco Viejo, Panama City
Quaint coffee shops and upscale Panamanian restaurants dot the cobblestone streets of Panama’s original downtown. The area is now a preserved UNESCO World Heritage site and many buildings are being restored after years of being abandoned.
15. Hike Through Caves Near the Darian Gap
The Darian Gap is a strip of impassable jungle between Panama and Colombia. It’s often called the most dangerous place on Earth, so it’s not exactly a go-to travel destination. But the lakes and bordering jungles offer some hidden secrets for adventure travelers.
Costa Rica Travel Destinations
Ah, Costa Rica. A place that’s well-deserving of any bucket list. The Central American country is a famous travel destination for yoga retreats and adrenaline junkies alike. With it’s volcanoes, hot springs, cloud forests and great waves, what’s not to love?
16. Take Surf Lessons in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Why not learn a new skill while traveling in Costa Rica? The rolling waves on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica are perfect for beginners.
17. Meet Monkeys in Costa Rica’s Jungles
Keep an eye on the trees to spot some wildlife! Sloths are a bit harder to see, but you’ll see these cute guys and hear the unmistakable sound of howler monkeys as you travel throughout Costa Rica.
18. Walk on Suspension Bridges Through Cloud Forests
Some of these bridges hang up to 100 feet above the rainforest!
19. See the Amazing Volcano in La Fortuna
Costa Rica has become a popular destination because of its rainforest, animals and smoking volcanos. Visit La Fortuna for the best views and to relax in natural hot springs after a few days of traveling.
Cuba Travel Destinations
Many people think of Cuba as a place caught in time. But it’s also home to great music, kind people, modern art and endless resourcefulness. The strong spirits of the Cuban people are sure to capture your heart.
20. See the Iconic Old Cars of Cuba in Old Havana
Old Havana should be at the top of any bucket list. There’s no other city like it in the world and a visit to this travel destination just isn’t complete without a ride in a vintage car.
21. Travel Through the Cuban Countryside and See the Cigar Farms
See where the famous Cuban cigars are made. Travel through the countryside and see the farmers at work in the fields and take a box home as a souvenir.
Mexico Travel Destinations
Mexico borders the United States and is the largest country in Central America. It has everything from empty deserts to the bustling capital of Mexico City, which is home to almost 9 million people.
22. Scramble through Slot Canyons in the Mexican Desert
As a travel destination, Mexico offers so much more than all-inclusive beach resorts. You’ll find a completely different side of the country in the Baja Peninsula, where slot canyons hide ancient petroglyphs and unexplored trails.
23. Go Overlanding in the Baja Peninsula, Mexico
The Baja Peninsula is a narrow strip of land (140 miles at the widest point) that sits between the Pacific Ocean and the glistening blue Sea of Cortez. The best way to take in the stunning landscape is with a road trip!
24. See the Colorful Streets of Small-Town Mexico
The small pueblos of Mexico tend to be overlooked as travel destinations. But they offer the perfect chance to slow down, meet local gauchos and learn how to take a proper siesta!
25. Eat Tacos in Mexico
You can’t travel to Mexico and not have some authentic tacos!
26. Find Hidden Hot Springs in the Desert
Every time I travel to Mexico, I find more surprises. Like a natural hot spring oasis right in the middle of the desert. This local secret isn’t on a map – you can only get with 4WD and local directions.
Puerto Rico Travel Destinations
Puerto Rico is a tropical island in the Caribbean Sea and its beaches are often on lists for the best beaches in the world. The best part? US citizens can visit it without a passport.
27. Swim Under Waterfalls in Rincon
After you see the waterfalls in Puerto Rico, you’ll know why it’s called the Island of Enchantment. This is just one of the breathtaking things to do in Rincon, a small surfing village on the West Coast.
28. Walk on White Sand Beaches
Puerto Rico is a perfect travel destination for anyone who’s ever wanted to sit on a tropical beach and drink rum out of a coconut.
Ecuador Travel Destinations
Ecuador sits right on top of the Equator. The moderate climate has helped make its jungles and islands some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.
29. Hike Around Cuicocha Lake Near Quito
Quito is the highest capital city in the world, surrounded by 360-degree views of the Andes Mountains. The neighboring towns and parks – like Cuicocha National Park – are a great day trip destination for adventure lovers.
30. See South America’s Largest Market in Otavalo, Ecuador
The largest artisan market in the world is just a 2-hour drive from Quito. You’ll find bright ponchos, woven tapestries, alpaca sweaters, Panama hats and more at the Otavalo market.
31. Trek to the Refugio on Cotopaxi Volcano
Cotopaxi is the highest active volcano in the world. Take a guided day hike to see the glacier at the top and warm up with some coca tea in the refugio.
32. See the Andes Mountains in Ecuador
The Andes Mountains start at the Northern tip of South America and span the entire continent, ending in Ushuaia in Argentina.
33. Hike in Antisana National Park near Quito
Antisana National Park is one of the lesser-known travel destinations in Ecuador. But it’s another great day trip from Quito for hiking or mountain biking.
34. See Alpacas, Llamas & Guancos
Did you travel to South America if you didn’t get a photo of these lovable animals?
Argentina Travel Destinations
Argentina is home to delicious steak and spicy Malbec, beautiful tango dancing and world-class hiking. Here are just a few of the things that inspired me to turn this amazing travel destination into my home for a year.
35. Visit Buenos Aires, the Lively Capital of Argentina
Buenos Aires is the birthplace of tango and is the country’s cultural capital. From the artist streets of Palermo SoHo to the Paris-esque facades of Recoleta, you’ll find inspiration around every corner.
36. Explore the Tunnels of a Dormant Volcano
Argentina is home to over 1,000 dormant volcanoes. And, just south of the famous Mendoza wine region, you can hike through the lava tunnels of one of them.
37. Taste Wine in Mendoza, the Malbec Capital of the World
Speaking of wine – any Argentina travel itinerary should include a visit to the famous wine country of Mendoza.
38. Hike to Refugio Frey in Bariloche
Bariloche is most people’s first stop in Patagonia. It’s a year-round travel destination with mountain trails and glacier lakes to see in the summer and snow-covered peaks to ski in the winter.
39. See Perito Moreno Glacier in Patagonia
Patagonia is named the land of fire and ice for a reason. And you can visit it’s most famous glacier on your Argentina travels.
40. See the Spires of Torres del Paine
Torres del Paine should be on every adventure traveler’s bucket list. It’s granite spires have inspired famous authors, filmmakers, explorers and more.
Chile Travel Destinations
I’ve only had a taste of Chile, and I can’t wait to go back! See the stunning parks, wildlife and mountains that have made this South American country a famous travel destination for hikers, climbers and backpackers.
41. Kayak to the Marble Caves in Patagonia
Right over the border from Argentina’s popular Patagonia destinations is a tiny town called Chico Chile. It’s the gateway to Marble Caves, which will take your breath away the moment you see them.
Uruguay Travel Destinations
Uruguay isn’t a travel destination that’s on most people’s bucket list. It’s one of the smaller countries in South America, which means you can see the capital, some of it’s best beaches and the charming countryside in just a week or two.
42. Shop for Antiques at Feria de Tristan in Montevideo
Montevideo is the capital of Uruguay and home to what seems like endless markets. The most popular one is called Feria de Tristan. It’s held every Sunday and has endless stalls piled high with every imaginable thing you could think of. If you dig for a bit, you may go home with a beautiful antique!
43. Walk Along the Rambla Before Going to Another Food Market
I mentioned there are a lot of markets in Montevideo, right? Well, you can take a break from bargain shopping to go walk along the Rambla, Uruguay’s 15-mile paved waterfront. Then, you can dive into some delicious fruit or savory steaks.
Did the travel bug bite you yet?
I hope I inspired you to discover some new travel destinations in Latin America. It’s a place I’ve absolutely fallen in love with over the last year and it brings me so much joy to share my travel photos and stories with new people.
Let me know if any of these are places or sights you’ve never heard of. Or if you’ve been to some of the same places as me! We can swap travel stories 🙂