When you think of Latin America, you instantly think of sombreros, clear water beaches, decadent food, and chirpy music. The entire continent of South America, Mexico, a few Caribbean islands and Central America make up Latin America, with a diverse culture and interesting countries. The Latin countries and regions are different from each other and possesses different food, landscapes, and people.
Whether it’s hiking up a dangerous cliff, admiring natural formations or relaxing in your slinging hammock, Latin America has something for everyone. Among the list of things to see and what to know while visiting this destination, try living like a local to experience the Latin culture in its purest form. And while you’re there, we’ve curated a few experiences that are special to the respective countries in Latin America that can make your trip extremely exciting.
Visit the Galapagos in Ecuador
The Galapagos Islands have been a fascinating destination given the remoteness of this place and the remarkable wildlife. It is among the top must-visit destinations for science nerds because the islands represent the significance of Charles Darwin and his theories of evolution. You can find captivating sea creatures and rarely seen animals such as sea lions and iguanas on the Galapagos Islands. The landscapes and volcanic presence of these islands blend well with the freely moving wildlife, making this location extremely intriguing through its continuous nature and wildlife discovery.
Explore Machu Picchu in Peru
Needless to say, Machu Picchu in Peru is one of the most interesting historical and archeological sites in the world. The noted Inca Empire’s architectural and planning site offers trails that lead up to numerous vistas and picturesque views within the valley. Hiking through the Incan trail can lead you towards a beautiful site that is hidden within the Andes Mountains. Once you reach the spot, the priceless carvings and vistas are a sight to behold.
Attend the Famous Carnival in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
Apart from the iconic statue of ‘Christ the Redeemer, Rio De Janeiro is also famously known for its splendid carnivals. The city is known for its breathtaking landscapes and surreal beaches. Brazil, is also the heart of the Latin football craze that runs around the whole region. Speaking of the carnival, it is the biggest carnival event in the world that is held in the month of February in Salvador and Recife. It basically signifies the beginning of Lent in the Catholic calendar and showcases several events. You can see the brightest of colors with numerous people in the streets during the Carnival days.
Immerse in the History of Cartagena, Colombia
Cartagena, also known as the ‘walled city’ is located on the Caribbean coast of Colombia. This colorful destination that’s rich in history and culture possesses magnificent castles and fortresses. It initially functioned as protection from pirates and natural disasters. The museums offer a peek into the history and culture of the place. Also, don’t miss out on the Mercado de Bazurto that is the local market selling various fruits, vegetables and also cooked turtle at times and is extremely cheap. Another fascinating experience in Colombia is hopping on a Chiva or the party bus where they offer liquor on the vehicle and take you to different bars around the city
Visit the Easter Island in Chile
Chile is often ignored as a tourist destination due to its isolated location, but it actually has a lot to offer. Visiting to see the Moai on Easter Island is a must. The Moai figures are oversized human heads that rest on stone bases known as ahus. If you’re seriously planning a trip to Chile and ultimately, Easter Island, you need to visit during the first two weeks of February so that you can witness the famous Tapati Rapa Nui festival. You can stay on Easter Island for two to three days and indulge in the sunset behind the Moai heads while you’re there. Even though it’s expensive to get there, experiencing the beauty and indulging in the sceneries will make every penny worth it.
Go Whale Watching in Mexico
Primarily available between the months of December to March, the whale watching experience in Mexico takes place on the beaches of Todos Santos and the patches near Cabo San Lucas. The main type of whale found is the California Gray Whale in the Baja California Sur region. You can find a number of whale watching tours in Mexico that provide tours on boats and take you the appropriate watching spots.
Apart from the above places, you can find extremely delicious food, kind people and interesting cultural aspects all across Latin America. There are so many more countries that we haven’t touched up on such as Mexico, the island of Cuba, Nicaragua, El Salvador, and many more. All these and more are reasons that should intrigue you to visit Latin America in 2020.
