BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA (in no particular order).

From ancient archaeological sites, to humid rainforests, to glaciers, to pristine beaches, Central and South America is a part of the world unlike any other and appeals to all different types of travellers. Choosing one vacation spot from all of the excellent options in Latin America can be a somewhat daunting task and travel tendencies for 22 in both regions based on factors such as culture, dining and attractions, as well as traveller votes and expert opinions. Here is our pick of destination for 2022 in Central and South America.

A trekkers heaven!

Machu Picchu

Travellers in search of spectacular scenery and a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, should consider visiting Machu Picchu. Nestled within a tropical Peruvian forest and found at 2400 metres above sea level, this UNESCO World Heritage Site can only be reached by hiking the 42 km Inca Trail or taking a train to Aguas Calientes. In the citadel of Machu Picchu, visitors can learn about some of the different theories surrounding Machu Picchu's existence as they wander around religious, ceremonial, astronomical and agricultural structures. 

Empty Machu Picchu

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a natural paradise. This tropical country is blessed with volcanoes to hike and lush rainforests to explore on foot or by zip line. The central American country has a refreshingly laid-back culture where "pura vida" is the motto adhered to, along with idyllic beaches in Guanacaste or along the Nicoya Peninsula's on the 150 km coastline. No visit would be complete without trying traditional delicacies like picadillo de chicasquil and other delicious Costa Rican delights.

Tree frogs in a Costa Rica Jungle

Cartagena

Colonial architecture and stunning beaches combine together in this vibrant Colombian city on the Caribbean coast. The popular old town area, of Cartagena is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, features constructions that date back to the 16th century, including a 10 km stretch of wall that helped fend off naval attacks over the centuries. Today, the walls provide excellent vantage points for appreciating the city and the ocean. The nearby Rosario Islands, with impressive beaches and coral reefs, offer equally stunning views so plan to stay there for at least a few days.

Cartagena de las Indias

Rio de Janeiro

With world famous beaches, leafy mountains and robust nightlife, Rio de Janeiro makes for a fun vacation all year round. Whether you're looking to attend the famous Carnival celebration in February or explore Brazil's gorgeous natural landscape, Rio has it all. Stand out attractions include Christ the Redeemer, on top of the Corcovado, and Sugarloaf Mountain for some of the best views in the world. After taking in the sights enjoy a stroll down to the coast for a stroll on world-famous Ipanema or Copacabana Beach, with a refreshing caipirinha in hand!

Christ the Redeemer

Argentine Patagonia

Argentine Patagonia is a must -do for all nature lovers, not just those with a penchant for adventure. From its diverse wildlife like Magellan penguins, Andean cats and southern elephant seals to its rugged snow-topped mountains and jaw-dropping glaciers, this is Mother Nature, showing everything, she has to offer.  Even the most amateur of photographers will appreciate the array of incredible colours on display here. Sites to visit here, include Argentine Lake District, Mount Fitz Roy and the Perito Moreno Glacier. 

Perito Moreno Glacier

Galapagos Islands

The Galápagos Islands are best known for their unique creatures, ranging from giant tortoises to seals to penguins, to iguanas. The Galapagos islands are also famous for housing Charles Darwin as he developed his theory of natural selection. Today, a wide range of animal species still reign supreme, where of the more than 120 islands, that make up the Galápagos archipelago, only 4 are inhabited by human beings. These remote islands sit about a 1000km off the coast of Ecuador. Still, the guaranteed wildlife-viewing opportunities make the lengthy trip worthwhile, especially if you are a lover of flora and fauna.

Giant Galapagos Tortoise

Belize

Situated on the Caribbean Sea, Belize offers impressive shorelines, unique wildlife and some of Central America's best dive sites. Snorkelling and diving in the Hol Chan Marine Reserve and the Great Blue Hole are the major attractions, but so are the country's ancient ruins, animal sanctuaries and stunning paradisical beaches. To see Xunantunich and Caracol, two of Belize's best-known Mayan ruins, head southwest of Belize City for about 100 km to the Cayo District. 

Great Blue Hole

Chilean Patagonia

Some of South America's most rugged and spectacular scenery can be found in Chilean Patagonia.  Destinations to visit here include Chiloe Island, and the penguin-filled Isla Magdalena, Cape Horn, which is the southernmost tip of South America that requires years of experience to sail around, and Porvenir, a small settlement known for its charming Victorian houses and picturesque rural surroundings

Torres del Paine

Cusco

Once the capital of the Inca Empire, before it was invaded and occupied by Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, Cusco, Peru, offers a unique combination of the traditional Andean and Spanish cultures. In the Plaza de Armas, visitors will find two Spanish churches – Iglesia de La Compaña de Jesús and La Catedral. Cusco also features multiple museums that display various historical artifacts, including the Museo Inka and the Museo de Arte Pre-colombino.  Many buildings are built on top of Inca foundations which have resisted the challenge of time, invasion and even a few earthquakes! The gateway to Machu Picchu is a popular tourist spot with excellent restaurants, markets and nightlife to explore during your stay.

Cusco scenes

Torres del Paine National Park

Reaching this remote national park in Chile´s Patagonia region, say that the ice fields of the Grey Glacier and the soaring peaks of the Cuernos del Paine are more than worth the effort. With diverse land to explore, visitors can marvel at the astounding natural prowess of the national park. Some of Torres del Paine's most popular trails include the challenging W Trek a multiday hike past stunning lakes, mountains and glaciers and the easier Mirador Las Torres hike. Before venturing into the wild, be sure to stock up on vital supplies in a nearby city of Puerto Natales.

Torres del Paine lake

Easter Island

A bucket list destination for world-wide travellers, the remote Easter Island, which belongs to Chilean territory is more than 3600 km off of the coast of Chile and draws in adventurers with its distinctive moai giant heads. These impressive stone statues can be found all over the island, but to ensure you don't miss the island's must-sees and unique history, hire a local guide to show you Rapa Nui National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Of particular note is Rano Raraku, a volcanic crater located on the south east coast that was the main quarry for the moai.

Admiring the giant Moai

Buenos Aires

It's hard not to fall in love with the wide avenues, lined with Parisian-style cafes of Buenos Aires. In addition to its good looks, Argentina's capital city is abundant with culture. Plan to visit its world-class National Museum of Fine Arts, the artistic Palermo neighbourhood and bustling Corrientes Avenue, where you can find a plethora of theatres, bars and tango clubs. Also save time for some people-watching while sipping an espresso at a traditional Argentinan cafe. 

Buenos Aires

Lima

Despite its population of more than 10 million people, the capital of Peru is one of South America's best kept secrets. Its pre-Columbian roots and Spanish outpost history make it especially appealing to history enthusiasts. Travellers can tour everything from the active archaeological site at Huaca Pucllana to the Iglesia y Convento de San Francisco, one of the city's best examples of Hispano-American Baroque architecture. Following a busy day of sightseeing, visitors can get sample fresh seafood and popular local dishes like ceviche and conchas negras as they sip on a Pisco Sour.

Miraflores, Lima

Atacama Desert

This region of northern Chile is a place full of magic, wonder, and photo opportunities just waiting to be taken. The variety of landscapes are astounding with epic salt caves, close to vast sand dunes, impressive lagoons, volcanoes, salt flats and geysers. Oh and of course there’s the desert, which officially called the ‘driest place on earth’. The Atacama Desert is home to a moon valley, pink flamingo´s and just the right amount of the surreal, for an excellent adventurer’s holiday destination.

The Atacama desert