Lesser-Known Latin American Travel Destinations

Tijuana, Mexico

Image Source: Flickr user 3dom

What to do: Visit the Playas de Tijuana, where you can eat seafood, go surfing, or watch a bullfight.

Where to eat: Telefónica Gastro Park or Caesar's.

Where to stay: Hotel Palacio Azteca or Hotel Lucerna.

1 / 10

Atacama Desert, Chile

Image Source: Flickr user Klaus Balzano

What to do: Go sandboarding on its perfect dunes or for a dip in the saltwater lagoon.

Where to eat: Blancos or Las Delicias de Carmen.

Where to stay: Awasi Atacama or Tierra Boutique Hotel & Spa.

2 / 10

Puerto Escondido, Mexico

Image Source: Flickr user Mr. Theklan

What to do: Take advantage of its famed surf scene or visit new arts complex Casa Wabi, founded by artist Bosco Sodi.

Where to eat: Almoraduz Cocina Mexicana de Autor or Auakate.

Where to stay: Quinta Lilli Boutique House Hotel or Villa Lilli Boutique House Hotel.

3 / 10

Placencia, Belize

Image Source: Flickr user Eric Persha

What to do: Dive with whale sharks at the Belize Barrier Reef, or hike through the jungle at the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary, the world's first jaguar reserve.

Where to eat: Rumfish y Vino or De'Tatch Seafood.

Where to stay: The Placencia Hotel or Hamanasi Resort.

4 / 10

Pisco, Peru

Image Source: Flickr user Martin Garcia

What to do: Visit Tambo Colorado, a former Inca fort used to control river traffic above Pisco, or admire the variety of sea animals at Islas Ballestas.

Where to eat: As de Oros or La Tia Fela.

Where to stay: Hotel La Casona or Hotel Residencial San Jorge.

5 / 10

Guayaquil, Ecuador

Image Source: Flickr user David Almeida

What to do: Take a stroll along Malecón 2000, one of the biggest urban renewal projects in South America, complete with gardens, playgrounds, and river views.

Where to eat: Lo Nuestro or Marrecife Marisqueria.

Where to stay: Grand Hotel Guayaquil or Hotel Palace.

6 / 10

La Paz, Bolivia

Image Source: Flickr user Justin Vidamo

What to do: Go on a mountain bike tour down the famed rocky Yungas Road, or go jungle rafting in the Amazon rainforest.

Where to eat: Gustu or Manna Ser Sano.

Where to stay: Stannum Boutique Hotel or Alcala Apart Hotel

7 / 10

Montevideo, Uruguay

Image Source: Flickr user madanelu

What to do: Walk along the 10-mile stretch that separates the city from the sea, or catch a show at Teatro Solís, the second-largest theater in South America

Where to eat: Jacinto or Primuseum.

Where to stay: Alma Historica Boutique Hotel or Cala Di Volpe Boutique Hotel

8 / 10

Panama City, Panama

Image Source: Flickr user Matthew Straubmuller

What to do: Take a walking tour of the Panama City Canal, or learn about the various species at Monkey Island.

Where to eat: Tántalo Kitchen or Mi Ranchito.

Where to stay: Clarion Victoria Hotel or Hotel Coral Suites.

9 / 10

Salta, Argentina

Image Source: Flickr user jacinta lluch valero

What to do: Visit the wine country to get a taste of Torrontés, the wine the region is famous for, or go on a safari tour to take in the region's salt flats and volcanoes.

Where to eat: Parilla La Tosca or El Viejo Jack II.

Where to stay: Kkala Boutique Hotel or Alejandro I Hotel.

10 / 10