Latin America is full of amazing destinations you simply cannot miss in your lifetime. Whether you are into astounding natural wonders, desolated deserts, never-ending beaches, cosmopolitan hubs or remote villages in the jungle, this utterly amazing continent has it all. And you should not miss the chance to check out what everyone is talking about. On top of that, you will find humble and welcoming people along the way who are sure to make your visits all that more impactful. So if you really think about it, there's no reason not to pack your bags and start ticking these spots off your list.
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If you are one of those people who live your life trying to find ways to complete your bucket list, then you are in luck. We have put together a list with the 40 most iconic spots you should make a point to visit while you can in Latin America. And quite honestly, there's no real reason for you not to plan to see all of them. We assure you some of them will leave you breathless.
Where else can you experience the magnitude of the world's tallest waterfall, one of the most popular beaches in the world, or quite literally walk until the end of the Earth. These iconic spots (and more) are in Latin America, so pay close attention and don't miss the chance to come face to face with these Latin American wonders.
Angel Falls, Venezuela: You won't find a taller waterfall on the planet.
So don't miss the chance of experiencing this shocking site in the heart of the Venezuelan jungle.
Arequipa, Peru: Turn back time when you walk through Peru's most famous colonial town.
What an architectural marvel! Make sure you visit the town's cathedral built by the Spanish in the early 1800s.
Atacama, Chile: Experience the geysers in the midst of South America's largest desert.
Atacama is a wonderful sight that will make your Instagram account explode with majestic images.
Bariloche, Argentina: Explore this ski haven in the middle of Los Andes.
The Argentine winter will give you a solid reason to blaze down the beautiful Andes mountain range. It's also beautiful to visit in the summer.
Blue Hole, Belize: No better spot for deep-sea diving than this natural wonder of the world.
One of the deepest spots in the ocean lies off the coast of Belize. You can dive to your heart's content and you will also witness some truly amazing coral and marine life.
Cabo Polonio, Uruguay: Become one with nature in the last respite of undeveloped life in Uruguay.
This wonderful coastal town has little to do with Punta del Este or Copacabana. People come to Cabo Apolonio to experience what life must have been like 70 or 80 years ago.
Cartagena, Colombia: This colonial town has become a favorite destination in the Caribbean and for a reason.
A beautiful town, full of cobblestone streets, lovely music in every corner and a picturesque setting that will make you believe that you are in a Gabriel García Márquez book. Not to be missed.
Cenotes, Mexico: These are spread all over the Yucatan peninsula and are a wonderful experience.
One minute you are shaking your bum on top of the bar at Señor Frogs in Cancun, the next minute you can be swimming in this astonishing natural pool inside a cave.
Cerro Negro, Nicaragua: Dried up lava has turned this volcano into an amazing adult playground.
Slide down the side of this dormant volcano to experience one of the best thrills of your life.
Chichen Itza, Mexico: Explore pre-Columbian era life thanks to this architectural gem.
Chichen Itza is one of the seven new wonders of the world. The magnetism of the place will conquer your senses.
Christ the Redeemer, Brazil: No real bucket list of Latin American spots would be complete without it.
You'll need to be in shape to reach the top, but when you do you'll thank your lucky stars for every crunch and jumping jack you've ever struggled through in order to get you there.
Copacabana, Brazil: Not sure if there's a more famous and inviting beach in the entire planet.
It does not matter what season of year you visit Rio de Janeiro, Copacabana beach is a must. Bring your cutest bathing suit and order a caipirinha in order to get the full experience.
Cuzco, Peru: This base town for visiting Machu Pichu is wonderful in its own right.
Millions of tourists skim past Cuzco en route to the astonishing Incan settlement, but this Spanish-era colonial town is well worth a visit on its own.
Easter Island, Chile: One of the most mysterious sites on the planet needs to be on your bucket list.
No one knows who –or what– built the impressive heads that spawned all over Easter Island thousands of years ago. Regardless, it is a site you should not miss.
El Calafate, Argentina: Take a trip to the end of the world and get inspired by a glacier so impressive they actually named it.
The town of Los Calafates in the Argentine province of Santa Cruz, is an idyllic nook that seems to be completely detached from the modern world. Some of the largest icebergs are here in Los Glaciares National Park, and Perito Moreno glacier will render you speechless.
El Malecon, Cuba: Sit and watch the waves break for hours, or grab a dancing partner and get your salsa on.
As iconic as they come. El malecón in Havannah, Cuba, has been a dream location for most of us our entire lives, and now it's within reach for you and your family. Do not miss the chance to visit this wonderful place.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador: Come see the place where Charles Darwin penned his theory of evolution.
The British biologist is the hero of the Galapagos, a place with one of the planet's most biodiverse animal population. You can see 100-year-old tortoises, sea lions by the port, or sharks swimming right off your boat.
Granada, Nicaragua: When you are in the mood for a colonial town, do not miss Granada.
Perhaps not as beautiful as other colonial settlements across the continent, that may be the secret as to why Granada in Nicaragua has managed to retain all its colonial charm and striking beauty.
Huanchaco, Peru: A little known spot for surfing and relaxing in the North of Peru.
Many don't wander as far North as Huanchaco when they visit Peru, but if you can, you should definitely check it out, more so if you are into surfing.
Isla de Providencia, Colombia: You won't find as clear water as the one surrounding this tiny Colombian island.
A spot that cannot be skipped if you want to try and hit the best beaches in Latin America. Isla de Providencia should rank very high on that list.
Isla Margarita: This is what dreams are made of, and any Venezuelan will agree.
Granted, political turmoil threatens to destroy everything that is beautiful in Venezuela, but Isla Margarita still remains a peaceful haven for natives and foreigners alike to enjoy.
Kuelap, Peru: When you make the trek to Machu Pichu, don't forget to also pass by Kuelap.
Its remote location has prevented Kuelap from becoming as highly commercialized as Machu Pichu, but perhaps because of that –and the fact that these ruins are from the pre-Incan period– this is a must-do for anyone looking into Latin Americas top spots.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala: Take a boat ride on Guatemala's pride and joy.
For the locals, the sheer beauty of Lake Atitlan is enough reason to boast with pride. The truth is that the views in Atitlan are some of the most astonishing you will ever experience.
Lake Titicaca, Bolivia: The country is land locked, but this lake is as important to the Bolivia as any coastal port would be.
No visit to Bolivia would be complete without the once in a lifetime photo op at Lake Titicaca. You can also visit the Peruvian side as both countries share this, the highest navigable lake in the world.
Los Roques, Venzuela: More than 350 islets make up this perfect slice of heaven on earth.
Be prepared to swim, dive, snorkle or do whatever you prefer in some of the clearest bluest ocean waters you will ever see.
Machu Pichu, Peru: Make the trek and let yourself be captivated by the sheer beauty of the sights.
If this is not number one on your list of magical spots in Latin America, don't let it come below number two. Simply incredible.
Monte Fitz Roy, Argentina: The tallest mountain at the end of the world will leave you breathless.
No trip to Patagonia can be complete without a hike up legendary Mount Fitz Roy. The views are to die for.
Monteverde National Park, Costa Rica: Let your inner child come out and play in this jungle paradise.
Zip line through the lushest jungle you'll ever see and make a point to take in the views of the vegetation and the animals roaming free below you.
Parque Nacional Dos Lençois Maranhense, Brazil: You've seen fine sand, but you've never seen white sand.
Let your feet sink in on this delicious white sand and allow yourself to be captivated byt the beauty of this national park in Brazil.
Quilotoa Loop, Ecuador: Plan to exercise on this three day self-guided hiking trip through the Andes.
The Quilotoa loop has become all the rage in the last few years, so go experience it before hoards of tourists take over the still virgin routes.
Roatan, Honduras: Here's a magnificent place to enjoy with your entire family.
These group of paradisiac islands are better enjoyed in the company of your family. It's so safe you can also bring kids along and let them snorkle away.
Rurrenabaque, Bolivia: Try this remote and hidden spot in the Amazonian rainforest for an active vacation adventure.
Like nothing you have seen before, this town is deep inside the Amazonian jungle of Bolivia, and you will need to reach it via helicopter.
Sacred Valley, Peru: The best of Peru's Incan traditions can be found in this beautiful village.
This colorful town is full of magical and romantic nooks you can explore with your loved one in just a few days.
Salento, Colombia: You will not find bigger palm trees anyhwere in the world.
Tourists from every corner of the planet visit yearly to experience the imposing heights of these wax palm trees.
San Miguel de Allende, Mexico: Colonial charm and amazing food at your disposal make this town a true gem.
It's a short drive from Mexico City, but you will feel you have traveled back in time. A romantic and beautiful spot you cannot miss.
San Blas, Panama: Feel like a true castaway when you visit peaceful San Blas.
Panama is usually perceived as the most cosmopolitan country in Central America, while Costa Rica, Honduras or Belize are usually thought of as the nature respites in the region. Visit San Blas and you may change your mind.
Taganga, Colombia: The world has found out about this authentic fishing village and it has now become a quaint vacation spot.
Taganga has everything you may desire for quick getaway, and its scenery is as iconic as they possibly come.
Tikal, Guatemala: Experience Mayan luxury architecture at its best.
Smack in the middle of the Guatemalan jungle, Tikal will impress even the pickiest of travelers.
Torres del Paine, Chile: A beautiful site you cannot miss in Chile's side of Patagonia.
Chile and Argentina are in constant conflict about many things, but Patagonia was very well separated between the two countries. Don't miss the chance to hike, bike and enjoy the breathtaking views.
Viña del Mar, Chile: Come for the music, stay for the views.
Home to one of Latin America's most renown music festivals, Viña del Mar has a lot more to offer the traveler than the year's pop music hits.
