Latin America is famous for having some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, with soft coral sand and waters so blue that even the sky gets jealous. Any holiday is perfect to go but winter, as it turns out, is the perfect time to visit them—especially if you happen to live in the Northern Hemisphere. Snowy days can be lovely…but just for a couple of days. So give yourself the chance to enjoy some sun while laying on a piece of paradise. Don’t think it twice and let these 11 stunning Latin American destinations try to persuade you running away from the cold.
Ipanema (Brazil)
No beach list would be complete without Ipanema. This coastal wonder gained celebrity status from the 1962 bossa nova jazz song, The Girl from Ipanema, and has since turned into a center of elegance and glamour. Its social life is also enviable, and the sheer beauty of its waters and mountains rightly puts it at the top of many travel lists.
Tayrona National Natural Park (Colombia)
A beautiful protected region in northern Colombia, it’s almost too good to be true. The sights are amazing, and it’s a particularly privileged spot for snorkeling, bird watching, and hiking. This is one of those earthly paradises you must visit at least once in your life.
Playa del Carmen (Mexico)
The Mayan Riviera is legendary among the geographic marvels of Mexico, and Playa del Carmen is one of the best tourist destinations in the region. It features an amazing party atmosphere without compromising its exotic feel (as it’s not as “domesticated” as Cancún, its more famous neighbor). There are great scuba diving spots as well, if that’s your kind of plan.
Malpaís (Costa Rica)
Now, if surfing is your thing, this is the place to go. It takes a while to get to this hidden gem, as transportation is limited, but the trip is more than worth it. You’ll encounter with a beautiful coastline with palm trees and waves that won’t disappoint you. And, there are other, more leisurely activities available for those looking for a more low-key experience, from your usual sea-side tanning session to yoga classes on the sand.
Tulum (Mexico)
This one’s is perfect for those who love some history and culture while getting tanned. Tulum is famous both for its white sand and its fascinating Mayan ruins, offering a little bit for everyone. The archaeological site is well worth a visit, and the beach itself is perfect for anyone looking to relax while looking at this Mexican paradise. You’ll be able to learn so much about the Mayan culture—if you take the time to explore.
Little Corn Island (Nicaragua)
This is where you go if you want to avoid crowds of clueless tourists. Little Corn Island is free of cars, pollution, and people, offering one of the most stunning spots on this list. With the added bonus of privacy and solitude, this is your little spot away from civilization, perfect for a romantic getaway or a personal discovery experience.
Baia do Sancho (Brazil)
Looking for an even more unique site where money’s not an issue? Baia do Sancho counts with really strict conservation efforts, which makes it one of the best beaches in the world, hands down. But it also means that, due to regulations, getting there is both expensive and exclusive. Seats to the archipelago are limited, but if you manage to get one, you’ll be greeted with an extraordinary sight. Wildlife thrives in this area, and supervised conservation means you’ll get to see some of the most exciting sea animals if you choose to scuba dive.
Punta del Diablo (Uruguay)
Relatively close to Punta del Este, you’ll find an amazing off-the-track camping coast, featuring great sunsets and sand dunes. The town is inhabited mostly by fishermen and artisans, but don’t expect it to be empty during the holidays—from December to February the population spikes from 400 to over 25,000, so you won’t be having it all to yourself. Still, it’s worth a visit, since you still have plenty of other great destinations nearby.
Cabo San Lucas (Mexico)
You have probably heard of Cabo, right? Well, there’s a very good reason why this beach is such a popular travel destination. This resort city in the Baja California Peninsula is known for its white-sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, scuba-diving spots, and riveting balnearios. The wildlife is amazing as well, and the party scene is second to none.
Anakena (Chile)
This one is fascinating. Located in the Easter Island, Anakena is indeed far away. This Chilean island, also known as Rapa Nui or Isla de Pascua, is most famous for its incredible moai, giant monolithic human figures that were carved by the Rapa Nui people around the 13th century. Anakena, specifically, is a white coral sand beach with two different ahus, or sacred sites, featuring nine moai in total.
Mazunte (Mexico)
The beaches of Oaxaca, in Mexico, are famous for their unparalleled allure and incredibly rich ecosystems. And the beach town of Mazunte features one of the best ones among them. But what’s truly amazing about this place is the wealth of sea turtles that lay their eggs right on its sand, which irresponsible tourism has endangered. If you visit, make sure to be careful with the fragile environment, and be sure to engage in responsible ecotourism—of which you’ll find plenty of options.
As you can see, Latin America has no shortage of stunning beaches and warm destinations. This list is but a small taste of the potential wonders in the continent, but it should help you set off on the right foot for that paradisiac vacation you’ve been waiting for. So pack your bags and wait no more to travel!
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