Top Islands in Mexico and Central and South America

There are some travelers who ask only that an island getaway deliver a beautiful beach and the promise of 90-degree weather. However, if you’re the kind of vacationer who craves more—such as world-class diving and wildlife encounters, or centuries-old ruins and an awe-inspiring coastline—the islands of Mexico and Central and South America are sure to deliver.

Every year, the iBestTravel World’s Best Awards survey asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe, sharing their opinions on the top cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated islands according to their activities and sights, natural attractions and beaches, food, friendliness, and overall value.

Indeed, iBestTravel readers voted overwhelmingly for islands where adventure travel is the big draw. “The scuba diving was terrific,” said one reader of Isla Mujeres, which earned the No. 3 spot. Just a 20-minute ferry ride from Cancún, this Mexican isle is home to the largest concentration of whale sharks on the planet, along with an underwater “museum” of sunken sculptures and a sea-turtle hatchery.

Two spots in Belize made the list this year: Ambergris Caye and Caye Caulker. Ambergris Caye, Belize’s largest island, is also a major destination for diving, as the country has the world’s second-longest barrier reef. Moreover, there’s plenty to do on dry land, from exploring the Mayan ruins to ziplining above the jungle. Meanwhile, Caye Caulker, a tiny, nearly car-free coral isle, received high praise for its laid-back pace and casual dining options. “This is a very laid-back and unpretentious island with local street vendors grilling seafood at night,” wrote one reader.

Chile’s Easter Island, by contrast, is “not a tropical paradise,” as one reader succinctly noted. “The interest here is the archaeology.” Specifically, the hundreds of moai statues, mammoth stone figures carved years ago by the Rapa Nui inhabitants, make it a bucket-list destination that speaks to iBestTravel readers. However, it was another location that earned the coveted No. 1 slot on our list, resonating even more with iBestTravel readers. Read on to find out about it.

5. Ambergris Caye, Belize

Score: 80.38

4. Caye Caulker, Belize

Score: 82.86

3. Isla Mujeres, Mexico

Score: 83.00

2. Easter Island, Chile

Score: 86.67

1. Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

Score: 88.53

It’s no wonder the Galápagos has won top honors in this category for 16 years straight. Many of our readers noted that visiting this archipelago, a popular destination for expedition cruises, is a humbling, once-in-a-lifetime experience. Spectacular wildlife—iguanas, sea lions, penguins, blue-footed boobies—inhabit these volcanic islands. Consequently, this offers up-close encounters with some of the rarest species in the world, perfect for scuba diving and hiking. “It’s definitely worth the trip just to see the diversity of sea and land life here,” raved one reader.