The Best Places to Go in Central and South America in 2024
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica
Go for: glitzy resort openings from beloved brands
Villa Eram is one of several shiny new stays on Costa Rica’s Papagayo Peninsula, where surf, sea, wellness, and high design collide.
You wouldn’t be alone in thinking Costa Rica was all barefoot backpackers, surf seekers, and adrenaline-fueled adventurers. However, on a tiny Pacific peninsula in Guanacaste, beach lovers with deeper pockets can find sleek resorts from beloved hospitality brands. This all-star resort destination will get even better in 2024 when it welcomes Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: an ultra-lavish playground with luxurious accommodations overlooking Pochote’s horseshoe-shaped bay. This promises open-air experiences, from a show-stopping infinity pool to a treehouse spa.
Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Go for: cool wine bars, seasonally driven restaurants, and celebrated cocktail spots
At Sofá in Buenos Aires, up-and-coming bartender Agostina Elena makes expert cocktails in a moody space.
Buenos Aires has long banked on grass-fed beef to propel its food scene, but that’s hardly all that’s on the menu these days. Chacarita neighborhood is the city’s current culinary darling, boasting an array of wine bars and seasonal restaurants. Wine bars are all the rage, showcasing a vibrant nightscape. If you’re traveling for food and drink in the coming year, Chacarita should top your list.
Colca Canyon, Peru
Go for: a stylish new tented camp, epic hiking, and unforgettable landscapes
In Peru’s dramatic Colca Canyon, trekking and horseback riding are popular ways to traverse the epic Andean landscape.
Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is a dramatic gash in Southern Peru with Its Inca-built agricultural terraces lining the hillsides attracting hikers and nature enthusiasts alike. With Peru’s first-ever tented camp recently opened, Colca Canyon is set to rise higher on visitors’ bucket lists.
Guatemala
Go for: new cruises leading to ancient ruins, and a burst of artsy openings
From the capital city to Antigua, new art, cultural, and community spaces encourage travelers to immerse themselves in this rich heritage.
Guatemala boasts a mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history alongside staggering natural beauty. The recent enhancements made to the tourism infrastructure mean 2024 is the year to explore Guatemala in earnest. Besides the famed Mayan ruins of Tikal, there are emerging art galleries and cultural spaces to indulge in throughout the capital and beyond.
Inhotim, Brazil
Go for: the chance to finally spend the night within the renowned open-air art museum
Inhotim has long been a jewel in the crown for art-loving travelers. New lodging options will open soon, making it possible to sleep among the masterpieces.
Inhotim, Latin America’s largest open-air art museum, invites art lovers for slow, thoughtful exploration. Next year, 45 bungalows will provide luxurious accommodations set amidst a diverse collection of contemporary art and beautiful botanical gardens, offering travelers a unique overnight museum experience.
Magdalena River, Colombia
Go for: scenic river cruises with a big hit of culture
The Magdalena River and the historic towns that line it are becoming more accessible than ever, thanks to new cruise itineraries coming to this region.
As Colombia’s largest waterway, the Magdalena River has long been a significant artery of cultural significance. Upcoming luxury river cruises promise an exploration filled with rich music, delicious local meals, and immersing cultural experiences, perfect for those looking to dive into the heart of Colombian life.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile
Go for: stargazing, a luxe stay, and a super bloom in a new national park
The beloved Habitas brand laid roots in northern Chile in 2023, elevating the entire region’s allure.
Known for its geographical wonders, San Pedro de Atacama is securing the spotlight as an adventure wonderland with its rich selection of activities from stargazing to guided desert tours. The addition of a luxurious boutique hotel in 2023 further enhances the appeal for both adventure seekers and luxury travelers alike.
São Paulo, Brazil
Go for: major openings for art lovers and jet-setting socialites
The Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) is set to massively expand in 2024, creating even more opportunities for culture vultures.
São Paulo is one of Latin America’s most vibrant metropolises and will boast significant cultural expansions in the coming year. From the long-awaited MASP expansion to exciting new venues, this city is poised to develop into an even more compelling destination for both art lovers and travelers alike.
