Top 5 Latin America Destinations to Visit This 2016
Can't shake off that strong and irresistible impetus to travel? Well, we've got you covered. Satisfy the wanderlust in you this 2016 by heading for one of these top destinations just south of the U.S.
Uruguay
The second smallest country in South America has managed to keep its low-key character over the years, much like the most prominent figure in its political landscape, José Mujica. Mujica was Uruguay's head of state from 2010 to 2015 and is known for his austere lifestyle and charity acts.
Dubbed as "Under-the-Radar South America," the National Geographic Travel lists Uruguay as one of its top destination for Best Trips 2016. Some of its tourism gems include Bañados del Este Biosphere Reserve, 17th-century Colonia del Sacramento, the colonial Old Town and Museo del Carnaval. And, let's not forget its beautiful beaches.
Bocas del Toro, Panama
Comprised of nine major islands, Bocas del Toro is an archipelago just an hour away from Panama city. You'd never run out of islands and beaches to choose from. Tourists can ride one of the many wooden motorboats, go dolphin watching, or check out some of the great dockside restaurants in the area.
"The Isthmus of Panama is home to some of the purest natural beauty in Latin America: dense tropical rain forests, wide savannas, coral reefs bursting with aquatic life, and delightfully deserted beaches," wrote Travel and Leisure.
Costa Rica
The charm of this country is characterized by lush rainforests, unspoiled beaches and abundance of wildlife, such as toucans, monkeys, and jaguars, says US News Travel.
Some of the most exciting parts of Costa Rica travel must include a visit to the La Paz Waterfall Gardens, hiking at the Arenal Volcano, immersion with the local culture at Puerto Viejo de Talamanca and soaking in at the Costa Rican people's "pura vida" philosophy in the Nicoya Peninsula.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There is no better time to visit Rio than 2016 as the Brazilian city will play host to the 2016 Olympics. Sports enthusiasts will be flocking the area and tourist influx should be expected. The region is also popular for its world's famous Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, Price of Travel notes. For those who want to partake in the Carnival festivities, the best time to visit is in early February.
Cusco, Peru
This place ranked second in TripAdvisor's Top 25 Destinations in South America. And, why not? You'd be mesmerized by the Incan majesty and Andean baroque that sits side-by-side in Cusco's stone streets. Your travel adventures in the area won't be complete without a visit to the Incan capital Sacsayhuaman, the famous Catedral del Cuzco or Catedral Basilica de la Virgen de la Asuncion, and, of course, the majestic Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains.