Back
lim-peru-lima-free-promperu

Previously overlooked or used only as stop-over points on the way to visit other destinations, a group of Latin America’s ‘second cities’ are emerging as top destinations in their own right. With pollution and crime rates vastly improved, many are the region’s new cultural and gastronomic centres, and we think that it’s well worth stopping by, and lingering a little longer to explore these new cities.

Santiago is a vibrant cosmopolitan city, in the past believed not to have quite the same romance of neighbouring capital Buenos Aires, but recent changes have seen the balance tipping. Boutique hotels, bars and restaurants are springing up in historical areas such as Lastarria giving the city a completely new edge. Santiago also has one of the most stunning backdrops of any city, the majestic Andes mountain range. For specific information on where to discover Santiago’s varied restaurants and flavours read travel journalist Gabriel O’Rorke’s suggestions on eating in Santiago.

A diamond in the rough, Bogotá has a beautiful colonial centre, historic neighbourhood La Candalaria, and incredible museums like the famous Gold Museum. Boasting one of the most important pre-Hispanic metallurgy in the world this impressive museum attracts a large number of visitors and is a brilliant addition to any visit to the city. You can also take the cable car up Monserrate hill which offers exceptional panoramic views of the city and beyond.

Guayaquil is often seen simply as the gateway to the Galápagos, but with a clement climate and a picturesque promenade dotted with fantastic seafood restaurants, it’s well worth sticking around to soak up the atmosphere and flavours. The beautifully bleak El Cajas National Park, the Manglares Churute Mangrove and dry tropical forest reserve are also only a short distance away.

With large amounts of regeneration in the colonial centre, fascinating museums and an internationally acclaimed gastronomic scene, Lima is fast becoming a hot city destination in Latin America. It’s the ideal location to try zesty ceviche and immerse yourself in an increasingly popular street food scene. For top tips on great dining spots, read Martin Morales’ suggestions on where to experience authentic Peruvian food on holiday in Lima.

Once considered polluted and unsafe, Mexico City has done a great deal to clean up and improve its reputation. A buzzing, modern and forward-thinking city, with lots to see and do; from the beautiful floating gardens of Xochimilco, the bohemian Coyoacan, home to the wonderful Frida Kahlo museum, to the spectacular Teotihuacan ruins on the outskirts of the city.

Tailor-made holidays

Flexible, custom-made holidays to Latin America created to match your exact requirements: our tailor-made itineraries are as unique as the clients for whom they are designed.

Design my trip

Papagaio

Your edit for Latin American inspiration

Our exciting range of articles on Latin America explore everything from iconic destinations and lesser-known cultural gems to delicious traditional recipes. You’ll also find exclusive travel tips, first-hand client reviews and the chance to get your personal questions answered by our travel experts.

View Extraordinary Inspiration
Bartolome, Galápagos

Meet our team

Real Latin american experts

  • Hannah
    Hannah Waterhouse - Travel Expert

    Hannah had an early introduction to Latin America when her family moved to Ecuador and she returned to study in Buenos Aires for a year before backpacking across the continent.

  • Carrie
    Carrie Gallagher - Travel Expert

    A former JLA tour leader, Carrie brings a wealth of on-the-ground experience to our London-based Tailor-made and Group Tours department.

  • Lina
    Lina Fuller - Travel Expert

    Lina's passion for the continent where she was born really took off when she moved to Córdoba (Argentina) to study, spending the holidays travelling between Argentina and her native Colombia.

  • Juliet
    Juliet Ellwood - Travel Expert

    After graduating with a degree in Anthropology and History and having been fascinated by Latin America since childhood by the book featuring photos of Nazca, Juliet first visited the region in 2003. Since then, Juliet has visited the majority of countries in Latin America but has particularly extensive experience with Peru, a country she loves for many reasons but not least, its incredible archaeological richness and delicious food!

  • Hannah
    Hannah Donaldson - Travel Expert

    Having spent part of her childhood in Colombia and worked in Brazil and Costa Rica, Hannah's ties to Latin America run deep. Hannah is a much valued Travel Expert in our Tailor-made Holidays and Group Tours sales team.

  • Maggie
    Maggie Wilson - Travel Expert

    Maggie visited Latin America on her first backpacking trip when she was 19. Since then, she has taken every opportunity to travel, and has managed to explore a lot of the region in subsequent trips.

0 1 2 3 4 5