Top Places to Visit in South and Central America

There is a lot of newness surrounding the astonishing remains of ancient cultures in South America that are still standing. Additionally, there are glamorous camping options, luxurious vacation destinations, and the potential for some amazing journeys by car. 

Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica

Villa Eram is among the many newly built accommodations on Costa Rica's Papagayo Peninsula, where surfing, ocean views, health, and modern design come together. Thinking that Costa Rica was only for backpackers, surfers, and adrenaline junkies would not be an uncommon belief.

However, in a small Pacific peninsula in Guanacaste, affluent beach enthusiasts can discover luxurious resorts from popular hotel chains such as Four Seasons, Andaz, Secrets by Hyatt, and El Mangroove by Marriott, Autograph Collection.

In 2024, the luxury resort destination will be enhanced with the addition of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, featuring 107 rooms and 36 private residences offering stunning views of Pochote's Bay. Nekajui, a word in Chorotega meaning “garden”, pays tribute to the outdoor elements, featuring a stunning infinity pool and a beach club accessible by funicular, as well as a treehouse spa accessed through a suspension bridge. 

Additionally, the popular Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, which is 20 years old, recently finished a significant renovation on November 1. A Mediterranean-style beach club has been added to Playa Virador, sustainability has been enhanced on the 18-hole Arnold Palmer–designed golf course, and new wellness options are available for those interested in Costa Rica’s Blue Zone advantages. 

The upcoming Waldorf Astoria Residences Guanacaste, set to open in 2025 on the opposite side of Culebra Bay, offers a unique opportunity to experience the exclusive enclave's top-notch service and unmatched seclusion. Take advantage of the newly constructed private jet terminal at Liberia Airport and Peninsula Papagayo's private marina with space for up to 180 yachts, including those up to 250 feet in size. 

Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina

At Sofá in Buenos Aires, emerging mixologist Agostina Elena creates skillful cocktails in an atmospheric setting. Sofá offers small plates and late-night dancing to complement its ambiance, representing the laid-back and trendy spots that have contributed to Chacarita's popularity. 

For a long time, Buenos Aires has relied on grass-fed beef to drive its culinary culture, but now there is a variety of options on offer – and Michelin's inaugural Argentina guide, released in November 2023, confirms this. Residents of Buenos Aires have adopted a casual attitude towards dining and drinking, with Chacarita being the latest trendy neighborhood for relaxed dining options, located near the popular Palermo district. 

Wine bars are extremely popular: Naranjo offers ethically sourced porchetta and orange wine under its namesake tree; Anchoíta Cava stands out with its impressive wine, cheese, and charcuterie offerings; and Lardito pairs small plates like cacao e pepe with a wide selection of wines and lovely floral displays. Items like chicken pao are offered at Apu Nena, while dishes are meant for sharing at Picaron and Condarco in Southeast Asia.

Try the razor clams in salsa verde at Apu Nena and the griddled oyster mushrooms at Picaron when they are available on the menus. The chef Nicolas Tykocki, who is 25 years old, captivates customers at Ácido, which opened this year, by preparing a unique dish not listed on the menu every day. Chacarita’s bar offerings, led by La Fuerza specializing in vermouth, are impressive. 

Sede offers over 110 cask-aged whiskeys with a vinyl soundtrack; Punto Mona serves signature drinks by bartending legend Mona Gallosi; and Sofá features cocktails by rising star Agostina Elena. If you plan to travel for food and drinks next year, make sure to visit Chacarita as your top destination. - Sorrel Moseley-Williams 

Colca Canyon, Peru

Peru's inaugural tented camp, courtesy of Puqio, offers chic interiors and includes elevated dining and outings in each stay. Colca, located in Southern Peru, is double the depth of the Grand Canyon. In this stunning location, Inca-constructed farming terraces cover the hillsides, while Andean condors, with their impressive nine-foot wingspans, glide over the landscape casting shadows.

The journey to this hiking destination has always been worth it, taking about three hours by car from Arequipa, a colonial city that is a 90-minute flight away from Lima or Cusco. However, Peru's newest tented camp, which opened in September 2023, will only increase the popularity of Colca Canyon among tourists. 

Puqio - created by the team responsible for Cirqa in Arequipa, Atemporal in Lima, and Titilaka on Lake Titicaca - has everything needed to be another must-visit accommodation option. Safari tents and adobe huts are available with meals and drinks included, featuring traditional local cuisine cooked in clay ovens or over an open flame, served alongside cocktails made with pisco.

Outdoor hot tubs and stoves may be tempting for an early night, but Puqio-arranged activities will keep you occupied, whether you seek to study with Andean healers, ride horses, take challenging hikes, or relax in hot springs. Much of what attracts travelers to Colca is now convenient with only eight lodging options available. Go now before they fill up. 

Inhotim, Brazil

Inhotim has been a cherished destination for travelers who have loved art for a long time.  This large art center is ideal for a visit lasting several days, but the challenge lies in the absence of nearby lodging options. Next year, everything will be different. This September 2024, there will be 45 bungalows ready for occupancy as part of a project led by Clara Resorts, a luxury hotel group from São Paulo with a focus on sustainability.

Every evening, visitors at the hotel can relax in lavish accommodations equipped with balconies, fireplaces, and soapstone bathtubs. To provide a cozy environment for families, each bungalow will house four to five individuals. After completing the bungalows, the construction of 60 more rooms and a spa will commence, with plans to launch a bigger resort with a minimum of 150 rooms by 2029. 

Architect Freusa Zechmeister, from Minas Gerais, will design the project using stones from the state, reflecting its rich mining history and encouraging visitors to visit Brazil's top museum, a short drive from Belo Horizonte.