As a Latina born and raised in Puerto Rico, traveling around Latin America for the past three years has been more than a dream come true. It’s allowed me to educate myself about my roots further while exploring different parts of my identity.
My career as a travel journalist has taken me to some of the region’s most breathtaking hidden gems—places still off the beaten path but bursting with beauty, adventure, and, most importantly, authentic culture.
Here are the 11 under-the-radar destinations you must add to your bucket list before they become tourist hotspots.
Pack your bags, we’re going on an adventure
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1. Eje Cafetero, Colombia
Colombia’s coffee region, the Eje Cafetero, is truly breathtaking. A paradise of rolling hills and charming towns like Salento and Filandia, it is where you can enjoy a traditional coffee farm tour, hike through the Cocora Valley with its towering wax palm trees, or relax in the thermal springs of Manizales.
2. Maras, Peru
Hidden in the Sacred Valley of the Incas, Maras is home to ancient salt mines that have been used since pre-Incan times. It is also one of my favorite boutique hotels in Peru, Mountain View.
In Maras, you can visit the thousands of salt pools that create a mesmerizing, terraced landscape, experience the nearby Moray archaeological site, an impressive set of circular terraces believed to be an ancient agricultural laboratory and enjoy a jacuzzi experience surrounded by wild llamas at Mountain View.
3. Little Corn Island, Nicaragua
Head to Little Corn Island off Nicaragua’s eastern coast for a tranquil Caribbean escape. This tiny island is car-free but full of charm, with crystal-clear waters perfect for snorkeling and diving, lush greenery, and a relaxed atmosphere.
I love taking deep tissue massages after traveling, and the one at Yemaya Reefs, the island’s biggest hotel property, was truly unforgettable. They also have an in-house yoga instructor who offers morning and nighttime yoga, the perfect way to start and end your day, especially if you are taking a wellness-focused vacation.
Don’t forget to try the local dish, rondon!
4. Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia
The Salar de Uyuni is the world’s largest salt flat and one of the most surreal landscapes on Earth. During the rainy season, the flats transform into a giant mirror reflecting the sky, creating a dreamlike experience – perfect for proposals! There is minimal light pollution at Salar de Uyuni making it an incredible spot for stargazing and a top destination for astrophotography tours.
5. Antigua, Guatemala
Guatemala is well known for its impressive volcanoes. For an adventurous day trip, hike up Pacaya Volcano near Antigua for a chance to enjoy pizza cooked by the heat of a volcano. For the more daring, witness Volcán de Fuego, one of Central America’s most active volcanoes. Although you can’t hike Volcán de Fuego due to its constant activity, you can get spectacular views from the nearby Acatenango Volcano. The overnight hike to Acatenango’s summit offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to watch Fuego’s eruptions light up the night sky.
6. La Parguera, Puerto Rico
La Parguera is a charming coastal village in southwestern Puerto Rico renowned for its bioluminescent bay. At night, the waters glow with a magical blue-green light, thanks to microscopic organisms called dinoflagellates. During the day, you can snorkel through the coral reefs, kayak through mangrove channels, and savor fresh seafood and mofongo at local restaurants.
7. Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico
If whale watching is on your bucket list, Loreto is the place to go. Home to the Loreto Bay National Park, nicknamed “The Aquarium of the World,” this park comprises five main islands. It has over 800 species of fish and marine life and offers activities like snorkeling, diving, and, most importantly, whale watching.
For a unique cultural experience, don’t miss the oldest cave paintings in the Americas in the Sierra de Francisco Mountains.
8. Havana, Cuba
Visiting Havana, Cuba’s capital, is easier than you may think. a vibrant city that feels like stepping back in time. Wander through the colorful streets of Old Havana, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where classic cars and colonial architecture set the scene. Enjoy live music in the plazas, visit historic landmarks like El Capitolio and the Malecón, and savor the rich flavors of Cuban cuisine.
9. Guanacaste, Costa Rica
Guanacaste, located on Costa Rica’s northwestern Pacific coast, is home to some of the country’s most beautiful beaches, such as Playa Tamarindo, Playa Langosta, and Playa Conchal. Whether you’re a seasoned surfer or just looking to relax by the ocean, these beaches cater to all tastes.
The region’s diverse ecosystems, including tropical dry forests and mangroves, provide ample opportunities to encounter wildlife. Nearby, Baulas National Park, where you can see nesting leatherback turtles, and Palo Verde National Park, ideal for birdwatching, offer opportunities to observe wildlife.
The area is known for its commitment to sustainable tourism practices, so staying at an eco-lodge is a must. I recommend Cala Luna, a boutique hotel that’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. It attracts monkeys, raccoons, iguanas, birds, and insects. It boasts the highest Sustainable Tourism certification (level 5) from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT).
10. San Blas, Panamá
An archipelago of 365 islands and cays, San Blas offers an unspoiled escape in the Caribbean. Managed by the indigenous Guna people, the islands are known for their crystal-clear waters and white sandy beaches. But my favorite part of this region is visiting local Guna villages to learn all about their traditional way of life, customs, and crafts.
Pack your bags, grab your camera, and embark on an adventure to discover these incredible destinations before the world catches on. Whether you’re looking for relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Latin America has a hidden gem waiting for you.
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