Hidden-gem Destinations in Latin America

Beyond the well-trodden trails of Machu Picchu and the beaches of Tulum lies a different Latin America: quieter, more soulful, and deeply rewarding for those willing to stray from the usual itinerary. As a travel specialist who has spent two decades exploring the region, I’ve discovered that Latin America’s magic often reveals itself best in its overlooked corners. From cloud forests to cobblestone villages, these are five of my favorite under-the-radar spots for making unique, unforgettable memories in Latin America.

Barichara, Colombia

Often called Colombia’s most beautiful town, Barichara is a living postcard of cobbled streets, whitewashed houses, and crimson-tiled rooftops framed by mountain vistas. Its colonial charm is ideal for culture lovers and slow travelers—but Barichara also surprises the adventurous. Nestled in the country’s north, the town sits at the gateway to the Chicamocha Canyon, one of the world’s largest and most dramatic canyons. From paragliding over the canyon’s staggering cliffs to white-water rafting on the Río Suárez, there is adrenaline and contrast in every corner. One day, you can watch artisans weave fique fiber by hand while tasting local specialty coffee, and the next, you can soar above ancient Andean terrain on a thermal current.

Patagonia Park, Chile

While most travelers flock to Torres del Paine National Park, those in the know venture further north to Patagonia National Park, which was pioneered by the conservationist couple Doug and Kris Tompkins. Located in Chile’s sparsely populated Aysén region, this newly protected area is one of the most ambitious rewilding projects on Earth. Imagine herds of guanacos, native llama-like creatures, grazing below dramatic peaks; flocks of flamingos swimming across lagoons; and not another traveler in sight. Hiking here feels like stepping into a private Eden—the kind of place that rewires your sense of scale, silence, and wonder.

Portobelo, Panama

Tucked along Panama’s Caribbean coast, Portobelo is a rare place where cultural heritage and ecological richness sit side by side in harmony. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its 17th-century Spanish fortresses and colonial past, the town tells stories of conquest, resistance, and Afro-Caribbean resilience—especially during the electrifying Festival of the Black Christ each October. Portobelo is also part of the Portobelo National Park, a mosaic of lush rainforest, mangroves, and coral reefs. Here, birdwatchers, divers, and kayakers will find peace.

Mindo, Ecuador

Despite only being two hours by car from Quito, Mindo feels worlds away. It’s a cool, misty cloud forest best known for its incredible biodiversity, making it a haven for naturalists and tranquility seekers. Adventure also thrives here: travelers can try ziplining through the canopy, hiking to waterfalls, and tubing down gentle rivers. Yet it’s the stillness between the activities—watching the fog curl through the trees, tasting locally grown chocolate—that makes memories of Mindo linger.

Uvita, Costa Rica

South of the well-known Costa Rican beach towns of Manuel Antonio and Dominical lies Uvita, where the jungle meets the ocean. Here, imagine waking up to howler monkeys, hiking through misty hills, and swimming in waterfall-fed pools. For some exciting sightings, Marino Ballena National Park is home to migrating humpback whales and a sandbar shaped uncannily like a whale’s tail, visible only at low tide. Uvita offers the perfect balance of barefoot luxury and wild nature, all without the crowds.

Each of these destinations offers more than just beauty: they invite you into a deeper experience of the place, and there are plenty of lovely accommodations to choose from as well.

Jeaninne Sanz is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Patagonia trips. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Sanz by contacting her at [email protected].