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Spending the winter months at home isn’t for everyone. If you’re one of those that can’t wait to jet off somewhere you can enjoy some winter sunshine, Latin America is a smart choice.
The summer in Latin American countries runs from January to March. During that time you’ll find plenty of opportunities to enjoy one of the many sun-soaked beaches. In addition, there are vibrant cities and stunning mountains to experience.
If you want to explore more of Peru when you visit, Peru tours are the perfect opportunity for seeing more of the country than ever before. Everything is organized for you so that all you’ve got to do is turn up and soak up not only the sun but the culture, nature, and friendliness of the locals.
Let’s introduce some of the top destinations if you’re looking for some winter sun in Latin America.
Planning a last-minute trip to Mexico?
Top Experiences and Tours in Mexico:
- See the sights with a tour of the Frida Kahlo Museum
- See cenotes on the Chichen Itza, Cenote and Valladolid All-Inclusive Tour
- Explore more with this tour of Mexico City: Teotihuacan and Tlatelolco Day Trip by Van
Where to stay in Mexico:
- Find accommodation with Booking.com
- Find your dream apartment in Mexico with Agoda
- Find a hostel in Mexico with Hostelworld
Tulum, Mexico
Tulum is a town overlooking the coastline of Mexico. It was once a fortress and small city-state of the Mayan Empire, but now it’s also popular because of the white-sand beaches, turquoise Caribbean sea, and backdrop of black and gray granite cliffs.
Tulum has some interesting tales to tell, but the surrounding area is rich with wildlife.
Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
The dramatic volcanic landscape that surrounds this beautiful lake explains how it was formed. Surrounding the lake you’ll also find coffee plantations and fertile farmland. In addition, you’ll also get a close insight into Guatemalan heritage, if you pay a visit to one of the authentic Mayan villages that surround the lake.
Lake Atitlan is a popular destination for those seeking outdoor pursuits such as cycling, hiking, and kayaking on the lake.
The Amazon, Ecuador
You might not realize it but, the Amazon River contains one-fifth of the world’s fresh water. It’s also an astounding wilderness to explore. The waterways are home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna, all vying for your attention.
Corcovado and the Osa Peninsual, Costa Rica
Many people consider this location to be one of the world’s richest wildlife reserves. It’s definitely a very remote location and there are 105,000 acres of prime rainforest with a wide variety of tree species. In addition, you’ll find an abundance of birdlife and mammals such as jaguars and capuchins.
Don’t turn down the opportunity to go snorkeling and diving either because you might get an up-close look at humpback whales and dolphins in their natural environment.
The winter months are the driest of the year and the best time to go hiking along nature trails, explore pristine beaches, and seek out the area’s wildlife.
The Coffee Triangle, Colombia
Colombia’s coffee triangle encompasses Caldas, Quindio, and Risaralda. This stunning green landscape includes valleys, mountains, and of course the all-important coffee plantations. In addition, there’s the tropical Andean forest that consists of towering wax palms and traditional Colombian haciendas.
You can choose to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site on horseback or on foot from your very own hacienda as a base.
The Atacama Desert, Chile
This is an other-worldly experience you shouldn’t miss if you’re in the area. This arid and dramatic desert is a great place to explore.
If you get the opportunity, explore the area on horseback, in a 4WD, by mountain bike, or on foot. For the more adventurous, there’s always the option of soaring over the desert in a hot air balloon.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
The city itself is full of opportunities for soaking up Brazilian culture, dance, and music. But at the top of the city’s cultural events is the world-famous carnival that takes place in February, every year.
Step outside of the city’s boundary and there’s plenty more to explore. It’s surrounded by mountains and an emerald forest and let’s not forget the long stretches of white-sandy beaches. The most iconic beaches have to be Copacabana and Ipanema.
Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
This is a stunning archipelago that’s situated a couple of hundred miles from Brazil’s northeast coast. Take a visit there and you’ll find unsurpassable diving opportunities.
Hopefully, you’ll get to see the stars of any diving experience, the dolphins and turtles, but even if you miss these, there’s a wide array of tropical wildlife inhabiting the surrounding waters.
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Belize’s Ambergris Caye is the place to visit during the dry season. You’ll get to savor island life and relax in the warm Caribbean sea. This island is best known for its amazing scuba diving and snorkeling opportunities and its proximity to the world’s second-largest reef.
The Lake District, Argentina
During the winter months, you get to make the most of the many outdoor pursuits on offer in this region. Take your pick from hiking, mountain biking, boat, and fishing trips. Each one of these is a great way to explore the rivers, lakes, forests, and mountains. It’s also the perfect escape for animal lovers and active travelers alike.
As you can see, Latin America has a wealth of destinations you can visit if you want to enjoy some winter sunshine rather than staying at home. There’s so much to see and explore that you’ll need to come back every year.
Best Tips & Tools to Plan Your Trip
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Author Bio: Dawn Cowles
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