by Mark Chesnut
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Mon February 17, 2025
Latin America is a vast region, so it’s no surprise that
people seek diverse experiences when planning a vacation in Central or South
America. And they can find a wider variety of options than ever, whether it’s
treetop dining in Costa Rica, cliffside accommodations in Peru or luxury
cruises off the coast of Brazil. The region's tourism offerings are evolving to
meet increased demand for wellness, sustainability and personalized experiences
— and travelers and travel advisors are the beneficiaries of the latest
innovations.
“Gastronomy, wellness and personalization are the biggest
themes we keep hearing, and properties and tours are adapting,” said Casey
Halloran, CEO of Namu Travel and
Costa Rican Vacations, a company that offers tours and experiences throughout
Central America. “An example that ticks several boxes is the San Lucas Treetop
Dining in Monteverde, Costa Rica. They offer upscale
cuisine in a unique, tree canopy setting of glass cubes — a real crowd pleaser.”
There are many unique ways for travelers to indulge their
interests around Central and South America. Here are a few examples of how
suppliers and operators offer diverse vacation options around the region.
The Wellness
Revolution
The wellness movement has taken root across Latin America,
manifesting in ways that make the most of the region's natural assets.
Ecuador's Mashpi Lodge, for example,
exemplifies this trend with its pioneering approach to botanical wellness. The
property recently unveiled a line of personal care products made from endemic
Magnolia species found on their property. The project, which is the result of a
collaboration with a French perfumer, showcases how luxury properties create
unique wellness experiences connecting guests with local ecosystems.
Active wellness is also gaining momentum, with cycling
emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments. According to the Adventure
Travel Trade Association's recent report, cycling tours are
"booming," particularly among the 50+ demographic. Companies like ExperiencePlus! are capitalizing on
this trend, offering immersive experiences like a 10-day Patagonia Lakes
District tour that blends physical and cultural activities.
Cuisine is a focus for Girls' Guide to the World tours. (Photo Credit: Girls' Guide to the World)
Sustainable Travel in
Latin America
Environmental consciousness is driving some interesting
initiatives around Latin America. Colombia's Cannúa, which
opened in 2019 as the country's first high-end sustainable eco-lodge, is
leading the charge with its permaculture-based design and pending the launch of
a new foundation to promote sustainable farming practices.
Similarly, Chile's Tierra
Hotels collection emphasizes its focus on sustainability, integrating
eco-conscious practices across its portfolio of luxury lodges.
Brazil is also emerging as a focus for conservation-minded
travel. Extraordinary Journeys'
recent launch of its first Brazil tour offerings is a noteworthy example; these
new itineraries emphasize conservation and balance cities and natural settings.
Savoring the Flavors
Culinary experiences can often be a big draw for travelers,
and gastronomy is a critical selling point for Peru, according to Valencia Travel Cusco, a
Peruvian tour operator. The company praises the gustatory allure of venues in
Lima, including Central Restaurant, which offers multisensory dining, and the
Iberostar Selection
Miraflores, where menus feature Peruvian-Spanish fusion cuisine.
Other destinations are also gaining ground among foodies.
Costa Rica's Casa Chameleon Las Catalinas,
a Relais & Châteaux property, is partnering with the Culinary Institute of
America and stages events like the annual Flavors Beyond Borders festival,
which takes place May 28-June 1.
Colombia's coffee region, meanwhile, is another rewarding
place to connect with local flavors. Timbuktu
Travel is offering tours this year that include visits to cacao and coffee
plantations, with opportunities to join cocoa-making workshops.
Quasar Expeditions outing. (Photo Credit: Quasar Expeditions)
New Luxury Travel
Options
The definition of luxury travel in Latin America continues
to expand. One of the newest upscale options is now offered in Chile’s Lake
District, where Hotel AWA, a member of
Leading Hotels of the World that recently debuted the AWA Villa, a 4,300-square-foot structure with four bedrooms
and six baths.
Valencia Travel Cusco, meanwhile, adds breathtaking views to
the upscale experience with itineraries that include accommodations at the
Skylodge Adventure Suites, a collection of transparent pods suspended from
cliffs in Peru’s Sacred Valley.
According to Quasar
Expeditions, demand for upscale cruises is booming, which reports a 34%
surge in South American cruise bookings since 2019. The company offers multiple
small-ship itineraries this year in the Galápagos, where vessels carrying just
16 to 32 passengers allow for personalized experiences.
New on South America’s cruise scene is a recently announced a
12-day itinerary from Scenic Luxury
Cruises & Tours. Dubbed “Tastes of Discover Series: Rhythm of the
Brazilian Coastline,” the itinerary features culinary experiences, including
pop-up restaurants and personalized excursions.
Whatever a traveler's preference, Latin America is providing
travel advisors with more opportunities to sell to a more diverse clientele, as
hoteliers, cruise lines and tour operators continue to hone their products and
introduce new reasons to visit.
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