You’ve probably heard of dupes (short for duplicates) for beauty, fashion, and home decor items — dupes are more affordable yet very similar alternatives to pricey cult-favourite items. But what about travel destination dupes? 

Some vacation hotspots are undoubtedly more expensive than others, between airfare, hotel prices, and general expenses like dining out and attractions. And some are definitely more overtouristed than others. According to Expedia’s newest trend report,  that’s why travellers are getting in on dupes, picking more affordable, less-visited destinations that have similar vibes to the originals.

“In the Expedia Trends in Travel report, dupes are destinations that are a little unexpected, sometimes more affordable, but every bit as delightful as the tried-and-true places travellers love,” Melanie Fish, chief trend tracker for Expedia Brands, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure.

Curaçao is the perfect travel dupe for St. Martin

Expedia did a little digging into the data and discovered several popular travel dupes, not least among which was the Caribbean island of Curaçao as an alternative to St. Martin (or St. Maarten). Per Expedia, searches for flights to Curaçao are up 228 percent.

Both islands are known for their pristine beaches, turquoise waters, European-style architecture, and Euro-Afro-Carib cuisine. (While St. Martin is half-French and half-Dutch, Curaçao has Dutch heritage.)

Curaçao, in particular, is also noted for its spectacular dive sites. In terms of differences, Curaçao is a much larger island with fewer visitors, so it doesn’t feel quite as touristy as St. Martin. Thus, if you’re interested in visiting St. Martin but would prefer fewer crowds, Curaçao is a solid option for your next Caribbean vacation.

Expedia’s other dupes include Taipei for Seoul, which shares a tech-forward culture with vibrant culinary and nightlife scenes; Memphis for Nashville as music-centric destinations in the US; and Québec City for Geneva, similar for their cobblestoned stress, multilingual culture, and proximity to mountains.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

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Related: This Brazilian Beach Destination Is A Quieter, Laid-Back Alternative To Rio De Janeiro

Peru is famous for many things, but two stand out – adventure and food. Peru is famously home to one of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu. And it’s not all nature and history; in the 2023 edition of The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, Peru holds four spots (including number one), establishing its reputation as a bonafide foodie destination.

This country is bursting at the seams with culture, but certain times of the year are better than others to soak it all in.

Peru is located in the Southern Hemisphere, which means the seasons are opposite of the US or Europe. The warmest month of the year is February, and the coldest is August. Keep this in mind when you are packing so you dress appropriately.

Planning a trip to Peru? Here are the best times to visit the South American country

Peru’s tourism seasons fall into three main categories:

• High Season: May to August
• Shoulder Season: March and April, September and October
• Low Season: November to March

Here are the best times to visit Peru, according to local experts.

I spoke with Saul Alvarez Montalvo, the owner and manager at SAM Travel Peru, and Alex, a professional tour guide at Lima Experience, to put together a complete guide on the best times to visit Peru, depending on your travel goals.

Best times to visit Peru for smaller crowds

More than five million tourists travelled to Peru in 2019. Although the 2022 numbers were lower than pre-pandemic levels at just over two million travellers, it’s safe to say that crowds can get very heavy during the peak tourism season in Peru. For travellers looking for smaller crowds, Montalvo recommends visiting during the shoulder seasons – late April and May or September and October. “These are before and after the rainy season, [so travellers have] more chances of excellent weather conditions and fewer crowds,” says Montalvo.

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Best times to visit Peru for good weather

For tourist destinations around the world, peak travel season typically falls when the weather is the best, and Peru is no exception. If you’re looking for the best weather, head to Peru anytime from May to September. Just keep in mind that crowds will be heavier during these months. The shoulder seasons are a good option if you’re looking for a bit more warmth while still avoiding the rain.

There is an exception to this rule. Peru is a large country, so the climates can vary significantly between cities. “Depending on the city you visit, you will have a much nicer or different experience,” explains Alex. “For instance, our summer season on the coast by the ocean is from early December to late February. That is the perfect weather in this area.” By June and July, this area starts getting cold and foggy. “In the highlands, it’s different,” says Alex. “From the middle of December through March is the rainy season.” So, travellers need to decide which city they want to visit and what kind of experience they want to have before determining the best time of year to visit.

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Best times to visit Peru for lower prices

Travelers will find the lowest prices during the rainy season. January and February tend to get the most rainfall — around 6 inches each month, with more than half the days seeing some precipitation. If you don’t mind getting a little wet, you should be able to find some great deals. “Companies tend to offer good deals for groups during these months because of the low demand in the tourism industry,” says Montalvo.

If you visit during the rainy season, try to schedule your activities in the morning. Afternoon rain showers are common, so you’d be more likely to stay dry if you get an early start.

Best times to visit Machu Picchu

Montalvo recommends visiting Machu Picchu during the high season. “These months belong to the dry season, providing good weather and gorgeous views of Machu Picchu,” says Montalvo. Getting to Machu Picchu can be tricky for international travellers, so it’s important to plan far enough in advance to avoid any snags during your trip.

You cannot visit Machu Picchu without a tour guide, so they should be able to help you prepare for any weather conditions before your arrival. There are also rules for the number of daily visitors to Machu Picchu; typically around 2,500 to 3,500 people are permitted each day throughout multiple time slots from morning until evening. These rules promote the conservation of the area, so you shouldn’t expect it to be packed, even during the peak season. You’ll just need to plan far enough in advance so your dates don’t get booked up.

Best times to experience Lima’s food scene

Many consider Lima to be the culinary capital of South America. Central, ranked the best restaurant in 2023 by The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, is located here. Getting a reservation at Central takes some forethought, so planning a few months before you want to go is best. Reservation periods open about three to four months prior; the April, May, and June 2024 reservation periods will likely open up in mid-January 2024. Of course, Central isn’t the only standout restaurant the city has to offer. “Lima has all different kinds of restaurants at all different kinds of prices,” says Alex.

Several holidays throughout the year celebrate Peruvian cuisine, from Pisco Sour Day in February to the Day of the Peruvian Cuisine and Gastronomy in September. During these holidays, there are festivals, tastings, and other events to appreciate and learn about the country’s food culture. And plant-based travellers aren’t excluded from the fun. “Restaurants are more open to the vegan and vegetarian side of society,” says Alex. “It’s little by little – most of the people can’t believe you can eat without a piece of meat. But now, we are being more open-minded.” For travellers who eat fish, he recommends trying ceviche, which is part of Peru’s culinary heritage.

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Worst times to visit Peru

The worst time to visit Peru for most travellers is during the rainy season. So many of the experiences that bring travellers to Peru are outdoors; these can become much more complicated in the rain. Remember that the rainy season brings more trouble than just getting wet. Travellers will need to plan around landslides and flooding, which could potentially wreak havoc on an itinerary. However, as noted earlier, the tradeoff could be worth it for flexible travellers looking for fantastic deals and smaller crowds.

Travellers should also be aware of riots and protests, especially in the capital city of Lima. The recent riots following the removal of President Pedro Castillo in December of 2022 caused Peru to declare a months-long state of emergency. Travellers in Peru at the time saw airport closures and the closure of Machu Picchu, so it’s important to stay vigilant and aware of what’s happening in the country before you visit (of course, this advice can be applied to almost any country you visit). Montalvo says, “Travellers should monitor media outlets [to stay] updated about the advice of local authorities so they can avoid visiting Peru during riots.”

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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: The Best Times To Visit Finland For Outdoor Adventures, Northern Lights Viewing & More

With one-fourth of its land located in national parks and reserves, Costa Rica is a dream destination for nature lovers and intrepid travellers. Among the country’s natural wonders are five active volcanoes, 800 miles (1,287.48 km) of unspoiled coastline, and diverse ecosystems, from cloud forests to tropical beaches.

For those lucky enough to call this stunning Central American country home, its laid-back, pura vida way of life and the warm hospitality of its people make it an appealing place to both live and explore. But beyond its popular tourist hot spots, where do the locals go? From natural pools to secluded coves, here are 10 incredible places in Costa Rica, as recommended by locals.

The places you should definitely visit in Costa Rica

Corcovado National Park

Containing roughly five percent of the world’s species, Corcovado National Park is one of the greatest biodiversity locations in the world. Blessed with beautiful lagoons, marshes, mangroves, rivers, forests, sandy beaches, and hiking trails, the park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts like Yeison Kim, a travel blogger at Mytanfeet. “There’s no better place in Costa Rica for nature and adventure than Corcovado; it feels otherworldly, like Jurassic Park,” he says.

Playa Naranjo

Costa Rica’s geographical position makes it a world-renowned surfing destination that experiences swells from both the Northern and Southern hemispheres. One of Kim’s primary surfing spots is Playa Naranjo, also known as Roca Bruja (Witches Rock), in Santa Rosa National Park. “Although I wouldn’t call myself a pro surfer, I can confidently conquer some midsized waves here,” says Kim, who has seen sharks, manta rays, and even a humpback whale. Beloved by surfers for its extraordinary surf and stunning backdrop, this bay earned its moniker from a local legend that a witch’s spirit dwells within a rock in the park.

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Mercado Central

Established in 1880, the bustling Mercado Central is one of the country’s oldest and most cherished landmarks. It’s also a cultural and culinary hot spot where locals gather, shop, and eat. Among the more than 200 shops, stalls, and small restaurants called “sodas,” Kim’s favourite place to go here is Soda Tala, a popular restaurant for locals that sells talapinto. This twist on Costa Rica’s classic breakfast dish, gallo pinto, includes rice, beans, and a thin omelette served in a tortilla, which is either set on top or wrapped in a banana leaf. Patrons can also add fried plantains, cheese, and meat to the dish.

Manuel Antonio National Park

David Konwiser, architect and co-owner of the Villa Punto de Vista estate, was born in Costa Rica, his mother’s homeland, but grew up in California. On a trip to Costa Rica 20 years ago, he fell in awe of Manuel Antonio National Park, so much so that he created his own luxury haven right next to it. “It’s not just the park’s lush rain forests that draw visitors, but also its pristine beaches,” he says. Konwiser enjoys visiting Biesanz Beach, a scenic cove with calm waters, ideal for swimming and snorkelling, as well as Manuel Antonio Beach. But he cautions against weekend excursions to these areas, as they tend to get crowded. Instead, he suggests venturing just north of the park to Espadilla Norte Beach, where there are usually fewer people.

La Fortuna

La Fortuna, the adventure capital of Costa Rica, is the ultimate destination for adrenaline junkies. But for Konwiser, the highlight of this region is its thermal hot springs, such as Tabacon Thermal Resort & Spa. “Taking a dip in the various temperature pools naturally heated by the volcano is the perfect way to relax, especially after a day of thrill-seeking,” he says.

Paola Bolaños Zumbado, commercial manager at Copey Estate Winery, touts La Fortuna as well, notably Arenal Volcano National Park and Arenal Hanging Bridges. According to Zumbado, hiking along the lava trails in the national park is invigorating, as are the treetop canopies at the hanging bridges. “If you visit the bridges in the early morning, you can often see the full volcano without cloud cover,” she adds.

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Los Santos Zone

Costa Rica’s high-altitude volcanic soil and sustainable farming practices provide favourable conditions for growing high-quality beans. For a true coffee experience, Zumbado recommends venturing into the towns of Dota, Tarrazú, and León Cortés in the heart of Los Santos Zone, a beautiful mountain region that’s about a two-hour drive from San José. One place to try a good cup of Costa Rican coffee is Coopedota, a cooperative that offers more than 40 unique blends, tours, and a cafe.

Nauyaca Waterfalls

“One of the things I love about Costa Rica is the presence of wild waterfalls all over the country,” says Hans Pfister, co-founder and president of the Cayuga Collection. Pfister, who has been living in Costa Rica since 1999, takes an annual hike to Nauyaca Waterfalls, north of Uvita, where he swims in the natural pools, which he admits makes him feel 10 years younger. Reaching these majestic cascades takes a bit of effort, requiring a 3.7-mile (5.95 km) one-way trek on an intermediate trail, either by foot or horseback.

Puerto Viejo

Pfister’s preferred beaches are on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica. “It’s where most well-traveled locals spend their vacations,” he notes, citing Playa Chiquita in Limón Province as one of the finest stretches of sand in Costa Rica. Sadie Jordan agrees. She recently relocated from the US to Costa Rica to provide Afro-Costa Rican-centered multiday itineraries through her company, Soul Life Travel. As an Afro-Latina herself, Jordan heads to El Sendero Beach Club in Puerto Viejo to soak up beautiful ocean views and cultural vibes. “It’s a locally owned spot right on the beach, where patrons can relax with lively reggae music, delicious Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and strong cocktails.”

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Pacuare River

With thrilling Class II to Class V rapids flowing 67 miles (107.82 km) from the Cuericí mountains to the Caribbean Sea, the Pacuare River is one of the world’s most scenic and best rafting rivers. “It’s a death-defying yet exhilarating experience,” says Jordan, who recently embarked on a rafting tour with her adventurous aunt, Rebecca. Led by Exploradores Outdoors, the pair rafted 18 miles (28.96 km) along the famed Pacuare River Gorge and Valle del Pacuare, encountering various wildlife such as toucans, sloths, and butterflies.

Playa Panama

Stephanie Sheehy, co-owner of Il Viaggio Travel, runs the only local ground operator specialising in accessible travel in Costa Rica. Her deep affinity for Costa Rica’s coastline always leads her to its beaches, including Playa Panama, which has shallow, tranquil waters shielded by Culebra Bay in the Gulf of Papagayo. “It’s one of the calmest and most swimmable beaches in Costa Rica,” according to Sheehy, who is on a mission, alongside her husband, Emilio, to establish at least one accessible solution on every public beach in Costa Rica. She says these efforts will make the country an inclusive destination for everyone.

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Related: 20 Best Things To Do In Costa Rica

Our helicopter swooped skyward with an easy bound and Panama City came into view almost instantly — hundreds of gleaming skyscrapers silhouetted against the Pacific. A dozen ships queued neatly, waiting to enter the world’s most aesthetically pleasing marvel of engineering: the Panama Canal.

As we zipped above the waterway, I was awed by the audacity of its creation. The canal, completed in 1914, operates 24/7, like a conveyor belt, passing vessels back and forth between the oceans. Ships the length of several football fields glided past tidy parcels of farmland and Soberania National Park, a 55,000-acre natural preserve. From inlets covered in neon-green algae, snow-white egrets took flight over ships stacked with thousands of brightly coloured containers — imagine a mash-up of Gauguin and Mondrian.

Panama has long been seen more as a trading post than a destination. From the days of colonists and pirates to the more modern era (of, say, bankers and lawyers servicing offshore corporations), its touristic charms have gone largely unappreciated. Since the US-led ousting of strongman Manuel Noriega in 1989, the country has marched steadily, if improbably, toward prosperity and political stability.

Here’s how to plan a trip to Panama

With almost 13 million acres of the world’s most biodiverse rain forest, rich with jaguars, hummingbirds, and two thousand butterfly species (take that, Costa Rica), plus some 1,800 miles (2,896.81 km) of unsullied coastline, this country is poised for a tourism boom. Historically, lodgings outside the capital have contented themselves with hosting the budget-conscious backpacker crowd. In the past few years, however, thanks to government initiatives and the efforts of conservation-focused developers, a new class of luxurious resorts has come to offer a cushier way into the country’s insanely unspoiled attractions.

“With almost 13 million acres of the world’s most biodiverse rainforest, Panama is poised for a tourism boom.”

I immediately sensed this newfound energy in Panama City, which felt far more cosmopolitan and international than I had expected. My first stop was Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, a stately property located on the edge of Panama Bay in the city’s old quarter.

Open since January, the hotel is a thoughtful restoration of the once-chic but long-dormant Union Club, the former gathering place for industrialists and politicians. Decorated with nautical accents, it still has the feel of a private club, or maybe a mansion belonging to a rich auntie who happens to serve grilled octopus on her waterfront terrace.

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I’d expected urban chaos beyond the elegant lobby, but a stroll around the neighbourhood proved calm, quiet, and unexpectedly French. The Casco Viejo district dates to the late 17th century and is often compared with New Orleans’s French Quarter. The neighbourhood sprawls for many blocks, a world apart from the skyscrapers of downtown. As I walked down narrow, cobblestoned streets past colonial-era churches and plazas, I understood why it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1997. Rows of rejuvenated Spanish, French, and Caribbean buildings with latticed balconies and carved wooden doors provide a genteel setting for coffee shops, bars, and restaurants.

I found a burgeoning and eclectic foodie scene at places like Maito, in the ritzy Coco del Mar neighbourhood, which offers a wide-ranging tasting menu of chow mein, ceviche, and pesca afro, a fried white fish served with a coconut curry sauce. The next evening, at Fondo Lo Que Hay, I tried the gaucho, a rice porridge with pork belly, egg, and tomato, before devouring the 74-hour-marinated, double-fried chicken (served with mashed potatoes and a sinful amount of butter).

The liveliest glimpses of life seemed wedged between the old, unreconstructed city and the shinier, up-and-coming version. I was intrigued by the colonies of cats living in the old quarter’s few remaining dilapidated mansions. And I was inspired by the diverse throngs of shoppers along Avenida Central — their faces reflecting Chinese, Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage, evidence of Panama’s long history of colonisation and commerce.

If Panama City felt like a genuine metropolis, the vibe in Bocas del Toro, an hour’s flight northwest, was distinctly more relaxed. At the end of the 19th century, the United Fruit Company established itself in Bocas (an estimated 325,000 tons of bananas still leave the port each year) and built scores of pastel colonial-style wooden houses, many of which remain intact. Essentially inaccessible by road until the 1980s, the area is distinguished by its rich Caribbean culture and pristine biodiversity.

Bocas Town, as it’s known, is also the gateway to the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, made up of nine islands and more than 200 tiny islets. I was headed to Nayara Bocas del Toro, a private island preserve 20 minutes away by boat, so I made my way to the port, where “traffic” refers not to cars but to the colourful boats, known as pangas, that shuttle between the islands. After making inquiries with several captains who spoke English and Spanish with a pleasing Creole lilt, I found my ride.

Opened in 2021, Nayara Bocas del Toro is entirely off the grid and nearly fully solar-powered. The lodge, which caters to adults only, consists of 16 luxurious overwater villas, each with a private plunge pool and terrace with a firepit.

In the middle of the overwater boardwalk sits the Elephant House, Nayara’s restaurant, a 100-year-old structure imported from Bali. On the land side, two giant mushroom-like tree houses soar 50 feet into the air (there are three more under construction). Created by the Bali-based designer Elora Hardy and crafted from bamboo and sustainably harvested hardwoods, they offered prime views of the sea and the mangrove forest canopy skirting the beach.

Nayara’s owner, a retired tech entrepreneur named Dan Behm, described his pursuit of ultra-sustainability as an ongoing evolution. In 2015, he bought El Castillo, a small luxury hotel on Costa Rica’s southern Pacific coast. Two years later, eager for a new challenge, he found himself scouting Central America for another beachfront property. Soon enough he realised that if he wanted to create something rare and special, he’d have to ditch the beach paradigm. In the end, he bought Isla Frangipani, the tiny island with 88 acres of mangroves where the resort is located. “People talk a lot about sustainability,” he told me, “but sometimes they’re just doing it to look good. Mangroves are the midwives of vast swaths of marine life. If we want to offer access to them, we have to preserve what we find and take care of it.”

I’d arrived in the late afternoon. The sunset was out of view, behind the island, but the placid Caribbean horizon beyond my window offered a contemplative charm all its own. Morning brought rain, pattering on the rooftop, soothing and monsoon-y. When it stopped, I shambled toward the water and was treated to an explosion of flying fish, leaping by the thousands. At lunch on the dock outside the restaurant, I looked down and saw a Cousteau-worthy parade of starfish, sea urchins, manta rays, sea cucumbers, sharks, snappers, and groupers.

With a captain and boat on call for every villa, guests often choose to explore or picnic at secluded beaches on neighbouring islands and cays like Cayos Zapatillas, part of the Bastimentos National Marine Park. For those inclined to stay put, the resort offers snorkelling, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. I gave myself an unguided tour and soon found myself walking in and among the quiet spectacle of the mangroves. They seemed to sprout everywhere, beside and beyond the boardwalk, sprawling with geometric repetition, their exposed roots looking like spider legs. The island’s interior, I learned, is rich with ocelots and sloths. I spotted strawberry poison-dart frogs hopping across the pathways near the elevated man-made beach at the end of the boardwalk. Here indeed was a dense speck of wilderness under preserve.

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I left Nayara for Bocas Town by water taxi early the next morning. After living over water with the constant slish-slosh of the waves underneath me, it felt strange to ride in a van. We passed through the Ngäbe-Buglé, one of six communal areas set aside by the Panamanian government for the country’s half-million Indigenous citizens, and the Reserva Forestal Fortuna, a vast forest preserve. After a two-hour drive and a 90-minute boat ride, we docked at Islas Secas, an eco-reserve and lodge spread out on a 14-island archipelago off the coast of southwestern Panama.

The resort, owned by American financier and passionate conservationist Louis Bacon, consists of seven secluded casitas, which sleep a maximum of 24 guests. Bacon, whose foundation funds projects including Taos Ski Valley, in New Mexico, and Robins Island, off Long Island, discovered the area on a fishing trip. Realising that there was no lodging on par with the spectacular scenery and that the islands were up for sale, he decided to add them to his portfolio.

From the moment I arrived at Islas Secas, I knew that leaving would be painful. A greedy reaction, to be sure, but very few places have made me feel that way. The walk from the dock to the dining hall to my villa took me along forest paths with purple flowers and a soundtrack of birdsong. The trees had epiphytes, ferns, bromeliads, and orchids running up their trunks, adding a furry, Dr. Seuss quality to them. Every turn offered a view of an island, a peninsula, or a still-life setting of a vase or bowl filled with exotic flora like amaryllis, bergamot, orange blossoms, and vetiver.

Islas Secas’s villas are built of a variety of certified sustainable woods, including red cedar, Brazilian ipe, and African mahogany. The eclectic sourcing reflects its notion of conservation. “Our idea of sustainability included the concept that, once built, we didn’t want to be constantly remodelling or altering the structures,” explained Tom Scheerer, the property’s interior designer.

The villas’ design — with ample cross ventilation, high-pitched roofs, and wide overhangs to provide natural shade and protection from the rain — was inspired by the century-old houses near the canal. My bathroom had both indoor and outdoor showers, plus an infinity pool. The resort’s low-impact approach extends beyond the villas: the resort runs entirely on solar energy, all food waste is composted, and the wastewater is treated and used to irrigate the grounds.

I was spoiled for choice when it came to Islas Secas’s spa and yoga program. Did I prefer the Big Chill, a treatment involving cold stones and rehydrating rainforest oils? Or Magnificent Me Time, a 90-minute massage and scrub with some reflexology thrown in? Should I take my yoga session poolside or beachside? At sunset or in the moonlight?

I chose to treat myself to the Secas Sound Shower at the spa. I tried my best to relax on a yoga mat as a pair of instructors began to whang a mallet against a big brass bowl. Deep bass vibrations washed over me, and with every clang, I felt like a 14-year-old fighting off the effects of too many bong hits. The instructors walked in circles around me, moving closer and farther from my ears, hitting bowls, wind chimes, a rain stick, a thumb piano, and a tambor oceánico, an instrument filled with pellets that made a sound like breaking waves. During the hour-long session, I felt my inner core of New York stress and self-consciousness fighting to stay intact — then giving way to a feeling of calm.

After lunch, I took a nature hike led by Venicio “Beny” Wilson, the conservation, sustainability, and activities manager, along some of the island’s trails. Wilson gushed about the 100 species of birds as he pointed out kiskadees, vireos, lesser elaenias, and mangrove yellow warblers. Did I know that many birds migrate from south to north? he asked. “We always think of north-south migration,” Wilson said, “but in Panama, we often see birds flying north to escape competition from northern birds heading south.” I mused on the realities of a place that serves as a midpoint between hemispheres before Wilson interrupted me: I should keep my eye out for big toads. “Smoky jungle toads,” he clarified. “We’re doing a study to make sure they’re okay. It’s a good way of measuring our environmental impact. So if you see a toad about four hundred grams, almost as big as a Frisbee, let me know.

The following morning after breakfast, I met my snorkelling guide, Maria Henriquez. Born and raised in Panama City, Henriquez worked in the hospitality industry and had never gone diving until her thirties. The experience changed her life. She became a rescue diver, then a dive master, and has worked as an instructor ever since, joining Islas Secas in 2020.

The moment we jumped into the Gulf of Chiriquí, we were surrounded by what seemed like most of the area’s 750 fish species: dorados; long fin halfbeaks; needlefish; jacks; yellow, red, and gold snappers; angelfish; barber fish; three species of puffer fish; eels; and various kinds of rays. “There are lots of beautiful dive sites in Panama,” Henriquez told me, “but there’s no place that has better stuff than here.” Guests often want to visit nearby Coiba National Park, one of Panama’s largest protected marine areas, to see turtles, whale sharks, and humpbacks, which appear twice a year as they migrate back and forth between the hemispheres.

I decided to set out instead for Pargo Beach, a tiny cove with an enormous uprooted tree trunk artfully deposited at the edge. I kayaked and paddleboarded for an hour before noticing something strange: I hadn’t seen another boat since I’d arrived. An hour later, I’d worked up just enough of an appetite to demolish the enormous lunch of shrimp, mahi-mahi, chicken, and Wagyu steak with chimichurri sauce that the kitchen staff prepared for me right on the beach.

Between the solitude, the undisturbed nature, the peace, and the beauty of it all, I’d love to say I felt like a survivor of a shipwreck, alone on a deserted island. And then I remembered Tom Hanks in Cast Away, painstakingly crafting a net from a salvaged lace dress to catch fish, desperate to stave off hunger. And I realised it wasn’t like that at all.

Where to stay

The American Trade Hotel: Just opposite the Plaza de la Independencia in the city’s Casco Viejo district, this 50-room property mixes Neoclassical architecture with palm-print sofas, Mexican weavings, and colourful tilework. A rooftop pool and a jazz club lend a festive feel to the property.

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Islas Secas: Privacy, exclusivity, and sustainability — this island eco-retreat off the Pacific coast has all three. Guests can enjoy a variety of diversions, from sound baths to snorkelling and whale-watching.

Nayara Bocas del Toro: This adults-only, off-the-grid resort in the Bocas del Toro Archipelago, part of the Nayara Collection, has only 16 overwater villas, some of which have glass floor panels for viewing marine life. Activities include snorkelling, scuba diving, fishing, kayaking, or just wandering through the vast mangroves.

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Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo: Located in the historic district, this former private club is an elegant base for exploring Panama City. The 159-room hotel, which opened in January, preserves much of the original French architecture, from the giant glass chandeliers to the wrought-iron balconies.

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Where to eat

CasaCasco: The rooftop bar of this restaurant in Casco Viejo serves up excellent cocktails
and views of the city.

Fondo Lo Que Hay: It’s worth the wait at this popular restaurant in the Casco Viejo area, where many of the dishes, including the Caribbean prawns, are cooked over a wood flame.

Maito: Enjoy dishes that reflect Panama’s diverse population, like chow mein and ceviche, at this low-key spot in the ritzy Coco del Mar neighbourhood. Spring for the USD 100 (INR 8,327) tasting menu for a broad sampling of the country’s different cuisines.

Salsipuedes: Located in Bristol Panama, the restaurant has an eclectic menu that includes pork-belly tacos, octopus carpaccio, and fried crocodile.

How to book

Scott Dunn: This luxury agency can design a trip to Panama that includes stays at Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo, Islas Secas, Nayara Bocas del Toro, and the American Trade Hotel, as well as domestic flights and private transfers. Experiences range from a helicopter ride over the Panama Canal to chocolate making.

(Hero and feature image credit: Cristóbal Palma)

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Related: 22 Best Things To Do In Bali — From Volcano Treks To Luxe Spa Days

I was curled up on an oversized daybed at Uxua Praia, a beach club in Trancoso — the coastal Brazilian playground that first captured the imagination of the international creative set back in the 1980s. The club is an offshoot of Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa, a quietly upscale property near the Quadrado, as Trancoso’s historic town centre is known, where my family and I were staying.

Uxua Praia’s bar, which sits in the hull of a weathered fishing boat under a thatched roof, is tended by a young, cheerful staff, who take their time making cocktails from scratch, juicing fresh fruit for each order.

Trancoso is a laid-back alternative to Rio De Janeiro

Though Trancoso is often thought of as a beach town — it shares the same breezy vibes found in places like Canggu, in Bali, or Mexico’s Isla Holbox — its Quadrado is set back from the sea. To reach the shore, and Uxua Praia, my husband, two teenage sons, and I first walked past a series of low-slung traditional stucco storefronts the colour of Skittles.

We navigated a thicket of ancient silver lime trees whose limbs — as gnarled as a grandmother’s — seemed to defy the laws of gravity with their precarious reach. A few minutes later, at what felt like the end of the earth, we reached a gleaming-white 17th-century Catholic church, São João Batista, and, filling the horizon beyond, the ocean.

We wound our way down past the church, crossing a rickety wooden bridge and passing through one of the longest uninterrupted mangrove forests in Brazil. Once we reached Uxua Praia, the biggest decision of the day was whether to order the grilled shrimp and pineapple skewers or the lime and coconut milk ceviche. Why not both? The food seemed to appear as though by magic from a tiny kitchen hidden in the mangroves.

As I waded back through shin-deep water after a dip, I saw a handful of vendors with rugs, basket bags, and cold drinks walking along the shore. A woman in a paisley cover-up strutted past as though she was simply carrying her wares across the beach rather than trying to hawk them. Like so many of the artists and craftspeople in the area, she looked just as glamorous in her oversized straw hat as many of the guests staying at Uxua.

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When I waved her over, she showed me a few strappy maxis and a short wrap dress with cap sleeves, the kind of global fast-fashion designs you see just about anywhere. Clocking my lack of enthusiasm, she dashed off, only to return a few minutes later with a few beautiful, hand-block-printed cotton dresses. “These are my designs,” she said in nearly accentless English.

To my eye, they would have sat comfortably in a Manhattan boutique alongside pieces from designers like Isabel Marant and Ulla Johnson — though these were a fraction of the price. I bought one, and rather than pushing me to purchase a second, she walked away. It occurred to me that the “take it or leave it” vibe I got from her and the other vendors had to do with the fact that they, by and large, were the makers themselves. Which is to say, artisans first, salespeople second.

Everything about Trancoso, which was once a sleepy fishing village, felt too good to be true, with just the right amount of bohemian cool mixed with the powerful presence of the natural world, in the form of the jungle that surrounds and weaves through town. How this place, which has a population of just over 10,000, has escaped the sort of overtourism that plagues other seaside destinations is a function of geographic isolation, government protection, and a bit of luck.

For centuries, Trancoso was inaccessible to anyone but its Indigenous population, and by the 1970s, only a handful of families remained as the younger generations left to find work. Even today, getting there is hard: I took a 10-hour flight from New York City to São Paulo, followed by a two-hour hop to Porto Seguro and, finally, a 90-minute drive.

Uxua’s debut brought more attention to the region. Its co-founder, Wilbert Das, is the Dutch-born former creative director of the Italian fashion label Diesel. He first visited Trancoso in 2004 and immediately fell in love with the area. On a subsequent visit, he convinced his friend and business partner Bob Shevlin to come along. They got to talking and, by 2009, had opened Uxua. Since then, Das has become something of an unofficial mayor in Trancoso. It’s not uncommon to see him greeting guests, toggling between English and Portuguese, while embracing the chic, creative types who always seem to be passing through.

One night, I ran into Das myself, and he recounted the story of how Trancoso’s fortunes turned in the late 1970s. “First it was the hippies from Europe: Italy, Switzerland, France — and also from Argentina,” he said. And, as often happens in migrations like this, the hippies paved the way for the artists. By the late 80s, he went on, Trancoso was a go-to escape for Brazil’s creative elite — actors, musicians, singers, and artists. “They all came for the same reasons: the natural beauty and the freedom. They set the tone for a place that wasn’t about money and created an aesthetic and a lifestyle that attracted similar types of people.” Along with the free-love sensibility came a sense of responsibility, Das added. “People learned that preservation is a good thing. They knew they had something precious.”

When the sun finally set, the Quadrado, where the canopy of trees was hung with hundreds of lanterns, came to life as locals and visitors went out to eat, shop, and listen to music late into the night. At Uxua’s restaurant, we could have happily ordered moqueca — the traditional Bahian seafood stew — every night. Their version had a bright veggie-forward flavour and ingredients sourced from nearby growers — including those at the hotel’s own farm, Uxua Roça, not far outside town. After dinner each night, we strolled around the Quadrado. Cars were notably absent, as were any international chain stores.

The 24-room Uxua Casa — a series of renovated centuries-old bungalows along the Quadrado — was once the only luxurious place to stay in town. That changed with the December 2021 opening of the Hotel Fasano Trancoso. (The stylish Brazilian hotel group is best known for its swanky properties in Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo.) Located on Itapororoca Beach, about a 10-minute drive from Uxua Casa, the resort was completed only after a four-year approval process: both the Brazilian Institute of Environment & Renewable Natural Resources and the National Historic & Artistic Heritage Institute, which strictly regulates new buildings, had to sign off.

The Fasano broke with the area’s architectural conventions and built 40 modern, flat-roofed casitas across a sprawling 720-acre plot. Fasano was allowed to develop only a portion of the property, much of which is now a nature preserve, and all of the accommodations — plus two restaurants and a spa — are oceanfront.

Despite its sleek aesthetic, Fasano wears its luxury lightly, and for someone who wants to spend more than a few days in the area, this is the more exclusive-feeling answer to Uxua’s hipster-village vibe. While all of the beaches in Brazil are, by law, public, the Fasano’s distance from town means hotel guests often have the shoreline to themselves. On the day we checked in, we didn’t leave the property; instead, we spent the morning swimming in the ocean, then had a lunch of grilled shrimp at the beachside restaurant. On our second day, a concierge arranged for a self-guided ATV tour, and we drove through the jungle, eating a picnic lunch on one of the gloriously empty beaches.

While the Fasano’s opening was not without controversy — Das, in particular, was sceptical about the impact of development on the beach — the construction of any more hotels or resorts is unlikely given the difficulty of pulling off megaprojects in this remote stretch of Bahia. “Nobody would dare build inland because the infrastructure, dictated by a single road, is a disaster,” Das said.

As we sat together on the Quadrado, sheltered by a giant almond tree, Das was guardedly optimistic about the future. “When I first came, they thought I was going to put a Diesel shop on the Quadrado,” he said. “Trancoso has always been forgotten, which is why it’s survived so well.”

Trancoso tip sheet

Where to stay

Hotel Fasano Trancoso

This sleek newcomer, designed by Brazilian celebrity architect Isay Weinfeld, occupies a prime spot on pristine Itapororoca Beach. Its 40 bungalows sit amid swaying palms, though most guests will opt to hang out by the Olympic-size swimming pool that runs parallel to the ocean.

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Uxua Casa Hotel & Spa

The original Trancoso HQ for the boho set, the 24-room Uxua, which opened in 2009, still impresses with its historic renovated casas that line the Quadrado in fuchsia, peppermint green, and other candy colours. The restaurant is one of the best in Trancoso. Uxua Praia, the hotel’s beach club and bar, is an easy eight-minute stroll.

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Where to eat

A Creperia

Among the several casual food stands along the Quadrado, A Creperia is one of the most popular—especially for its sweet options, like the chocolate crêpes with house-made passion-fruit ice cream and Nutella with fresh strawberries.

Capim Santo

The main reason to visit this hotel is the food: Chef Sandra Marques creates some of the finest Bahian dishes in town, with a focus on seafood (the ceviche, grilled shrimp, and steamed catch of the day with house-made chilli oil are standouts). The setting—an open-air dining room shrouded in palm fronds off the Quadrado—is quintessential Trancoso.

Jacaré do Brasil

Dining at this design showroom-slash-restaurant is as much an aesthetic experience as a gustatory one. Have an Italian-inflected dinner of lobster risotto or shiitake-mushroom tortellini, or pull up a bright-pink stool at the bar for a perfect caipirinha.

How to book

Rio de Janeiro–based T+L A-List travel advisor Paul Irvine (paul.irvine@dehouche.com) and his team can make the long journey to Trancoso easier, with smooth on-the-ground transfers and fun layover itineraries in São Paulo. Irvine can also organise activities like jungle ATV rides and fishing excursions that take full advantage of the Bahian wilderness.

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(Hero and feature image credit: Marta Tucci)

This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: This Gorgeous City In New York’s Finger Lakes Has Incredible Waterfalls & Beautiful Wineries

As a digital nomad who works and travels full-time, I spend a good portion of the year in South America. The first city I visited was Buenos Aires, and it immediately stole my heart — it is arguably one of the best cities on the continent. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to explore beyond Argentina, including Brazil, Chile, Colombia, and Uruguay; Peru will be added to that list in the coming months.

South America has unlimited things to offer, from beautiful beaches and mountainside villages to world-class cuisine and two of the New 7 Wonders of the World. With the help of Elisban Huarancca, an official tourism guide in Peru, Eva Castro, owner of Creo Ecolodge Jardin Project in Antioquia, Colombia, and Alexander Balardjischvili, CEO of C2Rio Tours & Travel, we’ve compiled a list of the 25 best places to visit in South America.

The best places to visit in South America

Jardín, Antioquia, Colombia

Jardín is a small town a few hours south of Medellín with colonial architecture, beautiful scenery, and lots to do. Castro of Creo Ecolodge, where I stayed during my trip to Jardín, gave plenty of recommendations for things to do while you’re in town. Take a tour of Cueva del Esplendor, or Cave of Splendor, where you’ll find a beautiful waterfall, or head to a nearby coffee farm to learn how Colombian coffee is produced. My favourite is Cafe Historias, which has some of the best coffee I’ve ever tasted.

Castro says the best time of year to visit is August and September when there are very few travellers. This is also when the annual Jardin Film Festival takes place. It gets much busier in town from December through April, Castro says.

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Cocora Valley, Salento, Colombia

Due west of Bogota is Cocora Valley, one of Colombia’s most famous hiking destinations. You can take a day trip from the nearby town of Salento or do a multi-day hike throughout the valley. There are campsites available for use if you choose to spend the night looking at the stars. It’s famous for having the tallest palm trees in the world, which stand at over 195 feet tall and can live up to 200 years. The almost oversaturated green colours of the hills are stunning. Castro highly recommends going at “golden hour” — early in the morning or late in the afternoon — for the best views.

The Lost City, Magdalena, Colombia

The Lost City, or Ciudad Perdida in Spanish, is located near Santa Marta in northern Colombia. It’s estimated to have been founded in the 8th or 9th centuries, making it hundreds of years older than Machu Picchu. It was home to anywhere between 1,400 to 3,000 people and about 170 terraces, with apparent spaces for living, working, and religious practice. You’ll have to do a three- to six-day trek with a tour company to get there. On the way, you will see rare native plants and wildlife, which is an adventure in itself.

The Rock of Guatapé, Guatapé, Colombia

Guatapé is a town in northern Colombia, directly east of Medellín, and it’s famous for The Rock of Guatapé, which is reached via more than 740 steps. At the end of your climb, you will be rewarded with sweeping views of the town and different islands in Guatapé Lake. The town is reachable via a bus ride that’s less than two hours from Medellín, making it a perfect weekend trip.

“The people here are more welcoming and warm,” says Castro. “When you are walking, you can find many smiling faces… It’s part of our culture.”

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San Rafael, Antioqua, Colombia

San Rafael is excellent “if you really want to have the deepest connection with yourself and with nature,” says Castro. She recommends Vanadurga Ashram, a yoga sanctuary if you want to practice yoga while you’re here. “These places are really magical, and you can learn how to change your perspective,” Castro adds.

San Rafael is known for its natural beauty, including mountains, waterfalls, and rivers. You can bird watch, hike, or simply soak in nature. “People want to come to have an inner journey,” says Castro. “If that’s your goal — to find out something inside of you — I’d recommend places like San Rafael.”

Cusco, Peru

If you are interested in Inca ruins, Cusco is the perfect place. Churches, museums, and winding streets here will leave you charmed. “Travelers to Peru should know that they will face a diverse and colourful culture, with very warm and very friendly people,” says Huarancca. “Also, understand that they will face different flavours that will help them experience every second of their trip.”

Cusco makes a great starting point to reach Machu Picchu. Many travellers spend a few days here exploring and acclimating to the 11,150-foot elevation. (In comparison, Denver has an elevation of 5,280 feet.)

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Machu Picchu, Peru

Arguably one of the best places to visit in South America, Machu Picchu is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. The site was initially an Inca citadel, likely built in the 1450s and often called “The Lost City of the Incas.” Machu Picchu is about 50 miles (80.46 km) from Cusco; from there, you’ll take a train to Aguas Calientes and then a bus to the site. You cannot visit without a tour guide, so make reservations well in advance.

“The visit to Machu Picchu can be all year round; different climatic factors help to understand the mysterious nature of Machu Picchu,” says Huarancca. “But if you are looking for dates with little rain, it is well suited from April to the end of October.”

Lake Titicaca, Peru

Lake Titicaca is the largest of South America’s freshwater lakes, as well as the world’s highest navigable lake. It’s an estimated three million years old, and there are man-made islands constructed of layers of tortora roots and reeds. The number of islands varies at any given time but is usually somewhere between 40 to 60. You will have some of the best views in the Andes from this place, and it is extremely important to Peruvian and Bolivian indigenous communities.

Rainbow Mountain, Vinicunca, Peru

Close to Cusco in the Andes Mountains is Vinicunca, also known as Rainbow Mountain because of the colourful stripes on display year-round. The colours result from different mineral layers that were combined with melted ice to create rows of reds, yellows, purples, and greens.

The Amazon Rainforest, Peru

One of the best places to visit in South America, the Amazon Rainforest spans eight countries and is almost 2.6 million square miles (67,33,969.08 square kilometres) in size. You can visit the Peruvian Amazon from three areas: Manu National Park, Tambopata Province, and the city of Iquitos. Each provides something unique to tourists. The best option depends on what you want to see, how much time you can spend, and your budget.

“The only recommendation I can give to international travellers is to make reservations in advance and have good information about the places you will visit,” says Huarancca. “It is necessary to find out the type of food, drinks, and traditions that place has.”

Huacachina, Peru

Huarancca recommends visiting Huacachina, “a small oasis in the middle of the desert.” Located south of Lima and near the city of Ica, Huacachina is a desert village complete with rolling sand dunes on all sides. You can’t swim in Huacachina Lagoon, but you can rent paddle boats to glide across the water. It’s the only natural oasis in all of South America, formed by underground aquifers.

Colca Canyon, Peru

Colca Canyon is another tourist attraction in Peru that you should not miss, according to Huarancca. It’s one of the world’s deepest canyons (twice as deep as the Grand Canyon) and you can take a day trip from Arequipa to see it or a multi-day trek for the most spectacular views. Either way, you’re likely to see plenty of native wildlife and breathtaking scenery.

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Uyuni Salt Flat, Bolivia

Bolivia is home to the largest salt flat in the world, originally a prehistoric lake that went dry. Now Uyuni Salt Flat is around 4,200 square miles (10,877 square kilometres) of striking white salt and rock formations. If you visit between December and April, which is the rainy season, you may see bright pink flamingos. Many people who have visited when water is on the ground describe the experience as walking on a cloud since the sky is reflected in the water. Book a room at Kachi Lodge, which is set right on the flat, for a very special stay.

Christ the Redeemer, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Christ the Redeemer is one of the New 7 Wonders of the World and a must-see for anyone heading to Brazil. The statue of Jesus stands almost 125 feet tall and looks over Rio de Janeiro. When visiting the marvel, you can expect phenomenal views of the city. Balardjischvili recommends taking the train to see the statue and booking that ticket in advance.

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Pantanal Wetland, Brazil

Measuring more than 40 million acres, Pantanal Wetland is the biggest wetland on Earth. Jaguars and crocodiles are just two of its residents — with more than 4,700 plant and animal species, it’s one of the most biodiverse destinations on the planet. Balardjischvili recommends “bringing insect repellent, a light raincoat, and a sweatshirt — and always hydrate.”

The Imperial City of Petropolis, Brazil

One of the best places to visit in South America, Petropolis is a mountain resort outside of Rio de Janeiro known for its palaces, architecture, and food. “Visit Petropolis on a guided tour to enjoy the historical aspect,” Balardjischvili says. “Always book your tour on legalised companies with good reviews.”

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Sugarloaf Mountain, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

One of the best places to visit in South America, Sugarloaf Mountain is a major landmark in Brazil, well known for the panoramic city views guests get at the top. The cable car system here opened in 1912; it was the first in Brazil and the third in the world. “For Sugarloaf, visit it in the morning, as it is fresher; sunset is beautiful but extremely crowded,” says Balardjischvili. “If you are travelling during the high season, buy a skip-the-line ticket.” The mountain peak sits almost 1,300 feet in the air, so you’ll be grateful you don’t have to climb all the way up.

When asked about the best time of year to visit Rio de Janeiro, Balardjischvili says May or June, when “you’ll enjoy beautiful sunny days with no rain and 77 degrees (25 degrees Celsius).”

Buenos Aires, Argentina

One of my favourite cities in the world is Buenos Aires, where you can find anything from tango shows and street art to the best steak you’ll ever eat. Each neighbourhood has something special. Head to La Boca for beautiful murals along the streets, then tour the famous cemetery in Recoleta before stopping at a speakeasy in Palermo. There’s no shortage of fantastic things to do here, and the city makes a wonderful home base for seeing more of Argentina.

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Zuccardi Winery, Uco Valley, Argentina

Zuccardi Valle de Uco is an award-winning winery that I had the opportunity to visit this past January. It certainly lives up to its reputation, with fantastic wines and the Andes as a stunning backdrop to the property’s extensive vineyards. Reservations for tastings and tours can be made online.

Iguazú Falls, Puerto Iguazú, Argentina

Located on the border of Argentina and Brazil, Iguazú Falls is comprised of about 275 individual waterfalls, making it the largest waterfall system in the world. Most of the waterfalls are on the Argentina side, but the tallest is on the Brazil side. It’s a stunning sight to behold and an absolute must for anyone travelling through South America.

Patagonia, Argentina

Patagonia is larger than many countries around the world and is split between Argentina and Chile. You can expect each city in the region to feel unique; some of the most popular ones in Argentinian Patagonia are El Calafate, Ushuaia, and El Chaltén. Whether you go to Patagonia Brewery in San Carlos de Bariloche or hike one of the 300 glaciers throughout the region, you will surely have an experience you’ll never forget.

Punta del Este Beaches, Uruguay

Uruguay is still relatively underrated, but it is a fantastic place for international travellers. It takes just a couple of hours by ferry to get from Buenos Aires, Argentina, to Montevideo, the capital of Uruguay. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to Punta del Este, which has some of the best beaches in the country, plus high-end shopping and fantastic steakhouses.

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Valparaíso, Chile

Valparaíso is located on the coast of Chile and is less than a two-hour drive from Santiago. It’s famous for its colourful homes and for being the home of renowned poet and diplomat Pablo Neruda. It’s also connected to Viña del Mar, where you’ll find some of Chile’s top beaches. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage site with excellent architecture and many things to discover.

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Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

The Galápagos Islands are perfect for nature lovers. Visitors can learn about the archipelago’s unique biodiversity, go scuba diving, lounge on beaches, or embark on a multi-island cruise. You might also swim with sea lions or hang out with giant turtles.

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Easter Island, Chile

One of the best places to visit in South America, Easter Island is a Chilean territory in the middle of the South Pacific Ocean. It’s known for the nearly 900 stone statues of human figures, called moai, that you’ll find here. The statues are believed to have been created over time, from the 11th century to some time in the 17th century. From Santiago, it’s about a 5.5-hour flight to reach the island.

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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

Related: From Beaches To Ancient Cities: Unveiling The Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka

Buenos Aires is a sprawling metropolis, home to more than 3 million residents and seemingly infinite things to do and see. Travellers visiting the capital city are in for a treat, as they are sure to find just about anything they’re looking for, from world-class art museums to empanada classes.

As a full-time digital nomad, I’ve spent more time in Buenos Aires than anywhere else, because there are so many reasons to keep coming back. With some help from Kyara M. Velarde, a tour guide at the Mariano Moreno National Library, and Darío Adrián, an organiser of the Buenos Aires Digital Nomads group, we’ve compiled a list of the top 25 things to do in Buenos Aires.

The best things to do in Buenos Aires

Walk from Plaza de Mayo to the obelisk

There’s no better place to start your tour of Buenos Aires than the central square. Plaza de Mayo is where some of the most important events in the city’s history have occurred. Casa Rosada, the office of the president, is located here. Residents take to the square to protest grievances and to celebrate when their team wins the World Cup. Walk diagonally from Plaza de Mayo toward Obelisco de Buenos Aires and you’ll pass many souvenir shops, restaurants, and notable cafes.

“Each side of the obelisk represents different historical events of Buenos Aires,” says Velarde. “It’s also considered the heart of the city, the spot where the main avenues intertwine.”

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Stroll the streets of La Boca

The neighbourhood of La Boca is south of Puerto Madero and is famous for intricate street murals and brightly coloured shacks. It’s located on what used to be the city’s largest port, and immigrants used found materials to build their homes here. Be sure to walk down the Caminito, a traditional alley and museum lined with these shacks. Soccer club Boca Juniors have a stadium here as well.

Watch a soccer match

Speaking of Boca Juniors, you can’t go to Buenos Aires without seeing a soccer match, as the sport is an integral part of Argentinian life. As you’re walking around the city, you will notice murals of Lionel Messi, who helped Argentina win the World Cup in 2022.

Eat and shop at San Telmo market

San Telmo Market is an enormous space that hosts myriad food stalls and vendors selling handmade and antique goods. You can find almost any cuisine here, from the Argentinian choripán sandwich to Spanish tapas. I’ve gotten a few products from an exceptionally high-quality leather goods store named El Lucero. There are also tons of souvenir shops and places to buy different kinds of mate.

“You cannot miss Plaza Dorrego, which [is nearby and] has shopping, galleries, and street artist shows,” says Velarde. “It’s best to go on Sundays from 10 am to 7 pm”

While you’re roaming around San Telmo, keep an eye out for the statue of Mafalda, who is an important cartoon character representing the middle class and youth. You can find her sitting on a bench on the corner of Defensa and Chile streets.

Enjoy a tango show

Tango originated in Buenos Aires hundreds of years ago and has remained an important part of Argentinian culture ever since. Around San Telmo Market you will likely see dancers performing in the streets; you can also find ticketed performances at venues around the city.

Wander around Recoleta Cemetery

A must-see attraction in Buenos Aires, Recoleta Cemetery is where some of the most important people in Argentina’s history are buried. Mausoleums are laid out in a city-like design, so reserve plenty of time to explore. Eva Perón, the former first lady famous for the passage of women’s suffrage in Argentina, is buried here. For international tourists, admission costs around USD 7 (INR 582); you can buy your entry ticket in advance or at the cemetery.

“During the day, wander through the hauntingly beautiful Recoleta Cemetery and its architecture,” says Adrián. “Guided tours explaining all the stories revolving around the area are extra but worth it.”

Visit the Recoleta Cultural Center

Right next door to Recoleta Cemetery is the Recoleta Cultural Center, where you will find a variety of exhibitions from local artists, plus concerts and workshops. When you walk in, look for a calendar of events happening throughout the month.

“If you go to Recoleta, you shouldn’t miss Floralis Generica, a giant flower that honours all the green places, gardens, and flowers of Argentina,” says Velarde. “Another must for Recoleta is Mariano Moreno National Library, which is a blend of culture, politics, and history, all in one place.”

Explore Puerto Madero

Puerto Madero is best at night when the city’s lights and bridges illuminate the area. “Rent a bike and cycle along the modern waterfront district, or take a walk around it, enjoying the scenic water views and architectural beauty,” says Adrián. “Plenty of restaurants, bars, and relaxing spots can be found here.”

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Visit Chinatown

The northern part of Buenos Aires is home to Barrio Chino, which is about five blocks long and full of fantastic shops and restaurants. This is the area to visit in order to soak in the city’s vibrant Asian culture.

Learn to make empanadas

You can’t go to Argentina without eating empanadas, and it’s even more special if you learn to make them. I took a cooking class with Norma, where we learned to make empanadas, stew, and cookies with dulce de leche.

Try mate

Mate is a crucial part of Argentinian culture. It’s an herbal drink, similar to green tea but also distinct in itself, rich with caffeine and vitamins. Walking around the streets, you will likely notice people carrying a thermos and a cup with a straw, ready to drink their mate.

Eat at Don Julio

Don Julio is number two on the list of Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants and number 19 on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Order a steak paired with an Argentinian Malbec and you’ll surely never forget your visit. Making reservations in advance is highly recommended, as walk-in seats are limited. From your welcome glass of sparkling wine on, the service at Don Julio is top-notch.

Have a drink at a speakeasy

There are several speakeasies throughout Buenos Aires, but my favourite is Florería Atlántico, located in a flower shop. Guests walk through what looks like a walk-in refrigerator door and head downstairs to this swanky bar with craft cocktails. There’s also a New York-themed speakeasy named Uptown, complete with a subway car.

After you visit a speakeasy, go find some of Buenos Aires’ famous pizza. “Plenty of pizza stores in the city centre are open until after midnight, with thick crust and a lot of cheese,” says Adrián, who likes Pizzeria Güerrín and La Americana, among others.

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Go to a digital nomad meetup

If you want to meet people from all around the world, that’s totally possible in Buenos Aires. Every Thursday, organisers of the Buenos Aires Digital Nomads group put together an event somewhere in the city. I’ve made some of my closest friends at these events, which often bring more than 100 people together during the summer months.

Try asado

Asado is the name for both the type of meat and the social event in which you have the meat. If you make some friends at the digital nomad meetup, I recommend asking if anyone is hosting an asado. The host typically provides and grills the meat, and guests bring sides and wine for the group. It’s an unforgettable and delicious experience.

See an opera at the Colón Theatre

The Colón Theatre is more than 100 years old, and it’s considered one of the most important opera houses in the entire world. You can see a show or take a guided tour of the theatre. Ticket prices vary, but seeing the magnificent architecture is worth the expense. Adrián notes that the Colón Theatre has great acoustics, plus beautiful architecture and lower prices than a typical theatre experience in the US or Europe.

Velarde adds, “In the guided tours, you can access the backstage and delve more into the architectural fantasy.”

Go to Centro Cultural Kirchner

Centro Cultural Kirchner is located in an old post office and is the largest cultural centre in Latin America. Like many cultural experiences in Buenos Aires, Centro Cultural Kirchner is free to enter, and performances here are free as well. You will still need to reserve your entry ticket in advance to secure your spot.

Visit Ateneo Grand Splendid

Argentina has more bookstores per capita than anywhere else in the world, and Ateneo Grand Splendid is arguably the most famous. Located in an old theatre, the bookstore was named the most beautiful in the world in 2019 by National Geographic. It’s an easy walk from the Recoleta Cemetery. “There is only a small selection of English works available,” Adrián notes. Even so, it is worth the visit for the architecture alone.

Roam in city gardens

The Buenos Aires Botanical Gardens are located directly beside Plaza Italia, a popular spot for nightlife in Palermo. Just a bit further are the Japanese Gardens, situated next to Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo. These breathtaking gardens are a great place to relax, read a book, and soak in nature. You won’t believe you’re in the middle of such a large city.

The Botanical Gardens are “purposefully devised as an oasis safe from the bustling city,” says Adrián. “You can submerge yourself in this green space with lots of biodiversity and greenhouses; activities and special events are available as well.”

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Watch a horse race

There are more than 1,400 horse races each year at Hipódromo Argentino de Palermo, which is located in the popular neighbourhood of Palermo. If you’re staying nearby, you should walk to the hipódromo, as you’ll pass a lot of important landmarks on the way. There are also restaurants and bars in the complex.

Catch a La Bomba de Tiempo show

La Bomba de Tiempo is a percussion show at the Ciudad Cultural Konex. It’s held every Monday night and is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The venue hosts many other events that are worth experiencing throughout the week.

Stargaze at Planetario Galileo Galilei

Planetario Galileo Galilei, located in Parque Tres de Febrero in Palermo, has a museum, exhibitions, and a viewing room where guests learn about the stars and planets. The structure resembles a planet itself — or a UFO — and is a unique way to spend an afternoon.

Appreciate art in a museum or two

There are many museums in Buenos Aires worthy of a visit. For example, Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes in Recoleta has artwork by Van Gogh and Rembrandt. “Admire the impressive collection of European and Argentinian art in this renowned French palace turned art museum,” says Adrián. “[It offers] free entrance, and is open Wednesday through Sunday.” Another recommendation? Museo de Arte Latinoamericano de Buenos Aires (MALBA), which Adrián says “houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Latin American art, like Frida Kahlo.” You can also visit the Museo Evita to “learn about the life and legacy of Eva Perón, one of Argentina’s most iconic figures.”

Visit Usina del Arte

Usina del Arte is an old power plant that has been converted into a cultural centre and arts venue in the neighbourhood of La Boca. There’s a symphony hall and art exhibitions; check out the venue’s calendar before you visit to see what’s currently on display.

Take a boat tour in Tigre

Adrián recommends taking a day trip to the Tigre Delta, describing it as “a picturesque area of rivers, canals, and islands, where you can enjoy boat rides and relax in nature, as well as visit the famous market, Puerto de Frutos. The most scenic way to go is by Tren de la Costa, an over-ground train accessible from Olivos neighbourhood outside the city borders.”

The primary way to get around once you’re in Tigre is by boat — there are even boat “school buses.” I recommend going on a smaller and private boat tour, as these vessels can reach areas that larger boats cannot.

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This story first appeared on travelandleisure.com

All currency conversions were done at the time of writing

Related: The Best Times To Visit Argentina — From Buzzy Buenos Aires To Rugged Patagonia

I was dancing to disco-pop music on a flatbed truck behind the DJ when someone spilt aguardiente on me. (It’s an anise-flavoured liqueur Colombians seem to drink by the gallon.) But I was unbothered: my tank top was already soaked from rain and sweat, I was surrounded by a sea of smiling people, and I was having the time of my life at Medellín’s pride parade.

Medellín’s annual pride parade takes place at the end of June and has recently been competing with Bogotá for being Colombia’s largest pride festival. There were almost 90,000 people at this year’s parade, which culminated after a month of LGBTQ events and festivities in Medellín, Colombia. The parade included an early afternoon street fair of independent shops, health organisations, and nonprofits, and ended after dusk in the historic Parque de las Luces. The parties, though, went all night well past sunrise.

My trip organiser, the gay travel agency Out in Colombia, arranged for me and my friends to not only attend the parade but to join it, too. We hopped onto the float sponsored by one of Medellín’s biggest gay clubs, Club Oráculo, and partied with DJ Nicolas Machado. After the march, I found myself bouncing between a few different gay clubs where I made some new friends and danced until the clubs closed down.

I partied in the Provenza area, which is a wealthier district in the El Poblado neighbourhood. The areas around the main gay clubs were blocked off, there were barricades to make streets pedestrian-only, and police were visible. As a gay man, I felt extremely safe the entire time in Medellín.

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Medellín, which is famous for its culture and being a hub for creatives, has seen a resurgence in tourism since the Colombian Peace Accord in 2016. In fact, Medellín surpassed Bogota and Cartagena as Colombia’s most touristic city in 2022. My long weekend was filled with cultural and social activities that were planned by Out in Colombia. (I picked the agency, which started curating itineraries for gay travellers in 2016, for their tailor-made experiences, their LGBTQ tour guides, and their focus on sustainable and educational tourism in Colombia.)

Explore the LGBTQ scene in Medellín, Colombia

What to see and do

Capilla del Rosario, a 120-year-old coffee farm, offers tours, speciality coffee tastings, and educational sessions to learn about the farms. The family-run farm has 25 different varieties of speciality Colombian coffees across 65,000 trees on 45 hectares.

For a unique city experience, visit the Moravia neighbourhood — a former landfill in an industrial area that’s been transformed into a cultural and arts neighbourhood since the early 2000s. Local neighbourhood leaders, namely an 87-year-old woman named Gloria, now run a cultural centre that even hosts street art tours — check out MamaChilla Tours — for visitors. There’s also a Barrio Transformation tour where you can learn about all the changes the neighbourhood has undergone. It’s an inspiring and interesting region that many might miss out on.

And because the city is in a valley, going to the mountains offers exquisite views from the scenic vistas.

If you’re looking to shop for local brands, Industrias Roboto is a Colombian fashion brand specialising in techno-party clothes with a very industrial and futuristic aesthetic with an outpost in Medellín. The owners also have La Panaderia Rusa, which specialises in parkas and hoodies.

Where to eat and drink

There are lots of restaurants in Provenza with open-air eateries under the lush green canopy of trees that line the streets. For quick bites and coffee, keep Repostería Astor in mind — it’s a traditional Colombian pastry shop and café, with several locations across the city.

Brunch at Repeat is a staple — it has an eclectic international menu. Their large patio and spacious interiors (with a wrap-around bar with great cocktails) host live DJs in the afternoons and evenings, making it as much a place to enjoy a meal as it is a chill-out spot.

Another great lunch spot is Lavocaderia where every meal features avocados prominently in its recipe. For example, you can get a burger where the meat patty is served between two giant avocado halves instead of buns.

For more fine dining, the reservation-only Test Kitchen Lab is a must-visit. Each dish features Colombian-only ingredients and is paired with an equally enticing drink or cocktail. The open kitchen allows you to interact with the chef directly making it a memorable and intimate dining experience.

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Where to party

While there isn’t an official “gay neighbourhood”, Provenza has the largest concentration of LGBTQ bars and its safe and welcoming environment makes it easy to enjoy the bars and nightlife in Medellín, Colombia.

Mad Radio, a club for music lovers, is my favourite hangout in the city and a venue I visited every night during my trip. The indie club looks and feels like someone’s house, with an open-air living room that spills out onto the sidewalk. A trickling creek outside adds to the home-like ambience.

The bar is focused on a DJ booth placed squarely in the centre of the building and the crowds are there to dance. While not exclusively a gay spot, it’s a very queer-friendly venue that even hosted a queer-centered pride party during pride weekend that showcased women DJs.

Other more traditional gay bars in Medellín include Donde Aquellos Bar, a great spot for a casual hang with tables on an outdoor patio and great cocktails. Just up the street is Bar Chiquita — an upstairs bar and club with a back room that has regular drag shows. (Insider tip: they’re famous for their lychee martinis.)

But the heart of gay Medellín is Club Oráculo, a massive gay club with three separate dance floors: one plays traditional gay pop and has a massive stage where you can catch full-on, elaborate drag performances; one dance floor upstairs plays techno; and one plays Latin and samba-style music.

Where to stay

Many of the city’s best hotels are in the Provenza neighbourhood but I stayed at The Click Clack Hotel Medellín. It is a Colombian brand and the second hotel after its flagship property in Bogotá. The luxury hotel has a large open-air, green lobby under towering trees and bushes, where breakfast is served daily.

There are three on-site restaurants serving Colombian, Greek, and Thai cuisines and two separate rooftop bars. The newest addition is the newly opened Náufrago, a rooftop cocktail bar with 360-degree panorama skyline views. Their delicious cocktails are designed after different Colombian regions, each with its own localised liquors and flavours.

There’s no need to leave the hotel with all its amenities (and a downstairs art gallery, even) but it’s within walking distance to all the attractions and gay bars in Provenza, making it the perfect place to be based while exploring Medellín.

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Comprised of more than 400 islands and nearly 9,000 square miles (23,209.89 square kilometres) of the mainland, Belize is home to rainforests, jungles, mountains, rivers, an extensive cave system, and many well-preserved ancient Maya ruins. Adventures on both land and sea make Belize a popular destination, and its beaches and resorts are terrific for visitors who simply want to relax and enjoy the tropical climate.

To better understand the variety of ways travellers might get to know Belize, we gathered suggestions from local experts, including Patricia Johnson, head of trip design at Absolute Belize (and a Travel + Leisure A-List Travel Advisor); David Benzaquen, general manager at Cayo Espanto; and multiple team members with Alaia Belize. Anoushka Brandl, commercial director at Matachica Resort & Spa and Gaïa Riverlodge, and Janet Woollam, managing director at Victoria House Resort & Spa, shared their thoughts as well.

This list of things to do in Belize features ideas for everyone, from adventurers and history buffs to foodies and travellers looking to chill out on a lounge chair in the sun.

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The best things to do in Belize

Tour the ancient city of Caracol

One of the largest Maya sites in Belize, this ancient city covers about 25,000 acres in the Chiquibul Forest Reserve. “You’ll marvel at the massive pyramids, detailed carvings, and remarkably well-preserved ancient artefacts,” says Johnson. “And you’ll learn fascinating details about ancient Maya culture, from daily life and religion to the ingenuity of their buildings.”

Snorkel or dive in the Great Blue Hole

Located about three hours by boat off Ambergris Caye, the Great Blue Hole is a ring of coral encircling a huge underwater sinkhole. It’s home to colourful fish, shrimp, groupers, black tip and reef sharks, and other Caribbean marine life. Almost 1,000 feet across and 400 feet deep, the Blue Hole is accessible by dive boat tours.

Fly over the Great Blue Hole on a helicopter tour

For a bird’s-eye view, stunning photos, and a thrilling experience, take flight over the Great Blue Hole. Several of our experts suggested this tour, and Benzaquen pointed out that Cayo Espanto “is home to a helipad and partners with a local service provider” for convenient pick-up and drop-off.

Enjoy traditional Belizean dishes

“I suggest checking out local eateries like El Fogon in San Pedro’s downtown for traditional Belizean food,” says Eric Porter of Alaia Belize. At Matachica Resort, Brandl tells T+L, “The Captain’s Table, a social gathering for eight guests, is a five-course dinner hosted by a different resort team member each time, a true local food experience.”

Explore the underground caves of Belize

The ancient Maya believed that caves were entrances to the underworld, and in Belize, travellers can explore a number of them by hiking, canoeing, tubing, or swimming. The experience is “an adventure you will never forget,” according to Johnson. “One such sacred cave is Actun Tunichil Muknal, which contains a remarkable collection of artefacts and skeletal remains that have been preserved over the centuries.”

Join a tubing tour through the caves

Offered by many local tour companies, cave tubing is a visitor favourite in Belize. After a drive to the rainforest, there’s a short hike before you hop on an inner tube to float along an underground river through the natural caves. A guide navigates the tubes, so no paddling is required. Lunch and transportation from a central meeting point are usually included.

Feast on your own fresh catch

According to Woollam, “Reef fishing with a beach BBQ is fun and widely popular. The fishing is quick and easy, followed by lunch cooked over an open fire. Fresh seafood with Belizean spices, marinades, and condiments has been called the best lunch ever.” Describing a Cayo Espanto excursion, Benzaquen tells T+L, “After snorkelling, you catch your own fish, conch, or lobster, then you head to an uninhabited island beach where your guide will cook your ‘catch of the day.’”

Hang with locals at Secret Beach on Ambergris Caye

The secret is out, and it’s the place for all-day music, food, and drinks. “Alaia’s guests often rent a golf cart to visit Secret Beach, where a day of relaxation, paddle boarding, and jet skiing awaits,” says Jesus Oba, concierge with Alaia Belize. Nearby, The Truck Stop features a beer garden, pool with a swim-up bar, movie screen, games, and live music.

Learn all about chocolate

The ancient Maya are said to have invented chocolate, and the annual Chocolate Festival of Belize celebrates that history, local culture, and more. If you can’t attend the May event, there are other options. Brandl suggests that visitors “Experience traditional Maya chocolate making at Ajaw in San Ignacio, then try the delectable chocolate brownie at Gaïa Riverlodge’s Five Sisters Restaurant as a midday sweet treat.” In San Pedro, visit Belize Chocolate Company or Mahogany Chocolate.

Dive or snorkel at Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley

“Our most popular and sought-after tour is snorkelling or diving among the vibrant marine wildlife in Hol Chan Marine Reserve and Shark Ray Alley,” says Oba of Alaia Belize. “Our guests get a thrill out of swimming with nurse sharks, giant jackfish, blue tangs, and sea turtles. Some guests overcome their fear of getting in the water and come out wanting to go back in.”

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Experience the Belize Barrier Reef

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and second in size after the Great Barrier Reef of Australia, the Belize Barrier Reef extends more than 180 miles (289.68 km) along the coast of Belize. Dive, snorkel, or do as Patricia Johnson suggests: “Hop on a sailing adventure and explore the vibrant marine life, colourful corals, and picture-perfect islands along the Belize Barrier Reef.” Woollam recommends “an easygoing sunset cruise along the reef,” noting that most catamarans sail for about two hours.

Browse the shops in San Pedro town on Ambergris Caye

“As a local, one of my favourite things to do is explore the small shops, restaurants, and bars in San Pedro town,” says Eric Porter of Alaia Belize. “If you are an art buff or just looking to take home a souvenir, stroll downtown where small galleries, gift shops, and nifty nooks are in abundance.”

Learn about the Garifuna people

“Experience the culture of the Garifuna people by taking part in traditional drumming and dancing celebrations, sampling local dishes, and even staying in a Garifuna village,” suggests Johnson of Absolute Belize. “You’ll come away from this experience with a deeper understanding and appreciation for the richness and friendliness of the Belizean people.” ToursByLocals offers a full-day Garifuna culture tour with convenient pick-up and drop-off.

Get dive certified

“The proximity of the reef to the resorts makes getting dive certified an easy, safe, and fun experience,” says Woollam. “If you have the desire to learn how to scuba dive, dive organisations like PADI have made classroom time a thing of the past. The theory portion of the certification is easily accessible online and can be done at home prior to arriving in Belize.”

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Explore Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve

Located about two hours from San Ignacio in the Cayo District of south-central Belize, this reserve is home to natural pools, caves, Maya ruins, and waterfalls, including the highest waterfall in Central America, Thousand Foot Falls. Stay within the reserve and above Five Sisters Falls at Gaïa Riverlodge.

Meet new feathered friends

Grab your binoculars and try to spot some of the nearly 600 species of birds that live in Belize. The Mountain Pine Ridge Forest Reserve is a great place for birdwatching, and Paradise Expeditions offers a variety of expert guided tours on the mainland and cayes.

Go on a fishing excursion

On a half-day or full-day deep-sea fishing adventure, you’ll be fishing for tuna, mackerel, marlins, and more. For a more casual day of fishing in different spots along the reef, you can choose reef fishing in calmer seas. Ideal for families, the latter trip includes rum punch, snacks, sodas, and lunch. Turneffe Atoll is also a favourite fishing destination.

Get active in the Caribbean sea

Once you’ve relaxed on the beach and you’re ready to get wet, it’s time for your favourite activity on the water. “While Ambergris Caye is known for its proximity to the reef for snorkelling and diving, our guests also enjoy other adventurous water activities, including parasailing, windsurfing, or jet skiing, which our concierge is able to organise for them,” says Oba of Alaia Belize.

Visit Belize Zoo and Tropical Education Centre

More than 150 native animals make the 29-acre Belize Zoo their home. Most of the zoo’s residents are rehabilitated or rescued, and they include tapirs, jaguars, spider monkeys, toucans, macaws, coatimundi, and more. The fully accessible zoo offers VIP guided tours.

Browse and shop at San Ignacio Market

Located in the Cayo District in western Belize, this market is set on the banks of the Macal River in San Ignacio. Open every day until 6 pm, the market gives visitors a true glimpse into Belizean life, with handmade clothing, handicrafts, fruits, vegetables, and herbs for sale by farmers and local craftsmen. Nearby San Ignacio town offers restaurants, bars, and shops.

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Related: The Best Times To Visit Belize For The Ultimate Tropical Vacation

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America and the eighth-largest country globally, so there’s always plenty to do, no matter what time of year you visit. As a full-time digital nomad who has spent more time in Argentina than anywhere else,  I can attest that each season has something special to offer.

With the help of Joy, owner of Joy of Buenos Aires and a licensed tour guide with more than 13 years of experience, we have put together a complete guide to the best times to visit Argentina for every type of traveller.

“Argentina is a country that offers a wide range of options for all kinds of travellers,” says Joy. “Whether you enjoy vibrant cities or prefer tranquil and less-crowded destinations, there is something for everyone. Each province in Argentina has its own unique characteristics, allowing visitors to choose the best for their travel style.”

Argentina’s tourism seasons fall into three main categories:

• High Season: November to March
• Shoulder Seasons: September and October, April and May
• Low Season: June to August

Remember that the Southern Hemisphere has opposite seasons from the Northern Hemisphere, meaning December to February is summer there. Argentina stretches more than 2,300 miles (3,701.49 km) from north to south, so there is a considerable variation in weather between provinces. Read on for the best times to visit this magnificent country.

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The best times to visit Argentina for a great South American vacation

Best times to visit Argentina for smaller crowds

To avoid the large crowds that visit during peak travel season, you should visit in the shoulder or low seasons. December through February will see long lines, more crowds, and increased prices, particularly in the areas around Buenos Aires and to the north of the Argentine capital. To avoid crowds in Patagonia, you’ll want to visit during the warmer summer months, although it will still be quite chilly the farther south you go.

But even if you visit during the peak season, you can still have a great trip and meet fantastic people. Joy says, “If there is something that you will remember from your trip, it’s the hospitality, the friendliness, and that everyone opens conversations.”

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Best times to visit Argentina for good weather

The weather tends to be relatively moderate in many parts of Argentina throughout the year, but major cities like Buenos Aires can get very hot during the summer. Avoid peak winter (August) and summer (January) if you want the best weather, and aim instead for spring, which lasts from September through November, and fall, which lasts from March through June, for lots of sunshine and warm days.

Summer is typically the wettest season for most of Argentina except Patagonia, where summers are often very dry. You don’t have to worry about a true rainy season, though, as you would in other South American countries like Colombia.

Best times to visit Argentina for lower prices

You can find fantastic deals in Argentina throughout the year, but if you want to find more affordable accommodations and lower prices on excursions, visit during the shoulder or low seasons. Anecdotally, I got a great deal on an apartment rental in Buenos Aires in May and June, but I paid quite a bit more in January. As with many destinations, the longer you stay, the better deals you can get.

Best times to visit Argentina to see Iguazu Falls

Iguazu Falls are among the largest waterfalls in the world, located on the border of Argentina and Brazil. If you want to avoid the crowds, go in the shoulder or off seasons; I went to Iguazu in June and felt that was a perfect time.

Joy notes, “Check both Argentinian and Brazilian calendars before booking your trips to this area. Flying on a holiday weekend could be really exhausting. You’ll have to deal with long lines, huge crowds everywhere, and even taking the best picture is really hard.”

Best times to visit Argentina to go skiing in Patagonia

Patagonia covers the southern portion of Argentina and Chile and has fantastic lakes, trails, glaciers, and even penguins the farther south you go. If you ever want to go to Antarctica, you’ll likely travel from Ushuaia, Argentina, known as “the end of the world.”

According to Joy, the best time to go skiing in Patagonia would be mid-winter, in August. “If you are visiting Patagonia, try booking in advance; all the best activities or accommodations get sold out if you wait until the last minute,” says Joy. I can verify this is true — I went to San Carlos de Bariloche, a beautiful alpine town that is a popular winter and summer destination, in January, and many restaurants and activities were fully booked.

Best times to visit Argentina to go wine tasting in Mendoza

There is never a wrong time to go wine tasting, but there are certainly more popular times to visit Mendoza, a region known for fantastic wineries that produce the best malbecs in the world. The Fiesta de la Vendimia, also known as the Grape Harvest Festival, kicks off in January and February, and the main event typically happens at the beginning of March, with concerts, tastings, and tens of thousands of visitors. Of course, this is a busy time to visit, but the experience is more than worth dealing with the crowds.

Mendoza has plenty more than wine to offer tourists, so don’t be fooled into thinking you can see everything on a weekend trip. Give yourself plenty of time to see the city, and consider renting a car or hiring a driver to get to the wineries, as some are a two-hour drive from the city centre.

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Best times to visit Argentina to see a soccer match

Soccer (commonly called football in many parts of the world, including Argentina) is quintessential to local culture, so you can likely see a match at any point throughout the year, although there is typically a break in December and January. The calendar changes every year, so if you want to see a match, be sure to look in advance. It can sometimes be difficult to score tickets to the most popular soccer matches, so it’s generally recommended to go with a guide.

Worst times to visit Argentina

Joy says there’s truly no “bad” time to visit Argentina. “Never avoid going to Argentina,” she says. “Every moment of the year has amazing wonders to discover.” The country is massive, so the best and worst times to go largely depend on your destination and travel goals.

The main attractions in the northern provinces of Argentina, like Salta and Jujuy, will largely be closed in the winter months. They will also be very hot in the summer months, so it’s best to visit this part of the country in the fall or spring. Similarly, the beaches on the coast will be packed in January, so it might be better to visit in February or March when it’s cooled down a little bit.

Winter is the most popular time to visit the southern parts of Argentina, so there will be much higher prices and heavier crowds, particularly during the winter holiday season in June and July.

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