13 Don’t-Miss Bucket List Experiences in Latin America

Well worth the long journey down to get to this far-flung destination, Torres del Paine National Park in southern Chile boasts a massive selection of lakes, snow-capped mountains, forests, and rock formations. The most immersive way to explore is by embarking on a 4-day guided trek, complete with camping in remote lodges, admiring stunning glaciers, and traversing steep inclines.

Head to Mexico to celebrate the annual Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos) each November. Although you can partake in processions and parades, it can be hard to experience the festivities as a visitor without the help of an insider. This Day of the Dead tour in Mexico City guides you through an after-dark cemetery experience, takes you along the Xochimilco canals, and more so you can enjoy this special day alongside locals.

Formed by lava thousands of years ago, the Galápagos Islands are one of the most biodiverse places on the planet, home to many species you can’t find anywhere else in the world. It can be challenging and expensive to explore the destination on your own, but this 5-day guided adventure takes you from island to island to swim beside sea lions and seals, watch blue-footed boobies perform their epic mating dance, scuba dive with hammerhead sharks, and hike to the top of a volcano for stunning views of the nature-rich archipelago.

Ask someone to draw a desert island, and it's likely they’ll depict the San Blas archipelago. These islands exemplify typical Caribbean beauty with their white sand, coconut trees, and crystal-clear water. Take a day trip from Panama City or go full Robinson Crusoe on a multi-day sailing tour to swim in natural pools and discover deserted beaches.

Just before Lent, Brazil explodes into celebration for Carnival. The biggest and best version of the spectacle is in Rio de Janeiro, where samba schools compete for the title of best parade, and dancers dress in exceptional costumes. Flocks of people travel to Rio for Carnival, so securing your tickets in advance is recommended.

Hemmed in by the Pacific and Caribbean oceans, Costa Rica benefits from constant swells on both sides. The country is home to numerous surf towns characterized by laid-back vibes, stunning beaches, and perfect breaks. If you’re a beginner, you’ll find gentle waves ideal for learning in Tamarindo. Tailor this surf lesson experience to your personal surf abilities. It can help you master the art of paddling, popping up, and riding the swell.

Home to thousands of rivers and more than 390 billion trees, the Amazon Rainforest teems with life. Although you can experience the Amazon’s natural splendor in various countries, this 4-day Brazilian adventure from Manaus immerses you in the world’s green lung and includes Rio Negro canoe rides, piranha fishing, a visit to an Indigenous tribe, and multiple nature walks.

Deemed one of the world's best hiking routes, the Inca Trail gives you the chance to walk on roads carved out by the Incas hundreds of years ago. As a reward for completing this challenging 4-day trek, you’ll watch the sunrise over the UNESCO–listed archeological site Machu Picchu. Plus, this experience includes a well-deserved rest post-hike on the panoramic train back to Cusco. Permits are limited, so make sure you book well in advance to secure your spot.

While each of Buenos Aires' neighborhoods has its own distinctive charm, San Telmo—the capital's oldest barrio—delivers the Argentinian trifecta. This multifaceted experience lets you feast on prime cuts, sip a glass of smooth Malbec, and watch passionate dancers glide to traditional tango music in a candlelit venue. Plus, it includes a tango lesson so you can master your moves.

Spanning the border between Argentina and Brazil and surrounded by lush jungle, Iguazu Falls is a collection of 275 separate waterfalls. The Brazilian side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts the most dramatic views, while the Argentinian side offers endless hiking trails and the opportunity to take a boat into the cascade. This dual-country tour lets you cover both sides over two days without having to arrange multiple activities yourself.

Holding the record for the world's largest salt flat, Bolivia's Salar de Uyuni is a bright white wonderland. During the rainy season, the flats create a mirror effect that reflects the entire sky. But even if they're dry, you can always pose for epic photos that distort your perception of distance—think: people running from a toy dinosaur or walking into each other's mouths. This epic journey through the Atacama Desert to the salt flats reveals spurting geysers, lava red lakes, and other otherworldly rock formations. Ready, salt, go!

Looming over the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Antigua at a dizzying 13,000 feet (4,000 meters), the Acatenango Volcano offers some of the best views in Central America. The best way to experience it is by hiking to base camp and staying overnight on this tour, complete with all the gear you’ll need and a guide. Come sunrise, you’ll hopefully be able to watch the neighboring, active Fuego Volcano shoot fire and sparks.

It's easy to see why poets and authors flock to Cartagena for inspiration—it's bright, beautiful, and bursting with bougainvillea-clad balconies. The UNESCO–listed center is awash with colorful buildings, cobbled streets, and vestiges of the 18th century. This boat cruise boasts views of the sunset and the Cartagena skyline, with plenty of opportunities to take photos.