Let's face it: The cold weather sucks, especially if you live in an area with — ugh — four seasons! To inspire some wanderlust, check out some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Latin America. Prepare yourself... you're going to want to book a trip ASAP.
Los Roques (Venezuela)
Previous
Next
Los Roques is paradise on earth. It was declared a national park in 1972 so it's preserved and pristine-looking. It also hasn't been developed by major hotel chains and resorts, so it still has a local charm to it.
Photo credit:
Travelgeni
Porto de Galinhas (Brazil)
Previous
Next
Porto de Galinhas is undoubtedly one of the
best beach destinations
in all of Brazil. It's truly a sight to see for its green waters, and the feeding fish that will navigate their way around your feet.
Photo credit:
Brazil Trip Specialist
Sosúa Beach (Dominican Republic)
Previous
Next
There are many popular beaches in the Dominican Republic, but one of the most treasured is Sosúa Beach on the northern coast. The U-shaped beach, with its white sands and close proximity to reefs, is conveniently located just four miles from the Puerto Plata International Airport. You will notice many ex-pats who have decided to live in the area year round, making it a really interesting area to visit.
Photo credit:
Sosua.com
Punta del Este (Uruguay)
Previous
Next
Punta del Este is a swanky city on the Atlantic Coast of southeastern Uruguay. What we love most about the area has more than one beautiful beaches. There's also a beach with a large sculpture of hands protruding from the sand. That alone should make you want to go!
Photo credit:
puntaconsultants.com
Islas del Rosario (Colombia)
Previous
Next
Located off the coast of Colombia within the municipality of Cartagena, the stunning Islas del Rosario is an archipelago comprised of over two dozen islands! It's also home to one of the
country's natural parks
which has an oceanarium filled with all kinds of sea life.
Photo credit:
Contactos.com.co
Vieques (Puerto Rico)
Previous
Next
Vieques is a 21-mile long island of Puerto Rico in the northeastern Caribbean with gorgeous public beaches. Want some peace? Try Blue Beach. Want some relaxation? Try Sun Bay. Wherever you turn, it's truly paradise.
Photo credit:
BienvenidosPuertoRico.net
Costa del Sol (El Salvador)
Previous
Next
There's the Costa del Sol in Spain, and the Costa del Sol in El Salvador — the latter of which is a relaxing vacation destination that's also considered a bit high-end. The beach is considered
one of the cleanest
in the Central American country and is beloved by not only tourists, but locals too.
Photo credit:
hills.ccsf.edu
Miramar (Argentina)
Previous
Next
Located on the coast of the Atlantic ocean, Miramar is a family-friendly destination that's much more low-key than the touristy Mar de Plata. The beach is known for its surf and there are even a few schools in the area for those wanting to step up their surf game.
Photo credit:
SentiArgentina
Roatán (Honduras)
Previous
Next
Roatán is the largest of Honduras' Bay Islands, where you can do everything from reef diving to simply relax by the sandy shores. You might also come across Atlantic bottlenose dolphins as they hang around Roatán.
Photo credit:
Lost-Paradise.com
Máncora (Peru)
Previous
Next
Nestled along the northwestern Peruvian coast, Máncora is a town that boasts some of the country's best sandy beaches. The biggest perk is the
laid-back town's
location in the South American country's sunniest and warmest region, so you can count on year-round rays. Thank the geography gods for that!
Photo credit:
Girl Gone Gallivanting
Reñaca Beach (Chile)
Previous
Next
Reñaca is considered central Chile's hottest
summer destination
. Crowds fill the sandy beach during the warm months, and there are numerous outdoor activities to choose from. If you want a beach that's popping with lots of new people to meet, this is the spot!
Photo credit:
Arribaeleste.com
Galápagos Islands (Ecuador)
Previous
Next
The Galápagos Islands, a province of Ecuador, is a true wonderland located in the eastern Pacific Ocean. Those who love wildlife will geek out at the wealth of interesting species found there, including the protected marine iguanas of the Galápagos Islands — which the late Charles Darwin himself famously called "
imps of darkness
."
Photo credit:
Pacificu.edu
Monterrico (Guatemala)
Previous
Next
The waves on the Monterrico beach are strong, so those who swim in the water should do so with care, but it's still a gorgeous place. The beach's sand is black, which is a nice visual break from the usual white, and the area hosts
many activities
including a boat trip through the swamps to look for native wildlife and a turtle release program.
Photo credit:
Pinterest
Taboga Island (Panama)
Previous
Next
Known as the "Island of Flowers," Taboga is a gorgeous volcanic island in the Gulf of Panama that has beaches and trails for hiking. There's also a 500-year-old church on the island which the
New York Times
reported is "said to be the second oldest in the hemisphere."
Photo credit:
Flickr
Manuel Antonio (Costa Rica)
Previous
Next
Located on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica,
Manuel Antonio
is one of the most popular places to visit in the country. It's home to Manuel Antonio National Park, a scenic park with many white sand beaches to bask in. Also, don't be surprised if you're approached by
monkeys
, who sometimes come down from the tropical forests to hang out at the beaches.
Photo credit:
Holeinthedonut.com
Lake Titicaca (on border of Peru and Bolivia)
Previous
Next
Bolivia is mostly land-locked but those who crave a beach in the country can head over to its border with Peru for Lake Titicaca. It's South American's largest lake (by volume) and its water is famous for being so still. It's too cold to swim in but it's a beauty to look at.
Photo credit:
Boliviahop.com
Encarnación (Paraguay)
Previous
Next
Encarnación is a bustling city with a riverside promenade, casinos and packed with people. It's also the Carnival capital of Paraguay so February is a good month to visit if you want to turn up.
Photo credit: Hoy.com
Cayo Coco (Cuba)
Previous
Next
Located off the northern coast of Cuba,
Cayo Coco
is part of a chain of islands called Jardines del Rey. It's known for its pristine white sand beaches and is also the home of more than 200 species of birds. Oh, and flamingos are everywhere!
Photo credit:
YouTube
Corn Islands (Nicaragua)
Previous
Next
Located about 43 miles off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua, the Corn Islands are comprised of
two islands
– Big Corn Island and Little Corn Island. The islands boast exotic fruit trees, white sandy beaches and even underwater caves.
Photo credit:
Destination 360
Isla Mujeres (Mexico)
Previous
Next
A popular holiday destination, Isla Mujeres ("island of the women") is a Mexican island in the Caribbean Sea. The island was once the sanctuary for the goddess Ixchel, the Maya goddess of the moon, fertility, medicine and happiness. There are still Mayan ruins on the island!
Photo credit:
GlobeImages.net