8 Latin American Destinations For the Adventure-Seeker
If the mere idea of sitting by a beach just reading and lounging makes you go crazy, you're more of the adventure type. Lucky for you, Central and South America has many beautiful and not-so-popular destinations that offer unique adventure and excursions that'll make your trip truly memorable. From hang gliding in Rio de Janeiro to cave tubing in Belize City, take your pick among the best adventure destinations in Latin America ahead.
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Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
What to do:Go hang gliding on a tandem flight led by the team of international master champion Konrad Heilmann. Take a cable car or helicopter ride up Sugar Loaf Mountain, the highest point above sea level in Rio de Janeiro, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of the city.
Where to stay:Hotel Fasano
Cusco, Peru
What to do: Take a train from Poroy to Aguas Calientes to hike to the famed Machu Picchu ruins. If you're feeling extra adventurous, sign up to climb even higher to Mount Huayna Picchu. Take a 4x4 quadbike tour through the key attractions of the Sacred Valley of the Incas.
Where to stay:Belmond Palacio Nazarenas
Puntarenas, Costa Rica
What to do: Go on a zip-lining tour over 11 waterfalls at Adventure Park Costa Rica. Go on a two-tank dive at Tortuga Island, where you'll see eels, turtles, and sharks, among other tropical wildlife.
Where to stay:Hacienda AltaGracia
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
What to do: Go on a four-wheel buggy excursion along the sandy beaches and Punta Cana countryside. Parasail above the Punta Cana and Bávaro coastline.
Where to stay:Iberostar Grand Bávaro
Chiapas, Mexico
What to do: Go rappelling (aka descending on a vertical drop on a rock face, using a rope) down La Sima de las Cotorras, a large sinkhole in the tropical forests of the Selva El Ocote Biosphere Reserve. Go on a combination Lacandon Jungle tour to fit in both archaeological sites and a river rafting excursion.
Where to stay:Hotel Guayaba Inn
Belize City, Belize
What to do:Go cave tubing for seven miles in Belize City's Caves Branch River and float away into time as you learn about Mayan history. Take a helicopter over the Blue Hole, the world's largest ocean sink hole.
Where to stay:Chateau Caribbean Hotel
Galápagos Islands, Ecuador
What to do: Go on an underwater swim with the islands' signature sea lion pups. Go on a snorkeling tour at Los Túneles, where lava formations have produced a tunnel habitat for many native species.
Where to stay:Hotel Albemarle
Mendoza, Argentina
What to do: Go for some of the country's best whitewater rafting after the snow from the Andes Mountains has melted into the Mendoza River. Bike tour through Mendoza wine country, one of South America's most famous wine regions.
Where to stay:Hotel Villaggio Boutique