As the name suggests, the slow travel trend encourages travelers to slow down and take their time while traveling rather than speed through as many sites and activities as possible, but slow travel is also about more than the pace. The slow travel mindset aims to show travelers that taking a step back from the tourist traps and the Insta-worthy locations will provide them with truly impactful and lasting memories. This style of travel also helps prevent “tourist burnout”, that feeling when you come back from your vacation more tired than before, the result of trying to experience as many things as possible in a short amount of time. Instead, traveling slowly can save you some money, encourage you to make one-of-a-kind connections, and inspire you to step out of your comfort zone.
In a separate post we go over our top slow travel recommendations around the world, but with so many incredible options to highlight in Latin America, below we created a dedicated list for just this region!
Here are some of our favorite
slow travel destinations in Latin America!
North/Central America:
Mexico
Mexico is known for its cultural richness packed with treasures and folklore. Yet tourism trends have unfortunately made foreigners forget about what this country really has to offer, and instead focus on luxury and all-inclusive resort experiences. But if you think a trip to Mexico is just about sun and sand resort vacations, think again! Thankfully, locals are well aware of Mexico’s cultural gems, from colonial architecture to history, art, music, food, and last but not least, the people who are eager to share all of the above with visitors. This has caused a growing movement to incentivize tourism in these unique Pueblos Magicos, or magical towns, while still maintaining and honoring Mexico’s roots and people. Taking a trip to one of these towns you can expect a lot of discovery while wondering the unique and colorfully charming streets, learning about the diverse fauna and flora, exploring food markets as well as local cuisine and cooking, understanding more about indigenous cultures, and soaking in the history and many artistic influences including music, painting, and local crafts.
The charming streets of San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
Nicaragua
Just a bit further south, in the rural country of Nicaragua, those who seek sun and beach escape can find beautifully pristine coastlines that are blissfully uncrowded and full of unique character. Rejuvenation and serenity are clearly on offer Nicaragua in tranquil beach towns like San Juan del Sur, bursting with low-key charm and picture-perfect sunsets over the Pacific. The country offers many hidden beaches, as well as adventurous activities such as hiking and surfing, delicious and fresh tropical foods, and mindful resets perfect for yoga retreats. It’s an ideal destination to pick just one spot and connect to a slower pace of life while surrounded by natural beauty.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica, the land of pura vida, which translates to pure life, is the ultimate natural paradise to relax, rejuvenate, and adventure while immersing oneself in culture and local life. Known for its majestic jungles, unique wildlife, picture perfect waterfalls, natural hot springs, tropical beaches, and volcanic lands, this destination is perfect for anybody looking for spontaneous adventures.
Idyllic shores of Playa Grande. Photo credit: Tim Williams
Take advantage of the peacefulness and tranquility of Costa Rica to help you stay in the present and embrace the delicious and exotic foods, observe the unique flowers, plants, and birds, and ultimately learn from the expert stewards of these lands. To keep practicing mindfulness, indulge in daily yoga sessions on the beach or immersive aquatic activities like snorkeling or surfing.
Instead of attempting to traverse the whole country from Caribbean to Atlantic shores with everything in between, pick only a few destinations to explore and stay at least a couple days in each one. Or, for the ultimate slow travel experience, base yourself in one idyllic location known for its community vibes and slow pace of life, like Playa Grande, Guanacaste.
South America:
Ecuador
The Ecuadorian Amazon is home to the Yasuní Biosphere Reserve, known to have the most diverse set of species in the world, with 800 species of fish, over 600 species of birds, 350 species of reptiles, more than 300 species of mammals, and thousands of species of plants, trees, and insects. This region is also the home of two small tribes called the Taromenanes and the Tagaeris. With just a small handful of people, these tribes live in complete isolation from the modern world, and are protected by the Ecuadorian constitution. Submerging into the astonishing biodiversity in this part of the world with slow travel is the perfect way to fully appreciate the power of mother nature. Being based in a jungle lodge can give travelers the opportunity to learn about medicinal plants from locals, indigenous art and craft techniques, traditional cooking, as well as practices like cacao cultivation and chocolate processing.
Brazil
The coastal town of Paraty, south of Rio de Janeiro.
The largest country in Latin America, holding 60% of the Amazon rainforest, Brazil also boasts a broad mix of ethnicities from Africa, Europe and Asia, as well as 305 different indigenous tribes.
With such a diverse culture & landscape, the best way to appreciate the vast array of treasures is by engaging with locals, and limiting your trip to explore just a few locales. By immersing yourself in people-to-people interactions in various communities, commonly found in remote areas, travelers will truly connect with the exotic and unique forms of Brazilian culture. Being so vast, and with such a diverse geography, Brazil’s rural towns and remote villages have their own hidden treasures and micro-cultures. Exploring and appreciating these unique pockets is the best way to truly understand the multicultural beauty of what makes Brazil, Brazil.
The wide array of incredible destinations and natural beauty to explore can make it very tempting to hop around this massive country trying to take it all in. When the vibrant streets of Rio de Janeiro, the magical coastline of Paraty and the Joatinga peninsula, the incredible Amazon jungle teeming bursting with diversity, the tranquil vibes of Mato Grosso de Sul and the Pantanal region where ecotourism is at the forefront, the unique cultural influences in Salvador, and the jaw-dropping might of the Iguaçu Falls are all calling out to you, it’s difficult to choose. But if your trip is under two weeks we strongly recommend focusing on 2-3 regions or destinations in order to truly enjoy your experience. And remember… you can always come back!
Chile
Measuring 4300 kilometers from north to south, home of the world’s highest volcanos, and of Patagonia, Chile is a place with some of the most jaw-dropping landscapes in South America. The Patagonia region is the perfect destination for any adventurer looking to connect with what unspoiled nature has to offer, as well as a slower pace of life where cultural traditions seem to be frozen in time. The Torres del Paine National Park and surrounding area provides plenty of options for nature lovers form rewarding hikes, unique wildlife, vast glaciers and crystal clear turquoise lakes, all surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.
Horseback riding at Estancia La Peninsula in Patgania.
In addition, the region also offers opportunities to connect with local culture such as experiencing the life of Gauchos, Chilean cowboys. On the vast plains between mountain ranges, large herds of cattle and sheep roam on traditional ranches, and visitors can learn about holistic livestock management, responsible sheep shearing, watch sheepdogs in action, and enjoy the region’s famous barbecue techniques. The best estancias showcase how they prioritize animal welfare, conservation of nature, and sustainable production in an incredible welcoming manner.
Caribbean:
Dominica
When contemplating a visit to Dominica, forget what you think you know about the ‘typical’ Caribbean vacation, involving massive resorts and tropical cocktails on a beach lounger! Called the ‘Nature Island’ and said to be the only island in the Caribbean that would still be recognizable to New World explorers, Dominica is the perfect place to reconnect with simple joys, laid-back culture, natural bounty, and a sense of peace. Teeming with beautiful landscapes you can indulge and feel pampered by your lush surrounds, while enjoying a relaxing experience visiting rainforests and beautiful beaches.
For those craving a few thrills, this tropical island is also filled with plenty of adventurous activities such as magnificent hikes to boiling lakes or hidden waterfalls, canyoning through pristine rainforest gorges, as well as oceanic explorations including unique scuba or snorkeling opportunities and year-round whale-watching. The island is truly a hidden gem just waiting for you to discover its unparalleled beauty.
Soufriere Bay off of Dominica’s southwest coast. Photo credit: Antoine Hubert
With 33 countries to explore, Latin America is an incredible region to visit. When you go, just be sure to take your time in order to enjoy each destination to the fullest! And plan multiple trips. 😉
Curious to explore one of these destinations on your own or immerse yourself in another region or experience in Latin America? In addition to small group trips we also offer self-guided itineraries or we can plan a fully customized trip just for you!
Be sure to check out our recommendations for more slow travel experiences in other regions around the world!
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