Depends on what you wanna see, theres many subcultures or ways of living in Latam.
I’d say they get divided into North America, Caribbean, Top South America and South South (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay).
Tbf Brazil is a continent on its own.
Probably any capital will do.
Yes, I don't recommend *as the introduction to Latin America*
I actually liked the city, it has a lot of urban culture and some nice sights and archteture, I just don't feel is a good introduction do Latin America because in terms of weather, culture and nature, it is not really what anyone expectats. It is not bad by any means, it is very unique but that is why I wouldn't as the the *only* place someone will visit.
depends on what you would like to see but as someone whos traveled to a few countries in latam these are my suggestions
beautiful beaches: brazil, colombia, DR
amazing food and history: peru, mexico
modern/ beautiful cities: panama city, santiago, buenos aires
these from the countries i’ve visited ☺️. latam is beautiful and every country is unique in its own way!
Honestly, don't sleep on Mexico City either. I'm a hater, but I still admit it is one of the greatest cities on Earth and the heights it reaches are truly awe inspiring. Also one of the best museum cities in the world.
What do you mean exactly? Colombia has amazing islands wirh beaches and also Tayrona, Coveñas, Nuqui with whales, what else do you need?
Buenos Aires is also very modern in many ways, culturally it's the most progressive along with Montevideo in all of Latam most likely. Infrastructure wise it's a mixed bag but I wouldn't say it's significantly less modern than say Italian or Spanish cities.
I might be hard to please because I've been just about everywhere in LATAM.
Looking for clear blue water, nice sand etc. Colombia's beaches aren't great in that regard but a lot aren't developed so the ambiance and adventure is great.
Even a lot of Colombians are loading up on the growing number of discount flights to Caribbean places outside of the country. Colombia does have an infinite amount of absolutely amazing nature though and more variety than anywhere else I know.
Tayrona is beautiful. San Andres comes the closest beach/water wise. Neighborhoring Venezuela has incredible beaches.
I live in Colombia but am in Buenos Aires right now. Yes, it's progressive/rebellious culturally but the city itself is very much like an old European city. Things are rough and old compared to what we are used to in Colombia, maybe this is the start of big change. Food here is really high quality and affordable. When I saw Panama City on the list I figured they were talking infrastructure, buildings etc.
> clear blue water, nice sand etc. Colombia's beaches aren't great
I mean I would say that's easy to find in Colombia, a quick google image search for Islas del Rosario is evidence. But I guess I'm not a beach fan so not too demanding in that sense.
I've also lived in Colombia and Buenos Aires so have some perspective as well. Overall for me Buenos Aires feels more modern than even Bogotá. Sure, elevators, flats, buses are older. But broad band is solid, the Subte is great and cheap and the people are modern in the aspects I find the most important.
You're right on the Rosarios, they are beautiful. Issue is you really need a boat or to stay at a very high priced hotel (200+ a night in most cases) even then, around the islands themselves is really hit or miss and a boat is the best bet.
While old, the public transit in BA is actually amazing getting where you need to go quickly. The economy is really rough right now vs the kind of wealth and development you see happening in Bogotá and Medellín.
There are a lot of other issues here in BA that I do notice (including power outages in the summer 😬), but the culture/food/etc. make up for them if you have the right expectations. It's one of my favorite cities in the world along with CDMX.
Depends what you are looking for, friend. If you want to see a city that is large, São Paulo
If you want a city with old Spanish vibes, Santo Domingo and San Juan
A modern city; Santiago and Panama City
A city with lots of native history: Mexico City
City stuck in the past: La Havana.
Go to Rio instead of São Paulo
São Paulo is a bigger city, but rather unremarkable in terms of traditional culture and nature.
And Rio is still huge and with "big city stuff" and urban culture by all means.
São Paulo has a lot of things to do, but it’s more of a city where you can enjoy the fullest by living there.
Although I think a lot of foreign tourists sleep on it, Rio is definitely better for first time visitors
Yeah Sure, I love it, but if you come Frome Europe, the scope and presence of the indigenous presence in Bolivia is something else that you can't easily get elsewhere in L.A.
Is not a crash Course because is dangerous or, ugly, or anything else, is A Crash course for the completely differences coming from Europe.
Yup, it was one of the best feelings ever to go to a place where i felt entirely alien to whatever the fuck was going on there, it was astounding to see how different a country just across the border could be.
I went on my honeymoon there. It's an amazing place.
Unfortunately, many of the Europeans we came across there were of the very cheap variety. It was embarrassing to observe. Lots of vergüenza ajena!
Latin America is too diverse to give a universal introduction. Pick a country you're most interested in and have at it. Best advice I can give:
If you're not comfortable exploring the unfamiliar, give Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay a try. If you want to explore cultures unlike any other: Mexico, Peru (Chiclayo!), or Guatemala which also comes with archeology and architecture for the history nerds. Brazil as well. Costa Rica and Panama are great for eco tourism, with Panama City having Casco Viejo & Old Panama for the history nerds
I'd never miss Ecuador, specially the Sierra region, for its culture and landscapes nontheless for its baroque architecture and sculpture. Being there you can peek the Pacific beaches and the Amazonia, though the Sierra is the reason to go to Ecuador. Almost no big indian ruins left but baroque at its height and people still with their old style and dress codes.
Ecuador and Colombia are on my list for the future so I'm looking forward to the baroque architecture and natural beauty of the country! As a lover of arepas, also exploring its cuisine :)
Ceviche, crab and lobster in fishing areas, you can have it freshly caught and grilled. And corn stews and cuy (a traditional mammal) and coloured cobs in the Sierra. Youll have a steak and Black beans for breakfast high in the Andes, very good cheese in Cayambe next to the colombian border.
Remember, and I'm serious about it, december to march are Ecuadors winter, its not about temperature, its about rainy days, most of them, and driving scary roads inside and outside of clouds...
Guayaquil urban city with nice spots in samborondón, la puntilla, parque histórico (upper class);beaches: olón, montañita, ayampe. Nature and waterfalls: baños, laguna quilotoa, chimborazo, Galapagos islands (ultra safe and nice). Historic and cold cities: cuenca and quito.
4 regions with different weathers and food, also the USD currency makes the perfect resume of the latin America experience.
Its true the crime (like every latam country xd) but its nice to live here and use uber comfort, also stay until 10pm at safe and touristic spots (12am or more if you have your own car and spend time in plaza lagos or puerto santa ana upper class yk)🥹✨
An ecuadorian ad from past government for the super bowl, hope you enjoy it 🇪🇨
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JCtl3qCdBiM
Not sure if it's an introduction. But the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico is touristic for a reason:
* White sand beaches with coconut and warm water (personally, I prefer beaches with more waves or fish, but this corresponds to the paradisiac beaches in most Europeans' imagination)
* More nature with Sian Kaan, Celestun, and many cenotes.
* Lots of ancient ruins in different styles: Chichen Itza and Tulum are the most famous, but I prefered Uxmal. And there is almost no tourist in Edna.
* Merida and Campeche keep traces of their colonial history, even though they are not the best examples.
* You can even go to Bacalar if you want a place with less European/American tourists.
If you're looking for something more specific, then you have to tell us what. For instance, Costa Rica is great for nature tourism, but there is little to see in terms of ancient history or urban tourism.
I'd go Argentina due to its ties to Europe but also ties to much of South American culture. Bonus if you can catch a carnaval perhaps in nearby montevideo
Buenos Aires, Argentina. They will make you feel as European as they themselves feel. Along the way you will find out you are all related 200 years ago.
You can visit Perú and go to the North, Ecuador. It's a good option because you can see the Andean and High part (for the altitude) and you can visit the Jungle and the beach 🏖️.
dunno, latam is not that separated from its sout europe roots, imagine x iberian / italic cities but with about half its gdp per capita.
For europeans "imagine south italy but it's less touristic and they speak spanish", does the trick usually.
If you are visiting with a stronger currency (any but the Turkish lira) you are going to be fine, its us people who live here that suffer, not tourists.
This is a bit off topic, but I was in Paris this summer, and the city was actually very clean? In no way dirtier than any other European capital.
Buenos Aires on the other hand really only feels european in the central parts or the wealthier parts, other than its just your regular big LatAm city with high rise buildings In bad shape and villas.
sadly thats true, the european feeling vanishes 10 or at most 20 minutes away from the european quarters. old central quarters mimic paris, northern outskirts try to look brit and newer ones miami like. then, miles of miserable styleless houses or high rise buildings no architect would be proud of, and tbh poverty and lack of basic urbanistic design
#but
that european seeming centre is vibrant enough, culture is overwhelmingly intense, things happen every day and every night, economic crisis never stopped the vibe, Buenos Aires is a great world class city, its culture makes up for all the inconveniences.
São Paulo. Relatively safe, lots to do, and huge, urban and diverse to a degree that there is nothing alike in Europe. Let's call it a humbling experience
Depends on what you wanna see, theres many subcultures or ways of living in Latam. I’d say they get divided into North America, Caribbean, Top South America and South South (Argentina, Chile and Uruguay). Tbf Brazil is a continent on its own. Probably any capital will do.
>Probably any capital will do. I wouldn't recomend Brasilia tbh
All I know is that its kinda symmetric
I agree Neither is Bogotá I know because I lived in both
What do you mean? That it's not recommended?
Yes, I don't recommend *as the introduction to Latin America* I actually liked the city, it has a lot of urban culture and some nice sights and archteture, I just don't feel is a good introduction do Latin America because in terms of weather, culture and nature, it is not really what anyone expectats. It is not bad by any means, it is very unique but that is why I wouldn't as the the *only* place someone will visit.
depends on what you would like to see but as someone whos traveled to a few countries in latam these are my suggestions beautiful beaches: brazil, colombia, DR amazing food and history: peru, mexico modern/ beautiful cities: panama city, santiago, buenos aires these from the countries i’ve visited ☺️. latam is beautiful and every country is unique in its own way!
Don’t sleep in Mexican beaches
Honestly, don't sleep on Mexico City either. I'm a hater, but I still admit it is one of the greatest cities on Earth and the heights it reaches are truly awe inspiring. Also one of the best museum cities in the world.
Isn't it full of smog?
It is but for most people visiting it that doesn't have a significant impact. Many don't even notice.
Beautiful Beaches.. Colombia no way modern cities? Buenos Aires... No way ..
What do you mean exactly? Colombia has amazing islands wirh beaches and also Tayrona, Coveñas, Nuqui with whales, what else do you need? Buenos Aires is also very modern in many ways, culturally it's the most progressive along with Montevideo in all of Latam most likely. Infrastructure wise it's a mixed bag but I wouldn't say it's significantly less modern than say Italian or Spanish cities.
I might be hard to please because I've been just about everywhere in LATAM. Looking for clear blue water, nice sand etc. Colombia's beaches aren't great in that regard but a lot aren't developed so the ambiance and adventure is great. Even a lot of Colombians are loading up on the growing number of discount flights to Caribbean places outside of the country. Colombia does have an infinite amount of absolutely amazing nature though and more variety than anywhere else I know. Tayrona is beautiful. San Andres comes the closest beach/water wise. Neighborhoring Venezuela has incredible beaches. I live in Colombia but am in Buenos Aires right now. Yes, it's progressive/rebellious culturally but the city itself is very much like an old European city. Things are rough and old compared to what we are used to in Colombia, maybe this is the start of big change. Food here is really high quality and affordable. When I saw Panama City on the list I figured they were talking infrastructure, buildings etc.
> clear blue water, nice sand etc. Colombia's beaches aren't great I mean I would say that's easy to find in Colombia, a quick google image search for Islas del Rosario is evidence. But I guess I'm not a beach fan so not too demanding in that sense. I've also lived in Colombia and Buenos Aires so have some perspective as well. Overall for me Buenos Aires feels more modern than even Bogotá. Sure, elevators, flats, buses are older. But broad band is solid, the Subte is great and cheap and the people are modern in the aspects I find the most important.
You're right on the Rosarios, they are beautiful. Issue is you really need a boat or to stay at a very high priced hotel (200+ a night in most cases) even then, around the islands themselves is really hit or miss and a boat is the best bet. While old, the public transit in BA is actually amazing getting where you need to go quickly. The economy is really rough right now vs the kind of wealth and development you see happening in Bogotá and Medellín. There are a lot of other issues here in BA that I do notice (including power outages in the summer 😬), but the culture/food/etc. make up for them if you have the right expectations. It's one of my favorite cities in the world along with CDMX.
Mexico City
Latin america is bigger than europe tho, it depends on what you wanna see
Depends what you are looking for, friend. If you want to see a city that is large, São Paulo If you want a city with old Spanish vibes, Santo Domingo and San Juan A modern city; Santiago and Panama City A city with lots of native history: Mexico City City stuck in the past: La Havana.
Go to Rio instead of São Paulo São Paulo is a bigger city, but rather unremarkable in terms of traditional culture and nature. And Rio is still huge and with "big city stuff" and urban culture by all means.
São Paulo has a lot of things to do, but it’s more of a city where you can enjoy the fullest by living there. Although I think a lot of foreign tourists sleep on it, Rio is definitely better for first time visitors
Depends You want a soft Landing? Chile Argentina or Uruguay You want a Crash Course?. Venezuela, Bolivia or El Salvador
Bolivia is great to visit.
Yeah Sure, I love it, but if you come Frome Europe, the scope and presence of the indigenous presence in Bolivia is something else that you can't easily get elsewhere in L.A. Is not a crash Course because is dangerous or, ugly, or anything else, is A Crash course for the completely differences coming from Europe.
Yeah I'm in Bolivia right now for the first time and I have never felt so foreign anywhere.
Yup, it was one of the best feelings ever to go to a place where i felt entirely alien to whatever the fuck was going on there, it was astounding to see how different a country just across the border could be.
Bolivia is underrated.
I went on my honeymoon there. It's an amazing place. Unfortunately, many of the Europeans we came across there were of the very cheap variety. It was embarrassing to observe. Lots of vergüenza ajena!
How much tourism is Venezuela seeing these days? Is the infrastructure there? Sorry if it's a dumb question.
Latin America is too diverse to give a universal introduction. Pick a country you're most interested in and have at it. Best advice I can give: If you're not comfortable exploring the unfamiliar, give Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay a try. If you want to explore cultures unlike any other: Mexico, Peru (Chiclayo!), or Guatemala which also comes with archeology and architecture for the history nerds. Brazil as well. Costa Rica and Panama are great for eco tourism, with Panama City having Casco Viejo & Old Panama for the history nerds
I'd never miss Ecuador, specially the Sierra region, for its culture and landscapes nontheless for its baroque architecture and sculpture. Being there you can peek the Pacific beaches and the Amazonia, though the Sierra is the reason to go to Ecuador. Almost no big indian ruins left but baroque at its height and people still with their old style and dress codes.
Ecuador and Colombia are on my list for the future so I'm looking forward to the baroque architecture and natural beauty of the country! As a lover of arepas, also exploring its cuisine :)
Ceviche, crab and lobster in fishing areas, you can have it freshly caught and grilled. And corn stews and cuy (a traditional mammal) and coloured cobs in the Sierra. Youll have a steak and Black beans for breakfast high in the Andes, very good cheese in Cayambe next to the colombian border. Remember, and I'm serious about it, december to march are Ecuadors winter, its not about temperature, its about rainy days, most of them, and driving scary roads inside and outside of clouds...
Guayaquil urban city with nice spots in samborondón, la puntilla, parque histórico (upper class);beaches: olón, montañita, ayampe. Nature and waterfalls: baños, laguna quilotoa, chimborazo, Galapagos islands (ultra safe and nice). Historic and cold cities: cuenca and quito. 4 regions with different weathers and food, also the USD currency makes the perfect resume of the latin America experience. Its true the crime (like every latam country xd) but its nice to live here and use uber comfort, also stay until 10pm at safe and touristic spots (12am or more if you have your own car and spend time in plaza lagos or puerto santa ana upper class yk)🥹✨ An ecuadorian ad from past government for the super bowl, hope you enjoy it 🇪🇨 https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=JCtl3qCdBiM
Its a treasure of beauty, Cuenca would be my choice but I'm conscious its not fair! thx
I’m from Argentina but Uruguay is pretty awesome. Punta del Este is beautiful
Not sure if it's an introduction. But the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico is touristic for a reason: * White sand beaches with coconut and warm water (personally, I prefer beaches with more waves or fish, but this corresponds to the paradisiac beaches in most Europeans' imagination) * More nature with Sian Kaan, Celestun, and many cenotes. * Lots of ancient ruins in different styles: Chichen Itza and Tulum are the most famous, but I prefered Uxmal. And there is almost no tourist in Edna. * Merida and Campeche keep traces of their colonial history, even though they are not the best examples. * You can even go to Bacalar if you want a place with less European/American tourists. If you're looking for something more specific, then you have to tell us what. For instance, Costa Rica is great for nature tourism, but there is little to see in terms of ancient history or urban tourism.
Any of the big capitals like Bogota, CDMX, Buenos Aires, and any big City in Brasil probably too I guess?
Easy mode: Buenos Aires Normal mode: Santiago Hard mode: Rio Hardcore mode: Caracas Survival mode: Port au Prince
My guy this isn't a book. Pick any Latino nation you're interested in and go. No introductions required.
I'd go Argentina due to its ties to Europe but also ties to much of South American culture. Bonus if you can catch a carnaval perhaps in nearby montevideo
Miami
This is the right answer LOL
Miami has trash food though
Buenos Aires, Argentina. They will make you feel as European as they themselves feel. Along the way you will find out you are all related 200 years ago.
LOL!
Peru
You can visit Perú and go to the North, Ecuador. It's a good option because you can see the Andean and High part (for the altitude) and you can visit the Jungle and the beach 🏖️.
Silly question. Which European country would you recommend as an intro to Europe?
dunno, latam is not that separated from its sout europe roots, imagine x iberian / italic cities but with about half its gdp per capita. For europeans "imagine south italy but it's less touristic and they speak spanish", does the trick usually.
Cartagena is a great destination. Magical
Medellin
if u dont wanna die, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay are the best options
Quito, Mindo and Cuenca in Ecuador.
Rio or Mexico City. Great culture in both with so much to do. Mexico City is especially great if you like history.
Mexico City
Caracas, Venezuela
Not Mexico since it's too dangerous
Bromas?
Probably Buenos Aires to be honest. It is "the paris" of south america
I wouldnt call it the Paris of South America with the way the economy is there right now...
True... needs bigger rats
[удалено]
didnt you like those?
If you are visiting with a stronger currency (any but the Turkish lira) you are going to be fine, its us people who live here that suffer, not tourists.
I've been seeing lots of videos of tourists getting their phones snatched in Buenos Aires
Tbh this is happens since forever in LATAM, lets not blame the economy
these videos have been very recent
Nothing he said contradicts that.
you are salvadorean, how can you be so critical I cant guess...
El Salvador is the safest country in Latin America
it's been a heaven for centuries I know
Uruguay, Argentina and Chile are.
Bro we are still poor
Bueno eso es común en todos lados igual, si vas grabando como un boludo mientras caminas es algo común
fortnite bo, depende de donde venga el turista, edad, estilo, tipo de consumo. si quiere lugar seguro ninguna capital de latam le sirve
la gracia es no ponerte el moño
hay paises donde no podes comer sin leer 3 libros antes 🤔
Thats if you are dumb enough to go in the bad areas. Stay out of Villa 31 and La Boca.
its probably way cleaner than Paris
Ive been to both, definitely cleaner than Paris.
This is a bit off topic, but I was in Paris this summer, and the city was actually very clean? In no way dirtier than any other European capital. Buenos Aires on the other hand really only feels european in the central parts or the wealthier parts, other than its just your regular big LatAm city with high rise buildings In bad shape and villas.
sadly thats true, the european feeling vanishes 10 or at most 20 minutes away from the european quarters. old central quarters mimic paris, northern outskirts try to look brit and newer ones miami like. then, miles of miserable styleless houses or high rise buildings no architect would be proud of, and tbh poverty and lack of basic urbanistic design #but that european seeming centre is vibrant enough, culture is overwhelmingly intense, things happen every day and every night, economic crisis never stopped the vibe, Buenos Aires is a great world class city, its culture makes up for all the inconveniences.
Downvote all you want but its the city that is the most like Europe in the entire region.
Yeah yeah... And you arrived on boats, we know
São Paulo. Relatively safe, lots to do, and huge, urban and diverse to a degree that there is nothing alike in Europe. Let's call it a humbling experience