For a region steeped in ancient cultures – from the Mayans and Olmecs to the Aztecs, Incas, Moche, and Wari, spanning 5,000 years of human history – it’s a noteworthy shift in perspective to survey a map of Central and South America’s destinations, tilt your head, and wonder: “What’s new?” Despite the allure of superlatives associated with these rich histories, there is an abundance of freshness around the remarkable remnants of these past cultures.
While iconic sites like Caral in Peru and Tikal in Guatemala draw travelers seeking ancient civilizations, there is a wealth of contemporary attractions. Museu de Arte de São Paulo (MASP) in Brazil, initially opened in 1947, is expanding with a 14-story extension, while a new Soho House is emerging nearby. In Colombia, the historic city of Mompox is becoming more accessible through river cruises, and Guatemala’s Tikal will see improved connectivity with new direct flights from the US in 2024. The region offers a blend of glamping, upscale resorts, and the potential for epic road trips.
Here are some noteworthy places to explore in Central and South America in 2024, where the allure of the new meets the ancient:
Papagayo Peninsula, Costa Rica:
Costa Rica’s Guanacaste peninsula is evolving into a resort destination, featuring brands like Four Seasons, Andaz, Hyatt-owned Secrets, and Marriott’s El Mangroove.
The addition of Nekajui, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, promises an ultra-luxurious experience with an emphasis on open-air elements.
Chacarita in Buenos Aires, Argentina:
The Chacarita neighborhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, is gaining popularity as a casual-dining hub, with diverse culinary offerings and a thriving wine bar scene.
Colca Canyon, Peru:
Colca Canyon, twice as deep as the Grand Canyon, is set to climb higher on travelers’ bucket lists with Peru’s first-ever tented camp, Puqio, offering safari-style tents and adobe huts.
Guatemala:
Guatemala, with its mix of rich Indigenous and colonial history, natural beauty, and expanding tourism infrastructure, is becoming a destination to explore in 2024.
Antigua features the newly opened MUNAG (National Museum of Art Guatemala) and the renovation of a historic property into La Valiente.
Inhotim, Brazil:
Inhotim, Latin America’s largest open-air art museum nestled in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, is enhancing the visitor experience with the addition of 45 bungalows, a spa, and other amenities.
Magdalena River, Colombia:
The Magdalena River, immortalized in Gabriel García Márquez’s Love in the Time of Cholera, is gaining attention through luxe river cruises by AmaWaterways, offering cultural experiences along its course.
Panama City, Panama:
Beyond being a canal hub, Panama City is emerging as a destination with architectural marvels, a revitalized old quarter (Casco Viejo), and new culinary experiences.
Patagonia Azul, Argentina:
The Patagonia Azul Project is scaling up efforts to conserve Argentina’s Patagonia region, offering gateways for visitors to explore its diverse landscapes and wildlife.
Quito, Ecuador:
Quito, perched high in the Andes, is witnessing a transformation with new contemporary architecture, an upcoming metro system, and the opening of the affordable Go Quito Hotel.
San Pedro de Atacama, Chile:
San Pedro de Atacama, renowned for its celestial beauty, is attracting visitors with geographical wonders, stargazing tours, and the addition of luxury property Habitas Atacama.
- São Paulo, Brazil:
- São Paulo is undergoing a cultural renaissance with expansions to MASP, the development of Cidade Matarazzo, and the arrival of Soho House São Paulo, marking the club’s debut in South America.
These destinations promise a harmonious blend of the ancient and the new, inviting travelers to explore the richness and diversity of Central and South America in 2024.
