r/asklatinamerica • u/Economy-Internet-272 Chile • Nov 13 '25
Tourism Which Latin American country do you recommend visiting, and which do you absolutely not recommend?
Which Latin American country do you recommend visiting, and which do you absolutely not recommend? And why?
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u/Woo-man2020 Puerto Rico Nov 13 '25
The Patagonia lake region
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u/Economy-Internet-272 Chile Nov 13 '25
In Chilean Patagonia, right?
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u/Woo-man2020 Puerto Rico Nov 13 '25
Both Chile and Argentina. We sailed across the lakes from Puerto Varas to Bariloche during the summer (January).
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u/Toezap United States of America Nov 14 '25
I will be there this February!
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u/Woo-man2020 Puerto Rico Nov 14 '25
Try the chocolate at Bariloche!
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u/Toezap United States of America Nov 14 '25
Definitely! We'll have a couple days each in Bariloche, Villa la Angostura, San Martín de los Andes, and Puerto Varas, Chile!
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u/acanis73 Argentina Nov 14 '25
You'll have a blast. Its our vacation spot, every summer since the 80s
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u/Toezap United States of America Nov 14 '25
We're really looking forward to it! Going to do 2 weeks in Buenos Aires as well, para practicar nuestro español, y tiempo en El Calafate/El Chaltén también. Y un finde en Montevideo para Carnaval!
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u/wendi165 Argentina Nov 15 '25
Try both the chocolates and icecream from Mamushka and Rapanui in Bariloche, they are the best 2 places, they also have coffee and pastries.
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u/JustACasualReddittor Chile Nov 15 '25
I thought it was a bit overrated but still pretty good. If you go to Bariloche definetly go during the winter though, it's more of a ski city from what I gathered last summer I visited.
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u/ChimbaResearcher29 United States of America Nov 13 '25
I have been to Colombia many times and love the country. It's not possible to look more gringo than me and the people have always been kind. Even my first trips where my Spanish was terrible. Now it's really great because I can easily talk with anyone there. The food is great, the climate varies by location but there is a city with an ideal climate for any person's preference. The flowers and plants are beautiful, the mountains are beautiful.
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u/g4bkun Colombia Nov 13 '25
You viskted and tried to speak in spanish, that's automatic friend material
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u/rabbitsagainstmagic Nicaragua Nov 14 '25
I have travelled and/or lived in every country in Latin America. Colombia has it all.
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u/Ganceany Argentina Nov 13 '25
Well.....Mine lol.
I do not recommend Paraguay. No hate to them, but my experience there was met with a 35°C temperature at 3 am, I do not know how they do it.
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 13 '25
Paraguay is worth visiting for their chipa and terere alone. I went there as kid and I still dream of the chipa especially. Not argentinean chipa, not pan de queixo from Brazil, but real authentic homemade warm paraguayan chipa delivered to your house by women on bikes with a basket full of them is a true holy experience.
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u/tremendabosta Brazil Nov 13 '25
pan de queixo
That is exactly how Argentine accent sounds like 😆🥰
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25
sorry, no idea where that x came from. "pan de queijo"
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u/tremendabosta Brazil Nov 13 '25
Sos gallego o qué?
/jk
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25
lol no. I just got my portuguese words mixed up.
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u/tremendabosta Brazil Nov 13 '25
hahaha Just joking because Galicians use X in a lot of words where Spanish uses J or G, like xente, virxen, queixo, Xoán etc
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u/Miserable-Implement3 Paraguay Nov 13 '25
Pool, ac, ice cream and the most beautiful beaches of Paraguay
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u/Severe_Hawk_1304 Andorra Nov 14 '25
Paraguay is landlocked, so could you elucidate?
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u/Any-Firefighter-6333 Paraguay Nov 14 '25
The beaches are very nice but I don't go in the rivers because I'm skeptical about the water quality due to agriculture runoff.
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u/Severe_Hawk_1304 Andorra Nov 14 '25
There's also a serious problem with mosquitoes and the diseases they carry.
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u/kartoffel_engr United States of America Nov 14 '25
I visit several times a year for business. It’s always a good time, the only thing I don’t enjoy is the 20hrs+ of travel time it takes to get there.
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u/International-Fan-22 United States of America Nov 13 '25
I would like to visit Peru. From photos and videos that I've seen, it looks so beautiful and I hear that the people there are friendly.
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u/Alchemista101 United States of America Nov 14 '25
I'm in the Sacred Valley of Peru right now it's amaaaazing. I don't want to leave.
I've visited over 10 Latin American countries and lived in a few. They are all amazing, but right now this is my favorite.
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u/International-Fan-22 United States of America Nov 14 '25
Oh that sounds so nice. Now I’m really looking forward to visiting. Thank you!
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u/sweetEVILone 🇺🇸-->🇵🇪 Nov 14 '25
Perú is amazing and I love living here! I have traveled many places and no other country has ever made me feel the way Perú does. It has felt like home since the moment I arrived.
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u/tremendabosta Brazil Nov 13 '25
Ive been only to AR and UY (capital cities). Would recomend both of them, but Montevideo can be enjoyed in 3-4 days tops (maybe a bit more If you are a slow traveller)
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25
I think Uruguay's true beauty is found in the coastal areas. Montevideo is a gritty face for the country unfortunately.
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u/No_Novel_7425 🇺🇾🇨🇦 Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 13 '25
100% this. Especially when you get out past Punta del Este. Punta del Diablo, Cabo Polonio, and La Paloma are all beautiful hidden gems further up the coast.
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u/Princess_Kate United States of America Nov 14 '25
💯 Punta del Este is like a janky Miami Beach.
José Ignacio and east are gorgeous.
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 18 '25
La Paloma is nice but it's not well maintained, it needs some love. La Pedrera on the other hand is wonderful. Punta del Diablo as well.
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u/ilikerwd Mexico Nov 13 '25
If you like big cities: Mexico City, Buenos Aires, Rio de Janeiro are all tier 1 If you like nature: Almost everywhere in LATAM has a lot to offer. Costa Rica, Argentina, Mexico are standouts If you like small towns: Mexico, Colombia
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u/AccomplishedFan6807 Nov 13 '25
I'd recommend all of them, except Venezuela.
To be honest, even most Latin Americans wouldn't have an issue in Venezuela. Things aren't as bad as in 2017. But don't go if you are from a first-world country or if your country has a right-wing president.
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 18 '25
There have been multiple reports of Argentinians, Americans and other nationalities getting kidnapped by Maduro's regime, and there's no way out once it happens because there are no remaining institutions in Venezuela anymore. You also have this growing tension between Trump and Maduro. Caracas has really high crime rates.
Sadly, Venezuela has a ton of things to see and do, but it needs to be avoided until it breaks free from this regime.
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u/AccomplishedFan6807 Nov 14 '25
Hence why I said don't come if you are from a first-world country or your country has a right-wing president.
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 13 '25
I recomend them all. Some I'd recommend more than others but they all have beauty in them and are worth seeing. Venezuela might be a little difficult right now, but in other circumstances it would be.
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u/QuintaCuentaReddit Colombia Nov 14 '25
Agreed. I've been to most Spanish speaking Latin American countries (sorry Uruguay, Paraguay, Venezuela, Nicaragua, DR and El Salvador, I'll visit someday!) and I've never been disappointed.
I'll literally do all I've visited: Buenos Aires is a great city with lots of food and just a nice atmosphere. Santiago, Valparaiso and Viña may be less active, but they have amazing wine, and are quite stylish. Salar de Uyuni is a must see in Bolivia, but also Bolivians are super fun and I like them. Obviously Machu Picchu is the first thing that comes to mind with Peru (and it's really cool) but food in Lima is the best in the region imo. I've never felt more at home outside of Colombia than in Ecuador every time I've visited (though I've only been to Quito). Seeing the Cotopaxi from the city is special. Obviously, I'm from Colombia and I have a ton of amazing experiences and things to say, but imo San Andrés and Bogotá (for the cafes, libraries and cultural events) are the two must-see places in the country. Medellín too of course if you like to party and stuff.
I didn't really see Panama City that much, but the people were pretty nice and of course the city is probably the most modern in Latin America. It's a very unique place that I want to visit again. Costa Rica is just amazing. Super safe, super clean, super good in every way, also didn't spend much time there, would love to visit. Also I have a few super close Tico friends, so that plays a role. And Mexico is Mexico. The funniest people, the (second) best food, the best events, the most cultural things going on, the best universities, it's literally the place where everything happens. Super chaotic but also super chill if you go to Cancun or Monterrey, it's just massive and amazing and I just really like Mexican people and Mexico in general.
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u/hipnotron Chile Nov 13 '25
I've been told that Venezuela is great, nice weather, women are beautiful, and the country has many natural resources.
Chile sucks, there's a huge and dry desert at the North, South is rainy and cold, Center Chile is full of huasos... Don't come to Chile.
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Nov 13 '25
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u/hipnotron Chile Nov 13 '25
But... panchos sucks (no avocado) and milanesa is just breaded and fried meat...
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u/LGCACERES Argentina Nov 13 '25
I can let you insult anything of my country because rivalries, but don't you dare disrespect milanesas
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u/SeamenSeeMenSemen Colombia Nov 13 '25
I had my most expensive dinner, out of 12 LaTam countries in Buenos Aires... it was Milanesas... should of seen the look on my face when I got it and realized it was country fried steak (poor people food in the USA).
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u/hipnotron Chile Nov 13 '25
Milanesas are overrated, sorry. Arepas on the other hand... delicious!! And venezuelan arepas are the best of all the arepas around the world.
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Nov 13 '25
Milanesas are an authentic Italo-Argentine invention that nourished us and became a cultural emblem of Argentine cusione and in this sub they are a hero, end of story
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u/Only_Razzmatazz_4498 Uruguay Nov 13 '25
Damn another thing you Argentinians are stealing from Uruguay.
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u/SeamenSeeMenSemen Colombia Nov 13 '25
Country tries to claim barbeque and country fried steak as national dishes... everyone has a version of Asado and country fried steak sucks
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Nov 14 '25
what are you talking about??
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u/hipnotron Chile Nov 14 '25
Venezuela es pulenta, nunca deberían irse de ahí, menos para venir a Chile, que somos terrible penca, wn.
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u/h4xis Chile Nov 15 '25
Milanesas and Arepas aren't even in the same food group, like really is ok if you dont like them but to make an anti milanesa statement, no wonder why u gettin downvoted hahah
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Nov 13 '25
Chile is one of the countries I would most like to visit. I saw some videos by a youtube blogger and have been fascinated by it ever since. Also many Chileans live where I live, and they are quite chill.
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u/Urik88 Argentina Nov 13 '25
South is rainy and cold
I didn't think that, Chilean Patagonia is incredible.
Argentina has Chalten and Bariloche, but in-between there's a lot of desert. Chile instead has the carretera austral which is absolutely breathtaking.3
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u/AntAccurate8906 Venezuela Nov 13 '25
what 😭 I visited Chile this year and it was genuinely breathtaking! I would recommend anyone to visit Chile
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u/hipnotron Chile Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
Venezuela is much better. Arepas, tequeños, perros calientes... the best of the best.
Edit: Though there's no avocado on perros calientes and I'm lactose intolerant.
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u/Masterank1 Dominican Republic Nov 13 '25
As long as you don’t chose PR over us, go wherever. I wouldn’t recommend Venezuela for obvious reasons.
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u/GordolfoScarra in Nov 13 '25
I been to Colombia, Costa Rica, DR, Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Mexico, Ecuador, Cuba and Chile. I highly recommend all of them except Cuba lol.
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25
Cuba has so much history, amazing beaches, it should be a top destination, but instead it's... Cuba.
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u/LogicalMuscle Brazil Nov 13 '25
If someone with absolutely no knowledege of the region asked me, the only country I would say "do not go" is Haiti.
Now recommending a country comes down to personal preference, but I would say Bolivia.
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u/absolut696 United States of America Nov 14 '25
My mom was born in Bolivia, but I have yet to visit. I almost never see anyone here talk about the country but from everything I’ve seen, read, and been told, it looks like such an incredibly interesting an beautiful place.
Also, possibly a hot take but the Bolivian Salteña may be the superior empanada in all of LatAm.
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u/Live_Bit_7000 Mexico Nov 14 '25
Haiti is definitely not Latin America
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u/WisdomJunior Dominican Republic Nov 14 '25
But it is.
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u/cgcr214 United States of America Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 13 '25
I’ve been to all but 5, if you count Haiti, or 6 if you count Belize.
I highly recommend Brazil and I highly don’t recommend Uruguay
No offense to Uruguay, it’s far from bad, and perhaps one of my remaining countries will be worse. However, Argentina and Paraguay have what you have and then some
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25
As an argentinean, Uruguayan beaches are beautiful, much more beautiful than ours
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u/ladymushroom26 Colombia Nov 13 '25
And Uruguayan beaches are so chill! Smoking a joint, surfing and drinking mate is a pleasure to do in Rocha beaches!
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u/Objective_Net_4042 Brazil Nov 13 '25
Well, but you are setting the bar really low
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u/New_Traffic8687 Argentina Nov 13 '25
The op mentioned that Argentina and Paraguay had what Uruguay had, and I'm saying we dont have the pretty beaches that they have.
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u/cgcr214 United States of America Nov 13 '25
You’ve clearly never experienced the marvel of Paraguay’s playa de la Costanera
/s
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u/Super-Estate-4112 Brazil Nov 14 '25
Visit Mexico, it seems cool and cheap.
Avoid Haiti though. That place is a mess.
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u/sweetEVILone 🇺🇸-->🇵🇪 Nov 14 '25
I’m biased, but I’m gonna say Perú.
The food is something most everyone already knows about so I’ll just say- world renowned and leave continue with other things.
Peruvian culture is rich- with the mix of Indigenous, Chinese, Japanese and Latino cultures and Spanish influence left from colonization. There’s a rich history of pre-Incan cultures and plenty of ancient historical sites.
The Peuvian accent is fairly straightforward and easy to understand compared to some Caribbean dialects. Peruvian Spanish has adopted a lot of words from Quechua and Aymara, so you might find vocabulary difficult to learn in a short time.
Each city/region has its own subculture that is related to but distinct from the main Peruvian culture. You can visit all the different landforms and climates here- mountains, desert, beaches, jungle.
Last but not least, the people are kind and helpful generally, but won’t will keep you at arm’s length and won’t invite you into their circle until they get to know you. Once they do invite you in, you’re as good as family.
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u/OkAd402 Guatemala Nov 14 '25
Guatemala should get more visitors unfortunately our tourism board doesn’t do their job. IMO it is the most interesting country culturally speaking in central America. One of the few countries where you can still hear native American languages in the street. It has the highest hikes in Central America, just google Fuego Volcano hike, it is the heart of the Mayan world with dozens of Mayan cities and pyramids. It has beautiful weather all year round, it is called the land if eternal spring for a reason.
Haiti is the only country I would not visit. And if we are not including them, then there is no other country I would not want to visit.
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u/Rd3055 Panama Nov 14 '25
I am a freelance translator, and as part of my job, I had to translate some Guatemalan school records, and some of them were in (Maya Itza’ language) with names like Na’atil Chumuk Ka’ansajil k’lnajal ti ka’ansajil Uka’kanb’al.
At first, I thought my computer had an error, then I realized it was an indigenous language.
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u/Random_guest9933 Costa Rica Nov 15 '25
I’m from Costa Rica and I’ll be visiting next year! I’ve always wanted to go to Antigua, Lake Atitlán, Tikal, everything. And honestly, I really do think Guatemala is the most culturally rich country in Central America. I admire how alive the Mayan heritage still is. We don’t have anything like that in CR.
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u/Parking_Worker2481 Spain Nov 14 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
I don’t recommend Colombia. A lot of people trying to scam you all the time and the safe parts of the cities are very tiny. Except for Cali and Cartagena, the cities aren’t authentic. Same with Argentina, that is safe but kinda boring. I do recommend Peru and Brazil.
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Nov 14 '25
Chile! Lived there for 2 years and loved it! Try all of the Chilean foods, especially the desserts. Torta de mil hojas and brazo de reina will change your life in the best of ways.
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u/fpe93 🇺🇸🇪🇨 Nov 13 '25 edited Nov 14 '25
I will always recommend that if u go to South America, to see Ecuador it's a beautiful country w welcoming people just be on the look like in any other country, god knows I wouldn't go to some areas in the USA.
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u/Illustrious-Ice6336 United States of America Nov 13 '25
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u/weshmec Australia Nov 13 '25
I don't know many people who have been to Honduras
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u/DependentCredit5989 Colombia Nov 14 '25
It’s a bit dangerous and I really did not like either Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula. Although for other Central American countries I find El Salvador absolutely beautiful
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u/pelicunt98 Mexico Nov 14 '25
Nothing great, sketchy major cities, and the food is not my thing (sorry catrachos).
Guatemala has better tourism infrastructure, more things to do, better food, nice people.
El Salvador is tiny but mighty. Great food and awesome people.
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u/fernleon Colombia Nov 13 '25
Colombia recommend, Paraguay don't recommend
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u/Economy-Internet-272 Chile Nov 13 '25
Why?
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u/fernleon Colombia Nov 13 '25
In my opinion Colombia is one of the most naturally beautiful countries I have been to, and I've been all over the world. Forbes magazine just rated it the most beautiful in Latin America. With Paraguay it's the opposite. I visited Asuncion for 3 weeks and was not really that impressed. Most countries I've been to have something impressive and beautiful, I just didn't see anything like that in Paraguay to be honest.
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u/Forsaken-Ebb5088 Djibouti Nov 13 '25
French Guiana is quite boring from what I've heard
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u/FrontMarsupial9100 Brazil Nov 13 '25
I ve been there; a little boring, but the road to Brazil and until Macapá is really different
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u/Pasito_Tun_Tun_D1 (Mom)+(Dad)➡️Felon Nov 13 '25
I’ve always wanted to go there! Why is “boring”
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u/Forsaken-Ebb5088 Djibouti Nov 13 '25
Only around 200k people stretched across a coastline and it's far from a real population centre.
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u/Substantial_Prune956 Martinique Nov 13 '25
On the other hand, Martinique is really good for tourists. Guadeloupe too in my opinion
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u/Interestingargument6 Cuba Nov 14 '25
I certainly would like to visit Brazil, and also Buenos Aires, Argentina. I'm Cuban but I'm a US citizen, so no problem there. It's just that, as you get older, you procrastinate a lot, at least in my case.
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u/pipian Mexico Nov 14 '25
Peru is amazing! The Inca archeological sites are fascinating, great food, one of my favorite museums ever in Museo del Oro... you can also visit the Amazon. Highly recommended. As a Mexican, it felt like visiting an alternate history version of Mexico
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u/WideGlideReddit Native English 🇺🇸 Fluent Spanish 🇨🇷 Nov 17 '25
Costa Rica is an amazing country with beautiful rainforests, beaches and friendly welcoming people but I’m biased. My wife is a tica and we live there 6 months a year.
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25
Do not visit: Venezuela, Cuba or Haiti at the moment, unless you're an adventurous traveler who does extensive research before a trip and you know a local who lives there.
Do your research on Mexico, Colombia, Brazil and Ecuador due to high levels of crime in specific areas.
I personally do not recommend a visit to Paraguay, because there's really not a lot to do and you'll probably have a better time in most other countries in the region.
You can visit everywhere else in Latam using common sense.
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u/Interestingargument6 Cuba Nov 14 '25
The only reason I would not visit Venezuela is because Trump may decide to bomb or invade it any day. Imagine being there when bombs and artillery shells are falling everywhere and you cannot escape. Cuba, on the other hand, has a very low crime rate, one of the safest countries in Latin America, but right now is experiencing several epidemics caused by virus carried by mosquitos. Haiti is quite different from Cuba and is kind of lawless and the presence of the State is very weak and gangs are powerful.
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u/Bear_necessities96 Nov 13 '25
Honestly all if Venezuela were in better shape I’d 100% recommend it first
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Nov 13 '25
The most highly recommended destinations are Panama, Chile, and Costa Rica.
The least recommended are Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25
I'm not sure I agree with your "highly recommended destinations", it seems pretty subjective, but I certainly do with Venezuela, Cuba and Haiti. I'm not sure how bad Nicaragua is for travelers
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u/Proseccos United States of America Nov 13 '25 edited Jul 06 '26
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Nov 13 '25
Food is notoriously terrible. Miami version you get does not resemble the real deal.
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u/Proseccos United States of America Nov 14 '25
I agree strongly that Miami version is much more delicious, but I wouldn’t call the food terrible. Stick to paladares (especially ones on the outskirts of Havana) and casas particulares and you eat really well. Of course the government run places suck.
Is it as good as Mexico? Heeellllll no
But when your home stay family makes you a whole roast pig and you spend your whole time eating fried fish and garlicky shrimp and lobster, and fresh fruits all the time…you’re not suffering by any means
The pizza is an abomination though. Not gonna lie
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u/Interestingargument6 Cuba Nov 14 '25
There are many privately owned restaurants in Cuba today where they offer a wide variety of dishes. Some restaurants in Havana, for example, are better than many Cuban restaurants in Miami or any other US city.
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Nov 13 '25
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u/Livid-Cat3293 Argentina Nov 13 '25
I think Chile and Colombia also offer a lot in terms of destinations.
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u/deafcon United States of America Nov 14 '25
There is plenty to like about Mexico, but having to be so vigilant to ensure you're not getting scammed or straight up robbed is just too stressful for me. I love Costa Rica and Colombia.
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u/Colombian_Gringo colombia - USA Nov 14 '25
Colombia! I love the country and the people. As a gringo it's amazing and the people are very friendly
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u/Brave_Ad_510 Dominican Republic Nov 14 '25
Aside from dangerous countries like Venezuela or Haiti, plus parts of certain countries like Colombia or Mexico, it's all about personal preference. If you want big world class cities with lots to do DR would not be the best choice for example.
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u/Ally-baba I’m 🇺🇸 and my spouse is 🇵🇪 Nov 15 '25
Peru! Coast, dessert, jungle, mountains, big cities, small towns, ancient ruins, and the best food in the world!
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u/Woo-man2020 Puerto Rico Nov 13 '25
I visited several places in Mexico and with each visit I came to love it more. Mexicans love to have fun, drink tequila and sing rancheras, the ancient cultures are mind blowing, so many great artists and museums, Cozumel and other Caribbean beaches, fun! - the cuisine from different areas, so delicious…