Our Top Picks for Travel Destinations in Latin America for 2024

A new year means a renewed gusto to travel.

Students will be returning to school eager to press on with their studies and also keen hear about exciting travel opportunities.

With this in mind, we highlight 5 trending destinations around Latin America boasting excellent educational and cultural opportunities.

These destinations aren’t just places to visit; they’re gateways to immersive learning. Each location holds the promise of cultural enrichment, language practice, and an understanding of global diversity that textbooks can’t convey.

1. Medellin & Santa Marta, Colombia: Cultural Exploration & Coastal Wonders

Medellin it’s a living lesson in transformation and sustainability. Medellin is Colombia’s city of innovation and last year sprang to the world’s attention as one of its neighborhoods, Laureles, was voted coolest in the world!

A journey through its streets becomes an exploration of resilience and progress, a perfect introduction to understanding urban development and innovation.

Up on Colombia’s Caribbean coast, Santa Marta is a city steeped in history and vibrates to a tropical vibe. 

Santa Marta invites students to explore indigenous heritage, colonial influences, and the rhythms of coastal life, offering a deeper understanding of Colombia’s diverse cultures.

 

2. Puyo & the Galapagos, Ecuador: Nature’s Classroom & Cultural Immersion

Head into Ecuador’s Amazonian jungle to observe unique flora and fauna and learn about the delicate balance of this intricate ecosystem. 

Interacting with Kichwa families residing in Puyo and the rainforest provides students a deeper understanding of their connection to nature, traditional knowledge of cooking secrets and sustainable living practices passed down through generations.

Alternatively, head to the Galapagos Islands, where educational tours unveil the wonders of biodiversity, evolution, and conservation in a unique ecosystem.

Galapagos has an incredibly diverse ecosystem with species found nowhere else on earth. 

Students have the chance to witness firsthand the unique adaptations that led Charles Darwin to develop his theory of evolution by natural selection. 

Observing giant tortoises, marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and other endemic species provides a tangible understanding of evolution and biodiversity.

 

3. Mexico City: Echoes of Ancient Civilizations

Mexico City, a bustling metropolis, serves as a gateway to Mesoamerican civilizations. 

The National Museum of Anthropology isn’t just a museum; it’s a portal to ancient rituals, societies, and cosmic understanding.

It becomes a vibrant canvas for learning and provides a contrast between ancient traditions and modern expressions of Mexican heritage.

Embarking on culinary adventures, students can join local families to unearth the secrets of traditional Mexican cuisine – including the best tacos on earth!

You can also explore the ancient Mesoamerican sauna, known as a Temazcal, an ancient ceremonial steam bath unique to these parts.

 

4. Sacred Valley, Peru: Cultural Discovery & Sustainable Practices

While Machu Picchu continues to grab world-wide attention, why not explore lesser-known yet just as memorable regions in Peru’s Sacred Valley.

Feel Peru’s ancient past with a life-changing homestay experience in a village close to the Pisac region. 

Actually living with local Quechua families will allow students to view the world through a different lens and give them a new perspective on life.

They will witness the mastery of Andean farming techniques and discover sustainable living techniques essential to helping the world live in a more planet-friendly manner.

Engaging with Quechua communities will also provide a unique opportunity for cultural exchange and insights into traditional practices, textiles, and music.

 

5. Buenos Aires, Argentina – Art & Culture

Buenos Aires, a city pulsating with art and passion, invites students to explore its unique cultural heritage. 

The vibrant streets of San Telmo offer glimpses into this culture, especially on market day when street vendors line the road, peddling hand-made goods and delicious local fare.

Argentina’s capital is ideal for budding artists too. 

Take inspiration for some of the world’s best with a visit to the National Museum of Fine Arts and Malba museums. Then, immerse your students into the fascinating world of Fileteado Porteño with a hands-on workshop.

Feeling inspired? Contact us today to create the ideal educational trip for 2024.