10 Reasons to Visit Latin America

Many US citizens forget about Latin America as a vacation destination. Instead, they opt to visit the more moderate climates of the Caribbean. Here are 10 reasons to visit Latin America.

1. There is a lot of history to explore.

From the ruins of Chichen Itza in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico to the Casa Rosada in Buenos Aires, Argentina, there are many layers to explore all throughout Latin America. Many cities still proudly display colonial architecture dating from the late 16th century and early 17th century. See first hand how Latin America's violent past has shaped the society that we know today.

2. Society in Latin American countries are much more complex than you are lead to believe.

While most Latin Americans can claim both European and Native American (Mayan, Incan, etc.) ancestry, there are some communities that have remained relatively unchanged for hundred of years. If you want a great glimpse at traditional Andean culture and artesian work, look no further than Otavalo, Ecuador.

3. There are still places where you can explore the remains of pre-Columbian Latin America.

Mexico, Peru, and many other Latin American countries can provide you with a glimpse of what pre-Columbian Latin America was like. They are continually learning more about the cultures that existed well before Columbus.

4. In many places, the climate is almost as mild as in the Caribbean, but the landscape in Latin America is much more diverse.

Whether you are looking for beaches; large, wind-swept plains; exotic islands; rainforest; or majestic mountains, Latin America has it all. In fact, many times all of the climates mentioned above exist in the same country. This is certainly true of countries such as Ecuador, Argentina, and Brazil.

5. There are big differences in culture between various Latin American countries.

While it might not be apparent at first to US citizens, there really are a lot of differences in culture amongst the nations of Latin America. For example, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and Brazil continue to maintain a heavy European influence. The Andean Republics, on the other hand, are heavily influenced by indigenous cultures.

6. There are many beautiful resorts that rival those in the Caribbean.

From Mexico to Argentina, many European and US-style resorts have been built in the costal communities. While they won't provide a good representation of the culture, they rival the best resorts in the Caribbean.

7. In South America, you can visit both the Galapagos Islands and use it as a base from which to explore Antarctica.

The shear ecological diversity of Latin America is something to behold. Even though the rainforest is in danger, it still renders much of the continent nearly uninhabitable. There are islands, such as the Galapagos, that almost contain their own eco-systems. The islands of the Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire) provide a jumping off point for those wishing to visit Antarctica.

8. You can experience just about any climate you wish.

It doesn't really matter what time of year it is, you can find an area of Latin America that is experiencing tropical or sub-tropical weather. In addition, you can also find areas that are snow covered all year around in the Andes. There is just about every climate in between as well.

9. There is incredible nightlife to be found.

While you might be hard pressed to find much nightlife in small towns and villages, every city that is of any size will have a wide array of nightlife. In the US, it is rare for people of all ages to enjoy a night out on the town. This isn't the case in Latin America. You can find dance clubs filled with people of all ages, income levels, and nationalities. It is something to behold. Don't prepare for a typical night out in the US.

10. The people are incredibly friendly.

While it is true that you have to take care in order to be safe in Latin America, the truth is that most locals you meet will go out of their way to help you in any way that they can. It isn't uncommon to be invited to family gatherings or outings. You will be surprised at how quickly the stereotypes melt away.