7 Breathtaking Destinations in Latin America to Cross Off Your Bucket List

These bucket list-worthy destinations in Latin America will have you booking a flight before you finish this list!

For travellers living in Asia, countries in Latin America, including parts of North, Central, and South America and the Caribbean, are often seen as uncommon travel destinations. For many, they represent once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

But that’s exactly what makes this part of the world so thrilling – every destination feels like stepping into a storybook.

One moment, you’re exploring an ancient Incan city with its breathtaking stonework. The next, you’re horseback-riding across high-altitude plains or marvelling at vast, mirror-like salt lakes that seem plucked from a dream. It’s this ever-shifting sense of wonder that transforms every journey into something truly extraordinary.

Ready to be amazed? Here are seven out-of-this-world destinations to add to your epic Latin America adventure!

1) Machu Picchu (Peru)

Photo credit: The Travel Intern

One of the New Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu is the crown jewel of the Andes and a must-see for any trip to Latin America.

Perched high in the Andes, this ancient Incan city has stunning stone structures and terraces nestled in lush mountains and forests.

One of them is the mystical Temple of the Sun, a remarkable site that will leave architecture and history lovers in awe of the Incas' ability to build such complex structures.

Photo credit: @chris-medina-571461651 via Pexels

Instead of just exploring the central ruins, hike up Huayna Picchu, a steep mountain that towers over them — offering a breathtaking bird’s-eye view of Machu Picchu.

The challenging trail winds through lush greenery and ancient Incan terraces. From the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a view of the entire citadel, surrounded by dramatic peaks and the winding Urubamba River.

Photo credit: Salkantay Trekking

But before you take on Machu Picchu, consider staying in the town of Aguas Calientes instead of Cuzco. Its name literally translates to “hot waters”, so as you might expect, it’s a great place to relax at natural hot springs before the tough climb.

2) Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia)

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Hop on a flight to Bolivia and check out the mind-blowing Salar de Uyuni (Uyuni Salt Flats)—a massive salt-covered landscape stretching over 10,000 km². That’s about six times bigger than Singapore! 

The best time to visit is during the rainy season, from January to March, when a thin layer of water turns the flats into a perfectly reflective natural mirror, making for an otherworldly photo opportunity. 

Photo credit: @leorossatti via Pexels

But even if you go when it’s dry, you’ll still be able to catch the unique sight of its cracked white salt grounds creating fascinating geometric shapes.

This epic landscape can be explored on a four-wheel drive, where you will see incredible sights such as  the colourful lagoons Laguna Colorada and Laguna Verde, both renowned for their striking vivid waters. Or hike up the cacti-filled Incahuasi Island, which offers panoramic views of the salt flats.

At night, the skies are incredibly clear and free of light pollution, making it a great spot for stargazing.

Photo credit: Agoda

Or to make your experience even more magical, stay in Palacio de Sal, a luxury hotel made from salt. Yes, that means salt bricks, salt walls, and salt furniture!

They also have modern amenities like a day spa, and a heated saltwater pool. Their on-site restaurant also serves international cuisine and Bolivian specialties; some made with salt from the flats themselves.

3) Atacama Desert (Chile)

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The Atacama Desert in Chile feels like stepping onto another planet. Think sprawling salt flats, jagged volcanoes, and rust-red canyons. Its surreal terrain has been carved over centuries by wind and natural forces, making for otherworldly landscapes.

Fun fact for space buffs: as one of the driest places on Earth, it’s also become a testing ground for space exploration technologies.

Photo credit: @icarus via Pexels

It’s home to incredible natural wonders — most notably El Tatio, one of the largest geothermal fields in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, over 80 geysers shoot steam into the air.

Best visited at sunrise, you’ll witness blankets of mist surrounded by snow-capped peaks as the first rays of sunlight creep in!

For something more relaxing, head to Termas de Puritama to soak in mineral-rich hot springs tucked in a scenic rocky canyon. Or take a dip in the Baltinache Salt Lagoons, where the high salt content lets you float effortlessly in stunning turquoise pools.

Photo credit: @jverdi via Unsplash

This is also where you’ll find Valle de la Luna (Moon Valley), which turns into vibrant hues of red, orange, and purple as the sun sets. Its sharp ridges, salt-covered ground, and bizarre rock shapes make for a one-of-a-kind landscape.

Photo credit: @erike-fusiki-58866350 via Pexels

At night, the desert transforms into a real-life planetarium. With the lack of light pollution, you can go on a stargazing tour to see countless stars, constellations, and even planets with the naked eye. 

4) Andes Mountain Range (South America)

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Stretching over 7,000km along the western edge of South America, the Andes is the world’s longest mountain range. Formed by massive tectonic shifts millions of years ago, it’s a breathtaking natural wonder you’ll want to experience at least once in your life.

Today, it’s home to countless outdoor adventures, and spans a whopping seven countries: Peru, Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, Bolivia, Colombia, and Venezuela.

Devil’s Nose. Photo credit: Nature Galapagos & Ecuador

The Andes is a gateway to many breathtaking landscapes. Think scenic road trips such as Argentina’s Ruta 40 and Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes, iconic rail journeys like Peru’s Andean Explorer and Ecuador’s Devil’s Nose, and unforgettable hiking adventures.

Machu Picchu may be the most iconic site in the Andes, but if you want to see the stunning Incan ruins with fewer crowds, hike up Choquequirao Archaeological Park. It’s often dubbed ‘Machu Picchu’s Little Sister’.

Photo credit: @gilmerdiaz via Pexels

Nestled within this majestic mountain range is the Sacred Valley, a beautiful gem shaped naturally over time by the Urubamba River. Thrill-seekers can enjoy mountain-biking through its dramatic peaks and picturesque villages. 

For the less adventurous, immerse yourself in local culture by visiting one of the many remote mountain villages and learning about the Andeans’ way of life.

5) Parque Nacional Cotopaxi (Ecuador)

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Parque Nacional Cotopaxi in Ecuador is home to Cotopaxi Volcano, one of the world’s highest active volcanoes.

Many are drawn to its iconic snow-capped peaks, and taking on the challenging José Rivas Refuge trek, which rewards hikers with panoramic Andean views and a close-up look of the Cotopaxi Glacier.

Photo credit: @ecuadortravels via Instagram

The national park is also home to scenic spots like Laguna de Limpiopungo, a tranquil lake known for its postcard-worthy backdrop view of Cotopaxi Volcano. Make sure to come here during sunrise or sunset, when the light casts a golden glow over its waters.

Here, you can also enjoy peaceful walks while spotting a diverse range of wildlife, from Andean birds to wild horses.

Photo credit: Cotopaxi Horse Tours

But for something more majestic, consider a peaceful horseback ride through high-altitude páramos (high treeless plateaus only found in South America). Take in the fresh mountain air, and the vast fields of grass and colourful wildflowers, stretching as far as the eye can see.

Along the way, you might pass through ancient trails, scenic lakes, and quiet mountain streams.

6) Iguazu Falls (border of Argentina and Brazil)

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On the Argentina-Brazil border lies the Iguazu Falls, a series of 275 cascades, which form a spectacular wall of water in the heart of the jungle.

There are many ways to take in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site: stroll along walking trails, see it from above on a helicopter tour, or ride a speedboat that takes you under the falls.

Photo credit: @Tatiane Herder via Pexels

If there is one viewpoint you should not miss, it’s Devil’s Throat. This is perhaps the best spot to really take in just how powerful the falls truly are: expect thunderous crashes, a lot of mist, and rainbows.

Here's a pro tip! If you want to avoid the crowds and enjoy cooler weather, plan your visit to the falls between May and September.

7) Easter Island (Chile)

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While Easter Island is a 5-hour flight from Santiago, Chile, it’s considered a worthy bucket list destination thanks to its dramatic coastal cliffs and significant archaeological sites.

But perhaps nothing defines this mystical island more than Moai — iconic human-like stone statues carved by the Rapa Nui people.

Photo credit: PADI via Facebook

There are many places to see them on the island, like Ahu Tongariki or Rano Raraku, a volcano quarry. You can even snorkel off Easter Island and see some of them submerged in the waters.

The best way to get around is by renting a bike, as you can discover rugged coastlines and secluded beaches at your own pace, while soaking in the peaceful atmosphere.

Its relatively flat terrain makes for a breezy ride with stunning views everywhere, and lets you experience its laidback charm firsthand.

 Ready for the trip of a lifetime? Pack your bags, because Latin America is calling!

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Latin America is a treasure trove of otherworldly bucket list destinations waiting to be explored. Whether you're booking flights to marvel at the mystical Moai statues on Easter Island, planning a journey across Bolivia’s surreal salt flats, or soaking in the breathtaking beauty of Iguazu Falls, make your Latin American dream trip even more rewarding with your UOB Credit/ Debit Card!

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