June 30, 2026, 4:55 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
In Central and South America, travelers are famously greeted with true vacation paradises. But where is the best off-the-beaten-path destination? Help us decide and vote for your favorite here!
Whether it’s a jungle tour through Costa Rica, relaxing on the white sand beaches of the Caribbean, surfing and snorkeling in Brazil, or exploring the Inca culture of Peru–the diversity of Central and South America is immense. The beauty of nature, the hospitality of the locals, and the local specialties are no longer a secret.
For this year’s TRAVELBOOK Award, we are looking for a true hidden gem that we can wholeheartedly recommend. The candidates have been personally selected by our editorial team. Now it’s your turn: Vote for your favorite. The hidden gem with the most votes will be crowned the winner in the Hidden Gem Destination category in Central and South America on September 24, 2026.
Our Candidates for the Best Hidden Gem Destination
Nuquí, Colombia
The community of Nuquí on Colombia’s Pacific west coast combines sea and rainforest in a small area. Away from the urban hustle and bustle, you can swim on empty beaches, hike through dense jungle, and experience the country’s culture in small villages. A special highlight: From July to September, humpback whales come particularly close to the beaches of Nuquí.
Boca Chica, Panama
The mainland and its associated islands near Boca Chica are still largely unnoticed by tourists. On the secluded beaches, you can relax, snorkel and fish in the turquoise waters, and stroll through the tropical forests. Keep an eye out: Many small monkeys and parrots hide in the treetops.
Petén, Guatemala
As the northernmost and least populated of Guatemala’s departments, Petén is primarily known as the Maya heartland. In places like Tikal National Park and Yaxhá, you can marvel at the cultural past of all humanity. In the country’s largest national park, often referred to as the “third lung of the Earth,” rare animals such as jaguars and howler monkeys, as well as a large number of exotic birds, live.
Jalapão, Brazil
Rarely do you see such a diverse landscape with different vegetation coming together: Along clear river courses, tall palms and shrubs grow amid a sandy dune landscape with wide table mountains on the horizon. The contrast of savanna and jungle also makes the region a special habitat for animals like capybaras, tapirs, or maned wolves.
Parque Nacional Iberá, Argentina
In this vast swamp area in the northeastern part of Argentina, near Paraguay, live not only crocodiles and caimans but also cute otters and capybaras. In the air, cormorants, vultures, and jabirus circle. The sparkling water is full of blooming plants like lilies, water poppies, hyacinths, and orchids.