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As fall transitions into winter in the United States, so does my desire to go someplace warmer, to disconnect on a beach, avoid the gray skies, and allow my phone to go to voicemail.
Each year, it comes down to where to go. Belize and its carless islands? The familiarity of expats and creature comforts in Costa Rica? The mix of Peruvian and Chilean cuisines? The art form of capoeira and sounds of Gal Costa’s Aquarela Do Brasil that give the impression that you’re in the Brazil of the past?
Over the years, these countries have become my go-to places and my safe havens for when the wind starts knocking on my window. Not all of them are easily accessible, but that is part of their charm.
Although a few may have tourists here and there, for the most part, you will find locals spending their vacation time at most of these locales and, if you arrive at the right time, you will also find me enjoying one of the beautiful beaches.
Central America boasts stunning beaches like those in Costa Rica’s Manuel Antonio with lush rainforest backdrops, offering diverse wildlife encounters. South America’s beaches, such as Brazil’s Fernando de Noronha, dazzle with crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Both regions offer paradise-like settings, yet Central America’s beaches often have a more untouched, rustic charm while South America’s tend to be more developed with bustling beach towns and vibrant cultures
Below is my guide to my favorite beach getaways from Belize to Uruguay, plus a bonus recommendation in Mexico.
Best Beach Towns in Central and South America
1. Ramon’s Village
Ambergris Caye, Belize
Due to the country using English as a local language and its location near the United States, Belize is a quick getaway from almost every major U.S. city.
To reach the islands of Belize, you fly into Philip S.W. Goldson International (BZE). From there, you take a shuttle to one of two ferries that go to the islands or take a short flight into the San Pedro Regional Airport (SPR).
Once there, you have a few options. My favorite beach is Ramon’s Village in Ambergris Caye — the biggest of all the islands. I gravitate to this specific destination due to its restaurants, bars, and Garifuna food.
From here, you can easily grab a boat to go snorkeling, scuba diving, parasailing, or visiting Shark Ray Alley.
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2. Playa El Tunco
El Salvador
Although not on most travelers’ radar, Playa El Tunco rewards its visitors by showing a side of the country (on the Pacific) not seen often or portrayed in a positive light. Before arriving at San Salvador International (SAL), arrange for transportation to take you to the town of La Libertad.
Only 35 minutes away from the airport, you can utilize the time to see the beauty of the country and hopefully get some pollo (chicken) campero. Luxury accommodations are on the far end of Playa El Tunco and overlook the ocean. A rocky barrier partitions the public (Playa Las Flores) and private sides of the beach.
Although the private side leaves you with long stretches with almost no one in sight, the public side has the restaurants and fishermen who are delighted that the Americans are visiting. English is barely spoken here, so here is your opportunity to practice your Spanish. Locals will have a million questions for you and want to share their lives and stories with you.
Pro Tip: Carry some cash.
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3. San Juan Del Sur
Nicaragua
A beach town that serves as a stopover before heading deeper into the country, San Juan Del Sur has an interesting history due to American William S. Walker, who used the site as a port of entry before proclaiming himself the president of Nicaragua in 1856.
Once again, book transportation before flying into Managua International (MGA). You can take a regional bus, but I strongly suggest private transportation for the 2-hour trek. The laid-back vibe and attitude will grab you instantly. While here, I took long naps on the beach, ate late lunches, and lost track of time.
A prime surf, scuba diving, and snorkeling site, you will find a few surfers stopping by to catch a few waves, party in town, before leaving the next day via the bus station. For families, there are vendors offering pony and donkey rides up and down the beach.
The people are friendly, and every day feels like Sunday. My only gripe is that a few locals attempted to sell me everything from souvenirs and cigarettes to coconut water while I was trying to relax.
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4. Playa Herradura
Jaco, Costa Rica
Transportation from San Jose International (SJO) is a 90-minute ride to the Caribbean side of the country and one of the most popular destinations. Deciding to steer clear of the crowds, I stayed at one of the resorts at Playa Herradura.
What I prefer about this area just a short drive from the city of Jaco are the creature comforts that I am used to coming from a Caribbean family — namely, the food. While in Herradura, it tasted authentic. In the city, I noticed that a number of restaurants received their food from American companies. The taste was different, even a bit bland.
Playa Herradura is the perfect place for spending time with friends. When I’m there, I like to meet for a few drinks, explore the area that was the inspiration for the original Jurassic Park, and relax on the beach while watching the boats out on the water.
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5. Puerto Villamil Beach, Isabela Island
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
A short walk from the port where all the ferries to other islands are located is Puerto Villamil. It is a strange sensation to relax on a beach where flamingos walk by, but that is exactly what you will experience.
This is a location with spotty cell service and only a few ATMs where you can detach and enjoy the scenery while trying to spot the various inhabitants who call this place home.
Ask a local guide to take you around the island, go snorkeling or hiking, or try to spot the various penguins, tortoises, and boobies that swim by.
When you are done, stop at one of the local restaurants along the beach and relax.
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6. Playa Cavancha
Iquique, Chile
Located in the north of Chile, Iquique is an ideal entry point to the Atacama Desert and home to Empanadas Don Ignacio, which serves some of the best empanadas in the country.
Iquique is one of the most unique cities in the country. Because Iquique was a part of Peru prior to the War of the Pacific (1879–1884), you will undoubtedly notice a mix of cultures, foods, and spices that exists only in this region.
Playa Cavancha sits next to the main artery of Avenue Arturo Prat Chacon, a great site for watching the waves and taking a sandboarding lesson. More often than not, the waters are too turbulent to swim in, but the views are amazing as the city’s few tall buildings create a photo-worthy site once the sun starts to set.
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7. Playa Brava
Punta Del Este, Uruguay
In one of the best beach towns in South America, grab a chivito (Uruguayan steak and egg sandwich) and head to Playa Brava to experience the jet-set life. Punta del Este is where the famous go to vacation. Going back to the 1950s, the site has attracted all sorts due to its beautiful beaches and nightlife.
Going by many names — the Monaco of the South, Pearl of the Atlantic, the Hamptons of South America, Miami Beach of South America, and St. Tropez of South America — this is where you can get away and run into American or Latin celebrities.
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8. Praia Do Rio Vermelho
Salvador De Bahia, Brazil
Most travelers prefer Rio de Janeiro, but Salvador is my preference. Laid back and with more families as well as couples visiting Farol da Barra for some private time, Praia do Rio Vermelho does not have crowds, but there are plenty of nightclubs in the vicinity where travelers can practice their samba.
During the day, you can take a private speedboat tour of the area or visit the surrounding islands before watching the sun set over the Atlantic.
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9. Punta del Diablo, Uruguay
A stone’s throw away from the Brazilian border, Punta del Diablo in Uruguay exudes boho vibes. You can enjoy the town’s laid-back atmosphere while relaxing under the sun or playing beach volleyball. This is one of Uruguay’s most liberal party spots where smoking marijuana isn’t prohibited.
From Christmas until February, this little town with 900 inhabitants turns into a major tourist destination. The rest of the year travelers can enjoy the tranquility of its winding dirt streets and long stretches of beautiful empty white sand beaches.
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10. Bocas del Toro, Panama
Bocas del Toro on Isla Colón is the capital of the identically named province in northeast Panama which comprises a small piece of the mainland and an archipelago of islands.
With calypso and reggae rhythms in the streets, the archipelago of Bocas is a reflection of Afro-Caribbean culture. The archipelago was also declared a Hope Spot by Mission Blue, for the restoration of coral reefs. For this reason, adding diving and snorkeling into your travel itinerary is a fantastic idea.
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Bonus: Punta Maldonado (El Faro)
Guerreo/Oaxaca State Border, Mexico
It feels odd to me to speak of all these Latin American destinations without including Mexico. So while it’s not technically in Central or South America, I want to introduce Punta Maldonado — a reminder of what Mexican beach towns were once like. There are no fast-food restaurants here. Instead, you have families preparing regional meals. It is quiet and removed. The loudest noises you will encounter are the sound of children playing and the regional bus calling out for customers.
Known as El Faro (The Lighthouse), Punta Maldonado sits along Costa Chica (Short Coast) on the border of the Guerrero and Oaxacan states. To reach this destination means either flying into Acapulco International (ACA) or Puerto Escondido (PXM) and taking regional transportation that will take you right to the beach.
It’s known by locals for a slave ship that crashed off its coast, forcing its shackled inhabitants to swim to shore, and there are many people in the area who trace their lineage to those swimmers. More of a fishing town, you will find numerous vessels tied to makeshift docks and fishermen going out for the day’s catch while their families take care of chores.
Hotels are located on the top floors of a few local homes. The area is rough-looking, but that is part of its charm. It is safe, but no tourism dollars have gone to the area, and you can see it in the infrastructure and architecture. The locals were repairing their nautical museum when I was there — repaving the ground and cleaning it.
A few restaurants are over the water. It won’t be too long before someone offers you a Victoria beer and a menu featuring fresh ceviche.
Pro Tips: Carry cash as there are not any ATMs and cell service is spotty. Head up the road to catch the lighthouse watcher, who will let you go inside for a panoramic view. Put a few pesos in the box before leaving.
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No matter which Mexican, Central, or South American beach destination you prefer, each offers its own unique charm, fun excursions, accessibility to locals who will be fascinated that you made it there, and delicious local foods that make the trek absolutely worth it.
Planning your beach vacation? Consider all our beach content here.
FAQs
Which South American Country to Go For a Beach Vacation?
Beautiful beaches in South America go far beyond the famous Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro. There are stunning beaches from Colombia to Peru, and even the Galapagos and Chile. Whether for a tranquil escape, nightlife, or a rugged wilderness, there are amazing beaches in South America for everyone.
Why Travel to Beach Towns in South America?
Whether you daydream about surfing waves, relaxing at beach clubs, or simply strolling along the sand after a refreshing dip, with the Atlantic, Pacific, and Caribbean sea on its shores, South America has a beach city to fulfill every traveler’s wishes.
Which Central American Country to Go For a Beach Vacation?
From Mexico and the Caribbean Islands to countries on the Central Pacific coast like Honduras, Belize, Costa Rica, and Panama, the most famous beaches are truly unbeatable. They also boasts some of the best beach towns in Central America.
Why Visit Beach Towns in Central America?
Beach towns in Central America cater to every taste. With long stretches of white sands, warm clear waters, fun parties, or laid-back surf towns, anyone looking for a beach vacation would be wise to visit South America. Given the enormity of this continent, beach options are vast.
Central America vs South America: Which Is Better?
The easy answer to Central America vs South America would be to visit both. Nonetheless, with stunning beaches on all sides, a trip to Central America is more suited for family trips, while in South America a lot of its charm lies inland so it may be more suited to active adventurers.