MOST GORGEOUS BEACHES IN LATIN AMERICA (Part 1)

Pristine palm fringed beaches with clear waters are everywhere in Central and South America. From the legendary beaches of Brazil to the lesser known waters in Colombia and Venezuela, Latin America has a spicy tropical vibe that few can resist. While some beaches attract tourists from all over the world, others only see a few local beachgoers and the occasional backpacker. Whether you are looking for a tropical paradise or somewhere to party, there are many great beaches to choose from throughout the region. Here are just a few examples:

Ambergris Caye, Belize

(Shared by Melissa, Parenthood and Passports)

Ambergris Caye is the largest and most popular of the Belizean islands. The island offers 25 miles of white sand beaches surrounded by shallow, calm seas that are perfect for snorkeling. Just a short 15 minute flight from Belize City, or a one-hour ferry ride from the mainland you’ll find a relaxing atmosphere and plenty of things to do in Ambergris Caye, beyond the beautiful Central American beaches.

Wading out into the water from the beach, the seaweed can be rather dense, however, walk to the edge of any dock and you will find waist deep, clear water with plenty of fish to gaze upon while snorkeling. If you prefer scuba diving or snorkeling over pristine coral reefs, you’ll find some of the best reefs and diving in the world just 30 minutes away by boat.

Tayrona National Park, Colombia

If you've every daydreamed about what it would be like to stroll barefoot on a beach of soft, white sand, with waves of turquoise, crystalline waters lapping at your feet, enveloping you with a sense of peace and serenity, you are going to want to visit the Tayrona National Natural Park, included among the world's most beautiful destinations by Condé Nast Traveler magazine and British newspaper The Guardian.

Tayrona is also a perfect place for snorkeling and scuba diving to explore the copious marine life flourishing in the waters around Isla Aguja and Granate. In Bahía Neguanje you'll also find expert tour guides who will teach you about snorkeling and help you discover the wide variety of corals and fish species in the area.

Los Roques Archipelago National Park, Venezuela

Off the Venezuelan coast, Los Roques is a brochure-beautiful archipelago rinsed by the bluest Caribbean waters. Stick a pin in the map and you can’t go wrong – world-class beaches are par for the course round these parts. Snorkelers and divers are in their element on Los Roques: the National Park is known for breathtaking coral reefs by the hundred. And if you fancy doing something less strenuous – or doing nothing at all – the white sands have your name written all over them.

Tulum, Mexico

One look at Tulum’s impossibly beautiful beaches and you’ll already be booking your plane ticket to Mexico. This premier beach on the Yucatán Peninsula features 7km of the finest powder sand and perfect blue water. Need more than a sun lounger to hold your attention? This coastal town on the Yucatán Peninsula has perfectly preserved Mayan ruins, exotic wildlife encounters, jungle thrills, top-notch shopping, wellness facilities and a food scene worth the trip alone. 

Anakena, Chile

Totally on its own, thousands of miles out in the Pacific, Chile’s Easter Island is more famous for its moai standing stone heads than its sandy shores. But this is not only a place for anthropologists and the intrepid outward-bound brigade. Bring a bikini and you’ll look every inch the part on stunning Anakena Beach, with its blinding white sands. Mornings are the best time to head on down as you will have it almost entirely to yourself while most visitors tour those historic statues. Not that there’s no ancient eye candy – the beach is home to six intriguing moai, looking on as they have for centuries while you work on your so-this-season suntan.

Resource: volunteerlatinamerica.com, theculturetrip.com, cuppatocopatravels.com, colombia.travel