Five Underrated Latin American Cities To Visit In 2022

Though international travel has yet to return to its pre-pandemic rates, 2022 offers a world of opportunity for those who are still eagerly awaiting their next flight out of the country since early 2020. When it comes to off-the-beaten-path travel, Latin America is a treasure trove of fascinating and underexplored cities stretching from Mexico down to Cape Horn. As you plan your first international trip of the new year, be sure to keep these underrated cities in mind.

Montevideo, Uruguay

Though small in size compared to some of South America’s other capitals, the seaside city of Montevideo comes equipped with sandy beaches, world-class museums, and an incredible food and drink scene. For first-time visitors, the Plaza Independencia is an absolute must-visit, with a wealth of restaurants and colonial-era landmarks all lining the perimeter of the square. After a hearty lunch (and perhaps a glass of Tannat, Uruguay’s most famous red wine) be sure to head east to Playa de los Pocitos, an idyllic beach that offers sweeping views of the surrounding city.

Ponce, Puerto Rico

San Juan has earned endless acclaim for its rich history and vibrant nightlife, but for those wishing to experience urban life on Puerto Rico’s southern shore, few cities can compare to Ponce. Visitors are welcome to unwind with a Medalla in hand at La Guancha—the city’s charming boardwalk district—or spend some time exploring the Castillo Serrallés, a massive 1930s-era mansion perched on two acres of verdant gardens. Of course, no visit is complete without paying a visit to the Museo de Arte de Ponce, one of the island’s most acclaimed art museums containing over 4,000 different works.

Iquitos, Peru

Located in the remote northeastern reaches of Peru, the city of Iquitos may be a little tough to get to, but the abundant opportunity for ecotourism just past city limits makes it well worth the effort. Less than one hour north of the city by boat, visitors can find Monkey Island, a small preserve dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of Peru’s native primates. For those wishing to explore the pristine depths of the Peruvian rainforest, local tour company Jungle Reps offers day tours and multi-day excursions into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, a vast expanse of jungle that’s home to tapirs, otters, jaguars, and a wealth of other South American species.

Natal, Brazil

Brazil’s northern coastal cities tend to get overshadowed by Rio and São Paulo when it comes to tourism, but that doesn’t mean the northeast isn’t worth visiting. Case in point—the city of Natal, a seaside hub that’s rife with spectacular natural beauty all across its coast. The city’s southernmost reaches are home to the stunning Ponta Negra Beach, which gives way to massive sand dunes that make up the bulk of Natal’s eastern coast. Measuring in at roughly 3,000 acres of protected land, the Natal Dunes State Park is the perfect destination for hiking, jogging, and searching for native Brazilian wildlife.

Mérida, Mexico

Yucatán cities like Cancún and Playa del Carmen are renowned for their raging party scene, but the abundantly charming Mérida tends to fly under the radar for visiting foreigners. For fans of ornate architecture, the Plaza Grande offers a wealth of truly gorgeous buildings on its perimeter, ranging from the Iglesia de San Juan Bautista to the Catedral de Mérida, one of the oldest churches in the Americas. Just south of the city, the Reserva Estatal Geohidrológica Anillo de Cenotes offers an opportunity to experience the beauty of an authentic Yucatán cenote, or underground karst sinkhole.