Try These Travel Destinations To Immerse Yourself In Hispanic Culture And History

Traveling is more than a vacation; it’s an opportunity for exploration. You get a taste of another culture and learn something new, all while relaxing. It’s difficult to say no to that!

Latin America, currently in a tourism renaissance, offers travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the vibrance of Hispanic culture. Ancient ruins, lively festivals, traditional foods, and centuries-old traditions are enticing more and more travelers to visit. The numbers don’t lie: nearly 40 million U.S. citizens visited Latin America and the Caribbean in 2021 and the U.S. is the top market searching for trips to Central America in 2024.

With so many incredible options available, here are a few top destinations where you can experience the richness of Hispanic culture.

Built on the ruins of an Inca city, visiting Quito is like stepping back in time. In the Old Town, you’ll find plenty of examples of the Baroque School of Quito: a mix of Spanish, Italian, Moorish, Flemish, and Indigenous traditions. It’s also where you’ll find the best traditional food: seco de chivo, patacones, quesadillas, quiteñas, and cuy asado, an Incan specialty.

If you love festivals, the Fiestas de Quito takes place in November. You can expect live music, parades, bullfights, games of cuarenta (a traditional card game), and chivas (mobile dance floors). While there, don’t miss the La Ronda neighborhood, an artistic area full of artisanal shops, bars, and restaurants or visiting a curandera for a physical or spiritual cleansing.

Buenos Aires is a city of passions – steak, fútbol, and tango. Visit San Telmo, the oldest neighborhood, to feel the bohemian vibes, eat at a steakhouse, and browse the antique shops. The city is also full of fairs and markets where you can browse traditional artisanal goods. Fútbol is a way of life here so try to catch a game at La Bombonera – it is said to be one of the world’s top spectator sports experiences.

As the world capital of tango, music and dance are also a big part of the city’s cultural identity. There are many ways to experience tango but a milonga is the most authentic. They happen almost every night throughout the city and are open to everyone. If you visit in August, you’ll be there for the International Tango Festival and World Cup.

Antigua offers visitors an inside look at the country’s history and culture through its textiles. In shops and textile museums, you’ll find handwoven outfits from Guatemala’s 22 Indigenous Maya communities. You can experience this tradition firsthand through weaving classes, natural dye workshops, and by visiting one of the textile studios. While you’re there, don’t miss the National Museum of Art Guatemala which houses 3,000 years of history that dates back to the Mayas. Take advantage of the local comedors that serve traditional food like pepián de pollo, which is THE dish to try.

Peru maintains a deep connection to the Incan Empire and Cusco’s historic center showcases that along with Spanish culture. Start in the Plaza de Armas and meander the streets, making sure to visit Qorikancha, an Incan historical site. The streets are full of restaurants and street food vendors where you can sample local dishes but if you want a more unique experience, visit San Pedro Market. It’s the main food market and the oldest market in the city. About 20 minutes from Plaza de Armas, you’ll find the San Blas neighborhood – cobblestone streets, colonial architecture, folk art, and handcrafted artisan goods.

While Costa Rica is well-known for its lush and tropical landscapes, it is also home to deeply rooted traditions. Sarchí is the heart of these traditions, where artisans use centuries-old methods to handcraft oxcarts, the national symbol of Costa Rica. You’ll also find Sarchí-style wooden furniture in local shops and at the Crafts Market. Visit Joaquin Chaverri Oxcart Factory where you can see the artists working and even try painting in their studio. Feast on casado and gallo pinto, traditional Costa Rican dishes you can find anywhere.