Latin American and Central American Top 10 Cities

The allure of the top Central and South American towns, as rated by readers of Travel + Leisure, is undeniable, from the lively Copacabana nightlife in Rio de Janeiro to the museums and ancient ruins of Cuzco. In 2022, the reader-voted top ten cities in this region included both perennial favorites like Lima and Buenos Aires and intriguing newcomers like Montevideo, the coastline capital of Uruguay, which came in at number ten. 

T+L annually polls its readers for the World's Best Awards, asking them to rate their favorite destinations, hotels, restaurants, spas, airlines, and more from all around the world. Travelers ranked cities according to their cultural offerings, culinary delights, customer service, retail therapy, and overall value. 

Cuzco, Peru, a city at an altitude that is both attractive and mysterious, took first place, while T+L readers still love places in Colombia, Brazil, and elsewhere. This year, São Paulo jumped from number ten in 2021 to number four, thanks to its impressive array of architectural wonders and the addition of several premium hotels. Tourists praised Rio de Janeiro, Brazil's second competitor at number three, for its gastronomy, music, and the wealthy beachside enclaves of Leblon and Ipanema. I

t's no surprise that Bogotá (ranked #9) and Cartagena (ranked #6), both in Colombia, are among the best cities to live. One reader offered the suggestion of staying in the Movich Hotel in Cartagena's Old Town. (There are just 32 rooms, but the property is conveniently located for visiting the old churches in the city.) Readers adored the casual boliches, or late-night cafés, in Montevideo, Uruguay, another beach hotspot, where they could have "the best beef asado dishes in South America, bar none." 

Read on to see which additional Central and South American cities readers thought were the finest. 

1. Cuzco, Perú

"This city is a must for anyone interested in South American history," a voter stated. "It's a beautiful place in an extraordinary location." The verdant Vilcabamba Mountains rise so dramatically from the surrounding terrain that they appear to be alive, and the low-slung buildings spread out like rivulets flowing down them. "Cuzco" is derived from a Quechua term meaning "center") and was formerly the capital of the Incan Tawantinsuyu empire. Today, it is still a vibrant Indigenous community and a must-see destination, not merely a stop on the way to Machu Picchu in the northeast. Even the most discriminating tourists will be taken aback by its rich history, breathtaking natural scenery, and, who knows, maybe the vertiginous 12,000-foot elevation. The local cuisine was also well-received by readers, who praised the abundance of organic options and the chocolate museum's educational programs. 

2. Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala 

3. Rio de Janeiro 

4. São Paulo, Brazil 

5. Lima 

6. Cartagena, Colombia 

7. Buenos Aires 

8. Quito, Ecuador 

9. Bogotá, Colombia 

10. Montevideo, Uruguay