The Top 10 Central and South American Cities Loved in 2023

Countless readers of T+L are invited to give their thoughts on many aspects of global travel every year for our World's Best Awards poll. We ask them to rate their favorite hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. There was a nearly 25% increase in participation from pre-pandemic levels in the 2023 survey, with over 165,000 T+L readers taking part. Nearly 680,000 people from more than 8,500 different establishments (cities, hotels, cruise lines, etc.) cast their ballots. 

Here are the precise criteria that were used to rate cities: 

• Sights/landmarks 

• Culture 

• Food 

• Friendliness 

• Shopping 

• Value 

Participants could select "great," "above average," "average," "below average," or "poor" to describe each attribute. The averages of these answers make up the final scores.

There was just one new player on this year's list, Mendoza, Argentina (No. 6), as voters stuck with the 2022 winners. Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, received high marks from readers for its lively culture, thrilling nightlife, and welcoming residents, propelling it to number five on the list. We were fortunate enough to be here for the World Cup, and rooting for Argentina to victory was an unforgettable experience. A reader reminisced about how incredible it was to share the excitement with the entire city. Bogotá (No. 10) and Cartagena (No. 2) are both Colombian cities that made it. Visitors were encouraged to take in the sights of Old Cartagena's Walled City and relax on the beautiful white sand beaches that border the Caribbean Sea. Cartagena is a vibrant and entertaining metropolis. The city has the tastiest food I've ever had, beautiful beaches, welcoming locals, and plenty of wildlife," one voter exclaimed. 

The capital city of Ecuador, Quito, comes in at number four on the list, representing the nation. With its stunning old churches and cathedrals, mouthwatering Ecuadorian cuisine, and proximity to an active stratovolcano, the city of Quito enchanted readers despite being just 16 miles from the equator. I adored the city throughout my business trip. Both the past and the present are rich with historical sites. A reader made the observation that the local marketplaces are brimming with lovely handcrafted goods and that the people are pleasant. Make sure you visit the equator. You should do it. 

In the end, though, T+L readers' hearts belonged to Cuzco, Peru, for our 2023 World's Best Awards. See the reasoning for it down below.

Cuzco, Peru 

T+L readers have long favored this subject, and for the last five years running, the epicentre of the Inca Empire has topped the list. Machu Picchu and the Inca Trail Network were briefly closed due to civil protests and political turmoil that hit popular Peruvian areas like Cuzco last year. There has been a marked decrease in the number of protesters visiting Cuzco and the Sacred Valley since March, and the city and its must-see attractions are once again welcoming visitors. It is the perfect time to arrange a trip to Cuzco, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over a thousand years of architecture and delicious local specialties like fried fish and cuy al horno, a roasted guinea pig. Fusion cuisines from all over the world come together in this eatery. A voter from South America's oldest city gushed over the variety of hotels and how the city is so charming and easy to explore on foot. Readers also gushed about Cuzco's beautiful architecture, welcoming residents, cleanliness, and shopping.