Looking to experience the best capital cities in Latin America? The metropolises in this article offer up the best mix of attractions, cuisine, culture and nightlife. Book a trip to any of the following places, and we assure you that you will not be disappointed!
1) Mexico City, Mexico
The largest and wealthiest city in all of Latin America, the rising profile of Mexico City is rehabilitating its image from a dirty, sprawling megalopolis to a centre of culture and commerce. On the first point, it has one of the greatest concentrations of museums per capita of any major cities in the world, but if you don’t have the time to comb through every one, make sure that you at least check out the Museum of Anthropology.
Located in Chapultepec Park, this institution contains artifacts from every pre-Columbian culture that existed in Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish, as well as info on the changes that occurred when the Europeans arrived on the scene.
Other highlights to seek out here include the Zocalo (see an altar made of solid gold at the Metropolitan Cathedral), Zona Rosa (the hub of the city’s nightlife scene) and authentic Mexican food from every region of the nation at abundant street stalls everywhere throughout the city.
2) Buenos Aires, Argentina
At the other end of Latin America lies what many consider to be the Paris of this part of the world, as Buenos Aires has a sense of style and love of life that mimics its European counterpart. The street life here is active, with art work, cafes, and fabulously dressed people seemingly everywhere.
San Telmo and Palermo Viejo are best places in town to enjoy these facets of life in Buenos Aires, while those looking for hot action at night will want to find a tango club, as the national dance of Argentina will fill the dark hours with non-stop passion and excitement.
On the food front, be sure to try some carne asado, as this steak will melt in your mouth, and have a treat with dulce de leche in it, as these sweet cream will set your spirit free.
3) Lima, Peru
A mix of modernity and colonial charm, Lima, Peru is a thriving metropolis of eight and a half million people that will expose you to the best that this intriguing nation has to offer.
The weather in this city (often sunny and dry) makes for ideal conditions for exploration, and when you start getting famished, world famous Peruvian cuisine will enliven your taste buds. When out on the town, be sure to sample Peru’s national drink, the tasty Pisco Sour.