With winter upon us, more travelers have their shovels and defrosters at the ready for the impending cold front.
But there are far more places to go than simply settling for a crowded resort south of the border.
Our entire team of experts here at Travel Off Path knows what it’s like to wake up at the crack of dawn to reserve poolside loungers, and we don’t believe that’s the best way to enjoy your vacation time.
There are dozens of Latin American getaways away from jam-packed Mexico, boasting sun-drenched shores and vibrant urban sprawls chock-full of cultural delights.
We’ve narrowed them down to our top 4 favorites this winter, where skies are bright, blue, and beaming with Vitamin D, and you won’t find any unsightly tourist crowds in your way.
With a mix of storied streets and gorgeous coastline, no cooler than 80 degrees, these 4 under-hyped cities never got the memo that summer was supposed to end.
4) Belo Horizonte: This Concrete Jungle Blends History With Epic Eats
You know Rio and São Paolo, but do you know Brazil’s culinary capital?
In Belo Horizonte, every corner seems to have family-run eateries or made-to-order acai bowls, but your go-to spot has to be Mercado Central, a place I’ve personally spent hours on end perusing shops with many a caipirinha break in between.
If you’re unfamiliar, caipirinhas are Brazil’s staple cocktail made of cachaça, fresh lime, sugar, and ice.
They’re the perfect refreshing drink to cool down, and as crazy as it sounds, you’ll still encounter hot days during wintertime here.
Belo Horizonte is an endless sea of skyscrapers where it’s all but impossible to find a bad meal (or drink).
Even famed world traveler and chef Anthony Bourdain loved this city, featuring the fast-growing metropolis on a Parts Unknown episode, showcasing Brazil’s array of cuisine, surpassing Fogo de Chão.
But enough about food — if there’s one must-visit destination, it’s gotta be Ouro Preto nearby.
This safe UNESCO-protected town dating back to the 17th century is a colonial masterpiece etched in time — the type of place many tourists overlook in favor of more pizzazz in Rio.
3) Leon: Central America’s Most Underrated City
Given how the country’s government is notoriously stringent, and the capital city is nothing short of a snoozefest, Nicaragua can be a strange place to visit for first-timers to Latin America.
But hey, we can’t control where they built their main airport. Most travelers fly into Managua, the aforementioned capital, only to be disappointed if that’s their base (hence many tourists opt for Granada).
What’s missed in between Granada and the gorgeous southern coast is the vibrant cultural city of Leon.
If travelers gave this delightful city of colonial streetscapes, whitewashed cathedrals, and unforgettable volcanic excursions a fair shake, it would certainly ease up some foot traffic in Granada.
Leon boasts affordability, safety, and off-path appeal for tourists seeking out new experiences over the same-o, same-o itineraries. Plus, it’s only 90 minutes from Managua’s airport (MGA).
It’s also a great gateway to lesser-known beach towns, such as the thatch-roofed village of Poneloya.
In other words, leave your winter coat at home. Enjoy both urban delights and natural beauty in splendid T-shirt weather.
2) Santa Marta: Colombia’s Trendy Vacation Hotspot
Is Cartagena old news? Not exactly.
However, Santa Marta is certainly Colombia’s trendiest destination as tourists keep venturing east.
Unfortunately, Santa Marta is the end of the line before teetering into no-go zone territory (ahem, Venezuela).
No worries, though — Santa Marta is no less safe than any other Colombian hotspot, despite being next to a neighboring nation that’s consistently on the wrong side of headlines.
More vacationers are opting for Santa Marta due to its growing reputation as a budget-friendly coastal escape with fewer crowds than more notable Cartagena.
Not to mention, Santa Marta offers picture-perfect, storied streets as the city just celebrated its 500th birthday.
Between a timeless cityscape and vivid Caribbean shores lined with towering hotels, Santa Marta can feel like a mini “Cartagena” with more authentic experiences, as it hasn’t yet reached everyone’s radar.
In fact, Santa Marta is just now reaching “trendy” status and has yet to welcome a direct US flight, so it’s best to fly into nearby Barranquilla via Spirit or America.
1) Panama City: So Much More Than A Stopover
We recently crowned Panama City as our top Latin American metropolis since Mexico City continues reeling from chaotic anti-tourism protests.
Panama City is a stunning city that ticks off every box, including being welcoming toward every type of tourist, no matter if you’re seeking more affordable healthcare in a booming medical sector, an expat retiring from the 9-to-5 grind, honeymooners, digital nomads, foodies, you name it…
It’s not that tourism is an issue in Panama City — it’s the kind of tourism. Panama would love to show the world it offers far more than FDA alternative treatments and affordable expat havens.
I loved my trip to Panama this year and was surprised by how diverse not only Panama City was, but even deeper into what felt like uncharted territory on its lesser-known Caribbean side.
No matter if you’re a history buff ready to fall in love with the storied facades of Casco Viejo or an outdoor enthusiast ready to immerse in wildlife excursions, Panama City is what the doctor ordered for winter sun any way you slice it.
Their flagship airline, Copa Airlines, considers itself to be the gateway to the world, even offering free stopovers.
Best of all, Copa flies to every destination on this list, so there’s no excuse not to spend time exploring one of 2026’s must-visit destinations.
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