You Can Fly Nonstop To These 3 Lesser Known Latin American Cities This Winter

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Broken cobblestones, overhanging wires between candy-colored colonial townhouses, the loud chattering coming from street markets, and the smell of deep-fried arepas filling the air: there’s nothing quite like a Latin American getaway.

Unfortunately, it’s not like the best of Latin America is easily accessible for Americans. Yes, you can fly direct to Rio or Mexico City, and gorgeous as those may be, there’s no skirting around the fact that the crowds (and high prices) are a major downside.

If you’re headed to the nether, warmer half of the globe this winter, here are 4 lesser-known gems yet to be spoiled by mass tourism that you can fly to nonstop from the U.S.:

Belo Horizonte, Brazil

The capital of Brazil’s underrated inland state of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte is a sprawling metropolis boasting vibrant covered markets, art-filled districts, lush urban parks, and an unmatched gastronomy. Seriously, once you try mineiro food, you won’t ever look at Rio the same way.

Every visit to Belo Horizonte has to start with Mercado Central, the heart of the city, and your go-to spot for sampling local produce, from cheese and other street snacks to the world-famous cachaça.

‘Beagá’ is also known as the Brazilian bar capital, and hopping from boteco to boteco around the Savassi and Lourdes neighborhoods is your best bet for mingling with locals and getting a feel of the local laid-back nightlife.

Not to be missed: the UNESCO-listed Pampulha Modern Ensemble, a collection of modernist structures designed by Oscar Niemeyer, including a landmark São Francisco de Assis Church, set along a picturesque lakeside.

Fly Nonstop To Belo Horizonte, Brazil (CNF) From The U.S.

Quito, Ecuador

The well-preserved colonial-era capital of Ecuador, Quito is home to a UNESCO-protected Historic Center, a showstopper Neo-Gothic church that rivals Europe’s in beauty, and hilltop viewpoints boasting postcard-ready panoramas.

The Basilica del Voto Nacional, a national symbol of Ecuador, towers above the red-roofed townhouses of the downtown, and it features eerie-looking gargoyles shaped like Ecuadorian animals.

Around the colonial core, one of the best-preserved in Latin America, you’ll find other showstopper Baroque churches, including La Compañía de Jesús, almost entirely covered in gold leaf, cafe-bordered plazas, and historical monasteries.

For epic views of the city, go up Quito’s TelefériQo, traveling up to the slopes of the neighboring Pichincha Volcano, and for the classic tourist selfie, Mitad del Mundo is a landmark spot in the city where you can stand in both hemispheres: literally the ‘middle of the world’.

Fly Nonstop To Quito, Ecuador (UIO) From The U.S.

Santiago, Cuba

Oftentimes overlooked in favor of Havana, Cuba’s best-known and arguably most iconic city, Santiago should not be written off too easily.

Founded as early as 1515 by the Spanish, it sits among the oldest cities the Americas, and its timeless colonial masterpieces, with Baroque churches and colorful buildings galore, make it a vibrant Caribbean hub begging to be discovered.

Guarding the entrance to Santiago’s Bay, Castillo del Morro is a historic fort that’s protected Santiago from pirate incursions since the 18th century, and it’s well worth checking out.

Standing tall in the colonial core of town, La Catedral de Nuestra Señora de la Asunción is arguably the most prominent feature in Santiago’s otherwise-even skyline, featuring soaring towers, vaulted ceilings, and Baroque details.

Nearby, the verdant Parque Céspedes is where abuelos gather to play chess and people-watch. As for youngsters, find them mingling with gringos, and trying out their dance moves at Casa de la Trova, a nighthouse known for its live Cuban music performances.

Fly Nonstop To Santiago, Cuba (SCU) From The U.S.