Live Your Best Lives
Over the past five years, I've traveled to nearly 70 countries and regions across six continents, including Antarctica, Afghanistan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. If I were to choose a continent that has left the most impression on me and redefined my travel values, it would undoubtedly be Latin America. This vibrant region once faced the challenges of obtaining visas, with travel preparations consuming months and often costing significant sums. However, with China's growing national strength, more and more countries are offering visa-free entry. Now, with US visa holders enjoying visa-free or on-arrival entry to most countries, exploring this ultimate travel destination has become more than just a dream.
This land is dotted with captivating natural scenery: volcanoes, blue holes, and the crystal-clear Caribbean Sea. Ancient Indians pioneered this pristine continent, developing the splendid ancient Indian and Mayan cultures. While the long flight distance and completely different language environment can be daunting for travelers, it's undeniable that the stunning scenery here will repeatedly refresh your travel values.
The Uyuni Sky Mirror in Bolivia, which looks like heaven▼
The Galapagos region in Ecuador, where Darwin's theory of evolution was inspired
Chile's Torres del Paine National Park, a pilgrimage paradise for hiking enthusiasts▼
The Amazon rainforest is full of mystery and danger▼
The mysterious Nazca alien geoglyphs in Peru▼
Iguazu Falls in Argentina during the spring
There is also the ancient legend of Inca mythology - Machu Picchu▼
The shocks Latin America brings to you are just the tip of the iceberg...
As a seasoned travel explorer, I have visited a total of 28 countries in Latin America (including many countries that do not have diplomatic ties with China). From a geographical perspective, except for countries such as Nicaragua (the permanently erupting Masaya volcano) and Venezuela (Angel Falls), where visas are extremely difficult to obtain, the most wonderful scenery in Latin America has been covered.
Latin America refers to the region of America south of the United States, specifically the continental landmass between 32°42′N and 56°54′S, encompassing Mexico, Central America, the West Indies, and South America. This division can be traced back to Western colonial history, with the United States and Mexico serving as the dividing line. The region south of the United States was long colonized by Spain and Portugal, resulting in a complex population with a predominantly mixed-race population. Spanish and Portuguese, both of which belong to the Latin family, are widely spoken, and the population is also largely mixed. This region shares similar histories and cultures, so for this guide, I've expanded this scope to include the numerous island nations of the Caribbean, creating a comprehensive world map.
Latin America comprises 34 countries and regions: Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, Cuba, Haiti, Dominica, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Grenada, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Bahamas, Guyana, French Guiana, Suriname, Venezuela, Colombia, Brazil, Ecuador, Peru, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Bolivia, Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Belize, and Antigua and Barbuda. There are also more than a dozen colonies still under the rule of the United States, Britain, France, and the Netherlands.
This guide provides an overview of Latin America, aiming to highlight the worthwhile destinations in this enigmatic region. Due to language barriers (mainly Spanish and Portuguese) and visa requirements, independent travel in Latin America remains challenging for the average traveler. The best option remains a group tour, so I won't delve into the details of independent travel here. In subsequent guides, I'll explore specific countries.
Visa: Sticker visa (Visa exemption for US visa holders)
Mexico boasts one of the world's most impressive cultural blends. While the ancient Indians and Mayans of yesteryear have passed, modern Mexicans retain the passion and romance of their Spanish heritage, offering a truly inspiring journey filled with adventure. When you're no longer content with destinations in Asia and Europe, embarking on a journey into the distinct world of Latin America will redefine your perspective on travel.
Thanks to Hollywood movies, Mexico has entered everyone's field of vision in the past two years. Since then, the Day of the Dead has become synonymous with Mexico.
The filming location of the Hollywood blockbuster "Spectre" during the Mexican Day of the Dead▼
Theme of Disney's animation "Coco"▼
Of course, if you ask me which city in Mexico I like best, I can tell you Guanajuato is not enough even if I visit it a hundred times▼
At the same time, the strong impact of the ancient Indian and Mayan civilizations also left magnificent historical sites in Mexico.
"City of the Gods" - Pyramid of the Sun and Moon▼
New Seven Wonders of the World——Chen Itza Pyramid▼
Ikkil Cenote Cenote: Visit the private bathing pool of the ancient Mayan king's concubine and immerse yourself in nature to enjoy the emperor's bath▼
Cancun, the pearl of the Caribbean, has long been a private holiday garden familiar to Europeans and Americans. Enjoy the pure glass water and white sand beaches where the sea and sky meet.
In addition, Mexico is full of unique experiences
You can walk into the Mummy Museum and experience the unique remembrance of the deceased by witchcraft culture▼
Follow dancers and musicians dressed as medieval knights as they tour Guanajuato at night, enjoying passionate and romantic music and dance.
Or walk into the stadium and experience the violent aesthetics of muscle and competition up close—Mexican wrestling▼
At the same time, Mexican cuisine is also unique. The world's spiciest chili peppers and the ever-eating taco (the national dish of Mexico, corn tortillas served with various dishes, a must-have for daily late-night snacks) are enough to satisfy your picky taste buds. ▼
Visa: Purchase a visa at the airport
Walking on the streets of Havana, time seems to have gone back to the 1950s. The speeding classic cars bring the heat waves of the Caribbean. Your eyes wander to the children playing football in the square, the old men smoking cigars, and the long-legged Cuban beauties on their way home after dancing SASA.
This place can satisfy all your fantasies about the feel of the old times. Time is frozen here and stays in the best era.
The origin of the world's best handmade cigars, the place where "The Old Man and the Sea" took place and Hemingway's former residence, and the land where Che Guevara once fought, all these elements combined are enough to write a feast of humanistic exploration travel.
(Photographer: Ye Zi Piao Tian Xia)
However, not long ago, the United States reopened its trade barriers to Cuba. New cars and goods are rapidly pouring into and impacting the lives of modern Cubans. The scenery of travel is also fleeting. So, if you want to find the feeling of the old times, please come to Cuba.
Visa: Guatemala currently has no diplomatic relations with China. Regulations have rescinded visa-free entry for holders of valid visas from the United States, Canada, and the European Union. Visa processing in third countries is now expedited. Holders of a visa from any of the CA-4 countries (Nicaragua, Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador) can enter the other three without a visa. However, in practice, these four countries differ; some require a visa-free stamp or a "consular visa." Information on the Chinese Consular Services website differs from that of the Taiwanese Consulate.
It's no exaggeration to call it a South American adventure! If you've already explored the magnificent ancient Mayan temples in Mexico, exploring the Mayan ruins in Guatemala will be even more thrilling. Step into the heart of the rainforest, follow your guide, and trek over mountains and hills. When you're sweating and exhausted, the hidden temple in the rainforest suddenly appears before you. Listen to your guide slowly recount the stories of the ancient Maya, camp in front of the temple, and at night, look up to the dazzling starry sky. Here, you will enter a dialogue with nature, an eternal conversation spanning thousands of years...
(Photographer: Potato)
Central America, nestled at the junction of the American and Pacific tectonic plates, is rife with volcanic and seismic activity, and Guatemala perfectly encompasses some of the most beautiful. Despite its small size, it boasts 37 volcanoes of varying sizes, some active, some dead, some half-dead, and some still breathing. Here, you'll hear the constant roar of eruptions, and on the distant skyline, crimson lava lights up the night. I woke up at 3 a.m., barely even having time to wash my face, and reached the summit at 6 a.m. It happened to be the start of the Pacaya volcano's activity. The sky was ablaze with light, and the villages surrounding Atitlan shimmered with a shimmering glow. It felt like stars were falling onto the lakeshore. The clusters of tiny stars beneath my feet, emitting a faint blue light, gave me a momentary glimpse of sleepwalking...
(Photographer: Li Xiaosheng)
Semus Champey, Guatemala's Little Jiuzhaigou, but this "Jiuzhaigou" is swimmable!
(Photographer: Wang Xiaobao)
(Photographer: Ding Ding Sees the World)
Visa: China and the Bahamas have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement. In theory, Chinese citizens can enter the Bahamas visa-free. However, since there are no direct flights from China to the Bahamas, they need to transfer through the UK, the US and other countries to enter the Bahamas. Depending on the situation, they need to apply for the corresponding transit visa of the corresponding country.
Duration of stay: 30 days
You might not even have heard of this country, but you've undoubtedly been captivated by those photos of pink sand beaches that have been flooding social media accounts. Yes, this is Harbour Island in the Bahamas. Pink Beach stretches approximately three miles long, boasting clear water and fine sand, its most distinctive feature being its authentic pink gravel. Along the shore lies a luxurious resort consisting of 25 colorful villas, each inspired by a blend of Moroccan, Indian, and Balinese styles. It's also home to one of the world's top diving destinations.
In the Bahamas, there's a famous "Pig Island," home to a group of what are considered the world's "happiest" pigs. These pigs sunbathe on the beach and swim in the 24-degree Celsius waters. They often swim over 90 meters from shore to greet arriving yachtsmen. Fortunately, the island boasts freshwater springs, providing the pigs with drinking water. However, how they arrived on the island remains unknown. One theory is that sailors released the pigs onto the island, hoping to eat them on their return voyage, but the sailors never returned. Another theory is that the pigs' ship may have been shipwrecked, and because they can swim, they found their way to the island and multiplied. Whatever the case, these lucky piglets settled on the island, living a happy and harmonious life without any commotion. They are considered the happiest pigs in the world.
Visa: Visa-free
Although this country is small, it is rich in tourism resources!
Bajiaohe, a small city known for its banana exports and with a population of less than 10,000, boasts stunning white-sand beaches, charming freshwater rivers, alluring tropical rainforests, and a prime natural harbor. But it's not just these that make this place famous: it's the well-known screen icon, James Bond. The first 007 film, "Dr. No," released in 1962, was filmed here. The captivating beach scenery depicted in the film instantly captivated the world, attracting countless tourists and transforming the quiet seaside town into a renowned tourist destination. The local harbor is now known as James Bond Wharf, and the nearby beach is also known as James Bond Beach. Even if you're looking for James Bond's residence here, you're sure to find it. In short, it feels like James Bond's hometown.
Dunn's River Falls, 180 meters long and shaped like a multi-tiered wedding cake, is one of the most famous of Ocho Rios' numerous waterfalls. Climbers hold hands and follow a guide as they ascend each tier before sliding down. The mineral water is known for its moisturizing properties. Those not climbing the falls can ascend the steps and enjoy the stunning views from the top.
So dry your tears, I seh. Yeah!
No, woman, no cry; No, woman, don't cry.
This beloved reggae song is the work of Jamaica's national treasure, Bob Marley. His life has influenced the development of music worldwide. The familiar dirty thrash and catchy rhythms are the very essence of reggae. Visit the Bob Marley Museum and discover the origins of reggae's allure. It's said that the world first discovered Jamaica thanks to Bob Marley. He held immense global popularity, and wherever he went, crowds of people would undoubtedly flock to him.
Of course, Jamaica also has Blue Mountain, one of the world's top coffee producing areas. You can buy roasted coffee beans and blend your own coffee at home (of course, it's expensive).
You can even visit the Gamboa rainforest area and take a canoe to visit the primitive tribal area. Although they are not far from the city, they still live a primitive life and preserve their cultural traditions.
Visa: Since China does not have diplomatic relations with China, visas can only be obtained through Belizean embassies in third countries, such as the Belizean embassies in the United States and Mexico. The visa fee is US$50.
Since May 23, 2015, holders of valid US green cards with multiple-entry visas do not need a Belizean visa to enter Belize.
What is so remarkable about this tiny country? It's a rather uninspiring place for regular travelers. But it's truly a paradise for freediving enthusiasts. The famous Bahamas Blue Hole is where the largest freediving competition takes place each year! The Belize Blue Hole is currently the world's largest blue hole, exceeding 1,000 feet (330 meters) in diameter and approximately 400 feet (140 meters) deep. The Great Blue Hole of Belize is a limestone cave, formed during an ice age when sea levels were low. Later, as the sea level rose, the cave's roof collapsed, transforming it into an underwater cave. You can also take a small plane over the Blue Hole for $500, spending just over an hour to overlook this "Eye of the Earth."
Visa: There is no diplomatic relationship between China and the US. Chinese passports are a major obstacle for travelers. It is extremely difficult to obtain a visa. You can get a "border visa" at the El Espion port in Honduras for US$50.
But! This country is home to Masaya Volcano, one of only six open lava volcanoes in the world. Standing at the crater, you can see roiling lava! Just for this, plus the extremely difficult visa to obtain, you can brag about it on your social media for half a year!
Visa: Sticker visa (Visa exempted if holding a US visa)
The country with the richest tourism resources in Central America, bar none! Yet it is hardly known!
Irazú Volcano National Park, at 3,432 meters above sea level, is the highest active volcano in Costa Rica. Costa Rica is known as the "Garden of Central America," and Irazú Volcano is a garden within this garden. Similarly, Volcano Reina is one of the world's most famous and active volcanoes. Soak in the natural hot springs flowing at the foot of Arenal Volcano, listening to the birdsong and the fragrance of flowers, and calming your mind in the hot springs for an unforgettable experience.
La Paz Waterfall Garden is a place full of green and pristine ecology. In addition to enjoying the La Paz Waterfall in the garden, you also have the opportunity to see many animals unique to South America, such as jaguars, bobcats, etc. Hummingbirds dance and butterflies flutter in the garden.
We will then go to the Alligator River, where the ecology is still well-preserved. This river is one of the most densely populated with crocodiles in the world. During this nearly 2-hour trip, we will get a close look at the ecology of American crocodiles, from small ones to 6-meter-long ones.
Visa: China and the Bahamas have signed a mutual visa exemption agreement. In theory, Chinese citizens can enter the Bahamas visa-free. However, since there are no direct flights from China to the Bahamas, they need to transfer through the UK, the US and other countries to enter the Bahamas. Depending on the situation, they need to apply for the corresponding transit visa of the corresponding country.
Most people's impression of Panama is still reminiscent of the Panama Canal from their junior high school textbooks. This vital shipping route, crossing the Isthmus of Panama and connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, is considered one of the Seven Wonders of the World and the "Bridge of the World." Now managed by the Panamanian government, it's a true treasure trove of wealth. The tolls, often reaching hundreds of thousands of dollars, are a bonanza, and one can see how these opulent structures seem at odds with the pristine, impoverished character of Central America.
Visa: You need to apply for a Dutch Caribbean visa (holding a US visa or Schengen visa is exempt from visa requirements)
This is another country that few people know about (as expected, countries that few people know about are all high-end and top-notch travel destinations)
There are colorful chameleons everywhere, you can feed the world's longest-legged flamingos, and there are top-notch beaches and lagoons in the world. You can see manta rays and nurse sharks by free diving. It's just a long way to go, and you have to transfer at least 2-3 times when going from the United States, but it's definitely worth your visit!
Visa: You need to apply for a Dutch Caribbean visa (holding a US visa or Schengen visa is exempt from visa requirements)
Actually, it's Princess Juliana International Airport in Sint Maarten, the Netherlands. It's considered one of the most dangerous airports in the world, as planes must fly at an extremely low altitude over a beach before landing quickly. That's why Maho Beach has become a famous tourist destination! Numerous travelers flock to this beach to experience the powerful turbulence created by the planes' roar (it can even knock you over). Without further ado, experience it for yourself.
We're now halfway through our Latin America review. The best of South America will be revealed in the next installment!
If you are interested in the upper part of Latin America, click here to start your trip▼
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