If you like your vacation to come with a side of urban cool, plan your next adventure to a buzzy, cosmopolitan, culture-filled hotspot. These five iconic cities in Latin America are bursting with energy, history, hip factor, spectacular scenery, and the coolest food and wine scene around. Plan your city wardrobe and let’s go.
Destination: Mexico City, Mexico
A trip to Mexico’s pulsating capital is an opportunity to immerse yourself in mind-blowingly beautiful architecture, charming streets, and unique and intriguing “colonias” (neighborhoods) like Mexico City’s chic, trendy Reforma Boulevard, and Polanco. A sprawling metropolis, filled with contrasts, here you will also find outstanding food — both street and chef — a dynamic art scene that marries traditional folk with modern, leafy public parks, and plenty of buzzy bars and nightlife.
Where to Stay in Mexico City
The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City
An exciting new addition to Mexico City’s landscape, The Ritz-Carlton, Mexico City is a luxury hotel housed in a sleek, modernistic glass skyscraper that soars 58 stories high. Perfectly positioned across from the city’s famed Chapultepec Park, guests can take in incredible views of the park and cityscape from all of the 153 guest rooms and suites (there are also private residences) which all come with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces. The hotel’s interiors are equally as slick and impressive as its gleaming exterior, thanks to a soft neutral color palette, striking reflective materials, and sculptural accents inspired by Mexican surrealism. As for the other highlights; a dreamy luxury spa with treatments inspired by local traditions, a state-of-art gym, VIP Club Level, and Samos, the hotel’s signature Mexican-influenced restaurant on the 38th floor where the views are as killer as the gastronomy.
W Mexico City
W Hotels are known for being a melting pot of cool and W Mexico City is no exception. Coveted by the celebrity set for its signature brand of hip and trendy fashion, foodie, art, and culture vibe, the property sits just off Reforma Boulevard in the cool Polanco neighborhood: A scene of chic boutiques, and tempting restaurants and nightlife. Inside the hotel’s walls, it’s also all about the food and the fun. Get the party started right at the Living Room Bar, a glamorous, brightly colored lively indoor-outdoor bar and lounge with the most innovative cocktail collection in the city and the coolest DJ beats. You can also experience the incredible gastronomy of Mexico City right here at the hotel’s signature restaurant Trivvu, where you can taste the rich cultural and culinary history of Mexico’s southeast through creative takes on fish, meat, and organic salads on the stunning outdoor terrace.
Destination: São Paulo, Brazil
São Paulo is one of the coolest, most colorful, culturally vibrant cities, not only in Brazil but on the planet. It is also enormous (it’s home to 20 million proud Paulistanos) and intimidating but that’s what makes it Brazil’s city of dreams. Whatever your personal dream, Sampa (as the city is affectionately known) will turn them into a reality thanks to its endless art-house cinemas, experiential theaters, underground bars and clubs, and world-renowned foodie scene — street, chic bistros, and high-end restaurants give São Paulo its delicious flavor.
Where to Stay in São Paulo
Renaissance São Paulo Hotel
Located in the heart of São Paulo, in the trendy Jardins neighborhood, Renaissance São Paulo Hotel was designed by famed artist Ruy Otake. Steps away from the city’s iconic Paulista Avenue, a trendy strip of boutiques, bars, restaurants, and art galleries, the hotel is an urban oasis that comes complete with an outdoor heated pool, luxury Spa, and high-tech fitness center. Here you will enjoy a rich, diverse culinary experience; Terraço Jardins restaurant serves Brazilian cuisine by chef Ícaro Rizzo, influenced by country and sea with a focus on fresh ingredients from small local producers. While the Living Lounge Bar & Sushi is the place to go for contemporary Japanese in a chic setting.
Destination: Bogotá, Colombia
The global spotlight is now firmly fixed on Colombia thanks to its starring role in the magical Oscar-nominated animated musical Encanto. Set in Colombia’s picturesque mountainscape, the movie is a love letter to this beautiful South American country and its pulsating capital of Bogotá. Renowned for its balmy temps, lively culture, street art, charm-filled historic streets, and culinary delights, the jewel in Bogotá’s crown is its historic downtown La Candelaria district. Though as seen in Encanto be sure to also visit the City of Eternal Spring and Isabella-inspired flower fields (you’ll find blooming markets all over the city), and commit to climbing the steep steps of Cerro Monserrate, while not for the faint-hearted, the epic views over the city are worth it.
Where to Stay in Bogotá
W Bogotá
Located in the famed neighborhood of Usaquén, where traditional colonial architecture seamlessly blends with trendy restaurants, lively bars, and designer shops, W Bogotá. is a hip hotel that offers a luxurious modern interpretation of the El Dorado legend. Think bold, stylish design accentuated with glamorous glittery gold that shines like the celebrity stars that love W Hotels and pays homage to the vibrant treasure that is Bogotá. Make a culinary connection to this great city and country at Jairo, the hotel’s signature restaurant offering an upscale artisanal take on traditional Colombian fare, and then sip cocktails and dance the night away at the luxe W Lounge bar. The hotel also has a signature AWAY Spa, with a mystic hydrotherapy pool and a 24/7 FIT gym.
Destination: Santiago, Chile
Chile’s fascinating history, lively culture, natural beauty, incredible food and wine (among the best in the world), and head-turning contrasts are best seen and felt in the sexy, vibrant capital of Santiago. With its infectious energy and eclectic landscape— located in the middle of a valley, surrounded by the Andes, and crossed by a river — Santiago is a celebration of old and new. The city is home to vineyards, ancient cathedrals, historic gems — Plaza de Armas is the heart of the city’s colonial past and the neo-classical presidential Le Monde Palace is a sight to behold — and a dizzying assortment of trendy art galleries, restaurants, bars, and clubs. Partying and people-watching are almost as iconic here as the views from the peaks of Cerro San Cristóbal, Santiago’s largest green space.
Where to Stay in Santiago
The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago
A regal gem in Santiago’s trendy financial district, The Ritz-Carlton, Santiago is a haven of luxury and tranquility in a city buzzing with 10 million people. Instantly recognizable by its understated brick, and green-glass exterior, the hotel interior evokes a chic old-worldly English-style manor with its luxe wood paneling, art encased in gilt frames, and half-moon two-story lobby. The 205 guest rooms and suites, remodeled in 2017 are chic and minimalistic with soothing pastel shades and elements that pay homage to Chile’s indigenous heritage through textiles, rugs, clay objects, rustic furniture, and Pre-Columbian art. As for the other highlights, there’s a rooftop pool and bar enveloped by a glass cupola that offers access to an outdoor terrace with magnificent views over Santiago’s skyline. The Ritz-Carlton Bar, is a classic, elegant, cozy communal lobby bar serving signature cocktails, small plates, and a unique and delicious afternoon “Tea Time”. And Restaurante Estró Santiago, where you can enjoy sustainable internationally-inspired “New Chilean” cuisine created with local seasonal ingredients.
Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center
An easy 15-minute drive from the airport Sheraton Santiago Hotel & Convention Center is a stylish retreat that serves as an oasis of relaxation after a long day of exploring the city’s must-see sites and immersing yourself in its cool scene. The guest rooms and suites have incredible views of the city and mountainscape, there are four on-site restaurants, an indoor and outdoor pool, and a 24-hour fitness center. For those looking for corporate space or planning a wedding or special event the property also boasts 18 venue spaces over 18,890 square feet.
Destination: Lima, Peru
The City of Kings is a Peruvian gem littered with colonial-style architecture that like the other incredible cities on this Lain American line up is beloved for its world-class food scene — it’s been hailed as the unofficial gastronomical capital of South America and is the only city in the world to have two restaurants included in the top 10 of the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Add that legendary nightlife, you’ll find buzzy and boutique bars throughout the city but the best are Miraflores, Barranco, and the historic center (dancing all night is a religion here). Oh and don’t forget the waves, surfing is also something of a religion in Peru’s capital which is considered to have some of the best surf on earth, especially at Punta Roquitas, Playa Waikiki, and Chorrillos home to the left-hand point break La Herradura.
Where to Stay in Lima
JW Marriott Lima
The luxury waterfront JW Marriott Lima is just steps to the beach and Costa Verde and an easy distance to the city’s must-see sites like the Cathedral of Lima and Larcomar Entertainment Center. The elegant, coastal-inspired guest rooms and suites all have ocean views and beyond its setting, the culinary offering here is next level. The property recently revamped its food and beverage offering, adding the first JW Market (a convenient grab and go) in Latin America introducing new dining options at La Vista and J W Lounge where you can enjoy international buffets, yummy breakfast with sea views, and unique artisanal Asian and Peruvian fusion. Also part of your stay, is a seasonal outdoor pool, Health Club, and 15,000 square feet of event space.
The Westin Lima
A modern luxury wellness-focused hotel, The Westin Lima, is located in the city’s trendy district of San Isidro, where you will find a melting pot of upscale restaurants, shopping galleries and gorgeous parks and green spaces. It’s also an easy 15-minute drive to the cool Miraflores district and Lima’s Historic Center. Inside the property are spacious guest rooms, with breathtaking views of the city where you will sleep like a dream in their Heavenly Bed. Speaking of renewal, the hotel is also home to the Heavenly Spa by Westin, the largest urban spa in South America with a dreamy indoor pool, a thermal water circuit and WORKOUT fitness center. Also not to be missed the delicious Peruvian cuisine at the fine dining restaurant Maras. And if you are traveling with your fur baby, you’ll be pleased to know the hotel has special amenities just for dogs.
