San Andres, Colombia
The Caribbean island of San Andrés is located off the coast of Nicaragua and is part of the national territory of Colombia. It is particularly famous for its white, palm-fringed beaches and relaxed reggae atmosphere. Active tourists also get their money’s worth here, as the San Andrés area contains a popular dive site: Crab Bay. The world’s third largest coral reef is home to a true underwater wonderland. After a long day at sea, a delicious cocktail at one of the beach bars is just what you need.
Fly: The neighboring islands of Santa Catalina and Providencia are also popular destinations. Rich Colombians aren’t the only ones discovering the archipelago’s beauty for themselves.
Santa Marta, Colombia
What started as the first Spanish settlement in Colombia is now a popular travel destination. In Santa Marta, the Caribbean coast meets the Sierra Nevada mountains. What’s special about the view: It is only 40 kilometers from the beach to the peaks that are about 6000 meters high. Those who prefer to be in the city rather than on the mountain will find a historic center, museum and nice cafes in Santa Marta. The sunrise is particularly impressive here.
Fly: If you want to take a day trip, you should definitely visit Tayrona National Park. With its dreamy natural beaches and remnants of Tairona culture, it is still a sacred place for indigenous tribes today.
Punta del Este, Uruguay
In the southeast of Uruguay, near the town of Maldonado, is a narrow peninsula jutting out into the sea. Here is one of Uruguay’s most popular beaches: Playa Brava on the Atlantic coast with its strong surf. The beach’s hallmark is the statue of “La Mano” with five fingers sticking out of the ground. Opposite Playa Mansa attracts many tourists with its calm water. The beaches of the peninsula are popular with the rich and famous of South America. The marina and luxury resorts aren’t the only things that stand out. Especially the view of Punta del Este is very beautiful.
Fly: Those interested in music will love the International Jazz Festival held every January.
Costa Verde, Brazil
Not far from Rio de Janeiro is the so-called green coast, Costa Verde. It lives up to its name with its various shades of green. Small islands stretch from the coast, and the mountains are covered with dense rainforest. There’s something for everyone here: from swimming on dreamy beaches to hiking in the Serra do Mar mountains to visiting the mega-city of Rio de Janeiro, this stretch of coastline has plenty of attractions. If you want to immerse yourself in nature, take the ferry to Ilha Grande.
Fly: In Ilha Grande you can spend the night in front of the Costa Verde in the national park. More than a quarter of the island is a national park with Atlantic rainforest. A pure natural paradise with more than 80 beaches.
Ilha de Tinhare, Brazil
The island of Ilha de Tinharé belongs to the Brazilian state of Bahia and is located south of the city of Salvador. Cars are not allowed in the town of Morro de Sao Paolo, so the atmosphere is wonderfully relaxed. Arrival is by ship, ferry or catamaran. Those who come to the seaside resort of Morro can wander around the shops in the pedestrian zone. There is well-deserved refreshment at the corresponding swimming beach. Those who like to swim alone can walk to one of the back sections. There are five in total, so there’s enough room for everyone.
Fly: The neighboring quieter island of Ilha de Boipeba is also car-free and well worth a visit. Praia Moreré beach is particularly beautiful, with its almond trees and palm trees.
Margarita Island, Venezuela
Margarita Island is located in the Caribbean, northeast of Caracas, the capital of Venezuela. Ideal for travelers who want a secluded beach to spend quiet hours in the sun. The island consists of two peninsulas, between which lies the mangrove forest of Laguna de la Restinga National Park. While the mainland experiences the rainy season from May to October, Isla Margarita hardly notices it. The average temperature is 27 degrees and is ideal for swimming all year round.
Paria Peninsula, Venezuela
The Paria Peninsula in the northeast of Venezuela is known not only for its dreamy beaches, but also for its particularly good cocoa beans. But not only cocoa beans grow in Paria, but also coconut palms. For example, Playa Medina with its turquoise sea, which is said to be the most beautiful beach in Venezuela.
Fly: There are beautiful hiking trails in the cloud forest of the national park. A local guide is a bonus for hiking up the rocky mountain range or to the picturesque Los Cocos beach.
French Guiana
French Guiana is located between the Amazon and the Atlantic, near the western border of Brazil. The French Overseas Territory is known for its tropical scenery, biodiversity, and cultural mix of French and South American heritage. The capital city of Cayenne is a multicultural centre, resort and starting point for many tours. The standard of living is high and the flair is Caribbean and comfortable.
Fly: The town of Korou with its spaceport is also worth seeing. Boat trips to the beautiful Devil’s Islands (Iles du Salut) also start from here.