Tantalizing Honeymoon Locations: Latin America

If you imagine a honeymoon filled with sunny days and sandy beaches, outdoor adventures and flavorful food, all set to a sexy soundtrack, then head south down to Latin America. Stretching from Mexico, to Cape Horn, Chile, the southernmost point of the continent, this region is diverse, vast and ripe with opportunities for romance. Here, we spotlight five of the most popular destinations for honeymoon travel, all perfect for your trip of a lifetime.

Costa Rica:

Costa Rica has it all: nowhere else can you gaze upon a volcano while soaking in a hot spring one day, hike deep into a rain forest the next, and end your trip learning to surf at a luxurious seaside resort. Miles of pristine beaches on the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, fabulous national parks with plentiful opportunities for wildlife viewing, and world-renowned eco-lodges have made this one of the hottest destinations around. The welcoming people of Costa Rica, and their mellow pura vida lifestyle, add warmth to every visit. Beach-lovers staying along the Pacific Coast should head to Guanacaste and the Nicoya Peninsula's palm-fringed coastline for sun and surf. Nature-seekers staying in the Northern Plains or along the Caribbean coast should pay a visit to Puerto Viejo de Talamanca before venturing inland to zip line above Monteverde's Cloud Rainforest and hike Arenal Volcano. Whether you seek sun, nature or adventure, there's much to discover in this paradise.

Peru:

Peru inspires wonder, from the majestic ruins of Machu Picchu and the mysterious Nazca Lines to the Cordillera Blanca’s soaring peaks and Lake Titicaca’s floating islands. Stroll Cusco’s cobblestone streets and take in stunning Inca and colonial architecture, or visit an Andean community where daily life remains rooted in tradition. Savor intriguing flavors: the country of pisco sours and cebiche is now a hotbed for fusion food. Surfing, trekking, and bird-watching satisfy a thirst for outdoor adventure, and world-class hotels offer creature comforts. Heads up: Peru is not one of those dollar friendly countries; many businesses and most individuals are not equipped to handle U.S. currency, so be prepared for currency exchange. Most people visit Peru between June and September, which is the dry season in the Sierra mountains and the Selva Amazon Basin, but if you prefer to avoid the crowds or the cold, consider taking your trip in late April, May, October, or November.

Argentina:

From the urbane streets of Buenos Aires to the jungle by Iguaza Falls and the rugged terrain of Patagonia, Argentina travel offers a study in extremes. A perfectly poised balance between wilderness and sophistication. This South American country has seen its share of political and economic turmoil over the years, but the geography of the Argentina nicely mirrors the diversity of the cultures that populate it. When you visit Argentina you’ll find the “Paris of South America,” Buenos Aires, where wine lovers can sample world-class Malbecs at Mendoza's high-altitude vineyards and experience the thriving foodie scene, chic shopping districts, and vibrant nightlife. For the outdoorsy, there is the tranquil coastline, the exquisite but unforgiving beauty of the snow-capped Andes Mountains and the thundering torrents of Iguazú Falls. Remember: when it's summer in the Northern Hemisphere, it's winter in Argentina. Buenos Aires is least crowded in January and February, when locals beat the heat at resorts along the Atlantic and in Córdoba Province. City sightseeing is most pleasant during the temperate spring and fall. U.S. dollars are widely accepted in big-city stores, supermarkets, and at hotels and top-end restaurants, however you always receive change in pesos, even when you pay with U.S. dollars.

Mexico:

With its magnificent beaches, world-class resorts, diverse landscape and unique attractions, Mexico has long been one of the world's most popular honeymoon spots. Compact with so many destinations and one-of-a-kind itineraries, it's also a country filled with endless romantic possibilities. The coral reefs off Cozumel are widely regarded to be some of the best diving spots in the world. Explore the underwater wonders together at sites like Cardona and Columbia Shallows and get up close with thousands of tropical fish and colorful coral formations. Plus, with great visibility and year-round water temperatures hovering the 80s, expect ideal conditions no matter when you visit. There may be no better way to explore Mexico's diverse terrain than by horseback. Consider riding along the spectacular beaches of Cancun. Mix things up by spending time in desert terrain before heading to the coastline for a colorful sunset. Sample local food and enjoy authentic guacamole, but remember not to drink the water.

Belize:

Nestled between Mexico, Guatemala and the Caribbean Sea is the country of Belize. With the cultural diversity found in Belize, you will hear many languages, but Belize is the only Central American country where English is the official language. This relatively small country boasts one of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, as well as some of the most intriguing Mayan ruins found in the inland Americas. Deciding between an adventure and a beach retreat can be tough, especially if you each want a different kind of trip. The good news is that in Belize, you can work in both types of activities without losing a day to traveling. Enjoy a couple days lazing by the water with a rum punch in hand, then spend a few hiking along a jungle trail in the wilds of a beautiful, exotic country. Belize feels a little more authentic and untouched than your typical Caribbean tourist destination, partly due to the fact that it doesn't pull in quite as many tourists as some of the other countries on the Caribbean. Since Belize is tiny, about the size of Massachusetts, you can really see a lot of the country in one week, so don't be afraid to take a commuter flight or rent a car.

If you are planning a honeymoon, let The Wedding Suite Tallahassee help! Our favorite travel agent DND Escapes, knows everything there is to know about Latin American travel, lodging and expeditions. Whether living like locals floats your boat, or the all-inclusive life is more your style, DND Escapes can help you design and book the honeymoon of your dreams!