Belize has one of the more diverse coastlines and as such has a variety of beaches. This is due to hurricanes which pass nearby and have blown away a lot of the beaches on the cayes. To combat this they are generally enclosed by a low lying concrete wall to prevent erosion, although further north on San Pedro the beaches go directly into the sea. The biggest draw to this area however is the coral reef, which is the easiest to access and has some of the best snorkelling and diving options in Central America.
Costa Rica seems to be synonymous with adventure and its coastline and beaches are no different. We generally recommend the Pacific coast here as there is a greater range of hotels and a more varied landscape. Beaches tend to be long and wide with cliffs and rocks at either end, making it a haven for beach combing and surfers.
Mexico’s coastline is simply outstanding. The whole of the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is lined with picture perfect powder white sand, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in Latin America. On top of this there are numerous top class hotels, all of which are located directly on the beach.
Uruguay is so small and still relatively unknown that coming here is to get away from it all. The coastline is home to long, wide sandy beaches with numerous activities available from surfing to horse riding along the beach. There probably isn’t quite enough to make it a destination unto itself, but due to its close proximity to Argentina and the ease with which you can get here, it makes an ideal end to any visit in Argentina.
Venezuela’s coastline borders the Caribbean Sea and as you would expect it has a superb run of beaches. Distances are vast here and getting to and from some of them can be a challenge, but the pick of the bunch is the archipelago of Los Roques. Located a 20 minute flight from Caracas, Los Roques is a hidden gem with pristine white sand beaches, brilliant diving and few tourists.
Brazil’s coastline is the unquestionably the best in South America. Covering an area just over 4,600 miles, almost all of which is golden white sand, means it has something for everyone. The far north east is remote and pristine with little infrastructure and huge sand dunes, the islands off the east coast are lined with corals, whilst the far south is home to migrating southern right whales and wide open beaches.
Your ultimate beach choice will depend on what you want; the inspiring location, the amount of things to see and do nearby, the quietness of a given place, the kid’s club, the quality of the petal-strewn spa or the coral reef for snorkelling and diving. Either way, it really is worth talking to us, to discuss what will suit you best.
My wife and I would not consider using anyone else for arranging travel in Central and South America. Their high level of knowledge, attention to detail and personal responsiveness is almost unique within the industry.
Ashley G