The relatively compact islands of the Caribbean and the spectacular landscapes of Latin America make for fertile grounds for getting in the car and setting out on a road trip to remember.
Whether you’re visiting a fascinating little island like Aruba or hitting the road for multiday adventures through the rainforests and surf towns of Puerto Rico or Peru, this part of the world is full of vibrant cultures and beautiful scenery to explore.
Come along on eight great Latin American and Caribbean road trips close to properties you’ll be delighted to return to once the driving day is done. As always, check for travel guidelines and closures before planning your trip.
W Punta de Mita in Mexico
On a road trip north from the cobblestone streets of pretty Puerto Vallarta, the next natural stop is the spectacularly scenic peninsula of Punta Mita.
You’ll want to make the W Punta de Mita your ultimate check-in for oceanfront relaxation like only the best spots along the Mexican coast can deliver. (Picture it: You, margaritas and views.)
Spend your day under a palapa sipping something frosty while spooning up ceviche. And set your road trip sights just north of the peninsula, too, to soak up bohemian beach vibes and artsy surf town style in the pretty little palm-lined hamlet of Sayulita.
Hotel Paracas, A Luxury Collection Resort in Peru
An adventure-filled vacation in a sublime natural setting awaits road trippers who drive about three hours south of Lima to reach Hotel Paracas, a Luxury Collection Resort, Paracas.
Explore the hotel’s singular natural setting (and its location near the Paracas National Reserve) by choosing from loaner kayaks, catamarans, snorkeling gear and bikes you can pedal directly onto the sand.
Reboot after the drive with a healing hydrotherapy session, complete with a thermal circuit, at the resort’s luxury spa or just spend some peaceful hours poolside in a cabana.
Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort
Aruba offers up a twist on the typical Caribbean road trip, with arid, desertlike landscapes carpeted with more cactuses than palm trees. Settle in for a stay at the exceptional Renaissance Wind Creek Aruba Resort in the island’s mellow capital of Oranjestad, close to Eagle Beach and Palm Beach.
Spend some time on the resort’s private island or in its casino, and then make it your road trip mission to see Aruba’s less-developed northeastern side, also known as the Wild Side.
You’ll want to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle to make the most of forays along cactus-lined trails to reach remote cliffs, the ruins of a gold mill, and Arikok National Park, where the swimming hole at Natural Pool — right at the ocean’s edge and a visual parfait of endless shades of sapphire — makes for an unforgettable spot for a swim.
Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort in Costa Rica
Just northwest of the busy Costa Rica coastal hamlet of Jacó (home to the world-famous Jacó Beach), Los Sueños Marriott Ocean & Golf Resort fronts a more chilled out stretch of oceanfront along Playa Herradura.
You can road trip to the property in roughly 1.5 hours from the international airport in San Jose. The hotel’s 18-hole Ted Robinson–designed golf course beckons vacationing golfers. But between the outdoor family pool, rainforest-inspired spa and swim-up rooms fronting an adults-only pool, there’s something for every type of traveler looking for a laid-back escape.
While you’re on your Costa Rican road trip, be sure to make the short drive south from Jacó Beach and set foot on the beautiful black sand beach at Playa Hermosa, a beloved surf spot lined with swaying palms.
The Westin Porto de Galinhas, an All-Inclusive Resort in Brazil
Northeastern Brazil’s Cocoa Coast brims with biodiversity and beautiful beaches that you can easily explore with The Westin Porto de Galinhas, an All-Inclusive Resort as your comfortable and scenic base of operations.
Once you pull yourself away from the Atlantic Ocean views at the property, venture north to Cabo de Santo Agostinho’s incredible beaches, including Praia das Calhetas and Praia de Gaibu, where chalk-white sands are kissed by turquoise waves.
Just south of the hotel, make time to visit the Piscinas Naturais de Porto de Galinhas, a natural pool right along the beach that makes for another idyllic swimming spot.
The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection
From Panama City, drive southwest for about 2.5 hours along Panama’s Pacific Coast for a relaxing vacation at The Buenaventura Golf & Beach Resort Panama, Autograph Collection. Seven pools, including one with a swim-up bar and a kids pool, and a slew of international, on-site restaurants (including sushi and teppanyaki) make it easy to stay put at this all-encompassing beach resort.
When you’re ready to explore your surroundings (or as a pit stop on the way back to Panama City), detour to admire the kiteboarders and windsurfers dotting the sky and ocean in Punta Chame.
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
Lush doesn’t begin to describe The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico, towering with mature palms and set on an erstwhile coconut plantation on the northeast coast of Puerto Rico. Enjoy strolls along the hotel’s two miles of private beachfront or chill in a poolside cabana.
The hotel is perfectly positioned to take a day trip to Old San Juan’s quaint restaurants and historic fort, just west of the resort.
When the road calls again, take a road trip along Puerto Rico’s east coast with a stop at El Yunque National Forest, the only tropical rainforest in the national forest system, where nighttime nature walks to listen to coqui frogs and see fireflies are pure magic. Then continue on to see the surfing beaches of Fajardo, farther south along the coast.
The Brown, Guatapé in Colombia
Colorful Colombia is head-turning in every way. After time in vibrant Medellin, set your sights east to discover the Andean resort town of Guatapé, set along the Peñol-Guatapé Reservoir.
Boutique property and nature retreat The Brown, Guatapé makes for an ideal base camp for visiting Piedra del Peñol, a gigantic granite rock jutting up from the earth and offering visitors magnificent views of the reservoir and green hills below. To get those views, you’ll need to climb the 700+ steps to the top of a staircase nestled into the rock’s side.
Don’t miss heading out onto the reservoir itself, too, to enjoy a boat cruise or to try kayaking or paddleboarding.
After a day exploring, The Brown welcomes you back within its four towers, each dedicated to the elements of earth, fire, water and air and designed to immerse you in this truly unique place in the world.
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