Tradition with a Twist
Culture and excitement in Latin America
By Morgan Saltz
With more travelers, executive retreaters and incentive recipients requesting experiential and cultural experiences as meeting professionals are organizing their itineraries, regions like Latin America that are rich in culture and history are trending. With historic sites that are equally beautiful as they are meaningful, world-class luxury resorts in Latin America honor the surrounding communities and represent “La Raza.” Latin America is ready for executive retreats, incentive trips or any other kind of travel with their luxury resorts and authentic cultural experiences.
Local Expert Tip
“Latin America is a great destination for travelers looking for both cultural experiences and relaxation. Guests can explore archaeological sites and hike mountain trails.”
– Angela Tuell, public relations account director, Percepture
5 Reasons Why Meeting Profs Love It
The Cuisine
Meeting professionals can’t lump all Latin American cuisine into one category. Whether it is the mofongo from Puerto Rico, the empanadas from Mexico or the versatile Peruvian aji Amarillo sauce, the cuisine of Latin America is not only delectable but a tangible and meaningful facet of its history and culture.
The History
The Mayans, the Inca, the Aztecs and many other tribes and native cultures have built the foundation that is still celebrated and respected in Latin American countries today. Groups can take trips to Santuario Historico de Machu Picchu in the Andes Mountains of Peru or the preserved Mayan ruins in Tulum on the Yucatan Peninsula.
The Nature
The region referred to as “Latin America” refers to a gargantuan region of the sphere and entails drastically different ecological systems. From the beaches of Costa Rica where surfing and snorkeling are available to the sandboarding in the hills of Death Valley, Chile, meeting professionals can choose the best team building activities for their group.
The Art
With art and relics preserved for thousands of years, the museums and cultural centers of Latin America are some of the most impressive in the world. With ancient civilizations and modern Hispanic culture, there is a plethora of beautiful artifacts and art pieces that are on display such as Museo del Ooro in Columbia.
The Music
The energetic music of Latin America entices people around the world. With music, theater and dance like flamenco in Argentina, venues for events such as Teatro Colon are cultural gems incentive and executive travelers will never forget.
5 Places to Meet and Stay
The new hotel opening in Peru’s capital in the beginning of this year is nhow Lima. With a concept on how to infuse Peruvian tradition with modern hospitality amenities and energy, nhow Lima will be a vibrant addition to Peru’s downtown.
Opening in early 2024; experiential focused; “avant-garde dreamland vibe”
Grand Fiesta Americana Coral Beach Cancun, Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico
Located on one of the most exclusive beaches in the Mexican Caribbean on the Yucatan Peninsula, this all-inclusive resort offers both the magic of the tropics as well as the modern amenities needed for state-of-the-art event spaces.
602 all-suite accommodations; 15 dining options
Pousada Araras Pantanal Eco Lodge, the Pantanal, Brazil
For a true off-the-grid Amazonian experience, head to this resort to have an incentive trip in the largest floodplain on the planet. UNESCO has decreed the region as a World Heritage and Biosphere Reserve, and the resort ensures sustainability and environmental responsibility.
19 suites; 3 observation towers overlooking the Pantanal plain
Las Islas Baru – Cartagena de Indias, Baru Island, Colombia
Less than an hour away from the popular tourist destination of Cartagena is the tropical island of Baru. With activities such as snorkeling and diving and internationally influenced cuisine, visitors can have the experience of a remote island while close to a metropolitan city.
300 meters of private beach; sailing house; Nina Daniela Spa
Four Seasons Resort Peninsula Papagayo, Costa Rica
With a focus on “pura vida,” or “pure life,” the accommodations and amenities on the coast of this Costa Rica peninsula focus on eco-luxury, wellness and the natural surroundings. Live your best “pura vida” on this Latin American island!
14 private residences; 5-bedroom estate at Prieta Bay
This article appears in the March 2024 issue. You can subscribe to the magazine here.
