Fernando de Noronha, Brazil
A tropical island, 545 km away from the coast of the Brazilian State of Pernambuco, some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, a bit more than 2,000 inhabitants and where the tourism is developped in a sustainable way, creating the opportunity of an equilibrated meeting between man and nature in one of the most important ecologic sanctuaries of the world.
For enjoying the numberless natural attractions and experiencing a little bit of the history of our colonization, a trip to Noronha requires at least 5 days. There are countless activitiy and tour options, which satisfy different people and offer to the visitor the chance to see all natural beauties of the islands.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Photo by Niteroi
The beaches in and around Rio de Janeiro are probably some of the most famous in the world today. That many Brazilians and tourists alike flock to the beaches around Rio during the major holiday events of the year (for example, over 2 million party the night away New Year's on Rio's beaches!) makes the fascination with Rio beaches only stronger. The more notable of Rio's beaches include: Copacabana Beach and Ipanema Beach.
Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica
Because this national park has a series of small beaches and bays surrounded by luscious rainforest: North Espadilla Beach, South Espadilla Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, Puerto Escondido Beach & Playitas Beach, all of them safe for swimming and great for diving and exploring coral reefs or surfing.
Manuel Antonio offer the uniquely breathtaking fusion of scenic mountain beauty and an active lifestyle. From championship surf tournaments, hiking, rafting/kayaking, canopying, bird watching or sport fishing, Quepos and Manuel Antonio offers something for everyone.
San Blas Islands, Panama
The islands of the San Blas Archipelago are strung out along the Caribbean coast of Panama from the Golfo de San Blas nearly all the way to the Colombian border. San Blas is a series of 378 islands of which only 49 are inhabited by the fiercely independent Kuna Indians. Although only a 20-minute plane ride away from Panama City, a trip to the San Blas islands will transport you 20 centuries into the past. The Kuna Indians, who run all the islands as an autonomous province, with minimal interference from the national government have maintained their own economic system, language, customs and culture, with distinctive dress, legends, music and dance and thus have avoided traditional tourism development. The economy of the islands is based on coconut sales, fishing and tourism, and they offer travelers good snorkeling and swimming. Facilities are few and simple, as is the food. The area is surrounded by reefs, some of the oldest in the world, and offer wonderful diving and snorkeling opportunities. Spectacular beaches!
Montañita, Ecuador
Montañita is a magical beach. The combination of a perfect right wave, golden sand and tropical vegetation have made this place a truly paradisiacal beach from long time ago, when you cannot even see it in the maps of Ecuador.
Montañita (can be translated as “little hill”) become famous very slowly, decades ago, as a place only for surfing, with only a few rustic fishermen houses and one or two surfers tent on summer time.
Los Roques, Venezuela
Los Roques Archipelago attracts a number of visitors that come to do many different activities. The natural beauty of the beaches attracts most tourists. Coral reefs are of special interest to professional and recreational scuba divers. Sport fishing and windsurfing are also practiced in Los Roques, and it is even possible to go for a ride in an ultralight. Among other tourist attractions are the Virgen del Valle celebrations in the second week of September, and the Lobster Festival at the beginning of the lobster-fishing season in November. Sailors and pilots also consider Los Roques to be a very interesting place due to its distance from the mainland. It is considered by many as one of the top archipelagoes in the Caribbean.
Tayrona national park, Colombia
Tayrona National Park has, without doubt, some of the finest beaches in all of South America - this is a tropical paradise. It's hard to put into words quite how beautiful the empty beaches of Park Tayrona are - you'll have to visit. This is one of Colombia's real travel highlights - there are miles of unspoilt beautiful rainforest backed beaches - the only complaint might be that most are not safe for swimming.
There is only one high quality hotel in Park Tayrona (the luxury Eco-Habs), though there are various places for camping, and many sites offer hammocks for rent. Most of the campsites have small rustic cabanas that you might be able to stay in, if there is room upon your arrival. There's also a few great places to stay just outside of the Park.
Máncora, Peru
Mancora, Las Pocitas, Playa del Amor, Punta Sal, Vichayito are only a sample of the most beautiful beaches of this zone. People in Mancora are hospital and happy, which helps to have a pleasant stay. Each beach is special charm - as a sample - Las Pocitas has big rocks that form pools with different sizes while Máncora´s winds are great enough for the best level of windsurf.
Nearby Mancora are other exotic places to visit as Hervideros, Pilares de la Quebrada Fernandez, Santuario Nacional Manglares de Tumbes, Parque Nacional Cerros de Amotape, Coto de Caza El Angolo. These beautiful and natural places show magnificent views.
Necochea , Argentina
An enormous 74km long stretch of beautiful sandy beaches makes Necochea a great option. The general atmosphere is less 'exclusive' than those previously mentioned resorts so is better for budget travellers or those in search of something more laid back. The central area is modern and urbanised with all the commodities and a wide selection of accommodation but if you head west you will find some undeveloped spots that often get left of the tourist trail. The area is dramatically surrounded by sand dunes which are fun to explore.
Roatan in Honduras
The Bay Island of Roatan in the Carribean Sea is surrounded by various cays and smaller islands. It is a true paradise off the northern coast of Honduras, Central America.
Blue skies, wonderful turquois waters, and a warm sun will welcome you to Roatan, Honduras. Roatan is an island with various beaches, distinctive for their quietness, and crystal clear waters that will make you enjoy the sea as if you were in an enormous natural swimming pool.
The coral reef that surrounds the island of Roatan is the second largest in the world. It is a source of permanent attraction and entertainment for those who enjoy scuba-diving. Easily available is the necessary training to join in an adventure through a marvelous underwater world, with all the appropriate safety and help. If deep scuba diving is not for you, try snorkeling in Roatan. It offers a view of marine life one will never forget.
