Mexico, Chile, and Peru Stand Out as Top Latin American Destinations at World Travel Awards

The prestigious Latin America gala for the World Travel Awards, hosted in Cancún, Mexico, acknowledged the top tourism destinations across Latin America for their outstanding quality in many categories in the context of tourism, from beach and adventure tourism to hospitality and cultural tourism. Mexico, Peru, and Chile were the nations that came out on top in various contest categories and once again established themselves as some of the best places in the world to travel.

Mexico: Dominating Tourism Categories

Mexico, the host country, took center stage at the prestigious event, securing the title of “Leading Destination in Mexico and Central America”, an award that reflects the diversity and richness of its tourism offerings. The Isla Mujeres region was named “Leading Island Destination”, while Cancún continued to shine with recognition in several key categories, including beach tourism, business travel, and meetings and conferences.

Mexico’s hospitality sector also saw remarkable achievements, with luxury resorts taking home major awards. Chablé Yucatán was named “Leading Hotel”, while AVA Resort Cancún was recognized as “Leading Luxury All-Inclusive Resort”. These accolades underscore Mexico’s ongoing success in catering to both high-end travelers and business visitors, positioning the country as a premier destination for a range of tourist experiences.

Peru: A Multi-Faceted Tourism Powerhouse

Peru emerged as one of the standout destinations of the night, winning “South America’s Leading Destination”, alongside three other major accolades. The country was recognized as the “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”, “Leading Culinary Destination”, and “Leading Cultural Destination”. Peru’s unique offerings, from its Andean mountain treks to its rich gastronomy and historical sites, set it apart as a must-visit destination in the region.

Machu Picchu, Peru’s iconic historical treasure, was once again named “South America’s Leading Tourist Attraction”, marking the eighth time it has received this prestigious honor. Despite facing conservation challenges and criticism regarding management, infrastructure, and accessibility, Machu Picchu continues to captivate global travelers with its awe-inspiring beauty and historical significance.

Chile: Consistency and Versatility in Tourism

Chile showcased its diverse tourism offerings, winning five awards in total. The country was named “Leading Adventure Tourism Destination”, “Leading Green Destination”, and “Leading Romantic Destination”, with the Atacama Desert standing out as a must-visit site. Additionally, Chile took home honors as “Leading Nature Destination” and “Leading Cruise Destination”, further cementing its reputation as a diverse and top-tier destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and cruise passengers.

Chile’s ability to blend sustainability, nature tourism, and romantic escapes highlights its versatility as a travel destination. From its national parks and protected areas to its mountain experiences, desert landscapes, and fjords, Chile continues to offer an exceptional range of experiences, consistently earning recognition at the World Travel Awards.

The Importance of the World Travel Awards

The World Travel Awards are often referred to as the “Oscars of tourism”, recognizing excellence across a wide spectrum of tourism sectors. Established in 1993, the awards are divided into regional categories, with winners from each region competing at the global gala later in the year. The event in Cancún highlighted the top destinations and brands across Latin America, showcasing the growing importance of tourism in the region and the increasing efforts to cater to a diverse range of travel interests.

According to Graham Cooke, President and Founder of the World Travel Awards, “Our winners represent the very best of our industry, and we applaud their achievements in shaping the future of travel across the region.” The Latin America gala served as a platform to recognize the efforts of destinations that continue to evolve and innovate, ensuring a high-quality experience for visitors from around the world.

Strengthening Latin America’s Position as a Global Travel Leader

The 2025 World Travel Awards Latin America gala proved that Mexico, Peru, and Chile are continuing to set the standard in tourism. These countries have not only built strong reputations as top destinations but are also investing in sustainability, cultural preservation, and innovation. As they move forward, these nations will continue to attract global travelers seeking diverse, authentic, and high-quality experiences, ensuring their place at the forefront of global tourism.

The acknowledgement of these destinations at the World Travel Awards signal their commitment to excellence and help to pave the way for a bright future for tourism in the region.