Skip to content

Top Navigation

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Trip Inspiration
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises
  • Travel Tips
  • News
  • Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Subscribe
Pin FB

Explore Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure
  • Explore

    Explore

    • World's Best

      The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Read More Next
    • The 50 Best Places to Travel in 2021

      Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2021. Read More Next
    • Let's Go Together Podcast

      Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! Hosted by Kellee Edwards. Read More Next
  • Trip Inspiration

    Trip Inspiration

    • Trip Ideas
    • Weekend Getaways
    • Spring Travel
    • Summer Travel
    • Fall Travel
    • Winter Travel
    • Solo Travel
    • Romantic Getaways
    • Luxury Travel
    • Beach Vacations
    • Adventure Travel
    • Road Trips
    • Family Travel
    • National Parks
    • Holiday Travel
    • Travel Photography
    • Photo of the Day
    • Culture and Design
    • Travel Deals
    • Attractions
    • Amusement Parks
    • Festivals and Events
    • Bus and Trains
    • Flight Deals
    • Budget Travel
    • Hotels and Resorts
    • Disney Vacations
    • Airlines and Airports
    • Ground Transportation
    • BookTandL.com
  • Travel Guides
  • World's Best

    World's Best

    • Top Hotels
    • Top Cities
    • Top Islands
    • Domestic Airlines
    • International Airlines
    • Tours
    • Safaris
    • All World's Best
  • Destination of the Year
  • A-List Travel Advisors
  • Cruises

    Cruises

    • Find A Cruise
    • Caribbean Cruises
    • River Cruises
    • European Cruises
    • All-Inclusive Cruises
    • Family Cruises
    • Alaskan Cruises
    • Disney Cruises
    • See All Cruise Vacations
  • Travel Tips

    Travel Tips

    • Travel Trends
    • Packing Tips
    • Points + Miles
    • Budgeting + Currency
    • Customs + Immigration
    • Responsible Travel
    • Travel Etiquette
    • Travel Warnings
    • Weather
    • Mobile Apps
    • See All Travel Tips
  • News

    News

    • Wellness
    • Celebrity Travel
    • Animals
    • Jobs
    • Offbeat
    • See All News
  • Food + Drink

    Food + Drink

    • Restaurants
    • Wine
    • Beer
    • Cocktails + Spirits
    • Bars + Clubs
    • Celebrity Chefs
    • Cooking + Entertaining
    • Food Fairs + Festivals
    • World's Best Restaurants
    • See All Food + Drink
  • Travel Accessories

    Travel Accessories

    • Travel Bags
    • Shoes
    • Travel Tech
    • Shopping
    • Style
    • Gift Guides
    • See All Travel Accessories
  • Check-In

Profile Menu

Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
Your Profile

Your Profile

  • Join Now
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Give a Gift Subscription
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Trip Ideas
  3. Best Places to Travel in Mexico and Central & South America in March

Best Places to Travel in Mexico and Central & South America in March

By Karen Catchpole
February 08, 2018
Skip gallery slides
Save Pin
Credit: Getty Images
Harvest season in South America's most celebrated wine region begins this month, while Mexico's famous monarch butterflies are about to fly north. There are music festivals, film festivals, and massive holiday celebrations, too. Basically, it's a busy time of year in Mexico, Central America, and South America. 

To help you sort through the jam-packed calendars — and determine the absolute best places to travel in the region this month — we consulted with top tourism providers that specialize in this part of the world. We also looked at popular annual events and noteworthy openings, and called upon a deep knowledge of the area.

Related: The Best Places to Travel in the United States in March

You'll recognize some of these destinations from our list of the 50 Best Places to Travel in 2018, like São Paulo, Brazil, which is home to a burgeoning art scene. Also worth traveling for?  Migrating whales and world-class dancers in Los Cabos, Mexico, which is experiencing a massive luxury hotel boom.

Related: The Best Places to Travel in Mexico and Central & South America in February

But we also scoured the rest of Latin America to find the best reasons to travel there right now, including scarlet macaws in Costa Rica, hands-on science in the Peruvian Amazon, the first luxury hotel in La Paz, Bolivia, and the largest Easter celebration in the Americas in Guatemala.

Whether you're looking to take an easy, non-stop flight or a seriously far-flung getaway, these are the best places to travel in South America, Central America, and Mexico this March.
Start Slideshow

1 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Santiago, Chile

Credit: Roy Barbosa Pinto/Getty Images

This month, Abercrombie & Kent debuts the 10-day Majestic Chile & Argentina tour (March 16 to 25, from $8,495) which delivers a concise overview of the region with a serious focus on luxury experiences. Activities include guided market tours, private tango lessons, visits to hot springs, wine tastings, and more. Accommodations include the Four Seasons in Santiago, Hacienda Hotel Vira Vira in Chile's Lake District, and the Four Seasons Buenos Aires. Guests will also enjoy A&K’s signature perks, like a traveling valet to handle laundry, and a new breakfast in bed option.

1 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Punta de Mita, Mexico

Credit: Getty Images

For the first time, the W Punta de Mita marks International Women’s Day (March 8) with free surfing lessons for all female guests. Three-hour lessons include surf boards and an experienced instructor with a maximum of four students at a time. Rash guards and wet suits are available to rent, but probably aren’t necessary, as the average water temperature in March is 77 degrees. A set of photos captured on a GoPro is included.

2 of 15

3 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

San José, Costa Rica

Credit: iStockphoto/Getty Images

Lufthansa debuts twice weekly nonstop flights between Frankfurt, Germany and San José, Costa Rica this month, making it easier than ever for European travelers to visit the Central American nation. It's also whale watching season in Costa Rica’s Ballena National Marine Park, and scarlet macaw season in Corcovado National Park.

3 of 15

Advertisement

4 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Lima, Peru

Credit: Getty Images

Naya Traveler debuts a new bespoke Wellness Wander tour in Peru this month. Create the private or group itinerary you want by choosing from a wide range of health and wellness focused experiences, including detox meals, surfing, consultations with shamans, meditation, Incan rituals, and more (minimum 7 days, from $900 per day, per person).

4 of 15

5 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Guadalajara, Mexico

Credit: Susana Gonzalez/AFP/Getty Images

The Guadalajara International Film Festival (March 9 to 16) is one of the most prestigious film festivals in Latin America — and it's the principal showcase for new works from independent filmmakers from Mexico, and around the world. Fans can meet the filmmakers and watch new works, including features, documentaries, and short films during nightly screenings at Guadalajara’s Teatro Diana.

5 of 15

6 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

La Paz, Bolivia

Credit: Courtesy of Altu Qala

The capital of Bolivia gets its first luxury hotel this month with the opening of the Altu Qala Design Hotel (from $300). The historic Republican-era building, which was painstakingly restored (developers even brought in a team of traditional Bolivian stoneworkers to re-create the interior one stone at a time) boasts 10 rooms, including five suites. A modern, two-story glass addition crowns the hotel, and a massive collection of Murano glass and mid-century lamps will be featured throughout the hotel. Guests can meet with a barista at the HB Bronze Café, off the lobby, to determine the roast, grind, and style of coffee they most prefer — and exactly that precise brew will be provided as part of their in-room breakfast service. There’s also an exclusive, six table restaurant with an open kitchen.

6 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Los Cabos, Mexico

Credit: Dave Lauridsen

Catch the finale of whale watching season in Los Cabos this month, and then enjoy the annual Gala de Danza (March 4). Held at the Viceroy Los Cabos, the festival features performances by acclaimed dancers from around the world, such as Joffrey Ballet's principal dancer, Fabrice Calmels. The hotel’s dramatic architecture and stunning location prove to be an incredible stage and backdrop.

7 of 15

8 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Bogotá, Colombia

Credit: Daniel Garzon/VW Pics/Getty Images

Estéreo Picnic, or Stereo Picnic Festival (March 24, 25, and 26) is one of the most exciting music festivals in Latin America. This year’s lineup includes Gorillaz, Lana del Ray, LCD Soundsystem, The Killers, De La Sol, The National, and Colombia’s own Grammy-nominated Bomba Esetereo, among others. One-day tickets start at approximately $130.

8 of 15

9 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Tambopata, Peru

Credit: Hemis.fr/Getty Images

Aspiring scientists of all ages should head to Refugio Amazonas in March for Science Season. Guests will be joined by Wired Amazon project leaders who will speak about the Amazon and conservation-minded travelers to join in year-round Wired Amazon programs such as monitoring camera traps, collecting insects (on average, a guest helps identify one new species every month), and flying drones over the jungle canopy to identify and count tree species. After a long day of science, enjoy a massage in the wellness center and relax in a hammock or in your jungle luxe accommodations.

9 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

São Paulo, Brazil

Credit: Moment/Getty Images

Themes of slavery and color are explored in a major exhibition highlighting the work of Aleijadinho, an influential black sculptor and one of the most famous artists in Brazil. The exhibit opens this month at the São Paulo Museum of Art (MASP), and runs from March to June. Featured works have been collected from museums and religious congregations around the world, and there are also creations by other artists who have depicted Aleijadinho's story. It’s getting easier to make the trip, too, as LATAM Airlines is debuting a new flight from Rome to São Paulo this month.

10 of 15

11 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Valle de Bravo, Mexico

Credit: Mario Vazquez/AFP/Getty Images

Every year between November and March, millions of monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles to fir forests not far from Mexico City. In March, warmer temperatures lure the butterflies lower down the hillsides, shaving distance off your hike up to the butterfly roosting sites at El Rosario and Cerro Pelon.

Book a trip to Mexico with our luxury travel partner Black Tomato.

11 of 15

12 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Mendoza, Argentina

Credit: 3Fotografia/LatinContent/Getty Images

As harvest season kicks off in this celebrated wine region, so do the festivals. One of the world’s largest wine festivals is La Fiesta Nacional de la Vendimia (National Wine Harvest Festival, March 1 to 4), and it's held in the city of Mendoza. Tens of thousands of spectators will flock here to watch the parades, musical performances, dances, fireworks, and the crowing of the grape harvest festival queen. Later in the month, the beloved Rally de las Bodegas — a 435-mile classic car race — takes place in some of the most scenic areas of Mendoza wine country. A car show competition featuring classic models is also held during this time.

12 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Credit: Mick Hutson/Redferms/Getty Images

The 100 band line-up for Lollapalooza (March 16, 17, and 18) could hardly get better. Attendees will enjoy headline performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam, Chance the Rapper, Liam Gallagher, and David Byrne — and there are dozens of new discovery and old favorite bands on the roster as well. A highlight of the multi-day music fest is the Food Trucks Camp, where many top Argentinean chefs will be preparing meals for the crowds.

Book a trip to Argentina with our luxury travel partner Black Tomato.

13 of 15

14 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Antigua, Guatemala

Credit: Getty Images

The largest Easter Week — that's Semana Santa in Spanish — celebration in the Americas takes place in this gorgeous colonial city from March 25 to 31. Expect elaborate daily parades during which enormous wooden floats are carried by the devout and cobblestone streets covered in intricate (but temporary) designs made with flower petals, grains, and glitter. Hundreds of thousands of spectators will likely attend.

Book a trip to Guatemala with our luxury travel partner Black Tomato.

14 of 15

15 of 15

Save Pin
Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message

Sacred Valley, Peru

Credit: Nick Ballon

All excursions at the Explora Valle Sagrado, an all-inclusive luxury adventure base camp, are included in your rate. This month, three new explorations are unveiled (two hikes and one vehicle-based excursion), providing fresh reasons to visit the newest property in the Explora family.

15 of 15

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Karen Catchpole

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook
Trending Videos
Advertisement
Skip slide summaries

Everything in This Slideshow

Advertisement

View All

1 of 15 Santiago, Chile
2 of 15 Punta de Mita, Mexico
3 of 15 San José, Costa Rica
4 of 15 Lima, Peru
5 of 15 Guadalajara, Mexico
6 of 15 La Paz, Bolivia
7 of 15 Los Cabos, Mexico
8 of 15 Bogotá, Colombia
9 of 15 Tambopata, Peru
10 of 15 São Paulo, Brazil
11 of 15 Valle de Bravo, Mexico
12 of 15 Mendoza, Argentina
13 of 15 Buenos Aires, Argentina
14 of 15 Antigua, Guatemala
15 of 15 Sacred Valley, Peru

Share options

Facebook Tweet Mail Email iphone Send Text Message
Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure

Magazines & More

Learn More

  • Subscribe this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Advertise
  • Content Licensing this link opens in a new tab
  • Sitemap
  • Travel Guide Sitemap

Connect

Follow Us
Subscribe to Our Newsletters
Other Travel + Leisure Sites
Other Meredith Sites

Other Meredith Sites

  • 4 Your Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Allrecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • All People Quilt this link opens in a new tab
  • Better Homes & Gardens this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Insights this link opens in a new tab
  • Bizrate Surveys this link opens in a new tab
  • Cooking Light this link opens in a new tab
  • Daily Paws this link opens in a new tab
  • EatingWell this link opens in a new tab
  • Eat This, Not That this link opens in a new tab
  • Entertainment Weekly this link opens in a new tab
  • Food & Wine this link opens in a new tab
  • Health this link opens in a new tab
  • Hello Giggles this link opens in a new tab
  • Instyle this link opens in a new tab
  • Martha Stewart this link opens in a new tab
  • Midwest Living this link opens in a new tab
  • More this link opens in a new tab
  • MyRecipes this link opens in a new tab
  • MyWedding this link opens in a new tab
  • My Food and Family this link opens in a new tab
  • MyLife this link opens in a new tab
  • Parenting this link opens in a new tab
  • Parents this link opens in a new tab
  • People this link opens in a new tab
  • People en Español this link opens in a new tab
  • Rachael Ray Magazine this link opens in a new tab
  • Real Simple this link opens in a new tab
  • Ser Padres this link opens in a new tab
  • Shape this link opens in a new tab
  • Siempre Mujer this link opens in a new tab
  • Southern Living this link opens in a new tab
  • SwearBy this link opens in a new tab
Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. Copyright 2021 Meredith Corporation. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.travelandleisure.com

View image

Best Places to Travel in Mexico and Central & South America in March
this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.