Latin America is a fascinating place; they have such colorful cultures and stunning natural attractions. As a Filipino, I feel a connection to them, like they are our lost siblings due to sharing the Spanish culture, being mostly Christian or Roman Catholic and having a close relationship with our family. They also remind us of the dances we usually did on some parties or during college or high school; salsa, cha-cha-cha, rumba, to name a few.

Latin America comprises of the following countries; Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Savador, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay, and Venezuela.

With our Philippine passport, we are lucky enough to 5 out 20 we can enter without a visa. This post will help you in your travel to Latin America. We will be rounding up the 5 easiest countries to visit for Filipinos, and you’ll get to know the best places to visit in Latin America.

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Bolivia

Visa-free days: 90 days
Location: South America
Language: Spanish

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Bolivia is named after Simón Bolívar, a Venezuelan leader that helped declare this place its independence. Sucre is its capital, but the seat of the government is in La Paz, and the largest city is at Santa Cruz de la Sierra. Prepare your “Buenas Dias” since most people likely greet each other.

What to do:

Visit the world’s largest salt flat, Salar de Uyuni
Be in awe of one the world’s largest butterfly sanctuaries at Madidi National Park
Talk to prisoners at San Pedro Prison
Buy potions or amulets at the Witches' Market
Go to Rurrenabaque and look out for pink dolphins
See ancient ruins at Tiwaniku
Try eating Cuy or maybe Salteñas, just in case you don’t want to eat a roasted Guinea Pig
Go to Lake Titicaca, catch the sunset or go to Islands like Isla del Sol or Isla de la Luna
Hike at Sajama National Park or El Choro in La Paz
For souvenirs, you could buy a bowler hat that most Bolivian women wear

Brazil

Visa-free days: 90 days
Location: South America
Language: Portuguese

Brazil is the largest country in South and Latin America and 5th in the world. Rio de Janeiro has initially been Brazil’s capital but is shifter to Brasilia, but the largest city is São Paulo. Brazil is full of biodiversity; it has 60% of the Amazon’s rain forest and the largest number of species of plants, mammals, and fishes. Brazilians are known to be hospitable and love to share their food.

What to do:

Tram up to be near the iconic Christ the Redeemer
Enjoy the rides at Beto Carrero World
A week before lent, attend the colorful Rio Carnival
Soak up the beauty of Iguazu Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage
Book an Amazon River Cruise
Snorkel or scuba dive at Fernando de Noronha
Discover artworks at Pinacoteca do Estado de São Paulo
Appreciate the architecture of Cathedral of Brasilia or the altar of São Francisco Church
Eat Feijoada then drink a Cachaça
Buy Brazilian swimwear and hang out at Copacabana beach, Porto de Galinhas or Leblon Beach

Colombia

Visa-free days: 180 days, 90 days on arrival and can extend another 90 days
Location: South America
Language: Spanish

Do you remember El Dorado, the mythical city of Gold? It was said to be in Colombia. This place was also named from Christopher Colombus, the famous explorer. Its largest city is Bogota. Everyone is sweet in Colombia, don’t have conversations about Ms. Universe okay? They might remember Pia and Steve. Moreover, don’t get awkward when people shake your hand upon meeting and departing Colombians.

What to do:

Visit Caño Cristales, the River of Five Colors or Liquid Rainbow, and witness it change colors
Check street art at Bogota, as the city supports the artists
Take photos in the streets of Cartagena
See some gold from Ancient Colombia at the Gold Museum
Hike at Parque Nacional Natural Tayrona or Cuidad Perdida (the Lost City) to discover some ruins
Tour inside Castillo San Felipe de Barajas
Go to an underground church, Catedral de Sal
Get a mud bath at Totumo Volcano
Eat Bandeja Paisa and drink its local alcohol, Aguardiente, it’s sweet
For souvenirs, get a Wayuu Mochila bag or a Volteado hat, and if you have more money, Emeralds

Costa Rica

Visa-free days: 90 days, 30 days on arrival, can extend to 90 days
Location: North America
Language: Spanish

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Costa Rica means Rich Coast, so expect a lot of gorgeous beaches or marine life. A quarter of Costa Rica’s land is national parks and refuges for wildlife. The capital is San Jose. Greet Costa Rican, Ticos, and Ticas, “Pura Vida,” and don’t get shocked if they’re 30 minutes late, like Filipinos, they have Tico time.

What to do:

Go to Ostional National Wildlife Refuge where a hundred thousand Olive Ridley turtles hatch their eggs
Learn Windsurfing at Lake Arenal
Snorkel or scuba dive at Gulf of Papagayo or Isla del Caño
Choose a volcano to visit or do all; Arenal Volcano, Poás Volcano, Irazu Volcano, Rincón de la Vieja Volcano, or Turrialba Volcano
Attend mass at Basílica de Nuestra Señora de los Ángeles
Check out the enchanting Rio Celeste
Beach hop at Conchal Beach, Manuel Antonio Beach, Tamarindo Beach, Flamingo Beach, and a lot more
Pick between 28 National Parks and Reserves in Costa Rica; Area de Conservacion Guanacaste, Talamanca Range-La Amistad Reserve and National Park, Cocos Island National Park are UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Buy swimwear or handmade jewelry as souvenirs
Drink Guaro and eat Casado

Peru

Visa-free days: 183 days
Location: South America
Language: Spanish

Peru’s name was pelu, meaning river, which probably mispronounced. If you’re a fan of old stuff, you will appreciate this country; Peru is home to the Inca Empire whose ancient cities are preserved. The largest city and capital are Lima.

What to do:

Walk the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu and see the Sacred Valley
Learn to Surf at Máncora, Cabo Blanco or Los Organos
Ride a hot air balloon over the Sechura Desert
Tour around the ancient city of Caral-Supe
Hug an alpaca
See the views at Cañón Del Colca
Attend Cathedral of Lima, Basílica y Convento de San Francisco or Cusco Cathedral
Talk to Peruvian Shamans
Try eating Ceviche and the Camu-Camu fruit
Buy an Alpaca clothing or Chullo hat

When you travel to Latin America, you could see that there are countless things to do. For a Philippine passport holder, besides Asia, Latin America is more accessible, easy to navigate, and safer. So hurry and book a ticket now to Latin America, these 6 countries are visa-free for Filipinos. If you want to visit the 6 of them, you could start in Brazil then Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia fly to Costa Rica.

Start your list of the best places to visit in Latin America ̧ as they have such a colorful culture, exciting heritage, delicious cuisines, and stunning natural attractions; so it will be a memorable and worth-it adventure. Happy travels!