17. The best place in Mexico for a delicious siesta – The beaches of the Si’aan Kaan Biosphere offer white sand beaches and crystal blue water. This nature reserve, located on the Yucatan peninsula, just outside of Tulum, is also home to iguanas and exotic seabirds. Chances are it’s just you, a good book, and the animals here. If you do fall asleep, the only thing likely to wake you up will be the roar of the waves.
18. Best Sunset Views in Nicaragua: Rancho Santana, a 1,700-acre reserve along the southern coast of Nicaragua, consists of two miles of shoreline and three secluded beaches: Playa Rosada (Rose Beach), Playa Dorada (Golden Beach) and Playa Escondida (Hidden Beach). Perched on a hillside, the reserve offers spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to leave after sunbathing – the sunset here is unbelievably beautiful.
19. Panama’s Sparkling Secret – Less than 25 miles from Panama City, Contadora Island boasts white-sand beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, hidden coves, and wildlife viewing. The beaches here are much less crowded than in the tourist areas of the country. However, for a truly private experience, you can visit the beaches of other islands by boat or jet ski.
20. Argentina’s Best Chill Session: Argentina’s Atlantic coast, just 200 miles from Buenos Aires, offers beautiful scenery, numerous sporting activities, as well as a healthy dose of solitude. The beaches of the small tourist town of Pinamar are pristine and relatively uncrowded. Located next to a natural pine forest, this area is one of the most beautiful in the country. Also, the seafood restaurants here are excellent.
21. Best Spot in Brazil for Gliders and Peepers: São Conrado Beach, while not too far from downtown Rio de Janeiro, is much less crowded than Ipanema or Copacabana, and the water is cleaner. Also, the conditions here are perfect for hang gliding. If you’re not up for the experience of floating in the air for hours, glider watching is a particularly satisfying leisure activity.
22. Brazil’s Best Reason to Drive 90 Miles: Cabo Frio, located about 90 miles north of Rio, offers even more isolation than São Conrado. The beach here is virtually deserted and is adjacent to a 17th-century convent and fortresses, lending a gothic sense of drama to the experience. Beachgoers are warned to leave valuables in their hotel safes, as thieves from the nearby favelas (slums) have been known to raid the area.
23. The Best of Both Worlds in Ecuador: For fans of natural beaches (as opposed to theme parks), Salinas offers white sand, clear turquoise waters, and excellent whale watching. While this area is technically on the Pacific “Ruta del Sol” (known for its many resorts), it tends to be less crowded and friendlier. On the other hand, if you need a little excitement, the main road here offers relaxed walks, shops, restaurants and even a few nightclubs.
24. Best place in Uruguay to go when you “want to be alone”: Punta del Este is widely known for its outstanding resorts and as such tends to be quite touristy. The good news is that you don’t need to charter a flight to get to a more secluded environment. Just 52 miles from the crowds of Punta del Este, Bahía Grande boasts beautiful beaches (wider, in fact, than its Punta del Este counterparts), a mere handful of people, and blue-green waters. Visit the coastal town of La Paloma, known for its extraordinary lighthouse.