Best Tourism Villages 2023: Latin America takes the spotlight

(Credit: OMT)

The World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) recently unveiled its list of “Best Tourism Villages” for 2023. This initiative aims to highlight villages that stand out for their commitment to culture, nature and the preservation of their heritage, while offering an innovative, high-quality tourism experience. This year, Latin America shines particularly brightly, with several villages recognised for their excellence.

The villages honoured in Latin America for 2023:

• La Carolina, Argentina: A former mining town, La Carolina captivates visitors with its rustic charm and mountainous landscapes.
• Filandia, Colombia: Known for its colourful colonial architecture and coffee plantations, this is a must-see stopover in the Colombian coffee region.
• Zapatoca, Colombia: Perched in the mountains, Zapatoca is a peaceful, traditional village in the Santander region with breathtaking panoramic views.
• Barrancas, Chile: Located in the north of Chile, Barrancas is a picturesque village offering a unique combination of deserts, beaches and ancient cultures.
• Caleta Tortel, Chile: With its wooden walkways winding along the coast and its colourful houses, Caleta Tortel offers an authentic maritime experience.
• Pisco Elqui, Chile: In the heart of the Elqui Valley, this village is a spiritual centre and the cradle of pisco production.
• Oyacachi, Ecuador: Known for its thermal springs, Oyacachi is a village nestled in the Cayambe-Coca ecological reserve.
• Jalpa de Cánovas, Mexico: This historic village offers a glimpse of colonial Mexico, with its cobbled streets and majestic churches.
• Higueras, Mexico: A picturesque village where time seems to stand still, distinguished by its colonial charm and ancestral traditions offering visitors a glimpse of Mexico’s rich history and culture.
• Omitlán de Juárez, Mexico: Surrounded by pine and oak forests, this village is a haven of peace for nature lovers.
• Chacas, Peru: Nestling in the heart of the Andes, Chacas is famous for its wooden crafts and well-preserved cultural traditions.
• Chavín de Huantar, Peru: Home to a pre-Inca archaeological site, this village is a living testimony to Peru’s ancient history.
• Paucartambo, Peru: Famous for its folklore festival, this village offers an immersion in Peruvian traditions.
• Pozuzo, Peru: Founded by German and Austrian settlers, Pozuzo is a unique blend of European and Peruvian cultures.
• Taquile, Peru: Located on Lake Titicaca, the island of Taquile is famous for its traditional textiles.

Latin America continues to prove that sustainable tourism and cultural preservation can go hand in hand. These villages, recognised by the UNWTO, are living proof that respect for tradition and innovation can coexist harmoniously. For those looking to discover authentic destinations rich in history, these villages are an invitation to explore the true essence of Latin America.

The other villages voted “Best Tourism Villages 2023” by the UNWTO:

• Al Sela, Jordan
• Biei, Japan
• Cantavieja, Spain
• Dahshour, Egypt
• Dhordo, India
• Dongbaek, Republic of Korea
• Douma, Lebanon
• Ericeira, Portugal
• Hakuba, Japan
• Higueras, Mexico
• Huangling, China
• Kandovan, Iran
• Lephis village, Ethiopia
• Lerici, Italy
• Manteigas, Portugal
• Morcote, Switzerland
• Mosan, Republic of Korea
• Oku-Matsushima, Japan
• Oñati, Spain
• Ordino, Andorra
• Penglipuran, Indonesia
• Saint-Ursanne, Switzerland
• Saty, Kazakhstan
• Schladming, Austria
• Sehwa, Republic of Korea
• Sentob, Uzbekistan
• Shirakawa, Japan
• Sigüenza, Spain
• Şirince, Türkiye
• Siwa, Egypt
• Slunj, Croatia
• Sortelha, Portugal
• Anton am Arlberg, Austria
• Tân Hoá, Vietnam
• Tokaj, Hungary
• Văleni, Moldavia
• Vila da Madalena, Portugal
• Xiajiang, China
• Zhagana, China
• Zhujiawan, China