Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2024: Latin America out in force

The Green Destinations Top 100 Stories 2024 has revealed its winners, and once again Latin America stands out for its sustainable tourism initiatives. This prestigious ranking highlights places that, through their exemplary practices, are inspiring not only the region but the whole world.

Countries such as Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Bolivia and Chile have had several of their sites included in this list, in recognition of their efforts to combine tourism development and environmental preservation. Here’s an overview of this year’s award-winning Latin destinations.

Peru: A Commitment to Sustainability

Peru, with five sites recognised, shows a firm commitment to sustainable tourism. The award-winning destinations include:

• Kuelap Gocta, famous for its archaeological remains and waterfalls, which combines heritage preservation with the protection of biodiversity.
• The Allpahuayo Mishana reserve, a jewel of biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest, known for its unique flora and fauna.
• Islas Cavinzas e Islotes Palomino, which protect marine ecosystems and promote responsible tourism around colonies of sea lions and seabirds.
• Los Órganos, an area renowned for its whale-watching and protection of marine ecosystems.
• Tingo María National Park, famous for its caves and mountains, a destination where nature conservation is at the heart of the tourist experience.

Our article: Kuelap, Peru’s mysterious fortress prepares to reopen

Brazil: A leader in Responsible Tourism

With a notable presence on this list, Brazil continues to strengthen its reputation as a leader in sustainable tourism. Among the award-winning destinations are:

• Fernando de Noronha, an archipelago renowned for its efforts to protect the marine environment and limit the impact of tourism on its fragile ecosystem.
• Rota do Enxaimel, which showcases Brazil’s cultural heritage with its traditional villages and preserved architecture.
• Bodoquena and Bom Jardim da Serra, destinations that combine adventure tourism with respect for the environment.
• São Miguel do Gostoso, a seaside resort where tourism development is in harmony with the protection of beaches and marine fauna.

The country also shows its commitment with community initiatives in lesser-known regions such as Barão de Cocais, Sirinhaém and Tamandaré, where ecological projects are integrated into local development to generate long-term benefits for both inhabitants and ecosystems.

Mexico: The Sian Ka’an Reserve in the spotlight

In Mexico, the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve is one of the winners. This UNESCO world heritage site is recognised for its ongoing efforts to protect coral reefs and tropical forests, while enabling visitors to discover these landscapes through ethical tourism. Isla Cozumel, with its paradisiacal beaches, has also been rewarded for its sustainable practices aimed at protecting marine biodiversity. Finally, San Crisanto, a small community in the heart of the Yucatan peninsula, has transformed its way of life to adopt an approach based on ecotourism, reforestation and mangrove conservation.

Our article: Sian Ka’an, Where the sky meets the earth in Yucatán

Bolivia: An Ecological Jewel on the Rise

Bolivia is another winner, with Rurrenabaque Madidi Pampas, a destination in the heart of the Amazon, renowned for its efforts to conserve the rainforest and endangered animal species. By encouraging ecotourism, this region raises visitors’ awareness of conservation issues while supporting local communities.

Chile: The Juncal Andino Park in the spotlight

Chile’s Parque Andino Juncal stands out as a model for the conservation of Andean flora and fauna. This private, sustainably managed park has become a favourite destination for hiking and nature lovers, while playing a crucial role in protecting sensitive mountain ecosystems.

The Importance of Green Destinations Recognition

Each year, the Green Destinations Top 100 programme celebrates the best initiatives in sustainable tourism. This is not just a question of ecology, but also of respect for local cultures and improving the quality of life of local people. The destinations selected are concrete examples of how tourism can be both a driving force for the economy and a means of protecting natural resources for future generations.

The Latin American destinations featured in the Green Destinations Top 100 in 2024 demonstrate that it is possible to combine tourism growth with sustainable development. These places are not only role models for the region, but also sources of inspiration for the rest of the world. By promoting responsible practices, these destinations are showing the way towards a tourism future that is more respectful of the environment and local cultures, while offering travellers unforgettable experiences.

Discover the full list of winners

Crédits photos : Kuelap – Peru Travel / Isla Cozumel – D.R. / Parque Andino Juncal