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Twenty-five editions of the readers\u2019 awards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Founded in the United Kingdom in 1993<\/strong>, Wanderlust<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> has built its reputation on reporting focused on nature, local cultures and travel beyond the most heavily visited routes. Today, the magazine and its website reach an international audience.<\/p>\n\n\n Its Reader Travel Awards, now celebrating their 25th edition<\/strong>, invite readers to choose the destinations they most want to discover, as well as their favourite tour operators and airlines. This year, 251,461 people took part and cast more than 8.2 million votes<\/strong>. Countries, cities, islands and regions each have their own ranking, complemented by categories covering areas such as adventure, heritage and wildlife.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To explain Costa Rica\u2019s<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> victory, the editorial team highlights the role of its lodges, community-based tourism and the protection of natural areas. It specifically mentions wildlife-watching experiences, including the turtles of Tortuguero and the tapirs of the Osa Peninsula.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Central America takes the top two places in the category of most desirable emerging destinations<\/strong>. Belize<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>, which won silver in 2025, takes gold ahead of Guatemala<\/strong>, followed by Armenia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In Belize, Wanderlust highlights Maya sites, Garifuna cultures and stays centred on the barrier reef. Panama<\/mark><\/a><\/strong>, ranked eighth, completes Central America\u2019s presence in this selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Peru<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> wins gold in the adventure category<\/strong>, ahead of Canada and New Zealand. Hiking in the Cordillera Blanca, Salkantay and Ausangate, as well as excursions in the Tambopata National Reserve in the Amazon, are among the experiences highlighted. The selection underlines that travel opportunities extend far beyond Machu Picchu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among cities outside Europe, Buenos Aires<\/a><\/strong> takes silver behind Tokyo<\/strong>, after ranking first in 2025. Cartagena de Indias<\/a><\/strong>, the fortified city on Colombia\u2019s Caribbean coast, ranks sixth. Brazil<\/mark><\/a><\/strong> also wins a silver medal in the nature and wildlife<\/strong> category, behind South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/visit-latin-america.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/Most-Desirable-Country-Worldwide-Costa-Rica-1024x683.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nBelize and Guatemala lead the emerging destinations ranking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Peru rewarded for adventure<\/h3>\n\n\n\n