The Mexican city of La Paz (not to be confused with the capital of Bolivia) and the Patagonia National Park in Chile are separated by almost 9,000 kilometers, different climates and more than 800 meters of average altitude.

But these two places in Latin America have something new in common: they appear on the list of the 100 "best places in the world" to explore in 2021, according to a ranking produced by the American magazine Time.

In total, the publication recommends eight Latin American destinations , in a list that ranges from classic tourist places, such as the cities of Paris or New York, to more remote points, such as the city of Nuuk, in Greenland, or the north of Goa. , in India.
No Brazilian tourist spots appear in the selection.

The magazine explained that, in order to produce its third annual list of its kind, it solicited nominations from its correspondents in different regions, "with an eye toward those that offer new and exciting experiences."

The following is an alphabetical list of selected Latin American destinations to visit when it is safe to do so in times of a pandemic .

1. Costa Rica
The Central American country, with its beaches, volcanoes, forests and rainforests, is a popular destination for North American tourists.

What Time highlighted this time about Costa Rica was the country's environmental conservation efforts, which have led to 53% of its territory now being covered by forests after decades of deforestation.

Today, almost all (98%) energy in the country comes from renewable sources .

2. José Ignacio, Uruguay
Located on the Atlantic coast, a few kilometers from Punta del Este, Uruguay's main tourist destination, José Ignacio is an old fishing village that has recently been transformed with the arrival of visitors and investments.

The American magazine points out options for accommodation, bars and restaurants on the beach dunes.

3. La Paz, Mexico
La Paz, capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur, is less famous than other tourist destinations in the same country.

But the seaside promenade, rich marine life and the nearby uninhabited island of Espiritu Santo have earned Time's rating as a different place to visit.

4. Mendoza, Argentina
The Argentine province of Mendoza is internationally known for its wine production, key to its economy.

However, in addition to places to taste different wines, the American magazine points out some gastronomic points of this place in South America located in the Andes mountain range.

5. Patagonia National Park, Chile
Officially created less than three years ago in former Chilean reserves, the Patagonia National Park is already a strong tourist attraction in the south of the American continent .

Time highlighted its fauna of condors, guanacos, pumas and deer, but also the fact that since September the energy used by the park is 100% renewable.