If you’re looking for tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle of the crowds, there are three Mexican destinations that may not be for you. However, they could be ideal if you prefer movement, adrenaline, and meeting new people.
According to an analysis by Argentina Expat, a website and publication aimed at people planning to move to Argentina, Cozumel is the most saturated tourist destination in Latin America. Tulum is in second place, and Cancún is in fifth. The study calculated the number of annual visitors in relation to the permanent resident population in 50 tourist destinations in 17 Latin American countries.
Cozumel receives 43 tourists per resident throughout the year. In Tulum, the ratio is 39 per inhabitant, while in Cancún it reaches 31.
The analysis also reveals that several small coastal towns in Latin America are experiencing heavy tourist pressure. In Punta del Este, Uruguay, there are 36 tourists for every resident, and in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, the figure reaches 16.
Destinations with Great Challenges
The most visited destinations in the Caribbean face sustainability challenges, according to the analysis. Punta Cana, in the Dominican Republic, ranks third among the busiest destinations in Latin America, with 36 tourists for every resident. Meanwhile, the tiny Ambergris Caye in Belize receives almost 15 tourists per inhabitant.
If you go by the official Dominican Republic Tourism website, you would hardly expect such a crowded vacation.
“With one of the longest white-sand coastlines in the Caribbean, a total of 48 kilometers, adorned with coconut palms that seem to stretch to the sky, Punta Cana is synonymous with rest and relaxation by the sea,” the website states. “Here, where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea, from the northern tip of Uvero Alto to the southern tip of Cap Cana, all-inclusive resorts and boutique hotels offer all the luxury and comfort of modern beachfront living.”
Better Location in Capitals
On the other hand, the Argentina Expat analysis maintains that Latin American capitals “remain surprisingly manageable.” It adds: “South American powerhouses such as Bogotá (1.2 tourists per resident), Lima (0.2), and Buenos Aires (0.2) show minimal tourist density despite being regional tourist centers.”
“The gap between the destinations with the highest and lowest tourist density is astonishing,” the report concludes. “Cozumel receives 240 times more tourists per resident than Buenos Aires, revealing enormous regional disparities in tourism distribution,” it states.
The report details that the number of visitors was obtained from data provided by tourism offices and departments, port authorities, and airport statistics. Population information came from national censuses, municipal registries, and demographic statistics. The most recent data available was used, mostly from 2023 and 2024.
Argentina Expat warns that some destinations may experience seasonal variations that are not fully reflected in the annual figures. It also notes that population data may not include temporary residents or seasonal workers. It also clarifies that tourism figures include cruise ship passengers who are only passing through for the day and, therefore, may not impact destinations in the same way as those who stay.
Source: es-us.noticias.yahoo
