Discover the sound of Latin America

The sounds of Latin America

Cloud forest chorus

Wandering through the labyrinth-like undergrowth of a Central American rainforest, the dense fog hangs heavy in the air. Visibility is limited, but if you pause and listen, an extraordinary chorus comes into focus. The whisper of wind through the canopy sets the rhythm, the gentle hum of insects adds a steady bassline, and the melodic whistles and whoops of tropical birds complete the symphony. The sound of Latin America is perhaps at its most enchanting here, in the heart of the jungle.

Over a quarter of Costa Rica’s land is protected as biological reserves, wildlife refuges, and national parks, making it one of the world’s premier destinations for nature lovers. Among its crown jewels are the cloud forests, which cling to the slopes of towering volcanoes and mountain ranges. Shrouded in mist, these forests are draped in mystery, with much of their wildlife hidden from sight—heightening the sense of discovery as you explore their winding, verdant trails.

For travelers with a thirst for adventure and an ear for nature’s music, the Monteverde Cloud Forest in northwestern Costa Rica is a must-visit. Home to an astonishing variety of flora and fauna, Monteverde offers the chance to spot many of its 425 species of birds, as well as countless insects, plants, and mammals. The forest’s most iconic resident is the elusive resplendent quetzal. Dressed in striking shades of azure and crimson, it’s a rare sight, but its call is unmistakable. Listen for the soft, echoing whoop that drifts through the mist, a perfect example of the sound of Latin America in its most natural and magical form.

Antigua’s musical heritage

It’s common to be serenaded by live music while sipping a cocktail at one of the many bars and restaurants across Guatemala. Among the crisp snap of snare drums and the warm tones of jazz chords, you’ll often hear the soft, flowing notes of Guatemala’s national instrument, the marimba.

The earliest known reference to the marimba dates back to 1680, when it was described being played on the steps of the Cathedral de Santiago in Antigua. A massive earthquake a century later left the cathedral in ruins, and it was never fully rebuilt. Today, its hauntingly beautiful remains stand as a window into Antigua’s rich history. And while the building may have crumbled with time, Guatemala’s music scene has only grown, still echoing from the same historic steps.

Parque Central, located just in front of the cathedral, often hosts local musicians and street performers entertaining crowds late into the night. As evening sets in, Antigua’s restaurants and bars come to life with the rhythms of traditional percussion and woodwind bands. Tucked away on a quiet street on the eastern edge of the city is Café No Sé, a beloved music venue where you can catch live performances from local artists every night of the week.

The beaches of Nicaragua

There are plenty of times when the lively chorus of Costa Rica’s cloud forests or the vibrant rhythms of Guatemala’s music scene are exactly what you’re looking for. But there are also moments when travelers in Latin America crave the opposite, peace, quiet, and total relaxation. And what better place to find your sanctuary than on the soft white sands of a Caribbean island? The gentle whisper of palm leaves swaying in the breeze and the rhythmic lapping of waves on the shore offer a different kind of harmony, one that perfectly captures a more tranquil side of the sound of Latin America.

For the ultimate island escape, weary travelers need look no further than Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. Just 30 kilometers from Pearl Lagoon lies the Pearl Keys, a stunning archipelago of 12 islands scattered across the turquoise sea. The larger islands are home to serene lagoons, quiet palm groves, and small communities of indigenous Creole and Miskito people. The smaller keys are truly off the grid, bare, beautiful, and ideal for unplugging from the modern world.

If you’re visiting between May and November, you might be lucky enough to share these secluded beaches with endangered hawksbill turtles. Thanks to major conservation efforts in recent years, turtle numbers are on the rise, making the Pearl Keys not only a peaceful retreat but also a haven for wildlife. Whether you’re looking to reconnect with nature or simply relax to the soothing soundtrack of the sea, this is island life at its purest, and a quieter, gentler expression of the sound of Latin America.

Haunting notes of the Andean Highlands

The Andes is a majestic chain of mountain peaks stretching across seven countries; Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela. This vast range is home to some of the tallest mountains in the Western Hemisphere, as well as high-altitude plateaus that cradle some of the most fascinating mountain cities in the world.

Yet beyond the breathtaking landscapes, it’s the haunting, transcendent sound of panpipes that truly captures the spirit of the Andes. These ethereal notes echo the legacy of ancient civilizations and long-lost empires, creating a sound that is instantly recognizable and deeply rooted in Andean culture.

So what gives panpipes their distinctive voice? Traditionally made from wood or bamboo, each pipe is cut to a different length to produce a variety of tones, many of which carry a melancholic, almost meditative quality. When air is blown across the top of the pipes, it produces a soulful, whistling resonance that feels timeless.

Variations exist across the region. Some panpipes feature a single row of pipes, while others have two rows, each version reflecting the musical traditions of its local culture. But no matter the design, one thing remains constant: the panpipes are inseparable from the Andes. Their evocative melodies form a soundtrack that is as iconic and enduring as the mountains themselves.

Soulful beats of Argentina’s tango

The rhythmic movements of tango evoke passion, longing, desire, and unspoken expressions of love. More than just a dance, tango is also a powerful genre of music that originated in both Uruguay and Argentina, emerging from the speakeasies and dockside milongas of the 19th century.

While the dance is instantly recognizable, the music deserves its own spotlight. Tango music blends the melodic tones of the violin, bass, piano, and the bandoneón (a type of accordion) creating a sound that is rich, soulful, and deeply emotional. These haunting notes are the heartbeat of the dance, setting the mood with every step and turn.

Although tango has deep roots in Uruguay, it has become most closely associated with the streets of Argentina. In nearly every bar and café in Buenos Aires, you’ll hear its familiar strains. Whether you’re watching an elegant performance or just catching a tune drifting through the air, tango is—unofficially—the dance of the Argentine people.

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