Places that were once remote paradises now face a crisis due to excessive tourism.
Today this happens worldwide, and Latin America is not exempt: dozens of iconic destinations are becoming victims of their own success.
The proliferation of low-cost airlines, cruise tourism, and the impact of social media are the three most significant factors for this occurrence.
According to Professor Joseph M. Cheer, a specialist in Sustainable Tourism at Western Sydney University, tourism becomes problematic when “it does not translate into local-level benefits.”
Currently, global companies are the ones reaping the most profits, while local communities suffer the consequences.
Costa Rica: gentrification in coastal areas due to excessive tourism
The areas of Nosara and Santa Teresa show alarming impacts of excessive tourism in Costa Rica.
The massive purchase of land by foreigners has led to an increase in the cost of living and the displacement of local residents.
Nadia Alfaro, from the Playa Pelada Development Association, told CNN that “a lot of local people are being displaced.”
Today, “surviving there with the cost of services is extremely complicated” as prices are “completely inaccessible” for local workers.
The State of the Nation Program of Costa Rica identified gentrification in coastal areas as a subject of study.
New research determined that the development of luxury real estate projects has transformed entire communities.
Mexico: housing crisis in CDMX
Mexico City faces a crisis due to the massive influx of tourists and digital nomadism.
Rosalba Loyde, a sociologist from UNAM, explained to CNN that this especially affects access to housing.
Rents, locals complain, have tripled, and residents are seeing their cities turn into amusement parks.
At least three protests were held last July to demand action against the rising cost of housing.
Therefore, the head of Government, Clara Brugada, announced the creation of anti-gentrification housing to keep residents in central areas.
Peru: Machu Picchu at risk due to excessive tourism
In September 2025, the designation of Machu Picchu as one of the 7 Wonders of the World was at risk.
The organization New7Wonders urged Peru to urgently step up efforts to improve the management of the sanctuary.
By September, around 1.4 million tickets had been sold to visit Machu Picchu.
Jean-Paul de la Fuente, director of New7Wonders, warned that these factors could affect Peru “due to the poor visitor experience” and compromise its credibility.
The sanctuary receives up to 5,600 visitors daily during peak season.
Ecuador: fragile ecosystem in Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands face a crucial moment. There, land tourism has increased by 260% in the last two decades.
In 2024, a total of 279,277 tourists arrived at the archipelago, 4% more than in 2022.
More than half were foreigners who generate carbon emissions and waste management problems.
Concerned about the pressure on the ecosystem, since August 2024 the Ministry of Tourism of Ecuador doubled the entrance fee to Galápagos from US$ 100 to US$ 200, the first increase since 1998.
Antarctica: tourism tripled in a decade
Tourism in Antarctica tripled in the last ten years. In the 2024-2025 season, 118,162 people traveled to the white continent.
Ten years ago, that number was around 36,000 people.
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) states that “while Antarctica receives relatively few visitors, its unique characteristics require rigorous safeguards.”
The need for limits and planning against excessive tourism
Professor Cheer emphasizes in a conversation with CNN that “excessive tourism does not appear overnight, but is a consequence of decisions” regarding tourism development governance.
Experts agree that there is no single answer and everything depends on the local context.
Long-term tourism planning is essential, where the type of tourism is suitable for each destination.
IAATO states that “Antarctica has profound global importance and the duty to protect it is shared by scientists, governments, tour operators, and visitors alike.”
