The city of Mar del Plata has been nominated as the best beach destination in South America at the World Travel Awards 2026, the prestigious awards known as the “Oscars of tourism.” This nomination places Argentina’s main seaside city in the international elite, competing with tourist icons like Rio de Janeiro, Galapagos Islands, and San Andrés.
The nomination recognizes the combination of modern infrastructure, seaside tradition, and year-round tourist offerings, consolidating Mar del Plata as a comprehensive destination beyond the summer season.
Regional Competition
In its category, Mar del Plata will face renowned destinations:
- Fernando de Noronha (Brazil): a protected archipelago, exclusive for diving and snorkeling.
- Galapagos Islands (Ecuador): a World Natural Heritage site, with endemic fauna and strict conservation policies.
- Máncora (Peru): warm beaches all year round, ideal for surfing and nightlife.
- Margarita Island (Venezuela): a Caribbean tourist hub with water sports and colonial heritage.
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil): iconic urban beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, integrated into cultural and nightlife.
- San Andrés (Colombia): famous for its “sea of seven colors” and its established tourist infrastructure.
Award History
The World Travel Awards have previously honored:
- Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 2025.
- San Andrés (Colombia) in five consecutive editions (2020-2024).
- Galapagos Islands (Ecuador) in previous editions.
This history shows the magnitude of the challenge for Mar del Plata, which seeks to position itself as a South American reference in beach tourism.
The “Oscars of Tourism”
The World Travel Awards, created in 1993, recognize excellence in all sectors of the travel and tourism industry. Each year they conduct a Grand Tour of regional galas, culminating in a global final with the winners from each continent.
The ceremonies bring together industry leaders, prominent figures, influencers, and international media, consolidating their prestige as the definitive seal of quality in tourism.
Mar del Plata: Beyond Summer
The Argentine city stands out for its diversity of offerings:
- Urban beaches with full services.
- Quieter beaches on the outskirts of the city.
- Renowned gastronomy that combines tradition and avant-garde.
- Cultural and sports agenda throughout the year, with festivals, shows, and international competitions.
This comprehensive profile makes Mar del Plata a destination that transcends the high season, offering experiences for different audiences and consolidating its appeal as a tourist city.
The nomination of Mar del Plata as the best beach destination in South America in 2026 is a recognition of its history, infrastructure, and ability to reinvent itself as a comprehensive tourist city. Competing with giants like Rio de Janeiro or Galapagos is not only a challenge but also an opportunity to show the world the potential of the Argentine coast.
