Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Islands in Mexico and Central and South America for 2023

Regardless of your vision for the perfect beach escape, the islands of Mexico and Central and South America are sure to impress. Whether you prefer to cap off a jungle trek with an unforgettable scuba diving adventure, enjoy a candlelit dinner for two with the sound of crashing waves, or build sandcastles with your kids along a tranquil, crystal-clear coastline, this region has something for everyone, all found on one of Dinogo readers' favored islands in Mexico and Central and South America.

Understanding the Voting Process

Annually, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences from around the world — providing feedback on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, nearly 165,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, reflecting an increase of almost 25 percent compared to pre-pandemic voting levels. More than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).

Islands were specifically evaluated based on the criteria listed below:

Natural attractions/beaches
Activities/sights
Culinary experiences
Hospitality/friendliness
Overall value

For each attribute, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the averages of these ratings.

Highlights from Readers

Ambergris Caye secured the second spot this year, and rightly so — Belize’s largest island is renowned for its exceptional diving and snorkeling, thanks to its closeness to the Belize Barrier Reef and the Great Blue Hole, famously explored by Jacques Cousteau. For those in search of a relaxed tropical beach retreat, Belize’s Caye Caulker — located just south of Ambergris — ranked No. 3, with one reader praising its “laid-back vibe” alongside “friendly locals and fantastic food.” Another recommended the thrilling tarpon-feeding experience and the opportunity to savor “affordable and delicious” barbecued lobsters on the beach.

Mexico’s Isla Mujeres (No. 4) was another popular choice, with one reader describing it as a “wonderful escape,” partly due to its distance from the more crowded beaches of Cancun and Tulum. “I would return time and again,” one traveler exclaimed. “Worth every penny,” another commented, “We enjoyed the best vacation with amazing food.”

Readers praised Roatan Island in Honduras (No. 5), with one traveler highlighting its “beautiful, clean, well-monitored beaches with crystal-clear waters,” and many suggested it as an ideal spot for snorkeling, diving, and fishing. Several visitors regarded it as a fantastic day-trip location for wildlife enthusiasts, mentioning its “numerous animal sanctuaries” and chances to witness both “wildlife and natural splendor.”

No beach vacation, no matter how enchanting, can rival a once-in-a-lifetime journey to one of the world’s most ecologically distinctive regions. Perhaps this is why the Galápagos Islands have been named T+L readers’ favorite set of islands in Mexico and Central and South America for the 21st consecutive year.

The Champion

Galápagos Islands: Ecuador

A Galapagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki) relaxing on the beach of Espanola island

guenterguni/Getty Images

Readers consistently echoed a sentiment about traveling to the Galápagos — it’s a place you simply “must visit at least once in your life,” as one explorer expressed. “The Galápagos are a staple on many bucket lists, and rightly so,” remarked another traveler. “They truly live up to the excitement.” This archipelago is famous for its incredible wildlife, home to unique species like giant tortoises, penguins, sea lions, fur seals, and Darwin’s iconic finches. It’s a paradise for bird watchers, with 80 percent of land birds native to these islands. For marine enthusiasts, the diverse geography allows for sightings of both reef and deep-sea creatures, including rays, reef sharks, marine iguanas, green turtles, and various whales and dolphins. One reader encapsulated it perfectly: “Where nature, wildlife, science, and history converge. An extraordinary adventure.” Or as a more enthusiastic traveler put it, “It’s the Galápagos! Everything is breathtaking!”