The Best Documentaries to Watch About Latin America

Peru Travel: Crossing the Plaza
Peru Travel: Crossing the Plaza | © Latin America for Less/Flickr
Jack Guy

Latin America is a vast continent with many different cultures contained within it, and there are some great documentaries that look at various aspects of the region as a whole. Take a look at the following films if you want to find out more.

War on Democracy

Director John Pilger takes a look at US intervention in countries across Latin America from the 1950s onwards. Venezuela, Bolivia and Chile are a particular focus, but the film gives a good understanding of how South American politics as a whole have been subject to outside influence.

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CentralAmerica

GORGEOUS GUATEMALA

Gorgeous Guatemala

5 days . Mini
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1. Guatemala

An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.

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CentralAmerica

BEACHY BELIZE

Beachy Belize

5 days . Mini
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2. Belize

A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.
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CentralAmerica

COLONIAL MEXICO

Colonial Mexico

5 days . Mini
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3. Mexico

An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.
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SouthAmerica

ADVENTUROUS ECUADOR

Adventurous Ecuador

8 days . Epic
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1. Ecuador

A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.

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SouthAmerica

ANCIENT PERU

Ancient Peru

9 days . Epic
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2. Peru

An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.
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Europe

SEDUCTIVE SOUTHERN ITALY

Seductive Southern Italy

10 days . Epic
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1. Italy

The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.

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Europe

EDINBURGH AND THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS BY TRAIN

Edinburgh And The Scottish Highlands By Train

7 days . Culture
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2. Scotland

Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.
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Europe

COMPLETE PORTUGAL BY TRAIN

Complete Portugal By Train

8 days . Culture
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3. Portugal

A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.
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Asia

SOULFUL SOUTH KOREA

Soulful South Korea

10 days . Epic
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1. South Korea

Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.

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Asia

THAILAND, CAMBODIA & VIETNAM

Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam

11 days . Epic
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2. Thailand

From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.
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Asia

SECRETS OF SRI LANKA BY TRAIN

Secrets Of Sri Lanka By Train

10 days . Culture
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3. Sri Lanka

A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great price
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Africa

EPIC MOROCCO

Epic Morocco

11 days . Epic
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1. Morocco

An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!

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Africa

ULTIMATE EGYPT

Ultimate Egypt

9 days . Epic
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2. Egypt

From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.
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Africa

IMMERSIVE KENYA

Immersive Kenya

8 days . Epic
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3. Kenya

An immersive blend of culture and wildlife for first time travelers to Africa. Learn about Nairobi, sample local coffee in the Aberdares and finish up with a fantastic safari stay in the Masai Mara.
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Argentina’s Economic Collapse

Many visitors head to Argentina with no idea that the country has suffered regular bouts of economic instability that have coloured its recent history. This film provides an introduction into the economics of the country, particularly its relationship with foreign debt.

The Battle of Chile

Director Patricio Guzmán’s seminal three-part documentary was filmed in secret in 1970s Chile as General Pinochet overthrew the socialist government of Salvador Allende. At 272 minutes long there is a fair amount to get through, but it’s worth it.

Plan Colombia

It might have been made in 2003 but this documentary remains highly relevant. It deals with the US interest in Colombia’s natural resources and how successive governments have tried to handle drug trafficking and guerrilla insurgency.

O Prisionero da Grade de Ferro (The Prisoner of the Iron Bars)

Prisons across Latin America have a terrible reputation, and Brazil’s penitentiary system is often in the news for all of the wrong reasons. In this 2004 documentary, director Paulo Sacramento teaches inmates at the infamous Carandiru jail in Sao Paulo to film the realities of their daily life behind bars. It’s powerful but shocking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xJpefjBc-tg

Mala Mala

Head out to the clubs of Puerto Rico in this incredible documentary that follows the lives of transsexual women in the capital, San Juan. We see how the women engage in activism, but also the small details of their daily existence.

Ilha das Flores (Isle of Flowers)

Director Jorge Furtado uses a landfill in Porto Alegre, Brazil to paint a picture of the human misery caused by the economic system in South America. It’s a weird and wonderful ride, and the 1989 film is very much relevant today.

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