Discovering hidden gems often means venturing beyond the familiar, and the UN Tourism “Best Tourism Villages” list offers travelers just that: five under-the-radar destinations perfect for the curious explorer.
Each village has been recognized for its commitment to sustainability, culture and sense of place — yet remains relatively unknown in mainstream travel coverage.
Jardín, Antioquia (Colombia)
Perched in the verdant hills of Antioquia, three hours south of Medellín, Jardín remains a splendid blend of colonial architecture, vibrant balconies, and mountain-village tranquillity. Recognized by UN Tourism in the 2024 list of Best Tourism Villages.
Visitors here can stroll the town square, ride cable cars over coffee-terraced slopes, or walk to the dramatic La Cueva del Esplendor waterfall. Accommodation options remain modest, and the pace slow, making it an ideal alternative to Colombia’s more crowded mountain towns.
Huancaya (Peru)
Set in the Nor Yauyos – Cochas Reserve of central Peru, Huancaya is a remote village of high desert and lush valleys, interlaced by crystal-fresh glacial streams and turquoise-green lakes. It was one of five Peruvian villages honored by UN Tourism in 2024.
Its isolation is part of the appeal: beaches of watercolor seas are replaced here by high-altitude hiking, trout streams and rural charm. Travelers seeking to detach from the tourist circuit will find this place quietly compelling.
Leymebamba (Peru)
Nestled in Peru’s Amazonas region, Leymebamba boasts cloud-forest surroundings and access to ancient Chachapoyas civilization sites. It too was recognized in the 2024 Best Tourism Villages list.
Highlights include the Museo Leymebamba (with the discovery of the “Lady of Leymebamba”), tranquility away from Peru’s mainstream travelers, and a chance to combine culture, nature and remote lodging.
El Valle de Antón (Panamá)
Situated in the crater of an ancient volcano, El Valle de Antón offers a unique setting in Panama: cooler mountain air, artisan markets, and rainforest trails. It was named by UN Tourism as a “Best Tourism Village” in 2024.
Given the relative proximity to Panama City, it’s a largely overlooked option for international travelers — offering an appealing mix of nature, culture and village-scale tourism.
Roches Noires (Mauritius)
On the lesser-visited east coast of Mauritius, Roches Noires is a…
Read full article: 5 Hidden Villages the UN Says You Should Visit in 2025
The post “5 Hidden Villages the UN Says You Should Visit in 2025” by Viktor Vincej was published on 10/21/2025 by www.travelinglifestyle.net