For this edition of the Destination Edit, we’re heading to the Global South to explore some of our favorite LATAM destinations: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and Colombia.

As the Global North moves toward a post-growth era, companies are looking to expand into new regions, and Latin America presents a wealth of opportunity. With thriving industries, emerging markets, and growing business hubs, it’s a prime time to look south. LATAM offers exceptional value—your budget stretches further without compromising on world-class venues, accommodations, and experiences.

And while it might not be the first region that comes to mind for corporate events, that’s exactly what makes it exciting. Research shows that attendees crave fresh destinations, and Latin America delivers vibrant cities, rich cultural heritage, and exceptional offsite experiences. So why not take your next event someplace unexpected?

Let’s start exploring.

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Buenos Aires, Argentina

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First on our LATAM tour is Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina and a powerhouse of culture, commerce, and innovation. This energetic metropolis offers world-class arts and music, renowned cuisine, and legendary nightlife. As a result, it has become an increasingly popular choice for corporate events and incentive travel.

Argentina’s economic influence spans agriculture, energy, and technology, with Buenos Aires at its core as a growing hub of innovation. Ezeiza International Airport (EZE) facilitates easy access and connects major business centers worldwide through an extensive network.

For meetings and incentives, Buenos Aires boasts an impressive array of hotels and venues. The Four Seasons Buenos Aires is a premier option for luxury incentives, featuring 165 guest rooms and 11,528 square feet of meeting space. Park Tower, a Luxury Collection Hotel, offers an intimate yet sophisticated setting with 180 guest rooms and four elegant meeting spaces.

For larger gatherings, the Hilton Buenos Aires stands out with 417 guest rooms and an impressive 70,000 square feet of meeting space across 29 rooms. The Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center accommodates expansive events with 740 guest rooms and 55,380 square feet of meeting space. Meanwhile, the Buenos Aires Marriott offers versatility with 298 rooms and 24,100 square feet of flexible event space.

Beyond hospitality, Buenos Aires leads in business and innovation. The city supports a vast startup ecosystem through initiatives like Startup Buenos Aires, which offers resources and education for entrepreneurs. Investment firms like Troopa and Newtopia offer funding and strategic guidance to Latin American founders. The Free Trade Zone La Plata further encourages businesses with tax benefits and duty-free imports.

At the forefront of research and development, the Innovation Park in the Núñez neighborhood unites public and private institutions in a collaborative campus dedicated to education, technology, and entrepreneurship. Nearby universities contribute to a rich talent pool, while coworking spaces, restaurants, and retail establishments enhance the park's atmosphere.

Outside the boardroom, Buenos Aires offers unforgettable cultural experiences. Tango is woven into the city's fabric, and live performances at Café de los Angelitos provide an authentic glimpse into this passionate art form. A traditional asado (Argentinian barbecue) is a must for any visitor, showcasing the country’s culinary excellence.

Sustainability is also a priority for Buenos Aires. The city aims to cut emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. It was the first city in the world to implement 100% LED street lighting and continues to champion renewable energy and eco-friendly venues for events.

With its rich culture, premier venues, thriving business ecosystem, and commitment to sustainability, Buenos Aires is an exceptional destination for corporate events and incentives—where business, innovation, and inspiration go hand in hand.

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São Paulo, Brazil

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From the bustling streets of Buenos Aires, we’re headed north to São Paulo. As Brazil's financial powerhouse, São Paulo is the heartbeat of Latin America’s largest economy and a hub for business and innovation. This global metropolis attracts multinational corporations, thriving startups, and forward-thinking entrepreneurs. With strong finance, technology, agriculture, and energy sectors, São Paulo offers unmatched opportunities for corporate events and incentive travel.

Guarulhos International Airport (GRU) provides access to the city, connecting it to major business hubs worldwide. A robust network of domestic flights facilitates easy travel to key destinations across Brazil, including Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, and Florianópolis.

For meetings and incentives, São Paulo boasts a variety of world-class accommodations. The Rosewood São Paulo, an architectural masterpiece, offers an intimate luxury experience with 160 guest rooms and 20,976 square feet of meeting space across eight rooms—ideal for exclusive incentive retreats. The InterContinental São Paulo combines refined elegance with 195 guest rooms and 13,047 square feet of meeting space, perfect for upscale gatherings.

For larger conferences, the Renaissance São Paulo features 444 guest rooms and an expansive 25,995 square feet of event space across 19 rooms. The Grand Hyatt São Paulo stands out for its modern amenities and flexibility, offering 467 guest rooms and 32,421 square feet of meeting space across 17 rooms.

Beyond the business scene, São Paulo offers a rich cultural landscape. Observing the Carnival samba schools offers exclusive insight into the artistry behind Brazil’s most famous celebration, while capoeira demonstrations showcase the country’s Afro-Brazilian heritage. Food plays an integral role in the experience—attendees can enjoy authentic dining at a churrascaria, where expertly grilled meats are served with Brazil’s signature hospitality. For sports enthusiasts, attending a São Paulo Futebol Clube match is an unforgettable way to immerse themselves in the city’s passionate spirit.

Those seeking adventure can participate in offsite activities beyond São Paulo. Attendees can explore the Amazon rainforest, witness electrifying samba shows, or unwind at beachside networking events. As tourism looks to the future, São Paulo is advancing sustainability. The city has made significant strides in urban resilience and environmental responsibility.

São Paulo leads in climate action, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals through over 600 green initiatives. It has preserved 16,531 hectares of green space, accounting for 26% of its territory, and operates Latin America’s largest fleet of electric buses. By 2028, the city aims to cut carbon emissions by 50%. Efforts in urban farming and food security are progressing, with plans for 400 urban farms and five school greenhouses by 2024. In 2023 alone, São Paulo’s food waste programs redistributed surplus produce, providing over 2 million meals to low-income residents.

With its powerful economic influence, thriving culture of innovation, world-class venues, and commitment to sustainability, São Paulo is an unmatched destination for corporate events and incentives. Here, business, culture, and positive impact converge in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.

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Santiago, Chile

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From Brazil, our next stop is along the Pacific Coast—Santiago, Chile. Santiago is the economic and cultural heartbeat of Chile, providing a stable business environment with strengths in sectors such as mining, renewable energy, and technology. As a growing hub for business innovation, the city promotes entrepreneurship through initiatives like Start-Up Chile, a government-backed program that attracts international investment and supports tech startups. With a strong digital infrastructure and pro-business policies, Santiago is an ideal location for corporate events.

Arturo Merino Benítez Airport (SCL) is a major international gateway offering direct flights to North America, Europe, and Asia. A robust network of domestic flights also makes it easy to explore Chile's diverse landscapes, from the Atacama Desert to Patagonia.

Santiago boasts many luxury hotels and spacious meeting venues, perfect for exclusive incentive retreats and large-scale corporate events. The Ritz-Carlton Santiago offers an intimate and elegant environment with 205 guest rooms and 14,249 square feet of meeting space, suitable for executive gatherings. The Las Condes Mandarin Oriental Santiago is known for its contemporary luxury. It features 297 guest rooms and 16,899 square feet of meeting space, making it ideal for business meetings and high-end incentives.

For larger groups, the Sheraton Santiago Hotel and Convention Center provides 525 guest rooms and an impressive 33,713 square feet of meeting space, making it a top choice for conventions and large corporate events. The W Santiago, with its modern design and vibrant atmosphere, offers 196 guest rooms and 26,350 square feet of meeting space, perfect for companies looking for a stylish and energetic event environment.

Beyond business, Santiago offers immersive experiences that foster team bonding. Guests can enjoy wine tastings in the Maipo Valley, where world-class vineyards create a relaxed setting for networking and team-building. Exploring Plaza de Armas, the city’s historic center, reveals a bustling atmosphere filled with street performers, colonial architecture, and local energy.

For a deeper connection to Chile's heritage, attendees can witness the traditional cueca dance or enjoy a gourmet seafood feast featuring Chile's famed locos, king crab, and sea bass.

As a global leader in eco-conscious initiatives, Chile is setting the standard for sustainable events. Santiago is electrifying its public transportation, investing in green energy, and implementing progressive emissions policies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The country also hosts carbon-neutral vineyards, eco-tourism programs, and urban greening efforts, guaranteeing that events held here leave a lasting impact on attendees while minimizing environmental footprints.

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Cartagena, Colombia

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The last stop on our LATAM tour and one of Opus Agency’s recent top choices—Cartagena. As Colombia's economy expands rapidly, Cartagena is emerging as a vital destination for international investment and business events, particularly in technology, venture building, tourism, and real estate. The city's commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship is evident through initiatives like "Innovation Week," which strengthens corporate innovation capabilities, and the CAF Development Bank’s Business Innovation Program, which aims to boost research, development, and innovation across the Colombian Caribbean region.

While El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in Bogotá is the country’s central aviation hub, Cartagena’s Rafael Núñez International Airport (CTG) offers direct international flights and convenient domestic connections, making it an accessible gateway for global travelers. The city’s growing infrastructure and well-connected transportation system can easily host international events.

Cartagena's hotel scene combines modern luxury with historic charm, offering both expansive meeting spaces and intimate boutique accommodations. The Hilton Cartagena Hotel is a premier choice for corporate gatherings, featuring 348 guest rooms and 23,559 square feet of meeting space across 11 rooms. The Hyatt Regency Cartagena, with 380 guest rooms and 10,764 square feet of event space, is ideal for mid-sized conferences. For a blend of business and leisure, the InterContinental Cartagena De Indias Hotel provides 285 guest rooms and 11,000 square feet of meeting space.

The city’s rich culture and stunning natural surroundings create unique team-building and networking opportunities. Groups can embark on private boat excursions to the Rosario Islands, visit Colombia’s renowned coffee farms, or stroll through Cartagena’s historic walled city. 

To dive deeper into Cartagena’s authentic cultural heritage, experiences such as live Vallenato music performances, traditional arepa-making workshops, and immersive street art tours offer lasting memories. 

Cartagena also embraces sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, reinforcing its position as a responsible business destination. Ecopetrol’s Green Hydrogen Pilot at the Cartagena Refinery is paving the way for cleaner energy, while Repsol’s Renewable Fuels Plant produces fuels from waste materials. Additionally, the city participates in UN Tourism’s Green Projects Challenge, supporting award-winning initiatives that enhance sustainable tourism and community-driven projects. Cartagena’s Free Zone and Chamber of Commerce work together to advance innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability, ensuring the city remains a top-tier destination for eco-conscious business events.

Big Idea

From the vibrant streets of Buenos Aires to the innovative hubs of São Paulo and the breathtaking landscapes of Santiago, Latin America offers the perfect blend of business, culture, and adventure. As companies look beyond traditional destinations, now is the time to explore the unexpected and embrace the possibilities that LATAM has to offer. Drop us a line to see how LATAM might fit into your future event plans. Until next time, keep exploring!