People go crazy over craft beer. And if you combine an expertly created brew with a beautiful Latin America vacation, well, you’ll likely have a lot of happy globetrotters. Three noteworthy hotels around the region have become experts at serving up stylishly artisanal beers — so whether you’re bound for Mexico, Central America or South America, you’ll find new flavors to love.
A Sacred Take on Craft Beer — Cusco, Peru
The craft beer craze is growing in Cusco, Peru, where an increasing number of breweries are dotting the nearby Sacred Valley of the Incas. The JW Marriott El Convento Cusco, a 16th century convent turned five-star hotel located just two blocks from the Main Square, is known for its creative and local approach to food and beverage. At Qespi Bar, guests can enjoy a variety of local craft beers available on tap or by the bottle. These include Intipunku, an IPA on draft that received the bronze metal in a Latin American artisanal beer contest, made by the Sacred Valley Brewing Company.
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Another popular choice, Shaman, is a bottled IPA made with native fruit such as pineapple, mango, pomelo and passion fruit, and is said to be based on the Peruvian shaman tradition of establishing relationships with the spirits of plants to strengthen the community and heal the body. Heivel Bedoya Schwartz, who took the reins as executive chef earlier this year, is even incorporating craft beers into his culinary menus at Qespi Bar. Among the favorites is his take on the hamburger, which features a homemade bun made of quinoa and a juicy budget patty that is smothered in a glaze of dark artisanal beer from the Sacred Valley.
Hops in the Heart of the Rainforest — Arenal, Costa Rica
Spread across 900 acres of lush rainforest near the base of Costa Rica’s Arenal Volcano, Tabacón Thermal Resort & Spa features hot springs and cascading waterfalls naturally heated by the volcano’s magma and outdoor spa bungalows where treatments are rendered to the sounds of rushing streams and local wildlife. In response to a growing craft beer scene in Costa Rica, the property has partnered with a local brewery called 5inco Amigos Cervecería to create a proprietary craft beer unique to the resort.
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The ‘IPAva’ brew is an IPA with 5.2% ABV, made with wild flavors and tropical aromas characteristic of the rainforest and resort’s thermal springs. It’s produced in the nearby village of San Carlos, and will be launching at the resort during the World Cup in June. As an added bonus, each time Costa Rica scores a goal in the games, guests will be treated to a complimentary bottle.
Sip Like a Local with Beachside Craft Beer — Cancun, Mexico
Located on the coast of the Mexican Caribbean, the newly renovated, Marriott Cancun Resort appeals to beer lovers with their new craft beer bucket — perfect for beer enthusiasts looking to enjoy the beaches of Mexico while sampling local brews from the region. For those who prefer exotic flavors, the Ramuri’s “Lagrimas Negras” (Oat Meal Stout) beer is the perfect beach bucket pick — originally from Tijuana and brewed with malts, oatmeal, and cocoa.
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Another top choice, Crabbie’s, a gluten free, citrus brew that blends steeped ginger with natural Scottish raspberries to create a curiously crisp refreshing taste. To top of your beach bucket, opt for he “Barracuda Beer” a refreshing and crisp option that pairs perfectly with Marriott Cancun’s spicy and savory signature dishes. Nothing hits the spot quite like a chilled brew (or two) while laying poolside and taking in views of the world’s brightest blue beaches and cool-to-the-touch white sand. After a day of great views and even better brews, travelers can make their way to any of the eight on-site international restaurants to complete their trip.