LATA Media Awards 2026

“With a record number of entries for this year’s LATA Media Awards, we are thrilled to reveal the 2026 shortlist, and what a list it is. The breadth and quality of entries has been extraordinary – from evocative conservation features to compelling print and audio journalism. All capture the rich diversity and unforgettable experiences the region has to offer. This year’s entries also celebrate the remarkable talent shaping Latin American storytelling in the UK media today. We look forward to celebrating these pieces of work alongside media and LATA members on 22 September.” Danny Callaghan, LATA CEO

The shortlisted works for each category are as follows:

Best LATA Member Content

Chris Bladon – Crowded Christ: Why small is not always beautiful – Pura Aventura

Julia Bysshe – El Salvador – An itinerary around the last undiscovered Central American country – LiNGER

Lewis Freeth – Photographers Guide to Costa Rica – Latin Routes

Simon Williams – Discovering Peru’s new rainbow mountain – Pallay Punchu – Humboldt Travel

Kate Wickers – Brazil’s Cerrado – Rainbow Tours

Best LATA Latin America Feature – Trade Press 

Joanna Booth – Hiking to Peru’s ‘other’ lost city – Travel Weekly

Karen Edwards – Natural Connection – Travel Weekly

Best Latin America Travel Blog or Vlog

Bella Falk – Lake Atitlan for beginners: How to visit Guatemala’s No. 1 spot – Passport & Pixels

Malini Angelica – Central America’s hidden paradise – You Tube – Malini Angelica 

Marco Allegri – Colca Valley, Peru – Thinking Nomads

Best Latin American Travel Feature – Magazine (online or print)

Bryony Cottam – Where evolution never sits still – Geographical

Nori Jemil – One woman’s mission to protect the pumas of Chile’s southern pampas –Adventure.com

Stanley Stewart – Moonwalking in Bolivia – Conde Nast Traveller

Tony Perrottet – Siren’s Call – Conde Nast Traveller

Ash Bhardwaj – The Culture of the Galapagos islands – JNRY Magazine

Claire Boobbyer – 16 of the best things to do in Cuba – Lonely Planet Magazine

Farida Zeynalova – City Life Cartagena – National Geographic Traveller

Laura Field – Regenerating a nation – El Salvador – Wanderlust Travel Magazine

Lisa Grainger – Explore a beautiful Patagonian national park from lakeside villas – The Times

Lydia Bell – Cuba Rays of Light – Conde Nast Traveller

Sarah Marshall – Savage Beauty – Conde Nast Traveller

SJ Armstrong – Why has this Mexican city held the title of Mexico’s foodie for centuries – Adventure.com

Best Latin America Travel Feature – Newspaper or New Outlet (online or print)

Mark Stratton – Meet tipsy tamarins and tiny turtles in the Ecuadorian Amazon –The Times

Oliver Berry – Five star thrills in the middle of the jungle – The Times

Samantha Weinberg – How I gatecrashed my daughter’s gap year – Financial Times

Stanley Stewart – Argentina’s final frontier – Financial Times

Gordon Thomson – Rio’s ‘safe’ favelas have become hip enclaves for foreigners – here’s why – The Telegraph

James Stewart – The unexpected country tipped to be Central America’s next best thing – The Times

Laura French – My month in the new tourist favourite that’s still affordable and crowd free – The i

Suzanne Bearne – The enchanting new walking trail that led me to the real Mexico – The Times

Best Sustainability Focused Feature (with a focus on Conservation, Community a/o Sustainability) – Newspaper, Magazine, Trade, Blog or Vlog

Farida Zeynalova – Protectors of Paradise – National Geographic Traveller

Imogen Lepere – From Poacher to Protector: Meet the former big cat hunter saving Jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal – Suitcase

Kate Humble – 24 Hours in Eden – Costa Rica – Wanderlust Magazine

Kate Wickers – Savana, Queen of the Desert – Porthole Cruise and Travel

Meera Dattani – The other Camino – Adventure.com

Robyn Wilson – The five-day trek in the Guatemalan jungle that’s worth every blister – The Independent

Best Published Latin America Podcast

Karen Edwards – Exploring Quito’s abundant biodiversity – Wanderlust Off the Page

Mark Wheeler and Cliver Rioja – Better World – Setting sail into the Peruvian Amazon – You Tube – &Beyond

Phoebe Smith – Can’t we all just get along – Wander Woman podcast

Shebs Alom – Small Earthquakes – Shebs The Wanderer podcast

Best published Latin America Photo Story 

Karolina Wiercigroch – City Life Cartagena – National Geographic Traveller

Mark Rammers – From Poacher to Protector: Meet the former big cat hunter saving jaguars in Brazil’s Pantanal – Suitcase

Prior to the awards ceremony at Gaucho Piccadilly on 22 September, LATA will also host an intimate ‘Meet the Media’ networking session, offering media attendees the chance to connect with a small group of LATA members. This informal event will provide a valuable opportunity to build relationships, discover new story angles, and deepen knowledge of Latin American destinations, experiences, and travel trends.

For more information on the LATA Media Awards 2026 and to apply for a media place please email press@lata.travel

LATA members can buy tickets here.