Avianca, Delta, Hyatt: Top Points Value in Latin America

Exploring Latin America with Loyalty Programmes

A recent travel guide, published on 27 September 2026, highlighted several Latin American urban centres where loyalty programme points and miles can significantly reduce travel expenses. The analysis focused on destinations offering a mix of cultural experiences, natural attractions, and accessible redemption opportunities for flights and accommodation.

Cities such as La Paz, Bolivia, and San Jose, Costa Rica, were featured for their appeal to budget-conscious travellers utilising reward currencies from airlines and hotel groups. This approach allows for more economical exploration of the region’s diverse offerings, from Andean landscapes to Central American rainforests, making travel more accessible for a broader audience.

The guide detailed specific redemption strategies, showcasing the value proposition of various loyalty schemes for both flights and hotel stays.

La Paz: Andean Access via Points

For those planning a visit to La Paz, Bolivia, direct air services from the United States to El Alto International Airport (LPB) are not available. However, connecting flights, often through Bogota, present viable options for points redemption.

Avianca LifeMiles, for example, offers economy class tickets from New York for approximately 27,000 miles plus $34 (USD) for a one-way fare. Alternatively, Air Canada Aeroplan provides a similar flight for 30,000 points, with an additional charge of around $57 (USD) in taxes and fees.

Holders of co-branded credit cards associated with Aeroplan can further reduce this cost by 15%, bringing the redemption down to 25,500 points. Accommodation in La Paz includes properties like the Met Hotel La Paz, which can be booked through World of Hyatt at a starting rate of 13,750 Hyatt points or $131 (USD) per night, thanks to its partnership with Mr & Mrs Smith.

San Jose: Costa Rican Gateway with Rewards

San Jose, Costa Rica, is another destination where loyalty programmes offer considerable value. Delta Air Lines operates daily non-stop flights from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO). Economy class award rates for a round-trip journey begin at 53,500 SkyMiles, plus $93 (USD) in associated fees.

Travellers with Delta’s TakeOff15 benefit can further reduce the mileage requirement to 45,400 miles. For hotel stays in San Jose, options include the Costa Rica Marriott Hotel Hacienda Belen, where standard rooms start at around 32,800 Marriott Bonvoy points or $213 (USD) per night. A 35,000-point free night certificate can also be redeemed here.

The Gran Hotel Costa Rica, Curio Collection by Hilton, presents another choice, with nightly rates from 55,000 Hilton Honors points or $168 (USD). This property is also part of the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts programme, offering additional benefits for eligible cardholders.

Asian Traveller Considerations for Loyalty Programmes

While the highlighted examples primarily cater to North American travellers accessing Latin America, the underlying principles of leveraging points and miles hold relevance for Asian travellers.

Loyalty programmes from major Asian carriers, such as Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer or Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, and global hotel chains with a strong presence in Asia, like Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors, offer similar opportunities for reduced travel costs.

As interest in long-haul travel and diversified holiday options grows across Asia, understanding how to maximise points and miles becomes crucial.

Asian travellers planning trips to distant regions, or even within the continent, can apply comparable strategies to secure flights and hotel stays at more favourable rates, potentially opening up destinations that might otherwise be considered cost-prohibitive. This trend reflects a global shift towards smarter travel planning through loyalty scheme optimisation.