From Ancient Cultures to Mystical Heritage: On the Trail of Latin America in Hungary

What's the article about?

• Natural and cultural attractions in the area.
• Unique activities and experiences for visitors.
• Local gastronomy and special features.
• Tips for a memorable trip.

At first glance, the Tokaj wine region may not evoke South America, yet it is home to one of Hungary’s most unique themed hotels. The Minaro Hotel Tokaj MGallery Collection was built on the site of a former andesite mine, and its concept was inspired by the legend of the lost city of gold, El Dorado. The hotel, which welcomes only guests aged 14 and older, features an interior where motifs from South American cultures and Amazon-inspired design meet modern luxury, allowing guests to become part of a unique world of experiences from the moment they arrive.

At Tortuga Restaurant, premium local ingredients meet South American-inspired flavours. The carefully crafted “signature” dishes and the special cocktails at the Viracocha Bar blend the character of Tokaj with Latin America’s rich gastronomic heritage. The Amazonas Spa’s nearly 1,600-square-meter wellness area features indoor and outdoor adventure pools, hot tubs, and a spectacular sauna world, where special wellness rituals round out the rejuvenating experience. In addition to regular sauna sessions, it’s also worth trying the Temazcal ceremony, inspired by South American traditions.

One of the best ways to explore the continent is with a cup of specialty coffee. At the One Eleven Roasters roastery in Sopron, under the guidance of coffee expert and multiple barista champion Attila Molnár, you can not only gain insight into the secrets of roasting but also learn about the characteristics of different growing regions through guided tastings. The selection includes coffees from Guatemala, Costa Rica, Peru, and Brazil, and one of the roasting team’s personal favourites comes from among the Peruvian varieties. The program is a great opportunity to experience the wide range of flavours offered by the high-altitude plantations of South and Central America.

The history of chocolate goes back much further than we might think. The Mayan civilization of Central America already held the cacao bean in high esteem: they made a drink from it and even used it as a form of currency. Fortunately, today we don’t have to travel across continents to sample the world of high-quality cacao. An increasing number of Hungarian artisanal chocolate makers are showcasing the process of processing cocoa beans – including, among others, the CsilliChocobons Chocolate Workshop in Balatonlelle, the À la Sophie Confectionery in Felsőtárkány, Heaven’s Chocolate in Pécs, or the Sweetic Chocolate Workshop in Szigetszentmiklós.

Dance and music are integral parts of the South American way of life. Salsa and Cuban dance nights are held regularly in various parts of the country, where you can learn the basic steps of Latin dances to live music or with the help of DJs. At these events, you can often sip classic cocktails, as well: a well-made caipirinha, daiquiri, or mojito can transport you almost instantly to the shores of the Caribbean.

While the microclimate of the Amazon is truly one-of-a-kind, the tropical greenhouses in Hungary’s botanical gardens offer a glimpse into this extraordinary world. Amid the exotic, giant-leaved plants, vines, palms, and moisture-loving species found in the palm house and tropical plant collection of the Botanical Garden of the University of Pécs, as well as in the tropical greenhouse of the Botanical Garden of the University of Szeged, you can feel as if you were in a rainforest. Walking among the humid, lush vegetation, it’s easy to imagine what life might be like in the world’s largest tropical rainforest. In most botanical gardens, you can even purchase unique plants – such as palms or even carnivorous plants.

A trip to South America may come to an end, but Mediterranean cuisine is always available right here at home! At Eleven in Pécs, you can order magnificent tapas platters to pair with outstanding Hungarian and international wines, just as you can at the Taberna Infinito Tapas & Grill bar on Szent György-hegy (St. George Hill). At this panoramic restaurant, it’s worth choosing the pairing special, which also lets you sample their exciting cocktails.