The leading Latin American destination for 2016? Quito, Ecuador

If Latin America is on your travel radar this year, you might want to check out the results of the World Travel Awards Latin America 2016 which named Quito, Ecuador the region's leading destination for the fourth year in a row and Medellin, Colombia the region's leading city break destination.

At a gala event over the weekend in Lima, Peru, the winners of the event's 23rd edition were announced, identifying the best airlines, hotels and destinations in Mexico, South and Central America for 2016.

For the fourth year in a row, the Ecuadorian capital of Quito took the coveted title of South America's leading destination over fellow nominees such as Buenos Aires, Galapagos Islands, Lima and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Perched 2,850 meters (9,350 feet) above sea level on the ruins of an ancient Inca city, Quito boasts one of the best-preserved historic centers in Latin America.

Surrounding areas include snow-capped mountains, tropical rainforests, lakes, lagoons, volcanoes and cloud forests within striking distance of the city.

Medellin, Colombia, also known as the City of Eternal Spring for its year-round balmy weather, took the title of best city break destination. Located in a valley against the backdrop of the Andes mountains, Colombia's second-largest city was named the most innovative city in the world in 2013 by the Urban Land Institute for its strides in politics, education and social development.

Thrill seekers may also want to consider Chile as their next travel destination, as the country was named the best for adventure travel.

And instead of the beaches of Ipanema, consider taking your beach holiday in Mancora Piura, Peru which took the title of South America's leading beach destination.

Here's a selection of more winners from the World Travel Awards for South America 2016:

South America's leading beach resort: Dom Pedro Laguna, Beach Villas & Golf Resort, Brazil
Leading boutique hotel: Hotel Plaza Grande Quito, Ecuador
Leading cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Leading culinary destination: Lima, Peru
Leading cultural destination: Argentina
Leading hotel: Swissotel Lima, Peru
Leading airline: LATAM Airlines
Most romantic resort: Belmond Miraflores Park, Peru

Winners of the World Travel Awards are based on votes cast by members of the global travel industry and consumers.

The grand finale is set for December and takes place in the Maldives.