Welcome back to Part 2 of our warm-weather destination guide for online teachers in North America looking to escape the winter chill! If you missed Part 1, click here to check it out. We covered key factors to consider when choosing a destination and offered three great options: Medellin, Valencia, and Chiang Mai.

This time, we’re highlighting five more sunny destinations that offer strong WiFi for online teaching, safe environments, and the work-life balance remote teachers love. To make sure you don’t end up teaching at odd hours, we’re focusing on cities in Central and South America that are in time zones similar to North America.

If you’re craving beaches, culture, and affordable living this winter, here are five destinations to consider:

1) Tamarindo, Costa Rica

Do you love ocean living, surfing, and a laid-back beach lifestyle? Then Tamarindo is a fantastic choice. The town is well set up for digital nomads, with reliable WiFi, coworking spaces, and a strong expat presence.

The cost of living is a bit higher than in many Latin American cities as you can expect to spend US$1,500-$2,000 a month, but the safety, community, and natural beauty often make it worthwhile. For teachers who want sunshine, tropical surroundings, and a quick route to new friends, Tamarindo ticks all the boxes.

2) Mérida, México

Merida stands out for its blend of safety, affordability, culture, and ease of living. Regularly named one of the safest cities in Mexico, it offers a comfortable lifestyle at around US$1,000-$2,000 per month, depending on the neighbourhood and your living habits.

The city has great WiFi, plenty of cafes/coworking options, and a friendly expat community. With warm weather year-round and a generous 180-day tourist visa for many nationalities, Merida is ideal for teachers who want a relaxed pace, rich culture, and the option to explore beaches, cenotes, and Mayan ruins on weekends.

3) Cusco, Peru

For those who dream of living in a historic Andean city surrounded by culture and mountains, Cusco is a wonderful choice. Beyond Machu Picchu, the city offers so much more in terms of tourism and adventure. You can also find plenty of buzzing cafes with solid WiFi, walkable streets, and an active community of travellers and long-term expats.

Living costs are very reasonable, around US$900-$1,500 a month, and central areas are generally very safe for foreigners. One thing to note: Cusco sits at high altitude, so you’ll need a few days to acclimate before jumping into a full teaching schedule.

4) Cuenca, Ecuador

Cuenca is one of Ecuador’s most loved expat hubs thanks to its safety, affordability, and calm, high-quality lifestyle. With its picturesque colonial center, reliable internet, and mild year-round temperatures, it’s an ideal base for teachers who prefer a peaceful environment.

Expect to spend around US$900-$1,400 per month while enjoying coworking spaces, comfy cafes, and a welcoming expat community. Its spring-like climate is especially refreshing if you’re trying to avoid both the cold and the intense tropical heat.

5) Santa Marta, Colombia

If tropical weather, ocean views, and a laid-back costa life sounds appealing, Santa Marta is worth a look. Sitting along Colombia’s Caribbean coast, it offers warm temperatures all year, access to beautiful beaches, and close proximity to Tayrona National Park.

Costs are favourable, around US$800-$1,300 a month, and WiFi is reliable in neighbourhoods popular with remote workers. Safety can vary, but areas like El Rodadero and Bello Horizonte are generally safe and convenient for foreigners. Santa Marta is perfect for teachers who want affordability, sunshine, and a great mix of work and outdoor adventure.

We’ve now shared eight cities between this week and last week’s articles to inspire your winter escape, but the options certainly don’t end here. There are incredible warm destinations around the world, so take your time, do your research, and connect with expat groups to hear about their firsthand experiences.

If you do decide to relocate somewhere sunny this winter, we hope it becomes one of your most memorable seasons yet!