Things to do in  Central & South America

The lost city of Machu Picchu is the most famous tourist attraction in Peru, if not all of South America. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed collection of temples, terraced hills, and plazas was once the mountaintop citadel of the ancient Inca empire. Although Machu Picchu is now world-famous, questions remain about the mysteries behind its construction, function, and eventual demise.

In the lush tropical forest of Arenal Volcano National Park, La Fortuna Waterfall cascades 200 feet (61 meters) down the sheer cliff face of Cerro Chato, Arenal Volcano’s dormant neighbor. One of Costa Rica’s most impressive and easily accessible waterfalls, La Fortuna is a popular spot to hike, swim, and picnic. The waterfall’s perpetual mists and dense rainforest backdrop are postcard-perfect and a draw for photographers.

Keeping a watchful eye over the people of Rio de Janeiro, the Christ the Redeemer Statue (Cristo Redentor) sits atop Corcovado Mountain some 2,300 feet (700 meters) up. One of the New 7 Wonders of the World, and nearly a century old, this impressive statue of Jesus Christ is often described as the most iconic attraction in Brazil. It boasts panoramic views of the city below.

The indigenous Quechua villages in Peru’s Sacred Valley of the Inca provide a view into the past. Inhabited by descendants of the ancient Inca people, these communities—such as Pisac and Chinchero—have preserved handicraft traditions, speak in the original Quechua language, and live in harmony with the mountains they regard as sacred.

Ranking among the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world, Iguazu Falls is magnificent in every sense of the word. The UNESCO World Heritage–listed natural wonder stretches over two countries—Brazil and Argentina—and two national parks, measures more than twice the width of Niagara Falls, and encompasses 275 separate waterfalls. Whichever side of the falls you visit, prepare to be impressed.

It’s easy to see why Rio de Janeiro is nicknamed the “Marvelous City” when you’re gazing down at it from the heights of Sugarloaf Mountain (Pao de Açúcar). From its soaring 1,300-foot (396-meter) summit, the city unfolds around you, with views of Ipanema and Copacabana beaches, the Tijuca Forest, and the iconic Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue standing tall atop Corcovado Mountain to the west.

Although visitors once flocked to Arenal Volcano for its impressive lava shows, the 5,437-foot (1,657-meter) volcano has stayed quiet since its last eruption in 2010. However, Arenal and the surrounding Arenal Volcano National Park remain a hot spot for visitors to Costa Rica, especially popular among those seeking hiking trails, swimming holes, hot springs, bird- and wildlife-watching, and sweeping views of the tropical rainforest.

Soaring suspension bridges with open-grate flooring lead you through the rainforest at Mistico Park. The dramatic cone of the Arenal Volcano rises in the background, and the bridges take you between ecosystems and past a waterfall as you immerse yourself in Costa Rica’s enveloping warmth. Keep your eyes open for toucans, pumas, and colorful amphibians and reptiles—the forest is full of life.

The Panama Canal is an engineering marvel that has connected the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans since 1914. Between the locks is the artificial Gatun Lake and the Culebra Cut, the narrowest section of the canal, hewn out of the mountains. Whether you’re visiting Panama on a cruise or staying in Panama City, there are various ways of experiencing and learning about this important waterway.

Most Peru trips include the Incan ruins of Machu Picchu, and that means you'll spend at least a little time in Aguas Calientes, a tiny town encircled by lush mountains that's near the archeological treasure. Its name translates from Spanish as “hot waters,” thanks to its hot springs, which provide the perfect place to soak muscles aching from completing famous hikes such as the Inca Trail.

Prior to the 19th century, Rio de Janeiro was surrounded by Atlantic rain forest. Today, all that remains is the 13-square-mile (33-square-kilometer) jungle known as Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca). Studded with tropical trees knotted together by jungle vines, the world’s largest urban forest is home to ocelots, howler monkeys, more than 300 bird species, waterfalls, and one of Rio’s iconic landmarks, the Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) statue standing atop Corcovado Mountain.

Decorated with more than 2,000 brightly colored tiles in the colors of the Brazilian flag, the Selarón Steps (Escadaria Selarón) is one of Rio de Janeiro's most vibrant and striking landmarks, marking the boundary between the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

Rio de Janeiro’s legendary Copacabana Beach evokes images of white-sand shores, sun-kissed volleyball players, tourists sipping agua de coco out of bright green coconuts, and bikini-clad revelers partying long into the night. And for the most part, that’s pretty accurate. Add in a touch of local flavor and a splash of the obscure, and it becomes obvious why this is one of the world’s most famous beaches.

Tall and cone-shaped, the modernist Rio de Janeiro Cathedral (Catedral Metropolitana de Sao Sebastiao) doesn’t look like a typical church. The unusual design was constructed between 1964 and 1979 by architect Edgar Fonseca. One of Rio’s most important religious structures, it is dedicated to St. Sebastian, the city’s patron saint.

Also known as San Felipe, Panama City’s historic quarter is a glorious tangle of narrow alleys, colorful buildings, and flowers overflowing from window boxes. Full of activity and music, the appearance of the old city has stayed pretty similar over its life, even as its character continues to evolve alongside the larger city. Traditional shaved ice vendors hawk their wares outside boutique hotels, and the waterfront bustles with activity.