Central & South America attractions

Unassuming from the outside, the simple facade of downtown Rio de Janeiro’s Sao Bento Monastery (Mosteiro de Sao Bento) belies its richly decorated and gold leaf-gilded baroque interiors. Built in 1671, it is one of Brazil’s most important monuments of colonial art. Among its treasures are a filigreed altar and rococo wooden carvings.

This small museum is devoted to jade, the precious green gemstone that has been mined and revered in Mesoamerica since ancient times. Exhibits provide information on ancient mining of the mineral and include pre-Hispanic jade pieces. It also encompasses a workshop where jade jewelry and decorative objects are created and sold.

Pedra Bonita, a breathtaking granite peak situated in Rio de Janeiro’s lush Tijuca National Park, offers a mesmerizing escape into nature for paragliders and hikers alike. Translating to "Beautiful Rock," gentle inclines and strategically placed steps make Pedra Bonita a popular destination for casual hikers and people short on time.

High on the Bolivian Altiplano, the city of Tiwanaku sits like a frozen time capsule of Andean history. One of the most fascinating and mind-boggling sites in South America, the UNESCO-listed ruins are believed to be the ancient capital of the Tiwanaku Empire, which once stretched across Bolivia, Peru, Chile, and Argentina.

One of the most important buildings in Lima’s Plaza Mayor is the Government Palace (Palacio de Gobierno). The elegant palace, with lavish interiors and manicured gardens, holds 500 years of Peruvian history. Francisco Pizarro marked the city’s founding here in 1535, and today it houses the Peruvian government and presidential residence.

One of São Paulo’s most important religious buildings, the Monastery of São Bento (Mosteiro de São Bento) was established in 1598. Currently housed in a dramatic Gothic-style building that was consecrated in 1922, the working monastery has nearly 50 resident monks, and hosts regular masses and other public events—and even a popular bakery.

Just off the coast of northern Colombia, the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta National Park is home to a wealth of endangered flora and fauna as well as the world’s highest coastal peak. Dominated by mountains and popular among hikers, this UNESCO-recognized national park is home to bird reserves, archaeological ruins, and indigenous villages.

One of the most important public squares in the Uruguayan capital, Independence Plaza (Plaza Independencia) divides Montevideo’s Old Town (Ciudad Vieja) and downtown areas. Several of the city’s most famous landmarks are located here, including the Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo), Solis Theater (Teatro Solís), and Executive Tower (Torre Ejecutiva).

The rugged Andean terrain of La Raya Pass has gorgeous sloping hillsides, purple peaks, and fresh water pools. A popular route between Lake Titicaca and Cusco, the pass is full of tourist trains making a quick photo stop 14,150 feet (4,313 meters) above sea level.

The stunning Theatro Municipal (Municipal Theater) is intricately designed, with golden rooftop statues and stately neoclassical columns that buttress the facade. Inside, grand spectator suites and elegant balconies offer superb views of the stage where Sarah Bernhardt, Maria Callas, and Igor Stravinsky once captivated audiences.

Salvador’s picturesque Dique do Tororo is a popular escape for locals and visitors alike. This artificial lake is surrounded by lush greenery, sculptures of orixas (African deities), and Arena Fonte Nova stadium. Open to the public 365 days a year, the Dique do Tororo is a pleasant place to take a stroll, jog, or picnic.

Among the oldest structures in Arequipa, the historically significant Monastery of St. Catherine (Monasterio de Santa Catalina) covers an area of 15,615 square feet (20,000 square meters). The convent harbors a complete city with parks, houses, plazas, chapels, and a cemetery, offering visitors a meditative break from the busy historic center of Arequipa.

The Cotopaxi Volcano, one of South America’s most famous peaks and Ecuador’s most active volcano, is perhaps the most recognizable landmark along Ecuador’s Avenue of the Volcanoes. On a clear day, you can see the snow-capped cone all the way from Quito, but a closer exploration requires a trip to Cotopaxi National Park.

In the northeast region of Guatemala, Petén Forest is made up of dense swamp and jungle habitats connected via a chain of lakes, 40 percent of which is within the protected Maya Biosphere Reserve. The forest is home to dozens of Maya archaeological sites, and the highlight for most visitors is a trip to the impressive ruins of Tikal.

Catarina is a colorful Nicaraguan village overflowing with so many flowers that these friendly florals outnumber the locals. Throughout the town, you’ll find gardens, nurseries, and flower baskets handwoven by Catarina’s skilled artisans. Catarina is a breath of fresh air for travelers looking to escape Nicaragua’s busy cities.

If you’ve ever wanted to swim in the desert or experience the buoyancy of the Dead Sea, a visit to the Cejar Lagoon should be high on your to-do list. A desert sinkhole at the heart of the Atacama, the lagoon is famed for its salt-rich waters.

Not very well known by tourists, Grumari Beach offers an escape from the often busy beaches of Copacabana and Ipanema in Rio de Janeiro. This stretch of nearly two miles (three km of white and red sand is on a nature reserve, and its consistent waves attract surfers from nearby Prainha.

Our Lady of Mount Serrat Fort, located in Salvador, Brazil, is a 16th-century fortification that offers visitors a glimpse into the city's rich past. Overlooking the Bay of All Saints, it stands as a testament to Salvador's colonial history and offers impressive panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Iguaçu Falls (or Iguazú Falls) are famously shared between three nations: Brazil, Argentina, and Paraguay (which doesn't actually claim any part of the falls, only the rivers). Though the actual border lies unmarked at the deepest part of the confluence of the Iguaçu and Paraná rivers, all three nations have erected monuments overlooking the spot.

Away from the tourist foot traffic, the lovely San Blas neighborhood of Cusco is a haven for local artisans, weavers, sculptors, and potters as well as travelers looking to explore the city’s bohemian side. A particular highlight of the “Balcony of Cusco” is the San Blas Church, one of the oldest in the city and home to a golden altar and pulpit.

Nestled at the foot of Corcovado Mountain, the compact Parque Lage is the former residence of rich industrialist Enrique Large and singer Gabriella Besanzoni. Surrounded by Atlantic rain forest that’s replete with monkeys and birds, it’s easy to see why the couple decided to settle in this oasis.

The city of Petrópolis (also known as the Imperial City) was founded upon royal opulence and wealth, and this is reflected in the lavish design of the city’s Crystal Palace (Palacio de Cristal). The ornate iron-and-glass structure was originally used as a hothouse for growing orchids and is now a venue for various cultural events.

Located in Petrópolis—the regal mountain town north of central Rio de Janeiro—the Imperial Museum offers insight into the lives of Brazilian royalty. Constructed in the middle of the 19th century as a summer home for Pedro I, the Imperial Museum captures the essence of a royal Brazilian palace.

See the famed Galapagos giant tortoises in the wild at El Chato Tortoise Reserve (Reserva El Chato), one of the few places visitors can watch these creatures roaming in their natural habitat. Then, explore the lava tunnels and nature trails, while looking out for other endemic wildlife, such as short-eared owls, Darwin finches, and more.

Get acquainted with the vibrant café culture in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires at one of the city’s most iconic cafés: Café Tortoni. Opened in 1858 by a French immigrant, the café became a popular haunt of tango singers and literati, and even today you can catch a live tango show in the evenings.

Despite Uruguay’s diminutive size, its Parliament Palace is one of the most magnificent legislative houses in the world. Built in a heraldic neoclassical style, the palace was inaugurated in 1925, on the centennial of the country’s independence. No expense was spared in the making of its luxurious interior, which makes the palace a must-see attraction in Montevideo.

With its tree-lined walkways, pretty gazebos, and weekend handicrafts market, Lezama Park (Parque Lezama) offers a welcome respite from the busy streets of downtown Buenos Aires. Marking the border between San Telmo and La Boca, it’s a scenic spot for outdoor activities and picnicking on a sunny afternoon.

In addition to showcasing the colonial baroque style, the 17th-century São Francisco Church and Convent in Salvador, Brazil, holds immense cultural significance among locals. While relatively plain on the outside, the building's spectacular interior is adorned with intricate woodwork, gilded altars, and iconic azulejo tile panels.

The swirling modern architecture of the Niteroi Contemporary Art Museum (MAC) looms over Boa Viagem Beach and Guanabara Bay. Inside you can find paintings, sculptures, and installations from Brazil and around the world—plus panoramic windows with views of the city skyline, Guanabara Bay, and Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Milodon Cave (Cueva del Milodón is a Chilean Natural Monument and site of paleontological interest. It was here that, in 1896, German explorer Eberhard Hermann found the fur and bones of a Mylodon, an extinct huge ground sloth. With a small museum and displays, the site pays homage to its former inhabitant.