Central & South America attractions

Nestled along Rio de Janeiro’s coastline, Pepino Beach beckons visitors with its pristine shores and vibrant atmosphere. Whether seeking relaxation or beachside excitement, it offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and leisure activities. Keep your eyes peeled for paragliders, as Pepino Beach is a popular landing spot.

Lake Nicaragua (also known as Lake Cocibolca) is Central America’s largest lake and an outdoor activity destination for locals and visitors alike. Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching from the shore, boating to the lake’s islands, or hiking the island’s volcanoes. Plus the cities around Lake Nicaragua offer many archeological sites, historic churches, and local markets to explore.

Amid the arid plains and salt flats of the Atacama Desert, the small village of Toconao has a history dating back more than 12,000 years. The remote outpost is now best known as the gateway to the vast Atacama Salt Flats and makes a popular stop en route to the flamingo-filled Chaxa Lagoon.

Nicaragua’s Cerro Negro is the youngest, and one of the most active, volcanoes in the country. With its name derived from its black, ashy slopes, the stratovolcano stretches nearly 1,700 feet (518 meters) into the air. Cerro Negro is an accessible volcano near León, with most visitors lured up the rocky pathways to experience the thrill of “volcano boarding.”

Argentinian Patagonia’s Lago Escondido (which translates as hidden lake) may no longer be a secret, but you'll still have to make an effort to get to this beautiful place. Glacier-fed, it glows turquoise, is ringed by the mountains of Tierra del Fuego (the land of fire), and is well worth the day trip from the world’s southernmost city.

Santa Ana Volcano (also known as Ilamatepec) is one of El Salvador’s tallest peaks—and one of its most rewarding hikes. The trail climbs through dense forest and volcanic rock before reaching a crater rimmed by an emerald-green lagoon. On clear days, the summit offers views of Lake Coatepeque, the Izalco and Cerro Verde volcanoes, and even the Pacific Ocean. For active travelers, it’s one of the best ways to see the region from above.

Following the Rio Grande along the ancient Inca Road, the Humahuaca Ravine (Quebrada de Humahuaca) is known both for its natural wonders and historic importance. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ravine boasts magnificent scenery—sweeping desert valleys and jagged cliffs striped in shades of pink, red, lavender, and gray—dotted with ancient ruins and Quechan villages.

As Brazil's first craft brewery, Cervejaria Bohemia offers a tantalizing journey through the country's brewing history. Here, you can immerse yourself in the world of hops, malt, and yeast as you explore the art of beer-making. With top-notch facilities and engaging exhibits, it’s a sure hit with beer enthusiasts and curious travelers.

The Pacaya-Samiria National Reserve in Peru’s northern Loreto region is the country’s largest and most pristine protected area and the second largest reserve in the Amazon. Located at the confluence of the Marañón and Ucayali rivers, the reserve has some of the most biodiverse rainforests in the world.

Much of Manaus’ wealth came from the rubber boom, during which it was the region's most-important port city. Manaus Opera House (Amazon Theatre) is a fine example of the Belle Epoque-style architecture that was popular during this epoque; the interior features some 200 Italian chandeliers and furnishings imported from Europe.

Each year, thousands of pilgrims journey to the multi-domed Church of San Francisco to offer their prayers to Saint Brother Peter (Santo Hermano Pedro), a Franciscan monk who opened a hospital for the poor of Antigua. Pope John Paul II made Brother Peter a saint in 2002, and today the monk’s tomb is one of the most visited and venerated holy sites in Antigua.

An alternative to the popular and historic Inca Trail, the Lares Trek is a slightly shorter and more challenging route to Machu Picchu. En route to the ancient Inca citadel, the trail winds past dramatic Andean landscapes, remote villages, mountainside markets, and overnight shelters.

Behind its wrought-iron facade (it was originally constructed as a train station), the sprawling Port Market (Mercado del Puerto) houses a number of bustling parrillas (steak restaurants) and other choice eateries. It’s one of the best places in town to enjoy an authentic, traditional (and affordable) meal.

Located about 79 miles (127 kilometers) north of Manaus in Brazil’s Amazonas state, the municipality of Presidente Figueiredo is centrally located to some of the country’s most scenic attractions, making it a popular hiking destination. Nicknamed the “Land of Waterfalls,” it claims more than 100 waterfalls, including Iracema Falls (Cachoeira da Iracema) and Araras Falls (Cachoeira das Araras), as well as grottoes and lagoons.

Visitors to the Palermo Woods can’t miss the Galileo Galilei Planetarium (Planetario Galileo Galilei), with its futuristic silver dome towering over the surrounding park and lake. Inaugurated in 1966, the planetarium remains a popular family attraction, hosting a space-themed museum and daily shows.

Pantanos de Villa Wildlife Refuge is a magical wetlands on the outskirts of Lima’s Chorrillos suburb. Hike a network of winding trails to spot hundreds of species of migratory birds and several different species of fish, amphibians, and reptiles living amongst the verdant reeds.

Nestled within a dormant volcano, the Pululahua Geobotanical Reserve is notable for being one of only two inhabited volcanic calderas in the world. With its stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems, Pululahua offers adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and travelers simply seeking a serene escape an unrivaled experience of natural beauty.

Just south of the city center, Quinta Vergara Park (Parque Quinta Vergara) is a great place to go for a stroll on a pleasant day. Here you'll find the Palacio Vergara, an elegant old home built in the Venetian Gothic style, which is now a museum, along with a large amphitheater that plays host to summer events.

Yanahuara is a middle-class residential neighborhood known for El Mirador e Iglesia de Yanahuara, a lookout point that offers panoramic views of Arequipa and El Misti volcano. As in the Historic Center of Arequipa, Yanahuara’s architecture is dominated by white volcanic rock, and the streets are dotted with pretty Spanish colonial churches.

Lake Coatepeque offers a refreshing escape from San Salvador’s heat—and a rare chance to swim inside a volcanic crater. Resembling a giant natural swimming pool, the blue-turquoise lake is popular for water sports such as kayaking and jet-skiing. The waters are lined by vacation homes, restaurants, and floating docks, luring weekend crowds eager to cool off and soak in the views of the surrounding volcanoes.

Lined with glitzy yachts and traditional fishing boats, the Port of Punta del Este (Puerto de Punta del Este) is the entry point for cruise visitors and the gateway to Uruguay’s most glamorous beaches. It’s also a popular destination in its own right, with scenic coastal walks, rocky beaches, and seafood restaurants.

Since its opening in 2016, the AquaRio Aquarium has been South America’s largest aquarium. Spread over five floors and featuring 28 tanks, the aquarium is home to some 8,000 fish and marine creatures, with more than 350 different species represented.

Located at the base of San Felipe Castle, the Old Shoes Monument (Los Zapatos Viejos) is a giant sculpture of a pair of old boots. A popular spot for a selfie, the monument was created by Hector Lombana Piñeres in response to the poem “Mi Ciudad Nativa” by local poet (and one of South America’s most respected writers) Luis Carlos López.

Cajón del Maipo, a narrow canyon in the Andes mountain range where the Maipo River flows, begins just 16 miles (25 kilometers) southwest of Santiago, but its picturesque scenery, fresh mountain air, and charming mountain towns feel worlds away from Chile’s capital city. Thanks to its close proximity, Cajón del Maipo is one of the more popular destinations for a day trip from Santiago.

The vast protected forest of Braulio Carrillo National Park is a natural for toucans, eagles, armadillos, sloths, monkeys, and jaguars. Catch a glimpse of its rugged beauty from the comfort of your car, or hike along the trails that lead to thundering waterfalls, towering mountains, and rapid rivers.

At the meeting point of the Río de la Plata and the Atlantic Ocean, Punta del Este Cruise Port is the gateway to one of Uruguay’s most popular beach resorts. Lavish seafront mansions and white-sand beaches await visitors, along with luxurious shopping boulevards and renowned nightlife.

Once the tallest building in South America, the towering architecture of the Barolo Palace (Palacio Barolo) in Buenos Aires has stood the test of time. Built by Italian architect Mario Palanti in 1923, the building’s fanciful style was inspired by Dante Alighieri’s The Divine Comedy, a poem in three parts that in turn represent Hell, Purgatory, and Heaven.

Amantani Island on the Peruvian side of Lake Titicaca has been communally owned since shortly after Peru’s independence from Spain. Less touristic than the Uros and Taquile islands, Amantani is still operated as a type of commune, with families welcoming travelers for overnight stays.

Seminario Park (Parque de las Iguanas) is a charming urban oasis in Guayaquil, Ecuador. This park is home to numerous free-roaming iguanas, who wander among the lush green surroundings. You can enjoy the presence of these reptiles while taking in the peaceful ambiance of the park.

The cloud forest of Curi-Cancha Reserve creates a habitat for flora and fauna such as colorful quetzals and monkeys. Visitors can explore the private reserve via several nature trails. Plus, the private reserve’s daily 50 person cap means you’ll see more wildlife without having to battle the crowds.