Central & South America attractions

Tumbling into Grey Lake (Lago Grey) in the heart of Torres del Paine National Park, massive Grey Glacier is almost 100 feet (30 meters) high at its peak. An arresting backdrop of snowcapped mountains adds to the glacier’s frozen enchantment.

Completed in 1928, Salvo Palace (Palacio Salvo) is a historical landmark building featuring an eclectic architectural style—predominantly Italian Gothic, with classic and neo-romantic influences. Originally planned as a hotel, it is now an office and apartment building.

Botafogo, a lively neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro, sits alongside Guanabara Bay. This bustling spot is famous for its vibrant atmosphere, buzzing nightlife, and Brazilian cuisine, as well as museums, historical landmarks, and street art, offering a range of cultural sights to explore.

Arrayanes Forest (Bosque de Arrayanes), named after the rare Arrayán trees that grow along the northern shores of Nahuel Huapi Lake, is Los Arrayanes National Park's star attraction. Covering more than 4,000 acres (1,600 hectares) along the Quetrihué Peninsula, it’s a picturesque spot for hiking and wildlife watching.

Cachoeira, a small colonial town on Brazil’s Paraguacu River, is a significant remnant of Portuguese colonialism. With its thriving African culture, spectacular UNESCO-listed architecture, impressive churches, colorful markets, and natural landmarks, the town entices visitors on popular day trips from nearby Salvador.

Lake Nicaragua, Central America’s largest lake, is home to an archipelago of 365 islands. Formed by the eruption of Mombacho Volcano, the Islets of Granada include uninhabited isles, traditional fishing villages, private residences, and luxurious resorts. Explore as part of a “best of” Nicaragua or Granada tour, or with a private guide.

Panoramic views from Panama City’s highest point make Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancón) a must-see stop for many visitors who come to watch passing ship traffic in the Panama Canal far below. There’s more than vistas to this urban park: it’s also home to sloths, anteaters, and monkeys and makes a great escape from the capital's buzzing activity.

Boasting 23 beaches, Guarujá is undoubtedly São Paulo’s beach city. Though its 300,000+ population is enormous compared to most fishing villages, it's tiny when related to São Paulo’s 12 million—its compact size makes it popular with travelers looking to enjoy its fast-paced nightlife and sandy stretches.

Ponta Negra Beach (Praia de Ponta Negra) on the Rio Negro is just over 8 miles (13 km) from downtown Manaus in a neighborhood known for its abundance of night clubs, bars, and restaurants. Visitors head to this popular beach destination not just to spend a day enjoying the sun and sand, but also to enjoy the area's famous nightlife.

Housed in the restored 16th-century former Customs House—itself one of the oldest buildings in the Americas—the Tayrona Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Tairona) offers an insight into the region’s history. Admire a vast collection of pre-Columbian gold and pottery, while learning about the indigenous Tairona people.

Chile’s Maipo Valley is often called the Bordeaux of South America for its numerous wine producers. Maipo’s many estates are among the nation’s top vineyards and its easy access from Santiago, and spectacular scenery makes it an ideal place for travelers looking to sample the nation’s favorite reds and whites.

With its tufa-brick façade, slate roof, and wooden balconies, the Bariloche Civic Center (Centro Cívico) pays homage to the town’s German and Swiss heritage. Dominating the central square, the complex is classified as a National Historic Monument and offers great views of Nahuel Huapi Lake.

At the meeting point of two countries and two national parks—Argentina’s Lanin National Park and Chile’s Villarrica National Park—Lanin Volcano is one of Patagonia’s highest mountains. A popular side trip from Bariloche or San Martin de Los Andes, the snow-covered volcano is known for its perfectly conical peak and challenging summit hike.

The Museum of Andean Sanctuaries offers an intimate glimpse into the ancient history of the Andes Mountains. After watching a short video that puts the museum’s cultural relics into context, visitors can wander the atmospheric rooms, which are filled with artifacts discovered during a significant Andean excavation.

Encounter Panama’s traditions, folklore, and architecture at this replica village by Ancon Hill (Cerro Ancon) in Panama City. With its colonial-era designs and model homes, Mi Pueblito is a cultural buffet: You can sample a little bit of everything in one easy stop, and then shop for handicrafts and souvenirs from around the country.

Situated in the Cordillera Central mountain range, snow-capped Cayambe Volcano is the only volcano in the world whose summit is crossed by the Equator. With a summit of 18,996 feet (5,790 meters) above sea level, Cayambe is Ecuador’s third tallest volcano. Experienced mountaineers make the trek up the mountain’s three summits along difficult, technical trails.

Bartolomé Island, located off the east shore of Sullivan Bay, is a small but beautiful spot most famous for its iconic Pinnacle Rock, which is arguably one of the most recognizable landmarks in the Galapagos. The staggering rock face is an eroded lava formation that was originally created by an underwater volcano.

Orosi River Valley is a tranquil, secluded area filled with rural charm and scenic landscapes, not far from the hustle and bustle of San José. With the silhouette of the volcanoes as a backdrop, the mountainous area has green forested hills covered by coffee plantations, natural hot springs, andxa0 colorful colonial towns in the middle of the lush vegetation.

Peering strategically over the lush Utcubamba Valley, this pre-Inca fortress is the largest stone ruin site in the New World, with 10-times more stone than in the Giza Pyramid. Encircled by a stone wall soaring 60 feet (18.2 meters) high, the vast archeological complex includes some four hundred buildings, which in the city’s heydey accommodated thousands of residents.

This research and conservation center inside the Peruvian Amazon caters to photographers, research teams, and wildlife enthusiasts who want to experience the untouched jungle, while working to employ local people and allow visitors to access the Amazon sustainably and in harmony with nature. Naturalists lead educational walks through the rainforest to view hundreds of species of unique plants and animals.

Located in Iquitos, the Manatee Rescue Center is a sanctuary where orphaned and injured manatees receive care and protection until they’re strong enough to be released back into the rainforest. Visitors get the chance to interact with the animals, feed them, and learn about the challenges of this endangered species through an educational tour.

A poker-straight highway stretching for almost 11 miles (18 km through the Calchaquí Valleys and flanked by cacti-dotted plains; the Tin Tin Straight Line (Recta de Tin Tin is a highlight of any Salta road trip. Laid out by the Incas and now part of the Route 33 highway, it serves as the dramatic entryway to Los Cardones National Park.

Located off Rio de Janeiro’s Praça Quinze de Novembro public square, the Teles Arch (Arco do Teles) is a historic archway that dates to the mid-18th century. A remnant of Brazil’s colonial period, the archway leads to several narrow alleys lined by historic buildings, which now host lively bars and restaurants.

Pocitos is an affluent neighborhood along the banks of the Río de la Plata in Montevideo. Renowned for its long golden sand beach and beach promenade lined with upscale restaurants and shops, the leafy enclave also boasts historic mansions of great architectural interest, including a handful that have been declared National Heritage Sites.

Giant water lilies, flooded forests, fertile lowlands, and rare wildlife are just part of what makes the 22,000-acre (9,000-hectare January Ecological Park so appealing. Visitors can navigate the relaxing waters while searching for rare tropical birds, monkeys, crocodiles, and brightly colored butterflies along the verdant lakeshore.

In the middle of the driest desert in the world, you can enjoy the idyllic experience of soaking in the thermal waters of the Puritama Hot Springs (Termas de Puritama). Located in a canyon, the site is fueled by the surrounding volcanic Andes, which pour forth their heat into a series of eight large steaming pools.

One of Antigua’s most visited ruins, Las Capuchinas (Convento de las Capuchinas) is a Guatemalan convent with a past unlike other convents—women were not required a dowry to join. The building, featuring the work of architect Diego de Porres, is a perfect example of colonial architecture, and there’s an art museum on the convent’s second floor.

ChocoMuseo Miraflores invites chocolate lovers to tour a factory to learn about the history and process of making chocolate and watch master chocolatiers handcraft chocolate delights. For a more immersive experience, sign up for a fun, informative workshop to learn how to transform cacao beans into your very own chocolate bars and truffles.

The Wanda Mines(Minas de Wanda), located less than 40 miles (60 kilometers) from Puerto Iguazu in the rain forest along the Paraná River, are home to some of the best agate, amethyst, quartz, and topaz found in Argentina. The small-scale mines don’t use heavy explosives and are an excellent place to learn more about the geological processes that form gemstones.

The Botanical Garden of Curitiba (Jardim Botânico de Curitiba), in the middle of the city, provides a tranquil respite for locals and visitors alike. Designed in the style of French royal gardens, the park’s crown jewel is the 4,844-square-foot (450-square-meter) art nouveau, metal and glass greenhouse that sits against the Curitiba skyline.