Central & South America attractions

Within the parameters of Nahuel Huapi National Park, you’ll find Belfry Hill (Cerro Campanario—a 3,442-foot (1,050-meter hill that reveals what are said to be the best views in Bariloche. From the hill summit, see San Pedro Peninsula, Lake Moreno, the Llao Llao Peninsula, and several snow-capped mountains.

Santiago’s principal market, La Vega CentralMarketis a chaotic, colorful snapshot of daily life in the Chilean capital. Housed in the salmon-colored Mercado Central and bustling with locals and travelers alike, La Vega is one of the most vibrant places in the city to pick up fresh, seasonal produce and try local cuisine.

Despite its position at “The End of the World,” Patagonia has been inhabited by humans for more than 12,000 years. Just outside of El Calafate, the Walichu Caves (Cuervos Galicho) bear testimony to the primitive humans who once dwelled here. The cave walls are embellished with drawings depicting daily life in the region, including scenes of hunting, foraging, and art.

The Montevideo Metropolitan Cathedral (Catedral de Montevideo sits in the historic Old City, and serves as the seat of the city's Roman Catholic archdiocese. This National Historic Landmark is the mother church for all of South America and is replete with details like intricately tiled floors and elegant chandeliers.

The Lankester Botanical Garden (Jadín Botánico Lankester), in the outskirts of Cartago, is a research center operated by the University of Costa Rica—and a fabulous place to see orchids. The garden is a center for botanical research and is also open to visitors who want to get out into nature and see tropical flowers and plants.

Located around 32 miles (50 kilometers) from the Chilean capital, Santiago, La Parva Ski Resort offers the opportunity to enjoy a day of skiing without traveling far from the city. In the Andes mountain range, 9,000 feet (2,750 meters) above sea level offers sweeping views of the Santiago Valley and endless powder skiing.

The San Telmo Market (Mercado de San Telmo) is a historical indoor market in the eponymous neighborhood of Buenos Aires. Every Sunday, the area around the market hosts the city’s most famous street fair, the Feria de San Telmo, when hundreds of vendors line the streets surrounding Plaza Dorrego, most of them dealing in one-of-a-kind antiques.

In the foothills of the Andes and just an hour’s drive from Mendoza, the wild landscapes of Villavicencio Natural Reserve(Reserva Natural Villavicencio) offer scenic hikes through ravines and mountain valleys. A wildlife hot spot, the reserve is also known for its natural springs, the source of much of Argentina’s bottled mineral water.

Inaugurated in 1894, the Punta Arenas Cemetery (Cementerio Municipal Sara Braun) is the final resting place for some of the area’s most famous historical figures. Notable families, including the Menendez-Behetys, even have their own chapels. A visit to the beautiful cypress tree-lined cemetery provides a peek into the lives of those who shaped much of Punta Arenas’ fascinating history.

Plaza Independencia is one of Mendoza's most popular public spaces. It also happens to be the perfect place to relax, have something to eat, and spend a couple of hours people-watching, listening to live music, or browsing through craft stalls. Locals gather here to soak up the sun, go skateboarding, or watch live street theater performances.

The San Andres Archaeological Park is a former Mayan site and one of the largest pre-Spanish ruins in El Salvador. Located less than 20 miles from downtown San Salvador, this archaeological site was unearthed in 1977, and features ruined houses and an acropolis. An on-site museum offers a glimpse into this 600–900 AD civilization.

Sitting on the Lujan River at the mouth of the Tigre Delta, this waterside museum boasts the ideal setting for Argentina’s National Naval Museum. The museum is devoted to the country’s naval history and rich maritime heritage and is packed with seafaring memorabilia—from ancient maps and naval weaponry to large-scale models of ships and cabins.

Far less crowded than Rio hot spots such as Copacabana or Ipanema, the art deco Flamengo neighborhood in Rio de Janeiro’s Zona Sul offers a comfortable downtown alternative to the more trendy beaches and resorts. While there, visit Flamengo Park, a grassy section of reclaimed shoreline that faces Guanabara Bay.

With a history dating back to 1883, Trapiche Winery(Bodega Trapiche) is one of the oldest and most prestigious in the Mendoza wine region. Along with its award-winning malbecs—exported to more than 40 countries around the world—the winery produces a wide variety of wines including sauvignon blanc, cabernet sauvignon, pinot noir, syrah, and chardonnay.

The largest church in Central America, the UNESCO World Heritage–listed León Cathedral is a must-see while in León, a charming colonial city in Nicaragua’s northwest corner. The cathedral combines a striking blend of architectural styles with religious import and pirate-riddled history, making for a church visit unlike any other.

Caye Caulker is divided in two by a narrow channel of seawater known as the Split. Crystal-clear water makes this a great spot to swim, while open-air, waterfront bars fuel all-day hangouts. One of these, Lazy Lizard, is among Caye Caulker’s most famous places to party, complete with swim-up bar tables, games, and cabanas.

Sometimes considered one of the world’s most doable high-altitude summits, Huayna Potosí is easily accessible from La Paz and is popular among climbers and bikers alike. Even beginners can scale the glaciers in the company of expert guides to enjoy views over the city below from the apex of one of the Cordillera Real’s highest peaks.

Trujillo’s Plaza de Armas is where modern Peru began. The city was founded—and the square created—in 1534 when Spanish conquistadors pushed through the continent in search of silver and gold. In 1820, nearly 300 years later, Trujillo's Plaza de Armas was where Peru announced its independence from Spain.

One of Chile’s most-loved ski resorts, Portillo occupies a picturesque piece of the Andes, above a turquoise lagoon and below some of the most sought-after peaks in South America. Ski Portillo attracts skiers and snowboarders of all ages who enjoy incredible powder on slopes suitable for beginner, intermediate, and advanced skiers.

Covering 18 acres (7 hectares) and housing 5,500 plant species from six continents, the Buenos Aires Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanico Carlos Thays) offers an idyllic escape from the city's busy streets. Highlights include a Roman garden, a formal French park inspired by the Palace of Versailles, and an art nouveau greenhouse that was designed for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair.

Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage–listed ruins of León Viejo makes it easy to imagine life for the first Spanish settlers in Nicaragua. Located on the slopes of Momotombo volcano and preserved by volcanic ash, the ruins are some of the most complete Spanish colonial ruins in Central America—even though they’re also some of the oldest, dating back to 1524.

Though it’s much smaller than Tikal or nearby Copán, Quiriguál attracts attention thanks to its collection of large, intricately carved stelae. Standing as tall as 35 feet (10 meters, the towering monoliths are artfully carved with hieroglyphs that reveal clues about the rise and fall of this Maya city.

In the middle of bustling Curitiba sits the expansive, green Tanguá Park (Parque Tanguá). It is built around two rock quarries joined by a 150-foot (46-meter) tunnel as well as lakes and an artificial waterfall. Stroll around the park on foot, pedal around the quarries by bike, or simply relax and catch a beautiful sunset over the city.

Built in 1911 to commemorate a century of Colombian independence, Cartagena’s Teatro Adolfo Mejia (Teatro Heredia is based on the Italian-Caribbean design of Havana’s Tacon Theater. The creme-and-yellow theatre reigns over the Plaza de la Merced and is famous for its frescoes and marble staircase imported from Italy.

The pedestrianized, cobbled streets of Paraty’s compact historic center double as a National Historic Site, home to some of Brazil’s most picturesque colonial architecture. This district, along with the surrounding Brazilian Atlantic Forest, comprise the UNESCO World Heritage Site known collectively as Paraty and Ilha Grande.

Serving as the epicenter of Cali’s historic district, the bustling Caycedo Square (Plaza de Caicedo) is a charming mix of classic and contemporary architecture. While also a fitting showcase of modern Cali, the square’s stately architecture lends the square an air of grandeur, with the snow-white facades of the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) and the Metropolitan Cathedral looming over the south and east corners.

Families won’t want to miss the Medellín Planetarium, where science and space come to life through immersive film screenings and interactive exhibits. Explore the scale of the solar system, learn about the Mayas, and much more.

Created in the 1890s following English and French landscaping traditions, the expansive setting of General San Martín Park in Mendoza is home to ornamental fountains, classical statues, a lake, and a rose garden lined with walkways. Go hiking or biking, or stroll along the winding pathways and see dozens of sculptures along the way.

This smallish ecological theme park just outside Puerto Iguazú offers insight into the history, traditions, and natural environment of the indigenous Guarani people, many of whom still speak their native tongue while living in equilibrium with nature. The site includes craft and produce shops, a restaurant, and a juice and ice cream bar.

A few minutes west of Puerto Montt’s center, Angelmó is famous for its craft and fish markets. The colorful, bustling markets are crammed with vendors, making it a popular spot for visitors to stroll along the waterfront, browse for souvenirs, and grab a fresh seafood meal. It’s touristy but well worth a visit while in Puerto Montt.