Central & South America attractions

A relatively new kid in the wine game, Finca Decero (“from scratch”) sold their first wines in 2004. Sustainability is at the heart of the operation, and location is everything—the water is fed by glacial melts, and the high altitude means the grapes preserve their natural acidity and absorb more UV light. Almost as delicious as the wines is the view, a panoramic vista over the surrounding Andes mountains. Operating with a strong respect for nature, the biodiversity of the vineyards has been preserved, and local birdlife flourishes here.

Medellin, birthplace of sculptor Fernando, Botero, loves modern art. The remodeled Medellín Modern Art Museum (MAMM) debuted in 2009 in a converted steel mill with a theater to show independent films and lots of space to show off its growing collection, including works by local painter Débora Arango.

Formerly the main post office in downtown Rio de Janeiro, the Centro Cultural Correios has been transformed into a museum and cultural center, preserving the beautiful, detailed structure, built in 1922. Today, the Centro Cultural Correios is administered by the Brazilian postal service and attracts visitors for it’s varied art exhibitions, antique stamp fairs, special performances, and not to mention the attractive architecture. Original wooden floors, spiral staircases, and an antique elevator are among the architectural highlights. Diverse exhibitions rotate in and out of the Centro Cultural Correios, including modern art and sculpture, world-famous paintings, ancient artifacts, and exhibits that delve into Brazilian history. On the ground floor, there’s a 200-person theater that hosts plays, recitals and other performances throughout the year. Outside the center is a spacious courtyard with a reflecting pool and outdoor stage, for open-air concerts and events.

At the far western end of Lake Lacár, by the tranquil shores of Lake Nonthué, Chachin Waterfall (Cascada Chachin) spills 100 feet (30 meters) through the green Valdivian forest. This isolated cascade near the Chilean border is a highlight of Lake Lacár boat trips and one of the most popular outings and day trips from San Martin de los Andes.

Salta’s most memorable landmark is a wedding cake brought to life with its candy-pink and cream façade and Italianate baroque design. Consecrated in 1878, it’s a National Historical Monument and home to some important 16th-century relics and the ashes of General Martin Miguel de Güemes.

Boasting the title of Latin America’s largest aquarium, Sao Paulo Aquarium is home to more than 3,000 creatures. Immerse yourself in different sections of the aquarium—which include fresh water, Antarctica, and the ocean—to discover exhibits that span 300 species of marine life and other mammals.

Discover sandstone sculptures in the middle of the desert during a visit to Ischigualasto Provincial Park. Resembling something out of a surrealist painting, the wind-eroded sculptures stand up from the arid desert floor and are surrounded by cacti and red rock cliffs. In addition, some of the oldest known dinosaur remains and fossils have been found in this park.

Among Chile's best-known wineries, Matetic Vineyards in the San Antonio Valley specializes in organic and biodynamic wines. This family-owned producer welcomes visitors who want to tour the vineyards, learn about biodynamic grape growing, and—of course—taste what the winery has to offer.

Set amid the vast Quinta da Boa Vista Park and surrounded by lush native fauna, RioZoo is Brazil’s oldest zoo. Over 1,300 species of animals are represented, among them Bengal tigers, lions, hippos, wolves, and crocodiles, along with a number of Amazonian creatures such as sloths, toucans, and anacondas.

If you're in the market for handicrafts in Chile, Santiago’s Los Dominicos Handicraft Village, set in a historic cloister, is the place to be. Here you'll find everything from jewelry to sweaters, many of which are made on-site and sold by the artisans who produced them.

Lanquín Caves (Grutas de Lanquín) are limestone caverns near Cobán. Considered sacred to the Mayan people, they are believed to be the ""heart of heaven” and possess the ""secret of the ages"" deep inside. Mayan priests still perform spiritual rituals here, while tourists enjoy the experience of spelunking and the amazing site of droves of bats flying out at dusk.

A lush enclave amid the vast Adolpho Ducke Forest Reserve, the Manaus Botanical Gardens (MUSA - Museu da Amazonia) offer you the chance to experience the wonders of the Amazon without straying too far from the city.

Like many northeastern Brazilian cities, Fortaleza is famous for its handicrafts, particularly its embroidered white lace textiles. One of the best places in the city to pick up locally made souvenirs is Mercado Central. The 3-floor market houses dozens of shops selling woven hammocks, clay sculptures, and other hand-crafted items.

Colonial architecture stands tall in the hilltop town of Suchitoto. The cobblestone streets provide a contrast to its jungle surroundings, weaving together El Salvador’s lakeside scenery with historic remnants from the mid-1800s. It’s a picturesque town where locals escape from the busy capital to lounge on the shores of Lake Suchitan.

Like every paradise for bargain hunters, the Saara Shopping District is a maze where you can find anything and everything, be it t-shirts with witty print, colorful accessories, soccer jerseys, or iconic Havaianas flip flops. Since the diverse market is often overlooked by tourists, prices are reasonable and bargains can still be found.

Founded in the 1500s by a Spanish conquistador, Salta looks distinctly European. Designed as an outpost between Lima and Buenos Aires, Spanish settlers built Catholic churches, many of which still stand. The city’s 660-foot (200-meter) vantage point, Cerro San Bernardo, looks down over church spires and the majestic peaks of the surrounding Andes.

With its castle-inspired buildings among swathes of Atlantic forest reserve, the Ricardo Brennand Institute is a museum like no other. The brainchild of Brazilian collector Ricardo Brennand, the complex comprises a history museum, armory, art gallery, library, and sculpture garden featuring art and artifacts from Europe, Asia, and South America.

Gorgeous Contadora Island (Isla Contadora), close to the capital, was once the seat of the Spanish pearl industry in the surrounding archipelago. Today, the Counting House Island, as it’s called, is home to elegant mansions, upscale shopping and dining options, and a wealth of outdoor adventure opportunities both in the water and on land.

Travelers who make the journey to Trindade Beach (Praia da Trindade) are rewarded with one of the best stretches of sand on Brazil’s Costa Verde. This popular beach boasts an island vibe, complete with beach bars blaring reggae tunes while serving up fresh seafood and cachaça-fueled cocktails.

With its shimmering blue waters and forest-lined shoreline, Lake Lacár (Lago Lácar) is one of the most popular attractions in the Patagonia town of San Martin de Los Andes. Enclosed by the Andes mountain range, the vast glacial lake offers a sense of tranquility that attracts both locals and tourists. It is an ideal spot for kayaking, canoeing, and other watersports.

Buenos Aires’ Chinatown (Barrio Chino) has been a popular gathering place for the city’s Taiwanese and Chinese immigrants since the late 1980s. Tucked in the heart of the Belgrano residential area, the small 4-block area is a colorful ode to the city’s Asian population and a foodie hot spot.

Between bohemian Barranco, glitzy Miraflores, and the fishing village of Chorrillos, the Surco district is a part of Lima that is well off the tourist trail, though rife with captivating attractions. Surco has manicured gardens and a grand central square guarded by the baroque Iglesia Santo Apostol, and Museo Oro del Peru, which features a vast collection of gold objects.

Fortaleza Beach Park is a hugely popular entertainment and leisure complex on the northeastern coast of Brazil. Every year, more than 700,000 people visit the tropical playground’s resort, hotels, restaurants, shops, sailing raft museum, water park—one of the largest in South America—and beach.

An ancient urban center that flourished almost a thousand years before Tikal had constructed its first pyramid, El Mirador once had a population of close to 100,000 in 600 BC, making it one of the first megacities in the Americas. When it was excavated 30 years ago, the findings basically rewrote what was considered early Maya history.

The Atitlan Nature Reserve (Reserva Natural Atitlan) is situated on Guatemala’s Lake Atitlan in the tiny village of Panajachel. Between its diverse wildlife, spectacular natural scenery, and outdoor activity opportunities, the enchanting reserve presents an immersive experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and adventure seekers alike.

Cantareira State Park—one of the world’s largest urban parks, which preserves the region’s Atlantic Forest—is located north of São Paulo, and is an inviting day-trip destination for those seeking time in the great outdoors. One highlight is Pedra Grande (Big Rock), a granite lookout point that stands over 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) tall.

In 1724, when the Spanish founded Montevideo, they fortified the settlement with granite walls thick enough to house canons. More than 100 years later, the walls came down except for one towering slab, the Gateway of the Citadel, which stands at Independence Square (Plaza Independencia) the border between the Old CIty and the New City.

The Popol Vuh Museum located within the Francisco Marroquin University campus exhibits one of the largest collections of Mayan art in the world. Extraordinary artifacts are here, including masks, ceramics, pre-Hispanic statuettes, traditional fabrics, and more. One of Guatemala City’s must-visit destinations, some pieces date back to 9000 BC.

Hardwood trees and native plants provide a lush habitat for birds in this garden-like nature reserve. Hundreds of resident tropical bird rescues are the most colorful attraction, from yellow-naped Amazons to scarlet macaws. The center’s mission to restore Honduran bird populations place it among the country’s top conservation centers.

Next door to the Quito Cathedral, behind a masterfully-carved stone façade, is this exquisite Roman Catholic chapel. Built over 130 years, the 17th-century El Sagrario is a cultural and artistic jewel box combining Baroque to Neoclassical styles. Behind the gilded gold leaf door, you’ll find surprising Moorish details in the painted domes and striking Renaissance frescoes and paintings.