Central & South America attractions

Bringing the wildlife of Belize’s jungles and savannas within reach of the country's urban center, the non-profit Belize Zoo is home to more than 175 animals and 45 native species. With exhibits designed to mimic natural environments, the zoo aims to encourage conservation and provide a refuge for rescued animals.

Just west of San Salvador, Santa Tecla was established as the “new San Salvador” in 1854 when it acted briefly as the nation’s capital after an earthquake. Some government offices still sit in the city, such as the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock. The Plaza Merliot malls, museums, and greenspaces make Santa Tecla a draw today.

An iceberg-inspired feat of architecture rising up over the shores of Lake Argentino and framed by snow-capped peaks, the Glaciarium is a fitting setting for a museum devoted to Patagonia’s glacial landscapes. Learn about the region’s unique geology and environmental concerns through multimedia displays and interactive exhibitions.

Don Silvano Ranch (Estancia Don Silvano) sits on the pampas outside the Argentine capital. A day trip to this ranch gives visitors a glimpse into the history, heritage, and traditions of Argentina’s cowboys, or gauchos, who worked as cattle herders and have become famous for their impressive skills on horseback.

With five zones and more than 35 rides and attractions suitable for all ages, Hopi Hari is one of Brazil’s most popular amusement parks. At the recently renovated park, visitors are welcomed into the fictional world of Hopi Hari, where each brightly colored “village” has its own theme, including a Wild West zone and a Looney Tunes area.

With more than 200 species on display, Santa Marta’s Marine World Aquarium (Mundo Marino Acuario) is a must for nature lovers of all ages. Discover sharks, turtles, starfish, octopuses, seabirds, and more, while learning about conservation efforts in the region.

Perched on the slopes of a volcano within the cloud forests of Napo, the YanaYacu Biological Station is a non-profit research facility focused on local conservation projects, offering visitors the chance to have an active role in researching native wildlife, to volunteer for activities such as planting trees or building hiking trails or simply enjoy the flora and fauna being studied.

Lima is rife with fascinating museums, covering all manner of specialization, from history and archeology to art and anthropology. The National Museum of Archaeology, Anthropology, and History, in the Pueblo Libre district is a cultural space covering all bases. Housed in an old colonial mansion, the cultural space is the oldest state-run museum and features the country’s largest collection, with over 100,000 artifacts.

Backed by verdant mountains and lined with swaying palms, Playa Blanca is a tropical paradise situated just outside of Santa Marta. Go for a swim in the calm waters, enjoy a fresh seafood lunch, and relax under a thatched roof palapa for a quieter alternative to El Rodadero Beach.

This lavish and well-preserved mansion symbolizes the wealth and power of the influential Braun-Menéndez family during Patagonia’s Golden Age. Designed by French architect Antoine Beaulier in 1903, the former residence-turned-museum is home to a collection of artifacts exploring the history and culture of the Magallanes region, as well as fine furniture, tapestries, and statues.

The Children’s Eternal Rainforest (Bosque Eterno de los Niños) is Costa Rica’s largest private reserve, purchased by children from 44-plus countries in a collaboration to preserve the rainforest. Visitors come to hike and see native wildlife in the park, which stretches across mountains and valleys between Arenal National Park and Monteverde.

Stretching over 745 miles (1,200 kilometers), Carretera Austral, Chile's legendary Southern Highway, takes travelers through unparalleled landscapes, from majestic mountains to crystal-clear lakes and dense forests. A wide range of outdoor and cultural activities make it a Patagonian dream come true for nature lovers and thrillseekers alike.

Created by the Cerron Grande Dam, Suchitlan Lake is the largest freshwater reserve in El Salvador. This reservoir was formed via the Lempa River; it was completed in 1976 to supply energy and water to nearby towns, as well as protect wetlands teeming with birds and fish. Today, visitors stop to take in panoramic views from the dam’s edge.

From teaching about enslavement to honoring the influence of African culture on modern-day Brazil, Salvador’s Afro-Brazilian Museum (Museu Afro-Brasileiro) provides insight into the country’s African roots. Filled with colorful artworks and historic artifacts, its eclectic collections come from all around Africa as well as Brazil.

Long Island (Ilha Comprida) on Brazil’s eastern shore isn’t as popular a beach destination as other areas in the country, but it remains among the most popular stops for cruises from Paraty thanks to its stellar diving and snorkeling opportunities. The waters just offshore are a paradise for marine life—a natural aquarium teeming with colorful corals and tropical fish.

A volcanic caldera close to San Salvador, Lake Ilopango is one of the largest lakes in the country. Warm water invites people to discover underwater features like volcanic rock formations and caves, while small, rocky islands play host to birds and marine life searching for a quiet spot under the sun.

Explore the tapestry of São Paulo's cultural heritage at the Immigration Museum. Located in the city’s heart, this museum is a testament to the diverse waves of immigration that have shaped the region. Gain insight into the stories of those who left their homelands in search of a new life and how they contributed to São Paulo's identity.

Named after the tango pioneer who helped bring the dance form to the masses, the grand Esquina Carlos Gardel is one of the most atmospheric venues to watch a tango performance in Buenos Aires. The theater’s interior oozes Belle Epoque splendor and is adorned with chandeliers, red-velvet curtains, and ceiling murals.

Displaying Bolivian art from the colonial era through the present day, the National Museum of Art (Museo Nacional de Arte) is one of the country’s premier art collections. The 18th-century palace where the artwork is housed is just as remarkable, with intricate baroque detailing in the building’s soaring courtyard, alabaster fountain, and galleries.

Located on the northernmost tip of Ambergris Caye, Bacalar Chico is said to be one of the most pristine reserves in Belize. In addition to being a protected marine reserve since 1996, the biodiverse park is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Belize Barrier Reef. It’s an ideal getaway for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

Brazil’s Rio Formoso Ecological Park is a nature-lovers paradise with lush rainforest and pristine waters. Adrenaline lovers flock to the park to whitewater raft on the rapids of the Rio Formoso, but there’s just as much to explore in the calmer waters, too. Snorkel, swim, horseback ride, or simply take in the natural beauty of the area.

The beating heart of Salta, the Cultural Center of the Americas hosts a diverse and ever-changing mixture of exhibitions, live theater performances, concerts, and conferences. Originally a youth club, the building was renovated and reopened in 1987 as the cultural center you see today, housed in an early 20th-century neo-Baroque building.

One of Mendoza's most cutting-edge wineries, Bodega Renacer has incorporated new technology into its Argentine winemaking process since 2004. A collaboration between owner Patricio Reich and renowned winemaker Alberto Antonini, the contemporary winery is renowned for its excellent malbecs.

The José de Alencar Theater is a true hidden gem in the heart of Brazil. The art nouveau landmark is from the age of music halls and has early 20th century aesthetics. It was named after José de Alencar, a playwright and artist from Fortaleza. Inside, find the city’s concert hall; outside explore the theater garden and outdoor stage.

Providing zipline and cave tubing adventure tours for nearly two decades, Caves Branch Outpost connects visitors with Belize’s wild interior landscapes. Visitors can fly across the jungle and float through ancient Mayan caves in the same day, while enjoying creature comforts like a full bar and riverside gazebo meals.

One of the world’s largest areas of native tropical forest within an urban setting, São Paulo’s Cantareira State Park (Parque Estadual da Cantareira) sprawls across 20,000 acres (8,100 hectares). Protecting remnants of the region’s Atlantic Forest, the park is home to hundreds of rare plants and animal species, plus 14 hiking trails and a cycling route.

In 1972, a charter plane departed Montevideo en route to Santiago de Chile and crashed in the Andes Mountains. The story of this tragic event is the subject of the Andes Museum 1972 (Museo Andes 1972. The exhibitions here honor the Uruguayans who perished in this disaster and tell the harrowing tale of the 16 travelers that survived.

Established in 1820 and housing nearly two million burials, the General Cemetery of Santiago (Cementerio General de Santiago) is both the largest and oldest cemetery in the country. With rows of ornate sculptures and mausoleums broken up by gardens of palm trees, a walk through the cemetery may as well be a lesson on the stylistic evolution of architecture itself, in addition to being a memorial.

Francisco Brennand Ceramic Workshop (Oficina Ceramica Francisco Brennand honors the work of Francisco Brennard, one of Brazil’s renowned ceramic artists, with its garden and sculpture gallery. As well as showcasing the artist’s lifetime of work, there’s also a workshop for local artists.

On the banks of Lake Argentino and surrounded by the glaciers and snowy peaks of Los Glaciares National Park, Estancia Cristina offers luxurious lodges and traditional Argentine hospitality. Dating back to 1914, the family-run ranch is still a working sheep farm, set on a 55,000-acre (22,000-hectare) estate in a remote corner of the national park.