Central & South America attractions

One of Latin America’s largest Ferris wheels, the Yup Star Ferris Wheel boasts views of the intersection of the Brazilian, Argentinian, and Paraguayan borders; it’s one of the few places on the continent where you can see three countries from a single vantage point. Plus, air-conditioned carriages provide respite from the tropical and humid climate of Foz do Iguacu.

Perched on the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia Cruise Port is the gateway to the wild Patagonian landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, as well as the start and end point for cruises to Antarctica and the Falkland Islands. Use the port as a jumping-off point for animal experiences, boat rides, and more.

Curious rock formations decorate the Marcahuasi plateau in the section of the Andes Mountains that passes through central Peru. These abstract formations comprise the plateau’s “stone forest,” while small lagoons and panoramic viewpoints fill out Marcahuasi’s scenery. Hikers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the crowds around Cusco’s mountains should turn their attention this way.

The Cathedral of Brasilia (Catedral Metropolitana Nossa Senhora Aparecida) is the modernist masterpiece of Brazilian architect Oscar Niemeyer—the mind behind much of Brasilia’s pioneering cityscape. Consecrated in 1970, the Catholic cathedral is a visual feast, with its curved white pillars and shimmering fiberglass panels rising like a futuristic crown over Brazil's capital.

Located on the Strait of Magellan, near the southern tip of Chile, Punta Arenas is a port of call for South American cruises and a departure point for Antarctica expeditions. Punta Arenas is best known as the gateway to southern Patagonia including Torres del Paine National Park and El Chalten and its proximity to the penguin colony at Isla Magdalena.

Boasting the accolade of Nicaragua’s second-highest volcano, the active Concepción Volcano serves as the symbol of Ometepe Island. At 5,282 feet (1,610 meters) high, it’s much easier to spot than it is to climb, though the views from the top are nothing short of spectacular—and you might even spot a molten glimmer of lava.

While most of Mendoza's wineries specialize in rich reds, most notably malbec, Bodega Cruzat has carved a niche for itself producing sparkling wines. Founded by winemaker Pedro Federico Rosell in 2004, Cruzat grows pinot noir and chardonnay grapes, and produces a selection of fine white and rose sparkling wines using traditional methods.

Tropical rainforest flanks the natural and man-made waterways of the Tortuguero Canals, which wind through Tortuguero National Park. Visiting by boat is a chance to explore a spectacular natural area where wildlife populates the shoreline far beyond the reach of roads and tourist crowds. Sightseeing cruises frequently spot sunning caimans, tree-hugging sloths, and a rainbow of birdlife, such as agami herons, sungrebes, and kingfishers.

One of the Gateway to the Galapagos’ prettiest spots, Guayaquil Historical Park (Parque Histórico) combines natural and cultural attractions to create a charming recreation space. It’s home to pastel-colored architecture and animals that reflect the region’s biodiversity—see flamingos, monkeys, tapirs, and even crabs in the mangroves.

Whether you want to admire traditional Peruvian handicrafts or enjoy some last-minute souvenir shopping, the Indian Market (Mercado Indio) is one of the best places to shop in Lima. Located at the heart of the Miraflores District, the market has dozens of stalls selling quality handmade arts and crafts.

Piedras Blancas Glacier is a low-hanging glacier that descends from the iconic Mt. Fitz Roy in El Chalten, Argentina's trekking capital. While you can’t access the glacier, a famous trail of the same name leads to a mirador with views of the vivid blue ice and the jagged peaks of Mt. Fitz Roy.

Perched on the banks of the Magdalena River in Barranquilla, the Gran Malecón del Rio is the top spot to soak up the Caribbean charm of the city. It boasts bars, restaurants, sports fields, and a giant golden statue of Shakira (the singer was born and raised in Barranquilla), and overlooks Salamanca Island Nature Reserve, where mangrove forests shelter almost 200 bird species.

Housed in an angular red-brick building, the Bogotá Museum of Modern Art is one of the country’s foremost contemporary art spaces. Here, across four floors and six exhibition halls, visitors can marvel over some 4,000 permanent works of art, design, and photography, by both Colombian and international artists such as Diego Rivera, Andy Warhol, and Francisco Goya.

The Acsibi Caves (Cuevas de Acsibi were formed thousands of years ago and are notable for the vivid red hue of their sandstone rock formations. Located in Calchaquíes Valley, the caves are famous for the light that filters through the gaps in their ceiling, which creates an abstract vision of shape and shadow.

Volcán Maderas is the smaller of the two volcanoes on Ometepe Island. But the 4,600-foot (1,400-meter) volcano certainly doesn’t feel small when you’re embarking on the challenging climb to its summit, which offers views of Lake Nicaragua, Volcán Concepción, and the jade-green crater lake that sits in the volcano’s center.

Located on the northern coast of Argentina’s Patagonia region, Puerto Madryn is the gateway to Valdes Peninsula, a popular marine wildlife viewing destination. The peninsula is home to a large population of the endangered southern right whales, dolphins, elephant seals, penguins, and more. Puerto Madryn is also a jumping-off point for exploring Punta Tombo, Argentina’s largest colony of Magellanic penguins.

The slender white tower that rises over Colonia del Sacramento’s southwest shore is one of the city’s most important historical monuments. Dating back to the mid-19th century, the landmark lighthouse replaced a 17th-century colonial church tower, taking over the role of guiding ships through the notoriously treacherous waters of the Rio de la Plata.

Perched on the banks of the Luján River in Tigre is Puerto de Frutos, a former fruit market that now focuses on handicrafts and other local goods. Wicker baskets, handwoven textiles, and leather items are sold alongside honey, homemade sweets, and chimichurri spice mixes, making it a great place to pick up souvenirs at the end of your time in Buenos Aires.

Designed by Barranquilla-born architect Diana Escorcia, the Monumento Ventana al Mundo (Window to the World) towers over the Colombian city on the Caribbean coast. At 147 feet (45 meters) high, this avant-garde architectural landmark is made from aluminium, steel, and glass, and serves as a symbol of Barranquilla’s progression and modernity.

The world’s tallest uninterrupted waterfall, Venezuela’s Angel Falls is a staggering 3,211 feet (979 meters) high—as tall as 16 Niagara Falls, and higher than the world’s tallest building, Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Located in Canaima National Park—a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the country's southeast—it’s a wonder to behold.

Set in an area of Guatemala City that was once the Maya city of Kaminaljuyu (and is now largely dominated by shopping centers), this archaeology museum features a massive collection of artifacts from the ancient city and beyond. A few ancient mounds sit just outside.

During colonial times, Córdoba was an important center for Argentina’s Jesuit missionaries, and the Jesuit Block (Manzana Jesuítica) is an important part of its Jesuit history and heritage. Sitting at the heart of Córdoba’s Historic Center, the complex of buildings dates back to the 17th century and is preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Each island within the Galapagos Islands has its own distinct flora, fauna, and wildlife; South Plaza Island is best known for its marine iguanas, land iguanas, a range of birds that nest on the sea cliffs, a sea lion colony, and a cactus forest. This crescent-shaped island is open to the public, while nearby islands—including North Plaza Island—are for research purposes only and closed to visitors.

Situated around 20 miles (32 kilometers) southwest of Bogotá on the Bogotá River, Tequendama Falls (Salto del Tequendama) is a massive cascade with waters that drop 515 feet (157 meters) before crashing into a forested valley below.

One of Arequipa's favourite spots for shopping and snacking, Mercado San Camilo is the place to go to sample Peruvian dishes and delicacies. Expect to see everything from rows of colorful fruit to cheese stalls and butchers, plus plenty of vendors selling fresh juices and local snacks.

When it comes to wine-producing regions in Argentina, Mendoza hogs the limelight. But the small town of Cafayate in the northern desert province of Salta is one of the country’s prime spots for vinophiles. It’s home to the Museo de la Vid y el Vino, dedicated entirely to vines and wines. Sleek multimedia displays take you through the history and production process of each.

A lush green park in Guatemala City houses all that remains of Kaminaljuyu, an important Maya city that also shows later influences from Teotihuacán. Most of the remains appear only as mounds in the earth, but you can see the ruins of the acropolis and a ball court under a protective roof. The rest of Kaminaljuyu lies buried under modern-day sprawl.

The largest of the postcard-perfect Rosario Islands, Isla Grande delivers the clear turquoise waters and bone-white sands that the Colombian archipelago is famous for. It's also home to the best variety of accommodation options if you’re looking to stay overnight; hotels range from backpacker hostels to luxurious complexes right on the beach.

Visible from many parts of Arequipa, Pichu Pichu is an inactive volcano with seven summits, which is locally known as the Sleeping Indian, due to its silhouette that resembles a sleeping man. Archaeologists have found mummified human remains and other evidence of ancient Incan rituals on its slopes, and the mountain is still considered sacred by many people.

Built deep beneath the desert of Nazca in southern Peru, the Cantalloc Aqueducts (Acueductos de Cantalloc) are a marvel of engineering from the ancient Nazca culture. Thought to have been constructed more than 1,500 years ago, these subterranean waterways offer a glimpse into this pre-Inca period.