Central & South America attractions

An important part of Foz do Iguaçu’s diverse cultural heritage, the white Mosque of Omar Ibn Al-Khattab is a brilliant example of Islamic architecture. Plus, it boasts the accolade of being the second-largest mosque in Latin America. A huge dome is flanked by two towering minarets, and inside the mosque, there are information exhibits about Islamic culture and history.

Proud of its nickname “Monaco of South America”; Punta del Este is Uruguay’s most glamorous beach resort and the Punta del Este Yacht Club is the destination of choice for South American jet-setters. Overlooking the glitzy marina and cruise port, the Yacht Club’s restaurant also makes a popular spot for a dinner date.

Housed in an elegant colonial house hidden away in Caracas’ historic quarter, this Simón Bolívar museum is a worthy tribute to one of South America’s most iconic revolutionaries. The striking building has a dual claim to fame, firstly for being among the few remaining colonial-era houses in Caracas and secondly as the birthplace and childhood home of Venezuela's second president and ‘El Libertador’, Simón Bolívar. Opening its doors to the public in 1921 and listed as a National Monument in 2002, the 17th-century property now houses two of Venezuela's most fascinating museums – the Casa Natal (Birthplace) and the Museo Bolivariano (Bolivarian Museum). The Casa Natal is reconstructed in period style and features an impressive display of Venezuelan artworks, depicting Bolivar and the Venezuelan War of Independence. The adjoining Museo Bolivarianois equally interesting, containing a large collection of memorabilia, personal items and documents, plus military uniforms and weapons, and even the baptismal font in which Bolivar was baptized.

The world’s largest prehistoric anthropomorphic geoglyph is in Chile’s Atacama Desert. The 390-foot (119-meter) Atacama Giant is believed to represent a deity and to have been created sometime between AD 1000 and 1400 by pre-Columbian Indigenous peoples. Today, the Atacama Giant is a popular tourist attraction.

Every Monday, the percussion group La Bomba de Tiempo plays at Buenos Aires’ Ciudad Cultural Konex. It’s one of the more unusual attractions in the city, but more than five million people have seen the show over the past 12 years. Join the crowds dancing to the rhythms of the drummers.

Centro Historico de Florianopolis is the cultural heart of both Florianopolis and the Brazilian state of Santa Catarina. Here, colonial architecture sits among leafy plazas and churches housing sacred art. It’s also home to the Santa Catarina Historical Museum in a grand former palace and Florianópolis Public Market, where you can pick up artisan souvenirs and sample Brazilian street food.

Nicknamed “Joaca” by locals, Joaquina Beach is one of Florianopolis’ surfing hot spots. It's famous for its superior swell, and has played host to international surfing competitions. But while you might not be able to spend much time in the water without a board, the beach’s golden sands and gorgeous natural surroundings ensure it's still a lovely spot to spend the day.

Esmeralda Corvette Museum (Museo Corbeta Esmeralda) is a full-scale representation of the Chilean corvette Esmeralda, a small warship that was sunk in the 1879 naval Battle of Iquique during the War of the Pacific between Chile and a Bolivian–Peruvian alliance. A popular attraction, it offers visitors an immersion in Chilean history.

Step out onto the narrow strip of black sand at Punta Jesus Maria and you might feel like you’re walking on water. The beach’s distinct vantage point offers views of three volcanoes: Concepción, Maderas, and Mombacho. It’s popular for swimming, photography, and watching the sunset.

If you’re looking for a spot to escape Brasilía’s crowds without heading too far from downtown, South Lake Pontoon or Pontao do Lago Sul is just the place. On the southwest shore of Paranoá Lake, this park affords magnificent lake views, palm-lined walkways, water sports, and restaurants right on the waterfront.

Travelers interested in Costa Rican history, and Central American history more broadly, shouldn’t miss Alajuela’s Juan Santamaría Historical Cultural Museum (Museo Histórico Cultural Juan Santamaría). Set in the former city jail and army garrison, the museum is dedicated to Costa Rica’s national hero, Juan Santamaría, who was instrumental in fending off invasion by US mercenaries in the 1856 Filibuster War.

Perched on the western edge of Nahuel Huapi Lake in Bariloche, Cascada de los Cántaros is a scenic waterfall on the outskirts of Puerto Blest. It's surrounded by Patagonia’s unique blend of scenery—turquoise water, ancient trees, and a sky that just seems bigger than elsewhere in the world—so it’s worth visiting during your outdoor adventures.

Taking you high above the trekking capital of Argentina, Sendero Loma del Pliegue Tumbado is a moderate-to-difficult trail that snakes up to the summits of Pliegue Tumbado, a chain of three rocky peaks that reach a maximum height of 5,085 feet (1,550 meters). This trail is typically less crowded than many other routes that start from El Chalten.

Museo Arqueológico San Miguel de Azapa (San Miguel de Azapa Archaeological Museum) is an essential stop for history enthusiasts visiting the Arica region. The museum is home to some of the world’s oldest mummies, and excellent displays of local culture and archaeology. A visit to this museum provides insight into the area's rich history, including its Indigenous cultures.

Taking its name (which translates to Bride’s Cloak Waterfall) from the bright whiteness of its waters, Cascada Manto de la Novia is one of Baños’ many natural highlights. The 131-foot (40-meter) cascade is surrounded by the lush flora that this part of Ecuador is famous for, which makes for a dramatic backdrop.

With a prime position on São Paulo’s cultural corridor of Avenida Paulista, Itaú Cultural is one of the city’s most distinctive venues and exhibition spaces. Established more than 35 years ago—and dedicated to collecting, exhibiting, and supporting Brazilian artistic expression—the multi-part space comprises galleries, a theater, and a library and hosts events from exhibitions to performances and screenings.

In the south of Santa Cruz Island, Laguna las Ninfas is a peaceful body of water home to sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays. It’s surrounded by mangroves and encircled by a wooden boardwalk that lets you wander around its perimeter in search of Galapagos wildlife.

Running through the Chiquibul Rainforest, the Macal River is one of the most diverse ecological areas in Belize. Home to more than a dozen endangered species including the jaguar, tapir, scarlet macaw, and black howler monkey, the Macal River Valley is a must-see for any nature lover. Some sites along the river worth visiting include Cahal Pech, Belize Botanic Gardens, and the Cockscomb Basin Wildlife Sanctuary.

Located in El Chalten, the trekking capital of Argentina, Sendero a Piedra del Fraile is considered to be an easy hiking trail, which takes you through the valley of Rio Electrico. The route winds through ancient Patagonian woodland to reveal views of Mt. Fitz Roy and the Pollone glacier.

One of the best places for outdoor recreation in all of São Paulo, Villa Lobos Park (Parque Villa Lobos)—located next to the Pinheiros River, west of the city center—combines areas of natural beauty, sporting facilities, and cultural programming. Named for Brazilian composer Heitor Villa-Lobos, the green space has peaceful trails, a library, an amphitheater, and even an orchidarium.

After the beaches, Rua das Pedras is the principal attraction in Búzios. The 1,970-foot (600-meter) street may be small but it’s packed full of great stores from local businesses and international brands. There are also restaurants, bars, and cafés that offer inviting spots to while away a few hours.

Famous for its fluted roof and ultra-modern architecture, Catedral Diocesana Nossa Senhora de Guadalupe is one of Foz do Iguacu’s most prominent attractions. Dedicated to the Virgin of Guadeloupe, the patron saint of Latin America, the religious building is a marvel to behold and offers panoramic views from its hilltop perch at the city’s highest point.

Plaza de los Ponchos is the epicenter of Otavalo Market, one of Latin America’s most famous handicraft markets. Even if you don’t have much room in your suitcase for souvenirs, it’s worth coming here to admire the rainbow-colored textiles and tapestries that stalls are stacked high with. The market offers insight into the rich indigenous cultures of Ecuador’s northern highlands.

Travelers to Búzios rate Joao Fernandes Beach (Praia de João Fernandes) as one of the seaside resort’s very best beaches. Though small, Joao Fernandes lures beachgoers with its golden-hued sands and crystal-clear waters, which are typically safe for swimmers of all ages and provide ideal conditions for snorkelers and scuba divers.

Hailed as one of South America’s best museums, the National Mint of Bolivia (Casa Nacional de la Moneda) should be at the top of your Potosi sightseeing itinerary. Only accessible on a guided tour, the 18th-century museum traces the history of Spanish silver, the world’s first global currency.

A trip to Lake Managua (Lake Xolotlán, or Lago Xolotlán) is more about lakeside vistas than the (polluted) water. A quick jaunt from Managua’s city center rewards visitors with views of the towering Momotombo Volcano, as well as a glimpse into Nicaragua’s efforts to clean up and revamp its environmental attractions.

Shrouded by ancient Patagonian forest, Chorrillo del Salto is a 65-foot (20-meter) waterfall in El Chaltén, Argentina's trekking capital. While the town might be famous for its more challenging treks, the route to Chorrillo del Salto is a short and easy walk through native woodland past gentle streams.

Reflecting the city’s modernity, the Gustave Eiffel-designed Chiclayo Cathedral was not constructed until 1869, and despite its relative youth, the neoclassical cathedral with its twin bell towers and white cupolas exudes a sense of grandeur and stands as one of the most striking buildings in Chiclayo.

This beautiful little neighborhood of boat houses on stilts lies on the southern end of the island, just east of French Harbour. A small restaurant, beautiful bay, and a lot of peace and quiet mark the area, where the main pastime is sit back, relax, and enjoy the leisurely pace of island life.

The focal point of Villa de Leyva—a whitewashed colonial town seemingly frozen in time—Plaza Mayor is a sprawling, cobbled square ringed by mountains. It boasts the title of one of the largest town squares in the Americas and is home to plenty of cafés serving fragrant Colombian coffee, which are perfect for people-watching.