Located in the mountain resort of Gramado—a German settlement famous for its Bavarian architecture—World of Chocolate (Mundo de Chocolate) showcases more than 200 sculptures made entirely from chocolate. You’ll see replicas of the Eiffel Tower and the Leaning Tower of Pisa and enjoy samples of the building material as you go.
An endeavor of Colombian architect Rogelio Salmona, the Quimbaya Gold Museum (Museo del Oro Quimbaya) houses a collection of pre-Colombian artifacts from indigenous Colombian civilizations such as the Quimbaya and Emberá. The glittering collection takes you back hundreds of years and offers insight into the country's history.
Set on the edge of Lake Petén Itzá (Lago Petén Itzá, this small zoo houses a collection of native Guatemalan animals, including ocelots, pumas, jaguars, and spider monkeys. Forested trails weave past the enclosures, which are spread across two islands connected by a bridge. Its shoreside position affords stunning views of the lake.
Three waterfalls submerged in thick rainforest and connected by a hiking trail await visitors at the Lost Waterfalls outside of Boquete. The sound of rushing water breaks the silence in this quiet corner of Panama’s mountains, with just the breaks in the canopy and the waterfalls providing a view of anything other than a wall of green.
Located near Santiago de Cali, the Phoenix Air Museum (Museo Aereo Fenix) is the only civil aviation and railroad museum in Colombia. In addition to more than 25 full-sized aircraft, several locomotives, engines, and vintage cars, the museum also houses a large collection of scale models, including aircrafts, airports, and railways.
Popular with both locals and tourists, Artigas Square (Plaza Artigas) is a bustling hub at the heart of the Punta del Este peninsula. Located along the main boulevard of Gorlero Avenue, the square hosts a lively arts and handicrafts fair, where local artisans and painters showcase their work.
Located in the foothills of the Serra do Mar mountains—and within easy day tripping distance of Curitiba—Aguas Claras Water Park is one of the region’s largest water parks. The family-friendly destination has an attraction for travelers of all ages; highlights include high-speed water slides, wave pools, a boating lake, and a zipline course.
An ancient home for rich and elite Maya people, this archeological site was once joined to the Grand Plaza of Copan via a raised causeway. Remnants of luxurious living quarters in the exclusive compound include intricate reliefs, tombs built into family homes, and a main structure adorned with life-sized figures in feathered headdresses.
Balneario Municipal is a surprisingly easy-to-reach natural swimming hole deep in Brazil's rainforest. The Balneario Real is a collection of natural pools and waterfalls. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its abundance of family activities, including zip lines and barbecue spots.
The Villarrica Volcanic Caves, sometimes called the House of Devil, snake hundreds of yards into the side of the Villarrica Volcano, Chile’s most active volcano. Take a trek into the caves, which are the hardened remains of historic lava flows, and enjoy the mountaintop scenery.
As one of the most renowned zoos in South America, Gramado Zoo stands out for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation efforts, and educational experiences. Nestled in the Brazilian countryside, this zoo lets you observe a diverse array of indigenous species.
With panoramic views of the lush Quilombo Valley, Kingdom of Chocolate (O Reino do Chocolate) is a must-visit for travelers looking to indulge their sweet tooth. The museum and chocolate factory, which traces the history of cocoa and the chocolate-manufacturing process, offers visitors the chance to enjoy chocolate samples and hot chocolate.
The most recent addition to the gigantic São Paulo Zoo—Brazil’s largest—offers animal lovers a safari-inspired experience right in the heart of the city. More than 380 animals roam through the different habitat zones, with animals ranging from tigers to monkeys.
Located in the Cayo district of Belize, the Belize Botanic Gardens encompass 45 acres (18 hectares of native and exotic plants. Collections at the gardens change by season, but don't miss the Native Orchid House that includes over 100 species of Belizean orchids. The gardens are also a place of study and work on local plant conservation, as well as home to more than 50 varieties of tropical fruits.
Teleférico Serra Negra is an open-air chairlift that takes you to the summit of Pico do Fonesca de Serra Negra peak. The single-seat chairs take you 4,600 feet (1,400 meters) to the statue of Christ the Redeemer and offer panoramic views of Serra Negra along the way.
The once unassuming fishing village of José Ignacio, nestled near Punta del Este, has transformed into a fashionable destination, capturing the attention of affluent jet-setters. The St. Tropez of Latin America offers a serene, refined atmosphere, while retaining its small-town charm with yoga studios, cocktail bars, and surf beaches.
Ceará Tourism Center used to be Fortaleza’s jailhouse, but where criminals once languished, there are now art displays and local crafts exhibited within the walls of this fortified building. There are stalls throughout where you can buy pieces and chat to the artists who made them. It's an ideal place to learn about local art.
Interactive exhibits invite kids into the world of the ancient Maya at this small, nonprofit museum in Copan Ruinas. Clothing and musical instruments are on display here, along with other objects that reveal the history of both daily life and elite rituals in Maya cities. Information in Spanish, English, and Mayan helps to tell the story and illustrate different aspects of the culture.
Zooparque Itatiba in São Paulo is the largest private zoo in Brazil. More than 1,200 animals of 180 different species live in spacious enclosures designed to recreate their natural habitats. Zooparque Itatiba introduces you to the world’s varied ecosystems and emphasizes the importance of preserving fauna and flora.
There's rarely snow in Brazil, but you can still ski or snowboard the dry slopes at São Roque’s Ski Mountain Park, set in the hills overlooking the wild landscapes of the Atlantic Forest. With two dry slopes made of polyethylene mats, plus an ice skating rink, ropes course, and archery, it’s an ideal destination for a family day out.
Home to the renowned Atlético Paranaense soccer team, Arena da Baixada—also known as Estádio Atlético Paranaense—is located in Curitiba, the state capital of Paraná. The first football match was played here in 1914, making this stadium an important part of Brazil’s world-renowned football legacy.
The largest of three atolls in Belize and the Caribbean as a whole, the Turneffe Atoll Marine Reserve is known for offering some of the best diving in the country, thanks to deep walls filled with marine life. It is also believed to be the mythical location of Ponce de Leon’s Fountain of Youth as well as Peter Pan’s fictional island, Neverland.
In the heart of the historic part of Curitiba, Garibaldi Square is a great place to get your bearings or take a break between sightseeing visits. The square also has a "flower clock," a fully functional, 26-foot (8-meter) timepiece made of shrubs and flowers, complete with fiberglass hands.
The lush and diverse Atlantic Forest (Mata Atlantica) stretches along the Atlantic coast of Brazil from the state of Rio Grande do Norte in the northeast to Rio Grande do Sul and into Paraguay and Argentina. As one of the world's top global biodiversity hot spots, it’s a haven for nature enthusiasts in Brazil seeking an eco-adventure.
Visit the home of the city of Fortaleza—the Museum of Ceara is housed within the former Legislative Assembly and represents Brazil’s culture and history in the region of Ceara. Here, you can learn about the indigenous cultures of the people of Brazil and the history of Portuguese colonization up until the city’s present day.
Home to heated and freshwater pools fed by natural springs, Thermas Hot World is one of the most popular resorts along Brazil’s Circuito das Águasa, a series of towns renowned for their mineral-enriched waters. Half spa, half water park, the complex offers everything from super-fast water slides to relaxing hot tubs.
Just 30 minutes from downtown Sao Paulo, Wet 'n’ Wild is one of Brazil’s largest water parks. With more than 25 slides, pools, and activities, the park has plenty to appeal to kids and adults; attractions range from super-fast water slides to a lazy-river cruise.
Within the city limits of Rio de Janeiro, Marapendi Natural Park offers 380 acres (155 hectares) of peaceful escape from the bustling city. Its lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and well-preserved ecosystems make it a guaranteed hit for anyone looking to connect with the natural beauty of Brazil.
This elegant example of neo-Gothic architecture-- easily Brazil's finest-- might seem more at home in Medieval France than the rainforests of the New World. The graceful symphony of peaked arches and delicately rendered towers, built between 1928 and 1932, overlook Getúlio Vargas Square in Santa Cruz do Sul.
Designed by French landscaper Auguste Glazio in 1808, Quinta da Boa Vista Park is one of Rio’s largest urban parks. Once the imperial gardens of São Cristóvão Palace, it’s now home to the National Museum of Brazil (housed in the former palace) and RioZoo. Visit to walk its palm-lined paths and check out the boating lake.
