Central & South America attractions

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.

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.

Hailed as one of the most important museums in São Paulo, the Museum of Image and Sound (Museu da Imagem e do Som, or MIS) exhibits more than 200,000 audio-visual works, including photographs, films, and posters that relate to art, cinema, theater, and music.

Founded by a group of oceanographers in 1994, Ubatuba Aquarium is hailed as one of the best in Brazil. The aquarium features 20 different enclosures—including the largest saltwater tank in Brazil—that house everything from crabs and octopuses to sharks and Magellianic penguins, which are native to Patagonia.

At the heart of Unipraias Park, Aguada Hill (Morro da Aguada) affords a spectacular view from its 787-foot (240-meter) summit. The Bondinho cable car orteleférico links the hilltop viewpoint with the park’s two beaches—the only beach-to-beach cable car in the world.

Dutch colonists built the historic fort of Nossa Senhora de Assuncao in the 17th century, but it was only kept by them for five years until it was captured and taken over by the Portuguese. It was then renamed after the patron saint of Fortaleza. Now an imposing example of Dutch architecture and a public museum, the fortress is dedicated to exhibits detailing the lives of local war heroes and notable persons.

A family-friendly destination that’s both entertaining and educational, the Aquamundo Aquarium is one of the biggest in Chile, with more than 1,000 species of reptiles, birds, and fish. Exhibits often showcase local sea creatures, such as the poisonous Easter Island balloon fish and the Central Coast red shark.

The Museo de la Palabra y la Imagen, translated to the Museum of the Word and Image, was created in 1993 via a traveling exhibition. This campaign sought to capture the documents, stories, and photographs that told the history of violence and the civil rights violations suffered during years of conflict. MUPI became a full museum in 2003.

Ceramics, stone fragments, and other artifacts from the Mayan Ruins of Copan are on display at this small museum. While outdated when compared with the newer—and very impressive— Sculpture Museum, it’s still worth a stop. Highlights include the complete burial of a female shaman, which offers a fascinating glimpse into Maya death rites.

The Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) is one of the oldest educational institutions in Brazil. The school occupies an entire block of Curitiba’s town center on one end of Santos Andrade Square (Praça Santos Andrade). Originally a private institution that began in the early 1900s, it became a federal, tuition-free university in 1950. It’s also home to two museums.

With its gigantic manmade lake, sandy beaches, and multiple swimming areas, Marina Park is a great place to cool off during Brazil’s notoriously hot summers. Water slides, boat cruises, and play areas offer fun for all ages, while swim-up bars and thermal pools ensure adults can relax too.

Set amid the lush greenery of the Atlantic Forest, the leisure complex of Magic City has attractions that range from daring water slides and amusement rides to palm-fringed swimming pools. Within day trip distance of Sao Paulo, Magic City is suitable for kids of all ages and has an on-site hotel.

A cultural legacy from one of Brazil’s elite families, the Moreira Salles Institute(Instituto Moreira Salles) is a modernist mansion set in the jungle, the former home of the Moreira Salles family. It has been transformed into a museum and educational space, celebrating Brazilian culture and arts. The Institute focuses on four artistic areas: photography, music, literature and iconography. The main focus is on photography, with rotating exhibits featuring the works of top visual artists from Brazil and worldwide. Exhibits range from old, historic photos, to contemporary photo-essays to abstract photography. They also scheduled screenings of films and documentaries from around the world. The structure is a perfect example of 1950s modernism in South America, with an angular design and some geometric patterns. Semi-open air rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows incorporate the natural beauty of the property, set on the border of the Tijuca National Forest. In the surrounding garden, tall trees tower up toward the sky and paths weave among the tropical, green garden. Streams, fountains, and a pond surrounded by a modern mosaic design also add to the property’s serene, modern design.

Museu de Cera de Petrópolis (Petropolis Wax Museum) showcases wax replicas of Brazilian and global celebrities, historical figures, and fictional characters. The figures displayed in the museum—which is the only one of its kind in the state of Rio de Janeiro—exhibit a high standard of realism.

Dive into Latin America’s ancient history at the award-winning Pre-Columbian and Indigenous Art Museum (MAPI). Small but comprehensive, with more than 700 artworks and artifacts in its permanent collection; it’s one of Montevideo’s most important archaeological museums.

One of Cali’s most impressive buildings, the National Palace (Palacio Nacional) demands attention from its perch at the head of Caicedo Plaza (Plaza de Cayzedo). Built in 1928, the 4-story palace’s neoclassical design was the work of Belgian architect Joseph Martens, and features an ornate, chalk-white façade capped with a slate-gray roof and dome.

Estancia Alice (Alice Ranch) offers visitors a glimpse into rural farm life in Patagonia. The huge property borders Argentino Lake and runs along the Centinela River, and opens its gates to visitors who wish to spend the day working the land and tending to sheep.

Monsenor Romero Center is a museum within the Department of Theology at Central American University in San Salvador. It was founded in 1985. A 1994 renovation and expansion added a memorial room, library, and rose garden. Its mission is to promote peace, justice, and harmony.

A paradise-like island off the coast of southern Brazil’s Paraná state, Ilha do Mel (Honey Island) has been a protected nature reserve since 1982. Closed to vehicles and accessible to limited numbers of visitors each day, it preserves a wild stretch of the coastal Atlantic Forest. The reserve’s highlights range from beaches and historic lighthouses to rocky caves.

Of all the magical islands on Lake Titicaca, privately-owned Suasi Island offers luxury-seekers a stay in a sumptuously-appointed ecolodge amongst the island’s stunning vistas, rocky outcroppings, and cascading bougainvillea. Still quite remote, this tiny (106 acres, 43 hectares) island relies on simple rustic pleasures and renewable energy sources.

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.

A scenic green space, an open-air museum that commemorates the Polish immigrants that have helped shape Curitiba for more than 150 years, and a memorial to Pope John Paul II, the Pope’s Woods and Polish Immigration Memorial (Bosque do Papa Joao Paulo II) is a multi-part attraction. Known for its cultural festivals, it’s also peaceful and tranquil.

The Itaya River is a tributary of the mighty Amazon River in the northern Loreto Region in Peru, flowing parallel to the city of Iquitos and the floating town of Belén. Forming the eatern border of the city, the waterway offers the easiest access in and out and most of the city’s main attractions fall along its banks.

Spend an hour learning about pre-Columbian Nicaragua on a visit to Mi Museo, a small and privately owned collection of artifacts. Not only is this Granada museum a great introduction to Nicaragua’s diverse indigenous cultures and histories, but it’s also very low cost, making it a quick and easy destination to tick off your sightseeing list.

Home to some 3,000 marine creatures and 170 different species—including penguins, fur seals, sharks, and stingrays—the beachside Acqua Mundo Aquarium offers an introduction to Brazil’s underwater wonders. Visit to observe fish and marine life in a variety of habitats.

Dating back to the 17th century, Fazenda Bananal (formerly known as Fazenda Murycana or Murycana Farm) is a restored colonial-era farm that now functions as a nature reserve and historic site. Visitors can explore the farm’s 180 hectares (445 acres) of lush grounds, learn about its sustainable practices, and dine on farm-to-table food in the restaurant.

Itaipu Beach (Praia de Itaipu) was once a paradise for travelers looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro. Unfortunately, pollution has made swimming conditions less than ideal and now the sandy strips of coast, although still picturesque, are often crowded. However, on a quiet day, Itaipu Beach still epitomizes the beauty of Brazilian beach life.

Pereira’s biggest and most significant town square has a quirky claim to fame—its best-known monument is a sculpture of South American statesman Simón Bolívar riding a horse entirely in the nude. Throw in some street vendors, a landmark church, and pigeon-feeding locals for one of the most popular public hangouts in the city.

The San Francisco Convent is both an active Catholic church and a museum with historic photographs, culturally important paintings, and statues from the Zapatera Island archaeological site on Lake Nicaragua. With a history dating back to 1529, it's among the oldest churches in Nicaragua and remains one of Granada’s most memorable sights.

Set on 3 acres (1.2 hectares) of lush gardens in Campos do Jordão, Enchanted Forest Park is a fantasyland for young children, inspired by classic fairy-tales. Kids explore the gardens, step inside a giant doll-house, visit miniature houses belonging to well-known children's story characters, and let their imaginations run wild.